Born of the Night (21 page)

thought it best to keep him under heel and starving." She shook her head. "He had bruises covering his entire body, horrible physical scars from past atrocities I can only guess

about."

Orinthe drew a trembling breath and looked into Kiara's eyes. "He was so skinny and

hostile to anyone who came near him. It took me weeks just to touch him without him

hissing and striking out at me. He just stayed curled up in a ball on the floor, warily

watching, refusing to speak."

Tears welled up in Kiara's eyes. "They chained him to the wall?" she asked, unable to comprehend any of Orinthe's words, but most especially that. "Why?"

Orinthe shook her head. "They were afraid he would harm the other children. It was a human work home." Her hands trembled as she fidgeted with the damp cloth. "The scar

on his neck that travels along his collarbone is from the chain they used."

Kiara bit her lip, a tear sliding down her cheek. She opened her mouth to ask more, but

Nykyrian returned. Quickly, she wiped the moisture from her cheek.

He stood over Orinthe's chair and placed a hand on her shoulder. Orinthe covered it with

her own hand. "Jana's taking a nap."

"Good," she said with a tender smile. "I'll let him sleep until dinner."

Nykyrian withdrew his hand. "I'll transfer funds to your account for him."

Orinthe sputtered at his words. "You'll do no such thing! Heaven knows you give me

more than enough as it is!"

For a moment, Kiara thought he actually blushed. He swallowed, glanced at her, then

looked back at Orinthe. "Thank you for taking Jana in. If he gives you any trouble, call

me and I'll talk to him."

Orinthe smiled tenderly, her love for Nykyrian shining in her eyes.

Nykyrian held his hand out to Kiara. Rising, Kiara tucked her hand into his.

A frown covered Orinthe's face. "You're not leaving now?"

He nodded before replacing his glasses. "If you need anything, call me or Rachol."

Orinthe sighed in a way that made Kiara think Nykyrian's words embarrassed her. She

looked up at Nykyrian and her friendly, warm smile returned. "You take care of yourself

and this pretty lady. The two of you make a handsome couple."

Kiara smiled at the gentle woman. "Thank you."

By Nykyrian's face, Kiara could tell the compliment made him uncomfortable. "I'll check

on the two of you in a couple of weeks."

Orinthe nodded and showed them to the door.

Nykyrian led the way back down the street. Kiara watched his rigid spine and knew

something was bothering him. "What's wrong now?" she asked.

He shrugged. "I wish Orinthe hadn't told you what she did."

Kiara's stomach twisted. Was there anything that ever got past this man's hearing? "I wish you had told me yourself."

Nykyrian hesitated and looked down at her. Kiara wished he didn't have his glasses on so

she could read his mood, his emotions.

After a moment, he shifted. "Why do you want to know about my childhood? I prefer not

to think about those days. They're gone and forgotten."

Kiara scoffed. "Forgotten? Were that true, you wouldn't be so distant to me. Why can't

you let me inside you?"

His jaw tensed and he glanced around at the thronging crowd. "This isn't the place to be

having an intimate discussion. Leave this line of interrogation before I lose any more

patience." Kiara sighed, wanting to strangle him.

In awkward silence, she followed him into a large shopping complex at the end of the

street. Her aggravation was forgotten as she stared at the gamut of merchandise dazzling

her eyes. Everywhere she looked, bright colors greeted her gaze.

Nykyrian led her to a lift where they got off on the second floor. Huge glass counters

were filled with accessories and trims. Clothing styles were hung over abstract

mannequins, showing how they might look on various life-forms.

Kiara glanced around at the luxurious fabrics, then realized the upper floor contained the

most expensive items in the store. "There were several attractive dresses below," she said, awed by the price tags.

Nykyrian caught her arm as she started to turn around, his jaw tense. "I'm more than

capable of supplying you with several wardrobes from the items up here."

"But- "

"But nothing,
mu Tara.
Start shopping."

Kiara bit her lip in agitation, unwilling to give in so easily. "This really isn't— "

"Kiara," he growled low in his throat.

She sighed in a huff. "Fine. When you're bankrupt, remember I tried to stop you."

A smile curved his lips. Entranced by those gorgeous dimples, Kiara wished she could

keep him smiling and make him laugh.

"Kiara Biardi!"

Kiara turned around to face an excited salesclerk. The young woman stared at her with huge, excited brown eyes.

"Oh my God, I love you!" she gushed. "I saw
Silent Prayer
last year and thought it was the best thing ever produced! You are the best!"

Kiara smiled, warmed by the compliment, but the woman's words seemed to annoy

Nykyrian even more. He dropped his firm grip from her elbow.

"Thank you," Kiara said to the clerk, wondering what Nykyrian's problem was now.

"My name is Terra and whatever you need, just let me know. Oh my God. I can't wait to

tell my mother, she'll never believe this!"

Kiara glanced at Nykyrian to see how he was taking the clerk's continuing adoration.

Now, he just watched them, his features stoic.

Kiara allowed the clerk to take her by the arm and show her a variety of pieces. For all

the generosity of her father, Kiara realized she had never seen such extravagant materials.

Each piece was light and airy with the most delicate, silky texture.

Terra explained that many of the fabrics were from non-human worlds, brought to the

store only by an exorbitant price. Kiara glanced over her shoulder, unsure how much

Nykyrian was willing to spend on her clothes.

"I like that one," he said, indicating the one Terra held. "Don't worry about the price, just buy whatever you need."

Terra smiled at him. "If you're not counting coins, I have an even better line in the back!"

At his nod, she moved them to the exclusive lines.

Despite her reluctance, Nykyrian and Terra fitted Kiara with enough clothes to last two

months. As Terra left to place the order, Kiara narrowed her eyes at Nykyrian. "I can't

believe you spent so much on me!"

He shrugged.

"Dammit Nykyrian, I can't take all of this." She wished she could see his eyes. Instead, her angry reflection glared back at her from the dark lenses. Terra returned with her

computer ledger and Nykyrian quickly signed his name and indicated where the packages

were to be delivered.

"Do you need anything else?" he asked, handing the ledger back to Terra.

Kiara clenched her teeth. "Not hardly."

With a nod to Terra, he took Kiara's arm and led her from the store. "We need to get

Rachol's part next."

Kiara remained silent throughout the transaction in the part's store. All she wanted was to

know a few answers to the billion questions she had about the man she had given herself

to. Why wouldn't he just talk to her?

"Are you hungry?" he asked as they left the store, Rachol's part tucked securely under his arm.

"Yes," she answered sullenly, her stomach rumbling at the thought.

He took her hand and led her across the busy street to a small cafe. Her hand burned at

his touch and her anger vanished. Kiara's heart pounded and at the moment, she wished

they were back at home, alone.

As they stepped up onto the curb, Kiara noticed a small group of Andarions watching

them.

Nykyrian stiffened, noting them as well. "Do you know Prince Jullien?" he asked in a brittle voice.

"That's who he is!" Kiara exclaimed, relieved to know why the short, pudgy Andarion

looked so familiar.

Noticing the firm set of Nykyrian's jaw, she wondered what animosity he had to the man.

Was there anyone, or anything for that matter, Nykyrian didn't object to?

Nykyrian seated them in the rear of the restaurant, his back against the wall so he could

scan the occupants. Suddenly, his body tensed and she detected the smallest hint of his

lips curling in anger. Kiara turned around to see what had him upset now, and saw Jullien

making his way toward them, his large guards following only a step behind.

Without a word of courtesy, Jullien took a seat beside Kiara and lifted her hand in his

soft, fat palm. Kiara stifled her cringe at the white flesh, wondering what made the prince

think she had any desire to be touched by him. The last thing she needed at that moment

was an adoring admirer salivating over her. Especially this prince who had pursued her

incessantly last year when she had performed at his father's command on Triosa.

"
Tarn
Biardi, it is a pleasure to see you again." Jullien smiled a confident smile that told her how much arrogance the ugly thing possessed.

She smiled stiffly. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Your Highness," she replied, wishing she could think of a way to get him out of her face.

His fingers stroked hers as he stared into her eyes with a desire that churned her stomach.

As he was flipping a lock of coal black hair from his shoulder, his smile turned seductive.

His obvious vanity annoyed her. As fat and ugly as he was, he'd be lucky to find a

concubine willing to service his needs. No doubt he thought himself quite a catch because

of his wealth and money.

Kiara glanced at Nykyrian. He looked calm except for his tense hands which clutched the

menu, and she had the distinct feeling it was taking all his self-control not to leap at

Jullien and strangle the prince. Facing Jullien, she met his gaze and had to stifle a shudder

at his mutated greenish-brown eyes ringed in blood red.

His smile widened. "I've spoken with my father about bringing you back to Triosa to

perform. He is as enthralled with your beauty and talent almost as much as I." Jullien

almost scintillated in satisfaction.

Nykyrian lowered the menu. "Emperor Aros is exceedingly generous to say such things,"

he gritted out between clenched teeth.

Jullien raised a disbelieving eyebrow and turned around in his chair to face Nykyrian.

Kiara held her breath, unsure of what would follow. No one spoke to a prince unless

acknowledged beforehand.

"I wasn't aware you had been spoken to," Jullien said in a voice Kiara knew would set Nykyrian's temper blazing.

Nykyrian's lips curled into a fierce snarl. "I don't recognize your higher order of rules."

Jullien's eyes narrowed and for a moment, Kiara thought he might call his guards to arrest

Nykyrian. "You are one of my subjects. I demand proper respect!"

"Titana tu."

Kiara didn't know what Nykyrian's deadpan response was, but by the amount of color

suffusing the prince's cheeks, she knew it was not polite. She prayed Nykyrian calmed

down before Jullien's Andarion guards attacked him.

"I have never known an Andarion to bleach their hair a
giakon
color," Jullien sneered.

Kiara held her breath, fearing Nykyrian's response.

"Better than being fat, you rounded— "

"Your Highness," Kiara interrupted before the tensing guards could launch themselves at Nykyrian. "I would be honored to perform on Triosa. If you contact my manager, I'm

sure something can be arranged." She offered Jullien a false smile.

Jullien glared intensely at Nykyrian. "Very well,
mu Tarn.
I have no desire to further embarrass you." Jullien stood, his eyes locked on Nykyrian's face.

Nykyrian sat there, his arms folded across his chest as if nothing in the universe was

wrong. Kiara waited until Jullien had left before she narrowed her own eyes at Nykyrian.

"That was unbelievably rude!"

"I get worse with age."

Kiara's palm itched to slap him. She had never been so angry at one person in her life.

"Why did you attack him that way? What has he ever done to offend you?"

"He was born."

Nykyrian's aloofness wore at her nerves. Kiara sat back in her chair. "Fine," she snapped.

Kiara continued to stare at his stoic face until she couldn't bear it any longer. "I'm tired of you locking me out. I might as well go after Jullien. I'm sure he would gladly welcome

me!"

The look that crossed Nykyrian's face startled her. For a moment, she thought about

apologizing, but her anger held fast. He had started this argument, let him deal with her

foul mood.

"You would probably enjoy having his bastard children," Nykyrian snarled in a vicious whisper. "Don't flatter yourself for one minute into thinking he would have you as

anything more than his kept mistress."

The insult brought a blush of rage to her cheeks. "How dare you! Do you think you could

do better? I haven't seen any woman want you at all!"

The moment the words left her lips and her brain registered them, Kiara gasped. She

couldn't believe she had said that. How many times had her father warned her to keep her

mouth closed when she was angry?

"Nykyrian," she said softly. "I'm so sorry." He sat there unmoving until she feared she would scream.

"I think we should leave," he said, standing. Kiara looked up at him. There appeared to be no anger in his face or body.

Worse, Kiara detected she had hurt him deeply by her callous, stupid comment. "What

are your feelings toward me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I think you know."