Free Captive by Trista Ann Michaels Page B

business?”
    “Ah…” Stefan began with a chuckle. Could it be his brother was actually smitten?
    After all, he'd spent the entire night with her, something his brother rarely did.
    “Stefan, I wouldn't if I were you.” Sidious pointed a finger at him. “Otherwise, you will find yourself hanging here in place of the bag.” He leaned against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest. “What has got you in such a mood? Other than the usual.”
    Sidious took off the gloves and tossed them toward the bin a few feet away. He scowled at Stefan. “Why are you here?”
    Stefan pushed away from the wall and moved toward Sidious. “I have something I need to talk to you about.”
    “And it can ' t wait?”
    Stefan shook his head.
    Sidious sighed. “One of these days I am going to revoke your damn clearance to this ship.”

    “You know, you keep saying that.” Stefan watched him stroll to the showers. “I'll meet you in the bar.”
    He chuckled when he heard his brother mumble something under his breath. One of these days, he would push him until Sidious finally snapped and hit him. Oh well, he thought with a grin. It wouldn't be the first time.
    Stefan left the training facility and headed to the bar. That was usually where they discussed things. The noise guaranteed they wouldn't be overheard. Besides, Sidious wasn't absolutely certain that Commander Woods hadn't bugged his quarters in one of his attempts to catch him spying.
    He had just come from the Vultair , and he had some very interesting news Taron wanted him to get to Sidious right away. He was also curious to meet this young woman who'd pushed his brother's buttons yesterday.
    Sidious had never had trouble getting women, ever. They flocked to him like Corgons to Veegany. He dated a few, slept with a lot, but he was never serious about any of them.
    Stefan had decided a long time ago that what his brother needed was a woman who would challenge him. A woman he couldn ' t intimidate. And from the sound of things, he thought with a smile, he might have just found her.
    * * * * *
    Mikayla saw the blond enter the bar and instantly knew he had to be related to Sidious somehow. Except for the way they wore their hair, and their body size, they could easily be twins. Although they both had the same white hair color, this man wore his much longer, letting it trail halfway down his back with only the front part pulled back, as opposed to Sidious's shoulder-length hair. She had to stop thinking about him and last night. She'd lost count of just how many times he'd made her come. And every time, he'd done it with such tenderness and caring.
    She had to continually remind herself that it didn't matter. He was still the enemy
    -- still the man destroying her home.
    Turning her attention back to the blond, she watched as he sauntered confidently over to the bar. She couldn't stop herself from comparing the two of them. Sidious was definitely more muscular, but this guy wasn't small by any means. He was also just as tall.
    There was a different air about him, though. He was much more at ease. Much more relaxed. He smiled at her, and his whole face lit up. “You must be Mikayla.” She raised an eyebrow and pulled a glass down from the shelf overhead. “And you are?”
    Stefan's grin widened, and his eyes twinkled with laughter. “Oh boy…no wonder he's all in a mood.”

    She frowned. “I beg your pardon?”
    “Nothing.” He held out his hand. “I am Stefan Marcone. Lord Marcone's older brother.”
    She took his hand and shook it, her eyes narrowing in confusion. “Older? I always thought the older had the title.”
    “We do. I am Count Marcone, at your service.” He stepped back and bowed slightly with a smile. “Lord is a title given to the younger sons of a monarch.”
    “I see.” She eyed him and wondered why he was staring at her like that. He appeared amused. Like he had some private joke he was busting to share. “Can I get you something to