"Joining The Rebellion"
By: Yelara Neerou - Repair Foreman
Parven Raliek [NPC] - Smuggler

Location: Flight Deck - Drogen Shipyards
Date: Eos 28, 3 ABY

***

Yelara strolled around the flight deck, her commpadd in hand, making the usual rounds. Her spirits had been down ever since Jae Dyn left. For days, she had just been going through the motions like a mindless automaton. All she could think about was whether or not Jae Dyn was alright, and if she'd ever see her again.

Yelara sighed as she continued typing information into the commpad. She had to keep a list of all ships that checked in and repairs done to them, a job she hated doing. It was dull and pointless to her, but it had to be done even before she could think about continuing with repairs on Kace's vessel. She still wondered if she had hurt him last night by rejecting him; she would certainly find out when she saw him, for his deep, blue eyes always displayed his every emotion which almost felt intimate to her.

Yelara continued to stroll along, looking at all the workers and still couldn't believe what wonders a public blood letting had on their attitudes.

They obeyed every order she gave and jumped when they heard the sound of her voice. It made her feel a little uncomfortable, but at least they were doing their jobs without a fuss. Even Toran was listening to her, although reluctantly and not without giving a sarcastic remark or a menacing glare.

Yelara walked up to a ship that had just finished docking and began typing in specs. It wasn't much of a ship, only a freighter, but all ships were like works of art to her. It looked like a YT-2400, but it had been modified slightly, though it's original conformation was not unrecognizable.

"You gonna be fixing her?" Parven Raliek asked. "She's had some special mods made, so you'll need to watch out for them. You know how long it'll take?"

Yelara was startled. She hadn't even seen the man there. She was too busy feasting her eyes on the ship to notice.

"Um, no, I'm not going to fix her. I don't have the time to. But I'm sure one of my workers will." Yelara smiled at the man. "Did you do these modifications yourself?"

"Not me," he said with a laugh. "When it comes to repairs I've got ten thumbs. The Syndicate installed them about two years ago. You guys did a great job with her." He gave her a smile.

"Oh, yeah these guys do a good job. But I've only just arrived here, so I didn't have the pleasure of working on her the first time." Yelara began walking around the ship, admiring the work. "Yeah, they certainly did do a good job. It's always nice to have happy customers." Yelara ran her hands along the hull and let herself fall in love with every curve and crevice.

"So, how long will it take again?"

Yelara looked back at the man. "Well, they'll hafta figure out what's wrong with her first. But she looks in good shape so I'd say no more than a couple days."

"That's good," he said. "I've got a run out to the Edaska Cluster in three days. Perfect timing. So, you just arrived? Name's Parven Raliek. Smuggler, but don't tell the authorities that."

Yelara looked at him. His smile struck her instantly and she smiled uncontrollably. "Uh, Yelara Neerou," she said, holding out her hand, which had somehow gotten greasy even though she had not laid a finger on a ship.

Parven glanced at the hand, laughed, and then shook it. "Nice to meet you, Miss Neerou. Just make sure the Andellian Rose is taken good care of."

Yelara laughed. "Andellian Rose? Did you name her yourself? Nevermind." Yelara smiled and patted the hull of the ship. "I'd be happy to work on her personally, if you want the best," Yelara said with a bit of arrogance in her voice. She knew she was the best and she wasn't afraid to hide it.

"My Rose in the hands of the best sounds great to me. Thank you, Yelara."

"Yeah, no problem." Yelara was about to walk away when the friendliness of his smile pulled her back. "Look, Parven. Do you wanna get a drink when my shift's over?"

Parven smiled. "I would love a drink. Smuggling's thirsty work. So, where?"

Yelara smiled. "Well, there's a bar I know. It's a little on the sleazy side, but the drinks are cheap. If you'll wait up for me until my shift's over, we can drop by there."

"That sounds perfect to me. So, when are you off shift?"

Yelara looked on her commpadd and checked the time. Oh what does it matter Yelara. You're the foreman. You can leave whenever you bloody feel like it! Yelara looked up and smiled. "How 'bout now?"

"Now is an excellent time. I've always liked now. I can reschedule my appointment." He motioned for her to lead. "I'm right behind you."

Yelara handed her commpadd to one of the senior workers, telling him to take over, and she walked out with Raliek. "You have an appointment on the station?" Yelara prodded.

"Yeah," he said. "But it's not that important. So, where are we going?"

Yelara just kept smiling and said, "Just follow me." Yelara didn't quite know her way either, but she followed the sound of the music that was playing and figured it was a good bet that they were going in the right direction. The little stunt she and Jae Dyn pulled that night at Xayled's Abyss got them banned from there...for a while, so she was forced to find a new locale.

They finally came to a place with bright neon lights and a sign saying 'Danebra's Den'. "Here we are," Yelara said.

She opened the doors and instantly regretted bringing him here. It was loud and dirty, and a commotion was starting between a couple of the patrons. "Um, let's find a quiet part of the bar, shall we?"

"Looks like quite the rowdy place." He looked around for someplace quiet and available. He smiled and turned back to Yelara. "Lady's choice."

"Oh, very gentlemanly of you." Yelara spotted a corner table and grabbed Raliek by the arm, pulling him there. "And don't worry, I'm paying for drinks," Yelara said to him. Dargus had given her bank account a healthy boost and she couldn't wait to get rid of his money and start filling it with her own hard earned creds.

He laughed. "I'm the man."

"Well that doesn't mean I can't treat you," Yelara said as they finally reached the table and she took a seat. "So, you're a smuggler," she said in a quiet voice. "Is that exciting?"

"Definitely. Especially when you run in against pirates or the Empire. It gets dangerous at times, but it's a good living."

Yelara was instantly intrigued. "You look pretty well off, it seems. If you don't mind my asking, what is your, how shall I say this, your main import?"

He leaned in and whispered conspiratorially: "Glitterstim."

"Oh," Yelara said, trying not to sound too unenthusiastic. Yelara looked around, trying to see if anyone was paying attention, then leaned in close to Raliek and asked, "So, heard any news on the rebel front?"

"Why?" he asked quickly, suspiciously. "Why would I know anything about that?"

Yelara could see that he wasn't too pleased with that question. He instantly went on the defensive. "I'm just interested. I'm not accusing you or anything."

"Okay," he said. "I haven't heard much. I stick to myself, make my runs, and get paid. That's it."

Yelara sighed. "But you've been around. You must have heard something? I mean, are they winning, are they losing, are they still going strong? Anything you can tell me would be great." Yelara was pleading now. She was desperate to hear some news of the rebels plight, hoping they were still fighting strong.

"Why?" He looked around, and lowered his voice again. "Are you a Rebel?"

Yelara sat back. "No. Not yet. But in my heart I am. I came to this station thinking that someone would drop in, someone connected to the rebels, and that I could help. I have so much to give to the fight and I..." Yelara paused. She was having trouble expressing how deeply the cause meant to her. She always had trouble trying to put words to what was in her heart. "I lost my parents because of the Empire. I want to help. I need to."

"Can you prove it?"

Yelara looked at him with contempt. "What do you mean prove it? Prove what? Prove that I had to watch my parents get gunned down by a couple of stormtroopers because they refused to let them into their home? Would you like me to show you where their bodies are buried?!" Yelara said, trying to keep her composure.

"No," he said. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean any disrespect. It's just that it's dangerous for rebels or the sympathizers. There are spies everywhere, even here. You understand, right?"

"Yeah, I...I know. I didn't mean to overreact, but I can handle myself. Look, I can help. Really, I can." Yelara looked at Parven suspiciously. "How do I know you're not an Imperial spy? Huh?"

"Let's just say that I've pissed them off enough that they'd gladly lock me in one of their detention cells for a few centuries." He looked around, as if expecting someone to be listening in on their conversation. "I'm sure the Rebels would welcome your help. What would you be willing to do for them?"

Yelara leaned in closer to Parven. "I am a foreman on the flight deck. With that comes a lot of privileges." Yelara began to grin slyly. "If there are parts the rebels need, I can supply them, free of charge, and no one will have to know they've gone missing. I'm in charge of doing the inventory so I can simply...fudge things."

Yelara then reached into her pocket and pulled out a commpadd and pulled up some specs. "I've also been working on modifying some weapons. Trust me, they will be ten times more effective than the weapons going around nowadays. I can provide the specs, free of charge and then your 'coworkers' only have left to build them. "

"I like your style," he said. "What about smuggling other supplies in through the repair and flight decks?"

Yelara looked at Parven and tried to contemplate his question. "I could try...but I think we could pull it off. Even if the other workers suspected anything, I could tell them to keep their mouths shut. They wouldn't dare cross me now that they know--" Yelara cut herself off. She decided it was best to leave some details out. She didn't want Parven to know that she was Dargus' new pet and that he would kill anyone who crossed her.

It did give her some benefits, though. If she told the workers to keep their mind their own business, they would for fear of bearing Dargus' wrath if they disobeyed her.

"I know a few people. I'll set up a meeting if that's what you want." He smiled at her nod. "I think this is going to work out quite well."

Yelara was a little nervous. She had no idea what she was getting herself into, but all she knew was that she wanted to help and if this was the way to do it, she would. "What exactly would you be smuggling in?" Yelara asked curiously. She knew he had been smuggling glitterstims and if that's what he had planned for this smuggling operation, she would have no part in it.

"Weapons and medical supplies are top of our list. If you can get some bacta away from Dargus Kandran, that would be perfect. He's the largest manufacturer in the Outer Rim."

Yelara stifled a laugh. She'd had some experience with Dargus' precious bacta; she spent two hours stewing in it one morning because of Dargus . "Oh yes. Dargus' bacta is top of the line," Yelara said sarcastically.

"No joke there. His stuff works faster and more efficiently than anything you can get elsewhere. He's a bad man, but his bacta is important to us."

"Don't tell him that or he'd up his charges." Yelara smiled at Parven. "I'll help all I can. It's my honour." Yelara placed her hand over Parven's and squeezed it gently. She suddenly realized what she was doing and drew her hand away quickly. "Sorry. I know how you tough guys hate to be touched."

"I don't mind," he said with a smile. "The rebels are willing to pay top credit. He's a good contact. Not to mention one of the few merchants willing to deal with the Rebellion."

Yelara couldn't help thinking how Parven's view of Dargus was a little uninformed. She knew the man personally and he'd turn all the rebels over to the Empire if he thought it would bring him the most profit. It was true that he provided some services, but he was still a snake.

All this talk of Dargus suddenly caused Yelara to remember something. "What time is it?" she asked quickly.

"12h40," he said.

Yelara stood up quickly almost knocking over her chair. The blood drained from her face and her heart was pounding in her chest. "I have to go," she said in a shaky voice. "I'm late for something." Yelara tried desperately to hide the fear in her voice. "I...I'll see you on the flight deck tomorrow."

Parven stood up, a look of concern on his face. "Everything's alright, isn't it?"

"I'm fine," she said, short of breath. "I'll see you tomorrow." Yelara didn't wait for a response. She simply grabbed her commpadd and rushed out of the bar, knocking down her glass as she left, causing it to shatter on the floor.

---

"Trouble On The Flight Deck"
By: Kace Mordin, Traveller

Location: Drogen Shipyards
Date: Eos 28, 3 ABY

***

Kace Mordin ran through the diagnostic on the newly installed hyperdrive. It had been more work than he anticipated, especially with Yelara as busy as she was. He wasn't sure where she'd gone, but it definitely wasn't to his ship to help him with the repairs. He shrugged, the words of their last conversation still echoing in his mind.

He sighed, the sudden pain of her rejection flaring inside him. At first he hadn't been sure about her. She was beautiful beyond any woman he'd ever encountered before. She was kinder to him than anyone should ever have been. Up until the last. Up until she told him he deserved someone better. She didn't want to be with him until he'd had another.

But, he didn't want another.

Kace steeled his thoughts, clamping them down with the control he'd honed for so long. It wasn't meant to be. He had a mission, and her presence would cloud his thoughts. Her presence would only cause trouble. If there is one you care for over all others, he told himself, remembering the Emperor's words as if he were still in the throne room on Coruscant, that becomes a weakness. Kace had used that teaching so many times to hurt others, and he knew he shouldn't put himself in the position to be hurt.

Let her go, he urged himself. Only pain leads down that route.

A red light flashed on the diagnostic panel and Kace frowned. The readout popped up an instant later. One of the timing coils needed to be replaced, it told him.

He pushed away from the panel and headed toward the ramp. Yelara had given him leave to use whatever pieces and parts he needed. He'd just log them and add it to his repair total.

There weren't many people on the flight deck when he got down there. He started off toward the parts bay, pulling an anti-grav sled behind him. Might as well pick up the parts for thrusters, sublight engines, and maneuvering jets while I'm there, he thought.

He began loading the sled when a presence bloomed behind him. He glanced back to find one of the men from the group that wanted to overcharge him standing there.

"Can I help you?" Kace asked.

He didn't see Sour Face, the man Yelara referred to as Toran. Only the one, he decided.

"I just wanted to say, that was really stupid what you did, calling in the Bitch like that."

Kace smiled, bright blue eyes glowing slightly. "I assure you, I called in no one," he said. "Though, I believe it was Toran whose voice rose above the rest. I can't imagine why the deck foreman showed up with him yelling like that."

"It was you," the man spat.

The sudden lunge caught Kace by surprise. He didn't think the cowardly man had it in him, but he did. He went for a lightsaber, but found only empty belt. He'd left them in the ship. The memory slammed him like a bantha at a full gallop.

Pain seared through his body as the man stabbed a knife into his gut. Kace fell back against the rack of equipment, hands instantly covering his wound. The man was laughing as he waved around the knife stained red with Kace's blood.

Kace brought his hands away, warm and sticky with his own blood. So that's what it looks like, he thought with a wry laugh.

"You don't be messing with us," his attacker bellowed. And, suddenly, there were a half dozen men surrounding him.

They all had knives, and all looked ready to plunge them into his body. Each was laughing as he watched Kace, struggling to keep on his feet.

The former Jedi struggled upright, earning a few more rounds of laughter in the process. The men started advancing, the one who'd stabbed him first among them.

Kace smiled, his eyes glowed, but this time with an icy cold. There was no warmth there this time. He saw one man visibly shiver They all hesitated slightly, not sure why a man bleeding to death would be smiling at them.

The man in the lead stopped. His eyes bulged and his blade clattered to the ground. He was gasping for breath when he dropped to his knees, hands tearing at the fabric of his shirt. He shuddered violently, and pitched forward to the floor. A seizure took him and a milky froth bubbled out of his mouth. Then he was still.

"I guess the strain was too much for him," Kace said, his voice a ragged whisper.

The men looked at him, stark fear showing in their eyes. The started back on shaky legs.

Kace smiled, though it still held no warmth. "I was once taught a very fun trick," he rasped again. "Great for parties, though I like to think of it as fun anytime or anywhere." They had all stopped backing away, held firm in his invisible grasp. He kept his voice calm, only the vaguest hint of his anger coming through. "I really hate doing this part. I'm trying to be a better person. I'm trying to redeem myself for the years I spent doing unspeakable things. But, it infuriates me to think that slime like you goes around picking fights. How many others have you intimidated in this way? How many others have you knifed while they tried to repair their ships? How many innocent men's blood is on your hands because they wouldn't pay for your overpriced repairs? You did not attack an innocent this time. And, you never will again. That party trick, I mentioned."

As one, each man suddenly raised his hands to his throat. The popping and snapping of each trachea sent a wave of revulsion through Kace Mordin as he watched each pair of eyes roll back into its owners head. Then, as one, they all pitched forward, dead.

He sagged with the effort of killing the thugs. Now, their eyes too would torment him when he slept. Kace limped his way back to his ship, a trail of blood the only sign of his passing.

Once inside, he half-dropped, half-fell into one of the acceleration couches. With a groan, he placed a hand over the wound and called out for the Force. It was difficult, and he barely managed it, but the healing warmth of the Force poured in through where the knife had pierced him.

When the wound was finally healed, Kace could barely open his eyes. He struggled to get up, but sank back. The blackness spread out over him, and soon unconsciousness enveloped him.

---

"Tenderness"
By: Dargus Kandran - Head of Kandran Syndicate
Yelara Neerou - Shipyard Repair Foreman
Mer'rrar and Gor'garr [NPCs] - Dargus' Bodyguards

Location: Tae'Karadan surface, floating pleasure ship
Date: Eos 28, 3 ABY

***

Yelara ran out of the bar in a mad rush to get to the docking bay. She was already 40 minutes late for her rendezvous with Dargus, and she knew that when she finally made it to his palace, she would really be in for it.

She didn't bother going to back to the room to change, for it would only have made her more late. Besides, she didn't think Dargus would notice; he'd be in a rage over her tardiness and probably wouldn't care less about what she was wearing.

She kept bumping into people in the corridors, not caring who she knocked down. She had never been so afraid in all her life.

Yelara ran into the docking bay, sweat dripping from her forehead and her heart pounding in her chest.

She came to a screeching halt as she saw Mer'rrar and Gor'garr standing by Dargus' transport ship, not looking too happy...well, as far as wookiees go.

"Sorry, guys," Yelara said, still trying to catch her breath.

"We've been waiting for an hour," Mer'rrar bellowed."

"Longer," his brother added.

"Lord Kandran will be displeased," Mer'rrar continued. "Get in the shuttle and put the blindfold on."

Yelara scoffed at the wookiee and walked up the ramp. For some reason, she wasn't that afraid of taking the flight. Probably because she knew she'd be facing a far greater torment when she met with Dargus.

"So, you really think he'll be mad?" Yelara asked, already knowing the answer.

"Perhaps you will need a cybernetic limb too," Gor'garr taunted. "And, a few days in a bacta tank."

Yelara sank into her chair, her face still flush from fear. She hoped Dargus' incinerator wasn't working today.

The shuttle was cleared to leave the hanger bay and Yelara had put on the blindfold so she could no longer see her surroundings.

It was a short trip and Gor'garr was soon setting the shuttle down on Dargus' landing pad of his pleasure ship.

"We are here," one of the wookiees barked.

Yelara pulled off the blindfold and let it fall to the ground. She got up slowly and began walking down the ramp, then through the corridors in the same routine as the last time she was there. She was in such a state of fear that this time, she barely noticed the people staring at her.

"So, Mer'rrar, would you like to join Dargus and I tonight?" Yelara asked nervously. She didn't care who was in the room with them, as long as she didn't have to be alone with Dargus.

"You know that won't happen," the wookiee barked.

Gor'garr stepped up. "Lord Kandran left orders that you are to be left alone for the rest of the evening."

Yelara could feel her legs beginning to give out from under her as they reached the large doors leading to Dargus' dining hall. "Yeah, well thanks anyways," she said, her words getting caught in her throat. She could hear Dargus yelling at someone from the other side of the doors. "He sounds like he's in a good mood," she said nervously.

"You kept him waiting over an hour," one of them said, and then opened the door. They blocked her way back out, leaving her with only one choice.

Yelara stood in the doorway, frozen. She couldn't have walked in if she wanted to and she was afraid to take her eyes off the area of the floor she was staring at. She did not want to make eye contact with Dargus for fear that even that might send him over the edge.

Mer'rrar pushed her into the room and then closed the door. The lock slid into place, and she was trapped.

Yelara stood there, alone and afraid. She still did not want to look up. "Dargus..." she said in a whisper. "I'm sorry." Her throat was dry and her heart was beating hard, leaping into her throat.

Dargus' face was red as he struggled to contain the violent rage that had taken him. "YOU. ARE. LATE!!"

She continued to defy him at every turn. She would not learn her lessons. It was time to make certain the lessons left little choice but learning.

"I realize I'm late Dargus, but I had some things to do on the flight deck and I lost track of time..." She hesitantly began to look up, trying to meet Dargus' gaze, but quickly looked back down as she saw the rage seeping out of him.

"You are to be on time from now on. I will not accept any excuses. Now undress. Do not try to delay. You have soured my temper, and I will not accept any insolence from you. Now!"

Yelara slowly began to remove her clothing, her hands shaking uncontrollably. Her body began to tremble as she removed the last piece of clothing and stood there, naked and defenceless. "Dargus, it will never happen again...I promise," she said, genuinely.

A warm smile came to his face and the rage left him immediately. "Ah, beauteous." He rose from his seat and went to her. He took her hand in his and led her toward the bed. She was here for one purpose today. He laid her back onto the silken sheets and climbed on top of her. "You will make up your defiance to me this night." He started with her beautiful breasts, kissing and sucking on them.

Yelara began to flinch and pull away as he began kissing her. She was still trying to let her fear subside. As she did, she began to think about Raliek and what he had done for her. He opened the way for her to join the rebellion and make her dreams of avenging her parents' death a reality. She couldn't wait until their next meeting where he would open the door even wider for her and officially begin her in a plight to destroy the Empire. With her thoughts consumed by reverie about Raliek, and the rebels, and the fight, Yelara made the biggest mistake she ever could have. She called out Raliek's name.

"Raliek? Who the hell is Raliek?" He grabbed her by the throat and threw her from the bed.

Yelara tumbled to the ground and massaged her throat. "It's...it's no one Dargus. Slip of the tongue..." She slowly got to her feet and approached the bed, hoping she could seduce her way out of this mess.

The thought of his hands around her throat, constricting that which called out a name other than his consumed him. He longed to squeeze the last breath from her. Yelara's eyes went wide as she felt invisible fingers closing around her throat.

"Who is he? Who is this Raliek?" Dargus stalked to her, circling her as he yelled at her. "Tell me what I want to know and you will live. Call out a name other than my own in bed again, and you and the bastard will die!"

She couldn't breathe and it pleased Dargus. It would teach her a lesson for certain. He tightened the grip around her throat, the one manifesting from his thoughts. She would cease defying him after this.

Yelara was levitating off the ground, her feet kicking in the air. She grabbed at her throat, clutching at the fingers that should have been wrapped there, but weren't. She tried to catch her breath, but only let out tormenting choking sounds.

As she writhed against his grip, floating in the air before him, he reached out his hands to touch her. He kissed her breasts and lips, and down between her naked thighs. He would have taken her like this if she were not floating in the air like this. He would constrict, and then loosen. She would indeed learn that lesson. Finally, he returned to the bed and let her go.

"Now," he sneered, "get into the bed."

Yelara wrapped her hands around her throat, which now felt as if she had been swallowing glass. She was wheezing as she tried to regain her breath, and her eyes had begun to tear up. She had heard Dargus call to her, but she was too afraid to move.

"I said, on the bed," he roared. He had removed his clothes, and his cock was enormous and erect. He backhanded her fiercely. "Get on that bed this instant or I will fuck you in every orifice you have!!"

Dargus' blow sent her prostrate onto the marble floor. She picked up her head and could see the blood dripping from her nose. She turned and looked at Dargus fearfully. "No..." she said in a hoarse whisper as she got to her feet and tried to run away.

As she stumbled away, he caught her around the throat with the Force again. He would need to train this skill, learn to use it better. He picked her off the ground and turned her to face him. "Now, return to my bed," he growled.

Yelara tried to nod her head as she felt her throat constricting again. Dargus had just become more dangerous than he had ever been before.

He approached so that his erection was touching her between her thighs. "Do you return to my bed? Or will you force me to kill you?"

Tears were streaming from Yelara's eyes. She wanted to obey Dargus, but he was so angry that he didn't realize she was completely helpless and at his mercy, which prevented her from doing anything.

"Please..." was all she managed to get out, hoping Dargus would release her.

He released her again, and she dropped onto the floor. "Now you will do as I say, or I will really make you suffer. You can't escape, there is no point in trying. Now, obey me."

Yelara sank to the ground, weeping uncontrollably. Her throat felt as if it were bruising and her nose still hurt from Dargus striking her. She tried to get to her feet, but she was so shaken that the moment she did, she fell back to the ground. "Dargus...please..." she whispered, tears choking her words.

Dargus turned to her.

Yelara was crying loudly now, her body shaking as the tears fell. "Just let me go...please!" she pleaded, sitting helplessly on the cold floor. "I won't ever cross you again...just let me go tonight." She buried her face in her hands and continued to weep, hoping Dargus would show her some leniency for once.

Dargus laughed and shook his head. "I don't think so. Now, onto the bed. You're trying my patience." He took her hand and dragged her toward the bed.

Yelara was shaking violently now, and slowly got to her feet, slipping into bed. She lay down and curled into a ball, turning her back to Dargus.

Dargus laughed at the position she'd put herself in. "A very good idea, my dear." He rolled her until she lay face down on the sheets. If she was trying to manipulate him with her tears, it would not work. He spread her legs and positioned herself at her entrance. He entered her roughly, and rode her hard and long. He could feel her responding to his long, deep strokes. "You like it like this, don't you? You like being used like this? That's why you're so defiant. You know I'll treat you like you want." He cried out as felt his climax nearing.

Yelara buried her face into the covers and gripped the sheets with her fingers. She cried even more so now, her body convulsing as Dargus took her from behind. Even though she wasn't facing him, she knew he was smiling. She simply lay there, hoping it would be over soon so she could get out of there and wipe the tears away and wash away the dried blood from her face.

Finally he expelled his seed inside of her and pulled out. He moved up toward the head of the bed and looked at her. He patted the spot next to him. "Come," he said. "I think you need some tender cuddling."

Yelara was still on her stomach, and still had tears trickling from her eyes. She had never been more afraid of anyone in her life as she was of Dargus right then. She slowly slid over towards Dargus, laying on her side, with her back towards him. She did not want to look at him, at those frightening eyes.

"Lie on my chest," he commanded. "That's how I like it."

Yelara did as he bid, but was being cold towards him now. She would let him hold her if he had to, but she wouldn't caress him, kiss him, or pleasure him in any way. She lay on his chest, with her hands limp at her sides. She wasn't in the mood for a tender moment.

"If you are kind to me, I'll be kind to you. If you defy me, it will be rough and hurt. No more rebellion from you, alright? Just be submissive and give yourself to me, and I will be a gentle and giving lover. Don't you want that?"

Yelara nodded her head, her lips still trembling from the tears she was holding back. "I want that, Dargus," she said quietly. "I want that more than anything. I want to be able to lay by your side, after a night of passion and just feel safe in your arms. I want..." Yelara paused, taking a deep breath. "When you're kind to me, kissing me tenderly and running your fingers through my hair after I've shared myself with you, I almost feel as if I could care for you, but...you scare me, Dargus."

"Then that is why you must give yourself to me. If you are submissive and obediant, I won't have to scare you. It's quite simple really."

Yelara didn't answer. She didn't know why she couldn't just give into Dargus, just once. She hated the pain that came with defying Dargus, but it was her pride that kept her from giving into him so easily. If she kept resisting, she thought, somehow, she could maintain what little pride she had left in her after having to go through such a demeaning experience as being someone's concubine.

"You could have everything if you give me what I ask."

"What more could I want, Dargus? I already have more than a girl could ever want. I have an elegant new room, a high-paying job, a brand new wardrobe...but what you don't understand, Dargus, is that a person needs more than all that. What about the intangible things like love?" Yelara said as she met his glance. "Could you ever give me that?"

The question took him aback. Love? He wanted to laugh, but he didn't. But, she wanted it, so he would give. "If I didn't love you, I would not give you such things. Those are all for love."

"Love, Dargus? You are incapable of love. Don't toy with me!" she said as she narrowed her eyes and her voice grew stern. "If your love means having the life choked out of you, then that's not the kind of love I'm interested in."

"No, that is not love. That is teaching obedience and discipline, of which you have none. That won't do." He wrapped her in an embrace and pulled her to him. "Love can be shown in many ways. That choking could have been a sign of my love for you. Teaching you to respect and obey me, so that we can have gentle moments like this."

Yelara tried to turn away, his kisses tasting bitter to her all of a sudden. "So are you saying you do love me, Dargus? You've never actually said the word so, frankly, I don't really believe you. I'm not saying love is what I want from you, but at least a little understanding and compassion from time to time would be good."

"Of course, I love you. How could I not? I give my compassion to those that deserve it. Perhaps you can show me that you deserve it as well."

Yelara placed her hand under Dargus' chin and lifted his head so their eyes met. She was trying to see if he meant what he just said, not knowing if he was just saying it for effect or if those words were actually coming from his heart. "You love me?" she whispered, barely able to form the words. Yelara suddenly realized just how difficult that had been for him; the words seemed to be painful for him to say. She smiled gently and placed her lips upon his, kissing him tenderly. "I...I don't know what to say, Dargus. For once, I'm speechless."

"No need for words," he said, and then kissed her.

Yelara was struck by Dargus' revelation. She believed him to be a cold, ruthless man who was bereft of all positive human emotions. She didn't know if she could ever love him back, but she could see herself becoming a little kinder towards him and less stubborn. "I'll believe you, Dargus, if you never raise your hand to me again," she said, running her fingers through his hair.

"If you don't give me reason to, I shall not," he said.

Yelara sighed and looked away. She knew she could never change Dargus, but she was still determined to try. "I don't defy you intentionally, Dargus. It's just how I am. I'm sure you can understand that. I mean, you don't intentionally go around making people hate you, but you do."

"Not intentionally," he said with a laugh. "It just happens when you are a crimelord. I am a ruthless man because I have to be. I guard myself carefully because I need to. And, while I may be a mystery to many, it is no mystery that I do not give to those who I hate.

Yelara closed her eyes and moaned gently as she felt Dargus' hands explore her breasts. She opened her violet eyes and stared into Dargus' while running her hands along his back. "I still don't understand you Dargus," she whispered quietly as she climbed on top of him, straddling him with her legs. "But I'm determined to try if you'll let me."

"I shall make you a deal, Yelara," he said as he played with her breasts.

Yelara began massaging his chest with her hands and began kissing his neck, then bringing her lips to his. She paused for a moment and looked into his eyes again. "And what would this deal entail?"

"You will be kind to me. No longer stubborn or obstinate, and I shall curb my violence toward you. Let me show you the man you want to see. I can be tender when not provoked." He rolled her over and kissed her neck tenderly.

Yelara tossed her head back and let her neck absorb Dargus' kisses. "It's a deal, if you learn to be more patient with me. A person can't change overnight, Dargus."

"I will do so," he said. "And, you for me as well."

He ravished her with more kisses, but stayed behind her. He was slow and tender in his touch. Finally, he spread her legs, and once again entered her from behind.

Yelara moaned softly, and reached her hands behind to run her fingers through Dargus' hair. She moved with him, their bodies becoming one and their swaying synchronized. For once, he wasn't making her feel like they were just having sex and that she was just an instrument of his amusement. She felt as if she were actually sharing herself with the man, and he with her. He had opened up his heart to her, even though for a brief moment, but still, she could see he meant it.

"You have yourself a deal, Dargus," she said, her voice shaky as she tried to hold back a moan.

He put everything he had into giving her pleasure. Through pleasure he could own her, possess her, and bend her to him. Their lovemaking ended with her screams echoing from the marble walls. It was a beautiful sound. "That was good," he said softly.

Yelara was trembling, but she placed her hands atop his and nodded her head. "For once, Dargus, I don't ever want you to let me go," she whispered, as she rested her head on his shoulder.

"And, it shall always be that way," he said. "I will give you all you want and need. Kindness, tenderness, and all is yours."

Yelara didn't want to answer. She wanted this moment to last forever, but she knew it wouldn't. She didn't want to answer because she wasn't certain yet if a moment like this would ever happen again with Dargus and words would only ruin it.

She wanted more than anything for Dargus to change and be the man she knew she could love, but she wasn't certain if that was possible.

She had seen, earlier, what he was capable of and knew that she had the ability to bring out the worst in him. Neither of them would change completely, and if they remained together, they might just end up killing eachother. "One day at a time, Dargus. One day at a time..." she said in barely a whisper as she closed her eyes and let herself get lost in his embrace.

"I do care for you, Yelara," he whispered to her. "This is as it should be."

Yelara remained in Dargus' embrace, feeling almost overwhelmed by his tenderness. She hoped this was not just a one time thing, but that he could be this way everytime they were together. She knew part of it depended on her being a little less stubborn and defiant, but she was determined to try if it meant Dargus would open himself to her again and let her in. She could easily fall in love with him; she only hoped he wouldn't do anything to jeopardize that. But Dargus was Dargus, and eventually his true self would shine through again. She only hoped she wasn't there to witness it.

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