Author's Note: I have to take a moment to thank every one who has taken the time to review... you do wonders for my ego ;-) Hopefully this chapter wont disappoint. I wanted to somehow get them into a sensuously awkward situation, did I succeed? Let me know.

FitMama: I did think about revealing her desires for him that way, but I don't know... is it too stereotypical?

Any way, on to...

Chapter Nine


"Hey. It's me," Riddick mumbled into the cell phone. Kyra was staring intently at him, it made him uneasy.

"Ah. Mr. Riddick, it's been years," loudly responded the slick Italian man on the other end.

"I need a favor."

"You know me, Riddick. I don't do favors."

There was a beat before he responded, "You know me. I don't make deals."

"No deals. Straight over payment. What do you need?"

"A k-80 mid sized tumbler for a Richter Ten with adapted spinners."

"I might have one laying around here... some place. Meet me at the club tonight. You can have a seat at my private table. We'll discuss the particulars," he sounded oily. The real old-school gangster type.

"I'll be there. Hour tops."

"I'll let the boys know you'll be along. Oh, and Riddick- bring a date this time. It's embarrassing to see a man such as your self with out the company of at least one fine woman. Makes men wonder..."

"One hour. Just me."

The man didn't appreciate his tone, "You know, come to think of it, I haven't seen any tumblers around here for at least a good few months. We'll check it out, but see," Riddick could feel the man smiling, "My eyes always focus better with a lovely around." He suddenly became stern, "Pick out a nice girl before you get here, I'll let the bouncers know to look for a guy with goggles and a blonde. No date, no parts. I mean it."

Riddick glanced at Kyra, "Brunette," he growled into the receiver.

"Yeah, sure. Brunette then. One hour." He hung up.

Riddick flipped the phone shut, pocketing it. "I heard what he said," Kyra confessed.

"Yeah. Been meaning to change the volume settings..."

"I'm coming with you."

He chuckled lowly, "That's Vince. Always making a mess of things. If he wasn't the only parts dealer I work with, I'd shiv his ass."

"I'm coming," she repeated.

"Nah. Thought I'd pick up a real woman," he said, his lips curling knavishly at her sour expression. "Yeah, all right."

"And I can't go in chains-" she fumed.

"All right." He ran his hand repeatedly over his head, struggling with the decision. He knew he had no choice. He set her free.

She stretched stiffly, "Finally."

"Got some thing to wear clubbing?"

"I'll scrounge an out fit up." She heaved her bag onto the bed. She pulled out a pair of baggy, low rise cargo pants and a tight, purple spaghetti-strapped top. "'Ll this do?"

He shrugged uncaringly.

She moved to enter the bathroom, but he caught the door handle before her, "There's a window in there. Big enough for you."

"What, you don't trust me?"

"Should I?"

She threw her hands in the air, "Fine then! Turn around." She gave him a push to punctuate the point.

He revolved, crossing his arms in front of him. He heard her zipper slip slowly open, and her tight work pants being shoved to the floor. Then, the rustle of her hair as she slipped the stained, gray shirt over her head. His mouth went dry and his throat closed up, making it hard to swallow.

She flipped her dirty cloths over his shoulder, "Here. Do some thing with those, will ya?"

"Like what?"

"Start a wash pile some where."

He balled them up and tossed them in the corner. "Oh, wait-" she said half way through their flight to the floor. "I need my card, it's in the front pocket of my pants. Could you get it for me?"

Annoyed, he picked her trousers up again. He pulled her card out, a big black and white bar code blared out at him from beneath the lamination. "Gotta get paid, hu?"

"It's the only way a merc can put a few creds in the bank." He flicked it over his shoulder at her. She missed it, "Yeah, thanks," she bent to retrieve it.

Daringly, he glanced sideways at her, but quickly brought his vision back to front. Black bikini panties and a matching strapless bra. He'd been expecting something a little more... practical. He was pleasantly surprised.

"I saw that," she informed him indignantly.

"Vince said to make sure I brought a fine woman... you'll have to do."

"You better watch your back. One of these days, I swear- It's light's out."

"Shut up and put your fucking cloths on. I said one hour."

She jumped into her outfit, "Done." He looked her up and down, his expression unreadable. It clung to her in all the right places, the pants hung dangerously low on her hips, and the shirt rode teasingly high on her stomach. She pulled her locks back into a messy pony tale. "So?"

"You look like a goddamn merc."

"Thanks," she rolled her eyes, "You're not so bad your self." She found a pair of silver hoop earrings to complete the look. "Satisfied?"

"It's not me you gotta please."

"Vince'll like me just fine. What's the deal? I pretend I don't know you, or are we an item?"

"Just met. Got an alias you'd like to use?"

"Do I?" She winked bombastically at him, "Remember who you're talking to."

She brushed on a little make up before they made their way down the stairs. The clerk smiled broadly at them as they passed. Riddick was weary, and made sure to keep one hand on her at all times. The last thing he needed was for her to bolt off. He wasn't in the mood to chase her.

The night was warm and pleasant, so the walk was nice. As they drew closer to the club, it's old neon lights flashing, Kyra began the act. Her hand wound around his lower back, depositing its self in his far rear pocket.

As if an electric pulse were running through her finger tips, a static tingle found its way from her touch to the depths of his gut... and beyond. He mentally shook his head clear. It's been too long, he informed himself. After all, nearly half a decade on a snow ball with out any company deprives a man of certain 'experiences' and 'activities'. That was the only reason for his body's clear response to her caress. It'd been years since he'd screwed, that was all.

He moved his arm from around her shoulders to her waist.

Two bouncers barred the door. "Invitation?" one asked.

"Vince is expecting me."

They frowned deeply, but allowed them to pass. It was darker inside than it was on the street, but Riddick kept his goggles in place. He guided Kyra to the tables in the back. He could feel her resist slightly, We've got things to take care of, save the fight for later.

The place was perfect; spacious, packed with dancers and bar goers. If she could tear herself away from Riddick for one moment, she could disappear. The pressure he applied to her hip with his rough hand let her know he was determined not to let that happen.

Vince was at his corner table, smoking a cig, flanked by two trashy blondes in flashy baby tops. His hair was slicked back, caked with gel. "Ah, there's my man!" he exclaimed as they strolled up. "And he took my advice. Will you look at that, ladies? And who might this sweet thing be?"

All ready disgusted, Kyra let him take her hand. With a smile plastered on her lips, "Lex," she said.

He nodded his approval, and motioned for them to sit. Riddick made her slide into the booth first so that he could corral her.

"Where did you two meet?" asked the woman next to Kyra.

"At a bar up the road. I needed a date and she needed to get away for a while," he explained, massaging the back of her neck.

"I'm Veronica, and this is Electra," she introduced.

Kyra pursed her lips, and mumbled to Riddick, "Of course."

"I Love your earrings," Electra gushed.

"Thanks," she replied hastily, "Rid, didn't you have some thing to pick up? Lets make this quick, I wanna get out on the floor."

"First," said Vince, leaning in, "Before we smooth things out- A round of drinks. You take shots, Riddick?" He beckoned to a bar tender. "Double shots for every one," he ordered, "Blue Flares."

The man obliged, bringing over a tray full of the fiery drinks. The alcohol was cobalt, and bright orange flames danced over the surface.

"Cheers," Vince blew his out before downing it. Every one else at the table followed suit. Lime slices were passed around and dipped in the salt bowl before the second set of drinks were gulped. Kyra was glad for the shots, she needed something after what she'd recently been through.

"Do you have the parts?" Riddick asked, taking no time to savor the flavor.

"Do you have the credits?"

Riddick pulled Kyra closer to him, almost into his lap. She was confused for a moment, until his hand delved into her pocket. He held up her card, "Sure do." It took all of her self restraint to keep from slapping him.

"Good."

"The parts?"

"You'll get them. Stop worrying Riddick. Stres'll age a man. Take a tip from me," he kissed each blonde, "Have some fun." He snapped his fingers, "Tender! Yeah, another double round!"

"I know what'll loosen him up," Veronica said, nudging Kyra playfully, "Body shots."

Kyra's eyes went wide, but Riddick stepped in before she could respond, "Just bring me the tumbler and we'll go. I've got better places to be."

Vince shook his head, "No, I think it's a good idea." The drinks were delivered. "A few body shots to get us all in the mood, then I'll give you the goods."

"Vince, are you fucking with my time? Because, you know-" Kyra laid a hand on his shoulder. It wasn't a good idea for him to loose his cool in such a packed place. Pulling out a shiv was liable to turn heads. They didn't need to become headliners on the evening news.

"It's okay, baby," she said, flirty, skillfully masking her extreme discomfort. "I don't mind."

He stared at her for a long instant. For him, it was a definite, What the fuck? moment.

Taking his lack of protest as a good sign, she blew out the flames on a glass, wetted her fingers in the alcohol, then dipped them into the salt bowl. Cautiously, as if she were afraid he would get angry and push her away, she drug her encrusted digits over his collar bone, leaving a messy trail. She threw back the shot and leaned in slowly, giving him plenty of time to stop her.

He was in a daze, and watched with stunned eyes as she got closer. He turned his face away from her, afraid to reveal his surprise. Her head dipped, and she tentatively ran her tongue over the salt, lingering for a moment to make sure she had sucked his skin clean. His breath quickened as his body rushed blood to his lower half.

It was her turn to be surprised. He appeared composed, but she recognized that look. The look that said, Either I'm sitting on crushed glass or you just flipped the switch and turned me on. She gulped dryly and found herself unreasonably praying to God that it was the former. One thing was for certain, he was just as uncomfortable as she was.

"Now it's your turn, big boy," Electra said, sliding a glass to him.

He shrugged his tension off. If they were going to do this he'd give a good show. Besides, Kyra deserved some payback for that shit she just pulled.

He took her arm and smeared salt from the inside of her wrist to the inside of her elbow. He sucked the shot down and sensuously attacked her skin, moving slowly along, kneading the sensitive crook of her arm with his teeth once he got there.

Bastard. She would have dropped her jaw if she wasn't so keen on keeping in character. She knew what he was doing. Escalation. He was egging her on, daring her to top that. Bold. He'll get what's coming to him.

Vince and the girls were happy sitting back, watching the fun play out.

She ran his ear lobe between her fingers, readying it for her lips. She emptied the glass, pressed herself into him and pulled his head to her. She drew the lobe into her mouth with zealous, rolling it with her tongue.

When after several moments she refused to relinquish her hold on him, he latched onto her waist, startling her. He picked her up awkwardly, and set her on the table in front of him. He scooted forward so that she was closely straddling his torso. He pushed the hem of her top higher, and she leaned back complacently. He swallowed two drinks in a row, then smudged the salt over her toned belly. He smoothly lapped a path from the bottom of her shirt to her belly button, where he swirled his tongue eagerly. It tickled, and her abs clenched as she took in a sharp breath. presumptuously, he proceeded on until he skimmed the rim of her pants. Suddenly, he lifted his head, peering at her with a subtle smirk.

"Bravo," Vince clapped his hands together happily. The blondes giggled.

Riddick helped her back into her seat, "Loose enough for you?" he asked.

"Well done, I must say," Vince consented. He pulled out a note pad and scribbled down some directions. When a waiter came to clear the table he handed it to him. "A package will be left at the hanger for you tomorrow morning." He and the girls stood, moving away from the table, Riddick and Kyra followed. "I'll take your card and scan it, then you two can be on your way."

He went to the bar, and the blondes left for the dance floor.

Kyra slapped his shoulder, "Got a little too into it, doncha think?"

"Any thing to please."

"I am not pleased," she scoffed, incensed.

"I meant him," he pointed over his shoulder at their host, who was making his way back.

"Here you are," he palmed the card to Riddick. He shook his hand, then embraced Kyra. He whispered in her ear, as if to shock her, "Bet when you left your flat tonight you didn't think you'd be going home with a convicted killer, did you?" He piggishly squeezed her ass for effect.

That was crossing the line. The prick had it coming. She grabbed his arm, forced him to the floor, then placed her foot against his throat. Riddick made no move to stop her. "I had an idea," she disclosed through clenched teeth.

Riddick took her hand and graciously led her away. Neither of them looked back.