Chapter 10----
"Would you like another drink, sweetie?" asked the Guptan waitress, one hand on her hip while her other held a small tray.
"Just another water, thank you," Kyp replied. He needed to stay alert tonight not only because of the upcoming dinner with Jaina that he was looking forward to with great anticipation, but also because he was sensing some animosity stemming from several of the cantina's patrons. He couldn't quite make out who they were in the dim light, but he could feel the hostility rolling off of them.
Peace Brigade, Kyp assumed. He had encountered them before, and they always emanated the same sense of self-righteousness, anger, and fear… a dangerous mix. Maybe he had made a mistake in bringing Jaina here. Well, they'd just have to be completely inconspicuous and have no cause to reveal themselves as Jedi. He slid his hand underneath the table, unclipped his lightsaber, and tucked it safely into a hidden pocket inside his cape. Now, hopefully Jaina wouldn't draw too much attention to herself when she arrived.
"You look beautiful, my dear!" Madam F'an-see exclaimed in sheer delight as Jaina twirled around once more in front of the full-length mirrors. The owner had been drawn to the commotion Jaina created when she had burst back into the store and declared that she knew exactly what she wanted.
The older Guptan woman had been ready to expel Jaina from her store for such improper behavior. However, after seeing the potential for the greatest makeover of her career, she eagerly took charge of the girl's visit. With the finesse of a skilled conductor, she ordered her workers all over the salon. Within a little under an hour, the masterpiece that was Jaina Solo was complete.
The young Jedi stared at herself in the mirror. Is that really me?, she wondered. I didn't even know I had curves like that! She'd never really had much interest in or opportunity to dress like this—and show so much skin! --, and the change it evoked in her was interesting. She felt so feminine, yet so … powerful, for some reason.
"He will love it," Madam F'an-see said from behind Jaina. The girl snapped around to look at the woman.
"Huh?"
"You do this for a man, no?" she asked in her thick Guptan accent. Jaina glanced away sheepishly, a hint of a blush coloring her cheeks. "You don't have to say it, but I know. And I think that when he sees you, he will be unable to resist. This will be a good night for you. You should trust Madam F'an-see. I know these things."
Jaina chuckled. Even though it sounded ridiculous, deep down she hoped the woman was right. After all, she did want to knock Kyp's socks off.
Finally, after settling the account, she picked up her classy new handbag and turned to Madam and her helpers one more time. "Thank you so much. You were all so wonderful." Then she took a deep breath and faced the door.
"Well, here goes nothing!"
Kyp had eventually moved to the end of the bar after circulating among the room in an effort to pinpoint the Peace Brigaders. One particularly shady character was seated in a corner booth on the opposite side of the cantina, and Kyp could tell that the hooded figure was bad news. He tried to keep an eye on the man, but the drunken lout beside him at the bar was making it difficult.
How much longer is she going to be?, Kyp asked himself. He usually wasn't this patient with idiots like the man next to him, but since it was Jaina, he would suffer gladly. The drunk was practically falling off of his barstool, and more than once, Kyp's stomach heaved at the smell of the man's breath. How many drinks had he had, anyway?
Suddenly, the man stopped slobbering on Kyp's arm and straightened right up in his seat. "Well, would you look at that!"
Kyp followed the man's gaze to the entryway of the cantina where an attractive woman had just walked in. He rolled his eyes at the man's disgusting behavior and looked back down to his glass.
Then it hit him.
He jerked his head back up to get another look at the woman who had instantly become the center of attention the moment she walked into the room.
"Jaina?!" he whispered to himself in utter disbelief, unable to tear his eyes away from her. It was her, all right, but not like he had ever seen her before. So much for her remaining inconspicuous. She hadn't spotted him yet, apparently, since she was scanning the bar with a wrinkled brow.
"I'd like to get me some of that!" the man next to Kyp drooled. The Jedi snapped his head around to glare daggers at the insolent fool. Kyp hesitated for only a moment before acting on his impulse. The man suddenly doubled over and started gasping for air. Kyp had to stifle a chuckle. It was a justified move, in his opinion… nothing Han Solo wouldn't have done if he had heard this clown make such a degrading comment about his daughter… and if Han had Force powers, the fool wouldn't even have taken another step. However, he knew when to quit, so he released his grip and air returned to the man's lungs.
Well, at least he's not ogling Jaina anymore, Kyp thought smugly. Then he looked back at Jaina and his smile turned into a frown. Already several other greasy characters were taking this last one's place and moving toward her.
"Grrr!" Kyp growled low in his throat. He couldn't fend off a whole room full of drunken, amorous low-lifes. He'd have to get her out of here soon.
Finally, she saw him, and her face lit up into a huge smile that caused his heart to do a little flip. That's new, he thought. His heart didn't usually do much of anything except keep his blood pumping… and it was definitely pumping now. Jaina was headed right toward him, so he was able to get a better look at her.
His breath caught in his throat. He already thought she was beautiful, but tonight she looked … unbelievable. Starting at her feet and working his way up, he drunk in every single inch of her, and, since she wasn't very tall to begin with, he got to do it several times before she finally reached him.
She was wearing black high heeled shoes that let her toes peek out. The tight, black, knee length skirt flared a bit at the bottom and was made of some kind of shimmering material that swayed each time she took a step. To make it even more alluring, a slit was cut up the side to about mid-thigh. Kyp had never even seen her legs before.
He swallowed hard… then he continued.
Her top, or what there was of it, was also shimmering, but in a deep, rich red that contrasted all too well with her fair, porcelain complexion. It had no sleeves, but was simply tied around her neck with two thin straps, revealing her slender shoulders. The collar scooped low and showed just a hint of the smooth skin of her chest. Han would be grateful for the wrap that was at least covering up some of her. Finally, he made it to her face, which was absolutely stunning. She had on just a hint of make up to enhance her natural beauty, and the red of her lips seemed to beg him to kiss her.
His throat went dry.
"Hi," she said now standing only inches from him.
"Hey," he managed to mutter before reaching for his water and taking a quick swig. He forced himself to get a grip on his hormones and then looked at her again. "You look great," he said, trying not to sound like a lovesick boy.
Jaina smiled shyly and looked away. Awkwardly, she tugged at the slit in her skirt and then pulled up on the straps of her shirt. "I'm really not used to, uh, showing this much skin."
Kyp chuckled softly at her innocence. Did she even realize the effect she was having on every male in the room? Apparently not, and that just made her all the more attractive.
I feel so ridiculous!, Jaina shouted inside her head. I can't do this! I'll come off looking like a fool. What was I thinking? Looking up into Kyp's dark eyes, she knew what she had been thinking. She wanted to make him look at her like a woman, not a child… to make him so crazy with desire that he'd never be able to resist. In other words, she wanted him to feel just like she felt about him. And finding out about what he had done for that street boy was just adding fuel to her hotly burning fire for Kyp Durron. Something had to give soon.
Is it getting hot in here?, Kyp wondered taking another drink. Then he realized it was probably just him.
"Are you ready for dinner?" He was beginning to sense the not-so-innocent intentions of some of the other patrons and wanted to get her out as soon as possible.
"Yeah. After what I just went through, I think those over-sized portions will be just right."
"Let's go then," Kyp said sliding off of his stool. Jaina turned around to leave, and Kyp almost choked on nothing but air. There was virtually no back to Jaina's blouse, and that left her soft skin exposed for all to see. He couldn't stop himself and reached out to touch her. She glanced back and smiled at him without ordering him to get off. Since she didn't object, he kept it there as they exited the cantina. For some reason, he was feeling very protective and managed a fierce glare at any unwelcome observers. He tried to convince himself that it was only because of Han's threat, but he knew better. Kyp wanted to protect her, be with her, touch her… kiss her because he was hopelessly attracted to her… hopelessly falling for her.
Who was he kidding?! He had already fallen--- a long time ago.
Once they exited, the dark figure in the corner motioned to several other men in the bar. They quickly made their way to his booth and gathered around for a quick run down of their new assignments.
Tonight would be a good night.
Once they were outside the cantina, Kyp hesitantly let his hand drop from Jaina's back. He didn't want to. In fact, what he wanted to do was take all of her into his arms and… and…
He had to quit thinking like this.
She shivered slightly when the warmth of his touch was gone. It had felt new and safe and….. right. Even though the sun had now set completely, light from the streetlamps illuminated their faces as they walked, and she couldn't help but look up at him and smile. Feeling so out of control of her emotions was frustrating and wonderful all at the same time. Teetering on this edge of 'does he or doesn't he' was exquisitely painful.
"Are you warm enough?" he asked moving his hand to the tie of his cape. Before she could answer, he had it draped over her shoulders and was gently tying it around her neck.
"Do I look that bad?" she questioned as she intently watched him biting his bottom lip in concentration. //Force, is he sexy!// she thought. He chuckled and looked into her eyes.
"No," he began, "the problem is that you look too good. I don't trust all these spaceport types. Maybe you didn't notice how they were eyeing you like a piece of fresh meat, but I did. Han Solo would've blasted 'em all, but I didn't want to draw attention by whipping out my lightsaber and cutting them all down on your birthday." He winked slyly.
"Oh," she muttered. //I look too good?//, she thought happily. That sounded promising. Then the rest of what he said about her father finally registered, and again she felt like a child who needed a baby-sitter. "Is that why you're doing all of this?… because of my father and his threat?" she asked feeling her temper start to flare. Jaina began to tug on the cape trying to get it off.
Kyp, somewhat bewildered, took a step back and tried to figure out why she was angry. He'd never understand women. Just a moment passed before he leaned forward and pulled the cape back over her shoulders.
"Now, cut it out, Jaina!" he said firmly but kindly. "I'm not doing all of this just because of your father," he asserted.
Jaina's left eyebrow cocked. "Not just because of him? But mostly, right?!"
"No! No, not mostly because of him!" Kyp paused. This wasn't going well at all. There was fire in her eyes, and despite how attractive it made her appear, he knew that having her mad at him wouldn't lead to an enjoyable evening.
He took a deep breath.
"Do you honestly think I'm taking you to dinner because of your father?! I'm sure he'd be so pleased to know you're going out with me--- the trouble- making, rogue Jedi that uses the whole galaxy at his whim!" Kyp felt himself getting upset, but tried to keep it under control. He wanted this night to be special.
Jaina stared right back at him for a few seconds and then looked away with a sigh. "Then why are you doing this?" she finally asked softly.
"Why am I doing this?" Kyp asked before pausing to think of a good answer. However, no words would come to mind, and the impatient expression on Jaina's face was only serving to fluster him even more.
"That's what I just said," Jaina stated with a hint of annoyance as she crossed her arms and glared at him.
Kyp couldn't fight it anymore. He took a small step forward and stared down into Jaina's deep brown eyes. She tried to step back, but he reached out and gently slid his hand around her waist pulling her snugly to him. Now, she didn't resist but willingly followed his lead.
Next, he began tenderly caressing her cheek with the back of his hand and lowered his mouth to her ear. "Why am I doing this?" he whispered in that low, husky voice that drove her to distraction. She felt her heart pounding against her chest, and every fiber of her being screamed in ecstasy when he let his lips lightly kiss the part of her neck right beneath her earlobe. He pulled back just enough to look her in the eyes again, and Jaina couldn't help but stare at his mouth as he spoke.
"Don't you know?" he asked with a little smirk. Then, before Jaina could respond, he claimed her mouth with his own in a warm, soft, slow kiss that melted her completely. She let slip a little sigh, and Kyp deepened the kiss making a low growl of his own. If she only knew what that did to him!
Finally, he forced himself to pull back and just looked at her. Jaina's eyes were still closed, and she teetered a bit in her high-heeled shoes. He steadied her with a chuckle. Force! She tasted better than he had ever dreamed, and he wanted more… a lot more.
Slowly, as if coming out of a daze, Jaina opened her eyes to find Kyp grinning at her. "Did that answer your question, Solo?" he teased, rubbing his thumb across her just-kissed lips. She nodded weakly still staring up into his handsome face.
"Then let's go get something to eat," he said grabbing her hand and starting off down the street. She almost stumbled over her own feet.
"You--- you want to eat now?" she asked in disbelief.
Kyp stopped and pulled her close again. "Yeah," he said with a devilish glint in his eyes, "but don't worry… I'll have plenty of room for dessert." He winked and then kissed her nose before heading to the restaurant.
"Would you like another drink, sweetie?" asked the Guptan waitress, one hand on her hip while her other held a small tray.
"Just another water, thank you," Kyp replied. He needed to stay alert tonight not only because of the upcoming dinner with Jaina that he was looking forward to with great anticipation, but also because he was sensing some animosity stemming from several of the cantina's patrons. He couldn't quite make out who they were in the dim light, but he could feel the hostility rolling off of them.
Peace Brigade, Kyp assumed. He had encountered them before, and they always emanated the same sense of self-righteousness, anger, and fear… a dangerous mix. Maybe he had made a mistake in bringing Jaina here. Well, they'd just have to be completely inconspicuous and have no cause to reveal themselves as Jedi. He slid his hand underneath the table, unclipped his lightsaber, and tucked it safely into a hidden pocket inside his cape. Now, hopefully Jaina wouldn't draw too much attention to herself when she arrived.
"You look beautiful, my dear!" Madam F'an-see exclaimed in sheer delight as Jaina twirled around once more in front of the full-length mirrors. The owner had been drawn to the commotion Jaina created when she had burst back into the store and declared that she knew exactly what she wanted.
The older Guptan woman had been ready to expel Jaina from her store for such improper behavior. However, after seeing the potential for the greatest makeover of her career, she eagerly took charge of the girl's visit. With the finesse of a skilled conductor, she ordered her workers all over the salon. Within a little under an hour, the masterpiece that was Jaina Solo was complete.
The young Jedi stared at herself in the mirror. Is that really me?, she wondered. I didn't even know I had curves like that! She'd never really had much interest in or opportunity to dress like this—and show so much skin! --, and the change it evoked in her was interesting. She felt so feminine, yet so … powerful, for some reason.
"He will love it," Madam F'an-see said from behind Jaina. The girl snapped around to look at the woman.
"Huh?"
"You do this for a man, no?" she asked in her thick Guptan accent. Jaina glanced away sheepishly, a hint of a blush coloring her cheeks. "You don't have to say it, but I know. And I think that when he sees you, he will be unable to resist. This will be a good night for you. You should trust Madam F'an-see. I know these things."
Jaina chuckled. Even though it sounded ridiculous, deep down she hoped the woman was right. After all, she did want to knock Kyp's socks off.
Finally, after settling the account, she picked up her classy new handbag and turned to Madam and her helpers one more time. "Thank you so much. You were all so wonderful." Then she took a deep breath and faced the door.
"Well, here goes nothing!"
Kyp had eventually moved to the end of the bar after circulating among the room in an effort to pinpoint the Peace Brigaders. One particularly shady character was seated in a corner booth on the opposite side of the cantina, and Kyp could tell that the hooded figure was bad news. He tried to keep an eye on the man, but the drunken lout beside him at the bar was making it difficult.
How much longer is she going to be?, Kyp asked himself. He usually wasn't this patient with idiots like the man next to him, but since it was Jaina, he would suffer gladly. The drunk was practically falling off of his barstool, and more than once, Kyp's stomach heaved at the smell of the man's breath. How many drinks had he had, anyway?
Suddenly, the man stopped slobbering on Kyp's arm and straightened right up in his seat. "Well, would you look at that!"
Kyp followed the man's gaze to the entryway of the cantina where an attractive woman had just walked in. He rolled his eyes at the man's disgusting behavior and looked back down to his glass.
Then it hit him.
He jerked his head back up to get another look at the woman who had instantly become the center of attention the moment she walked into the room.
"Jaina?!" he whispered to himself in utter disbelief, unable to tear his eyes away from her. It was her, all right, but not like he had ever seen her before. So much for her remaining inconspicuous. She hadn't spotted him yet, apparently, since she was scanning the bar with a wrinkled brow.
"I'd like to get me some of that!" the man next to Kyp drooled. The Jedi snapped his head around to glare daggers at the insolent fool. Kyp hesitated for only a moment before acting on his impulse. The man suddenly doubled over and started gasping for air. Kyp had to stifle a chuckle. It was a justified move, in his opinion… nothing Han Solo wouldn't have done if he had heard this clown make such a degrading comment about his daughter… and if Han had Force powers, the fool wouldn't even have taken another step. However, he knew when to quit, so he released his grip and air returned to the man's lungs.
Well, at least he's not ogling Jaina anymore, Kyp thought smugly. Then he looked back at Jaina and his smile turned into a frown. Already several other greasy characters were taking this last one's place and moving toward her.
"Grrr!" Kyp growled low in his throat. He couldn't fend off a whole room full of drunken, amorous low-lifes. He'd have to get her out of here soon.
Finally, she saw him, and her face lit up into a huge smile that caused his heart to do a little flip. That's new, he thought. His heart didn't usually do much of anything except keep his blood pumping… and it was definitely pumping now. Jaina was headed right toward him, so he was able to get a better look at her.
His breath caught in his throat. He already thought she was beautiful, but tonight she looked … unbelievable. Starting at her feet and working his way up, he drunk in every single inch of her, and, since she wasn't very tall to begin with, he got to do it several times before she finally reached him.
She was wearing black high heeled shoes that let her toes peek out. The tight, black, knee length skirt flared a bit at the bottom and was made of some kind of shimmering material that swayed each time she took a step. To make it even more alluring, a slit was cut up the side to about mid-thigh. Kyp had never even seen her legs before.
He swallowed hard… then he continued.
Her top, or what there was of it, was also shimmering, but in a deep, rich red that contrasted all too well with her fair, porcelain complexion. It had no sleeves, but was simply tied around her neck with two thin straps, revealing her slender shoulders. The collar scooped low and showed just a hint of the smooth skin of her chest. Han would be grateful for the wrap that was at least covering up some of her. Finally, he made it to her face, which was absolutely stunning. She had on just a hint of make up to enhance her natural beauty, and the red of her lips seemed to beg him to kiss her.
His throat went dry.
"Hi," she said now standing only inches from him.
"Hey," he managed to mutter before reaching for his water and taking a quick swig. He forced himself to get a grip on his hormones and then looked at her again. "You look great," he said, trying not to sound like a lovesick boy.
Jaina smiled shyly and looked away. Awkwardly, she tugged at the slit in her skirt and then pulled up on the straps of her shirt. "I'm really not used to, uh, showing this much skin."
Kyp chuckled softly at her innocence. Did she even realize the effect she was having on every male in the room? Apparently not, and that just made her all the more attractive.
I feel so ridiculous!, Jaina shouted inside her head. I can't do this! I'll come off looking like a fool. What was I thinking? Looking up into Kyp's dark eyes, she knew what she had been thinking. She wanted to make him look at her like a woman, not a child… to make him so crazy with desire that he'd never be able to resist. In other words, she wanted him to feel just like she felt about him. And finding out about what he had done for that street boy was just adding fuel to her hotly burning fire for Kyp Durron. Something had to give soon.
Is it getting hot in here?, Kyp wondered taking another drink. Then he realized it was probably just him.
"Are you ready for dinner?" He was beginning to sense the not-so-innocent intentions of some of the other patrons and wanted to get her out as soon as possible.
"Yeah. After what I just went through, I think those over-sized portions will be just right."
"Let's go then," Kyp said sliding off of his stool. Jaina turned around to leave, and Kyp almost choked on nothing but air. There was virtually no back to Jaina's blouse, and that left her soft skin exposed for all to see. He couldn't stop himself and reached out to touch her. She glanced back and smiled at him without ordering him to get off. Since she didn't object, he kept it there as they exited the cantina. For some reason, he was feeling very protective and managed a fierce glare at any unwelcome observers. He tried to convince himself that it was only because of Han's threat, but he knew better. Kyp wanted to protect her, be with her, touch her… kiss her because he was hopelessly attracted to her… hopelessly falling for her.
Who was he kidding?! He had already fallen--- a long time ago.
Once they exited, the dark figure in the corner motioned to several other men in the bar. They quickly made their way to his booth and gathered around for a quick run down of their new assignments.
Tonight would be a good night.
Once they were outside the cantina, Kyp hesitantly let his hand drop from Jaina's back. He didn't want to. In fact, what he wanted to do was take all of her into his arms and… and…
He had to quit thinking like this.
She shivered slightly when the warmth of his touch was gone. It had felt new and safe and….. right. Even though the sun had now set completely, light from the streetlamps illuminated their faces as they walked, and she couldn't help but look up at him and smile. Feeling so out of control of her emotions was frustrating and wonderful all at the same time. Teetering on this edge of 'does he or doesn't he' was exquisitely painful.
"Are you warm enough?" he asked moving his hand to the tie of his cape. Before she could answer, he had it draped over her shoulders and was gently tying it around her neck.
"Do I look that bad?" she questioned as she intently watched him biting his bottom lip in concentration. //Force, is he sexy!// she thought. He chuckled and looked into her eyes.
"No," he began, "the problem is that you look too good. I don't trust all these spaceport types. Maybe you didn't notice how they were eyeing you like a piece of fresh meat, but I did. Han Solo would've blasted 'em all, but I didn't want to draw attention by whipping out my lightsaber and cutting them all down on your birthday." He winked slyly.
"Oh," she muttered. //I look too good?//, she thought happily. That sounded promising. Then the rest of what he said about her father finally registered, and again she felt like a child who needed a baby-sitter. "Is that why you're doing all of this?… because of my father and his threat?" she asked feeling her temper start to flare. Jaina began to tug on the cape trying to get it off.
Kyp, somewhat bewildered, took a step back and tried to figure out why she was angry. He'd never understand women. Just a moment passed before he leaned forward and pulled the cape back over her shoulders.
"Now, cut it out, Jaina!" he said firmly but kindly. "I'm not doing all of this just because of your father," he asserted.
Jaina's left eyebrow cocked. "Not just because of him? But mostly, right?!"
"No! No, not mostly because of him!" Kyp paused. This wasn't going well at all. There was fire in her eyes, and despite how attractive it made her appear, he knew that having her mad at him wouldn't lead to an enjoyable evening.
He took a deep breath.
"Do you honestly think I'm taking you to dinner because of your father?! I'm sure he'd be so pleased to know you're going out with me--- the trouble- making, rogue Jedi that uses the whole galaxy at his whim!" Kyp felt himself getting upset, but tried to keep it under control. He wanted this night to be special.
Jaina stared right back at him for a few seconds and then looked away with a sigh. "Then why are you doing this?" she finally asked softly.
"Why am I doing this?" Kyp asked before pausing to think of a good answer. However, no words would come to mind, and the impatient expression on Jaina's face was only serving to fluster him even more.
"That's what I just said," Jaina stated with a hint of annoyance as she crossed her arms and glared at him.
Kyp couldn't fight it anymore. He took a small step forward and stared down into Jaina's deep brown eyes. She tried to step back, but he reached out and gently slid his hand around her waist pulling her snugly to him. Now, she didn't resist but willingly followed his lead.
Next, he began tenderly caressing her cheek with the back of his hand and lowered his mouth to her ear. "Why am I doing this?" he whispered in that low, husky voice that drove her to distraction. She felt her heart pounding against her chest, and every fiber of her being screamed in ecstasy when he let his lips lightly kiss the part of her neck right beneath her earlobe. He pulled back just enough to look her in the eyes again, and Jaina couldn't help but stare at his mouth as he spoke.
"Don't you know?" he asked with a little smirk. Then, before Jaina could respond, he claimed her mouth with his own in a warm, soft, slow kiss that melted her completely. She let slip a little sigh, and Kyp deepened the kiss making a low growl of his own. If she only knew what that did to him!
Finally, he forced himself to pull back and just looked at her. Jaina's eyes were still closed, and she teetered a bit in her high-heeled shoes. He steadied her with a chuckle. Force! She tasted better than he had ever dreamed, and he wanted more… a lot more.
Slowly, as if coming out of a daze, Jaina opened her eyes to find Kyp grinning at her. "Did that answer your question, Solo?" he teased, rubbing his thumb across her just-kissed lips. She nodded weakly still staring up into his handsome face.
"Then let's go get something to eat," he said grabbing her hand and starting off down the street. She almost stumbled over her own feet.
"You--- you want to eat now?" she asked in disbelief.
Kyp stopped and pulled her close again. "Yeah," he said with a devilish glint in his eyes, "but don't worry… I'll have plenty of room for dessert." He winked and then kissed her nose before heading to the restaurant.