A/N: Hey all! Thanks for reading and I hope you're still enjoying it! Thanks again to Jediserenity82 for having the patience to beta for me!

Flirting With Desire

Chapter 25

K'agan POV

I was barely holding it together, my emotions were tearing me apart. I was embarrassed, hurt and… angry. I never would have dreamed that Aric would deny me. It had been the furthest thing from my mind, but he had and now I had to deal with the consequences. I hurt. My heart literally felt like it was breaking in my chest. Ignoring my surroundings, I nearly ran out of the front doors of the medical center. My speeder was parked exactly where I left it. Jumping on, I fired it up, revved the engine and expertly took off into traffic.

I loved flying, the feeling of freedom, the wind whipping by me and the speed. I'll freely admit I enjoyed going fast… really, really fast. It was freeing and exactly what I needed right now, freedom from my pain. I pushed the bike harder, fleeing the demons chasing me. I dipped and dived through traffic, easily making my way through the congested airways. All too soon our building came into view and I was forced to slow down and land on our private landing pad. Shutting down the engine, I climbed off the bike.

The moment my foot hit the tarmac, I could feel my emotions overwhelm me, my eyes filling with tears. Keeping my head down, I started towards the door of the apartment. With each step I took, the tears fell and I moved faster, first walking, then jogging and finally running across the space. I didn't want anyone to see me like this. I just wanted to get to my room in peace.

"Welcome home," P6 greeted me in the living room.

"P6," I acknowledged the droid as I passed, but I kept my head down and didn't say anything else.

"I wasn't expecting you back so soon," the droid said, following me, "Is there anything I can get you?"

"No," I choked out; tears streaking down my face, "I'll be in my room."

Making it to the bedroom, I walked in and shut the door behind me, locking it. I didn't want anyone to bother me, nosy siblings in particular. Right now, I didn't want sympathy or pity. I just wanted to wallow in my misery alone.

Stripping, I pulled on an old grey tank top and grey shorts, before collapsing on to the bed. Lying on my side, I grabbed the spare pillow, curled around it, and allowed myself to fall apart. Great heaving sobs wracked my body, and tears soaked the pillows, as I gave in to my pain. I didn't understand…

What had I done? Why had he rejected me? Why would he do that? How could he hurt me like this?

I'd never felt a pain like this. It felt like someone took a dull knife and carved my heart out of my chest, shattering it into a million tiny pieces. Each time I thought about it, the knife stabbed me in the chest and the process started all over again. I'd never be whole again… not without Aric.

"Why?" I cried into my pillow.

None of this made any sense. I knew he loved me as much as I loved him. Or at least I'd thought so. Was I wrong? Was it all just a game to him? How could he do this? I'd given him my heart and he threw it back at me… unwanted. Why? Burying my face in my pillows, I cried until I felt numb.

An unknown amount of time later, I finally rolled to my beck and stared at the ceiling for a few long minutes, trying to collect my thoughts. Taking a deep breath, I released it slowly. Nothing helped. Glancing toward the far wall, my eyes landed on my easel and the unfinished canvas sitting on it. Lately, nothing could inspire me to finish it. It was like I was missing something, some piece of understanding. Until I figured out what it was, the painting would remain incomplete.

Tilting my head, I looked at the picture again. Realization dawned, and suddenly I knew what the canvas was missing. Pulling myself out of bed, I walked across the room and stood in front of the easel, studying it. Inspiration hit and the last piece of the puzzle clicked into place. Grabbing a palette, I poured some fresh colors on to it and picked up a brush. Dipping it into my wet paint, I got to work, dabbing a color here and swiping it there. Time drifted away as I worked.

Hours later, I stood back and studied the finished product. It was perfect, capturing the essence of the moment I was trying to capture. Satisfied, I picked up the finished piece, and leaned it against a wall to to finish drying. Grabbing a blank canvas, I placed it on the easel and got back to work. As another image drifted across my mind, I knew exactly what I wanted to paint. This time, it would take a darker, more ominous tone. Picking up a brush, I started painting, and allowed the outside world and my problems slip away.

Painting had always been my escape from the pressures of everyday life. When things finally got to be too much, I could head into my room, lock the door and forget about my concerns for a few hours. And right now, at this moment, that was what I needed… to forget… everything.

I jumped a few hours later when my personal holo rang. Ironically, the timing was perfect, I could use a break. Wiping off my hands on a nearby rag, I picked up the small machine and keyed it up, not really surprised to see an image of my agent flickered into being.

"K'agan!"

"Nalan," I greeted her. "How've you been doing?"

Nalan Ven, a beautiful blue skinned, purple eyed Twi'lek, was my representative and agent, selling my paintings across the galaxy but mostly at her gallery on Nar Shaada. I painted under a pseudonym. She dealt with everything, allowing me to maintain my anonymity. The last thing I needed or wanted was more public scrutiny.

"I've been wonderful," she gushed in her usual way, "Your paintings are in high demand and keeping me busy."

"Speaking of my paintings, I just finished up two more. They should be ready to pick up in a day or two."

"Wonderful!" she smiled and clapped her hands, "I'll have the usual courier pick them up."

"They're here on Coruscant, at my parent's place."

"I'll let them know," she said, with small smile. "Does that mean you're on planet?"

"Maybe," I said cautiously, not wanting to commit to anything. "Why do you want to know?"

"I'm getting together for drinks with a group of friends and clients. I wondered if you'd like to join us?" she asked.

Closing my eyes, I took deep breath and blew it out slowly. While a part of me just wanted to hide in this room for the rest of my life, the idea of going out appealed to a larger part. I liked the thought of getting drunk and forgetting this had ever happened. "I don't know… "

Sensing my hesitation, she said, "Come on K'agan! It will be fun! I promise!"

"I just… " I started again, shaking my head.

"I'll send my car around in an hour," Nalan said with a grin, leaving me no choice. "Wear something sexy. We're going to a new club, Innuendo."

Shaking my head again, I gave in and put away my paint brush. "I'll be ready."

"I'll see you soon," Nalan said with a smile, ending the call and not giving me a chance to change my mind.

Grabbing my paint brushes, I quickly rinsed them out. I spent a few minutes cleaning up and putting my supplies away. I made sure the brushes were clean and the caps on my paints were secure. I wanted everything ready for the next time I wanted to paint. Nothing was worse than having a great idea, wanting to paint it and finding you couldn't because your paints had dried out.

"Mistress," P6 called and knocked at my door.

"Come in P6."

The door opened and the family droid tottered in, carrying a tray of food and a glass of what looked like blue milk.

"You haven't eaten all day Miss K'agan," the droid said, setting the tray down on my desk. "You must be hungry."

"Thanks P6," I said, the smell of the minced nerf stew drifting over and making my stomach rumble with hunger. Picking up my spoon, I took a bite. The flavor exploded across my tongue and taste buds and I savored the moment, enjoying it.

"A driver should be here in just under an hour to pick me up," I told the droid, as I ate my food. "Can you let them up?"

"Yes Mistress," the bot answered, "Will there be anything else?"

"No," I said, picking up a slice of bread. "I can't think of anything right now."

"I will pick up the tray later," the droid said, walking out the door and shutting it behind him.

Sitting down in my desk chair, I ate, dipping the bread into the heavenly stew. Before I knew it, my spoon scraped the bottom of the bowl. I put the empty bowl back on the tray, took a sip of milk and picked up the slice of my favorite cake P6 had included. I quickly polished it off and picked up my drink. Standing, I walked into my bathroom. Leaving the now empty glass on the counter, I stripped off my paint smeared clothes climbed into the shower. I scrubbed off the stray dabs of color from my fur and cleaned my hair, leaving it in rows on top of my head.

Turning off the water, I stepped out and grabbed a towel, drying off. I wrapped the damp towel around my body and stepped into my closet, looking for something to wear tonight. Nalan had said we were going to a new club and to wear something 'sexy.' It had been so long since I'd worn anything other than a uniform or armor, I wasn't sure I was a good judge of clothing. Digging through my outfits, I found a beautiful ultramarine blue dress I'd never worn, hidden toward the back. I slipped it on and zipped it up. It fit perfectly. The dress was off my shoulders and dipped in a small V exposing just a bit of my cleavage. It hugged my body just right without being to constricting. Just below my waist, the skirt flared out, coming down mid-thigh. It made me feel sexy and desirable, two things I desperately needed after the day I had.

I grabbed a pair of blue spike heels from my closet, before stepping back into my bedroom. Picking up an eyeliner pencil from the top of my dresser, I carefully put some on, highlighting my eyes. To complete the look, I selected a pair of teardrop earrings and matching necklace. I almost didn't recognize myself in the mirror; it had been too long since I dressed up or done something nice for myself. I looked hot…

With one hand, I steadied myself against the dresser and with the other, I slipped on my shoes. The spikes gave me a couple of more much needed inches. I grabbed a matching purse, making sure I had my wallet, identification, and enough credits for the night. Lastly, I added a small hold out blaster and snapped it shut. Better safe than sorry. Who knew what could happen.

"Miss K'agan," P6 called, "The driver is here for you."

"I'm coming," I replied, giving myself one last glance in the mirror. I brushed some imaginary lint off my dress and took a deep breath, trying to summon my courage. I needed this… a chance to party, drink and have fun. I could forget my pain… forget Aric… for one night. Letting it out slowly, I headed for the door, ready for whatever the wild night might bring…

TBC…..Definitely more to come…