Chapter 51

Meri was trying hard to obey her Master's last command; the problem was, "trying" was the operative word. Playing a giggly, empty-headed seductress in front of an audience wasn't part of her padawan training. And she had precious little experience to draw on.

Upon their return to the hall, Alex had Meri climb on his lap where she was expected, to put it delicately, show her affections. She could practically feel all eyes on them, though she was certain that if she had looked up, everyone would have been appropriately busy.

Her hands trembled visibly as she slowly ran them up Alex's chest, mortification flooding through her.

Meri, look at me.

Meri obeyed the soft yet firm voice, raising her dark lashes to meet Alex's gaze. For the moment his attention was focused solely on her and it overwhelmed her.

Are you afraid of me?

The strength of the contact over their bond startled her and she had to check herself to keep from shaking her head in denial of the unspoken question.

No. The return answer was adamant. She was afraid of herself.

A smile quirked her Master's mouth as he looked down on her and a silent challenge shone from his eyes. She didn't sense any hesitation from him at this point, and she wondered if this were as difficult for him as it was for her.

She wasn't prepared when Alex took things in his own hands. Suddenly she found him pulling her closer or was he bending to her?

"Pretend I'm Obi-Wan if it helps," he whispered, his lips brushing her ear and his breath tickling her hair. She almost choked holding back the gasp in the back of her throat at his action, but he didn't give her time to even think about his absurd comment before he was moving on.

With one hand gently on the back of her waist and the other on her shoulder, as though to hold her in place, he dropped an unexpected kiss just below her ear.

The tremble was involuntary, sweeping through her entire body with force. She knew he felt how she'd responded, but that didn't stop him. Rather he continued to slowly make his way down the smooth expanse of her neck.

Meri's thoughts were a confused jumble and her senses were reeling. Unconsciously she tightened her hands, which had formerly been splayed across the back of his shoulders.

She fought to pull enough coherency about her to erect shields around her emotions, but it was a losing battle. She pinched her eyes shut as the onslaught against her senses continued, her breathing at this point coming roughly.

Was this affecting him at all? The question was driving her insane as much as his caresses were. His hands were running up her back and down her sides.

"Uhh!" she gasped suddenly, her fingers digging into his shoulder. Previously Alex had only been lightly brushing his lips over her skin, a completely closed mouth affair.

But now ...

Meri focused hard on not making any sounds as he intensified his assault on her senses and to her utter dismay she found herself instinctively tilting her head to give him better access even as shame mixed in with the kaleidoscope of her feelings.

How could he be doing this to me?
she wondered. At first, Meri was sure that Alex was laughing at her in his mind. But she soon told herself that he wouldn't do that. Would he? She thought for a moment. No. This was strictly business. He was just trying to put on a good show.

Just about then Meri almost bit her tongue off holding back a whimper as he nibbled on the lobe of her left ear. It was also then that she noticed his breathing was ragged and another shiver whipped down her spine.

If this was all an act, he was doing an incredibly good job at it. She couldn't think that it would be anything but. Besides he was staying well away from her mouth, a fact she couldn't presently decide as good or bad.

When he stopped, it was sudden and she didn't know if the sense of reluctance the moment held was a dream, or if she had completely lost all her senses.

She risked a small glance up at Alex and was rewarded with the sight of something she hadn't expected on his face. His eyes were closed as he struggled to calm his heavy breathing and his brows were furrowed in a frown of concentration.

At first she thought the look related to what had just occurred between them, but then, she felt it too. A swelling disturbance through the Force rippled across her senses, leaving in its wake a rising urgency.

In another move she wasn't expecting from him, Alex stood, putting in a stumble for show. He easily swept his apprentice up in his arms and then nuzzled her neck to hide the fact that he was speaking to her.

"I've determined his general location. It's time."

Lifting his head he began to make his way out of the hall, all the while appearing as though he were going to ravish her the minute they were alone.

As they passed the man that had offered to take Meri earlier that night, he inquired in a heavily slurred voice where they were going.

"Where do you think, man?" Alex asked with a smirk as laughter broke out.

Once they were out in the empty hallway, Alex gently set Meri on her feet and even though she hadn't had any alcohol she felt rather lightheaded.

Moving her eyes hesitantly upward she saw his eyes briefly linger at a spot on her neck. With that memory of what he'd done and how she had felt, she dropped her gaze quickly.

Seeing this, Alex seemed to shake himself out of a trance. He handed Meri her lightsabre.

"Take the lower level. I'll take this floor and then come find you."

Meri nodded as she reached for the hilt of her lightsabre. When their hands briefly touched in the exchange, she felt a tingle go up her arm. Before she had a chance to contemplate the meaning of the feeling, he tossed her a com unit.

"If you find him, contact me immediately. And at any sign of trouble," he added with a firmer tone. "Don't take on anyone alone."

"Yes, Master."

She headed towards the stairs that led to the lower level, but Alex stopped her.

"Be careful, Meri."

His tone was warm and she fought the answering warmth that flooded through her.

She nodded wordlessly and they each went their separate ways.