Between Two Evils

Four-thirty arrived, and sure enough, a text pinged on her phone from an unsaved number.

I'm outside

M

At least he was punctual.

Zaiya peeked out of the window beyond the black tapestry she'd hung to block some of the light, and she spotted a red motorcycle in the parking area. A man in a black leather pants and jacket casually resting on the seat. Her brows lifted, she'd not seen him out of a suit before.

The young woman grabbed up her things and headed down to meet him, her helmet perched on her hip. He turned as he heard her approach and she felt her chest tighten.

Mother help me… she thought to herself. He was absolutely gorgeous. Oh this was dangerous. Beth's words echoed through her head and she bit her lower lip as she sauntered over.

"Ready?" he asked a little stiffly, and she looked into the visor of his helmet.

"How'd you get it on?" she said suddenly.

"What?"

"With your horns, how do you get your helmet on?"

"Carefully," he retorted and she couldn't help but smile. "Are you coming?" She nodded and pulled her helmet on, swinging a leg over the seat to slot in behind him. Even through the leather jacket she could feel the heat from him.

Maul drove them out of there and out toward the outskirts of the city, the office and apartment buildings giving way to an open road, trees and isolation. Zaiya had to wonder where he was taking her and what he planned. She realised then that perhaps he had finally decided to kill her after all. She had seen enough to implicate him in a crime. Perhaps he had thought she'd seen too much? Though why pre-warn her? And why come alone? She didn't think it was really a date, she suspected he was going to intimidate her or something, but she couldn't help but be too curious about what he might have to say.

It was nearly an hour of driving until they reached a turn off, leading onto a wooded trail. It didn't seem like it was well travelled but he knew exactly where to go. Another several minutes and she could see a building, two storey, run down and made mostly of wood. Beyond it looked like a lake, was it a boat shack or something? It looked abandoned for many years, the woods creeping back in to overtake it.

Maul parked off to one side, under the cover of a balcony, as they disembarked, he grabbed a heavy canvas tarp folded on a crate and threw it over the bike. She watched as he carefully removed his helmet.

"I found this place years ago," he began, "I was… well I had a… disagreement with my father. I just rode… found this place…" The mention of his father had her on edge.

"I get that," she nodded, taking her own helmet off.

"Do you?" he asked, turning his head slowly to look at her with intense eyes.

"Mm," she replied with another nod. "I didn't always get along with everything my old man said, I had… have, I s'pose, a rather nasty temper." Maul let out a snort and headed for the steps up to the platform, it connected to a very weather beaten-looking dock.

"So I have seen," he said as she followed. He led her to the double doors which he managed to crack open significantly enough to lead her inside. He had to bend down to shimmy under a chain and padlock.

"I would go to a cabin," she admitted, not sure why she was telling him. Maybe it was only fair since he shared this place with her.

"So similar," he muttered as he held up the chain for her.

"What?" She pushed through carefully, taking shuffling steps to get into the dusty and sparse looking room.

"Nothing," he shook his head and laid his helmet on a nearby bench and headed for a cluster of crates. They were arranged like a chair, a blanket folded up on top, positioned to stare out at the water through a cracked window.

Zaiya laid her helmet by his, and stepped over cautiously as he reached into a different crate. When he turned back, he held out a bottle. It was a dust-covered beer but it clearly was a more recent addition to the dilapidated room. He cracked his own beer and sat on the crate, he seemed to visibly slump, stretching out over the crate, leaning heavily on the larger crate behind him, his head tilted back and he let out a very tired sigh.

The white haired woman took him in as she lowered herself onto a crate beside him, he looked drained, and now she looked closer, he seemed to have bags under his eyes.

"Bad day?" she asked, resting her chin on her hand.

"We are not doing that," he muttered, staring at the ceiling.

"Doing what?"

"This is not a therapy session," he shot her a look.

"Hm," she smirked, "why am I here then?"

"I needed to get away… and I… didn't want to be alone." He avoided looking at her and she felt something settle over her, this felt serious. She sat up and cracked the top off her bottle.

"Why me?"

"I don't… I don't know," he confessed and took another swig of his drink. He seemed to melt into the chair and she just watched him for a moment. Why was he doing this? What did he get out of it? His head tipped back to rest on the wooden panel behind him and his eyes closed. Her own eyes narrowed, trying to figure out his angle. She also tried to ignore how he looked like some kind of model, gracefully draped across the couch like that.

There was a long silence before she decided to try her luck.

"Do you come up here a lot?" she began.

"Not as much as I used to."

"So you don't fight with your father as often?" His eyes opened and his lip curled in disgust. Zaiya felt her muscles tense for a moment.

"We don't speak," he replied.

That was interesting. What was his father's minion doing then? Following him around… was… was he not aware? That was something she would have to look into, if he was telling the truth- did it really change anything? Why did she feel relieved?

"Just you and your brothers, then," she mused and he nodded. She took a sip of her beer. "How did you get to where you are? Was that because of your Father too?" Maul sat up and glared at her. It was as though she could feel the heat of those blazing golden eyes on her very skin.

"I said we were not doing that," he snapped.

"So I just have to sit here like a good little girl while you stare at the back of your eyelids?" she scoffed.

"Yes," he retorted and leaned forward threateningly.

"Newsflash for you, I'm not one of you limp-spined cronies that you can boss around. I'm not, nor have I ever been a good little girl," she replied in indignance. Maul sneered at her and rose to his feet. Zaiya stood defensively and had to force herself not to take a step back. She wasn't going to let him intimidate her. She couldn't show weakness.

"No, I can see that." His head dipped to meet her eyes, everything screaming like a predator stalking his prey. "You are an obstinate, infuriating, smug, pompous, meddling little brat. One that I should end while I have the chance." He loomed over her, his lip curling. She could feel the heat from his body through the suit. She swallowed hard, but she would not let this man get the better of her. His eyes bored into hers and she kept her back straight, outwardly still, while inwardly her heart raced.

"I am also dangerous," she warned. His eyes flicked downward, spotting the small blade in her hand, being brought to hover near his neck. She'd pulled it from inside her coat when she'd stood up. Her teeth grit, his eyes had a fire in them that she could not ignore. Something molten slid through her and settled in her core. He looked ready to attack, his smile twisting into something wicked. He looked like he wanted to devour her.

"Are you?" he laughed darkly. "Waited so long and now you will strike…?"

"I will if you threaten me again," she growled and he leaned in again slowly. She witnessed him almost lean into the knife, his smile growing into a grin. Her mouth ran dry and her blue eyes darted from the blade to his eyes then to his lips, then back and forth.

"Will you…?" His voice lowered in pitch, almost a growl of his own… and Zaiya's stomach clenched. She didn't realise when, but at some point her hip bumped a bench of some kind and she realised he'd managed to corner her. Fuck!

Her eyes widened as she looked back up, and he was leaning closer now, just inches away. His hot breath curled in the air against her cheek. His body caged her against the bench and she could feel the taut muscle in his arm and thighs under the very fitted leather pants he wore. It was as though she'd somehow shrunk.

"If you're so dangerous… strike me," he urged, "cut me down…" He drew closer and one strong firm hand slid up on the inside of her jacket, up her side and across her chest to rest at the base of her throat. "Cut me, little spitfire…" His grin curved into the most smug and devilish of smiles as he leaned in, his mouth slanting on hers possessively. She should stop him. Push him back. Stab him. Something!

Suddenly there was a clatter as the knife dropped from her hand and she could not fight the fire raging in her anymore. The hand that had held the blade curled around the back of his neck and she kissed him back with full vigour.

Their mouths danced together in less of a loving embrace and more of a fight for dominance, his tongue invading hers and twisted against her own. Maul's body pressed to hers firmly and pinned her to the bench, the hand at her neck moved around to the back of her head and his fingers raked through her white curls and took a handful, tugging her head back.

The sound that was muffled against his mouth was utter betrayal. The sensation made her tingle and her stomach clench. Her thighs pressed together in the desperate need for friction. It was embarrassing to be so needy.

God, how she craved it.

His hands were steady, firm and seemed to know exactly what they were doing. He played her like an instrument as his mouth left hers, only to trail to her neck. She thought for a moment that she might be able to gain some control, but he tugged her hair again and she felt his teeth bite down on the soft flesh of her throat.

The sound she made was unlike anything she'd even heard before… but the growl of utter need from him almost turned her legs to jelly.

"That's a good girl," he teased. Just from his tone he was clearly grinning.

"Bastard…" she hissed.

"Oh you call me whatever you want… but I'm going to make you sing for me by the end of this." He chuckled darkly and a second later she was being picked up with ease, by his strong hands grabbing her ass and just picking her up like she weighed nothing. His mouth returned to Zaiya's neck, lavishing her with his tongue, his fingers curving into the plush of her backside like he dared not let go.

A few steps and Maul brought her back to the makeshift couch, though he didn't let her sit properly, and dragged her to the very edge… then knelt down before her. She looked down and her eyes widened. He wasn't… was he?

Lashes fluttered as he met her mouth once more for a kiss and bit at her lower lip, dragging his teeth over it. Her next breath came out as a shudder but her fingers curled around his shoulder, trying to keep herself grounded. She couldn't take her eyes off him and he lowered his head, and grasped the edge of her jeans with his teeth.

Oh fuck.

One rough tug and he had pulled it free of the button and barely using his hands, managed to slide the offending garment down. His hands taking over and stripping them off almost angrily.

"Nothing to say, Spitfire?"

"Stop calling me that," she grunted.

"Aren't you though? So pretty and fiery," he said with a mocking smirk.

"I'll give you a pretty-!" she broke off in a soft cry as his fingers slid along her womanhood, the touch sending shockwaves coursing through her.

"Oh yes, very pretty," he chuckled and she wanted to hit him, but as she reached out, he caught one wrist, then the other in a vice grip. "Careful… do I have to tie you up?" A jolt went through her, but this one wasn't as pleasant, the idea was not one she liked.

His eyes searched hers for a moment and he released her, he seemed to see what she dare not say.

"Then behave, Spitfire."

"I still owe you one…" she hissed, relaxing slightly. She didn't get to slap him last time, but she doubted she'd get her chance tonight.

"I'm sure you'll owe me a few eventually."

God, he was insufferable. She opened her mouth to retort when he bit her inner thigh sharply. The gasp she let out was breathy and her fingers dug into the old couch under her. His hands went to work and apparently he was too impatient, hooking his index finger on the inside of her underwear and ripping them with a rough jerk.

"What the fu-"

"I won't tie you up but I will gag you with these if I have to," he snarled in warning.

"I thought you wanted me to sing?" Zaiya mocked.

"That isn't singing…" Her body tensed as his fingers breached her and slid along her slit. She had to bite her lip to avoid groaning out loud. "Almost…" After a few moments of teasing, one thick finger sank into her and her eyes rolled back. She couldn't contain her moan this time. "There it is," he purred. "That's it, Spitfire, sing for me."

His fingers were incredible, curling in a way that hit all the right spots, not too fast or rough to begin with but not too slowly either. A firm pace that set her body on fire made her toes curl in her boots. He knew just what he was doing and her eyes rolled back involuntarily. His mouth peppered kisses and little bites on the inside of her thighs. She had to bite down on her fist to silence herself, the smug satisfaction in him was too much to bear but God did he know how to find her weak points.

Then she felt his tongue. That hot biting mouth descended upon her pussy and her back arched at the contact. A second finger added to the first and his tongue flicked over her clit vigorously. Zaiya bit down on her finger and tried to control her breathing, but she couldn't…! He was one of the ones she'd come to Coruscant for! Her literal enemy! She mustn't-

"Fuck-!" she hissed and he hummed against her.

"That's it, let go…" he growled, "show me just how good I make you feel, and I'll keep going."

Her chest heaved and she writhed beneath him, though one arm hooked around her bare leg and hoisted it over his shoulder, holding her firmly in place while his other hand began to increase pace. She didn't want to admit it… but there was no way she wanted him to stop. A burning need came over her and she groaned loudly. The sounds only seemed to encourage him, and the louder she became the more enthusiastic he was, which only made her louder again.

It was like he was desperate to make her scream, and with the way his tongue danced across her clit… it wouldn't take much more. Lost to the feeling, her hand slid down and her fingers slid between the crown of horns atop his head. This time it was his turn to moan, right against her slick hot cunt.

It set her right to the edge the way he sounded so blissful and her hips fought his grip, rocking upwards slightly.

"Oh my fucking God…" she hissed. He pulled back for just a second and she looked down, meeting his eyes, so ignited they almost glowed.

"God can't help you here," he snarled and the sound alone made her shiver. His voice just did things to her. He dove back in, finding that perfect rhythm again easily and her hips began to shake. He grunted but didn't speed up, just tightened his grip and held on. Her entire body tensed like a tightly wound rope, so close.

"Come for me, Spitfire," Maul's little growl of pleasure sent her over the edge, the way he seemed to enjoy what he did to her, the way he chased her orgasm… he ate her like a man starved and by the time her voice lifted in pitch his hands were so tight in her legs and hips she was sure she was going to be bruised tomorrow.

"Oh- oh Go- oh fuck, I'm… I'm-!" she gasped breathlessly and she heard him growl like some kind of beast, eager and wanting.

She screamed.

The pleasure hit her like a tidal wave, her eyes rolling into her head, her back arching and pale fingers digging into his shoulders.

Zaiya's vision turned white almost, and she was left panting, weakened and boneless on the couch. She didn't know how long she lay there, trying to get her breath back, only slightly aware of the slow leisurely stimulation of his tongue. He still hadn't released her and rode out her orgasm with her.

She finally raised her head and looked down at him to see his eyes had never left her. He lifted himself up with a devilish grin, the lower half of his face slick with her juices. A realisation that flushed her face and embarrassed her, seeing him looking so pleased and utterly smug.

God… what had she done? She'd let go and given in. She was vulnerable.

He rose and loomed over her for a moment, his eyes roamed her, scorching the planes of her body, as though she were something he wished to burn from the outside in. To utterly possess her and rule her. For a moment it both terrified and excited her.

"Stay here," he stepped back and after a moment returned with a clean looking cloth, cool and damp that he used to freshen her up. Was it really so long since she'd been with anyone that his touch had made her wild?

She had anticipated him pushing for more… but he didn't. Instead he helped her re-dress. lit one of the battery powered lanterns laying nearby and sat beside her, picking up his beer again. There was a gentle silence between them as she tried to put her thoughts together.

How had all that even happened?

"When I was young, my father had high expectations of me," he began, his eyes staring forward into the dark. "Only me, my brothers, he seemed to neglect and ignore. But for some reason he pinned me as the one to succeed him, only my progress mattered, my successes or my failures. I was never his son, I was… a tool. A commodity."

Zaiya looked up at Maul with a soft expression; she hadn't thought he would tell her anything. If she didn't know any better she'd have thought it was because he had recognised her vulnerability that he was sharing his own. That didn't sound like something a leader of a criminal enterprise would do. There had to be some angle to it.

Still, she dare not question it yet, in case he stopped.

"That's awful." It was all she could bring herself to say, but it didn't surprise her. Palpatine wanted nothing but power. He kept people close only to boost his image or his ego or they were useful. Her fists clenched. The vile disgusting snake that he was.

"Hmph.. I suppose. It was never enough for him. Like a fool, I did whatever he wished of me… until of course the day I failed. I shamed him… and that was it. He cut me off and I haven't spoken to him in years now." There was a deep bitterness to Maul's voice, so much so that Zaiya believed it, it was too angry to not be true.

"I'm sorry you had to deal with that-"

"You don't need to pity me," he scoffed and leaned back.

"I'm not," she replied, and reached out to take his hand before she could stop herself. He looked down at where their hands were intertwined, and back to her eyes. "Sympathy and pity are very different," she explained. He didn't say anything, but he didn't let go either.

"He has money and influence… he thought I'd be nothing without him." Maul's lip curled into a cruel sneer, mocking as though nothing hurt him…. But she could see it now. A little crack in his armour.

"So your new job was something you got all on your own I take it? A way to say 'fuck you'?" she asked. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and smirked.

"Something like that."

"I like it," she chuckled, she was sure Palpatine would find it so disgusting. From her memory he detested criminals, despite his own corruption, thinking himself miles above them.

What a joke.

"Well I am so glad to have your approval," Maul snorted, though he seemed amused.

"What can I say? I'm not an easy girl to impress," she replied in a light but confident tone.

"Aren't I lucky?" he drawled, then leaned closer, his voice dropping low. "Do you scream like that for everyone who impresses you? Or am I luckier still?" Heat flared in her and she shot him a glare.

He was definitely going to be insufferable now.

Notes: OH MY!
Well well! Lookie here! Some rather cheeky behaviour from our Crime Boss adversary. It seems he has one over on her now. Was that just to gain power... or was there another reason he decided to indulge?

Thank you thank you once again for reading, I always love the comments and responses from you guys as you read it! It really makes me happy and I thank you immensely. Please please leave any feedback you can, I need it and it really helps in the process. I hope you enjoyed that one! In the next part there is a sudden and shocking event and the city will have to deal with the aftermath. But what will it mean for Zaiya?

I shall see you next week for APOD and a fortnight for another chapter of Sins! See you then!