"You're enjoying this, aren't you Beautiful?" Andronikos murmured in her ear as K'isha reached top speed. He knew she wouldn't answer since he couldn't hear her over the speeder's roar, but he felt her grin soften at his voice in her ear and the use of his nickname for her. The rest of the galaxy knew her by titles, with a certain level of rank protocol needed be upheld. But no matter how anyone else saw her, to him she'd always be the beautiful woman he fell for.
That hunter and her husband had no idea what they were in for by letting her use their ride, he thought as she pushed the Nexu for all it had. Force adepts usually displayed incredible speeder skill and K'isha was no exception. The Promenade flew by in a blur as she dodged gamblers and whipped around vendors' stalls. Andronikos knew the rush of wind through her short hair gave her as much pleasure as piloting the ship gave him and it was obvious she was having fun.
He had to admit he was having fun too, what he'd thought would be a simple favor for an old friend was turning into something more exciting. And he always enjoyed an excuse to wrap his arms around his Sith. Too often even small touches between them could ignite into uncontrolled blazes of passion so they avoided touching in public. They were still keeping the full extent of their relationship under wraps. Sith politics could be bloody business; apprentices were expected to kill their masters, alliances were formed only to be ripped apart. K'isha hadn't wanted to risk him being turned into a pawn in some other Darth's power play so their marriage was still a secret.
It may have been the safe move, but there were times they both wished it didn't have to be hidden and after having free reign to be physical on the ship, not being able to touch in public was achingly painful. This speeder ride was an unexpected blessing. As a harrowing jump through the enormous holo of some Hutt made him clutch her even tighter, a devilish thought popped into Andonikos's head.
"Can you drive while distracted Beautiful?" he breathed in her ear. The silky expanse of skin at the base of her neck was proving too tempting to ignore and he finally gave in to taking a quick nibble. He barely heard her soft gasp over the wind in his ears.
Probably wasn't wise to distract the driver, he thought, but he couldn't resist moving his kiss down to where her neck and shoulder met. Keeping one arm wrapped around her, he stroked his other hand down her leg where it was trapped between his and the speeder. His chest pressed against her back, he could feel every time her breath hitched in reaction and when her pulse jumped where his lips lingered. Keeping his touches light he knew how to test the limits of her concentration without becoming a dangerous distraction.
He could tell K'isha was fighting her usual instinct to lean back against his warm body wrapped around her. She'd confessed to him once that her control always felt a little frayed when he was close by, right now she was probably regretting letting him in on that weakness. But even he'd admit what he was doing would warrant serious payback. Unable to take her hands off of the controls left her at his mercy and he knew it, enjoying grazing his hand along her leg while he did diabolical things with his mouth from her ear to her shoulder.
Suddenly she veered to the rougher edge of the pavement. Her ass was cradled between his thighs and she rubbed against him every time the speeder jolted, causing his body to react as well. He chuckled as he realized the move was orchestrated as a minor revenge. The rapid hardening at the front of his pants confirmed she was getting the desired effect. That figured, he thought, she wasn't going to let him get away with teasing her without tempting him back. He pulled himself tighter so that she could have the satisfaction of knowing what she was doing to him. It was too bad K'isha had started the race with that hunter, he thought, he wouldn't have minded pulling into a secluded spot to relieve some of this tension. For now he'd have to settle for administering a little torment.
The sudden drop in noise jolted Andronikos from his sensual teasing. With the transport terminal was fast approaching he wasn't surprised when K'isha opted for cutting the engine. She knew that merely throwing on the brakes wouldn't slow them in time. Bracing for impact he gripped his arms around her, ready to bail if necessary; this move didn't always work out the way she wanted and his armored coat would offer some protection to them both.
At the last minute K'isha threw the brake flaps, steering hard to port. The speeder spun for one moment before coming to a surprisingly gentle stop and he had just enough time to reassure himself that they were in one piece before K'isha twisted around in his arms. Suddenly facing him, she grabbed the front of his coat and pulled herself into his lap to straddle him, bruising his mouth with a hard kiss. His arms constricted around her as he returned it, for the moment neither of them caring who saw. Suddenly she broke it off, leaving them both breathless. Still facing him she eased off his lap, smiling and he smiled back thinking he'd seen less toothy grins on Trandoshians.
"You need to work on your diversionary tactics Pirate," she teased as she leaned back against the controls, "We're still alive. Maybe you need more practice." Damn, his wife was magnificent, he thought, windblown and glowing with excitement. It was taking some major self-control to not sweep her back into his arms and kiss her into a daze. Instead he beamed at her, resting his hands lightly on her legs.
"Didn't feel like dying yet," he retorted with a suggestive smile, "We have unfinished business." K'isha's eyes brimmed with laughter at the double entendre.
"You are right, it would be a shame if Casey didn't get these scans?" She rose slightly and glanced over the transport pad, "So what is keeping that hunter?" Andronikos shook his head as he laughed softly.
"Not everyone flies like mad chrysfang are chasing them, Beautiful," he chided, "Why did you decide to help them?" K'isha's shrug was expansive.
"I am Sith, my motives are my own," her tone was chilly but her eyes were brimming again and Andronikos shot her a skeptical glance.
"Eh, save that high and mighty act for the Council. I'm not buying it, I know you better," he called her bluff, "You respect that they stood up to you. Mandalorians are known for their bravado, but calling you out and facing you like that was downright fearless. You know, with you being a big bad Sith and everything."
He knew he was the only person that could get away with teasing her and did so at every opportunity. Obviously fighting the urge to smile K'isha gave him a hard look before sighing. "Let's just get this done," she said dismissively, "I miss the Vengeance."
Andronikos grew serious for a moment, understanding the undertones of her simple comment. For all of the quarters she'd been given as part of the Dark Council the ship had always seemed more like home. It represented freedom, both literal and figuratively for her and himself. He didn't blame her for being anxious to return. "We'll be back soon enough," he said soothingly, giving her legs a gentle squeeze.
He reflected again on why they were doing this. The history between himself and Casey was just that, history. Still, he hadn't been sure how K'isha would react when he told her that he wanted to help his old friend. Should have known she'd understand, he thought, she'd always let him go off to take care of his business with no questions asked, trusting him to return. But when she'd asked to come with him this time he was happy to say yes. Lately it wasn't often he got her all to himself and bloodshed was always more fun with her.
"I'm glad you came," he stated, "Not every girl would let her man do a favor like this for an old flame." K'isha leaned in with another wicked smile.
"Couldn't let you have all the fun," she murmured tracing her fingers on his legs to mirror his light strokes. The touches might have looked innocent to anyone watching but Andronikos felt the minute sparks bursting from her fingers. His body reacted heavily to the gentle buzz as he remembered when she usually gave off this particular type of energy.
"Better cut it out Beautiful," he groaned, "Company is on the way. Bad enough it's your fault I still can't get off of this speeder." K'isha let the sparks subside but left her hands on his legs. There was a loud rev of a speeder and they both turned to see Sinn approaching with Torian.
"Looks like company is here Beloved," she smirked at him, "We'll have to leave discussions about getting off for later." She gave him an evil wink and he knew she was anticipating what he'd be doing to one up her.