Disclaimer: Bioware owns all.

Chapter 30

Vale's snores drifted through the room, an oddly comforting accompaniment to rhythm of my forms. He had long since abandoned his obvious attempts to bait me, although I questioned how long my respite would last. As it was, I took advantage of the relative silence, enjoying the building pain and fatigue as sweat dripped down my brow. I had gone too long without practicing and recognized my body's complaints.

Centering myself, I completed the last of my forms, my feet shuffling awkwardly into the final position. A deep breath filled my lungs, the taste of fresh air foreign and sweet upon my tongue. Grabbing a towel I moved to the window, once more taking in the glorious vista. Illium had obliterated my preconceived notions of beauty and I was pleasantly surprised. However, I knew better than to trust the view and finally understood a saying I had heard long ago: Illium was Omega in expensive shoes.

Danger oft arrived in beautiful packages, attraction perfect bait for the unwary. I glanced over at Vale's sleeping form, and even with the knowledge that he was familiar with Illium, I knew I could take no chances. I had no doubt he would sell me out if the price was right, and I tired of being on the short end of the take. If there was profit to be had, or knowledge to be gained, then I would take it.

Tossing the towel aside I moved into the washroom and stripped the sweaty clothes from my body, carefully setting my knife on the countertop. The gilded blade glistened in the light, beautiful and wickedly sharp, ivory handle smooth from years of use. I ran a finger over it almost lovingly, many memories tied to it, because of it, and I pushed aside the thoughts of the past.

Water exploded above me, cleansing me of sweat and grime, rinsing away the shreds of memory that threatened to surface. I indulged for a time, my thoughts driven away to be replaced by blessed emptiness. Steam surrounded me, blanketing the marble room in a hot haze. When I could bear no more, I stepped from the shower, relishing the soft fluffiness of the expensive towels. The idea to thank Vale for the amenities briefly flashed through my mind before I discarded the thought quick as it had come. If anyone was to thank, it was his mysterious contact. However, I had yet to learn the price of such favors.

I wrapped the towel about my body, the heat of the shower slowly dissipating, and grabbed my knife before exiting the room. I stopped mid-step, surprise writ plainly upon my face as I entered our shared living quarters. Before me stood Vale, naked as the day he was born, his expression mirroring my own. Without thought, my eyes wandered down the line of his torso, the slight curve of his hips, curiously noting the scar upon his smooth, toned chest. I caught myself, but not before a knowing smile passed over Vale's face. I shrugged indifferently, wary of the towel wrapped around my own naked body, and breezed by him with casual ease to our shared baggage. He was not the only one in need of clean clothes.

An echo of memory surfaced. My wrists suddenly felt exposed and I yearned for the feel of tight leather, of cool metal against bare skin. The muscles of my back tightened and long buried shame burst force with renewed vigor. My poise faltered amidst craving for the lash and I plopped unceremoniously on the bed, struggling to control the torrent of emotion that now overwhelmed me. Vale shot me a curious glance as he paused in his motions, unbuttoned trousers hanging off his hips. I stared at the floor, anger darkening my face as if the ornate tiles had offended me.

I turned toward Vale, my anger rising as I recognized the thinly veiled concern upon his face. Arch had expressed concern, had tended the very wounds his desires inflicted. I was no stranger to the appetites of men, to the atrocities committed in the name of greed and want and lust. It was a constant in a sea of ever changing variability. Their masks may differ, but always their passions were present, as sick and twisted as was I.

We remained apart, the silence stretching between us. I stared once more at the floor, willing my shame to disperse while Vale stood helpless and impotent beside me. I knew he was as uncomfortable with the situation as I, but I was too focused on regaining control and spared little thought for him. He left soon enough, disappearing into the washroom and leaving me to wallow in my torment. I found the thought of a witness to my weakness appalling, and I hated that I appreciated his well-timed absence. Such emotional complications had no place in my world anymore.

"She's made contact." Vale stated bluntly as he stepped from the washroom only minutes later. He stood awkwardly, toweling his hair dry, bare-chested and damp from the shower.

I had not the courage to meet his eyes and instead nodded numbly, anger still simmering beneath the surface. "When do we leave?"

I could feel his eyes on me, searching, questioning, but still I stared at the floor. "Within the hour. We're to meet her at her club."

I snorted with contempt; a meeting with a mysterious contact in a club on an infamous planet? It sounded far too familiar for my tastes, but my choices were few. I would play along for now.

O o O o O o O

We stepped out of the cab and into a maelstrom of flashing lights and color. Bass pounded in my ears, rippling from the gaudy monstrosity before me. Heavily decorated doors were propped open to admit the many party-goers, the sounds of drunken revelry echoing from within. I shot Vale a glare, making my distaste known. Already I hated this club.

"Don't say anything." He muttered, intently scanning the crowd. "I'll do the talking."

I cocked an eyebrow, but said nothing, mimicking him and scanning the crowd before us. I was underdressed compared to the majority of the patrons, clothed in a simple black outfit and knee-high boots. I had decided upon practicality and comfort, although I would've likely hidden better in the crowd had I dressed as a whore.

Shrugging mentally I followed Vale toward the door where two armed guards manned the entrance. Vale murmured into a guard's ear and then clasped his hand. He was talented, but not as smooth as he liked to believe. I smiled as I watched the guard palm Vale's credit chit, wondering why I had even bothered to tag along this eve. The Cerberus lackey obviously had skill enough to succeed on Illium without me.

Sound enveloped me as we entered, lights flashing erratically from the soaring ceilings. A riot of color drifted on the air as scantily clad dancers graced illuminated platforms, their lit stages scattered throughout the open area of the club. I frowned at the shadows writhing throughout the many corners of the bar, the poor lighting on the balconies above me, the many weaknesses someone with my training could easily exploit.

I narrowed my eyes and studied the layout of the dance floor. The large open area was dominated by an enormous stage, a brightly lit bar lining each side, and a massive waterfall against the back. Behind a luminous encasement a number of scantily clad women swayed, their silhouetted curves throwing myriad shadows over the crowd. I pushed aside the enticement that threatened to overwhelm me, fighting sensory overload as I weaved through the club's patrons. I cringed inwardly, willing to remain inconspicuous amongst the throng of lust and sweat, but as we approached the opulent nest of our host, I knew it was impossible.

It was her voice that I heard, a trickle of laughter thick as smoke upon the air. A delicate crystal goblet threw bright rays of color throughout, the light landing on us as Vale and I climbed the stairs. I watched as her eyes narrowed slightly in appraisal and I suddenly felt as if I was a meal in the making. She smiled richly, gesturing for us to sit while simultaneously excusing her entourage. I sat uncomfortably, my hackles raised in suspicion at this woman who oozed sex and charm. Dark eyes burrowed into mine and I met her gaze with scarcely hidden contempt.

Vale did not miss our nonverbal exchange and shot me sharp look of warning. I blinked in recognition, but gave no other indication of my acknowledgement. I had already decided I despised this woman. She shifted; crossing her legs seductively and I could not help but notice Vale's familiarity toward her. They spoke in comfortable tones and easy smiles, greeting each other as old lovers would.

Vale introduced her as Treia and I watched with contempt as his eyes raked over her form. She was not at all oblivious to his attention and, in fact, seemed to welcome it. Her attire did little to hide her assets, the gauzy gown only adding to the creamy blue of her skin, the silken sheen of the fabric practically glowing in the flashing lights. She laughed again, her voice like velvet, and I could not help but question her intentions toward us.

I studied her, observed Treia as she worked Vale with little effort. I rarely had cause to wonder about the rumors of asari promiscuity as it affected me not at all, but upon meeting this ethereal creature, I began to suspect some truth in the matter. She was no stranger to the delights of the flesh and disgust crawled across my skin as I watched the two of them fawn over each other. Public displays of affection and lust irritated me to no end and I found this spectacle particularly disturbing.

I remained quiet as Vale had requested, busying myself with visual scanning. Shadows flickered to and fro, and I flexed my fingers in anticipation, feeling suddenly naked without my pistols. Again Treia's laughter filled the air and despite my better judgment, I was drawn to the caress of her voice.

"Do you see something you like, dear?" Treia's rich voice floated above the din, deep eyes fixed firmly upon me. A predatory smile spread across her face, her glass clinking lightly as she set it to the side. Vale shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his plans for me to remain silent suddenly gone awry.

I met her eyes, searching their depths for hidden meaning. I had no doubt she understood the sexual potency she exuded, wielding it like an invisible leash, a weapon when necessary. Although I noticed similarities between the two asari, I doubted Treia was as powerful or as skilled as Aria. However, I was in her club on her world. It would be unwise to underestimate her. Instead, I reined in my building animosity and attempted to play along with Vale's game.

"There are many things I like," I answered vaguely, adding a hint of desire to my tone.

"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow in interest and I watched Vale's gaze drift to study the shape of her lips as she spoke.

I ignored my irritation at his obvious attraction, wishing that he would exercise at least a little bit of restraint, and refocused my energies on the game at hand. "Indeed." I smiled for her then, my predatory grin matching her own.

She laughed again, her amusement a heady mix of enticement, but instead of relaxing response I assume it was meant to evoke, I stiffened warily. Her merriment carried an edge of expectation and I could only guess as to what she had in store for us. My sudden disquiet did not go unnoticed.

"Whatever is wrong, my dear? Does my company not suit you?"

I glanced at Vale, his eyes narrowing in warning, and words poured from my lips with little thought. "I am not always fond of sharing."

It was a gamble, an unexpected gamble from the surprised expression on his face, and I saw the tension in Vale's pose ease as Treia erupted into laughter once more. She leaned back on her overstuffed lounge and sipped lightly on her crystal goblet.

"He is a prize, is he not?" Her dark eyes glittered in the flickering lights as she searched mine. "Our dear Vale has many skills, although I'm sure you've a few tricks as well." A low, almost animal rumble escaped her and for a moment I wondered if I had heard correctly. However, judging by the look she shot Vale, I need not question my ears.

Vale cocked his head, a wry smile gracing his features. "Jin is full of surprises, but I'm sure even she could learn a thing or two from you."

Again I pushed away my irritation, noting with disdain his obvious flirtation as he traced restless circles on her thigh. They shared a knowing glance and then turned their attention toward me. I had no need to hide my ire as I met Vale's gaze. I should have expected such overly hormonal behavior from the lout I took him to be. As before, I scanned the crowd, inwardly berating the shadows that obscured my vision.

"Vale, I do believe your friend is slightly jealous." A delicious smile spread across her face as she teased me, eyes darkening ever so slightly.

I stood suddenly, unwilling to be the butt of her jokes. "We should leave."

Vale grabbed my arm, pulling me to him almost viciously. "What the hell are you doing?" he hissed. "Don't fuck this up, Jin."

I shook off his arm and stalked down the stairs, the need to escape overwhelming me. Vale followed hot on my heels, wrenching me around to face him. "Are you insane? Pissing on Treia's hospitality won't earn you any favors."

I narrowed my eyes as I met the green of his glare, voice dripping with venom. "I'm sorry. I thought you were too busy pawing over your contact to give thought to business."

A flicker of confusion crossed his face. "This is business." He frowned, expression mirroring my own. "What's your problem?"

"Nothing." I shook my head, willing my thoughts to clear of the creeping dread that dogged me. "I'm going back to the room."

Vale held my gaze for a moment longer. "I'm staying."

I watched as his face tightened, the light in his eyes darken with decision. He did not look happy with his choice, but I felt the sting of his simple words nevertheless. "Very well."