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Mergers and Acquistions by Susan Zahn art by Kristin Brown and Kate PART 5 PART 6 PART 7 PART 8 PART 9 PART 10 Han stood just inside the entrance to their hotel suite, debating what to do next. His impromptu chat with Saltanos had been a real eye-opener. He could hear Chewie now... There was nothing worse than an irate Wookiee. The door slid open behind him and a preoccupied Leia almost plowed into his back. She looked up in time and neatly sidestepped. "Hey, you're back early. How'd it go?" Seeming to recover her wits, she didn't bother masking her pleasure as she floated past him. "Better than I expected." "Better than youexpected?" He let out a low whistle, but he found her smile infectious. "That's saying a lot. That's great." She stopped in the center of the suite and pirouetted to face him. "No, it's not 'great.' It's fantastic! It's monumental!"Arms stretched out to her sides and eyes wide, she totally abandoned propriety and collapsed into the nearest chair. She beamed up at him. "It's going to shake the Empire right down to the core. And it's just the beginning." With a dramatic sigh, she closed her eyes and let her head fall back to rest on the chair. "I did it." She looked as if a planet, or more accurately a planet's soul, had been lifted from her shoulders. Staring down at the sprawled and ecstatic princess, Han's train of thought almost derailed. "That calls for a celebration." Although her exhausted posture didn't change, she did open her eyes, then lifted her head to meet his gaze as he moved closer. There was potential refusal in her look, and he knew his timing had to be perfect. Before he could choose a tactic, however, she raised a hand and pressed her palm against her forehead. "I must be feverish. I'm beginning to agree with you." He snorted. "Temporary insanity never hurt anyone." She propped her elbow on the armrest of the chair and a temple on her fist. "What did you have in mind?" "Dress up. Shop a little if you want. Find a good restaurant. Maybe check out the night life--there's lots here I haven't seen yet." Leia nodded. "That sounds tempting." They eyed one another for a long moment, then Han nudged her foot with his booted toe. "Come on, then. Let's go." As an afterthought, he offered a helping hand. She seemed cautious for a moment, then reached up to grasp it. He pulled her to her feet. She rocked back on her heels before regaining her balance, then straightened her clothing, some of that ingrained composure seeming to seep back after her brief lapse in behavior. "All right, give me some time to freshen up and change." "Sure. Meet you back out here." Leia make a final touch-up to her lipstick, then set the makeup down and studied her reflection in the mirror. You're playing with fire,she reflected as she pouted her lips. What she was about to do would, for better or worse, alter whatever relationship she had with Han Solo. I sure hope you know what you're doing. For a brief moment she wished Kristin were along so she could ask for advice, but then the memory of the nightie incident arose in her mind and she decided she'd be better off muddling through alone after all. She moved over to her suitcase and dug out the strappy black shoes that matched her dress, then switched from one foot to the other as she put them on. It'd been so long since she'd worn high heels that she needed a moment to find her balance before walking back to the mirror to take one last look. She'd kept Kristin's necklace on, and it sparkled along with the dress. She studied her hair with an expert eye. It wasn't her usual braids, but a looser and more elegant arrangement that relied on a series of strategic pins to hold it in place atop her head. Out of habit she began to tuck a stray tendril back, then hesitated. Considering her reflection, she instead pulled out a few strands from the other side and allowed them to drift down as well, softening her features even more. Not very practical or functional,she mused as she twisted to view her profile in the mirror, but it's perfect with this dress. Good gods, she didn't recognized herself! Drawing a deep breath, Leia squared her bare shoulders and turned to face the door. She felt as ready as she'd ever be. When the door hissed open and she stepped out, she found the common sitting room empty, but the door to Han's sleeping quarters open. As she moved into the center of the room, she became very conscious of air currents on newly exposed skin. She wasn't used to such a revealing garment and realized it had an effect on how she carried herself. She'd never been so aware of her own sexuality and how she projected it. For lack of something better to do, her hands began assuming the natural pose of a politician in speech mode. She arrested the habit, then tried a hand on her hip. She shifting her balance, then switched hands, but that didn't feel right either. Too stern? "You look incredible." Leia spun around to find Han standing in the doorway to his room. Embarrassed to be caught mid-rehearsal, she wondered how long he'd been standing there watching her. "Thank you," she responded in reflex, already fascinated by his own appearance. Dressed all in black, he looked like some sleek predator. His trousers were loosely tailored and creased, and broke just over the tops of low-cut, rather new-looking dress shoes. She didn't think she'd ever seen him in anything but boots or all-weather gear. His shirt was tight, with a high, single-band neckline, and sleeves that stopped mid-forearm; it hugged and accented some unexpected muscle definition that she found mesmerizing. She'd already seen many younger men, her own age, dressed in similar fashions in the short time she'd been on Ord Mantell, but never had she imagined she'd see Han decked out this way. Even his hair was neat and he'd shaved. She suspected the real Han Solo'd been kidnapped and replaced by an imposter. A handsomeimposter, to be sure... He began stalking toward her, his look hungry, and she suddenly knew what it was like to be prey. "Nervous?" Leia cursed her restless hands, her flushed cheeks, and Han. "No. Why would I be nervous?" He shrugged. "No reason." He seemed in no hurry as his eyes roved without abashment. "Maybe we should wait for the inner levels and shopping until tomorrow. Those shoes weren't made for exploring." Having expected something else, Leia took a moment before nodding in agreement. They had plenty of time, after all. And was that cologne she detected? "Ready to go?" He held out his closest elbow in invitation. "I'm ready." Leia accepted his escorting arm and was surprised by the texture of his shirt and the hard muscle underneath. Except for the silky feeling, he might as well have gone shirtless. As her fingers naturally curled around his biceps, she could pick up the slightest flex in his arm, the heat from his body. He felt wonderful. Arm in arm, they strolled toward the door. Having no particular destination in mind, Leia agreed to Han's suggested method of watching for something interesting through the window of the shuttle, and then hopping off at the closest stop and walking back. She admitted it was a good system, not to mention it provided an interesting insight into Han's tastes; they were more refined than she'd given him credit for. At first she'd also doubted his willingness to see things that caught her eye, but so far he'd been enthusiastic and patient. It was a strange feeling to have him so attentive, but it didn't take her long to find out she liked it. "What do you feel like doing next?" Her thoughts interrupted, Leia noticed they were approaching yet another park. They were on the outermost level and many architects had taken advantage of this to construct clear domes, creating a permanent starry night. The pathways, plazas, and "outdoor" restaurants were always lit by hovering floodlights, glow panels, and old fashioned street lamps. It was night life in the most literal sense. This was a romantically lit plaza full of tables, seated customers, and bustling waiting staff that wove around them. The spot was surrounded by a thick buffer of large trees that created a dark and more primeval atmosphere. "Let's eat. I'm starving," she announced. Han chuckled and she glared at him as he slid out of the seat next to her. "What's so funny?" she asked in a wary tone. "Don't they feed you back home?" "Just consider yourself lucky that you have regular access to fresh food." She followed him toward the door as the shuttled eased to a halt. "You know, you're welcome to visit the Falconmore often and check out what we've got stocked in the galley. It's as fresh as we can keep it." Leia noted the invitation for future reference. "That would be nice." He grasped her elbow and guided her off the tram, then they set off across the busy pedestrian thoroughfare and toward the plaza proper. They were met at the edge by a waiter who led them toward a small round table on the edge of the clearing, in a distant corner. They were far enough away from their fellow patrons to be unable to make out conversations. They sat across from one another and were handed menus. Han didn't seem to take long making a choice, but she couldn't decide--everything looked good! "I was beginning to think you'd never wear it." His choice of topic for conversation made her look up from her menu. "It's hardly appropriate for wearing around base." "You aren't always on duty." She sighed. What did he expect? "You're right, I'll wear this the next time we throw a formal ball." His mouth quirked up into something resembling a scowl before it smoothed again. "Anyway, you look incredible." Leia fiddled with her menu and debated telling him that he was repeating himself. She opted for a slight nod of acknowledgment before delving back into the list of expensive meals. She managed to narrow her choices down to three by the time their waiter returned, then picked one. Han gave his order and requested two glasses of wine as well. Alone once again and with nothing between them to occupy herself, she couldn't avoid his smile as he asked, "Feels good to get away, doesn't it?" It was such an odd sensation to be having idle chitchat with Han Solo. Somehow it made her even more uncomfortable than when his comments were loaded with hidden meanings. "I suppose it is. So, what did you do while I was gone?" "Checked out some old haunts." He seemed distracted. Now who's being evasive?Leia noticed that his eyes had dropped and she glanced down at herself, only to find that she'd been leaning forward and her bodice was gaping. She straightened her posture and cleared her throat. She was notused to showing so much cleavage. She looked back up in time to see him hide a smile behind the hand he rubbed over his chin. Bastard. "That was it?" she asked, trying to get back on track. "Pretty much. Just walked for a while." She gave a little nod. Having run out of topics to discuss, her attention wandered to his hands; she'd become familiar with their strength in the time she'd known him, but she'd never really appreciated their sensuality. She tried not to think about it and looked more closely at their surroundings. Only then did she notice the muffled sound of music coming from the trees behind her. She turned in hopes of seeing the source of the sound, but the trees were too thick and the music sounded distant. "Do you hear that?" Han's eyes lifted to look over her shoulder at the shadowed forest. "Yeah. Sounds like a live concert somewhere." His gaze dropped back to her and he seemed to get an idea. "We could try to find it after we're finished here." Intrigued by the suggestion, she nodded. "I'd like that." Han grinned at her and she found herself returning it this time, maintaining eye contact. He really did have nice eyes. Sort of a hazel and gold combination that darkened with his moods. Their silence stretched on, even as the murmur of other conversations, clinking plates and glasses, and the haunting music went on around them. She could feel her smile growing as she looked at him. "What?" he prompted, his own smile growing in response, even as his brow furrowed in question. Leia shook her head, not sure where her thoughts had wandered. She waved a dismissing hand. "Nothing. Just thinking." "Tell me." They were interrupted as the waiter reappeared at their table. She noticed that Han was still expecting an explanation, but she waited until their wine was poured and they were alone again. "You look handsome tonight." His eyebrows shot up in surprise, and she probably deserved the shocked response. She almost never complimented him, particularly on a personal level. She supposed it was due to stubbornness and maybe a little fear of allowing such a chink in her armor. She didn't see any harm in being honest now, however. He deserved that much, considering how amiable he'd been so far on their mission. His expression eased back into the smile she found so fascinating. "Thanks. I don't get a chance to dress up much, either. Not many special occasions when you're smuggling." They were sipping their wine when the waiter returned with their entrees. This time she managed to contain her reaction as she tasted the delicious food. Their conversation lulled as they ate. Leia took her time, allowing the casual mood and beauty of the night to soak in. "I, ah... I also did a lot of thinking today." Curious, Leia looked up from the remnants of her meal. "Careful, that's a dangerous habit," she mimicked his comment from earlier in the day. Han grunted and rolled his eyes, but didn't take the bait as she'd expected. Not having anticipated this new topic, she waited for him to elaborate. "I think, maybe--if it's okay with High Command and you--I'll stay on indefinitely." She felt her eyes grow wide. After all the seemingly endless battles between them, all the unanswered questions, all the nights of wondering if he'd leave the next day and never come back, she now found herself at a loss. He chuckled, apparently amused by her shocked response. "Well, it's not as if it'll make much difference. I've been working steady for you guys for nearly two years--I guess I'm just saying that you can count on me to keep working for as long as you need me." She opened her mouth, intending to say something, but found nothing that seemed appropriate. She'd given up hope of ever hearing those words, and the shock was too much. He abandoned his fork and reached across the table to grasp her hand. "Hey, I don't need to get a medic, do I?" She realized she looked apoplectic and struggled to regain her wits. "I... What...?" She was stammering again and stopped. She tilted her head and started over. "Why the change of heart?" He shrugged, but didn't release her hand. "I wouldn't call it a change of heart. I still don't want a rank. I'm just a smuggler and I'm not interested in being a card-carrying member. But there's no point in denying any more that I'm working for you and willing to continue." Leia found she'd unconsciously leaned forward again. She settled back in her seat as his words sank in, and only then noticed her hand in his. She felt overwhelmed by his admission and his intimate gesture. Yes, he was still qualifying his commitment to the rebellion, but this was groundbreaking news. And he was right--that much of his doings with the Alliance had become fairly obvious. She couldn't help sighing, anyway. "All right. I guess I can't ask for more." She winced, hating how ungrateful she'd sounded, then offered a genuine smile as she squeezed his hand back. "I'm glad you're staying." "Yeah, me too." PART 6 PART 7 PART 8 PART 9 PART 10 |