Mergers and Acquistions
by Susan Zahn
art by Kristin Brown and Kate
PART 6
PART 5 PART 7 PART 8 PART 9 PART 10
Leia knew Han could see her smile as they stepped off the plaza flagstone and onto the grass. It was exciting, in an innocent way, to be finding their own path through the copse of trees that divided the indoor park. Without hesitation she accepted Han's proffered hand as they moved out of the pool of light, which spilled from the restaurant area, and into the artificial moonlight that illuminated the park with silvery highlights. She allowed him to lead her through the scattered bushes and trees, heading toward the source of the haunting music. His hand was so large that hers felt buried in his grip.
"Have you been here before?" she broke their silence. She was beginning to feel lost again, unsure of what was happening between them. She was enjoying this too much and every internal alarm she'd ever cultivated jangled for attention.
"Here? No." Han pulled her just a bit closer as they walked. "This is a first for me, too."
His tone made her glance up at him, surprised by his answer. He usually maintained an air of jaded bravado, and yet he'd just admitted a level of innocence that was revealing and humbling. She was reassured and intrigued all at once. They were exploring uncharted territory together in more ways than one. She could almost believe this to be another time and place, a royal garden on the sort of evening she'd longed for years ago. She could imagine her hand in that of a handsome suitor, his intent on romance unspoken because it was understood. And she wasn't upset over this idea. In fact, he really was close to what she'd pictured her favorite suitor to be, if only he weren't so egotistical, so argumentative, so...Han.
The music grew louder and more distinct as they passed through the trees, then suddenly doubled in volume as they stepped out into another clearing, filled with a milling crowd of people. A raised platform, lit by colored floodlights and brightened by streamers and banners, dominated the center of the clearing. The entire crowd resembled a burst of celebratory color, even in the subdued evening light. Without the trees to muffle the sound of the concert in progress, they could hear the complexity of the stirring music.
"Real instruments!" Leia marveled aloud. Even from their distance, she could see the six-member band and the lead singer. The rich, heady music from the stringed and wind instruments had a resonance that no amount of modern technology could ever emulate. The humanoid female singer seemed the star of the group; although in an alien language, her voice was lush and deep and told of exotic worlds far away. The good music, combined with the enthusiastic response from their audience and the excitement of the night, created a heady mixture that beckoned Leia to join in.
"Want to get closer?" Han asked, seeming to read her mind.
She glanced up and noticed his pleased expression. He's enjoying this as much as I am.Even as she contemplated that thought, the band shifted into another song, this one more upbeat in tempo. The crowd began to clap along. It was thrilling and infectious. She nodded to the beat and he laughed, the sound nearly lost to the noise around them.
The crowd began to press in on them as they moved forward, so he let go of her hand and fell behind her. She felt his hands settled on her shoulders and he began steering her through the groups of dancers and revelers. Leia eventually felt him tug a little, bringing them to a stop. They were much closer to the stage now and had an excellent view of the band. He tapped one of her shoulders to gain her attention, then pointed toward the lead singer. "She's from Quedoche."
Leia nodded again in acknowledgment, then twisted around to ask, "Can you understand her?"
Han frowned and bent closer, evidently unable to hear her. She stretched up to meet him halfway and repeated her question. He pulled away a little and shook his head, then ducked back down and nearly pressed his lips to her ear--his breath tickled and sent a shiver through her that she wasn't prepared to hide. "No, but I like it." He drew away again, his face lit up with satisfaction as he squeezed her shoulders to emphasize his admission.
Leia had to laugh in agreement, then turned back to watch the performers, no longer able to keep from nodding along with the compelling beat. She could tell that he was just as caught up now because he began to tap his thumbs at the base of her neck, keeping time with the music.
This really was a new experience for her. She'd attended many recitals while growing up, but they'd been, without exception, stately affairs with classical themes and snobbish rules of nonparticipation--beautiful but distant exhibitions of culture. Just looking around her now, however, Leia could see--could feel!--the vigorous life that thrived on the stirring harmonies coming from the stage. It encouraged interaction and incited movement.
She also realized that the majority of her fellow listeners were humanoid and not much older than herself. For perhaps the first time in her life, she was surrounded by her peers. They weren't stodgy bureaucrats or battle-weary warriors, but young adults celebrating life for what it was. It was uplifting and liberating to learn that she wasn't alone and that there was a reason to rejoice despite the suffering in the universe. Her heart lifted at the unanticipated discovery.
The music changed once again, this time a slower, more subtle rhythm. Without any conscious effort, she felt herself sway to the new beat; she glanced around and noticed that the crowd was separating into dancing couples. She could see as well as feel the shift in mood around them as the song dropped into a more measured and hypnotic pace that was compelling and soothing all at once. The tune took on an almost eerie quality, becoming a siren's song that shimmered and drifted above and around them. She closed her eyes and focused on the enchanting sound.
Hey eyes flew open a few seconds later, however, when she felt the hands on her shoulders begin to gently knead the muscles there. She wondered if she should pull away or say something in protest. She didn't want Han getting the wrong idea, whatever that might be. But she didn't want him to stop, either. After another moment, she closed her eyes again, rationalizing that it'd be ungracious to reject him now; her window of opportunity for complaint had closed. She sighed and allowed her head to tip forward as his strong thumbs eased up to the base of her skull, working the ever-tense muscles and tendons. Maybe it was the wine, or the music, or just the magic that seemed to infuse the night, but she found herself loving the feel of his fingers on her bare skin.
It took her a while longer to realize that she was actually moving along with the music. In fact, it wasn't until she felt his hands slide down her arms and then to her sides that she became aware of their movement together. His hands didn't quite come to rest at her waist, but rather seemed to float around her, just close enough to bump against her in a continuous and tantalizing way. Keenly aware of his closer proximity, she flushed, then gasped when she felt him push up against her, his hands now riding gently on the rolling motion of her hips. She had no doubt he was aware of her own reaction--how could he notbe? She felt herself tremble at the contact. She opened her eyes and stared at the performers on stage, but paid no attention to them, her senses focused on the erotic sensations that surged through her as he held her even closer. She was made acutely conscious of just how much this dance was affecting him as well; there was no mistaking the hardness pressing into the small of her back. Exhilarated, she couldn't resist meeting his movement and felt his chest close the distance between them and touch her shoulders. Undeniably aroused now, Leia shivered again but made no attempt to pull away. This was too desired, too divine. There'd been too many nights filled with just such dreams.
She felt Han's hands brush across her midriff until his arms encircled her, holding her in a loose but secure embrace as they swayed together. No longer questioning what was happening, Leia closed her eyes again and overlapped his arms with her own, her hands cupping his elbows, doubling the hug. Without prompting, she allowed her head to fall back until it rested against his shoulder as they continued to move with the sensuous music. His cheek settled against her hair, and for a brief eternity she gave in to the sheer pleasure of being held and desired. If only for a moment, she believed she belonged in Han's arms--that she was a part of the pulsating life around her and nothing else mattered.
Almost beyond her conscious awareness, the music began to pick up tempo, giving way to a more lively beat. Drawing an invigorating breath and feeling as if she were emerging from a trance, Leia opened her eyes. The crowd around them was morphing once again, the couples separating and forming into larger groups that continued to dance and undulate. The lead singer began to speak in Standard, thanking them all for coming and wishing them a wonderful evening as the band continued playing in the background.
Leia was disappointed at having caught the tail end of the concert--and that they'd have to stop dancing. She felt Han's arms shift around her again and knew she should step away to break the spell they'd both clearly fallen under. She didn't want him to let go, however. They'd have to face one another, to confront what had just happened, and she couldn't think of a single thing to say. She wasn't even sure what hadhappened. She wanted to blame the single glass of wine and the music--anything but the fact that she'd wanted this to happen.
He turned his head against hers and planted a quick kiss on her temple; her face flushed with heat at the contact. He then released her and caught her hand in his own to keep them from separating as the audience began to disperse as the last strains of music filled the night.
He began leading her toward one of the many public transports located along the edge of the park. They didn't speak as they squeezed onto one of the crowded shuttles. Unable to find a seat, they remained standing. Taking advantage of the moment to reclaim her hand from his, Leia gripped a support pole as the shuttle resumed moving.
She couldn't smooth the upheaval of emotions that she'd experienced in the past few hours. Things were happening too fast and events kept replaying in her mind like a damaged holodisk. She was a little unsettled by what had just happened between her and Han--not necessarily by how it made her feel, but by how she'd so easily given over control. How was she supposed to handle this new development? The responsible Leia demanded that she remain aloof and not even address the issue. But the rest of her was already looking forward to all the possibilities she could imagine.
She leaned her forehead against the cool metal of the pole, trying to clear her mind and regain some focus. Damn him for so easily disrupting any sense of composure she could muster!
"Hey, you all right?"
She realized he was studying her, a hint of worry in his expression. Knowing her cheeks probably glowed under the harsh lights from the low ceiling, she nodded and straightened up, regretting her lapse in demeanor. "I'm fine."
"It's getting late. I'll take you back to the hotel if you want."
"Maybe I ama little tired," she mumbled, realizing the excuse could be a convenient way to end the evening.
Han seemed to hesitate as if he wanted to add something, but then just grinned back.
A restless silence prevailed between them for the rest of the trip. They disembarked and crossed the walkway in front of the hotel. As they passed through the lobby, Leia grew aware of the fact that he hadn't retaken her hand and found that she missed the gesture.
Back in the suite moments later, she released a sigh. Although her need to remain on guard was far from gone--the man now sealing the door behind them was a perfect reminder of that--she nonetheless felt herself relax knowing this was a safe haven, a home. You've been on the run too long,she reflected. Maybe the possible dangers of being recognized had gotten to her after all. At least Han was a known hazard.
He moved past her and headed for his sleeping quarters, but then detoured to the array of entertainment equipment he'd familiarized himself with earlier. "You know," he said in a conversational tone as he fiddled with the settings. "Tomorrow we could try out some of the lower levels. That's where most of the really interesting shops are." Clearly he was trying to find some music. Samplings of different styles drifted through the room from hidden speakers until he settled on a soft, unimposing selection. Leia looked at him until he glanced back. She debated whether to just call it a night and close her bedroom door behind her. He's picking mood music, for Sith's sake!Events were happening too fast.
"I hope you're not too tired to share a bottle of wine."
She again considered running for her room, but something made her stay where she was. "The bottle in your suitcase?"
Han looked puzzled, and she realized he'd forgotten about her accidental opening of his own case. He wasn't quick enough at masking his disappointment over the ruined surprise, however. "Yeah, that bottle."
Alderaani wine.She could almost recall the potent yet delicate taste, the heady aroma. How could she refuse? "I'd like that very much."
His enthusiastic expression returned and he held up a finger. "Don't go away, I'll be right back."
She watched him as he disappeared into his room, then decided to collaborate and headed for the kitchenette to retrieve two glasses. Returning to the lounge, she hesitated, then sat on the couch and set the glasses on the low table in front of her. Han emerged from his sleeping quarters a moment later and headed over, the dark bottle in his hand. Without pause he sat down beside her, then held it out so she could see the label.
"Southbridge Vineyards." The melancholy she'd managed to avoid up until this point now swept over her upon reading the name aloud. They'd contributed to the royal wine cellar for generations and although she'd never visited the vineyards now long gone, she'd been very familiar with their product. She reached out to run a finger over the embossed label, then drew her hand away.
"Remember that last mission to Aurelius?"
Leia nodded, remembering it well. Weapons for the small uprising they'd hoped to assist; it'd been too little too late.
"Chewie and I'd just wrapped up and decided to swing through the open market near port. Stocking the galley, you know... I found this at a gourmet stand. It cost all our profits on that run."
"Maybe you'd rather save it, then," she said, although her heart wasn't in it. She was surprised by his sacrifice, though, and wondered if he'd always intended to share it with her.
He began removing the wrapping around the seal. "I can't think of a better time. You just kicked some serious Imperial ass and we're going to celebrate."
Despite herself, she smirked. He really didunderstand what she'd accomplished today, after all. Her spirits lifted. "I did."
"You should be proud," he continued, glancing back at her as he worked with the cap.
Feeling uncharacteristically modest, Leia settled back on the couch and tried to find a comfortable position without revealing too much. It wasn't easy. "I am."
"Ah!" He uncorked the bottle, then leaned forward to pour. He set the bottle down and picked up the glasses. "Here's to..." He paused as he handed her one, then leaned back in the couch, still in thought.
"Never giving up," she supplied.
He seemed to consider her suggestion, then nodded and lifted his glass higher to touch hers. "Never giving up."
Leia took a careful sip, fearing the wine wouldn't hold up to her memories, that somehow it'd soured with time. She closed her eyes and allowed the warm liquid to roll over her tongue, the woody aroma to fill her nostrils. She'd never been so happy to be so wrong in her life.
Quiet settled over them as they listened to the music and enjoyed the wine.
"Worth every credit," Han sighed after a while.
She'd nearly finished her first glass when he spoke up. She could already feel the warmth from the alcohol spreading through her, easing some of the tension that had settled over her again since their dancing excursion. Aware of the slight buzz, she considered stopping, but when he leaned over, picked up the bottle, and offered to refill her goblet, she nodded in approval. Wanting to get more comfortable, she bent to slide her shoes off, then sat back and tucked her legs up beneath her.
"Reminds me of autumn nights on the palace terrace," she offered quietly. She rarely talked about that time, so she wasn't surprised by his double take. It wasn't often that she allowed herself to contemplate those memories, let alone share them.
"The winter palace?" Returning the bottle to the table, Han moved closer as he settled back, draping one long arm along the back of the couch behind her. His posture was open and attentive.
"Umhmm. I'd've stayed there year-round if I'd had a choice." She certainly hadn't expected him to know thatmuch about that other part of her life. Her eyes drifted as she recalled those times: the scents, sights, and sounds of the wilderness preserve that had surrounded the grounds, the cool air and the warm wine of those distant days. She became aware of his silence and realized he was staring at her, immersed in his own thoughts. What she wouldn't give to know the subject...
He lifted his hand from behind her and touched her neck. "Did you borrow the necklace?"
She tried not to visibly react to his fingers on her bare skin--they were no longer in the secret-concealing shadows of the park and he was clearly watching for a response. "Lieutenant Aldritch." Rather than remove his hand, he lingered, tracing along the fine jewelry from the nape of her neck to her collarbone.
"Maybe we'll have to get you one of your own tomorrow. It'd be a real shame not having something to match the dress."
Leia found herself caught between a shrinking desire to argue the suggestion and a growing willingness to agree with just about anything he said. Who knew Han Solo could be charming?
"More wine?"
She glanced down and only then realized her glass was empty again. She wasn't fast enough in answering and he emptied the bottle. Sighing, she leaned a little heavier into the couch, resigned to her fate. She felt pretty good, actually. Maybe Kristin and Han were right--maybe she'd needed this getaway more than any of them had suspected.
"Wonder what Luke's doing right now..." Han gave her a strange look and she admitted she didn't know where that stray thought had come from, either. She wished she could pull it back in.
"Oh, I'm sure he's up to his elbows in an X-wing engine." He was running his fingertip along the trail of the necklace again, drawing a lazy doodle along her skin. "Or probably asleep. It'd be about third shift on base right now."
"I suppose. I lost track of time." He grinned and she realized he'd taken her meaning the wrong way. Yes, she'd been horribly distracted today, but due to many reasons otherthan him.
"Well, that's the point of a vacation--you're supposed to lose track of time."
"But this isn't a vacation," she protested, without any of her typical vigor.
"Why not?" he asked, his gaze penetrating and full of potential. She couldn't think of another comeback so she took another sip of wine.
A thoughtful silence fell over them again, although she was having a little more trouble focusing this time. She should stop now--the combination of an exhausting and exhilarating day, a full meal, and the strong wine was making her feel a little fuzzy around the edges. The fingertip that continued drawing random patterns on her neck wasn't helping matters.
Making up her mind, Leia began formulating an excuse to leave as she leaned over to set her half-empty glass on the table. She felt the thin shoulder strap of her dress slip off her shoulder and fall down her arm as she moved. Before she could straighten up to fix it, Han's fingers grazed the skin on her arm and caught under the silken strap. He slowly drew it back up onto her shoulder, where his warm hand settled in a gentle hold. She turned to look expectantly at him, and found he'd bent closer as well, now only centims away. His eyes met hers, drifted down to study her lips, then back up. A strange sort of lethargy settled over her--whether it was the warming effect of the drink or his intoxicating nearness she couldn't say, but time slowed as he seemed to consider what to do next.
He bent toward her ear and she felt his breath tickle the fine tendrils of hair against her neck. "I want to kiss you."
She moved to meet his gaze again, speechless. No one had ever told her that before. What did one say when a normally irreverent spacer whispered sweet nothings in one's ear?
She didn't have an opportunity to find out. In one smooth action, Han balanced his empty glass on the back of the couch, brought his hands up to frame her cheeks, and planted a quick, firm kiss on her mouth. Surprised, she pressed one hand against his chest, while the other dropped to the sofa between them as she tried to keep from falling on him. Before she could react any more, he broke off and started to pull away, then seemed to change his mind and pressed his lips to hers again, this time in a more languid caress. Leia felt some automatic response within her kick in and take over. Didn't you always wonder what those lips could do? Now you know.Rather than push him away, she closed her eyes, shutting out other distractions as she leaned into the unanticipated union. She felt one of his hands move to the back of her head, entwining in her hair as his sensuous mouth incited a riot of sensations and emotions.
Something went haywire with her breathing; every sort of internal synapse and circuit began firing at once and it was all she could do to keep from fainting from the overload. It wasn't the first time she'd been kissed--it wasn't even the first time she'd kissed Han--but never, ever had it been like this. The heat that had been building between them all evening doubled in intensity, threatening to melt her on the spot.
She no longer knew when one kiss ended and the next began. His hand was working through her hair, locating and removing each pin with a methodical precision that should've frightened her. His other hand had fallen to her opposite arm, holding her as her mouth now met and returned each caress of his lips. His breath felt hot against her cheek, sounding just as labored as her own, and she found it thrilling and reassuring to know he was just as affected as she.
Her hair finally fell in a cool cascade down her back and shoulders, spilling over his hands as he pulled her closer. She felt as though she were floating and heavy all at once, as though a new source of energy had been tapped even as she found it more and more difficult to remain upright. Both of her hands pressed against his chest now, fingers splayed not just for support, but also to touch him, enjoying the tactile sensations this man sent coursing through her. One of her hands slid up to the back of his neck of its own volition, holding him closer. She ran her fingers through his hair--if she'd had a credit for every time she'd wanted to do that! She sighed from the pleasurable texture and scent of him.
Her world begin to tip on end and she realized he'd begun pulling her toward him, even as he eased backwards, lowering them down onto the couch. And then she was wrapped loosely in his arms, one of his legs under her and his other up at her side, as his lips grew insistent, hungry for her. Part of her wanted to question what was happening, even as she eagerly returned his kisses. Oh, gods, I'm making out on a hotel couch with Han Solo as a mattress!The absurd thought waded through her dazed mind but could find no high ground.
His mouth left hers, only to find the side of her neck and the sensitive area beneath her ear. Leia squirmed on top of him, lifting her head to encourage his explorations. Nearly every hair on her body tried to stand on end, and this time she moaned. She could feel his hardness pressing into her again and the knowledge that she could so easily and repeatedly cause this reaction in him aroused her even more. He growled back, his chest rumbling beneath her, and the sound drove her wild. He'd taken advantage of their new position and his hands roved through her hair, across her back, over her bottom. They moved up her sides, thumbs running underneath until they found and brushed over the hardened nipples that her silk dress did a poor job of hiding. The touch was maddening and she gasped again, arching over him. One hand then slid down and onto the bare skin on the back of her leg. His fingers curved over the soft flesh of her inner thigh, radiating a heat that went right to her core. The shock of the contact jolted her body, exciting and sobering her all at once. "Han!"
"Shhhhh." One hand returned to stroking her exposed back, even as the other buried itself in her hair, pulling her back down to him. He began kissing her again, but this time something made her struggle. Things were happening too fast--she couldn't weigh the consequences, she couldn't predict the outcome. He was taking her somewhere she'd never been before and she felt as though she were careening out of control.
"I...I can't think."
"You're not supposed to think," he reassured, his hot breath against the naked flesh of her neck making her shiver.
"No..." She couldn't catch her breath and the room swayed as she pushed herself up onto her elbow, trying to get leverage on the narrow couch. "You're drunk...the wine--"
"I'm not drunk." His caresses slowed and he didn't prevent her from lifting some of her weight from him--but his roving hands didn't stop, either.
Please don't stop! Just do it--get it over with!..."Then I'mdrunk. I have to think and I can'tright now. I can't..." She couldn't stop trembling, electricity still coursing through her body, every sensation seeming to heighten the amperage.
"Sweetheart..." There was a mixture of concern, frustration, and sheer arousal in his voice. "Take it easy. Shhhhh, it's okay, Leia. We'll slow down."
She closed her eyes for an instant, trying to regain her bearings and her breath. His words of encouragement--whether or not he meant them--were soothing. "I'm sorry," she murmured, not even sure what she was sorry about. Letting him down? Mussing his hair? "I think I've had too much to drink. I should go. I'm sorry." Her apology was beginning to sound like a mantra. She tried to dismount with as much decorum as her dress would allow; it was a challenge, but with his help she finally stood. He took a little longer to get to his feet, but his hands wrapped around her upper arms before she could run away. Her head was swimming. He rubbed his thumbs into her arms, demanding her attention, until she finally met his gaze. The sincere look of worry on his features now seemed so incongruous after the passion she'd witnessed moments before.
"Stop apologizing," he said, his tone gently coaxing. "You didn't do anything wrong. I had a great time tonight."
She took a moment to nod. "I did, too." Only then did he ease his grip.
"Good." He paused, then bowed and placed a more chaste kiss on her forehead before letting her go. "G'night."
"Good night." Still confused, her head buzzing and body tingling, she turned and headed for the privacy of her quarters.
PART 5 PART 7 PART 8 PART 9 PART 10