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had changed he’d also
    lost some of his catlike prowess. Back when she’d actually known who Tyler was, he would
    have been matched with Devlin in combat. Now, she was pretty sure that Devlin would make
    short work of Tyler.

    With that, Lord Devlin began talking. “Greetings, Samantha.” His unusually friendly
    greeting unnerved her, something was wrong. He looked like a man under siege. She swallowed
    and walked over to sit beside Tyler in the co-pilot’s seat. “In a few hours, I expect you’ll be in
    range of New Monaco, and then of course I will call you up, so that we may chat in real time, but
    this recorded message will have to do, for now.” Tyler paused it and stared back over at
    Samantha.

    “I don’t like the way that he’s looking at you.”

    “He isn’t looking at me Tyler. He was staring at his own view screen when this was
    recorded.” She rolled her eyes and inwardly, her heart soared. Maybe she hadn’t killed the spark
    between them with her nasty act that she always pulled on Devlin…maybe he still wanted her.
    She’d called him Lord Dumbo and every other name under the sun to keep him at arms length
    and now, she regretted her actions. Now, she wished she could undo it all, but when she met him,
    she’d have to keep up the pretense of hating him to keep up the appearance she’d always strived
    for when they were together. “Now that’s one man I don’t trust,” growled Dylan. Samantha
    sighed.

    “Look. I don’t like him any better than the two of you.” Yes, she did God help her. “But
    in case you’ve forgotten, we’re hell bent for the planet that he happens to be the ruler of. Let’s
    just listen to what he has to say.”

    They both cast her confused looks, and she shifted uneasily in her chair. She couldn’t
    believe what she’d just said, but if he had information to offer them that would help her in
    finding Rory, then she was all ears. Tyler groaned, and reactivated the message.

    “I don’t want your ship anywhere near my planet.” Lord Devlin paused for a good length
    of time, and then licked his lips.

    “Where the hell does he get off, anyway?” Dylan demanded. Samantha furrowed her
    brows, and leaned forward.

    “He’s hiding something. I know it,” she murmured, resting her chin on her hand. “First
    of all, he isn’t exactly himself. He hasn’t taunted me once, and that usual flicker of pugnacity
    isn’t glittering in his eyes. I’d say he’s afraid that someone is listening to our conversations.
    Terrified, actually.” The fact that he wasn’t taking part in the game she’d decided to play
    between them all of those years ago, made her nervous and a secret part of her was scared out of
    her wits that Devlin just might actually be in real peril. If he was in danger would she be able to
    keep herself perfectly detached from him, or would she betray her true emotions?

    “Under normal circumstances, what Devlin said would have ignited a fire beneath your
    ass,” Tyler mused.

    “This isn’t a normal circumstance. If you’ll recall a teenager’s life is at stake.”

    “You were much more hotheaded when acting on my behalf.”

    “Yeah. But you’re not little, nor are you a small, frightened girl. I knew you’d be able to
    take whatever Devlin dished out at you. Come on you guys, play the message, I don’t have all
    night.”

    “But I do welcome you back, my little love kitten.” Samantha wanted to laugh. She sat
    up straighter, and caught Tyler’s hand just as he was about to slam it down on the control panel.
    MAXIMUM VELOCITY Marly Mathews 23

    “Oh, now I know he thinks his messages are being intercepted.” Her heart continued to
    race not in reaction to Tyler’s display of outrage but in reaction to Devlin’s performance.

    “I anticipate your arrival onboard Eleanor . I do think it would be best if you came alone.
    Our love affair can be much more discreet that way.” She smiled. Silly bugger, he was calling
    her