Diva (Jit'Suku Chronicles) Read Online Free Page A

acknowledge it openly.
    “Then I’m honored you’d trust me with the information.”
    “I knew the moment I met you, John, that you were a man of honor. I think my dad would’ve liked you.” She strummed a few chords experimentally. “I’ve been writing this in his memory, though you’re probably the only person who hears it who might understand fully what it’s about. I’m calling it ‘Warrior’s Lament’.”
    She launched into the song then, getting lost in the chords and phrases she’d labored over for the past few weeks. She’d started it the day after meeting John, in fact, and had only done the final polish on the words the night before. Meeting John had impacted her greatly, though they’d only had a few minutes together. Still, he was a striking man, and though he reminded her of the kind of man her father was, she found herself attracted to him on an altogether different level.
    She wanted him. Badly.
    But she couldn’t have him. Her mission was too important, and it wouldn’t be fair to begin something she could never finish. To either of them.
     
     
     

Chapter Two
     
    John sat back and listened, relishing the sound of her voice. It was even more sweet and beautiful in person than on the various recordings he had of her. Diva—no, make that Maggie—had gifted him with a tiny piece of her past and her real self. As a warrior, he knew there was power in a name. That she’d given him her real name so freely was something special and potent.
    The words she sang were well-crafted and haunting. He hadn’t expected anything less from her, but knowing that he was the first outsider to hear this new tune was very special. John put his head back and watched her from under heavy eyelids. He’d pulled an extra-long shift getting them off the ground and then underway. He was really tired, but he was also astounded at the generosity of this small woman, to play and sing for him simply because she could.
    The song was beautiful. She was beautiful. If he wasn’t careful, he could easily fall for her, and John knew that was not a winning proposition. He was a soldier. An Enhanced one at that. He had no right entertaining the idea of a relationship of any kind with a woman like this. Not only was she a galactic superstar, she was a good and kind soul.
    She continued to sing, her beautiful dark green eyes looking up at him from time to time as she focused her energies on the words and chords of her song. It was haunting. The verses talked about a soldier’s last mission. He knew now she was singing of her father and that made the already poignant tune even more special.
    When she finished the last note, she let it ring through the air for a few moments before hushing the strings of the old instrument. She looked up at him then, her gaze charmingly uncertain.
    “What did you think?”
    John smiled. “It’s beautiful. An instant Diva classic.”
    “Oh, I don’t know if I could record this. I was thinking of just doing it for the soldiers. I think they’ll understand and appreciate it more than the general public.”
    The idea touched him. “I think you’re right about that, but not to record it would be a shame. Many of those troopers have wives and children who would love your song, and it could be used in tribute to the fallen.”
    “I hadn’t thought of that.” She cocked her head as if thinking. “But I don’t want to make any money off this one. It’s too personal to reduce to commerce.”
    “Then donate the proceeds. There are a few widows and orphans funds that could always use an influx of cash.”
    “John, that’s a brilliant idea!” She laid the guitar aside and nearly bounced off the couch as she thought through the possibilities. “My label couldn’t argue with that. It’s good PR all the way around, and I still get to do what I want without having to sell my left kidney to do it.”
    “I thought you were Diva, the All Powerful.” He had to chuckle. “I had no idea there