Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Epilogue

Author’s note

Cam and the Conqueror

Alien Abduction Book 3

Honey Phillips

Copyright © 2018 by Honey Phillips

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author.

Disclaimer

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or people, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Cover Design by Melody Simmons (bookcoverscre8tive.com)

Edited by Nikki Groom @ Indie Hub Editing services (www.indiehub.co.uk)

Chapter One

“I told you not to damage her.” The expressionless voice was so cold that a sliver of ice ran down Cam’s already trembling back.

“We didn’t damage her. We just played with her a little,” the alien to her right protested. Cam bit her lip to bite back the furious protest. Played with her? Every inch of her body was sore and bruised, bite marks marred her breasts, and her bottom and inner thighs were covered with claw marks. The aliens hadn’t raped her, not quite, but they had done everything else their sadistic minds could envision.

Aliens. She still couldn’t believe that she had been kidnapped by aliens—but the two massive figures who had captured her were definitely not from Earth. One minute she had been taking a quiet walk along the beach, the next she woke up naked in a dark cell with an enormous figure looming over her. She had kicked out and flinched away, only to discover that she was chained to the wall. The figure had slapped her across the cheekbone with a casual gesture that, nevertheless, sent her reeling back into the wall. As the tears cleared and her eyes adjusted, she got her first glimpse of the alien and her nightmare assumed horrific proportions.

The alien was blue-skinned, with red eyes and a crest of dark hair running across the top of his scalp and down his back. His teeth were sharp and yellow and his fingers tipped with equally sharp, yellow claws. She had become frighteningly familiar with both over the interminable time spent in the cell. She had no way of knowing how long she had been there—the lights never brightened and there was no routine other than an occasional delivery of foul-smelling gruel and the all too constant presence of her captors.

A short time ago, she had been freed from the chains—although they left the cuffs around her wrists and ankles—dressed in a brief white garment, huddled into a long cape, shoved down a ramp, and swept through a maze of corridors. Now she was standing in a blindingly white, bare room, flanked by her two tormentors, and facing a different alien. Something warm and disgustingly soft had been shoved in her ear and, for the first time, she could understand her captors—not that the conversation was in any way encouraging. Her cloak had been removed and cold seeped into her aching body through the flimsy dress. Each of her captors had a hand clenched painfully around one of her arms and she was almost grateful since she could barely stand.

“That was not part of the agreement,” the cold voice spoke again, and she forced herself to raise her head to view the third alien. He was just as large as the two flanking her, but, unlike them, he was stunningly handsome. His skin was a warm gold which shimmered softly in the brightly lit room. No hair marred that perfection, revealing a strong, well-shaped skull. An open white vest revealed more gold skin covering the muscled perfection of his broad chest and powerful arms, while matching white leather pants highlighted equally muscular legs and narrow hips. For a fleeting second she caught his eyes, a bronze so light it was almost white, and she flinched as if he had actually touched her. Her head dropped and she swayed in her captors’ grip.

“We brought her to you. Now pay up, or we’ll start looking for another buyer,” the alien to her right growled in response, but she could hear a note of uncertainty beneath the bravado. His hand clamped down even harder on Cam’s arm and she couldn’t prevent a soft gasp of pain.

“I don’t think so.” The voice was no longer expressionless but full of menace.

A charged silence filled the room and Cam forced her head up again, just in time to see the golden alien move with almost unbelievable speed. His hands dropped to his hips, a knife appeared in each hand, a flash of light reflected off each blade as they flew across the room, and two soft thuds sounded. She barely registered the sounds before a warm spray hit her from each side and her captors crumpled, taking her to the ground with them. The impact knocked the breath from her body as she landed painfully on one hip. She gasped and tried to roll and came face to face with a very dead blue alien, blood pooling around a knife blade buried deep in his throat. Unable to process what had happened, she extended a trembling hand and saw blood splatters across her arm. A sickening stench filled her nostrils, black spots appeared in front of her vision, and she descended into darkness.

Kievan swore under his breath as he crossed the room to the prone bodies. He should have known better than to trust this mission to such an unreliable pair, but they had been available, fast, and cheap. Apparently, they were also incapable of following directions. He removed his knives from the dead Derians’ throats and wiped them clean before returning them to his belt. Turning his attention to the female, he lifted her carefully, angry all over again at seeing her small figure sprawled between the two large bodies. Her body jerked as he lifted her but her eyes didn’t open. Gently, he pulled her closer, tucking her head into his neck. She breathed deeply a couple of times, sighed, and then her body relaxed against his. Despite the obvious mistreatment she had suffered, her delicious floral scent teased him as soon as he stepped away from the dead men. Holding her carefully, he studied her features.

Beneath the dirt and the wounds, she was exquisite. Long dark lashes lay against softly rounded cheeks and her lips were ripe and luscious. A wild tangle of red-gold curls fell down over her shoulders. In spite of her small frame, her breasts were plump and inviting, tipped by rosy peaks visible through the thin slave gown, and the soft curves of her ass were a promising warmth against his arm. His groin tightened as the combination of her enticing scent and his detailed survey had the inevitable effect on his body.

Sublimating his desires with practiced discipline, he kept her cradled in his arms but fingered the communication pad on his belt to summon his assistant. J’Ssett entered the room moments later, his gaze taking in the woman nestled in Kievan’s arms and the two dead bodies without a change in expression.

“Dispose of the bodies. Impound their ship, wipe the logs and remove any trace of their previous destinations, and put the ship up for sale at the next auction,” Kievan ordered.

“Very well, my lord.” J’Ssett bowed his head briefly before his eyes flicked to the female. “And the woman? Her room has been prepared.”

“She has been injured. I will take her to my rooms.” The words were out of his mouth before he considered them, but as soon as he spoke he realized that he was not ready to relinquish his prize yet.

“Do you wish the doctor to attend her?”

“No,” he growled, an instinctive reaction to the idea of another male in close contact with his female. He clenched his teeth as he realized that he had reverted to acting like a typical possessive Sardoran male. Giving in to his instincts was unacceptable, not only because of the unpleasant reminder of his heritage but because they would interfere with his plan. With more effort than he anticipated, he modulated his tone. “The wounds are superficial. I will take care of them.”

J’Ssett bowed his head again and left without further words. One of the many reasons he appreciated J’Ssett was the fact that he never wasted time on unnecessary conversation. Kievan followed him out of the room and through the security veil to the passage leading to his private quarters. His rooms were dim and he kept the lights low as he laid the female on the white silk covering his bed. She still hadn’t stirred but her pulse was strong and he decided not to try and wake her. Stripping the slave gown from her body he was momentarily distracted again by her beauty. The gown had not concealed much but she was even more delectable naked. Unfortunately, her nudity also revealed her wounds in more detail and a snarl rose in his throat as he took in the bruises that covered the white swells of her breasts. He had killed the Derians much too quickly.

Pushing aside his anger, he brought damp cleansing cloths from his bathroom and proceeded to clean her delicate skin. Still unconscious, she didn’t respond to his ministrations. When she was as clean as he could make her without running water, he smoothed healing gel across her many wounds. As he massaged the green gel into her breasts, her nipples hardened and for the first time, she stirred restlessly. He studied her face as his fingers gently rolled the taut peaks but her eyes never opened. Her delicious scent intensified and he let his fingers drift lower as her legs parted, surprised and delighted at the wet heat he encountered. Stroking a careful finger though her damp folds, he watched in fascination as her hips arched into his hand and a soft moan parted her lips. Her eyelids fluttered but remained closed.

Increasing the pressure on her nipple with one hand, he circled the swollen bud of her clitoris with the other hand. Another moan escaped her and he almost matched it. His shaft pressed painfully against his pants. He was tempted to take her immediately but he preferred his partners to be conscious. Of course, that didn’t mean he couldn’t continue to play. He twisted her nipple slightly, swept his thumb directly across her clit, and she shuddered and came, convulsing against his hand.

For a brief second, her eyes flashed open, startlingly blue against her dark lashes, but they immediately closed again and he felt a fleeting pang of regret. She sighed and her whole body relaxed into the mattress. Amazing. Kievan had no idea that she would be this responsive. Training her would be remarkably rewarding—and necessary, he forced himself to remember.

He removed his thumb and smiled as she sighed again at the loss. Reaching for a throw to cover her sleeping body, his eyes caught on the wrist and ankle cuffs. Cuffs were acceptable, but those provided by the Derians were not. The Derian cuffs were easily removed, although he scowled at the red marks they left behind. With more healing gel rubbed into the marks, he opened his private safe to look for replacements. A set of wide gold engraved bands met his eye. They would be perfect against the creamy paleness of her skin, and yet somehow, they didn’t seem quite right. He brought them back to the bed anyway but hesitated as he noted how inflamed her wrists and ankles were. Decision made, he set them aside until he could come up with more appropriate signs of his possession.

Covering her with the blanket, he moved to the desk set up in one corner of the outer room. He could work and keep an eye on her at the same time. When she woke up, it would be time to begin.

Chapter Two

Cam stirred sleepily and nestled deeper into the warmth surrounding her. A wonderful spicy scent filled her nostrils and she felt warm and relaxed, languid pleasure softening her muscles despite the terrible dream she had had. Dream? As the memories surfaced, her body tensed and her eyes flew open to see a large expanse of heavily muscled chest covered by textured, golden skin. On the positive side, she was no longer chained to the wall of a dark cold cell. Instead, she could feel a soft mattress and even softer sheets beneath her body. On the other hand, she was not alone in the soft bed but pressed closely—very closely—against a warm male body. Cautiously, she tried to slip free but the strong arms curved around her shoulders and hips immediately tightened. Unable to break free, she could only tip her head back far enough to see the beautiful alien from the previous day looking down at her.

A jolt went through her as their eyes met. He had the most remarkable eyes—shaped like a cat’s and colored a warm honey gold. As she looked more deeply into his eyes, she could see swirls of bronze in the gold, swirls that darkened and spread as she stared at him. A smile curved one corner of his mouth and she was unhappily conscious that both of them were completely naked. By the feel of the hard length pressed against her stomach, he was quite satisfied with that fact. Panicking, she pushed at his shoulders but he held her easily. His smile broadened enough for her to see very white, very sharp teeth and a glimpse of fangs.

“Only just awake and already ready to play, my pet? What a delightful surprise.”

His voice was mocking and she scowled and struggled harder. “I’m not your pet.”

With a soft laugh he rolled, pinning her to the bed beneath his massive body but keeping enough weight off of her so that she could breathe. Her body shivered with a feeling that was not entirely fear as his warm mass settled over her.

“Oh, but you are.” He ran a finger down her cheek and across her bottom lip in a gentle touch at odds to the cool mockery in his voice. “You are whatever I say you are—and you would do well to learn that lesson immediately, my pet.”

“I am not your pet,” she repeated. “You don’t own me.” Cam struggled against his hold but her efforts only rubbed her nipples against the smooth warmth of his chest and rocked his enormous cock harder into the soft flesh of her stomach. An unwilling ache started between her thighs and she bit her lip as his eyes darkened completely to liquid bronze.

“Since I bought and paid for you, I do own you. And unless you want me to take advantage of that fact immediately, I suggest you stop wiggling.” His voice was no longer mocking and she froze in place. He owned her? The thought terrified her but fear made her defiant.

“I don’t see how you could have paid for me since you killed the aliens who kidnapped me.”

His brows snapped together. “Would you have preferred that I left you with them? Or left them alive so that they could go back and get another human of their own to play with?”

“No,” she whispered. She wouldn’t wish her experience on anyone. At the reminder of her ordeal, she suddenly realized that she no longer hurt all over. Startled, she tried to look down at her body but only succeeded in rubbing against her captor. He growled and she stilled, her eyes flying to his face.

“I’m sorry. I just realized that I don’t hurt anymore and I was trying to see if I was still bruised.” She hurried to explain before he got any ideas.

He regarded her face for a long moment then dipped his head in acknowledgement. “You still have some marks but the healing gel I applied took care of most of your wounds.”

“You applied?” This big aggressive male with his mocking voice had taken care of her? His lips curled at her obvious astonishment and she realized that he had a much too attractive smile. She shifted her attention quickly from his smile but remembered her manners. “Thank you.”

“I believe there are better ways to show your gratitude,” he murmured.

Before she could react, his head lowered and his lips met hers. She gasped and he immediately took advantage of the opening and slid his tongue into her mouth. As soon as he did, her senses exploded. He tasted incredible and he took possession of her mouth with a demand that she couldn’t resist. Her body melted beneath his and she managed to free an arm enough to curl it around his neck and hang on as she lost herself in the intensity of his kiss. Her nipples tightened until they throbbed in time with the ache between her legs. By the time he lifted his head, she was breathless and dazed, barely able to open her eyes enough to see the burning intensity in his gaze.

“Wow,” she breathed. His eyebrows rose but before he could respond, a soft gasp sounded from one side of the bed. Their heads turned in unison and Cam saw a slender purple woman standing next to the bed, her head bowed.

“I apologize if I interrupted you, Lord Kievan. I was scheduled for this morning.” The woman’s voice was soft and melodic, almost bird-like. Cam examined her curiously, noting the long arms and legs and the slender, but definitely female body, only too clearly revealed by the sheer sarong that tied on one shoulder and fell to mid-thigh. A cloud of white hair fell to her shoulders and moved slowly around her face. As the woman finished speaking, she raised her head but kept her eyes lowered. Her delicate features were alien but extraordinarily beautiful, with huge tip-tilted eyes and a gently curved mouth.

“I have other plans. You are dismissed.” His voice was cold once more and Cam thought she detected a flash of something in the woman’s eyes before she meekly nodded her head and left the room. As soon as the door closed behind the other woman, she turned back to the man on top of her but he was already rolling away. Completely uncaring of his nudity, he stood up and moved across the room, letting her unwillingly admire every inch of his magnificent body. The golden perfection of his skin was not completely flawless. He had an intricate tattoo spread across his upper back and even from the bed, she could see the white etchings of a number of old scars. Pulling on a long silken robe, he turned to face her.

“Who was that?” she asked, before he could open his mouth.

“Another one of my slaves.”

“Another? Slave?” Too stunned by what his words implied to continue, she simply stared at him.

He nodded and moved to manipulate a panel on the wall. “Breakfast for two,” he ordered before turning back to her. “I told you, you belong to me. I am Kievan Rus and you are now my slave.”

“Oh, hell no, I’m not.” Forgetting her own nudity, she jumped out of bed and stalked over to him, poking her finger in his chest with each word. “I do not belong to you; I am not your slave.”

“Really?” Kievan looked amused and the cool mockery was back. “Then what are you?”

“I’m a free woman. I have a job; I have a house…” Her voice trailed off as she remembered how empty that life had become. “I have a job,” she repeated, but her words stuttered to a stop again as she realized that what little she did have had been on Earth—and she was no longer on Earth. “Where am I?” She could hear her voice trembling.

A fleeting expression of sympathy seemed to cross his face but it was gone so quickly she wasn’t sure if she had imagined it. “You are on Sigrast, the space station that belongs to me. If you do not want to belong to me, I will offer you the opportunity to leave right now.” She knew the relief must have shown in her face because his voice hardened. “You will leave exactly as you are—naked and without resources. I can assure you that anybody you encounter will be much less…pleasant to deal with than I am.”

Suddenly conscious of her nudity and fighting back tears, she retreated to the bed and pulled a sheet around her. The hours on the ship after she was taken flashed through her mind and she shuddered violently. They had tormented her repeatedly and only the fact that they were bringing her to this man had stopped them from actually raping her. Another shudder shook her body and then Kievan’s arms were around her, his spicy scent surprisingly comforting. Despite his words, his arms felt warm and protective and she had to fight the instinct to relax into them.

“You are much safer here, my pet. No one would dare to touch anything that belongs to me.”

Her eyes filled with tears as she looked up at him. “But who will keep me safe from you?”

A muscle flexed in his jaw but he released her without answering. “Come. You will bathe me.”

“I will what?”

“And yourself as well, my pet. I could only do so much with cleansing cloths.” His calm response stopped her outrage as she realized how much she longed to get clean. Meekly, she followed him across the room and into the largest bathroom she had ever seen. Every surface was covered in gleaming white marble but the floor was gently warm beneath her bare feet. Two bowls, which looked like they were carved out of raw stone, stood along a long counter on one wall. The entire wall was mirrored and she flinched at her reflection. She had never been entirely comfortable with her naked body and the sight of it now did not reassure her. Dark circles surrounded her eyes and she looked pale and tired. Her hair was a tangled mess. Even worse were the marks that still covered her skin. Although the pain was gone and she realized that most of them were smaller and less inflamed, enough remained to remind her of the horror she had endured.

Hastily averting her gaze from her bedraggled condition, she returned to her survey of the room. A door next to the sink counter led into a private toilet compartment. Across the room, a raised dais held a large lounge chair upholstered in white beneath a glowing ceiling light. An enormous tub filled with steaming water was sunk into another raised dais and she cast it a longing look as Kievan led her firmly into a glass enclosed shower room. A multitude of nozzles in different shapes and sizes filled the walls, the ceiling, even the floor, and she watched bemusedly as his fingers played across a control panel until gentle rain showers were falling from overhead while more demanding sprays jetted from one wall.

Kievan dropped his robe and moved further into the shower until he was standing in front of the wall with the jets. He pulled her after him and handed her a white cloth which foamed gently in her hand. “Begin,” he ordered.

She scowled at him, but the warm water pouring over her felt so good that she had a hard time sustaining her irritation at the order. Her eyes went to the naked man next to her and she fought back another wave of admiration. Every inch of his amazing body was covered with lean, defined muscles. Her eyes went to his face but it was hard and determined. Accepting the inevitable, she moved closer, trying not to be intimidated by his size. He was at least a foot taller than she was and much broader. She had too many curves to usually consider herself petite but she felt small and feminine next to his massive body.

Keeping a cautious distance, she ran the cloth slowly up his arm. More scars marred the muscular perfection and she wondered what kind of life he had led to receive so much damage. His skin felt…different beneath her hands, with a slightly pebbled feel that was oddly stimulating. She finished with his arm and started on his broad chest. The warm water falling around them soothed her tense nerves. Kievan hadn’t done anything to alarm her and she started to enjoy herself, rubbing the cloth in gentle circles across his taut abs and around the dark gold disks of his nipples. They hardened under her strokes and she jumped as she felt the firm thrust of his erection pressing against her stomach. Startled, she looked up at him. His face was expressionless but she could see the bronze melting in his eyes and felt an answering tremor in her belly. Her nipples tightened.

His gaze flicked over them but his face didn’t change.

“Continue,” he ordered, his voice perfectly calm. His apparent ability to ignore his body’s reactions should have reassured her. Instead she found it annoying, especially considering that she was all too aware of her own reactions. Her eyes narrowed. She never backed down from a challenge. Moving lower, she washed his legs with long strokes of the cloth, starting with his firmly muscled calves and moving up to his strong thighs. She circled his inner thighs, scratching lightly with her fingernails, but careful to avoid touching his cock. She couldn’t help noticing that it was as beautiful as the rest of him—slightly darker gold than the rest of his skin and longer and thicker than she had ever seen before. Not that she had that much experience, but she was willing to bet that it was impressive by any standards.

He parted his legs slightly and she reached between them to cup his heavy balls with the cloth. They were as hair free as the rest of his body and slipped smoothly across the slick material. As she washed them gently, his cock twitched and she bit her lip to hide a smile. He certainly couldn’t hide the fact that his body was interested. Interested? Her actions suddenly seemed ridiculous as she realized the direction of her thoughts. What the hell was she doing? This man had told her that he owned her, that she was his slave. No matter how enticing his body, why was she trying to get him to acknowledge his reaction to her touch? Stepping back, she ran the cloth quickly over his (still tempting) erection and held it out to him.

“I’m done.” She refused to look at him.

He didn’t respond, and after a second, she dared a glance at his face. Her heart sank as she realized that he was looking amused.

“Very well. Your turn.”

Before she could protest, he had taken the cloth and started running it across her body. Unlike her slow strokes, his were quick and efficient but she couldn’t help shivering as he ran the cloth across her breasts and again when he moved between her legs. His hand slowed just a fraction as he gently but firmly parted the soft folds. Before she could react, he had moved on. When he finished, he reached for a small bottle and poured the liquid into his hand. His hands moved to her hair and she sighed with pleasure as she realized that the liquid was shampoo. His strong fingers massaged her scalp and she relaxed into the hands that no longer moved quite so quickly. Despite his words, the way he was washing her felt as if he was caring for her.

He paused and she was suddenly conscious of an odd tension in his hands but before she could analyze it, it was gone and he was moving her under an overhead stream to wash the shampoo away. After she rinsed, he turned off the water and opened a concealed compartment to reveal enormous fluffy white towels warmed to the perfect temperature.

“There are toiletries in the counter drawers. We will have breakfast and…talk when you are ready.” Once again, he was cool and remote. Before she could respond, he left the room.

Chapter Three

Cam delayed as long as she could. She used the toilet room, which turned out to have not only a toilet but a bidet and another sink. The controls were different but familiar enough for her to figure them out—and such a relief after the humiliating pot on board the alien ship that she almost cried. She dipped her fingers longingly into the warm water swirling in the enormous tub and briefly considered a bath. Somehow, she didn’t think Kievan’s patience would extend to that extent.

In one of the counter drawers, she found a comb, along with something that resembled a toothbrush, although toothpaste was nowhere to be found. Shrugging, she tried it and was delighted to find that a herbal tasting foam formed as she brushed.

Another drawer had something that looked and felt like lotion so she smoothed it into her skin, avoiding the worst of the remaining bruises. Finally, she made a face at herself in the mirror, fastened a dry towel around her body, and left the bathroom.

At the door of the bedroom, she paused uncertainly. For the first time she took in the vast room. On closer look, there were actually two rooms but they were only separated by a wide opening. Everything was white, beautiful, obviously expensive—and completely impersonal. As in the bathroom, the walls were made of gleaming stone but here the floor was covered with deep-pile white carpet.

The inner room was obviously the bedroom. The enormous bed was headed by an intricate gold headboard and cornered by tall gold posts. She noticed that it had already been made and the silk covers restored to pristine order. Most of the wall next to the bed was covered by an intricate sculpture composed of gold panels and chains that stretched from floor to ceiling.

Across from the bed a curtained window-wall curved outward in a long, gentle arc and continued into the next room. In the outer room, two curved couches—upholstered in white—framed a sunken seating area in front of the window. A massive marble desk backed by sleek cabinetry dominated the rest of the room.

Returning her attention to the bedroom, she saw another large white lounge chair, this one surrounded by silk floor pillows and angled across the far end of the window. At the closest end, Kievan sat at a marble table, relaxed and watching her with his typical faintly amused look. He was wearing bronze leather pants but the massive golden expanse of his bare chest gleamed against the surrounding white.

Gritting her teeth, she walked toward him, stopping as she realized that he was sitting in the only chair. With a casual gesture he pointed to his feet and the white silk pillow next to them.

Surely he didn’t expect her to sit at his feet? “You have got to be kidding me.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Kneel, my pet, and I will feed you.”

“I don’t think so.”

“Then you will go hungry.” His voice turned hard and the amusement left his face. Scowling, she started to turn away but as she moved, the scent of the food reached her. Her stomach growled and she remembered just how long it had been since she had eaten. Her kidnappers had barely fed her and what they had fed her was so unpalatable that she could only manage a few bites. She stared at the tray of colorful, beautifully arranged food in front of him and then at his face. His expression was calm but completely ruthless. She had no doubt that he would carry through his threat.

With a disgruntled sigh, she dropped to the cushion. Bending down, he rearranged her body until she was posed to his satisfaction—knees slightly parted, hands palm up on her thighs, back straight. Now that she had been reminded of food, hunger pangs tore at her stomach, so she reluctantly accommodated his manipulations although she glared at him the entire time. His hand hesitated at the top of her towel and she had a sudden fear that he was going to remove it. Instead he traced a gentle finger along the edge, just skimming the upper swell of her breasts and leaving a flare of warmth in his path. Her breath caught at the sensuous touch but she ignored it and increased the intensity of her glare. His fingers moved up to her face and he grasped her chin, raising her head so that she was looking directly into his eyes.

“I can see that we are going to have to talk about punishment in the very near future.” His fingers tightened on her chin and his voice went cold. She opened her mouth to respond but he kept talking. “Remove that expression from your face, let me feed you, and then we will talk.”

With a concentrated effort, she managed to force a more neutral expression on to her face. From the quick quirk of his lip, he was aware of the effort it took but he merely released her chin as soon as she complied. Selecting a berry-like object from one of the plates in front of him, he brought it to her mouth. She tried to raise her hand to take it from him but he shook his head. Face flaming, she opened her mouth and let him place it on her tongue, resisting the urge to bite his fingers.

The fruit exploded in her mouth in a burst of flavor and it was all she could do to keep from moaning with pleasure. Impatient for more, she opened her mouth like a baby bird but he shook his head. “I set the pace. You haven’t eaten for some time. We will take this slowly.”

She barely kept the glare back.

Despite her impatience, he fed her slowly. A selection of strange fruits was followed by small, savory bites and interspersed with a sparkling fluid like very mild champagne. As her hunger slowed, she began to give in to the sensual experience. Almost everything was delicious and the few things she didn’t like were never presented again. Sometimes he would hold the bite close enough for her to smell before tasting it, or run it slowly along her lips to tease her with the flavor. The room was quiet and she relaxed into the slow rhythm of the feeding. When he finally finished, she felt lazy and satisfied. A genuine smile curved her lips as she looked up at him.

Kievan returned her gaze for a moment, an answering half-smile curving his lips, before reaching for something else on the tray.

“A first lesson,” he said, and brought a small red globe to her lips. “Hold this on your tongue.”

Opening her mouth obediently, she sucked in the object and sighed in pleasure as an incredible sweetness filled her mouth. The globe began to dissolve and the sweetness transitioned into a fiery heat like the hottest cinnamon candy. Gasping, she opened her mouth but before she could spit it out, he grasped her chin once more.

“Hold it on your tongue.”

As he spoke, the heat faded and the delicious sweetness was back with even greater strength. The globe continued to melt in her mouth, each wave of sweetness followed by a wave of heat, each time stronger than the previous. As the heat intensified, her body flushed and a fine sweat began to cover her skin. Her mouth was incredibly, painfully hot, and her body interpreted the waves of heat suffusing her system as arousal. Her nipples tightened and swelled against the towel. By the time the final drop of sweetness melted on to her tongue, she was leaning into Kievan’s legs, flushed and trembling. She could feel the dampness between her thighs and her eyes drifted closed as she tried to bring her body back under her control.

Kievan eyed the woman quivering against him with intense satisfaction. Her reaction was as promising as he had hoped. Training her was going to be remarkably rewarding. The thought disturbed him and, once again, he reminded himself that it would be for a short while. She finally recovered enough to look up at him with wide blue eyes.

“What was that?” she whispered.

“It’s called eldflaur. Do you understand the lesson?”

Her brow furrowed and it was obvious she was still dazed as she shook her head.

“Did you find the experience pleasant or painful?” he asked.

“Both, I suppose,” she finally admitted.

“Exactly. And the combination made the experience even more intense.” He watched as she thought about it and then leaned closer. “And that’s not the only place they can be inserted.”

Her body shuddered in immediate reaction to his words and he bit back a smile as he pulled her gently to her feet. She was still a little unsteady and she clung to his arm as he moved across to the lounge chair. He enjoyed the feel of her soft body pressing against him, so instead of sending her back to her knees, he drew her down on the chaise with him. He nestled her against the back and pulled her legs between his. In this position, she was completely open to him and her eyes widened as she realized. Instantly she tried to sit up, but he pressed her back down and kept his hand firmly across her chest, just above the towel. Once again he considered removing it but, although he would enjoy the sight of her naked body, he would wait until he needed to further emphasize her vulnerability. She stilled beneath his hand and watched him with narrowed eyes.

“Now we talk.” Despite his intentions, he found himself hesitating. His free hand stroked her head soothingly and he was momentarily distracted by the soft curls clinging to his fingers. He forced his attention back to the task at hand. “What is your name, my pet?”

“Cam. Cam Williams.”

“Cam?”

“It’s short for Camellia.” At his blank look, she blushed and continued. “A camellia is a flower on Earth.”

How appropriate. Her delicate fragrance reminded him of the wildflowers that grew in the mountains outside the village of his birth. “Very well, little flower. Do you know why you’re here?”

“Because you had me kidnapped from my home so that you could make me a slave,” she said defiantly, and pushed against his hand again. He held her in place easily while he fought back an unexpected feeling of guilt.

“It was necessary,” he responded shortly.

“So, now what?” she asked. “I don’t suppose there is any cotton to pick. Do I scrub floors, wash dishes, pick up your dirty socks? What are my duties?”

He stared at her in stunned amazement and started to laugh. She scowled at him and he was too amused to correct her. Controlling his laughter, he bent down and whispered in her ear. She shivered as his breath skated across her skin.

“Your ‘duties’ do not include manual labor, my pet. In fact, you have only two duties—to obey me and to please me.”

He heard her breath catch and her voice was shaky as she responded. “Please you, how?”

“However I choose.” He kept the threat muted but still obvious enough that her eyes were wide when he lifted his head. Defiance started to creep back into them almost immediately so he decided to illustrate his point. “And now it would please me for you to remove that towel.”

“No!” She shook her head frantically and her hands clutched the edge of the towel.

“I have already seen you naked,” he pointed out.

“It’s not the same,” she said, and shook her head again. He almost smiled because she was quite correct but that was not the point. It was time for her to learn to obey his commands.

“If you do not obey me, you will be punished. Is that what you want?”

“How would you punish me?” she asked, and her voice trembled.

His voice went cold. “It would not be pleasant. Do you really want me to demonstrate?”

Definite fear in her face now and a glimmering of tears in those big blue eyes. A spike of arousal shot through his body but he waited patiently while she considered her choices. Her trembling hand finally loosened on the towel. He had her trapped too tightly for her to do more than pull the top loose and part the cloth, but it was enough to reveal the plump swell of her breasts, the rosy peaks tightening beneath his gaze.

“And when you please me, you will be rewarded,” he whispered, and rolled one taut nipple between his finger and thumb, tightening his grip until her breath caught and her eyes went heavy. Her delectable scent increased with her arousal and he was tempted to take the lesson further. Unfortunately, he had work to do. The discipline that ruled his existence couldn’t be set aside even for such a delightful distraction.

He drew back and she opened her eyes and looked at him. A small pink tongue flicked out and licked her plump lower lip nervously and he succumbed to temptation. He dropped his mouth over hers, intending only a quick touch, but she responded immediately, her mouth opening beneath his. The fiery sweetness of the eldflaur only added to her unique taste. She was delicious and his kiss hardened, his tongue diving deeper into her mouth to explore every crevice. As the kiss intensified, she arched beneath him, the hard points of her breasts rubbing against his bare chest, and moaned into his mouth.

His shaft stiffened painfully against the leather of his pants. He knew she could feel it pressing against her thigh because she writhed toward him, trying to get closer. Even through the leather, the feel of her soft curves was incredibly pleasurable but he wanted—no, he needed—more. He slid his hand into the half-open towel, running his fingers down the soft skin of her side to curve around her hip and haul her closer. She gasped as he ground his aching erection into her swollen cleft, but she didn’t resist. His blood surged hot and heavy in his veins; he was consumed with the need to claim her.

Claim her? The unwelcome thought brought a measure of sanity and made him pull back. Her eyes, still heavy with passion, opened as he retreated and her mouth was red and swollen. His cock throbbed again at the sight, but this time he ignored it. Swinging her legs to the side of the lounge, he brought them both to standing, and then wrapped her towel firmly back into place.

“You may wear this for now. There are clothes waiting in your room.”

Her big blue eyes were still dazed, although he wasn’t sure if it was from the flare of passion between them or the abrupt ending. She swayed a little and his hand tightened on her arm, fighting the urge to drag her back down and finish what he had started. Her intoxicating fragrance, deepened by her arousal, and the soft skin beneath his fingers tugged at his self-control.

“My room? I thought…” She gestured a little vaguely around his bedroom. His groin tightened again as the image of her waiting in his bed for him flashed through his mind. He felt an unexpected desire to have her remain; however, it was time to establish discipline—for her and for him—and his pleasure slaves had their own apartments. They only came to him at his request. She needed to learn her place.

“I have work to do. You will be housed with the others.” He kept his voice deliberately cold.

“Others?” Her face paled and she slipped from his hand. “Is that why the other woman was here earlier? They take turns?”

He fought back another surge of guilt. “Of course. I am a demanding master and I do not burden my slaves unnecessarily.” He chose not to mention that he was also easily bored and had always preferred a variety of bed partners.

She was backing away. “Oh, hell no. It’s bad enough that you are making me into a slave. I’m not about to become part of a rotating line-up of women. If that’s what you have in mind, I would prefer to take my chances out there.”

Anger rushed through him and his voice turned deadly. “You would rather take the chance of being raped and tortured? Or sold into a brothel where you would service one man after another?”

Her chin lifted and she stared at him defiantly for a long minute. Would she really be foolish enough to try and leave? Not that he had any intention of actually letting her go, but he wanted her to realize exactly how limited her options were. He watched her face as his words finally penetrated and her gaze fell. “Fine,” she bit out. “At least that means I won’t have to see you too often.”

His vision paled to white and he snatched her against his body hard enough that she expelled a soft breath. “You will see me as often as I wish it, my pet. And since I am taking you on as a special…project, that will be frequently. Until you are trained, you will meet all of my demands.”

He curved one hand around her neck, the other around her hips, and hauled her up his body so he could take her lips in a hard, punishing kiss. Despite the anger he could still feel tightening her frame, as soon as he forced his tongue into her mouth, she softened. He plunged harder, deeper, and she opened to him, sucking his tongue further into her mouth and melting against him. By the time he lifted his head, she was trembling again.

He fought down his own reaction and kept his voice hard. “We will continue the lesson tonight.”

Pausing only to don his knives, he left the room without a backward glance.

Chapter Four

Cam stared after Kievan’s departing figure as the door closed behind him. Her legs suddenly gave out and she collapsed down on the lounge chair. From one nightmare straight into another. Admittedly the surroundings and the food were significantly better here than on the ship, but at least on the ship she knew what her position was. Here her chains were not visible but they were just as strong. Even worse, her body responded to Kievan with an intensity she had never felt before, betraying her every attempt to remain angry or even aloof. And he had seemed to respond just as strongly.

Despite the circumstances, she had almost believed that there might be a connection between them. When his eyes warmed, when he teased instead of mocked, when he kissed her with such passionate intensity, she thought he was responding to her as a unique individual. Instead, she was just one of a string of women, a string of slaves. Slow tears trickled down her face and she buried her head in her hands and gave way to sorrow.

The sound of a door opening eventually penetrated and she raised her head to see a small alien in a hooded cloak standing patiently in front of her. His skin was green and scaled, and his features were reptilian but not unpleasant. When she looked up, he bowed his head respectfully.

“I am J’Ssett. Lord Kievan has requested that I sshow you to your room while he is working.” Even with the slight hiss in his speech, she had no difficulty understanding him.

“Very well,” she agreed listlessly, but made no effort to rise. She wondered exactly what type of work Kievan was doing. Based on the luxurious surroundings, it obviously paid well. “Where does he work?”

J’Ssett tilted his head. “Here on the sstation of course. Because it belongs to him, there are many demands on his time.”

“Really?” She vaguely remembered him saying that he owned Sigrast but she couldn’t imagine that a space station required that much effort to run although it was obviously a reasonable size. “Who makes all those demands?”

He shrugged one shoulder. “Merchants, obviously—they are constantly applying for permits or arguing about how much they owe—but he also deals with ssuppliers, monitors visitors, and handles perssonnel issues. He has a competent staff but he oversees everything perssonally.”

“There are that many people here?” She stared at him in surprise.

Without responding, J’Ssett moved to the wall panel Kievan had used earlier to order breakfast. He pressed a button and the long sweep of white curtains parted to reveal a wall of glass. She cast a curious glance toward the glass and then clutched the back of the chaise in shock. Beyond the curved window was an enormous open space, ringed with similar windows. Unable to resist, she stood up and moved to the windows. Her stomach dropped as she looked down—way down—into the vast atrium. The space must have been twenty stories high and at each level, windows and glass-fronted balconies circled the central space. A curved glass dome arced across the entire bottom. If she tilted her head back, she could see a glass roof and beyond that, an infinity of stars. Her conception of a space station needed some serious adjusting.

“It’s so big,” she whispered. “And this all belongs to him?”

“Yess. Through sstrength and cunning, he has conquered it all.” J’Ssett returned to her side, gazing silently out into the space. As they watched, the stars beyond the glass roof began to fade from view as lights in the roof came on. Gradually the atrium filled with light until she could almost believe that a sun shone down into the huge space. There was something magical and curiously comforting about the light and she felt herself relax a fraction.

“Why do people come here?” The idea that such a huge operation was just floating around in space stunned her.

He shrugged again. “Variouss reasons. The repair shops and refueling sstations drive a certain amount of traffic. And, of course, the fight pit, the brothels, and the gambling dens draw others. Then there are the merchants, the restaurants, the lodgings. At any given time, there are thousands of people here—ssome permanent, ssome transient—but all expecting a certain amount of…order. Order that Lord Kievan Rus provides.” A small smile curved his mouth and it was unexpectedly appealing. “Of coursse, order is relative.”

Cam stared out into the atrium, still trying to process the immense space as his words registered. “What do you mean fight pit? Brothels? Gambling dens?”

J’Ssett looked at her a little uneasily. “They are ssome of our most profitable businesses.” He hesitated. “If you have any additional questions, you should ask our master.”

“Our master?” He was already turning away but he stopped at her words. “Are you a slave, also?”

“Not exactly. But I am bound to his house and I am his to command.”

That sounded like slavery to Cam but he obviously did not want to discuss it further. Accepting his reticence, she followed him meekly to the door.

The small alien led the way silently along an open corridor flanked with a number of rooms. Given the size of the station, she was not surprised at the size of the rooms. As with the bedroom, white was the predominant color, frequently accented with gold, and the same sense of beautiful, impersonal luxury filled the space.

Stopping in front of two elaborately carved double doors, J’Ssett opened them to reveal a large room with another curved window wall. Predictably, the space was mainly white but a large pool occupied the center of the room and the rest was filled with low divans and floor cushions. Several flowering plants in decorative urns broke up the expanse of white and filled with the air with a soft perfume. A number of closed doors led off each side of the room.

“This is beautiful,” she exclaimed, and J’Ssett nodded approvingly.

“Lord Kievan spares no expense for his…favorites.”

Well, she supposed that was one way of putting it. “How many ‘favorites’ does he have?”

“Five before you arrived.”

“Great. One for every night of the week,” she muttered.

“Actually, he tends to prefer a female in the morning.”

Apparently oblivious to her outraged gasp, he led the way through the room. Cam clenched her fists and followed him. He opened the last door closest to the window and gestured her inside. “This is your room.”

The bedroom was nowhere near as huge as Kievan’s but it was still big, with enough space for a large bed and a comfortable seating area by a window which looked out into the central atrium. Open doors on the far wall led into a bathroom and a walk-in closet filled with clothes.

“Does this room belong to someone else?”

“No.” J’Ssett looked puzzled.

“But the clothes…”

His brow cleared. “Those are for you. You may order others if you wish.”

Cam shook her head, reeling from the concept that a complete wardrobe had been provided for her in less than a day.

J’Ssett showed her the panel that controlled the lights, curtains, temperature, and an intercom type function where she could request food or other services. He instructed her on the use of the entertainment unit and then turned to leave.

“Wait,” she called a little desperately. “What do I do now?”

“Whatever you want.” He was looking puzzled again. “You can ssummon technicians for your hair or your body, if you wish. You can meet with the clothier and order clothes. The entertainment unit is well ssupplied with vids, although the cultural references may be obscure.”

“That’s it? Watch television or pamper myself?”

“Of course. I told you that Lord Kievan was very generous,” he said proudly.

Cam stared at him, trying to figure out how to explain to the small man that his suggestions horrified her rather than pleased her. There had never been a time in her life when she wasn’t constantly busy. She was the only child of a single mother who hadn’t managed to graduate from high school before Cam was born. Her mother had had a series of low-paying jobs and Cam had started helping out at home when she was a child. As soon as she reached her teens she got a part-time job. She had worked her way through college. After she graduated, she split her time between her job, caring for her mother, and working on the tiny house they had finally been able to afford.

Perhaps she should have been relieved that she didn’t have to work, but the last thing she wanted to do now was to spend the day with nothing to occupy her or take her mind off her situation. She tried desperately to think of alternatives.

“What about books? Reading material?”

“There is a reader,” he agreed. “However, the translator bug doesn’t cover written language.”

“Is there a learning program? Some way to teach myself?”

“You wish to spend your time sstudying?” J’Ssett looked surprised but approving.

Cam nodded eagerly. If she had access to books, maybe she could also find out more about this society—and possibly even a way to escape that didn’t involve being thrown out naked and defenseless.

“Very well.” He removed a tablet sized screen from the entertainment unit and showed her how to access the menu and start the lessons. In addition to the screen, a device fastened around her forehead and curved into one ear. Before he handed the screen to her, he paused and added an additional choice. “The red menu is for the language used by the Imperial House—it is probably the most universal.” He gazed at her thoughtfully for a moment. “The blue menu is for Sardoran. Sardoran is Lord Kievan’s native language. It might be helpful.”

Helpful? The expression Know your enemy popped into Cam’s mind but given his loyalty to Kievan, it seemed unlikely that that was what he meant. Before she could ask for clarification, he bowed politely and left the room.

Once he left, Cam explored the room. She was delighted to find a small bathing pool of her own in the bathroom. The closet was filled with beautiful clothes. Unfortunately, most of them were too short, too sheer, or too ornate. They were an unpleasant reminder of what she had become. Since underwear wasn’t among the offerings, she finally settled on a green silk halter and a matching sarong that reached the floor—although it had a tendency to fall open along one leg. At least she was basically covered.

Moving back into the bedroom, she curled up in the chair closest to the window and started the language program. The head device facilitated the lessons in some fashion and she spent several hours making rapid process before her brain started to shut down. Still tired from her experiences, she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

The faint sound of splashing eventually disturbed her slumber and she awoke to the realization that the sounds were coming from the large central room. By the stiffness in her limbs, she had slept for several hours. Her stomach growled and she realized that she was hungry. She might as well meet her fellow slaves and see if there was any food available.

Somewhat cautiously, she opened her door and paused in the doorway. There were three women in the room. The purple female she had seen earlier was in the pool with another purple female leaning against the edge next to her. Their exquisite features were very similar and Cam wondered if they were related. Reclining on a chaise next to the window was a third female. Even lying down she was obviously tall, and even more obviously beautiful. Her skin was a true white, gleaming like the marble walls, and instead of hair, she had a crest of golden feathers that flowed over her scalp and trailed down her back. Her body was slim and perfectly shaped—which was very apparent since she was also perfectly naked. As Cam moved further into the room, the woman curled her lip disdainfully, rose with remarkable grace, and disappeared through one of the side doors.

“Don’t mind her,” said a soft voice from the pool. The woman sitting on the side of the pool smiled shyly. At least she was wearing a short gown, even if it was basically transparent. “She’s annoyed because she was scheduled for tonight and our master sent word that you were to entertain him instead.”

“It’s fine with me if she takes my place,” Cam muttered.

Both of the other women’s mouths dropped open before the same woman replied. “We must all accommodate the master’s wishes.”

Despite the temptation to debate that fact, Cam let it drop. “I’m Cam.”

“I’m Sonda. And this is my cousin Leeda.”

The woman in the pool smiled shyly and dropped her head. Cam hesitated, then said, “I’m sorry about this morning.”

Leeda’s eyes flew to hers before she smiled again. “The master makes the decisions.” She hesitated. “Did he keep you all night?”

Cam shrugged. “I suppose so. I woke up there this morning.”

Leeda looked at her cousin but didn’t ask any additional questions.

Joining Sonda on the pool edge, Cam trailed her hand through the warm water and decided to ignore the fact that Leeda was naked. Apparently nudity wasn’t much of a taboo, or at least not among the women. She wasn’t sure if she should pursue the subject, but she was genuinely curious. “Did you, uhh, want to be there?”

“I was scheduled to be there,” Leeda responded.

“I know you said that. I meant do you…enjoy being with him?”

Leeda lowered her head and her cheeks flushed a deeper lavender. “He is a very skillful lover.”

Sonda giggled and nodded in agreement.

A completely unexpected pang of jealousy shot through Cam. What was that about? Sure, he was tall, sexy, and kissed her so hard her bones melted. He was also arrogant, demanding, unfeeling, and he had her kidnapped as a slave. If she didn’t want to have sex with him—although she wasn’t as convinced of that as she would have liked—why did it matter who else he was having sex with? Pushing the thought aside, she probed further.

“But do you want to be slaves?”

An identical expression of sorrow crossed each woman’s delicate face, their hair drooping in unison, and Cam felt like she had kicked a pair of puppies.

Sonda sighed. “Of course not. We were traveling with a relative. He sold us to pay off his gambling debts.”

“He could do that?” Cam was shocked and horrified.

The cousins exchanged a look before Sonda continued. “It’s against Imperial law but we are not a powerful House. The holder of the debt was satisfied and our relative left Sigrast.”

Cam couldn’t let it drop. “And Kievan accepted you as payment for the debt?”

“No. He purchased us from the gambling house.” Leeda shuddered and her hair swirled around her face. “We were about to be sold to a brothel. This is a much better alternative.”

Cam sighed. It looked like Kievan hadn’t been exaggerating about the potential dangers of the station.

“He could have set you free,” she couldn’t help pointing out.

Another look was exchanged. “But we owe him. We must pay our debt.”

“And how long will that take?”

“It is for him to decide,” Sonda returned softly. She shrugged. “There are worse ways to spend our time. As Leeda said, he is a skillful lover. And we are well-treated and well-fed.”

Cam’s stomach immediately rumbled at the reminder of food. Both women giggled and Sonda pulled over a small table topped with a tray of fruit and small cubes. Delighted to discover that the cubes tasted like a kind of salty cheese, Cam nibbled thoughtfully as she considered the situation. Both women seemed to have adapted to their enslavement with a fair amount of grace—a grace she was pretty sure she did not have. She wanted to continue the conversation but she didn’t want to disturb them again. Instead she sighed and changed the subject. “Where are you from?”

“We’re from the Gliese system but we have spent much of our time traveling on trading missions. What about you?”

“I’m from a planet called Earth. I don’t suppose you’ve heard of it?”

They shook their heads in an eerily identical movement and she sighed.

“Perhaps you only trade with your local systems?” Sonda suggested.

“Trade? You mean with other worlds?” She frowned at them. “Oh, we don’t trade at all. We’ve only made it as far as our moon. I always thought that aliens were a myth.”

Now they both looked shocked.

“You’re from a pre-spaceflight world?” Leeda asked. “Those are off limits by Imperial edict.”

“What does that mean?”

“It’s forbidden to travel to them.”

Her stomach dropped as the words penetrated. “Does that mean I can’t get home?”

“No reputable pilot would take you there. And a disreputable one…” Sonda shuddered. “You would not be likely to actually end up there.”

Cam closed her eyes in silent despair, but felt more sorrow than surprise. Since the moment she had woken up on the spaceship, part of her had known she was never going home again. Even if by some miracle she could escape, the thought of ending up with someone like her original captors made her understand why the other two women didn’t seem as unhappy as she would have expected about their fate. With a sigh, she changed the subject again. “Who else lives here?”

“The one who just left is Xanthe. She thinks she’s better than the rest of us because Kievan takes her with him most frequently when he has events to attend,” Leeda said.

“Probably because she matches his décor,” Cam muttered, and both women giggled again, their hair dancing.

“Then there’s Talasi. She mainly keeps to herself.” Sonda’s face grew troubled. “She likes pain—a lot.”

“Which is good because our master can satisfy those urges with her,” Leeda added.

Cam felt sick. “He likes to inflict pain?”

The women glanced at each other. “He likes to play hard,” Sonda finally responded. “But he’s never hurt us.” Another glance. “That is, not unless he was punishing us.”

“He had to punish you?” Cam couldn’t imagine these two gentle women ever requiring punishment.

“We had to learn his ways. And we learned very quickly.” Leeda actually sounded like she was defending him and Cam stared at her in disbelief. A flush covered the other woman’s cheeks and then her head dropped. “It is not the Gliesh way but some of it was…exciting,” she whispered.

This was definitely too much information. Cam couldn’t fathom pain being in any way exciting and she hastily returned to the original question. “And there is one more woman?”

Sonda popped a berry into her mouth and handed another one to Leeda. “Jalen was here but she left just before you came out of your room.”

“Left? You mean to go to Kievan?” The flare of jealousy returned and Cam pushed it to the back of her mind.

“No.” Sonda reached for another berry. “She was removed.”

“Removed? To go where?” Cam frowned at the two women.

“We don’t know.” Leeda didn’t seem concerned. “She was beautiful but even more spiteful than Xanthe. Perhaps our master was tired of her.”

A chill crept up Cam’s spine. Still coming to terms with the idea of being a slave, she hadn’t even considered the fact that since Kievan had arranged for her to be brought here, he could just as easily arrange for her to be removed. He seemed determined to keep her now, but how long would that last? And when it was over, she already knew that she would not be returning to Earth. Tears started to gather in her eyes but before they could fall, both women reached forward and took a hand.

“Everything will be all right,” Sonda whispered.

Leeda nodded. “It has to be.” She sounded like she was trying to convince herself as well as Cam so Cam nodded and squeezed their hands.

“It will be all right,” she echoed.

Chapter Five

J’Ssett stared at her and shook his head. “That is not the outfit the master ordered you to wear.”

Cam raised her chin. “That was not an outfit and I am not wearing it.”

The day had passed quietly enough. She had spent more time talking to Sonda and Leeda. Eventually they drifted away and she returned to her room and resumed her reading lessons. Once again, she fell asleep in her chair. After she woke, she took a long soak in the bathing pool. When she emerged from the bathroom, the lights in the atrium had gone out and the great space was dark once more. The so-called outfit had been lying on her bed. Sonda had poked her head in to let her know that she was to get dressed and be ready when J’Ssett returned for her in an hour.

When she picked up the clothing, she discovered that it consisted merely of a series of fine gold chains and some thin wisps of silk. She wasn’t even sure how to put it on and she wasn’t about to try. Instead, she had chosen another halter and sarong, this time in soft gold silk. She chose not to think too much about why she had chosen clothing in what appeared to be Kievan’s favorite color—or why she had taken advantage of the cosmetics in the bathroom to darken her eyelashes and add color to her lips.

J’Ssett appeared on schedule and he was obviously concerned about her failure to obey, but damned if she was going anywhere in gold chains. Surely she could explain that to Kievan; she could appeal to that softer side he occasionally revealed. The small alien read the decision on her face, shook his head again, and headed for the door. The outer lounge was empty and Cam followed quietly in J’Ssett’s tracks, attempting to project a meekness she did not feel. At Kievan’s door, he knocked once, opened the door for her to step inside, and then closed it quietly behind her.

Her heart beating unexpectedly hard in her chest, Cam’s eyes went straight to Kievan. He was seated at the desk, bent over a screen, and he didn’t look up immediately so she was able to study him. Her eyes traveled appreciatively over his handsome alien features and the muscled perfection of his chest visible through the open vest. But she could also see the tension in those broad shoulders and she had a sudden desire to walk up behind him, wrap her arms around him, and nibble kisses into the strong column of his neck. Her nipples tightened at the image. Damn, what was wrong with her?

As though aware of her appraisal, Kievan looked up, a half-smile curving his lips until he took in her appearance. The smile remained but his eyes hardened.

“Take them off.”

Cam stared at him. “What?”

“Take off those clothes.” She hesitated and the smile disappeared. “You have already earned one punishment for disobedience. Do not make me add to it.”

The door was temptingly close and the urge to run was almost irresistible. She still had no idea exactly what he meant by punishment but, especially after her earlier conversation with Sonda and Leeda, she was terrified of the prospect. However, if she believed the rest of the conversation, even if she did manage to escape, her situation would not improve. Biting her lip, she reached behind her neck and unfastened the halter. Trembling fingers untied the sarong. Kievan had returned to his screen but he was obviously aware of her actions because as soon as the silk whispered down her legs, he pointed to the floor at his feet. “Kneel.”

Anger and fear fought for dominance but fear won—barely. She crossed the floor and knelt at his feet, trying to remember the correct posture from the morning. He glanced at her briefly but didn’t make any adjustments to her position before returning to his screen. He then proceeded to ignore her.

Cam tried to be patient, but without the pillow her legs were getting sore and her back was starting to hurt. She tried to move subtly to ease the discomfort but as soon as she did, his hand came down on her shoulder.

“Keep still. Each time you move, I will add a stroke.”

A stroke? Oh god, a stroke of what? Panic momentarily filled her head and it took several deep breaths before she calmed enough to realize that his hand was still on her shoulder. What’s more, it felt good there—warm and comforting. Her body relaxed the tiniest fraction. They remained in that position as he continued to work. After a long, silent interval, his fingers started to stroke her shoulder, before moving up to curve around her neck and then higher to cup her cheek. With a sigh she nuzzled into the warmth of his hand and then froze as she realized that she had moved. She looked up and he was watching her. His eyes were warm again.

“Responding to my touch is never a problem, little flower,” he whispered, and unexpected tears filled her eyes at the warmth in his voice. When he spoke to her like that, he actually seemed to care. “I think that’s enough for now.”

He stood up and pulled her carefully to her feet, holding her steady as the circulation returned to her legs. Unfortunately, as her steadiness increased, so did her embarrassment. She was standing there naked while he was still fully clothed. Her cheeks flamed and she studied the floor.

Kievan grasped her chin and raised her face so that he could see her eyes. “Never be ashamed of your beauty, my pet. It gives me great pleasure to see you—all of you.” He was still using his warm voice and her cheeks flushed for an entirely different reason as his hand dropped and his fingers skated lightly across her erect nipples. Her breath caught and she swayed slightly toward him. He smiled but put his hands on her arms and held her at arm’s length. “We’ll get to that. But first, you are still going to be punished.”

“That wasn’t being punished?” She stared at him in shock and his lip twitched but his voice was firm.

“No, that was training you to behave. You are being punished for disobeying my order regarding your clothing.”

“But I couldn’t wear that. It was just chains. Even if I could have figured out how to put it on, it didn’t cover anything,” she protested.

“As opposed to what you’re wearing now?” he asked dryly. She had to admit he had a point, but he continued without requiring her to concede it. “What did I tell you this morning were your duties?”

She really didn’t want to answer that but she forced out the words. “To obey you and to pleasure you.”

“Exactly. I chose that outfit for my pleasure. You chose not to pleasure me by wearing it and you disobeyed me. Therefore, you will be punished.”

Her voice was barely above a whisper. “How?”

Instead of responding, he reached back to the desk and retrieved two gold chain bracelets, each link consisting of a smaller wires forming a small rosette. Once he fastened them around her wrists, the catch disappeared. They were beautiful and she admired the gleam of the gold against her skin. She opened her mouth to thank him but he was already reaching for two more. These matched the first set but were slightly longer and she eyed them with uneasy suspicion as he bent to fasten them around her ankles. Her thoughts flashed back to the metal cuffs the slavers had used, but those heavy metal bands were a far cry from these delicate golden links.

“What are those?” she demanded.

He laughed softly and the low rumble sent a shiver of pleasure up her spine in spite of her trepidation. “Let’s just say that they will help you learn to please me.”

She eyed him warily and he laughed again before leading her over to the golden wall sculpture. Keeping one hand on her wrist, he manipulated another control panel until the wall began to rearrange itself. A broad, padded shelf slid out of one section and two narrower padded shelves followed, one on each side of the wider shelf.

“Oh god. What’s that?” She tried to back away but his grip was too strong.

“It’s called a spanking bench. I can’t say that you’ll enjoy it, but I know I will.”

Once again she tried to back away but he lifted her with humiliating ease and placed her face down on the wide shelf. Two openings in the surface left her breasts exposed. Keeping her in place by the simple expedient of leaning his weight across her back, he pulled her arms down on each side. There was an audible click and her bracelets locked in place, keeping her hands extended out and down. Her legs were bent and placed on the narrow shelves, the ankle bracelets also locking into place. Her ass extended over the end of the bench and she flinched in horror as the narrow shelves moved apart until she was spread open before him.

“Very nice.” One large, warm hand stroked her bottom while the other hand reached forward to caress a hardened nipple. A flare of arousal rushed through her so quickly that her head spun. She tried to pull against her bonds but couldn’t move a muscle. To her shame, that only added to the arousal. The hand stroking her bottom dipped lower and her cheeks flamed again as she felt how easily it slipped between her damp folds.

“Hmm, perhaps you will enjoy this after all.” Kievan’s voice was husky. One thick finger circled her suddenly throbbing clit and her hips instinctively tried to arch into his touch. Her inability to move sent another rush of heat between her legs. Kievan leaned over her pinned body as he stroked her and the heat of his large body was both arousing and oddly comforting. His spicy scent surrounded her and filled her senses. He added another finger, pressing against her entrance and awakening all of the nerves in the tight passage but never plunging inside. She started to pant. He kept circling and pressing, teasing her until her body was quivering for release. His other hand continued to work her nipple, rolling it between his fingers and increasing the pressure until it throbbed in time with the ache between her legs.

“Please.” Her voice was so hoarse she could barely recognize it.

Instead of answering her plea, he removed both hands. A sob escaped her lips before she could muffle it.

“Now, little flower, time for your punishment. Since this is your first time, I will only use my hand. You will receive ten strokes and you will count each one. If you lose count, I will begin again. Do you understand?” His voice was still husky but there was no trace of compassion in it. She forced her mind to focus on his words and managed to squeak out a yes.

Without further warning, his hand slammed down across one cheek and her bottom exploded into fire. She had never been spanked, had never felt anything like that before in her life.

“Count,” he reminded her.

“One,” she finally managed.

“Very good, pet.” His voice was approving and his hand moved across the fiery sting, drawing some of the pain away.

The next stroke was worse and she cried out but remembered to count. Each time she counted, he rewarded her with a soothing touch but by the time the fifth stroke arrived she was crying uncontrollably. His hand no longer helped to ease the pain but then his finger moved back between her legs and she slid back into arousal with dizzying speed. After each of the last five strokes, he stroked her swollen folds. Her whole body was on fire, torn between pain and arousal, her mind barely able to process the conflicting sensations. As soon as she whispered the final number, he pressed down on her clit while he drove one long finger deep inside her. Her back arched impossibly against the restraints as she screamed and came in mind-numbing convulsions.

Cam floated on a fuzzy pink cloud. She was vaguely aware of the shelf beneath her body and of the fiery glow of her abused bottom, but they seemed very distant. A warm hand stroked her back and it felt nice—very nice—but that was distant, too. Kievan’s voice finally penetrated.

“Little flower, answer me.”

“Hmm?” Had he asked her something? She tried to focus but she couldn’t remember the question.

“When did you eat last?” he asked patiently.

She tried to wave a hand, mildly surprised when it responded. “Berries…pool…earlier,” she finally mumbled.

A low laugh sent a pleasant shiver through her body. “I think I had better feed you before we continue with my plans for the evening.”

“Okay,” she whispered.

Another low laugh and this one was even nicer since somehow she was cradled in his arms and she could feel the vibration against her chest. Sighing, she nestled closer and buried her head in his neck, breathing in his amazing scent as she drifted off to sleep.

Kievan stared down at the small woman curled so trustingly in his arms. She was beautiful; her face was still flushed from her climax, and her body warm and soft in his embrace. Carrying her easily, he ordered food and went to place her on the bed. He felt curiously reluctant to put her down and when he tried, her arms tightened sleepily around his neck and she burrowed closer. Unwilling to dislodge her, he carried her to the couch instead, sitting down with her in his lap.

He almost groaned as her soft ass settled on top of his erection. His cock had been aching steadily since he had seen her standing at the door, beautiful—if not obedient—in gold silk, and looking at him with that intriguing mixture of desire and defiance and fear. Having her soft body kneeling at his feet while her tempting fragrance teased him had only added to the pain. And then her reaction to his punishment—and his touch—had been even better than he had anticipated. The sight of her creamy skin reddened by his hand, her swollen folds dripping with her arousal, and her beautiful face taut with ecstasy had almost driven him to take her right there on the spanking bench. But when she collapsed into a dazed heap he managed to restrain himself. As on the previous evening, he wanted her wide awake when he entered her for the first time—no matter how much he wanted her now.

When a quiet knock sounded at the door, he covered her with a blanket. It had never occurred to him to cover a slave before—their bodies were for his enjoyment—but the thought of exposing her naked body to anyone else angered him. A brief flash of astonishment crossed his normally impassive servant’s face before he placed the tray of food on the low table. Kievan raised a brow and the servant’s face paled. Bowing hastily, he left the room, but Kievan couldn’t sure be that he had quelled the man enough that his uncharacteristic actions wouldn’t be discussed in the servants’ quarters. He sighed and dismissed the thought; if he needed to make an example of the man, he would.

Turning to the tempting bundle in his arms, he stroked her cheek until her eyes opened. Sleepy blue eyes stared up at him and then she smiled. His chest tightened but he ignored it.

“Time to eat, little flower.”

“Okay,” she whispered, but made no attempt to move. He laughed and lifted her up, keeping her in his lap while he fed her sips of a healing broth. She drank obediently but her eyelids kept fluttering closed. After the soup, he tempted her with a creamy dessert, letting her suck the rich mousse from his fingers. The feel of her warm mouth closing around his fingers as her small tongue lapped at the treat sent shockwaves straight to his cock. She wiggled against him and her nipples budded but her eyes were still heavy. As soon as he removed his fingers, her eyes closed and she turned into his chest and went to sleep.

Despite his aching cock, he felt unexpectedly content. Apparently the Sardoran instinct to provide for his female was more deeply ingrained than he realized. His jaw tightened; she was not his female; she was his slave. Since he never allowed slaves to sleep with him, he should have her returned to her room. The idea did not appeal to him and he finally dismissed it. He intended to take her as soon as she awoke in the morning so it would be easier for him if she was already here. Decision made, he rose easily to his feet, taking care not to disturb her as he carried her to his bed and crawled in behind her.

Chapter Six

Once again, Cam awoke feeling warm and contented. Her back was pressed against Kievan’s front, her head was pillowed on one massive bicep while his other arm was wrapped tightly around her waist, and his heavy thigh was thrust between her legs. She sighed sleepily and nestled back against him before her mind began to replay the previous evening and her muscles tensed. Oh my god, he had spanked her—hard—and it had hurt like hell but he had also given her the most intense orgasm she had ever experienced. What was wrong with her? How could she have reacted like that?

Moving very slowly, she tried to slip out from under his arm but it immediately tightened.

“Running away, little flower?” Kievan’s voice was a low amused rumble against her ear, and despite her humiliation, her whole body shivered. He laughed and rolled on top of her, his hips settling over hers and his chest warm and heavy on top of her. She peeked at him cautiously and caught her breath. His eyes were glowing bronze, his mouth smiling, and he had never looked more beautiful. “You won’t escape me that easily. You fell asleep before we got to the more rewarding part of the evening.”

Her cheeks flamed as more memories surfaced and she focused her gaze on his shoulder. It was all a little vague but she thought she remembered curling into his lap while he fed her like a baby. She definitely remembered clinging to him when he tried to put her down. Was that a punishable offense? Sneaking a peek at him under her lashes, she was relieved to see that he was still smiling.

“I’m sorry,” she mumbled.

“No need to be sorry. We’ll make it the rewarding part of the morning instead.” His gaze heated and he lowered his mouth to the sensitive skin behind her ear. Another shiver caught her. But something about his words caught her attention. She remembered the previous morning and J’Ssett’s statement. Was someone else scheduled for the morning shift? She cringed at the thought of Leeda, or worse, Xanthe, walking in on them. His mouth was still working her neck, sending ripples of excitement through her body, but she couldn’t give in to them.

She pushed against him. “Isn’t it time for the next girl?”

He raised his head and the smile was gone. His face was hard. “And what if it is?”

“In that case you don’t need me. Let me go.” She struggled harder but she might as well as have been pushing a boulder uphill.

“You are forgetting that I make that decision, not you.”

Pain settled into her chest but she ignored it and kept pushing against him. He grabbed her hands, pulled them over her head, and studied her face.

“You were much sweeter last night. I think I preferred it. Do you have to be punished to bring out your sweetness?” His voice was lazy, his eyes anything but, and Cam froze. Protests filled her brain but she could feel her pussy dampening. Trying to hide the unsettling combination of fear and desire, she glared at him. His hand immediately grasped her chin. “I believe that we had this discussion already, my pet. Remove that look from your face.”

Her mouth trembled but she pushed up her chin defiantly. His eyes flared.

“Very well.”

Before she could react, he grasped her hand and stretched it above her head. Despairingly, she felt the cuff snap into place against the headboard. Her other arm followed and she curled her hands around the gold frame, the cold metal turning warm and damp under her nervous grasp. The position arched her back so that her breasts thrust upward and she realized miserably that her nipples had already tightened into rigid peaks. Kievan cupped her breasts in his large warm hands and stroked his thumbs across the taut buds. Her eyes closed as the sensation swept through her.

“That’s a much better look,” he whispered, and continued the slow tantalizing strokes. She tried, she really tried, to glare at him, but instead her back arched higher as she attempted to press harder into his hands. Instead he removed his hands completely.

“Not yet, pet. You will take what I want to give you when I want to give it to you.” His voice was amused and the glare came back. He shook his head. “I see you still have much to learn.”

His hands slid down her legs and she watched in horror as he released fine gold chains from the posts at the end of the bed. By the time he was finished, she was spread-eagled on top of the bed, her legs raised and spread, her body completely exposed to him, and uneasily aware that she was getting extremely aroused.

Kievan looked at her for a long moment, the bronze swirls melting in his eyes. “Beautiful, pet. Now you’re ready for whatever I choose to do.” The heat in his gaze caused an answering flare of heat in her already tingling body. He covered her with his body and she almost moaned at the feel of his warm skin surrounding her. She did moan when he returned to her neck and resumed nibbling on the sensitive flesh as if nothing had interrupted him. When he raised his head and looked at her, she licked her lips, desperately wanting his kiss but unwilling to ask.

He smiled, and it wasn’t a cruel smile, but instead of kissing her lips, he slid down and drew a swollen nipple into his mouth with a sudden shocking intensity. Her back arched again and he suckled harder, the wet heat of his mouth sending her senses spinning. He scraped his teeth across the sensitive tip and she shuddered. He raised his head, gave her the same lazy smile, and moved to the other breast. Even expecting it this time, the sensation was no less shocking and no less exciting. Her hips rocked up the short distance they could move, seeking to increase the contact between her swollen cleft and his warm, hard body. He growled and she almost sobbed with relief as his massive cock slid against her swollen lips, spreading them open, but then his body lifted and she cried out.

“What are your duties, my pet?” he rumbled.

The words broke into the fog of desire and she opened her eyes. He was wearing the cold implacable look again. Her body quivered but she bit her lip and refused to answer. His eyes darkened and he shook his head. “Stubborn pet.”

“Don’t call me that,” she managed, and thought she saw the hint of a lip curl before he moved back down her body.

This time he settled further down between her legs. He paused and she shivered, uncomfortable and excited as he studied every inch of her exposed flesh. “Just like a flower, my pet, all pretty and pink,” he whispered, and then his tongue traced the length of her slit. If she had been able to move she would have rocked clean off the bed at the overwhelming pleasure.

“Mmm. You are even sweeter here,” he murmured, and she shuddered as his voice vibrated against her sensitive flesh. Slowly and torturously he explored her trembling folds, stroking up one side of her clit and down the other, teasing the entrance to her pussy but never going inside. Every nerve in her body was on fire and she writhed against his mouth. He added a finger, slipping it into the tight entrance to her pussy. She almost came but it wasn’t quite enough.

“Please.” She heard the desperation in her voice but she didn’t care. She needed to come.

His mouth stilled and he looked up at her face. “What are your duties, my pet?”

She hesitated and his finger curled inside her, stroking a spot that made her squirm with pleasure. He paused again and this time the words came out, trembling but without any hesitation. “To obey you. To please you.”

“Very good, little flower.” His mouth fastened over her clit, sucking it into the heated depths of his mouth just as his finger curled again. She screamed and came in a flood of ecstasy, his tongue sweeping her over and over again, prolonging the orgasm until the last ripples died away. Her eyes opened when his mouth finally left. She expected him to release her but instead he moved up her body, his eyes blazing.

“Kievan,” she whispered.

“Yes, little flower?”

“Are you going to let me go?”

“Not yet.”

She gulped and tried not to panic as she felt the broad head of his cock nudging her pussy entrance. Even though she had seen how big he was, he felt even larger pressed against the tiny opening.

“Kievan,” she tried again.

“Little flower, this is not a time for conversation,” he growled, but he stopped and looked at her.

“It’s just…” She wasn’t even sure how to tell him. “It’s just been a really long time. I’m scared.”

His eyes didn’t lose their heat but his face softened. “Don’t worry, pet. I promise you’ll always enjoy it when I fuck you.”

A shiver trembled up her spine, but before she could respond, his mouth dropped over hers. Instead of his usual demanding kiss, he teased her, his tongue stroking her lips, playing with the seam between them until she parted them eagerly. She could taste her juices mixed with his amazing taste, and her arousal flared. He sucked on her bottom lip and nibbled on the top, flicking his tongue teasingly into her mouth until she pressed against him. His tongue surged deeper, sweeping in and out of her mouth until she was panting.

His hips moved and she felt massive head of his cock slip into the tight entrance of her pussy, stretching her around him. She gasped into his mouth and he stilled, letting her adjust, while his tongue resumed the urgent rhythm. Now she was impatient for more but he didn’t move. She thrust her hips up the small amount allowed by the chains and he roared and buried himself completely inside her. The feeling shocked her, overwhelmed her. She was split open, stretched wide around him, nerves she didn’t know existed firing in a pleasure so intense it was almost pain.

“So tight, little flower,” he groaned, his mouth against her neck. He held himself in check, his body rigid against hers, again waiting for her to adjust. She was full, so full, but suddenly she wanted more. Her hips moved again and he responded, pulling out slowly and then thrusting back in, gradually increasing the pace. Held by the chains, all she could do was take him as he surged deeper and harder. She felt every thrust, her body on fire with pleasure, and then he changed his angle to stroke even deeper inside her and she shattered, crying out his name as she convulsed around him. As soon as she did, his pace intensified. He pounded into her helpless body for an endless moment before he groaned and seemed to grow even larger, before he thrust against the end of her channel, before he came inside her in a hot flood that sent her into a second spasm.

His big body covered her and she pulled mindlessly against the chains, wanting her arms to be free so she could hold on to him. To her surprise they released immediately and she wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. Aftershocks trembled through her body and she could feel him inside her each time her pussy convulsed. He was heavy but his warm weight felt good and she buried her face in his neck and smiled.

Kievan waited for his pulse to slow and his heart to stop pounding. His little female was even better than he had anticipated—lush, responsive, and so tight he had barely managed to last until she came. He could still feel her rippling around his cock and he was tempted, very tempted, to repeat the experience immediately. Unfortunately, when he raised his head, he could see the atrium lights starting to glow.

“Sweetness,” he whispered against her ear. She shivered and snuggled closer. That had been another surprise, the way she wrapped herself around him as soon as the chains were released. He liked the way it felt, just as he had liked it last night when she had curled into his arms, even though he had never wanted or needed a slave to touch him before, except for his sexual pleasure. He frowned at the thought but then dismissed it, along with the impulse to take her again.

He pulled her arms gently from around his neck and smiled as her bottom lip pouted out. It wasn’t respectful, but by the Goddess, it was adorable. As a reward, he dropped a not too hasty kiss on her lips before he raised his head again.

“It’s morning, my pet. I have things to do.”

A shadow crossed her face and he instantly realized that she was remembering their earlier conversation. He hesitated, and then told her the truth. “I’m not expecting anyone else this morning.” Her face relaxed and he found himself continuing. “I told you that you were a special project. You are the only one sharing my bed.” The smile that lit her face almost blinded him but he forced himself to keep going. “For right now. This is not a permanent situation.”

Her lips trembled but she managed to hold the smile, barely. He ignored the twinge inside his chest. He was telling her the truth, if not the whole truth, and it would be even crueler to lie to her.

“Now it’s time to shower.”

That smile was a lot more genuine. “Do I get to wash you again?”

He cast another look over his shoulder. The atrium was almost completely lit; he should be in his office by now. Then again, who was going to argue if he was late for once?

“Definitely.” His mouth moved to her ear and he felt her shiver, felt her nipples harden against his chest. “And this time you will be much more thorough.”

Kievan walked into his office feeling unusually at peace with the world. J’Ssett waited patiently, his observant eyes studying Kievan’s face for a brief second before they dropped. He ignored the feeling that the other man saw through his usual stoic mask. Sitting at his desk, he proceeded to give his orders for the evening, an evening he had started to plan as soon as he left his female.

“Dinner for two, tonight. The small dining room. At 1900, no, make it 1800.” He was already impatient to see her again.

“Yes, my lord.”

“The gold chain outfit. And send an attendant to Cam to prepare her and help her dress. A female attendant.”

“Yes, my lord.” J’Ssett bowed his head before Kievan could decide if he had really seen a flash of amusement on the other man’s face.

Kievan turned to his screen to begin reviewing the daily reports but his mind drifted back to the shower. She had indeed taken her time washing his body and he had enjoyed it thoroughly, but then she had surprised him by dropping to her knees and taking him in her mouth. The knowledge that she had done it, not because he ordered it, but because she wanted to, had been almost as arousing as watching his cock slide between those pouting pink lips. When she moaned around him, as excited as he was, he had been unable to resist pulling her to her feet and lifting her into his arms so he could take her against the wall. She had wrapped her legs around him and thrown her head back in helpless pleasure as he pounded into her, coming with a muffled cry just before he emptied himself into her body.

She had trembled when he lowered her to the ground, her legs shaking, and he had taken more time to hold her until she quieted, and then to gently dry her body. And despite that, he had still been reluctant to leave her and she had seemed just as unwilling to let him go.

Fighting a reminiscent smile, he forced his attention to business and read the first report on the screen. His pleasant mood immediately disappeared.

“Is this correct?” His voice had turned to ice.

“Yes, my lord. We received the message with a shipment of Bliss stones. Prince Ustrod is…impatient for his compensation.”

“Damn.” Kievan leaned back and closed his eyes, trying for the hundredth time to find a way out of an intolerable situation—a situation that was even more intolerable this morning. “Remind him that these matters take time.”

J’Ssett hesitated. “It has been a month, my lord.”

“And it will take at least another month.” He ignored the bleak desolation that filled him at his words. A month would not be long enough.

“Should I inform him of that?”

“No. He doesn’t need to know specifics. Just reiterate that I will contact him as soon as I am done.”

Another pause, then J’Ssett bowed his head and changed the subject. “If I could draw your attention to the report on Madam Hora’s earnings…”

Kievan turned his attention to the report but it took all of his years of discipline to focus on business and not the pain spiking in his chest.

Chapter Seven

Cam walked down the corridor behind J’Ssett, nervous heat pulling at her stomach. A cloak covered her from head to toe but she was burningly conscious of what she was wearing beneath the cloak—or rather what she wasn’t wearing. With every step, she could feel fine gold chains caressing her skin. That afternoon, an attendant had appeared and proceeded to pamper Cam to within an inch of her life. She had been massaged, bathed, and lotioned; her nails had been painted and her hair and makeup done; and finally, she had been fastened into the chain outfit. The top consisted of an ornate halter that did nothing to conceal her breasts, but rather exposed them in an erotic harness. The barest scrap of silk covered her nipples but nothing else broke the contrast of creamy skin bound with gold. The bottom was equally as elaborate and revealing, the crisscrossed chains serving to frame her labia and the cleft of her bottom. Another triangle of silk barely covered her pubic mound. The final touch was a pair of strappy gold sandals with ridiculously high heels which made her legs look twice as long as normal.

By the time she looked in the mirror she didn’t even recognize herself. The resulting image was pure sex appeal but in an erotic, beautiful way. Even walking along the corridor, she could feel how the heels changed her posture, how her back arched and her hips swayed. And she could feel the chains against her skin, tight but not painful—continuously reminding her of her body and causing butterflies low in her belly. The touch of silk on her taut nipples and sliding between her already damp folds just added to her excitement.

But despite the erotic effects of the clothing, the real heat in her body was generated by the man waiting for her. After he had left her that morning, she had been escorted back to the harem. No one had been around so she had retreated to her room, trying to sort out her feelings. No matter how much she tried to deny it, Kievan caused her body to react in ways she had never experienced before. Even more than that, when he was touching her, holding her, she felt a sense of connection which went far beyond their physical contact. And yet this was the man who had brought her here, who had made her into a slave.

When she heard activity in the main room and joined Sonda and Leeda, she was still wrestling with her demons. The other women were their usual charming, gentle selves, but they were overcome with excitement that she had spent the night with Kievan again and that she was the only one he was currently seeing. She relaxed at their obvious approval, but then Xanthe emerged from her rooms. Instead of leaving at the sight of Cam, she lingered long enough to make cutting comments about “the new toy” until Cam finally retreated to her room and buried herself in her language lessons while she waited for the attendant to arrive. Even now on her way to see him again, she was still confused. The only thing she was sure of was that she longed to see him.

J’Ssett opened a set of double doors and bowed her forward. Cam had a vague impression of a glass-walled room but her eyes went immediately to Kievan. He was standing against the glass, wearing an open necked white silk shirt and white leather pants. He looked impossibly handsome, but even from across the room, she could see the tension in his body and her heart softened. Without conscious thought, she crossed to him, slid her arms up the warm skin of his chest and curled them around his neck. Even with the heels on, he was much taller so she lifted up on tiptoes and raised her face for his kiss. He hesitated for a fraction of a second, his face hard and unreadable, and then his arms went round her, his mouth descended over hers, and he kissed her until she was clinging helplessly to him. When he finally raised his head, his face was soft and his eyes blazed melted bronze.

“Sweetness,” he whispered, and stroked her cheek. She nuzzled into his hand and smiled at him.

“Hi, honey. How was your day?” she whispered back.

He raised an eyebrow. “Honey?”

“It’s an expression of affection,” she said before she blushed and looked away. His hand lifted her chin until she looked at him again.

“I like it—and I like that you said it.” When he smiled down at her, her stomach did a little flip and she almost groaned. She was in serious trouble. Before she could process the thought, he released her chin and stepped back. The unreadable mask dropped over his face again. “Unfortunately, I did not have a good day. It reminded me that we need to resume your training.”

Cam shivered, and not in a good way. “Training?”

He turned toward the window and her eyes followed him. The atrium was dark, lit only by lights from the windows opening on to it. As her gaze moved to the atrium, she noticed for the first time that all of the walls of the room were made of glass. Even the floor was made of glass and a wave of vertigo made her dizzy as she saw the vast expanse of space beneath her feet. Hastily she turned her attention to the massive, intricately carved—and very solid—dining table that filled the center of the room. One place was set at the far end. The memory of Kievan feeding her that morning brought a smile to her face and she turned back to look at him.

He was staring out into the atrium, the tension she had seen when she first entered the room back in the stiff lines of his back. She hugged her arms around herself, suddenly nervous. Finally, he answered her question. “A certain protocol is expected of…slaves. Sometimes in private but always in public.”

The familiar feeling of despair went through her at the word slave. Would she ever get used to it? Pushing it aside, she concentrated on the second part of his statement. “Public? Does that mean I would get to leave your quarters?”

“Is that what you want?” he asked, his voice tense.

He turned to look at her and she shrugged, suddenly uncomfortable. “I don’t know. An occasional change of scenery might be nice. I don’t exactly have a lot to do.”

“You have to please me.”

His voice heated and she felt the answering response in her stomach but she refused to be distracted from her argument. “I’m not with you all the time. You have a job; you work hard. I’m also used to working—and I liked having a job.”

He studied her face, his expression unreadable. “We will discuss that again but for now, your desire for a change of scenery should provide additional motivation.”

The words reminded her of his other, more uncomfortable, ways to motivate her. She might as well know the worst. “What behavior do you expect?”

“A slave reflects on her master. She is pleasant, obedient, and respectful at all times. If you enter the room and I am sitting, you will come and kneel at my feet. If I am standing, you will assume a standing pose. You do not speak unless I give you permission. You will address me as Master.” He hesitated. “You will offer your body for my pleasure whenever, and however, I desire.”

She knew she was staring at him, her mouth open. He was reducing her to a puppet with no mind of her own. The invisible chains of her slavery, so easy to forget when she was in his arms, were suddenly very apparent. Her heart clenched and it took her a moment to find the words. “Is that what you want?”

Her face must have shown her despair because his voice was soft when he responded. “In public, always. In private, sometimes.”

“But why?”

Kievan smiled wickedly and she actually felt her pulse increase. “Have you forgotten last night and this morning already? If you remember, I didn’t ask for your permission. I was under the impression that you enjoyed the experience.”

Her cheeks flamed and now she looked away.

“Don’t be embarrassed, little flower.” He pulled her into his arms and she felt her body relax. “Everyone responds differently. I enjoy being in charge; you enjoy giving up control.”

She wanted to deny it but he was not wrong. “What if I didn’t?” she couldn’t help asking.

“You would learn.” There was no doubt in his voice. “However, your natural submissiveness is a delightful surprise.”

He curled his hand firmly around her neck, controlling her movements, and they both felt her shiver. “You see what I mean?”

“I suppose I can try,” she agreed reluctantly.

“No, pet.” His hand tightened. “You will learn. If you do not, you will be punished.”

Her eyes filled with tears but she nodded. His fingers pressed harder into her neck. “Answer properly so that I know you understand.”

“Yes, Master,” she whispered. He let his hand drop and her neck immediately felt bare and cold.

“Very good, little flower.” The low approval in his voice made the tears threaten to overflow but she blinked them back. “Now remove your cloak and I will show you the standing pose.”

“Yes, Master.” It was easier the second time but she kept her head down as she let the cloak fall to the ground at her feet. He didn’t say anything but she felt the energy in the room change. Her stomach trembled. When she glanced at Kievan, his eyes were completely molten.

“You’re beautiful, little flower.” She could hear the hunger in his voice and swayed almost unconsciously toward him but he shook his head. When he resumed his instructions, his voice was cold and controlled. “First the pose. Spread your legs slightly. Hands behind your back, your right hand clasping your left wrist. Head up and eyes down.”

Cam assumed the position, blushing as she realized how prominent her breasts became with her hands behind her back. Kievan slowly circled her body, his eyes leaving a trail of heat as they lingered on her body. She fought the impulse to cover herself with her hands. A dizzying mixture of humiliation and desire swept through her and she bit her lip to keep it from trembling.

“Very good, my pet. I see that you are ready for me.” He swept a finger across one engorged nipple and her breath caught. Her mouth opened but he didn’t let her speak. “Hold your pose but look at me.”

She started to nod but caught herself. “Yes, Master.”

Helplessly she maintained her position while he stood in front of her, casually thumbing her nipples and watching her face. She was held by nothing more than his order, exposed for his pleasure, bound by his chains; she had never felt so alive. Nothing in her previous limited experience had prepared her for this. Desire rippled through her in waves and she could actually feel her labia dampening and swelling in anticipation, her clit stiffening into a hard little nub. Her breath sped up and her eyes started to close.

“Eyes on me, pet.”

“Yes, Master.” She could barely get the words out but she forced her eyes to his face. He bent toward her, his warm breath swirling across her nipple, and then his hot, wet mouth closed over the soft silk and he pulled the taut peak deep inside. She cried out and almost came. His mouth released her with a soft pop and he blew gently over the wet silk, sending shivers across her entire body. Her hand clamped down on her wrist in a desperate attempt to keep from reaching from him.

“So responsive,” he murmured. “We will have to see about some jewelry for these, my pet.”

Jewelry? For her nipples? The words barely penetrated as he repeated the process on her other nipple.

“Are you wet for me, pet?”

“Yes, Master.”

“Open for me and let me check.” His hand slid down between her legs and he rumbled his approval as it slipped easily between her slick folds. He paused with his finger to one side of her clit and she held her breath, afraid to move and miss his finger moving the remaining fraction of an inch and bringing her relief. Her hips started to twitch and he removed his hand. She almost sobbed in frustration.

“Not yet, sweetness.” He traced his finger across her lips and her tongue automatically followed its path, the taste of her own arousal shocking. “I’m going to give you something else to think about. Bend over the table.”

She unlocked her hands and swayed dizzily. He supported her and lowered her upper body until it was lying over the table, her arms stretched out in front of her. The cool surface soothed her swollen nipples.

“Keep still,” he warned, just as she felt his fingers trace the crevice between her butt cheeks. She startled and he pressed one hand firmly between her shoulder blades. “Don’t make me tell you again.”

For a long moment, he teased the puckered rosette of her anus, awakening nerves she didn’t know existed while she tried to hold still. Then his fingers drifted lower and she sighed with relief as he swirled his fingers against the entrance to her pussy. Her hips thrust back involuntarily at the touch and his hand descended across her ass with startling swiftness, creating a fiery sting in the soft flesh but only adding to her arousal. A cold object pushed into her channel and she clamped down in shock. It wasn’t large but the cool, hard metal resisted her muscles. Without removing the object, his wet fingers returned to her anus, spreading her juices and probing lightly at the tiny entrance.

“No, Master, please.” Her whole body was quivering now; she couldn’t control it.

“Silence, pet.” He spanked her again and her body ratcheted up one more unbelievable notch. Slowly he withdrew the object from her vagina and she felt the smooth tip, now warmed by her body, pressing against her anus. Her muscles clenched.

“Relax,” he whispered. The hand lifted off her back and she felt it teasing her swollen clit. God, she was so close. With one swift movement, he pushed through the tight ring of muscle and slid the object into her rectum while his other hand pressed down hard on her clit, and she came in a blinding convulsion that left her limp and shaking on the table.

“Very nice, my pet. And you didn’t pass out this time.” His voice was warm and amused, his fingers soothing as he stroked her back while she recovered. Her cheek was still pressed against the table and he lowered his face to look into her eyes. “Of course, I didn’t tell you that you could come.”

“You didn’t tell me I couldn’t,” she found the strength to point out. His lips twitched.

“Quite true, little flower. I think I had better feed you now.” He helped her carefully to her feet, and she stiffened as she realized that the butt plug was still firmly lodged in her rectum.

“Umm, aren’t you going to take this out now?” she asked hopefully. “Master?” she added quickly as his eyebrow lifted.

“No, my pet. It looks very pretty there. I chose a gold one especially to match your chains.”

Cam bit back a groan but followed obediently as he moved to the other side of the table. When he pointed to the cushion at his feet, she knelt carefully and prayed that dinner would not be an extended affair.

Kievan stared down at the little female kneeling so gracefully at his feet and fought down the urge to pull her into his lap and hold her close while he fed her. Goddess, she was magnificent. Her skin still flushed from her orgasm, her nipples rosy and distended, the gold chains tight around the creamy expanse of her flesh, the delicious scent of her arousal teasing him—everything about her called to him. His cock throbbed each time he held a carefully selected bite to her lips and felt the soft pink flesh against his fingers.

The night was not proceeding as planned. When he had been waiting for her earlier, he had convinced himself that he could treat as he would any other slave. But as soon as she entered the room, she had come to him, putting her arms around him and expecting—wanting—his kiss. Something inside him had shifted at her obvious pleasure in his company. He barely even paused before dropping his mouth over her sweet lips.

What was it about her that made him hesitate, that made it so hard to train her as he would any other woman? He had told her the truth—he was dominant in bed and he enjoyed it. The mixture of fear and desire in a woman’s eyes went straight to his cock. Displaying a beautiful submissive in public conveyed an unmistakable message about his power. But despite those truths, he found an unexpected longing for her sweetness and the trust she showed whenever she relaxed into him. He didn’t want those traits locked away behind the formal protocol of ownership. So while he couldn’t ignore her training —in the long run it would only cause her pain—perhaps for a short time he could have both.

With that in mind, he gave in to his impulse and lifted her into his lap. She came willingly, only squirming a little as she tried to find a position that didn’t put pressure on the plug. He laughed and tapped the end lightly. She jumped and started to glare but caught it in time.

“You’re learning, pet.” Ignoring her gasp, he settled her ass firmly against his thigh, knowing the position pressed on the plug. “Tell me about yourself while I feed you dessert.”

“There’s not much to tell.” She shrugged and let him feed her a slice of fruit. Her soft curves settled into place and he almost groaned at the gentle pressure of her hip against his throbbing erection.

“You said you worked. What did you do?”

“I am—I was—an accountant. Well, more of a glorified bookkeeper, actually. My mom was sick for a long time so I did a lot of contract work for small firms.”

A look of pain crossed her delicate features and he asked before he had a chance to rethink the question.

“What happened to her?”

“She died, just over a year ago. I still miss her every day.” The satisfied feeling reappeared as she buried her head in his neck, turning to him for comfort. The trusting gesture spurred an uncharacteristic desire to share.

“My mother died when I was born.”

The impulsive confession appalled him as soon as the words left his mouth. Before he could regret them, her hand came up and cupped his cheek. “I’m sorry.”

He shrugged but didn’t move away from her hand. “Don’t be. You can’t miss what you’ve never had.”

“I’m sorry you didn’t have it.” Her eyes were gentle. “There were only the two of us and we were very close. She was a single mom, but she worked really hard to make sure I had everything I needed. As soon as I could, I started helping out, first at home and then with whatever jobs I could find. We were a unit—the two of us against the world. Then, when I finally graduated and got a good job so I could start taking care of her, she got sick.”

“So you took care of her anyway.” It wasn’t a question.

She smiled a little crookedly. “Of course, but not the way I planned. You know, it’s odd. Even after we received the diagnosis, I never really believed she would die. I thought my love would save her.” He watched as she pushed aside the memory and turned the subject back to him. “Do you have any other family?”

“No. My clan declared me Outcast many years ago.” Even dulled by time, the words still had the power to hurt.

“Outcast?”

“I was informed that I was no longer welcome in Sardoran society and I left the planet.” He retreated into his normal mockery, but he suspected that she wasn’t fooled.

“What did you do?”

“Many things I shouldn’t have done.” He shrugged. “They were quite justified in their decision.”

“How old were you?”

“I was twenty.” He saw the question quivering on her tongue. “I’m now forty, pet.”

“You don’t look that old,” she answered.

“And am I allowed to ask how old you are?”

“You’re my master, aren’t you allowed to ask me anything?” An impish smile curved her lips and he dipped his head into her neck, nipping the skin gently in teasing punishment. Her breath caught and he let his mouth linger, tasting her skin and letting her sweet fragrance surround him. Her back arched and she started to wiggle against his stiff cock. Damn, she was responsive. Reluctantly he lifted his head.

“I’m twenty-five,” she said rapidly. “Now you know the story of my life, isn’t it time for bed?”

“Sweetness,” he whispered. Impatiently, her fingers tugged on his neck, pulling his head down. As soon as his mouth touched hers, she opened to him. He curved his hand around her neck, feeling her body respond as he held her in place for his kiss. His tongue slid into her mouth, slow and hard, and he explored her leisurely, relishing her sweet taste and her instant response. One of her hands moved to his bare chest and he could feel it stroking him until he took the kiss deeper and all she could do was to hold on. She moaned into his mouth and his cock twitched in immediate response. He raised his head and watched as she struggled to focus.

“Very well, little flower. Bedtime.”

He helped her to her feet, steadying her until she could stand on her own, then wrapped the cloak around her shoulders before leading her to the doors. She walked stiffly, obviously conscious of the plug still inside her. He hesitated at the entrance, remembering his purpose.

“If we are in public, you walk to my right, one step behind. Do you understand?”

She bit her lip but bowed her head. “Yes, Master.”

He exited the room and she followed obediently in the correct position. As soon as she moved away, he missed her warm body. Did he really need to keep this up when they were within his quarters? With a muffled curse, he reached back and pulled her forward, tucking her under his arm. Her arm went around his waist and she relaxed against him as they walked.

“Kievan?” she asked after a minute. It didn’t escape him that she had recognized that they were no longer observing protocol.

“Yes, little flower?”

“What did you do after you left Sardor?”

He fought to keep his body from stiffening. “I worked, mainly as a mercenary.” He heard her swift breath but ignored it. “And I gambled. It turned out that I have a talent for it. That’s how I came to own this place.”

“You won it?”

“Yes, from a very bad gambler. I could have sold it but I was tired of moving around and decided to see what I could do here.”

“How long ago was that?”

“Fifteen years.” He didn’t tell her that the first five years had been a constant battle, conquering his rivals, establishing his authority over everyone who came aboard. He rarely slept, and when he did it was with one eye open. But eventually, he got to the point where he had established enough control that he could start to relax a fraction, although he still worked hard, and constantly, to maintain that iron control.

This station, however unimportant to the rest of the galaxy, was the one thing that truly belonged to him. The one thing he had spent almost half his life building. And the one thing that was now threatened. The pain in his chest flared again and he tightened his arm around the small female nestled so closely against his side. For right now, she was his—and that was all that mattered.

Chapter Eight

Cam felt Kievan’s mood change as soon as they entered his bedroom. His eyes burned but his face turned hard and unreadable.

“Kneel,” he said shortly, and pointed to the floor next to the bed.

A tremor went through her and she dropped to her knees. “Yes, Master.”

Ignoring her, he walked over to his desk and spent a few minutes looking at his screen. Then he moved to the wall cabinet and poured a small amount of golden liquid into a crystal glass. Carrying the drink, he finally returned to her side but he didn’t speak. Instead he sat on the bed in front of her and watched her while he sipped the golden liquid. His long fingers caressed the glass and she stared at them in fascination, remembering how they felt against her skin.

Cam could feel her skin flushing and her nipples tightening in anticipation. She fought to keep still, an ache starting low in her belly.

Setting the drink aside, Kievan pulled the silk shirt over his head and dropped it carelessly to the floor. His muscles rippled beneath his gleaming golden skin and she longed to run her hands across the broad expanse of his chest. Still watching her, he toed off his boots, removed his knife belt, and slid his pants down the muscled length of his legs. Her mouth went dry at the sight of his naked body and his very large, very erect cock, only inches from her face. She licked her lips and watched in fascination as his cock jerked in response.

Her nipples and her pussy throbbed together, and she closed her eyes to try and force her body back under her control. It was a futile effort. When she reopened her eyes, he held the glass to her mouth.

“Drink,” he ordered.

She took a cautious sip and almost choked as the fiery taste of alcohol filled her mouth and slid down her throat. Her eyes watered but the aftertaste was pleasant, vaguely reminiscent of apples. As the drink hit her stomach, it sent a warm glow through her system. She gave Kievan a tentative smile, not sure if that was allowed or not. His face softened a fraction and he briefly touched her cheek before he stepped back and resumed his expressionless mask.

“Kneel on the bed,” he ordered. Mouth dry, she climbed up and moved to the center of the bed. Instead of letting her rest her bottom on her heels, he pulled her up straight, spreading her knees wide. He lifted her hands above her head and her body jerked as she felt chains connect to her wrist bracelets and pull her arms taut. Her breasts were so swollen that the gold chains of her halter pressed into creamy flesh but it only added to her arousal. Her pussy throbbed and she felt the moisture trickle down her thighs in a startling testament to her response to being bound.

Kievan moved in front of her, no longer touching her but still watching her with burning eyes. She shivered under his gaze, feeling helpless and exposed, and her knees started to close.

“Keep your legs apart, pet, or I will have to chain them as well,” he warned.

The thought sent a wave of desire up her spine. She shivered again and the heat in his eyes intensified.

“Is that what you want, little flower?”

Cam blushed, unable to answer, even though her body’s response had been unmistakable. He waited patiently until she finally managed to whisper, “Yes, Master.”

Without a word, he disappeared behind her and she felt the ankle bracelets lock in place. She tugged experimentally and nothing moved. Her heart sped up and her breathing quickened.

Kievan was watching her again. “Almost there, pet.” His thumbs caressed the tiny patches of silk over her swollen nipples. “But perhaps one more element…”

With a rapid movement, he ripped the silk away, leaving her nipples exposed to the air. Before she could react, his mouth closed over one swollen peak, shockingly hot and wet. He sucked hard and she arched into his mouth. When he lifted his head, her nipple was dark red and distended. He fastened a gold clamp around the engorged flesh, tightening it until her breath caught. The tight clasp sent a fiery line of pleasure from her nipple straight to her throbbing clit. He repeated the process on the other nipple and she realized that a chain connected the two rings. He tugged gently on the chain and burning spikes of pleasure created a triangle of arousal.

“Please, Master,” she whispered.

“Not until I give you permission, pet.”

He disappeared again and she cried out but then she felt his hard, warm body pressed tightly against her back, his massive cock pressed between them. His scent surrounded her and drove her desire even higher. Her body shivered in long continuous waves that she couldn’t control. She could only hang helplessly in her chains, her body on fire.

He nibbled the top curve of her shoulder and each time his teeth closed down, she jerked against his mouth. One large warm hand caressed her stomach before finally, finally sliding down between her legs. His fingers separated, gliding down each side of her cleft and forcing her swollen labia apart. The opening left her hardened nub untouched, exposed and painfully hard.

“Please, Master.” She was begging now but she didn’t care. She needed to come so badly she was shaking.

“What do you want, pet?” His voice was soft in her ear, his fingers agonizingly gentle.

“Please, Master. Let me come.”

He didn’t answer but he tugged on the nipple chain. The resulting spike of pleasure and pain almost sent her over but she hung on the edge of climax, waiting for his words.

“Very good, pet. Come now.” As he spoke, he tugged again, and his fingers clamped together, pinching her fully exposed clit. Her entire body seized and she screamed, the room disappearing into a haze of darkness as her pussy convulsed over and over again. He didn’t release the pull on her nipples or the pressure on her clit until the waves of pleasure finally diminished. When he did, she sagged helplessly against the chains, her body limp and trembling.

“Beautiful, sweetness,” he whispered in her ear, and she turned her head, seeking his kiss. He took her mouth, gently at first but he demanded more and more until she was moaning against his mouth, her body moving rapidly, unbelievably, back into arousal.

The chains holding her wrists loosened and he pushed her forward until she was on her hands and knees. His hands caressed the soft globes of her ass and pressed against the butt plug. She quivered and he laughed softly. One long finger pushed deep inside her pussy, shockingly thick between the swollen tissues. He pressed down and she could feel the pressure against the plug, sending sparks of delight shooting up her spine.

“You’re very tight, pet. This may be a challenge,” he murmured. His finger withdrew. She mumbled a protest but jumped in shock when she felt his cock replacing his finger, the thick head pressing slowly, inexorably, into the tight passage. She jerked again but his hands held her hips firmly in place as he pushed deeper into the resistant flesh. The combination of the plug and his massive cock filled her to overflowing, stretching her to the point of pain.

“Please, Master,” she whimpered. “You’re too big.”

He didn’t stop. “You can take me.”

Her arms gave out and she collapsed against the bed. The position lifted her ass even higher and with a final thrust, he filled her completely, the head of his cock lodging against the entrance to her womb. She panted, trying to force her body to adjust. Holding her in place with one hand, his other hand curved around and stroked her still sensitive clit. Her pussy clamped down around his cock and she heard him groan but the stretching pain turned into a dark pleasure.

Leaving her impaled on his cock, his other hand pulled gently on the plug. The dark pleasure increased as he slid it slowly in and out of her anus, setting the sensitive nerves on fire. She was moaning helplessly by the time he thrust it deep and stopped. With his thumb holding it firmly in place, his hands circled her hips again. As slowly as he had entered her, he withdrew, letting her feel each inch slide free. He stopped with just the tip parting her entrance. She tried to push back, desperate to feel him inside her again. Her body hung on the edge of climax. His hips circled slowly, tauntingly, and she moaned again.

His fingers tightened on her hips and he filled her completely with one hard thrust. She exploded into helpless shudders of pleasure while he pounded into her in long hard strokes. Unable to move, all she could do was feel. He filled her over and over again, his thick cock almost unbearably pleasurable, until his body jerked and he froze inside her while jets of hot seed flooded her pussy.

His hands relaxed and she collapsed down onto the bed. He followed her down, covering her with his weight. Completely limp and satisfied, his big body warm and reassuring over hers, she angled her head so she could kiss the line of his jaw. The chains released and he turned her into his arms. She snuggled close and his grasp tightened. She was half asleep when he released her and she murmured a sleepy protest.

“As attractive as you look in this outfit, I don’t want you sleeping in it.”

“I don’t know how to take it off,” she admitted. He laughed and helped her remove the two parts. Still limp and getting sleepy, she responded mindlessly to his directions until he came to the nipple rings. As he removed the first ring, a blaze of pain shot through her nipple. Suddenly wide awake, her hand automatically flew to her breast. He laughed again and moved her hand aside so that he could cover the abused flesh with his mouth. Her nipple was almost unbearably sensitive to the wet heat of his tongue but the touch rapidly turned soothing. He repeated the process on her other nipple but his mouth lingered longer over her nipple and unbelievably, she felt her body starting to respond again. Her back arched. Kievan raised his head and studied her heavy eyes and flushed face.

A smile curved his lips but he shook his head. “Time for sleep, little flower.”

She sighed, but she was too tired to argue so she snuggled back into his arms and closed her eyes obediently. At some point she awoke enough to mutter a sleepy protest when he removed the butt plug and cleansed her gently but she immediately fell back asleep.

Sometime later she woke, her body still warm and glowing. Kievan wasn’t beside her and she immediately opened her eyes to look for him. The light over the desk was on and he was working. As she watched, he lowered his head on to his hand and rubbed his temple, the gesture so eloquent of weariness and tension that her heart fluttered. Just like when she had first seen him this evening, she wanted to comfort him. Walking around naked did not appeal to her, but Kievan’s discarded silk shirt was lying next to the bed. Pulling it over her head, she took a second to breathe in his lingering scent and enjoy the feel of the cool silk against her skin, before she slipped from the bed and walked to him on silent feet.

He was wearing a pair of loose pants but his chest was still bare. She slipped her arms around his neck from behind, letting her fingers skate across the warm, hard planes of his chest while she dropped her mouth to his skin and nibbled the sensitive juncture between his neck and his shoulder. For a fraction of a second his muscles tensed, but then he gave an almost imperceptible sigh and relaxed under her touch.

Raising her head from his neck, she moved her hands to his shoulders and pressed her thumbs gently into the taut muscles. Sitting quietly, he accepted the comfort of her touch, letting her stroke his back and his arms. She really had intended only to soothe him but she started getting aroused again at the feel of his warm skin stretched across all those hard defined muscles. Each time she traced the complicated lines of his tattoo, she felt his body react and for some reason that added to her excitement. His spicy scent surrounded her and she nuzzled his neck again, drawing it deeper into her lungs.

As soon as she did, he groaned and reached for her. A half second later, she was sprawled across his lap, blinking at him with startled eyes.

“You move really fast,” she informed him.

His lips quirked but he didn’t respond to her statement. “Sweetness, what are you doing?”

The question didn’t make any sense. “I’m sitting on your lap?”

Another lip quirk. “No. I meant why are you here instead of in bed?”

“Oh. I woke up and I missed you.” Something flickered in his face but she couldn’t read it. After a brief hesitation, she continued, “And you looked tired, honey. You work too hard.”

“Sweetness,” he whispered. His mouth descended in a short hard kiss that still lasted long enough to make her nipples spike against the silk of his shirt. As his head lifted, his eyes dropped to the tight points and the heat of his gaze made them even tighter. He brushed his hand slowly over the silk.

“You’re wearing my shirt.”

“I don’t exactly have any nightgowns,” she pointed out.

“That’s because I like you naked in my bed.”

She blushed and snuggled closer. “I like that, too, but I can’t be naked all the time.”

His eyebrows rose and she put a finger to his lips. “Okay, I can be but I don’t need to be. Do you mind me wearing your shirt?”

He studied the nipples taut against the silk, the deep cleavage revealed by the open neck, and the long bare legs stretching out from under the hem. He shook his head. “No, my pet. You look very enticing.” A thumb swept across her nipple and her back arched instinctively. “Perhaps too enticing. I have work to do. You should go back to bed.”

The bed seemed big and lonely and very far away. His lap felt warm and safe. Even though she knew it was an illusion, she wanted that, even for just a short while. “Can’t I stay here a little bit longer? I’ll be good.”

He studied her face before he nodded. Pulling her higher, he nestled her into the crook of one arm, keeping his other arm free to work his screen. She settled there, stroking his chest idly, sleepy and content. Eventually her gaze drifted and she focused on the screen he was reading.

“What’s the Council of Elders?”

His muscles turned rigid beneath her and his arm clamped down.

“Why are you asking?” he growled.

Not certain what was wrong, Cam pointed to the screen. “There. I’m pretty sure that says Council of Elders.”

“You can read Sardoran?” he asked, obviously skeptical.

“Not very well yet, but it was one of the written language lessons J’Ssett gave me.”

“Language lessons?”

She tried to sit up but he held her so tightly that all she could do was to turn her head and look at his profile.

“Yes. I needed something to occupy my mind during the day.” The unreadable mask was in full force and she bit her lip. “Is that wrong?”

He finally turned to look down at her and she breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that the softness had returned to his face.

“I’m surprised, although perhaps I shouldn’t be. If you want to learn our language, it’s fine with me. Did you say lessons?”

“Yes, he gave me Sardoran and Imperial.”

A full smile curved his lips this time and she caught her breath at its beauty.

“J’Ssett gave you Sardoran?” he asked.

When she nodded, he shook his head but didn’t comment. Instead, he finally answered her original question. “The Council of Elders is the Sardoran ruling body. I don’t like them.” From his expression, she had a feeling that was an understatement. “And, needless to say, they don’t like me. This message is informing me that something I did made them look foolish. I found it rather…gratifying.”

As an explanation, it left much to be desired but she decided to let it go. Kievan stroked her cheek and she looked at him inquiringly.

“Do you think you can refrain from reading the rest of my messages or do I need to send you to bed?”

“I’ll be good, I promise.” She turned her head into his shoulder and closed her eyes. “See, my eyes are closed.”

His soft laughter vibrated against her cheek. She smiled and kept her eyes closed as she finally drifted off to sleep.

Kievan knew the instant she fell asleep. Moving carefully, he repositioned her body so he could study her sleeping face. Her cheeks were flushed, luscious lips slightly parted. The sight of her wearing only his shirt stirred something warm and possessive inside him, a primal statement that she belonged to him. It was incredibly erotic, almost as much as the more blatant sexuality she exuded when clad in chains. He shifted to adjust his aching groin. Despite the intensity of their earlier activities, he wanted her again. He wondered suddenly if he would ever get enough of her.

She had surprised him, yet again, by coming to him and then by sleeping in his arms. The knowledge that she spent her days learning his language shocked him but only confirmed his estimate of her intelligence. An idea struck him and he studied her again. She wanted to be useful and he wanted her with him as much as possible during the limited time they had together. Resolving to consider the options in greater detail tomorrow, he lifted her in his arms. He looked at the desk and the waiting bed and then shut off the light. Telling himself that he was only doing it so she wouldn’t wake up and disturb him again, he carried her to bed and crawled in behind her, drawing her body tightly into his before he slept.

Chapter Nine

Water poured down Cam’s body but she barely noticed. All of her attention was focused between her legs. Her back was against the tile and her legs were spread open over Kievan’s broad shoulders as he swirled his tongue teasingly over her swollen clit. She moaned and tried to push toward him. He kept her firmly in place but thrust his tongue deeply into her drenched pussy.

“Honey,” she whispered.

He fucked her with his tongue until she trembled, then moved his mouth and sucked hard on her clit. She came immediately and he lapped her gently with his tongue until her body relaxed.

She opened her eyes to smile at him but he was already moving, sliding her body down his until he could enter her in one quick, hard thrust. Still overwhelmed by his size, she cried out but he didn’t pause, stroking into her again and again with long, hard strokes. She grabbed his shoulders and held on as her body tightened and the pressure started building again.

“Come for me, sweetness,” he ordered, and reached down to sweep a firm finger across her still sensitive clit. Her body arched and she obeyed helplessly, shuddering around him as he groaned and followed her, surging deeper with one final thrust. His forehead dropped to hers and she wrapped her arms and legs tightly around him.

Eventually his arms relaxed and he let her slip to the ground, steadying her until her trembling legs would hold her. Picking up the cleansing cloth, he started washing her again. She winced as he passed the cloth between her legs.

“Are you sore, pet?”

Cam blushed. “A little,” she admitted. “I told you it had been a while and you’re…not small.”

His lips curved before he bent his head and kissed her. As soon as she parted her lips, his tongue swept into her mouth. The intimate taste of her body mingled with his delicious essence sent a shiver of renewed excitement down her spine. He stroked her mouth slowly with his tongue until she melted against him, her hips pressing into his rapidly hardening erection.

When he lifted his head, he smiled down to her flushed face.

“Little flower, you make it very difficult for me to give you a chance to heal.”

“I’m not that sore,” she whispered hopefully.

He laughed and shook his head. “After I leave, you will take a healing bath and then rest.”

“Okay,” she agreed reluctantly.

With swift efficiency, he finished washing her and wrapped her in a towel. He added a handful of crystals to the water steaming in the sunken tub. A delicious herbal fragrance drifted up from the surface. Kievan removed her towel and lifted her gently into the tub.

Cam sighed with pleasure as the hot water surrounded her, already soothing the lingering soreness. “Mmm, this feels good.” She looked at him from under lashes. “Are you sure you can’t join me?”

“No, sweetness. Stop trying to tempt me.” He pointed to the dais holding the lounge chair under the overhead light. “That light simulates sunlight. Rest there after your bath.”

“Okay, honey,” she agreed. His lips quirked and he turned to leave. “Don’t I get a goodbye kiss?”

His kiss was hard and swift but she was still breathless when he finished, her hands clinging to his shoulders.

“Sweetness,” he whispered, dipped his forehead to hers, and left.

After a long bath and an even longer nap under the warm sun lamp, Cam returned to her bedroom. She shared lunch with Sonda and Leeda, listening with fascination as they told her tales of their home planet of Gliese and their trading adventures. After lunch, she spent the afternoon on the language lessons. Whatever the head device did to enhance her learning process continued to work, and by late afternoon she was ready to try reading an actual book, albeit a children’s book, on the reader. The fanciful tale kept her amused and it wasn’t until she closed the book and glanced up that she realized that the central atrium was dim.

That was odd. Usually by now she had received instructions on what to wear. Was Kievan letting her choose tonight? Frowning she turned to the closet, trying to find something that would please him without leaving her feeling completely exposed. Of course, compared to the chain outfit, everything else was modest in comparison. She finally settled on a long blue dress. The gown left one shoulder bare, clung to her body from breasts to hips, and then flared out into a full skirt. The cut was relatively modest but the fabric alternated between solid blue silk and sheer panels that revealed flashes of creamy skin.

She studied herself in the mirror, twirling to let the skirt drift out around her ankles, and decided she looked pretty good. After carefully applying a hint of makeup, she sat down to read another book while she waited. The book didn’t hold her attention for long. She kept looking up, expecting to see J’Ssett standing at the door waiting for her. Her stomach started demanding food but she didn’t know if she should order or wait. Kievan always seemed to want to feed her. By the time she heard a noise in the center room, she was pacing restlessly.

Eagerly, she opened the door, only to see J’Ssett escorting Xanthe out of the central room. The other woman was dressed in a short, translucent gold gown that left very little of her tall, slender figure to the imagination. She turned when she heard the door open and smiled condescendingly at Cam.

“My turn tonight, new toy.” Xanthe smirked. “Apparently our master is no longer pleased with your…services.”

The spike of pain that hit Cam almost made her dizzy. She stared at the other woman, still trying to believe that Kievan had chosen her. Had he really tired of her so quickly? J’Ssett sent an apologetic glance in Cam’s direction and herded Xanthe to the outer door. “We must go now.”

“Of course, I’m sure he’s eager to see me.” Xanthe managed a parting shot before the lounge door closed behind the pair.

Sonda and Leeda appeared. They had obviously heard the conversation and humiliation swept over Cam, along with the feeling of betrayal. She realized her hand was digging in to the doorframe and forced her fingers loose. Before she could hide in her room, Leeda moved to her and took her hand.

“You care for him, don’t you?” she asked softly.

“No, of course not,” Cam instantly responded. “How could I care for the man who made me a slave?”

Leeda didn’t answer; instead she reached up and placed her other hand gently on Cam’s cheek. That was when she realized she was crying.

“I’m an idiot,” she announced as Sonda joined Leeda, and the two led her back into her room, pushing her gently onto the couch and curling up on either side.

“You’re not an idiot,” Sonda responded. “We both thought there was something different about you.”

The past verb hurt and Cam leaned her head back against the couch, trying to stop the tears that were starting to flow with increased speed. The delicate bracelets on her wrists suddenly felt like heavy shackles instead.

“I am an idiot,” she repeated. “A man who owns many women is never going to be satisfied with one. It was just that he told me that for right now, I was the only one. I didn’t realize that right now was such a short time.”

Her chest hurt and she rubbed it with the palm of her hand, trying to ease the pain even though she knew it wasn’t physical.

“He likes women,” Leeda agreed slowly. “But these quarters could hold many more women.” She took Cam’s hand again. “And until these past two nights, he rarely had a woman more than once a week.”

Cam stared at her. “But he’s so…demanding.”

Leeda flashed her a quick smile. “You seem to have that effect on him.”

Depression settled back over Cam. “Apparently not any more. He has obviously decided that he prefers a variety.”

Leeda’s hand tightened on Cam’s. “I don’t think so. Remember that he is Sardoran—their mating contracts are always for one man and one woman.”

“The Sardorans kicked him out,” she muttered.

“It doesn’t matter,” Sonda said. “Except for the fact that he has no clan brothers, he acts exactly like every other Sardoran I have ever met.”

“You’ve met other Sardorans?” Cam asked, curiosity making a small dent in her misery.

Both women nodded.

“They do a lot of business with the Gliesh merchant houses,” Leeda explained.

“What kind of business?”

“Warrior contracts mainly.” At Cam’s puzzled look, she continued. “They provide protection, claim enforcement, things like that.”

Cam remembered Kievan’s scars and her heart seized at the thought of him in battle. She instantly berated herself. Why did she even care?

“I’m sure he just wanted Xanthe for tonight,” Sonda said.

Cam knew the words were intended to be reassuring but the full impact of her statement hit Cam like a brick.

“Oh my god,” she said. “That means he could call for me tomorrow and I would have to go.”

The Gliesh women exchanged an uneasy glance and nodded.

“I can’t do it,” Cam whispered.

“You don’t have a choice,” Sonda said gently. “None of us do.”

Cam imagined waiting in her room for Kievan to decide if he wanted her. Of being forced to be with him, knowing that his touch meant nothing. Of her place in a rotating line of women. She closed her eyes in despair as the full horror of her situation washed over her.

Leeda had been watching Cam’s face. “You do care for him, don’t you?”

“No, I don’t,” Cam answered again, but Leeda’s knowing eyes kept watching her.

“Dammit, I suppose I do,” Cam finally admitted. “I don’t think it would hurt like this if I didn’t.” She hesitated. “It’s just that he can be so sweet—bossy and dominating —but sweet. When he holds me, I feel so safe.”

“Holds you?” Sonda asked.

“When he puts me in his lap and feeds me, or when we’re sleeping,” Cam explained absently as she played with her wrist cuffs. Why hadn’t she been able to tell that his actions were only about sex? Curled up in his lap last night, she had felt at home in a way she hadn’t felt since her mother died.

“You sleep with him?” Sonda asked.

That question drew Cam’s attention and she frowned at the other woman.

“You know that I sleep with him. You have seen me come back in the mornings.”

“He has never slept with any of us,” Sonda said quietly. “It was unusual that he decided to keep you all night but we assumed that he wanted you nearby in case he wanted your…body.” Her cheeks darkened. “We didn’t realize that you actually slept in the bed with him and that he held you.”

“It was not well done of him,” Leeda said firmly. “He knows women. He knew that he was creating intimacy between you.”

“Intimacy?” Cam choked. “What is sex if it isn’t intimacy?”

Leeda frowned at her. “There is a difference. No matter how pleasurable, sex by itself doesn’t necessarily create intimacy. Don’t you know that?”

Cam blushed. “I never had much time for dating so I don’t exactly have a lot of experience. I have had sex with exactly two men and I dated each of them for a long time first.”

The cousins groaned in unison.

“Is that bad?” Cam asked.

“No,” Leeda responded gently. “But it means that this situation is going to be especially hard for you.”

Tears filled Cam’s eyes again as she recognized the truth in Leeda’s words. Her previous relationships had been based more on friendly affection than passion but she had been close to each of them. And although she had been with them for far longer, neither of her previous lovers had stirred one tenth of the emotion she felt for Kievan. It was no wonder that she saw him through that lens. If only he didn’t keep acting as if he cared for her as well. The tears overflowed.

The two women stayed with her until she cried herself to sleep, still curled on the couch.

Bright light flooding the room startled Cam awake.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Kievan roared. He was standing in the door to her room, eyes blazing white, and she stared at him, still disoriented from the sudden wakening.

“Why aren’t you in my rooms?” he demanded, and her disorientation disappeared in a flare of anger.

“Why would I be in your rooms? You made another choice for tonight.”

He didn’t even seem to hear her.

“You come to me when I want you,” he said. The roar had vanished but the cold, deadly tone was even worse.

“No, I don’t,” she replied defiantly. He stared at her for a second and before she could continue, he moved. Cam found herself thrown across his shoulder, his arm clamping her legs to his chest and her head hanging down his back. He strode out of her room and across the main room without stopping. She managed to raise her head enough to see Sonda and Leeda watching with wide eyes and Xanthe smirking.

“Put me down,” she demanded, but he didn’t pay any attention, stalking down the corridor to his rooms. His hard shoulder dug into the soft skin of her stomach and her head spun from being upside down. She clenched her fist and pounded it on his back but his only response was a stinging smack to her butt. Subsiding, she gritted her teeth until he strode into his rooms and dropped her on his bed. Immediately she tried to roll to her feet but he covered her with his body so that she couldn’t move.

“Why didn’t you come to me?” he demanded again. His face was close, his eyes white and angry.

“Just how much sex do you need? I’m not coming to you after you’ve been with another woman.” She pushed furiously against him but he didn’t move an inch.

“You forget that you don’t have a choice in the matter. You will come to me whenever I tell you to, my pet.”

“You didn’t tell me to,” she yelled.

His fingers dug into her shoulders. “I told Xanthe to send you to me, but it was still my order and you obey my orders.”

“Xanthe didn’t tell me anything.” She was still yelling but she felt his fingers loosen at her words. “But even if she had, I wouldn’t have come. I’m not fucking you when you’ve been with another woman.”

“I wasn’t fucking her,” he growled.

His words caught Cam off guard and she stopped fighting and stared at him. “What?”

For the first time, his face calmed a little. “I had to go to the fight pit. I took her with me. That’s all.”

“Really?” she whispered.

“Really.” All of the anger had left his face now and his eyes were back to their usual gold.

A wave of relief swept through her but then she remembered the terrible evening she had just spent and she scowled at him. “How was I supposed to know that? All I saw was J’Ssett taking Xanthe to you.”

“And when you saw her leave, you assumed I wanted her in my bed,” he stated.

“That’s what she implied.”

“I will take care of her,” he promised. His voice was cold and she shivered, but then he ran a gentle finger down her cheek and she forgot about the other woman. “You’ve been crying. Did it matter that much to you?”

She aimed her eyes at his shoulder, suddenly embarrassed. “I’m an idiot,” she muttered.

“Sweetness, I told you that you would be the only one.” He kept stroking her cheek and his voice was as gentle as his touch.

“For right now,” she reminded him. “You said for right now. I thought right now was over.”

“Little flower, you will know when that time comes.”

His words should have been reassuring but instead tears flooded her eyes. “I can’t do it.”

“Do what?” he asked, still gentle.

“Be part of your harem. Share you with other women.” Her voice was shaking. “When we’re over, please let me go.”

His hand stilled. “You would rather go to another master than share me with other women?”

Cam stared up into his face and thought about it. Leaving him would tear a hole inside her, but the evening’s agony was still fresh in her mind. She already cared too much; staying with him under those circumstances would rip open that wound every day.

“Yes,” she finally whispered.

He nodded, his face unreadable. “Very well. When the time comes, I will not force you to stay with me.”

Relief that she wouldn’t have to see him with other women warred with the pain of knowing he would let her go. She lowered her eyes, unwilling to let Kievan see her confusion. Rolling off of her, he sat up against the headboard and pulled her gently into his arms. Despite everything, his arms were warm and protective and she felt safe there. As she snuggled closer, the blue silk gown fluttered around them and he smiled.

“I like that dress on you.”

“I didn’t know if I should pick one out or not.” Her earlier annoyance resurfaced. “I didn’t know anything. You just left me waiting in my room—alone and hungry.”

“Hungry? Why didn’t you eat?” He frowned at her.

She shrugged, suddenly uncomfortable. “Because we have been eating dinner together. I was waiting for you.”

“I’m sorry,” he said, and Cam looked at him in shock. She had never expected him to apologize. “There was a problem with the fuel supplies and I worked later than I intended. When J’Ssett reminded me about the games, I sent for Xanthe. I always intended for you to come to me afterward but I should have let you know.”

Cam raised her face and kissed him, slowly and sweetly, happy to be cradled in his arms. He was smiling when their lips parted.

“Now, let’s get you some food.”

He started to stand but she put her hand on his arm and he halted.

“Kievan,” she asked uncertainly.

“Yes, my pet?”

“Why didn’t you take me with you? Are you ashamed of me?”

He sighed and settled back down, tucking her head under his chin. “I could never be ashamed of you, little flower, but you have to behave like a properly trained slave when we are in public. I wasn’t sure you were ready for that.”

It was a reasonable statement but she didn’t think he was telling her everything. “Is that the only reason?”

“No. The fight pit is a brutal place. Do you want to see two men fight to the death?”

The very idea horrified her. “No.” She paused and then rushed on before she changed her mind. “But if you wanted me there with you, I would go.”

“Sweetness,” he whispered and kissed her, not slowly and sweetly but long and hard. She was breathless when he raised his head and stared at him with heavy eyes.

“And that’s the other reason.”

“What?”

“You are very beautiful, my pet. I’m not sure that I’m ready to share you with anyone else.”

Her cheeks flamed and she buried her head in his neck.

“Thank you, honey,” she mumbled against his skin.

She felt the vibration of his laughter and then he lifted her in his arms and carried her to the table.

“Now I’m going to feed you,” he said firmly.

Chapter Ten

Kievan dipped his finger in the sulta jam and then swirled the thick substance across Cam’s taut red nipples. Her naked body was spread across the table, completely open to his touch. She moaned and arched up but he held her easily in place with his hand on her stomach. He had made her kneel at his feet while he fed her, knowing he should have been harsher with her. He should have informed her that it was her duty to obey him, whether he wanted one woman or hundred, separately or together. But he couldn’t do it. Her pain tore at him. It hadn’t been hard to reassure her; he didn’t want any other women while he had her. He was afraid he wouldn’t want any other women after she left, either, but he refused to think about that now. Instead he concentrated on the lush body spread open on the table in front of him.

Bending his head, he let his tongue follow the path of the jam, relishing the sweet taste mixed with the natural sweetness of her skin. Her nipple tightened even more against his mouth and he sucked the swollen tip deeper, letting his teeth scrape the sensitive flesh.

“Please, Master,” she whispered, and the need in her voice sent a shaft of pleasure straight to his throbbing cock. Tightening his control, he moved to the other nipple and sucked harder and deeper until she was writhing against his hand.

Her body shuddered and he knew she was close.

“Not yet,” he warned. “If you come before I give you permission, I will punish you.”

Her body shuddered again at his words and he hid a smile and a surge of lust. She had enjoyed her spanking almost as much as he had. Perhaps it was time to introduce her to some of his other toys. Dismissing the thought for now, he studied the remnants of their meal. Fighting another smile, he picked up the pitcher of cream and let a single drop of the cold liquid fall on her heated clit. A mini tremor shook her body but she managed to maintain control.

“Very good, pet. Now stretch out your hands and hold on to the table,” he ordered. She obeyed instantly. “Now keep them there.”

He moved closer, his body keeping her legs apart, her tempting cleft at exactly the right height for his mouth. He swept her slowly with his tongue, savoring her juices. Gently inserting one finger deep into her pussy, he let his thumb slip back to tease her anus. He felt her inner walls tremble around his finger but when he probed harder, she pushed back against his thumb and took it into her body.

“Excellent, little flower.”

He finger-fucked her slowly, circling her clit with his tongue but keeping her on the edge until her engorged button was red and hard. With his free hand he lifted the pitcher again.

“Now,” he ordered, plunging his fingers deep while he poured a stream of cold liquid directly on her swollen flesh. She screamed and came immediately, her body convulsing around his embedded fingers.

After her shudders died, he slid his hand free. Not bothering to take off his pants, he freed his aching cock and lifted her limp body off the table. Her eyes opened and she looked straight at him as he lowered her slowly down on to his waiting shaft. The silken heat of her pussy clamped down on him and he almost closed his eyes in ecstasy, but he didn’t want to miss a second of the emotions flickering across her expressive face. Their eyes were still locked on to each other when he was finally buried completely inside her tight wet depths. The tip of his cock nudged her womb and he suddenly regretted his implant. She had never mentioned birth control and he assumed she thought it wasn’t possible because they weren’t the same species. He wondered how she would react if he told her that they could have a child and then instantly dismissed the impossible thought.

Her eyes drifted close and he felt her muscles tighten around his cock.

“Ready for more, sweetness?”

“Yes, Master.”

Easily lifting her weight, he slid her up his shaft and then slowly back down, setting a slow, deep rhythm.

“Touch yourself, pet.”

Her eyes flew open. “What?”

“Play with your breasts. Pull on your nipples.”

Pink flushed her cheeks, but her hands dropped obediently to her breasts and she began to caress them. She clasped her nipples and twisted them gently while he continued to pump her body up and down his stiff cock.

“Harder,” he ordered. He saw her fingers tighten and felt her inner muscles pulse in response. He started to move faster, pulling her down harder each time.

“Now touch your clit. Make yourself come.”

This time she didn’t hesitate. Leaving one hand on her breast, she slid her fingers between their bodies, focusing on where they were joined. He could feel her fingers fluttering against his cock as she worked her own flesh and the tantalizing sensation drove him crazy. He could feel the pressure increasing at the base of his spine and his balls tightened.

“Faster, sweetness.”

Looking up again, she locked eyes with him as she pressed hard between their bodies. She cried out his name and came so hard that her back arched back against the table. Frantically he slammed her pulsing channel down on his cock until the pressure exploded and he poured hot liquid into her willing body.

Her hand was still between their bodies and her fingers slipped down to feel their connection as her head nestled against his chest.

“You feel so good,” she murmured.

“So do you,” he whispered. He slipped one hand down behind hers while his other arm curved around her back and held her close.

The next morning, Kievan kissed Cam awake and then dragged her into the shower, where he proceeded to bend her over the bench and take her hard, fast, and so satisfyingly that she was still shuddering when he kissed her again and left the shower. If she had had the energy, she would have frowned at his abrupt departure. Instead, she barely managed to find the strength to finish washing. She was wrapped in a towel and eying the sun lounge when she heard noises in the bedroom and realized he hadn’t left.

He was sitting at the table, pants on but his bare chest gleaming in the light from the atrium and he looked so beautiful that her heart skipped. She went directly to him, curling into his lap and raising her head for a kiss.

“Sweetness,” he whispered, and kissed her. By the time he finished, her towel had fallen to the floor and his hand was curled possessively over her breast.

His lips quirked ruefully and he shook his head. “I’m really not sure this is a good idea.”

Her pulse immediately increased. “What’s not a good idea?”

He read her reaction and hugged her closer. “My plan for today.”

Letting out her breath in a soft sigh of relief, she smiled back. “What plan?”

“Would you like to come to my office?”

“Yes,” she said at once. Not only was she eager to see more of the station, she wanted to be with him.

He hesitated. “When I am dealing with anyone outside my household, you will need to wait in another room.”

Cam bit her lip. “I think I could behave appropriately, Master.”

He hugged her again. “I know you could. But as I told you last night, I’m not ready to share your beauty with anyone else yet.”

She still wasn’t sure she believed it, but it was a sweet sentiment so she let it drop.

“Is that why you said it wasn’t a good idea?” she asked instead.

His hand tightened on her breast and he swept his thumb across her nipple. She instantly arched into his hand.

“That is why I said it might not be a good idea. You are very distracting. Now get dressed. I’ll have food brought to the office.”

“Yes, Master.”

She jumped to her feet and grabbed her towel while she started searching for her dress. Giving him a puzzled look when she couldn’t find it, she wrapped the towel more tightly around her body. “Should I wear this back to my room?”

Looking slightly amused, Kievan didn’t answer. He stood up and opened the closet door. Cam stared in shock – all of her clothes were now hanging on one side of the giant closet. Her eyes filled with tears and she threw herself into his arms and buried her face in his chest.

“I thought it would be easier if your clothes were here.” His voice was stiff and she realized that he had misread her reaction.

She raised her head and smiled him. “Thank you, honey.”

His face softened but he pushed her gently into the closet. “Get dressed. Wear the gold sarong and halter.”

Standing on tiptoes, she kissed his chin and then went to obey his order.

Cam followed eagerly as Kievan led the way from his private section into the public rooms. She maintained the protocol position, one step to the right and back, but she had to restrain the impulse to reach out and grab his hand. She knew this was a test and she wanted to prove that she could behave appropriately. Although she told herself it was so that she could expand her limited horizons, she suspected that simply pleasing him had become important to her. They passed through what looked like a curtain of shimmering gold silk but instead of fabric, she felt a cool mist touch her body.

“What was that?” she gasped, forgetting that she wasn’t supposed to speak unless he spoke first.

He didn’t seem annoyed; he just shot an amused glance over his shoulder as he replied briefly, “A protection veil.”

She sighed softly when he didn’t provide any additional information but he obviously heard her. His lips quirked.

“It analyzes everything that passes through it and alerts me if there are weapons, poisons, or any other dangerous elements present.”

She digested that in silence, wondering if it meant he didn’t need physical guards. They stepped into a small chamber and her question was answered by the sight of two very large aliens standing to attention. Bald heads with pointed ears were covered with thick grey skin, and they had tusks curling up from their mouths. As they approached the two figures, she realized with a start that they had equally massive wings furled tightly against their backs. Feeling intimidated, Cam moved a fraction closer to Kievan as the two men parted to let them through a door on the far side of the chamber. Sneaking a glance at one from under her lashes as they passed by, their eyes connected. He ducked his head and gave her an almost bashful smile. It was so unexpected and so obviously friendly that she grinned at him.

As soon as they were through the door, Kievan turned and pinned her against the wall, holding her there with the hard weight of his body. Shocked, she stared at him.

“Don’t flirt with the guards,” he warned.

“I only smiled at him,” she protested.

“Don’t,” he growled.

He looked so angry that she slid her hands up his chest and curved them around his neck.

“Don’t worry, honey,” she said softly. “I know I belong to you.”

It was the right thing to say. She felt the tension leave his shoulders and he dipped his mouth briefly to hers before he stepped back. Her attention turned to his office. It was, of course, large and impressive. The usual white was accented by pieces in a honey colored wood that looked rich and expensive. A massive wooden desk and surrounding chairs dominated one end of the room. At the far end of the room, a comfortable seating area with a couch and two more chairs was arranged on a carpet in soft shades of white and gold. Behind the couch was a curtained wall and she headed in that direction.

Kievan watched Cam wandering around his office like a curious linae cub and released the last of his anger. The possessive jealousy had flared so suddenly at the sight of her smiling at another man that it had taken him by surprise. He knew it was irrational, but he had been taken completely off guard. He wondered again if it was a mistake to bring her here, but he hadn’t wanted to leave her.

As he watched, she ran her toes through the osihu skin carpet, then smiled and dropped to her knees to stroke the long strands.

“It’s so soft,” she said delightedly. He had a sudden vision of her naked on the carpet, the strands caressing her body each time he entered her, and he had to close his eyes to fight down his body’s immediate response. It was definitely dangerous having her here.

Walking to the carpet, he pulled her to her feet, led her to the window and opened the curtains. His office was on the outside of the station and she gasped as the vast expanse of space appeared. He put his arm around her shoulder, pulling her close and watching her face as she stared out the window. From here they could see the enormous rings that circled the upper part of Sigrast, connected by long, spoke-like passages to the central cylinder that made up the majority of the station.

“What are those?” she asked.

“The bottom ones are mainly for food production. The upper one contains lodgings and some very expensive restaurants.” He hesitated. “I’ll take you there one day.”

“Really?” Her beautiful face lit up and she turned to him, sliding her arms around his waist. He returned the hug, enjoying the feel of her soft body almost as much as he enjoyed seeing the pleasure on her face. Reluctantly, he loosened his arms.

“I have work to do, sweetness.”

“Okay, honey,” she whispered, but she held on to him for a long second before she let go.

Walking back to the desk, he positioned a chair where he could keep an eye on her and ordered her to be seated. She curled up in the chair, still smiling at him, and he handed her the reading screen and learning headset.

“Continue your lessons,” he ordered.

“Yes, Master,” she said obediently, but he could tell she was pleased. He stroked her cheek and turned to his own business.

J’Ssett entered the room almost as soon as he was seated.

“Captain Bagusim is ready to ssee you, my lord.”

Kievan glanced at Cam, hesitated, then nodded. “Send him in.”

The captain of his guards entered and stood at rigid attention in front of his desk. Kievan saw the man’s eyes flick to Cam but the captain kept his face impassive. Good. He paid the man well to be both observant and intelligent. The captain’s report was brief and comprehensive. Kievan approved the hiring of an additional squad and dismissed him.

During the meeting, Cam kept her eyes and her attention on her reader but as soon as the door closed, Kievan felt her eyes on him.

“Yes, pet?”

“Are all your guards the same race?”

“Mostly. The Dhalgroll are smart, loyal and excellent fighters.”

“As good as Sardorans?” she teased.

“No,” he answered curtly.

She ignored his response and continued thoughtfully. “They certainly look intimidating. In fact, they’re so ugly, they’re almost cute.”

“Pet, unless you want a demonstration of just how good a warrior a Sardoran can be, I suggest you stop discussing other men,” he growled.

Her eyes widened but she immediately put down the reader, came to him, and curled into his lap.

“Are you always this jealous?”

“No,” he answered honestly. His hands tightened on her shoulders. “But I keep what is mine.” For as long as I can, he added silently.

She smiled and wiggled closer, pressing kisses into his neck until he relaxed and sent her back to her chair.

The rest of the morning passed peacefully. Twice Kievan sent Cam into the conference room next to his office while he met with various business people. Once he kept her with him but made her kneel silently at his feet during the short meeting. The rest of the time, she curled in her chair. Other than considering dragging her to the rug every time she shifted and her enticing scent reached him, he managed to keep his mind on business.

When lunch arrived, he gave in to temptation and pulled her onto his lap to feed her.

“You know, I can feed myself,” she said.

“I know. I like to do it.”

“Why?”

He considered the question. He had fed slaves before, but not often and usually only as a lesson or a precursor to some sexual experience. With Cam it was different. Feeding her, fulfilling such a fundamental need, satisfied some primal urge in him to provide for her. The way he would provide for his mate. The thought popped unbidden into his mind.

She was still looking at him, waiting for an answer. Instead he kissed her until she was breathless and trembling, and had completely forgotten the question. He was tempted again to take her on the rug, but the afternoon was not going to be pleasant and he didn’t want that in the aftermath of their love making. Instead he added kisses, lots of kisses, to the menu, enjoyed the feel of her sweet body nestled against his, and tried, unsuccessfully, to keep his erection under control.

After a particularly gratifying kiss, which included his hand on her breast and her hand on his cock, he finally lifted her gently to her feet. Her eyes were heavy with desire but she focused quickly when he handed her one of the tablets from the pile on his desk.

“Can you read this?” he asked.

She studied it thoughtfully. “Yes. It’s mainly numbers and I understand most of the words. What is it?”

“Records from one of my merchants. Look through it and tell me what you think.”

He turned back to his desk but he studied her from behind his screen as she took the tablet and curled up in her chair. He saw the moment she realized what she was seeing and could barely suppress an unexpected surge of pride. Even more impressive, she checked twice before approaching him, a frown on her face.

“What do you think?” he asked.

“The goods ordered are consistently ten percent over the goods sold. Unless he has a warehouse where he is accumulating unsold goods, he is under-reporting sales.”

“Exactly. He owes a percentage on the sales and he seems to think that I won’t notice the shortage.”

“You knew?” Her brows drew together. “Were you testing me?”

“Yes, my pet.” He laughed at her disgruntled expression. “If it makes you feel any better, it took my staff much longer to catch on.”

“What happens now?”

“I am going to punish him.” The chill in his voice filled the room and he saw her pale.

“How?” she whispered.

“His punishment will fit the crime. He is waiting in the outer office now. You don’t need to be here when he faces me.”

She shook her head frantically.

“Wait for me in here.” He led her into the conference room, curling his hands around her cold fingers before he left her.

When he went back for her, his office had been restored to its usual pristine order but she was still pale. He wondered if she had heard the man scream. Lifting her stiff body on to his lap, he pulled her close and waited for her to relax. His own tension eased when she finally sighed and curled closer.

“What did you do to him?” she asked after a long silence.

“Do you really want to know?”

She nodded hesitantly. He sighed. “Very well. I took one of his hands.” Her body tightened again. “Does that seem harsh to you?” he asked.

She nodded again.

“Little flower, look at me.” He waited until she lifted her head and met his eyes. “I am the only law on Sigrast. If I am seen as weak, no one will respect that law. I fought that battle once, and I don’t want to do it again. He has been punished but he is still capable of making a living. His punishment will be known. If anyone considers breaking one of my laws again—whether it is cheating on their taxes or attacking an innocent person —they will remember this punishment and, hopefully, they will reconsider. Do you understand?”

She looked at him and he waited patiently, trying not to reveal his trepidation. It shouldn’t matter, but he did not want her to think of him as a monster. Finally, she nodded.

“An eye for an eye.”

“What?”

“An old Earth code of law—a punishment to fit the crime.” She hesitated. “Do you have to do this often?”

“Not anymore,” he answered honestly. “When I was originally establishing my control over all of the factions vying for power, it was a frequent occurrence. Now, the knowledge that punishment will be swift, harsh, and appropriate is a great deterrent.”

She nodded again and cuddled back into his arms. With a relieved sigh, he gathered her close.

Chapter Eleven

The next morning, Kievan took Cam to the office again. He liked having her there but he also intended to put her to work. She was still flushed and glowing from an unusually long and creative shower. As soon as she curled up in her chair, her head hit her knees and her eyes drifted closed. He decided she could work later and turned to his screens.

Some time later, the doors to the exterior offices opened and he looked up, expecting to see J’Ssett. Instead, Tael was standing in the opening. One of the highly paid courtesans that frequented the upper ring, she had amused him for a brief time. Now his former lover smiled lazily and sauntered into the room. A quick glance at Cam showed that she was still asleep. He moved in front of his desk, intending to get Tael out as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, she saw his coming toward her as an invitation and she moved closer to him until they were almost touching.

“Lord Kievan,” she murmured. “I missed you.”

He hadn’t even thought of her in weeks. While he usually preferred his own women, he had been amused enough by her pursuit to spend some time with her. He studied her, trying to decide what the appeal had been. She was beautiful—all his women were beautiful—and relatively skilled in bed, if somewhat mechanical. Her blue skin gleamed dark and perfect, highlighted by the tight-fitting white sheath. Her body was tall and slender but it no longer seemed appealing compared to Cam’s soft curves. In fact, nothing about her appealed to him any longer.

Again she misread his intentions when he looked her over. Her lips curved into a seductive smile and one hand went to his chest, sliding down to hover suggestively just above his belt.

“Get your goddamn hands off of my master.” Cam’s voice was low and furious as she pushed Tael away.

Kievan groaned silently but kept his face impassive.

“Assume standing position, pet,” he ordered. She hesitated for a fraction of a second before moving reluctantly into position, her face still furious.

“Are you going to let your slave talk to me like that?” Tael demanded. “I insist that she be punished.”

White rage immediately surfaced and she backed away as she saw his face.

“You do not insist on anything. You will leave now.”

“But, Kievan,” she started to protest then closed her mouth abruptly as he stalked in her direction.

“You are no longer welcome here.” He opened the doors to let her out and she sidled through nervously. A quick glance at the outer chamber revealed that J’Ssett wasn’t present and one his staff had been screening visitors. That explained why she had been let in unannounced.

“Tael is not allowed in my office,” he ordered. “Is that clear?”

The underling nodded nervously. Ignoring Tael’s infuriated glare, Kievan added, “I am not to be disturbed for the next hour. I trust that is also clear?”

He didn’t wait to hear the assent before shutting the door and returning to his disobedient slave.

Cam’s eyes flew to his face. “Are you mad at me?”

“Did I give you permission to speak?”

Her lips tightened but she lowered her eyes submissively. “No, Master.”

He leaned against the wall and looked at her, keeping his face in the expressionless mask he had perfected over the years. She hadn’t behaved correctly and, even if he appreciated the sentiment, he was going to have to punish her—for both their sakes.

“Did you behave appropriately?” he finally asked.

“No, Master.” Her head went down.

“You realize that I’m going to punish you?”

“Yes, Master.” He saw the shiver that rippled through her and he didn’t think it was entirely fear.

He retrieved the pillow from behind the desk and dropped it to the floor at her feet. “On your knees.”

She lowered herself gracefully to the floor.

Standing in front of her he released his already swelling cock. Her eyes widened and then the lids went heavy.

“Suck my cock,” he ordered.

“That’s not a punishment, Master,” she whispered.

His lips twitched but he bent over and whispered in a threatening voice. “This is just the beginning. Now do as you’re told.”

“Yes, Master.” Her small, pink tongue darted out to wet her lips and he was no longer partially erect, he was completely stiff. Her hand closed around the base of his shaft and she drew her tongue slowly up the underside of the hard flesh. She swirled her tongue around the head. He was already leaking pre-cum and she licked it up with a dreamy look on her face.

“Mmm,” she murmured, and he felt the sound vibrate through his shaft as she closed her mouth over the broad tip and drew him in. The sight of her ripe lips stretched around his straining cock was almost as exciting as feeling the wet heat of her mouth tight around his flesh. She played with the head for a long time, swirling her tongue over each sensitive inch, but as she became more aroused she started taking him deeper. Her mouth sank down to meet her hand as she stroked upward. Each time she pulled back, she increased the suction. He curved his hand around the back of her head, controlling her movements, and she moaned and sucked harder. He could feel her rubbing the hard points of her nipples against his legs and he could smell her increasing arousal.

“Touch yourself, sweetness. But don’t come,” he ordered. She moaned again and the vibration shot straight to his balls. Her free hand slipped down between her legs and he watched her fingers eagerly working her swollen flesh. He kept the pressure on her neck, fucking deeper into her mouth until he could feel himself against the back of her throat. She choked slightly so he drew back a little but moved faster. Knowing that he was close, she increased the suction and lifted her wet fingers from between her legs and stroked his balls. He roared and exploded in her mouth and she sucked eagerly, swallowing every drop of liquid, then licking him gently until he released her head.

His cock slipped free and she looked up at him, face flushed and heavy with arousal. Yes, she was ready for her punishment. He lifted her to her feet and led her around the desk. As soon as he sat down, she started to drop to her knees at his feet. He shook his head.

“Not yet, pet.” Reaching into the desk drawer, he retrieved a small, red object. “Do you remember this pet?”

“Yes, Master,” she whispered. There was that look he liked—a heady mixture of fear and desire in those wide blue eyes

“Now bend over my lap.”

She quivered but bent forward obediently. Today she was wearing a short, clingy red dress and he pulled it high over her waist, enjoying the sight of her creamy white ass against the red material. Her ass was soon going to match that color. He stroked the soft flesh gently, relishing the feel of her skin under his hand. He spread her legs and ran his fingers through the wet folds. She trembled against his hand and he circled her clit lightly, teasingly, before sliding a thick finger into her tight pussy. She cried out and her muscles tightened. Perfect. He withdrew his finger, grasped the eldflaur, and pushed it deep inside her channel, holding it in place until he felt it start to heat.

He held her firmly over his lap, watching as the eldflaur worked on her body. With each wave of heat, her skin flushed and her body stiffened. As the wave resided, her body trembled. Little gasping moans were coming from her mouth. He timed the waves and just as the next wave hit, he brought his hand down hard across her ass. She screamed and came immediately. He didn’t make her count; he knew she wasn’t capable of the concentration required.

He stroked her though the next couple of waves, her body so hot he could feel the heat through his pants, his aching cock burning from her fiery flesh. Four more times he spanked her, each time timing it to the wave of heat; each time she came. On the last stroke she barely moved because her body was so drained. But she had one more to go. He spread her legs wider and waited for the final wave. When it broke, he brought his hand down one more time and this time he landed between her legs. He tempered the stroke but it caught her directly on her swollen clit. Her entire body convulsed, her back arching so hard she almost broke his grip before she collapsed back across his lap in a shuddering heap.

Kievan pulled her up into his arms, pressing her red, tear-stained face into his neck while he stroked her back in long soothing caresses. The heat of her ass, hot as much now from the spanking as the eldflaur, was a painful temptation pressing against his throbbing cock but he waited patiently for her tears to stop. When her breathing finally slowed and only a few last shudders shook her small body, he curved his hand around her neck and raised her face to his.

“That was beautiful, sweetness. I’m very proud of you,” he whispered.

Fresh tears shimmered in her eyes but he bent his head and kissed her. She opened instantly, clinging to him desperately as he tasted the sweetness of her mouth. The kiss started off gentle but his body was past ready and she responded so beautifully that it turned hard and passionate almost immediately.

“That was your punishment. Now it’s time for your reward.”

Her eyes widened as he scooped her up and carried her to the rug. He laid her on the soft fibers and drew the dress over her head. She was beautiful, her body still flushed and damp, her nipples as hard and red as the still engorged nub visible between her swollen labia. He stripped and joined her, lying next to her so he could run his hands across her skin before he lowered his head and sucked one ripe nipple into his mouth. She gasped and arched her back.

“Please, Master,” she pleaded.

“What do you want, pet?”

“I want you inside me. Please, Master.” Her hands clutched his shoulders, trying to pull him closer.

His control shattered. In one long smooth motion, he covered her with his body and sheathed his cock completely in her silken depths. He felt her channel spasm immediately. The lingering effects of the eldflaur made her unbelievably hot and slick and he stopped thinking about anything but the necessity of burying himself in her body over and over again. Her pussy never stopped convulsing around him, the tight pulses milking his cock with each stroke until he came in a spasm that seemed to come up from the soles of his feet, the room actually spinning around him as he collapsed on to her body.

Cam wrapped her arms around Kievan’s neck and her legs around his thighs as she tried to control her breathing. He was breathing just as hard and she could feel his heart pounding against her chest. His massive body pressed her into the carpet but she didn’t care. She needed the solid comfort of his touch as her body finally settled. She had never come so hard or so often in her life. She had lost count of the number of times she had climaxed and she felt as if she had climaxed continuously the entire time he had been inside her.

At last he raised his head and looked at her. His face was soft and his eyes warm glowing bronze. He kissed her and it was slow and sweet and long, and she was almost crying again by the time he finished. He started to lift up and she winced as he slipped from her incredibly tender body but she still tried to hold on to him.

“Don’t worry, sweetness. I’m not going anywhere,” he whispered. He rolled to his side and pulled her in tight with her face against his chest. His arms were strong and warm around her and she nestled close. She felt…odd. Light and empty, almost empty enough to float away. Only his arms kept her anchored.

A long time later, she startled and realized that she had fallen asleep. Kievan was lifting her off the carpet and carrying her to the couch. She tightened her arms around his neck, afraid he was going to leave her, but he sat down and cuddled her on his lap. He was gentle but sitting down made her realize how incredibly sensitive her ass was and her entire cleft was swollen and sore. He felt her flinch and his face darkened.

“I think I’m going to need another one of those healing baths,” she said, and smiled at him.

He didn’t return her smile.

“You’re so responsive I forget how delicate your body is.”

“I’m fine, honey,” she insisted. “I just need some recovery time.” She hesitated, then stroked his cheek. “That was amazing.”

“Do you know why I punished you?”

“Because I didn’t behave appropriately.”

“Yes, pet. But do you know why it matters?”

She shook her head.

“I told you yesterday that I am the only source of law on this station. I keep control through fear and respect. If I cannot control my slaves, then I look weak. If I look weak, then I will be challenged.”

He didn’t go into detail but she had learned enough over the past few days to realize that he meant an actual physical fight. Her hand went to one of the scars on his chest and her eyes filled with tears. “I’m sorry. I was just…”

“Jealous?” Embarrassed, she nodded. “I know, pet. But you have to behave perfectly in front of others or you will have to stay in my private quarters all of the time.”

He hesitated. “And I like having you here.”

“I want to be with you,” she whispered. “I’ll do better, I promise.”

“Sweetness,” he whispered back, and dropped his forehead against hers.

“Is that woman going to cause trouble for you?”

His face went instantly hard and cold. “No.”

She shivered and his face softened. He stood up with her in his arms, let her stand long enough for him to drop her dress back over her head, and then picked her up again and headed for the door.

“Where are we going?”

“You are going to take that bath and rest. If you’re good, you can come back this afternoon.”

“I’ll be good, Master,” she promised. “But I can walk.”

His lips twitched. “A good slave doesn’t argue with her master.”

“Yes, Master,” she said. Then she buried her head in his neck in order to avoid looking at the guards as he carried her past them and down the long corridor to their rooms.

Over the next week, the days fell into a surprisingly comfortable pattern. If Kievan was going to be in the office, she joined him. He still sent her away occasionally —usually when he was punishing someone—but the majority of the time he let her stay. She didn’t make any more mistakes with her submissive role in public. In private, she started to get aroused as soon as his face went hard because it almost always meant incredible sex. The control he exerted over her body, combined with his tenderness afterward, left her in a glow of contentment. She pushed any concern about her future far away. Caring for a dying mother had taught her to appreciate each day as it came.

Kievan had put her to work—giving her a steady stream of financial records to review. It made her feel useful but she also knew she was good at it. Most days he trained with the guards in the late afternoons so she would use that time to visit with Sonda and Leeda. Xanthe had disappeared the morning after Cam had moved in with Kievan. The Gliesh women giggled hysterically as they described the towering rage Xanthe had been in as she was dragged unceremoniously from the women’s quarters. Other afternoons, Kievan would order her prepared for him. She learned to enjoy the pampering.

After dinner he would usually work more and she would read or watch odd but frequently hilarious vids. But at some point every evening, he would look at her, her heart would flutter, and then she would be on her knees or her back or her stomach while he sent her body into throes of ecstasy. Her body constantly craved his touch and he seemed just as obsessed. They had sex every morning, every evening, and not infrequently in the office as well.

Only occasionally did she get restless and long to see something of the rest of the station. He hadn’t let her leave his level of the station at all and the only part of his public quarters that she had seen was his office and the surrounding rooms. But she suppressed her restlessness, just as she suppressed her concerns about the future.

Chapter Twelve

Cam was kneeling at his feet, but only J’Ssett was present so she had relaxed the pose and leaned in to his legs. He stroked her hair absently as he listened to the man report. She didn’t seem to be paying any attention to their conversation until J’Ssett mentioned inspecting the Market. Her head popped up.

“Market?”

Kievan looked down at her and his lips quirked.

“Yes, pet.”

“For shopping?”

“That’s what the Market is for,” he agreed solemnly.

“Can I go with J’Ssett?” She obviously read the refusal on his face and added hastily, “Please? You know I can behave.”

“Actually, I’m not at all convinced of that.”

Her face fell and he sighed, hoping he wasn’t about to make a bad decision.

“These are the rules. You go hooded and cloaked and you stay that way. You do not speak to anyone directly and you never leave J’Ssett’s side. When you want to buy something, J’Ssett will make the purchase.” He turned to J’Ssett. “Don’t let her out of your sight. Take a guard…no, take two guards and make sure they understand what will happen to them if they fail me.”

J’Ssett nodded solemnly and Kievan turned back to Cam.

“Do you understand the rules, pet?”

“Yes, Master.”

“And you will obey them?”

“Yes, Master.”

“Very well. You can go.”

“Yay!” She jumped up and threw herself into his lap, kissing his neck.

“Thank you, honey,” she whispered. Then she hesitated. “Could you come with us?”

He could hear the longing in her voice and he was tempted, knowing he would enjoy her wide-eyed wonder and also wanting to be there to protect her. Unfortunately, his presence would draw attention to her and he wanted to avoid that for as long as possible.

“No, sweetness. Not this time.”

He saw the disappointment in her eyes but she nodded. Then she kissed him, long and sweet. When he raised his head, he saw J’Ssett watching them, an unreadable expression on his face.

Cam stood next to J’Ssett, trying to contain her excitement as the elevator descended. Two guards stood behind them, massive and silent.

“The top levels are generally more expensive so that’s where you’ll find the largest housing, the best restaurants, and the finest shops.” J’Ssett was explaining the layout of the station. “The lowesst levels have the docking sstations, repair shops, and refueling posts. The area between there and the market is lesss expensive. As a result, it is crowded and can be dangerous. You would not be ssafe there. You should avoid that area.”

Cam looked at him, looked at the guards, then back at him. “Is there any chance I’m going there?’ she asked drily.

A brief smile curved his lips and he nodded his head in acknowledgement. “None, misss.”

He continued his lecture. “The Market is approximately central. Everyone comes here. It is heavily patrolled and relatively ssafe but it can be…volatile. Pay attention to your ssurroundings. If one of the guards tells you to do ssomething, obey immediately.”

She shot another glance at the looming guards and wondered briefly if they were even capable of speech. But then the doors opened and she forgot the speech capabilities of the guards. A cacophony of noise filled the elevator, voices that ranged from growls to shrieks, the clang of metal against metal, and the piercing cries of sellers hawking their wares. One guard moved in front of her, J’Ssett stepped to her side, and the other guard brought up the rear as they stepped out of the elevator. The smells were as varied as the sounds. She caught a whiff of something frying that made her stomach growl but it was immediately followed by a pungent aroma uneasily reminiscent of a barnyard.

Accustomed to the cool white serenity of Kievan’s level, the variety of hues was equally shocking. Colorful stalls, some temporary, some permanent, crowded together to form a maze of pathways, and most of them had an equally colorful display of goods to tempt the buyer deeper into the labyrinth. A mass of people filled the empty spaces between the stalls and Cam tried to keep from gaping at the number and variety of alien life forms.

“What would you like to ssee first, misss?” J’Ssett asked, raising his voice slightly to be heard over the din.

“I don’t know,” Cam said a little helplessly. She looked around, searching for inspiration and caught sight of a red silk hanging fluttering in the distance. “What’s that?”

“I believe that’s the glass ssection.”

Suddenly inspired, Cam nodded decisively. “Let’s go there.”

Some time later, Cam wandered happily but aimlessly through a set of stalls with animals for sale. She had made a few purchases which J’Ssett had arranged to be sent to their quarters. No longer interested in buying, she stopped at one stall long enough to watch two tiny, white, goat-like animals butt heads playfully. Many of the animals were completely foreign to her but these reminded her of Earth. The presence of live animals on the station surprised her but J’Ssett explained that, while some were intended for pets, most of them provided fresh meat, milk or cheese. She hoped that the two adorable animals in front of her were destined to provide food rather than become food.

Her attention turned to the crowd surrounding her and she watched them thoughtfully while she sucked on the pleasant but odd tasting popsicle J’Ssett had bought for her. It was a significant improvement over the wonderful smelling but completely horrid tasting fried pastry she had tried first. With a shock, she realized that all of her meals with Kievan had been delicious. He only fed her things she liked and the ones she liked best, he gave her most often. Her stomach fluttered pleasantly as she realized how closely he must watch her to be able to do that. She stroked her bracelets, wishing that he could have been here with her.

Forcing her mind away from the sudden longing for Kievan, she watched the crowd. Pairs of Kievan’s gray-skinned guards appeared frequently. No one race predominated but she saw quite a few purple-skinned Gliesh and wondered if any of them were related to Sonda and Leeda. A few times she saw a striking alien with red skin, dark hair, and horns springing from his brow. From a distance he resembled a mythical devil but she never got close enough to see how accurate the resemblance was because her party always seemed to head in a different direction.

She noticed that there weren’t many females and they always travelled in pairs. Men openly turned to watch any woman that passed by although, for the most part, they didn’t watch her. She wasn’t sure if it was because of the guards or the heavy cloak but she was grateful either way. Once she saw a half-naked woman standing at the entrance to a tiny alley. A large horned alien grabbed her cuffed wrist and started to pull her into the alley. The woman looked up and her hopeless eyes met Cam’s. Instinctively Cam started toward the woman but J’Ssett took her arm and gently but firmly herded her away. Remembering the first morning when Kievan had told her she was free to leave, she shivered at the thought of what her fate might have been.

Despite the variety of aliens, she hadn’t seen anyone who resembled J’Ssett.

“Where do you come from?” she asked him, not quite sure if it was polite to ask.

“A ssmall planet a long way from here.”

“Is anyone from your planet on the station?”

“No. My people do not travel in sspace much.”

A wave of compassion swept over here. “It’s hard being the only person from your planet,” she said softly. “I wish I could meet another human.”

His eyes flicked to hers but he didn’t respond.

“How did you end up here?”

“Lord Kievan ssaved my life. He was wounded in the effort and I sstayed with him until he healed. When he left my planet, I came with him.”

“Why do I have a feeling there is more to the story than that?”

His lips quirked but he didn’t add anything else. With a sigh, Cam turned back to her people watching.

Only two other events disturbed the enjoyable outing. The first incident occurred as they were moving through the food stalls. There was a loud crash off to the left, followed by an escalating stream of insults and profanity. The crowd started to move restlessly, then there was a scream, and Cam saw a silver flash from the corner of her eye. Before she saw anything else, she found herself tucked into a corner, J’Ssett at her side and the large bodies of the two guards directly in front of her, their wings spread to block out the crowd. Cries and scuffles echoed through the enclosed space. She tried to peek around the guards but J’Ssett shook his head so she waited, not very patiently, until the riot subsided. When she was released from her corner, the only signs of the disturbance were some overturned carts and a few people with blood dripping from various wounds. The blood was not always red and for some reason, Cam found that more disturbing that the actual incident.

The second disturbance occurred as they were traveling through the fabric district. An alien was headed in their direction. He didn’t seem to be paying any attention to them but he drew Cam’s attention because she hadn’t seen anyone like him and because he was particularly unpleasant looking. He was tall and skeletal with yellow eyes and a round red mouth filled with double rows of teeth. As he came closer, she dropped her eyes but as he passed by he stopped suddenly and sniffed the air. Immediately he turned and grabbed her arm, hauling her toward him so quickly and with such surprising strength that she barely had time to gasp. His fingers tightened painfully on her arm and she opened her mouth to scream and then he was gone.

One of her guards had the man suspended by his neck, the guard’s beefy hand digging into the frail looking stalk. Despite the man’s fragile appearance, he fought back with the strength that had surprised her. The second guard joined the struggle and clamped the man’s hands hard against his sides. The guards held the man captive until reinforcements arrived a short time later and dragged the man away.

“Are you all right, miss?” It was the first guard and Cam suddenly recognized him as the one who had smiled at her on the first day.

“Yes, I’m fine. Thank you…”

“My name is Mikaroz, miss.”

“Thank you, Mikaroz.” He nodded, gave her a friendly grin, and moved back in to position. Very soon after the second incident, they were on their way home.

Kievan paused just inside the door to their rooms. He could hear Cam singing happily in the shower. It had been a difficult day for him. His office had seemed unusually empty without her warm presence and he had worried about her the entire time. His guards had reported back to him at regular intervals but it hadn’t helped. The minor riot infuriated him even though she hadn’t been harmed. He had gritted his teeth and barely refrained from ordering her home.

The fact that a stranger had actually grabbed her was unacceptable and he immediately sent word that she was to be returned. He also intended to have a visit with the imprisoned attacker first thing in the morning. The assault seemed too targeted to be just a man looking for a woman to drag off and rape.

The water in the shower stopped running and he walked into the bedroom to wait for her. A subtle fragrance attracted his attention and he focused on the source—a cluster of flowers in a red vase on the table. Turning to scan the rest of the space, he immediately noticed the other changes. Two red pillows, heavily embroidered in gold, nestled amongst the usual pristine white pillows at the head of the bed. A soft red throw was flung carelessly over one of the curved couches. A row of red votives stood on the low coffee table. Only a few changes, but somehow they managed to add life to the room, to change it from a beautiful impersonal space to something resembling a home.

The bathroom door opened and Cam emerged, wrapped in a towel. Her face lit up as she saw him and she raced to him, raising her face for a kiss as always. As soon as he released her mouth, she started talking.

“You’re home early, honey.” His chest seized as she echoed his earlier thought. “I’m so glad. I bought a few things. I hope you don’t mind but I thought it would be nice to have something other than white and gold for a change. You don’t mind, do you?” She looked at him anxiously and he shook his head. “Oh, good. And see what else I found.”

She tugged him over to the seating area and he saw a framed print lying against the couch.

“J’Ssett told me he could hang it so it wouldn’t damage the walls but he needed to get the hanger first. Do you like it?”

He stared at the print, a beautifully framed scroll rendered in ancient Sardoran calligraphy.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” she asked. “I know it’s Sardoran but I can’t read the words.”

“It’s the old version of the language,” he answered absently.

“Can you read it?” she asked eagerly.

He could but somehow he couldn’t face translating the ancient love poem for her. Instead, he gestured around the room. “Is this what you bought at the market?”

She looked at him uncertainly. “Yes. You said I could buy whatever I wanted.” Her eyes traveled to the vase. “I’m glad I could find flowers. I used to buy fresh flowers every week for my mother.”

“I meant for you to buy things for yourself.”

Her face relaxed and she shrugged, leaning in to wrap her arms around his waist. “I don’t need anything. I just wanted to make our rooms a little cozier. I hope you like it.”

Without another word, he swept her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. A long time later, she opened her eyes and smiled at him. “I guess you like it.”

Later that evening they were sitting on the couch. Kievan was working, trying to catch up on some of the tasks he had been too distracted to complete during the day. Cam was lying with her head on his thigh, reading. A knock sounded on the door and before he could answer, it opened and Talasi entered. She went immediately to her knees, head bowed.

“Please, Lord Kievan. I need…” Her voice was shaking and he could barely hear it across the room. He felt Cam’s body tense and he cursed silently under his breath. He should have anticipated that this would occur.

“Head to the floor, Talasi,” he ordered and he saw some of the tension flow out of her body as she dropped into a prone position.

Cam sat up, her lip trembling but she didn’t say anything. He pulled her close so he could talk to her without Talasi overhearing. Her body stiffened but she came.

“It’s not what you think, little flower,” he said quietly. “She doesn’t need fucking, she needs punishing.”

She frowned. “I don’t understand.”

“She wants me to whip her.” He paused. “She wants me to hurt her.”

Her eyes grew wide. “Why?”

“I will try and explain later, but now she needs this.” He hesitated. “Perhaps this would be good time to visit Sonda and Leeda.”

“Do you want me to leave?”

He considered the idea. He didn’t want her to see this; he didn’t want her to know he was the kind of man he had to be to do it. But her trust was a fragile thing—and she had made these rooms their home. He stroked her cheek. “No, sweetness. I won’t ask you to leave our rooms. But this might be…difficult for you.”

“I want to stay,” she said after a brief consideration.

“Very well. Then kneel, pet, and do not speak until I give you permission.”

She sank gracefully to her knees and he turned to Talasi.

Cam watched as Kievan walked to the other woman and ordered her to stand. His voice was hard and almost unrecognizable. Talasi stood and walked to the golden wall sculpture. Cam could see the eagerness in her stride. She studied the other woman’s face as she came closer. Her features were very human, only her pointed ears varying from the norm, but her skin was a soft dark green, her hair a long spill of even darker green. She looked like a beautiful wood nymph out of a child’s fairy tale.

As soon as she reached the wall, she turned toward it and dropped her dress. Cam flinched but managed not to make a sound as she saw the scars that covered the other woman’s back. Her back was covered with scars from just above her shoulder blades to her upper thighs.

Kievan manipulated the wall and created a diagonal cross. He fastened Talasi’s wrists and ankles to the cross so that she was spread-eagled. Then he pulled a whip from the cabinet.

“Are you ready?” he asked.

“Yes, Lord Kievan,” Talasi said, and again, Cam could hear the eagerness in her voice.

Without any additional warning, Kievan brought the whip down across Talasi’s back. The whip echoed in the quiet room and Talasi’s body jerked. Cam curled her nails into her palms to keep from screaming. The whipping continued. Talasi never made a sound. Cam watched in horror as thin lines of blood appeared across the other woman’s scarred back. Kievan continued until Talasi finally cried out, a shout that sounded almost ecstatic, and sagged against the cross. By that time, Cam’s palms were bleeding from her efforts to keep still and not cry out.

Kievan released Talasi from the cross. She stood limp, Kievan grasping her shoulders to keep her on her feet while he folded the wall back into place.

“Come here, pet,” Kievan ordered. Cam rose reluctantly to her feet and obeyed. How could he have done such a terrible thing? As she approached, he reached for her arm and she flinched, suddenly terrified. He let his hand drop.

“Look at her face,” he ordered. Still reluctant, Cam lifted her eyes to Talasi’s face. The other woman’s eyes were closed. Tear stains marked her cheeks but her face was peaceful, almost beatific.

“Remember that look. I’ll take her back to her quarters and call an attendant.”

He picked Talasi up and carried her out of the room. As soon as he left, Cam raced to the bathroom and lost the contents of her stomach. She was still crouched over the toilet, shaking, when Kievan returned. He picked her up and she fought him, panicking at his hold.

“Stop that, pet.” He carried her to the sink, made her brush her teeth, and washed her face in cold water. Gently he unfolded her hands, hissing at the bleeding nail wounds. He washed those, too, and rubbed healing gel into the small cuts. Cam’s body stayed rigid and she jumped every time he moved. He sighed and picked her up anyway, carrying her back to the couch.

As soon as he sat down with her, she tried to pull away. “How could you do that?”

“This is why I wanted you to leave.”

“Well, I didn’t. And I saw you torture her. How many times have you done that to her? All those scars…” She couldn’t continue and burst into tears.

He tucked her against him and she tried to fight again but he ignored her struggles and held her until the tears started to subside. In spite of her fear and anger, the warmth and strength of his big body comforted her, surrounding her with the illusion of safety.

“I didn’t leave those scars,” he said finally when she was quiet enough to listen. “Talasi was horribly abused from the time she was very, very young. She suffered so much physical pain, she never learned how to handle emotional pain. It builds up inside her until it has to have a release. If I don’t give it to her, she will try and give it to herself. When I found her, she had almost killed herself.”

“Do you like doing it?” she whispered.

“No.” He grasped her chin and raised her face to his. “But I have done many worse things and for reasons that were a lot less meaningful.”

That wasn’t exactly comforting. “Are you trying to warn me?” she asked.

Something flickered on his face but she couldn’t read it. “Perhaps.”

Cam thought back over her time with him. She had been happy with him, even though she knew what he was capable of—he had kidnapped her, killed her kidnappers, and cut off a man’s hand. Now he had whipped a woman until she bled. Why did this seem so much worse? She remembered Leeda’s words.

“It creates an intimacy,” she whispered.

“What?”

“It wasn’t sex but there was an intimacy between the two of you.” She waved at the wall. “And it was here, in our…home.”

His face tightened and she couldn’t read his expression. “You’re right,” he said finally. “No matter how desperate she was, I should have taken her away from here. And I know Talasi; I should have anticipated this and made arrangements before tonight.”

They were both quiet for a long moment.

“I’ll arrange to have her sold to someone else,” he said. Her mouth opened but he cut her off. “Before you say it, she isn’t equipped to be free. I will find someone strong enough to give her what she needs but who won’t hurt her unnecessarily.”

His words struck something inside her and the tension in her body finally started to ease. “Someone like you,” she said quietly.

“Sweetness, I already told you. I am not a good man.”

She stroked his cheek and he shut his eyes as if it hurt where she touched him.

“What would you like me to do about Sonda and Leeda?” he continued.

“What?”

He gave her a level look. “I don’t need them while I have you. They can stay if you want their company—or I can send them home.”

“You’d do that?” He nodded. “Then send them home.”

“Very well,” he agreed.

“Thank you, honey,” she whispered, and reached up to kiss him.

He stopped her. “What we have between us is still for right now,” he said. “And I will warn you again that I am not a good man.”

A sense of dread curled in her stomach but she ignored it, just as she had ignored it every time the doctor told her mother there was no hope. “For right now, you are a good man.”

Chapter Thirteen

An unexpected repercussion of the trip to the market occurred the next morning. Cam had been quiet since the previous evening, still trying to deal with her feelings. Kievan didn’t push. When they went to bed, he pulled her into his arms as usual but only held her as she fell asleep. She didn’t sleep well. In their morning shower, he simply washed her gently. Afterward they walked silently to his office. She was in the correct position, one step back and behind, as they approached the guards outside his office. Lost in thought, she didn’t look up until the last minute but as soon as she did she recognized Mikaroz. Automatically she smiled at him. “Good morning.”

He nodded but didn’t respond and the doors to the office had closed behind them before she realized that Kievan had tensed.

“Kneel,” he ordered.

Her attention snapped to his face—his hard, angry face. “What’s the matter?”

“I told you not to flirt with the guards. Now kneel.”

Instead she moved closer, trying to calm him. “Honey, you’re being ridiculous,” she said softly. As soon as the words left her mouth, she knew they were a mistake. His eyes started to pale.

“I will not repeat myself again. You disobeyed my orders and you are going to be punished.”

The injustice of his statement made Cam’s temper flare and she glared at him. “I didn’t disobey you because I didn’t flirt with him. You can’t punish me for something I didn’t do.”

“You are my slave. I can do anything I want to you,” he said coldly.

Anger and the lingering fear from the previous night made her reckless. “What do you want to do? Whip me until I bleed?”

A muscle clenched in his jaw but he leaned close, his voice low and deadly. “I could do exactly that. I own you. I can do anything I want with you. I could choose to have you walk naked through the entire station. I could choose to let a hundred men fuck you.”

Cam made another mistake. Too angry to consider her words, she said, “No, you couldn’t. You don’t even want another man to smile at me. I know you would never let another man fuck me.”

With one swift move he tore her dress from her shoulders and dragged her now naked body to the desk. She struggled wildly but he ignored her. His hands bit painfully into her arms as he threw her face down across the desk and fastened her cuffs to the desk legs so she was spread face down across the hard surface. He stalked to the door and ordered Mikaroz into the room.

Mikaroz’s eyes went immediately to her body, and he froze. Terrified and humiliated, she watched the two men face each other. They were of almost equal height, but where Kievan was all lean strong muscle, Mikaroz was built wide and thick. With his massive bulk, he should have been the threatening figure. He wasn’t. Despite Mikaroz’s size, Cam had no doubt that Kievan was ten times more dangerous.

“Do you want my woman?” Kievan asked in a cold voice.

Tears burned in Cam’s eyes and her cheeks flamed.

“She is very desirable, my lord,” Mikaroz answered, quietly but without hesitation. “She’s beautiful and she smells good. She has a nice smile.”

The muscle clenched in Kievan’s jaw again but he leaned in to the other man’s face and asked, his voice still hard and cold, “Should I let you take her?”

The tears slid down her cheeks and fell onto the cool surface of the desk. She couldn’t take her eyes off the two men. Mikaroz turned toward her, took one step in her direction, and the air in the room turned deadly. Kievan’s body poised for attack.

“No,” Mikaroz said, and his eyes were kind. He turned back to Kievan and a small smile crossed his face. “Do I look like I want to die?” he asked. He nodded in Cam’s direction but didn’t look at her. “I suspect that if I even laid a finger on her, the least I would lose would be my hand.”

The tension in the room shifted but Cam couldn’t read it. Kievan studied Mikaroz’s face and then the other man went to one knee.

“You have my oath of loyalty, my lord,” he said. “Your woman has it, too.”

Kievan jerked his chin. Mikaroz rose and left the room without another word.

Silently, Kievan approached the desk. He released the chains but didn’t touch her, moving to the far side of the room to look out at the stars. Cam sat up but didn’t reach for the torn remnants of her dress, her gaze fixed on Kievan’s rigid back. Her body was still shaking from adrenaline, but the fear had disappeared. She expected it to be replaced by anger, but instead all she felt was an odd peace.

After a long time, Kievan moved to the couch and sat down looking at her. The expressionless mask covered his face and his eyes were distant. She went to him and he silently watched her cross the room until she knelt at his feet and leaned against his legs. The muscles in his thigh were rigid beneath her cheek.

“Is it that obvious?” he asked after a long silence.

She looked up but his eyes were closed.

“You called me your woman,” she said softly.

His eyes snapped open and went to her face.

“You didn’t call me your slave, you called me your woman,” she repeated.

“But you are my slave.” He wasn’t arguing.

“Yes,” she agreed, still soft.

He studied her face. “I could do all of the things I threatened and no one would stop me.”

“But you won’t,” she said. A warm feeling settled into her stomach and the lingering disquiet finally faded. “You have never hurt me, Kievan. Even when you punish me, you let me find pleasure.”

She lifted up and climbed on to his lap facing him with a knee of either side of his hips. Her hands went to his chest, his gleaming skin like warm textured silk beneath her hands but his muscles still tense and hard. She dropped her head against his neck and breathed in his scent, surrounding herself with his presence. When she raised her head, he was still studying her, his eyes unreadable. Leaning forward, she brushed a gentle kiss across his mouth.

“Let me pleasure you, Master,” she whispered, and his eyes turned molten, no longer unreadable.

She leaned closer, rubbing her breasts against the warm skin of his chest as she pushed his open vest down his shoulders. His cock was a rigid bar between her legs and she wiggled until she could feel it pressing directly against her cleft. Moisture was already dripping from her pussy, making his leather pants slippery as she rocked gently back and forth on his stiff shaft while she dropped kisses on his neck and shoulders. Her mouth drifted down and she circled his nipple with her tongue. His body jerked so she licked directly across the tip and then drew the small nub into her mouth, sucking hard. She felt his cock jump and she smiled against his chest before she moved to the other nipple.

Impatient for more, she left his lap long enough to release his pants and pull them off. He helped by toeing off his boots and lifting up enough for her to remove his pants, but other than that he was curiously passive for once, letting her set the pace. She pushed him down flat on the couch and crawled up between his legs. His cock was thick and swollen, the head already shiny with pre-cum. She cradled the heavy warmth of his balls and then drew one gently into her mouth. His body jerked again as she swirled her tongue around it before moving to the other. She buried her nose between them, breathing in his scent again, then licked her way up his cock. He tasted delicious, a spicy, musky taste which made her even more excited. Her tongue probed into the tiny slit on the broad head, seeking more of his juices.

As she lingered over his cock, taking her time and enjoying every second, she noticed that his hands were clenched at his sides and realized how rigidly he was controlling himself. Her mouth closed around him one more time, taking him as deeply into her throat as she could, then lifting off in a long, slow, hard pull. Tremors skated across his skin. Unwilling to wait any longer, she crawled higher up his body, letting her nipples rub across every inch of skin along the way. She settled on top of him, raising herself on her arms so she could watch him. His eyes burned into her but he kept his arms taut at his sides. His massive cock spread her labia wide as she rocked back and forth, moaning with pleasure each time it slid across her engorged clit.

Supporting herself on one arm, she lifted up and used her other hand to position the broad head of his cock at the entrance to her pussy. She pushed down and he slid up inside her a fraction of an inch. It felt so good she groaned and she saw his eyes close briefly. She pushed harder, sliding down an inch at a time as she impaled herself on his hard flesh. By the time he was lodged completely inside her body, she was panting and Kievan’s body was impossibly rigid beneath her. She knew he was letting her have control but she didn’t want it any longer.

“Please, Master.” she whispered.

That was all it took. His hands took her hips in a punishing grip and then he was lifting her high only to slam her down again and again, fast and hard, his cock rubbing against her with every stroke. She came immediately and fell forward, her hands clutching his shoulders as he kept pounding up into her shuddering body. He thrust upward a final time as he yanked her down even harder. She felt him press against her cervix as he exploded and she came again.

His hands left her hips and his arms came up to hold her close. She nestled her head against his chest, warm and content, while he stroked her back in long soothing strokes. After a time, he rolled them to one side and her hands were free to return the favor, stroking his back and enjoying the feel of the strong muscles, still hard but no longer rigid to her touch. Each time she stroked across his tattoo, she felt his skin shiver slightly beneath her fingertips.

“Is it sensitive?” she finally asked.

“Yes,” he answered after a long pause. Curious, she wiggled free and pressed him down on his stomach she could take a closer look. The tattoo was beautiful, the intricate lines suggesting something but she couldn’t quite grasp the meaning.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered. “Does it mean something?”

“Not anymore,” he said, and started to roll over. She pushed him back down and to her surprise, he let her. Her fingers traced the pattern and this time, she saw his skin flutter.

“What did it mean?”

“It’s a clan mark. All Sardoran warriors have the mark of their clan tattooed on their back. But I am Outcast; I no longer have a clan.”

“Why didn’t you have it removed?”

He shrugged but she didn’t think it was a casual reaction. “It can’t be removed, but I would never have tried anyway. It is a reminder of who I used to be. It’s a part of who I am now.”

His body tensed for a long moment, then he rolled again. This time she couldn’t stop him and he kept going until he was covering her with his big body, his warm weight pressing against her. She smiled and slid her arms around his neck, her bracelets chiming softly. She loved the way this felt – safe, protected…together. He studied her, his face no longer expressionless but still unreadable.

“There is a custom on Sardor,” he said slowly. “When a woman…belongs to a warrior, she takes his mark.”

Cam stared at him, “You want to put your tattoo on me?”

“It would be a smaller version. There is a device that will do it so it will be quick.”

The warm feeling was back. “Yes, honey,” she whispered.

“It’s quick but it won’t be painless,” he warned.

“Then you will have to find a way to make me feel pleasure as well.” She smiled at him.

“You wish me to put my mark on you?” he asked.

The warm feeling grew. “Yes.”

His forehead dropped to hers. “Thank you, sweetness.”

Then he kissed her so long and so hard and so sweetly that she was crying by the time he finished.

Cam’s dress was ruined, so Kievan wrapped her in an oversized towel and sent her back to their rooms to get dressed again. After a brief fight with himself, he sent Mikaroz to accompany her. Once the pair left, he went to his desk but instead of bringing up his screen, he studied his hands, trying to sort out his conflicted feelings. Each time he thought he could prove to Cam that he was not a good man, it didn’t turn out the way he planned. He wasn’t a fool; he knew she cared for him. The damnable part was that he liked having her care about him. He skated uneasily past the thought that he cared for her, too. He had tried to warn her that this wouldn’t—couldn’t—end well, but he knew she didn’t understand. And if he explained it to her, he would ruin everything there was between them. He dropped his head in his hands and barely suppressed a groan. He didn’t have any options and he was running out of time.

He heard J’Ssett enter the office but he took a moment to compose his face before he lifted his head.

“Yes,” he said impatiently.

“There is a problem, my lord,” J’Ssett said. “I’m not sure how sserious it is but the man who approached Misss Cam yesterday is no longer in the holding cells.”

“What?” Kievan stared at the other man. He couldn’t recall a single prisoner escaping the cells before.

“Also, we have not been able to find any records of his arrival on the sstation.”

That was troubling but not as unusual. The station was too big and the flow of traffic too constant to catch every person arriving and departing, especially if they slipped in with another group.

“Make sure the guards have his description and increase the patrols. If he’s still here, I want him found. If he is found, bring him to me immediately,” he ordered.

“Yess, my lord.”

The small man turned to go but Kievan called him back.

“I need a marking device with my clan symbol,” he said.

J’Ssett’s face turned to stone. “My lord?”

“You heard me.”

“The prince might not approve,” J’Ssett said hesitantly.

“I’m very sure he won’t,” Kievan answered. “But nonetheless, she agreed and I am going to do it.”

J’Ssett’s eyes flashed directly to his. “She agreed?” he whispered.

Kievan nodded curtly.

“Very well, my lord. It will take a day or two.”

“I need it as soon as possible. We don’t have much time.” Kievan’s voice was quiet. J’Ssett nodded and left the office.

Chapter Fourteen

“Do I look all right?” Cam asked again. Before Kievan could respond, she turned to study herself nervously in the mirror. She was wearing a short, dark blue silk dress which clung to her breasts and midriff before flaring gently over her hips. The softly draped neckline only exposed the upper edge of her cleavage in front but dipped to the small of her back behind. The color brought out her eyes and accented the red highlights in her hair. Her hair had been smoothed into soft waves and her makeup was heavy and shimmery but didn’t hide the fact that her eyes were wide and panicky. For the first time she was going out into the station with Kievan, accompanying him to a reception for some visiting merchants and then to the fight pit.

“Exquisite, little flower,” Kievan murmured. She felt his lips against her neck and turned to him with a grateful smile.

“But perhaps a final touch or two…” He turned and picked up a small box from the nearby cabinet. She caught a glimpse of gold before he fastened something around her neck. Looking back to the mirror, she gasped in delight. A heavy gold collar rested just above her collarbone. Descending from the collar were multiple fine gold chains, each a different length and each tipped with a small diamond that caught the light and danced against her skin. She could feel longer strands whispering against her bare back.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered. “Thank you, honey.” She went up on tiptoes to kiss him. The kiss started off short and grateful but as soon as their tongues met, Kievan’s mouth turned hard and demanding. Cam melted against him, all thoughts of their excursion disappearing. When Kievan finally raised his head, he paused a minute to look at her, his face soft. He stroked her cheek with one finger and then the soft look disappeared.

“You understand that you must behave tonight?”

“Yes, Master.” Cam was only too aware that Kievan was taking a risk by allowing her to accompany him. Her submissive behavior must be perfect.

“Then perhaps one more touch—to help you remember.” His face remained hard but his eyes heated.

“Master?”

Without responding, he pushed down the front neckline of her dress until her breasts were exposed, cradled by the soft silk. His mouth closed over her nipple, drawing it deep with a pull that went straight to her womb, while his hand twisted her other nipple. Her back arched and her hands went to his head to hold him closer. Each time he sucked, she felt the corresponding pulse in her pussy. His mouth lifted, and cool metal circled the swollen peak and clamped down. Another spasm hit her aching clit as she felt the nipple ring lock in place. Before she could react, he flicked his tongue over her other nipple, already tight and ready from his fingers, and clamped the other ring in place.

His hand moved to her arms and he stepped back to look. She followed his gaze. The dark blue silk framed the creamy curves of her breasts, still swollen from his attention, the engorged red peaks held captive by the gold rings. Her breath caught at the erotic sight. She shivered when he made no move to pull the neckline back into place.

“Will you wear the dress this way?” he asked

Fighting back her immediate protest, she whispered, “If it pleases you, Master.”

“Very good, pet.” He smiled. “But I think you’re tempting enough without it.” He drew the neckline higher, covering her nipples, but pulled out the gold chain to nestle in the soft folds of the dress. He tugged it once, gently. A bolt of desire shot through her and she swayed toward him.

“Later, pet.”

He turned away to fetch her matching cloak and her eyes following him hungrily. For once, he had abandoned his standard white. Instead, he was wearing dark blue as well—tight pants which clung to the muscled strength of his legs and tucked into high matching boots, and an equally tight blue vest which stretched across his broad chest but left the tattoo exposed on his back. Heavy gold bands circled his massive biceps. He looked barbaric and powerful, and her mouth watered.

As she watched him, her gaze went to the now smooth wall next to the bed. When she had returned to their rooms the day after the incident with Talasi, the golden play sculpture had been gone. The wall gleamed white, the only adornment the framed print she had bought in the Market. Of course the chains on the bed remained and Kievan was extremely creative about putting them to use but Cam didn’t object to those at all.

The wall wasn’t the only change. All three of the remaining pleasure slaves were gone. Kievan had assured her that Talasi’s new master would take care of her. Sonda and Leeda had left as well, accompanying a party of Gliesh merchants back to their home planet. Cam missed them but they had been so happy and excited she couldn’t feel badly about their departure.

She studied the scroll, her heart skipping a little as it did every time she regarded it against the bare wall. Her eyes went back to Kievan, now walking toward her, even more beautiful from the front because she could see his eyes. She bit her lip, fighting the temptation to throw herself into his arms. Her nipples throbbed a slow beat of desire but it was more than that, she wanted his arms around her, his big body surrounding hers. She didn’t even want to leave their rooms; she wanted to stay here with the man she loved.

Loved? The thought blind-sided her, terrifying but settling into her bones with a sure knowledge. Her eyes filled with tears.

“Sweetness. Is something wrong?” Kievan was in front of her, gently raising her chin so he could study her face. His was so soft that the tears almost over-flowed but she blinked them back and tried to smile.

“Just scared,” she lied.

He smiled at her. “You’ll be fine.” He bent to whisper in her ear, his voice low and deep. “And if you’re not, I get to punish you.”

A shiver of desire slid up her spine and her nipples tightened impossibly harder.

“Yes, Master.”

Kievan placed the cloak around her shoulders and she followed him through the door.

Cam stood at Kievan’s side, perfectly positioned, her eyes on the floor. They were standing to one side of a large reception chamber. The room was ornately decorated and filled with a bewildering array of aliens, all dressed to match their surroundings, but neither the room nor the occupants captured her attention. Her mind was still poking cautiously at the idea that she loved Kievan, probing the concept like a sore tooth, unable to resist exploring the idea. Logically she knew it was too fast, too dangerous, but it didn’t seem to make any difference to her heart. She reminded herself that Kievan had given no indication that he felt the same way—in fact, he had constantly reminded her that they would only be together for a limited time. She knew he could be hard, cruel, and arrogant. Yet she also caught glimpses of pain in him; a pain that matched the one that had haunted her since her mother died. And when she thought of the things he had done to make her comfortable, the way he held her every night, the way he felt inside her, she couldn’t repress the hope that her feelings were not entirely one-sided.

Kievan nodded at the man he had been speaking to and moved away. Cam followed obediently. The movement made her conscious of the nipple rings and she fought the spike of desire as her swollen breasts brushed the soft silk of her gown.

“Lord Kievan,” called another alien, halting their progress before immediately launching into a complaint about fuel prices. She shot a quick glance at him under her lashes, noting that he was large, green, and blustery before returning to her thoughts.

“Very pretty. Very pretty indeed,” he said loudly.

The words penetrated her concentration as Kievan drew her forward, resting his hand lightly on her shoulder, fingers playing with the golden collar.

“Yes, I’m quite pleased,” Kievan said.

“Is she available? I heard you were selling off your stock,” the other man asked, and Cam froze. Kievan’s fingers tightened almost imperceptibly on her neck but he shrugged casually.

“You know me, Kauskip. I’m easily bored.” Kievan was using the cool, mocking tone he was so good at.

“When you get bored with this one, let me know,” Kauskip said, and laughed heartily. He returned to his complaints. Kievan kept his hand resting on her as she forced herself to remain calm. The other man was so sure Kievan would get bored with her. Was that what he meant when he told her that they were only together for now? Could what she felt be that one sided? Her earlier sense of hope that he had begun to return her feelings faded.

The conversation finished, they continued to circulate. Instead of sending her back behind him, Kievan kept her at his side, his hand on her shoulder—possessive but undeniably comforting. Unfortunately, the increased closeness and the warmth of his touch added to the constant arousal of the nipple rings and her body ached with need, distracting her from her thoughts.

A loud, angry voice asked, “Is this how you punish disobedient slaves, Lord Kievan?”

Kievan turned and Cam turned with him, remembering to keep her expression blank. She almost bit her lip as she recognized Tael. Kievan released Cam’s shoulder and she immediately stepped back into position. His eyes went to Tael’s face.

As Tael met Kievan’s gaze, her face paled but she didn’t stop talking. “Now I understand. You didn’t want to see me any more because you are obsessed with a slave.”

Several people were turning in their direction now. Cam maintained her pose and fought to keep her face calm.

“I don’t want to see you anymore, Tael, because you’re a terrible fuck. You’re lazy and selfish. Neither your mouth nor your cunt satisfied me,” Kievan said coldly. Tael’s mouth dropped open.

“On the other hand, my slave satisfies my needs quite well. She is very responsive.” He tugged on the nipple chain and the spike of pleasure pain went straight to Cam’s clit. She bit her lip to keep from moaning but she knew the interested spectators saw her response.

“Also delicious,” he continued thoughtfully. It took every ounce of discipline she had learned to hold still while he reached under her dress and ran a finger though her soaking folds. He brought the finger back out and there was a murmur of appreciation as their audience saw her wetness coating his finger before he slipped it in his mouth and sucked it clean.

“And far from disobedient,” he said. “If I tell her to go to her knees and suck my cock now, she won’t hesitate.”

Oh god, would he really make her do that? Fighting back tears, Cam immediately knelt. She couldn’t—wouldn’t—challenge his authority in public. She tucked her feelings away behind the disciplined facade of an obedient slave. As soon as she knelt, he put his hand on her neck and pressed her head against his thigh but didn’t make any further moves.

“However, I prefer to keep my activities private. Something you would have done well to remember, Tael,” he said. Without waiting for a response, he summoned two of his guards. “Take this…female to Madam Hora. Perhaps a week of remembering her origins will teach her the value of privacy. With any luck she may even learn a skill or two.”

Tael screamed and launched herself at Kievan. The guards grabbed her before she reached him and hauled her off. She was still screaming when the doors closed behind her.

Cam was frozen in place, unable to process what had just happened.

“I apologize for the disturbance, my friends,” Kievan said smoothly.

The large green man had reappeared and he chuckled at Kievan’s words. “Never a dull moment around here, is there?” His eyes dropped to Cam, still kneeling next to Kievan. “You may prefer privacy but I’ve never been shy. I’d be happy to demonstrate her talents for you.”

Kievan’s hand clamped down on Cam’s neck so hard she barely bit back a cry but his voice was casual. “You know I don’t share, Kauskip.” He laughed softly. “And, as a matter of fact, I intend to take advantage of those talents myself. Stand up, pet.”

Unable to prevent her blush, Cam rose to her feet and followed Kievan meekly through an open doorway into a small alcove. Eyes wide, she watched as Kievan drew a thin silk curtain across the opening and stalked toward her. The curtain gave them visual privacy but she could still hear the voices from the larger room and knew that any sounds they made would be just as audible.

“Are you serious?” she whispered. “They can hear us.”

“Then you had better be very quiet, pet.” He was already pulling down the neckline of her dress and she moaned softly as his fingers brushed her swollen breasts.

Fighting back the surge of arousal, she asked, “But why?”

“Because I was challenged. Because Kauskip wants you. Because I want you. Now.”

Her tongue flicked out to touch her lips and his eyes darkened.

“Hands on the wall, pet.”

Biting her lip, she turned to face the wall and placed her hands on it. He immediately moved behind her, the heat of his big body surrounding her. One hand went to her breast, the other sliding under her dress and straight to her clit. His hands felt so good that she moaned again. She felt the vibration of his laughter against her back.

“If you are worried about anyone hearing you, you are going to have to do better than that.”

The warm, teasing note in his voice made her stomach flutter. Then his hand moved deeper between her legs and one thick finger slid inside her tight channel. She barely managed to restrain another moan.

“Very good, pet. Let’s see what it takes to shatter that control,” he whispered in her ear, and slid another finger inside her. His thumb moved up to stroke teasing circles around her clit.

“You’re very wet, pet. I think you can take more.” He added a third finger and her whole body shuddered.

“Master, please…”

“Fuck yourself on my fingers, pet,” he ordered.

Helplessly, she followed his order, hands pressing into the wall as she thrust against his fingers. His thumb kept circling, his other hand tugging gently on the nipple chain, and she was close, so close that her breath was coming in gasps.

“Please,” she begged, her voice soft and needy. Her hands started to lift so she could reach for him.

“Hands on the wall,” he reminded her. “What do you want, pet?”

“I want to touch you. I want your cock.”

Through the haze of her arousal, she heard him growl. Her hands slid down the wall as he pulled her hips back.

“Tilt your ass, sweetness,” he demanded as his fingers eased free. Almost sobbing with need, she obeyed immediately. His hands went to her hips and he buried himself to the hilt in one hard smooth thrust. Her cry was definitely loud enough to be heard outside the room but she was beyond caring. She moaned again as he withdrew until only the tip of his cock remained inside her tight passage. Leaning forward, he lowered his body over hers, surrounding her with his heat. His mouth went to her shoulder, biting into the sensitive flesh and adding another spike of pleasure pain. She turned her head toward his, blindly seeking his kiss.

He found her mouth, forcing her lips apart. As soon as his tongue touched hers, he moved back to her clit and pressed down hard as he slammed back into her. Her body arched and he absorbed her cries into his mouth as she came in a long shaking wave. She freed her mouth enough to gasp for breath while he kept moving in and out of her in long slow strokes.

“Kievan,” she whispered.

This time he groaned and his hand tightened on her hip, holding her in position as he started thrusting faster. His thick cock sliding back and forth over her still sensitive nerves sent her spiraling back into arousal. She pushed her hips back, demanding more.

“Harder,” she pleaded.

Another groan and his pace increased. Both hands were on her hips now and he began pounding into her. She braced her hands against the wall, thrusting back to meet each stroke. He pulled her hips higher, changing the angle slightly and hitting a spot inside her that made her moan.

“Come for me, pet,” he ordered, voice hoarse. His fingers dug into her hips, hard enough to bruise, and he plunged so deep her whole body shook. With a helpless cry she obeyed his order, convulsing around his cock as he sent jets of hot liquid into her trembling body.

His body dropped forward again, his arms sliding around to support her body as her knees threatened to collapse. Still buried inside her, he kissed her neck while she recovered. When she finally stopped shaking he slipped free and straightened, bringing her upright as well but keeping her pressed against the front of his body. She turned in his arms and buried her face in his chest, overwhelmed by the intensity of the experience as well as her emotions.

“You weren’t very quiet, pet,” Kievan said softly.

Cam blushed and looked up. “You make me forget about everything but you.”

“Sweetness,” he whispered. His arms tightened around her and they stood together in silence for a long moment.

Finally, he released her, pushed her gently into a chair, and disappeared through a small door in the back of the alcove. She felt too tired and confused to move and simply sat where he left her. She heard water running and then he returned to clean her gently with a warm cloth. Laughter sounded in the reception room and her mind went back to the earlier events.

“Did you really send Tael to a brothel for a week?”

His hand stilled momentarily before he answered. “Yes.”

“You can do that?” It wasn’t exactly a question.

“Yes, pet.” He was kneeling between her legs and he looked up to meet her eyes.

“Because you’re the only law on the station?”

“Yes.”

He waited, as if expecting her to say more, but she only touched his jaw briefly with her fingers. Something flickered in his eyes again but he turned his attention back to his task. When he was done, he pulled her gently to her feet.

“Back to protocol, pet,” he reminded her.

“Yes, Master,” she said quietly.

He gave her a short, hard kiss and led the way back into the larger chamber. Cam felt her cheeks heat as a number of eyes turned in their direction. Amused smiles and speculative glances were equally abundant. She was grateful that she could let her gaze drop to the floor. Kievan ignored the stares and returned to circulating through the room with a complete lack of concern.

Cam had started to relax a little when J’Ssett appeared at Kievan’s elbow. After a brief whispered conversation, Kievan turned to his current companion.

“Please excuse me. I find that I must attend to some business,” he said smoothly. “My servants will escort all of you to the games.”

“Certainly, my lord.” The man’s eyes sharpened. “Problems?”

“Not at all,” Kievan returned calmly. “However, a delay would impact my profits so I must put business before pleasure.”

Without waiting for a response, he turned and headed for the door. J’Ssett had retrieved Cam’s cloak and he draped it around her shoulders as the two of them followed Kievan from the reception chamber.

As soon as they left the room, Kievan’s hand fastened on Cam’s wrist and he pulled her along as his pace increased. She struggled to keep up.

“Status?” he demanded.

“First squad is in position, second squad moving now,” J’Ssett replied.

“What’s wrong?” Cam asked breathlessly.

“Two rival gangs have decided that this is an ideal time to start a war,” Kievan said. “I intend to stop them before they do any damage or the fight spreads.”

“Can you stop them?”

“Yes,” he said, voice cold and completely certain. “And then I will remind them who is in charge.”

By this time, they were at the elevator. He pushed her gently inside, nodded for J’Ssett to accompany her, and reached for the button to close the door.

Cam grabbed his hand. “You aren’t coming?”

He smiled and it was so beautiful and so deadly that her heart skipped a beat. “No. I’m going to teach them a lesson about who rules Sigrast.”

Before he could move away, Cam leaned in and kissed him quickly. “Be careful, honey,” she whispered.

His face softened and he touched a finger to her cheek.

“Don’t worry, sweetness.”

Then the door closed and he was gone. Cam collapsed back against the wall of the elevator and looked at J’Ssett. He returned her gaze silently.

“Our masster never loses,” he said finally.

She nodded and looked away, fighting back the tears filling her eyes.

After J’Ssett left her, Cam showered and pulled on one of Kievan’s shirts. The shirt provided a little comfort but as the night wore on she grew more and more anxious. No matter how she tried to distract herself, her mind insisted on providing images of Kievan hurt and bleeding. Even though she knew how fast he was, she kept remembering the scars that already marred his perfect skin. It was very late when the door finally opened and Kievan slipped into their rooms. Barely able to see him through the tears that flooded her eyes, she raced to him and threw her arms around his neck, breaking into the violent sobs she had restrained all evening.

His strong arms closed around her immediately. “Shh, sweetness. Everything is fine.”

She sobbed harder and pressed deeper into this body until she felt him flinch. At once she drew back, dashed the tears from her eyes, and realized for the first time that he was covered with blood.

“On my god, you’re hurt.” Fighting back a surge of panic, her hand fastened around his wrist and she pulled him toward the bathroom.

He winced but laughed as he followed her. “Most of it isn’t mine.”

“That means some of it is yours,” she whispered. Her eyes filled again but she forced the tears back. As soon as they entered the bathroom, she turned to him.

“Strip,” she ordered. “I want to see where you’re hurt.”

He leaned against the counter and raised an eyebrow at her tone. “I think you’re forgetting the nature of our relationship,” he said.

She ignored his words and glared at him. “Take your clothes off.”

Turning her back, she hurried to the shower to start the water. When she turned back he was standing motionless, watching her. With an exasperated huff, she reached for the laces on his vest, noticing that somewhere along the line his blue silks had been replaced by unadorned brown leather. He pushed her hands away but started removing his clothes while she studied him anxiously. He looked pale, his mouth drawn in tight lines, and he wasn’t moving with his usual grace.

As the clothes came off, so did much of the blood but enough remained that her hands were shaking when she led him into the shower. As the blood washed off, she took a relieved breath. Nothing appeared too serious. He let her wash him, only taking a few hard breaths when she reached a sensitive area. His ribs were heavily bruised and there were several gashes, fortunately shallow, across his arms. The worst wound was a deep knife wound above one hip, still seeping slowly. He winced as she drew the cloth across it.

“Am I hurting you?” she asked anxiously.

“Yes, but it needs to be cleaned.”

She returned to her task, biting her lip while she cleaned the wound as gently as possible. She was so focused on her task that she didn’t notice his erection until he grabbed her hands and moved them to the hard shaft.

Startled, she looked up. “Now?”

“Sweetness, I love that my woman wants to take care of me but my blood is still singing from battle. You’re wet, tempting, and not nearly naked enough.”

Cam’s mouth went dry and her nipples tightened. The brush of wet silk against the taut peaks reminded her that she was still wearing his skirt. Her hands went to the buttons but before she could unfasten the first one, Kievan ripped the shirt off, shocking her with his speed and strength. He hauled her against his chest and forced her lips open beneath his, fucking her mouth with his tongue.

“I need you,” he growled.

“Yes,” she said. As soon the word left her mouth, he lifted her, braced her against the wall and thrust into her. She cried out and her back arched against the wall. He felt huge and she was barely ready for him but he didn’t pause, driving into her body with a fierce intensity that she was powerless to resist. Impaled, stretched open and helpless, she balanced on the edge of pleasure and pain. Her hands went to his shoulders, desperately holding on as he fucked her hard and fast until he shuddered. A groan escaped his lips and his face went to her neck as she felt the heat of his release exploding inside her. She expected him to release her but he started moving again almost immediately.

He raised his head, looking at her face as he kept fucking her, no longer quite as frantically but with deep hard strokes that fired every nerve ending in her pussy.

“Touch yourself,” he ordered.

Locking her eyes on him, she slid her fingers between their bodies. As soon as she touched her swollen clit, she started to shake. Her fingers circled the engorged flesh and she moaned.

“Come for me, sweetness,” he ordered. She pressed down and came immediately, her back arching against the wall and her legs clamping around his waist. He kept stroking as her pussy pulsed around his rigid cock. She came down enough to open her eyes. His eyes were intent on hers, his hips still moving.

“Honey?” she whispered.

“Not done, sweetness.”

“Okay,” she agreed breathlessly. They both felt her shiver.

His lips twitched before his face hardened. He moved one of the hands supporting her ass, dipped his fingers in their combined wetness, and pushed a digit into her rear entrance. She cried out and almost came again at the increased fullness. As soon as her muscles relaxed a little, he added another finger. He never slowed down, finger fucking her ass while he thrust deep inside her pussy. The dual sensations rolled over her, firing her nerve endings with pleasure, and she could hear herself moaning breathlessly. She hovered on the edge of climax.

“Please,” she begged.

She felt his muscles tighten and then he slammed into her, surging against the head of her womb as his fingers spread her wide. She screamed and came, her muscles spasming so hard she was barely conscious, but she still felt him exploding inside her and heard him groan her name.

He cradled her while the aftershocks traveled their bodies and then he finally put her down. Too weak to move, she let him wash her. It wasn’t until he reached for a towel that she remembered his injuries.

“Give me the towel,” she scolded. “You’re wounded and I’m supposed to be taking care of you.”

His lips curved. “You did take care of me.”

She blushed and tugged on the towel. He let her take it, standing patiently as she dried him and somewhat less patiently as she smoothed healing gel into his wounds. As soon as she was finished, he picked her up and carried her to the bed.

“Dammit, you’re going to open your wounds,” she yelled. “What are you doing?”

“I’m going to let you take care of me again,” he promised. Then he dropped her on the bed, covered her with his big warm body, and smiled at her. He looked so beautiful that her breath caught.

“Okay,” she whispered. His smile broadened, his head descended, and she abandoned any further protests.

Later that evening, Cam was curled into his side, her fingers tracing lazy designs over his chest. His mind went back to the reception, analyzing the event. Cam had behaved perfectly. His own actions had been possessive, perhaps a little too much so, but he didn’t think he had betrayed any hint of weakness, any indication that he was not in total control. Satisfied, he let his hand move to her ass, preparing to tease the tender crevice between her cheeks to prepare her for their next round.

“What are the pink stones?”

Cam’s voice interrupted the pleasant direction of his thoughts and he froze at the reminder of Prince Ustrod, the source of the stones.

She felt his tension and raised her head, looking at him curiously.

He kept his voice light, “Why do you ask, pet?”

“I’m curious. I saw a few in the Market and then more last night. It just seemed odd that so many people chose the same jewelry.”

“They’re not jewelry.” Despite his tension, a smile curved his mouth. “They’re called Bliss Stones. They’re pleasure enhancers.”

“Pleasure enhancers?”

“They make you feel good—blissful, hence the name. For some races, they also significantly enhance arousal.” His hand slid lower, probing her damp folds and she shivered. “Humans are especially sensitive to them.”

“Humans?” Her eyes widened and he cursed silently. Ignoring her question, he flipped her to her back and covered her breast with his mouth while his finger went deeper. When she was arching against him, question forgotten, he raised his head.

“Do you want a pleasure enhancer, pet?”

Blue eyes dark with desire, she smiled and rubbed her body sensuously against his. “I don’t think I can handle any more pleasure.”

An answering smile curved his lips. “Let’s test that theory.”

Chapter Fifteen

As usual, Kievan woke early. Instead of getting up immediately, he rolled to his back, pulling Cam after him so that she was tucked into his side. She uttered a sleepy sound but didn’t wake up. Her delicate fragrance surrounded him and he felt unexpectedly content. He had work to do—he needed to make sure that his message had been received and deal with the instigators—but he was in no hurry. His mind drifted back over the previous evening, over Cam’s concern and over her passionate response to his need. She was worthy of a warrior and he was increasingly anxious to mark her. Smiling, he contemplated the possibilities for the ceremony until the lights in the atrium began to glow.

With a reluctant sigh, he turned on his side, stroking Cam’s face until her eyes fluttered open.

“Morning, honey,” she said sleepily and smiled at him. His chest twinged but he ignored it and bent down to give her a long, slow kiss. As always, she melted into him and he let his hand slip down the soft skin of her side to curve around her hip and pull her closer. As he grasped her hip, he felt her flinch and raised his head.

“What’s the matter?”

“Nothing.” She tightened her arms around his neck and tried to pull him back down.

“Let me see, pet,” he ordered.

Reluctantly, she pushed the covers aside until he could see the bruises on her hips from where he had held her. An unusual feeling of guilt swept through him.

“I’m sorry, little flower.”

“Don’t be.” She smiled again. “I seem to recall urging you on. Now, come here.”

Unable to resist her teasing look, he dipped his head again but he kept the kiss brief and sweet.

“I have work to do.”

She sighed but started to sit up. He pressed her back down.

“No. You stay here. Get some more sleep and take a healing bath. Just relax today. I’ll send an attendant to take care of you this afternoon.”

“Honey, I’m fine,” she protested.

“Then you’ll be even better tonight.” She opened her mouth and he put his hand across it. “And you’ll need your strength tonight,” he whispered. Her eyes went heavy and he saw her nipples peak. Fighting back the desire to indulge his rapidly stiffening cock, he swiped a thumb across the tempting buds and pushed up.

Cam’s bottom lip pushed out. Hiding his amusement, he bent and nipped the soft pink flesh.

“Go back to sleep,” he ordered.

“Okay, honey,” she whispered, and turned her head into the pillow. Her eyes were closed before he reached the bathroom.

By the afternoon, Kievan was tired and irritable. They had been unable to contain the battle quite as tightly as he would have wished and a number of residents wanted to make their feelings known. Their objections tended to die as soon as he gave them a hard stare. If they persisted, he invited them to take a look at the bodies hanging outside the holding cells. That always put an end to the matter but it was an annoying process and his temper started to slip. In addition, he missed Cam and he had to fight the urge to return to their rooms, even though he knew he had taken her hard and she needed time to recover.

J’Ssett joined him in the afternoon and they arranged a series of meetings with the leaders of other factions. Kievan intended to impress upon them the consequences if they allowed their rivalry to escalate in a similar manner. Schedules arranged, he sighed and sat back.

J’Ssett was sitting in front of the desk, watching him as he rubbed a tired hand across his eyes. After a brief hesitation, the other man reached into his robes and handed Kievan a small box. Raising an eyebrow, Kievan opened the box and instantly recognized the marking device. His hand closed around it, fighting the surge of possessive pride that filled him. He nodded dismissal to J’Ssett, his mind already turning to his earlier plans of how he would use it. Preoccupied with his thoughts, it took a few minutes before he noticed that J’Ssett hadn’t left.

Surprised that the other man was still present, he asked, “What is it?”

“I have news, my lord.”

Cold hit the pit of Kievan’s stomach. “Yes?”

“There is an Imperial battle cruiser approaching the sstation.”

His whole body turned to ice.

“It brings a message from Prince Ustrod.”

“What is the message?” he forced himself to ask.

“Time’s up.”

Cam knew something was wrong. Kievan hadn’t returned to their rooms for dinner last night. Late in the afternoon, he had sent J’Ssett with a message telling her not to wait for him. Unwilling to eat alone again, she asked J’Ssett to join her. Surprised but agreeable, he turned out to be a pleasant dinner companion. At her urging, he told her several stories about Kievan’s early days on the station and some of the enemies he’d had to conquer. He had a dry wit that amused her, but several times she caught him watching her with a sad expression on his face. She started to feel uneasy and after he left, she was unable to settle down. She tried and abandoned several books, prowled the room restlessly, and finally gave in to exhaustion and went to bed. Kievan still hadn’t returned.

Sometime during the night, she felt his weight hit the bed. He turned her into his arms and held her so tightly that she murmured a sleepy protest. His arms didn’t relax so she snuggled closer and drifted back to sleep.

She woke in the morning with his mouth pulling hard on her breast and his hand working equally hard between her legs. She came twice before he covered her with his body and plunged into her pussy with a frantic urgency that made her come a third time. She was still quivering when he rolled off and disappeared into the shower. He didn’t take her with him as he usually did.

He emerged a short time later and dressed rapidly, not looking in her direction. She watched him in silence, sure that something was wrong but afraid to ask. He headed for the door and then paused.

“You can’t come to the office today.”

Before she could respond, he was gone. It was the first time he’d left without kissing her goodbye.

By the time the atrium lights dimmed for the day, Cam was worried, annoyed, and more than a little scared. When Kievan’s tall figure appeared at the doors, relief was added to the mixture. She started toward him but he raised a hand to stop her, his face hard. She was wearing one of his silk shirts and his eyes flicked to it briefly before resuming his mask.

“Kneel.”

Biting back a protest, she knelt at the end of the couch. He still demanded formal protocol occasionally when they were alone together but it was usually the prelude to sex. Somehow she didn’t think that was on his mind tonight. Watching silently, she saw the tension in his body as he moved past her to the windows and stared out into the dark atrium. Despite her annoyance, she wanted to go to him and ease whatever burden he was carrying.

After a long silence, he moved to the couch. He didn’t look at her as he sat down and pulled out a small box. His long fingers turned it over and over.

“Do you know what this is?”

No endearment, no emotion in his voice. Her mouth suddenly dry, Cam whispered, “No, Master.”

He turned the box a few more times. “It is the marking device.”

A surge of relief loosened Cam’s limbs. No wonder he was being so odd and tense. She had read enough Sardoran books now to know that using the marking device on a woman was big deal. Warmth settled in her stomach. He might not be able to tell her that he loved her but he was marking his claim on her.

“You remember that I told you I would mark you?” he asked, his voice still emotionless.

“Yes, Master.”

“And this is what you want?”

Unable to contain herself any longer, she jumped up and flung herself into his lap. “Of course,” she whispered into his neck. “I lo—I belong to you.”

His body went even stiffer beneath hers. She melted a little more that he should be so anxious.

“Can we do it now?” she asked eagerly.

“I had intended…something different,” he said slowly. She raised her head and smiled at him, trying to ease his tension.

“Now is better,” she said. Raising her arms, she pulled his shirt over her head and turned in his lap so that her back was exposed. A much more desirable stiffness pressed against her bottom.

“Sweetness,” he groaned.

“Please?” She wiggled against his erection and sent a teasing look at him over her shoulder. His face had changed, no longer expressionless but she couldn’t decipher the emotions flickering across it.

“You will have to keep still,” he warned. “Lay down.”

Almost humming with anticipation, she turned face down across his knees. He lifted one leg and trapped her thighs beneath it. His other hand went to her neck and pressed her against the couch. As always, the feeling of being restrained spiked her arousal and she shivered. Her nipples tightened and pressed into the soft cushions and a sweet ache started between her legs.

Kievan’s hand caressed her ass. “This is going to hurt.”

“You told me,” she said a little breathlessly. “You also told you would help me find pleasure in it.”

The tension was back but before she could ask what was wrong, his hand slid between her thighs. All thought vanished as he pressed one thick finger into her already dripping pussy and swept his thumb across her engorged clit in firm, wonderful strokes. She shuddered, already close to coming, but he kept her poised on the edge, letting the pressure build inside her. Her body throbbed, demanding the orgasm his fingers promised.

“Kievan,” she begged, desperate for relief.

As soon as she spoke, his fingers withdrew, his leg clamped down, and the hand on her neck went rigid. She felt the quick brush of his lips on her back and then the marking device hit her skin just before a white hot flare of agony seized her body. Almost before she could register the sensation, his fingers were back on her clit and he swept her over into an orgasm. She cried out his name again, the lingering pain adding to the intensity of the sensations rushing through her as she came.

Still shuddering, she felt him move her, yanking her up until only her chest was on the couch. His hands pulled her hips higher and he plunged inside her. Unable to move, she could only take his thrusts, her body still convulsing as he pounded into her.

“Mine,” he roared, and buried himself to the hilt, his cock jerking inside her and sending jets of hot seed across her womb. He went to his knees, taking her down with him so that her upper half was still on the couch and her lower body spread across his thighs. He was still deep inside her and she could feel his fingers lightly tracing the edges of his mark. The mark burned but she relished the pain, happy that his symbol was on her skin.

“Yours,” she whispered. His fingers stilled and she felt a fleeting sense of panic that he was regretting his actions. Before the panic could take hold, he lifted her gently in his arms and carried her to the bed, careful not to touch the mark. He laid her face down and disappeared for a second. As soon as he came back, she felt the coolness of the healing gel being spread across the mark and the burning stopped.

“Mmm,” she murmured, feeling lethargic and content. She tried to turn her head to look at him but he kept her in place as his mouth replaced his fingers and he kissed his way down her back. She felt the chains click into place on her wrist bracelets and then he raised her hips, sliding a pillow beneath them.

His fingers traced the outline of the mark again. “Beautiful,” he said softly.

“Can I see it?”

The stillness hit him again. “Later.”

Before she could protest, his mouth was back on her. Spreading her cheeks with his thumbs, he teased her puckered rosette, awakening the hidden nerves. His tongue delved between her swollen folds, and he lapped her in long slow strokes until she quivered and came again. He didn’t stop, even though she was almost unbearably sensitive, and drove her straight into another orgasm.

Barely able to move, she nestled into the bed, sure that they were done. His fingers probed her anus and she startled back into awareness. She felt a cool gel sliding between her cheeks and then one finger slid deep inside.

“I’m going to fuck your ass.” His voice was hoarse.

Another finger joined the first and she shuddered at the stretch, aroused and scared. He had played with her ass many times but he had never taken her there.

“Yes, Master,” she whispered.

There was a muffled curse and then he flipped her. Her hands were still chained above her head, her hips still raised on the pillow, but he was leaning over, studying her face. His fingers slid back inside and she shuddered again.

“Is this what you want?” he asked as his fingers fucked slowly in and out.

“Yes, Master.”

He closed his eyes. “No, sweetness. Is this what you want?”

With a shock, she realized that he was asking her permission. Her heart melted. He was big, she knew it was going to hurt, but she could see how much he wanted it. And the little shivers of arousal skating across her skin meant she wanted it just as much.

“Yes, Kievan.”

He bent over and kissed her, his tongue on hers sending her arousal flaring as it always did. When he raised his head, she licked her lips, tasting him on her mouth, and breathed in his scent. She caught a glimpse of his eyes, pure molten bronze, before he moved down her body, trailing kisses along her neck and down across her chest. He lavished attention on her breasts, suckling her nipples until they were red and throbbing, before moving lower and drawing her distended clit into the hot depths of his mouth. And all the time he kept finger fucking her ass in slow tantalizing strokes that made her needy and desperate.

His mouth was hard around her swollen clit, sucking it deeper into his mouth, and her whole body was shaking. A continuous loop of arousal ran from nipples to clit to ass.

“Please,” she begged.

His fingers widened, stretching her open, his teeth scraped across her engorged flesh, and she came hard, pushing mindlessly against his face and hand. He swept her soothingly with his tongue, then withdrew his fingers and straightened.

Mouth dry, she watched as he spread gel over his erection. He looked even more enormous glistening with gel, the head dark gold and swollen. Kneeling between her legs, he lifted her hips and wrapped her legs around his waist. His hand guided his cock into position and she flinched as she felt the broad crown probing at her tiny rear entrance.

Between the gel and her own juices, she was slick and open and he slid in a fraction of an inch. Her eyes widened as she felt the stretch and her muscles instinctively clamped down.

“Easy, pet. Relax and push out.”

His hands gripped her hips and he eased in a little further. The stretch turned into a burn. Desperately she tried to follow his instructions and her body loosened enough that the thick head pressed through the tight ring of muscle. He groaned. Cam bit her lips to keep from crying out. Her ass was on fire.

Relentlessly he pushed deeper, impaling her on his huge cock. She felt every inch burning as he entered her, awakening nerve endings she had never felt before. When he was completely inside her, he stopped. She felt full, stretched to the point of pain, and both of them were panting.

“So tight,” he muttered, and then he began to pull out. She cried out, the burning sensation turning to a dark erotic pleasure. Her hands clamped convulsively on the chains.

He paused with only the broad head still inside the tiny opening and then pushed back in, faster this time, and the dark pleasure increased. Fiery sparks of sensation coursed through her body, pleasure and pain intermingling into something overwhelming.

Once more his cock slowly withdrew and he stilled just inside her body. Eyes blazing, he looked down to where their bodies were connected. His thumb went to her clit and she jerked, the flood of sensation even more overwhelming. His thumb made another swipe, she tightened her legs and tilted her ass higher, wanting more. He roared and drove into her. She screamed and came instantly but he didn’t slow down, driving into her with powerful, mind-numbing thrusts. His thumb kept moving and she immediately started to climb to a second peak. Her back rubbed the bed with each stroke and the mark began to burn but it only sent her arousal soaring higher. He slammed down into her with one final hard plunge and roared again. She felt him swell impossibly larger and it sent her over again just as she felt the hot liquid flooding the dark depths of her rectum.

His body collapsed over hers, the chains released, and her arms went around his neck, her legs still circling his waist as she clung to him. He buried his face in her neck and she stroked his shoulders as his breathing stilled. His cock jerked inside her and she clamped down reflexively. He groaned and lifted his head, studying her face, his eyes soft.

“Honey,” she whispered. Something flickered across his face and then he was gone, slipping slowly from her body. She winced and he ran a soothing hand across her hip before he disappeared. When he returned, he cleaned her gently, spreading more healing gel across her mark and into her sore ass. When he was done, he lay down next to her and turned her into his chest. Her body was completely limp and she was too tired to move. She buried her face in his neck, breathing in his scent as her eyes drifted closed.

“I love you,” she whispered. She thought she felt his arms tighten before she fell into an exhausted sleep.

Cam opened her eyes, feeling unexpectedly cold. After a sleepy moment, she realized that the temperature wasn’t any lower than normal but this was the first morning she had woken up without Kievan’s warm body wrapped around hers. Anxiously she scanned the room, her body relaxing as she spotted him emerging from the bathroom. He was fully dressed; he must have early business. She closed her eyes and stretched sleepily, enjoying the slight soreness between her legs and the faint heat of his mark on her back. Opening her eyes again, she smiled at Kievan.

“Morning, honey. Are you in a hurry?”

He didn’t move toward her and something cold and ugly settled in her stomach as she took in his rigid posture. His face was completely emotionless.

Clutching the blanket to her chest, she forced her body to a sitting position. “Master?” she whispered, forcing the words past the tightness in her throat.

“Your contract has been sold. You leave this morning. J’Ssett will take you to the ship.” His voice was as expressionless as his face and as soon as he finished speaking, he left the room.

A hole opened in her chest, an abyss so vast and painful that her entire body went numb. She couldn’t move in case the hole opened up and swallowed her. The illusion that he had started to return her feelings shattered like broken glass, the shards slicing into her flesh. A distant part of her brain was screaming but she locked it away, unable to face the agony waiting for her. When J’Ssett opened the door an infinite time later, she was still in the same position.

“Misss, it is time to get ready.”

She forced her body to a standing position, still holding herself in check. “What am I to wear?”

“Misss?”

“Tell me what to wear.”

His eyes closed. “The gold ssarong and halter.”

“Very well.” Moving with infinite caution, she walked into the closet to dress.

Chapter Sixteen

J’Ssett was waiting at the base of the ramp when Kievan strode into the dock.

“She is in her cabin, my lord. Squad Leader Mikaroz volunteered to fly the ship.”

Unable to help himself, Kievan growled. J’Ssett looked at him silently and even after all these years, Kievan could not read the other man’s expression.

“I ssent him away,” J’Ssett said quietly. “Captain Khibren is on his way.”

“That’s not necessary,” Kievan replied. “I intend to pilot the ship myself.”

“My lord?”

“You have full authority while I’m gone. I’ll communicate as often as possible.” Turning his back, he strode to the ramp, already focusing on the trip, but J’Ssett’s soft voice stopped him with one word, “Kievan.”

From the time they met, J’Ssett insisted on using a title rather than Kievan’s name no matter how often Kievan protested. After a few years Kievan had stopped suggesting it. Now the sound of his name brought him to a halt. He closed his eyes briefly, then turned to face J’Ssett.

“Thiss will not help her. She is…destroyed. Let her go.”

Kievan’s fists clenched. “I’m not ready.”

“Will you be any more ready when you have to hand her over to Prince Ustrod?”

“No,” he said, and heard the bleakness in his voice. “But I have no choice.”

J’Ssett studied his face. “You could refuse.”

“You know what will happen if I do. I don’t have a choice.” Refusing to discuss the matter further, Kievan turned and walked up the ramp.

Just before the door closed, J’Ssett spoke. His voice was soft but Kievan heard it anyway.

“There is always a choice.”

Kievan loved his private yacht. He had won it from another overconfident gambler and the small ship was fast, powerful, and luxurious. Each of the two lush staterooms had a private bathroom. In addition to the cabins, there was an intimate dining area and an elegant saloon. He could control the entire ship from the small but functional bridge. On the lower deck, the engines, engine room, and a crew cabin shared space with a small cargo hold. The hold was supplemented by a number of hidden storage compartments which Kievan had frequently put to profitable, if not legal, use. Now he stood in the larger stateroom, staring at the silk covered bed, and fighting down the urge to blow the ship to pieces.

The auto-pilot was engaged and other than regular monitoring, he had very little to do until they reached Prince Ustrod’s palace on Bharvugo. Five interminable days stretched out ahead of him until they reached their destination. Cam’s presence just across the corridor in the other stateroom was an almost unbearable temptation. The memory of her face when he told her she had been sold, haunted him. He wanted to go to her, erase that look, and bury his body inside her until the last possible moment, but J’Ssett was right, it wouldn’t help her. He also had an uneasy suspicion that he wouldn’t have the strength to put her aside again.

Desperate for a distraction, he remembered the Sardoran conditioning exercises. Starting at the age of seven, he had performed them daily, only stopping in the past few years as the demands on his time increased. Moving in to the first position, he let the movements take over, seeking the sense of peace that accompanied the demanding repetitive postures.

Two days later, he was sitting at the table in the dining area, staring bleakly into a cup of cafir. J’Ssett sent daily reports and he managed to occupy most of his days with work, although his nights still stretched long and endless. The Imperial battle cruiser had departed. It could have moved just out of sensor range but he doubted it. Once Kievan had capitulated, Prince Ustrod had moved on. Unfortunately, the cruiser could be recalled as easily as it had left.

A slight noise and a hint of sweetness in the air disturbed his tortured thoughts. Cam was standing in the doorway. She hesitated almost imperceptibly before coming forward and kneeling at his feet, head lowered. Despite the fear of what he would see on her face, he grasped her chin and raised her head. He saw nothing. A tiny tremor shook her body at his touch but her face was dead and expressionless. Her eyes were open but unfocused. Every trace of her personality: the warmth, the affection, even the intelligence, everything was gone—replaced by the mask of the perfect slave.

The combination of her soft skin beneath his hand and her sweet scent tempted him beyond his ability to resist. Moving cautiously, he lowered his mouth to hers. As their lips touched, she didn’t flinch, he did, but he didn’t release her mouth. She accepted the kiss passively, not resisting but not opening for him either. He didn’t force it, just enjoying the feel of her soft lips beneath his until he tasted salt. That was when he raised his head and saw that her eyes were closed, silent tears streaming down her cheeks.

Clenching his jaw, he released her chin. “You may leave. Food will be brought to your cabin.”

“Yes, Master.” Ignoring the tears still sliding down her face, she rose gracefully to her feet and left the galley. As soon as her cabin door closed, he followed, standing outside the thin panel and listening intently. He heard the silent tears turn to gut-wrenching sobs; he heard the agony in every breath. Each muffled sound sliced into him like a knife. He leaned his head against the cool metal door, his hands clenched on the door frame, fighting the urge to go to her and forcing himself to listen to every sob wracking her body. When her cries finally subsided to a few hitching breaths, he released the door frame and straightened. He noticed that the frame had crumpled beneath his hands, blood staining the metal where the sharp edges had scored his flesh, but he dismissed it and returned to his empty cabin.

He didn’t see her again until it was time to disembark. True to his word, he left trays of food outside her door. Even though he deliberately chose her favorites, she ate almost nothing. Each time he removed a barely touched tray, his instincts roared at him, demanding that he feed her, provide for her. Each time he forced them down, retreated to his cabin, and worked his body until his muscles were on the verge of collapse. Exhausting his body did nothing to shut off his mind.

When they landed on Bharvugo, Cam emerged from her cabin. He caught his breath at the sight of her. Once again, she was composed, her face dead and empty but alarmingly pale. Her bones seemed to be etched against her skin and although she was as beautiful as ever, she looked impossibly frail. She was wearing the gold sarong and halter she had worn the first night she came to him and Kievan had to look away, the memory tormenting him.

Unable to speak, he led the way silently from the ship. They had landed on a small airstrip within the grounds of the palace. Two guards met them and escorted them wordlessly through elaborate gardens to the even more elaborate palace. The palace was predominantly carved from white marble but unlike the cool serenity of Kievan’s quarters, every inch was carved, embellished, and decorated, all designed to impress the viewer with the prince’s wealth and power.

The guards came to a halt in a huge, tiled reception room. An intricate mosaic beneath their feet was composed of semi-precious stone tiles, the walls were covered with tile frescoes depicting major events in the prince’s life—events that Kievan had reason to believe were mainly apocryphal. Between the frescoes, tall arched openings led off into multiple corridors.

“Wait here, Lord Kievan,” one guard said, and the two men disappeared.

Cam stood correctly, one step behind and to the right. Reluctantly compelled by the need to see her face, he turned his head. No emotion disturbed the blank mask. He wanted to kiss her, scream at her, even strike her; anything to bring the life back to her face. Instead, he forced his eyes away, clenched his fists, and stared into the distance.

After a long silence, a richly dressed and very overweight man appeared in one of the corridors. Kievan recognized him as Prince Ustrod’s chief eunuch. The eunuch bustled forward to meet them.

“Master Kievan, a pleasure. And is this our newest guest?”

His mouth tightened but he managed to force out an assent.

“Excellent, excellent.” The eunuch circled Cam appraisingly. She stood motionless, her gaze unfocused. “Very nice. Remove your clothes, girl, so I can get the full picture.”

Kievan clamped his jaw to prevent his instinctive protest. Cam’s eyes flickered momentarily but her blank expression did not change. Calmly, she unfastened the halter and the sarong and let the pieces drift to the ground.

“Excellent,” the eunuch repeated as he began his second circle. He paused as he reached her back and saw the clan mark. “Oh, dear. Now the prince will not like that at all. Can it be removed?”

“No,” Kievan ground out between clenched teeth.

“Oh, well. We should have cosmetics that will cover it but it’s most unfortunate, most unfortunate.” His gaze went to the bracelets around her wrists and ankles. “And those will need to be removed as well.”

Kievan did not think his body could get any tighter but he forced himself to nod and remove the jewelry. For one brief second her eyes flew to her bare wrists, pain so naked on her face that he almost weakened. But then the blankness was back, watching without expression as he offered them to the other man. “She can keep them.”

“Oh, no. Slaves are not allowed personal possessions.”

“It was my understanding that she was to be granted concubine status.”

“I’m sorry, sir, but my instructions were quite clear. She is to be added to the general harem. But she is promising, quite promising, and she may very well work her way up. You can safely leave her in my hands.”

“I will not be leaving until I have seen the prince,” he said, trying to keep the anger out of his voice.

“Of course, of course. A servant will take you to your room. She will see to all of your needs.”

Did her eyes flicker again? He couldn’t be sure and in studying her face he almost missed the next words.

“Now, if you will excuse me, I will have your slave…” The eunuch laughed lightly. “Your former slave, I should say, installed in the women’s quarters. Don’t hesitate to ask for anything you need. Follow me, girl.”

Without a backward glance, Cam followed the man down the corridor. Kievan locked his muscles in place. If he moved the slightest fraction he wouldn’t be able to stop himself from going after her, throwing her over his shoulder, and killing anyone who got in his way. Instead, he stood motionless as he watched them go, his heart splitting open.

He was still staring at the empty corridor, when he heard a voice behind him.

“Kievan Rus, this is a pleasant surprise.”

Muscles tense, he turned to face the person addressing him. He relaxed a little as he recognized Prince Rastrath. Of all of the royal princes, Rastrath was the most agreeable. Rather than devoting himself to politics and jockeying for power, the prince seemed focused on a life of pleasure. He not infrequently visited Sigrast, indulging in gambling and throwing extravagant parties with a great deal of zest, although Kievan had occasionally wondered if there was more to the man than his lifestyle suggested.

“Your highness.” Kievan bowed his head.

“What are you doing here, my friend? You so rarely leave your station.”

“I brought a… slave for Prince Ustrod.” The words were so bitter in his mouth that he almost choked on them but he kept his face composed.

Prince Rastrath arched a brow and stared at him. Kievan returned the look. Like the entire royal household, Rastrath was built tall and lean, although if Kievan hadn’t trained with him, he would never have known. The prince liked to conceal his physique behind extravagant outfits like the gold pantaloons and heavily embroidered sapphire robes he was currently wearing. The blue of the garment matched his eyes, the startling color one of the few signs of his mixed heritage. The other was his red hair, only a few shades darker than his skin, but he wore it proudly, combing it away from the small horn on each temple to stream down his back.

“She must be something special,” the prince said after a long pause.

Kievan could barely force the words out. “She is.”

The prince gave him a surprisingly discerning glance but didn’t pursue the matter.

“My cousin isn’t back yet. I understand that you are staying to meet with him?”

Kievan nodded.

“In that case, let me take you to your quarters.”

The prince led the way, chatting idly about his latest run of bad luck and sharing tidbits of gossip about mutual acquaintances. Kievan responded when required, but he was preoccupied with fighting the impulse to go after Cam.

Stopping at last, Prince Rastrath opened the door to a room. Kievan followed him inside, noticing absently that it was large and ornate. The prince walked across to the tall windows lining one side of the room, opened them, and stepped out on to a small balcony. Kievan joined him and together they looked out over a formal garden. Another wing of the palace was directly in front of them. The prince nodded at it.

“Those are the women’s quarters. My cousin likes to keep his women close for whenever he is ready to… play.”

Kievan was staring at the other wing, wondering if Cam was close, but something in the prince’s tone caught his attention.

“Play?”

Prince Rastrath shrugged, not looking at Kievan. “Ustrod’s tastes are a little more… sophisticated than mine. I don’t really find inflicting pain enjoyable, let alone causing permanent damage.”

Anger roared through Kievan’s veins, his eyes going white. His hands clenched the balcony railing in an effort not to move and he felt it start to give. Through the blood pounding in his ears, he barely heard Rastrath bid him good night as he left.

Kievan stayed at the railing, fighting his anger, fighting his instincts. All the discipline he had learned during his years of warrior training, the harder discipline he had learned once he was Outcast, the rigid control it had taken to conquer his enemies and run the station, he forced them all on himself until his heart slowed and he could hear the birds singing in the garden below.

He stared down into the garden, not seeing the ornate pattern of carefully chosen plants. If he was honest with himself, Prince Rastrath’s words had not come as a complete surprise. Rumors of Prince Ustrod’s proclivities were kept quiet but were hardly unknown. Somehow between his furious resentment at being forced to obey the prince’s commands and the pain of losing Cam, he had lost sight of what her new life would actually entail. Now the worst of the rumors came flooding back. The thought of Cam’s creamy skin torn open almost sent him back into battle rage but he managed—barely—to control it and finally gave in to everything his body, his instincts, and his heart had been telling him all along. No matter what the price, he was getting her back.

A discreet knock sounded at the bedroom door.

“Come,” he called impatiently, his mind already considering options.

A slave girl entered, crossed the room, and knelt in front of him. She was very attractive, small and slender but nicely curved. A sheer green gown accented the short creamy fur that covered her body and matched her wide, tilted eyes.

“May I service you, Master?” she asked, her hand going to release the shoulder catch on her gown.

“Not right now.” He hesitated and then grasped her chin and raised her face to his. She had the same blank, calm look that Cam had maintained and when he looked into her eyes, he realized that she was completely broken.

“Does your master mistreat you?”

Her eyes flickered but she answered at once. “No, sir. He is very good to us.”

“Look at me,” he demanded. Determined to get an honest answer, his hand tightened on her chin. She flinched. He swore under his breath and released her. “I won’t tell anyone but I need to know. Does he mistreat you?”

Something flared in her eyes as she met his gaze. After a long moment, she held out her hands. He could see the scars where her claws had been removed. When his eyes left her hands, she opened her mouth. Her fangs had also been removed. She took his hand and stroked it along her back. Beneath the soft, concealing fir, he could feel the scars. She had given him the answer but she opened her mouth and confirmed it. “Yes, Master. He mistreats me.”

This time he managed to lock on to his control before the rage overtook him. He studied the slave in front of him and took a chance.

“A new girl came in today. Do you know where she is?”

Wide green eyes studied him.

“Why?”

He considered his options. Trust did not come easily to him, but he needed her help.

“I am taking her away,” he answered honestly.

A shiver rippled over her fur. She bowed her head and was silent for so long he thought she wouldn’t answer.

“She’s on the lower level, third door on the right.” Her voice was the merest thread of sound. “I can take you there but you’ll have to get out on your own.”

That didn’t present a problem; he’d kill every damn guard in the palace if he had to in order to get Cam out.

“Take me there,” he ordered.

She nodded, rising silently to her feet and heading for the door. An unexpected feeling of compassion hit him as he watched the small figure walk away.

“What’s your name?”

His question stopped her in her tracks. After a frozen instant, she turned to face him. “Diandra, Master,” she said softly.

“Is there something—” he started.

“It’s too late for me.” A dark shadow flickered across her eyes. “But it won’t be for much longer.”

Kievan had seen that shadow before in the eyes of men wounded in battle. They didn’t recover from their injuries. He nodded.

“Thank you for helping me, Diandra.”

“I’m not helping you; I’m helping her.” Without another word, she led the way from the room.

Chapter Seventeen

Kievan slipped quietly into the small room. The route Diandra had taken had been long and circuitous but they hadn’t encountered anyone else along the way. She paused outside the door, gave him a quick, curiously sweet smile, and disappeared before he could say anything else.

Cam’s room was clean but bare, a straight chair and a narrow cot the only furnishings. She was lying on her back on the cot, body still, face blank. She had been dressed in a white slave gown and his mind flashed back to the first time he had seen her. At least now she wasn’t bruised and wounded—at least not physically. After a long second, she turned her head to the door and saw him. He winced at the flash of agony that crossed her face, a pain so deep it hurt to look at. Before he could react, the blank mask covered her face again. She rose gracefully and knelt beside the cot, perfectly positioned.

“Yes, Master?” Her voice was completely calm and emotionless.

Moving cautiously, he sat on the bed, not attempting to touch her.

“I have something to say. All you need to do is to listen.”

“Yes, Master.”

“Growing up on Sardor was hard. I told you my mother died when I was born. My father spent most of his time campaigning so I floated around from relative to relative, none of whom particularly wanted me, until it was time to start training.” He shrugged, trying to keep the bitterness out of his voice. “But that didn’t work out very well, either. I was one of their best fighters but I was never a true Sardoran warrior. I didn’t care about honor, I didn’t care about tradition, I never felt like part of my clan. I rebelled every chance I got. I wasn’t surprised when I was declared Outcast. What did surprise me was that I missed Sardor.” He hesitated and studied her profile. Her face hadn’t changed.

“Those first years were…difficult. But then I won the station and it was mine. The first time that I was in control, the first thing that I truly owned. So I fought for it, I conquered every obstacle that stood in my way, and I never stopped working for it—because it belonged to me. But I still missed Sardor and when another Outcast showed up at my station, I enjoyed spending time with him. I felt…at home. Of course, unlike me he was a good and honorable man—” He saw her quickly suppressed flinch but continued. “When the opportunity to help Sardor arose, he left me and went back. I saw that as a betrayal.”

Her head had turned; her face was still blank but she was watching him.

“A short time ago, he showed back up on my station. He needed help. I helped him but because I was angry I made him pay for it. As a result, he attracted the attention of Prince Ustrod. I don’t know why, but the prince wanted that man. I didn’t give him up. I let him escape.”

A flicker of emotion crossed her face but he couldn’t read it. The next part was going to be worse but he kept talking.

“The man had a human mate. I was attracted to her.” That emotion was definitely pain. “I didn’t take her. However, Prince Ustrod also saw her and wanted her. I didn’t give her up, either.” Her body jerked and she looked away but not before he saw the desolation in her eyes. Quietly, he added, “Not because of what she was to me but because of what she was to him.”

Her eyes came to his but the mask was back in place.

“Prince Ustrod was very angry about losing the man. He threatened to send Imperial troops to take Sigrast. My men are good but he has many, many more. He would have won and a lot of people would have died. The station might have survived but it would have been under his control while he dredged every penny he could out of it.” He hesitated, wanting to lie to her but unable to. “Don’t misunderstand, it would have been terrible for everyone on the station but my main concern was that he would be taking what was mine, everything that I had worked and fought so hard to keep for so long. Fortunately, he had been distracted by the human female. He agreed to accept her instead of the man once she was fully trained.”

“That’s why you kidnapped me.” It wasn’t a question.

“Yes.” He couldn’t look at her any longer. “I assumed one human female would be much like another.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I was wrong. Because you can’t stay here. Prince Ustrod is a cruel master. He will hurt you and I can’t allow that.”

“Could he hurt me more than you have?”

His eyes closed at her whispered question. “Not in the same way. But he will hurt your body and he will hurt those parts of you that I left undamaged. I am taking you out of here.”

“What about Sigrast?”

“As soon as we leave orbit, I will communicate with J’Ssett. He will issue an evacuation order. Anyone who chooses to stay behind will at least know what they are facing.”

“I don’t believe I want that on my conscience, Lord Kievan. I will stay here,” Cam said calmly.

“No, you won’t.” he growled.

“You’re not my master anymore.” She looked at him directly. “I learned to live with you. I’m sure I can learn to live with the prince.”

“Goddess damn it, weren’t you listening? He will hurt you.”

“You hurt me,” she responded. Something inside him ripped open.

“I know I did,” he said softly. “I can’t even begin to tell you how sorry I am about that but I’ll try—as soon as we leave.”

“I’m not leaving.” Her voice was calm but her chin tilted defiantly. Despite his anger at her refusal, the return of her spirit thrilled him.

“Cam.”

That broke through the calm; he had never addressed her by name before. Blue eyes startled, she looked at him and emotions flickered across her face.

“Please trust me. You can’t stay here.”

“Why would I trust you?”

“I never lied to you, pet.”

“Not with your words.” It was his turn to flinch.

“Perhaps not, but I always told you the truth with my words. And I am telling you the truth now. You must let me take you away.” He hesitated, took in the stubborn tilt of her chin, and added softly. “Unless you want the same type of scars that Talasi has?”

She paled but immediately smoothed her face. He reached over and grasped her chin. Her breath hitched when his skin touched hers. Ignoring his own reaction, he leaned closer.

“And what you are doing now will only make it worse. The fact that you have locked everything away will only challenge him. He will break you, pet.”

Raw emotion flickered on her face—anger and the pain he had only glimpsed so far.

“He won’t have to…you already did.”

His hand went to her neck, holding her in place so he could bend forward and lean his forehead against hers. “No, I didn’t, pet. I damaged you but you’re still in there.”

He felt her shiver as he drew back. “I’m not giving you a choice. We’re leaving. Now.”

Anger animated her face and once again he rejoiced at the sight. Without another word, he grabbed her arm and pulled her to her feet.

“I could scream,” she hissed.

“And if we’re very lucky, we’ll both be killed when they come for us.” He made his voice hard and saw her flinch. She didn’t speak as he towed her to the door.

The corridor was still empty and they made it to the garden door without any interruptions. Slipping into the silent garden, Kievan led Cam through the lush greenery, keeping to the shadows. He kept Cam’s small hand firmly tucked in his and, somewhat to his surprise, she didn’t try and pull away. In fact, her fingers curled around his. He pulled her closer until he felt the soft brush of her body with each step. The flowers surrounding them enhanced her sweet scent and his body responded.

Knowing that it was a bad idea, knowing that time was critical, still he groaned softly, stopped, and yanked her into his arms. Startled, she gasped and he took advantage, mouth descending hard over hers, tongue thrusting into the sweet depths of her mouth. For one glorious moment she responded, moaning into his mouth, her tongue stroking his. Then her body went rigid. Reluctantly he lifted his head. Despite her stiffness, her nipples had tightened, her eyelids had dropped, and her mouth had softened. Her face was anything but blank. Suppressing the flare of triumph, he tightened his arms around her for a fraction of a second, took her hand again, and resumed their journey.

The garden opened into a series of smaller gardens, each enclosed with tall hedges, each centered on a special feature – a specimen tree, a tinkling fountain, a mosaic of herbs. The final garden room contained a maze. Kievan cursed under his breath. They didn’t have time for puzzles. He headed for a path that seemed to dead end at the hedge wall, intending to see if they could push through the thick greenery. What looked like a dead end turned out to conceal a hidden entrance into yet another garden room. Heavy with flowering bushes around the edge, the center contained open turf around an oval reflecting pool. Prince Ustrod and another man stood silhouetted by the pool.

Chapter Eighteen

Cam jumped and barely refrained from squeaking when Kievan stopped abruptly and covered her mouth with his hand. She had been following him absently, barely paying attention to their surroundings as she tried to sort out her tangled feelings. The emotions she had tried to suppress for the past week were raging inside her, the empty numbness gone. She felt alive again and she couldn’t deny how much of that was due to having Kievan nearby. In spite of everything, she still felt safe with his large warm body so close beside hers.

While part of her rejoiced that he had come for her, the rest was still wary and bleeding. The pain she felt at his betrayal had brought back memories of the horrible time after her mother died. In both cases she had refused to listen to the truth and in the end, the two people that she loved had abandoned her—only this time it felt like she had been the one to die. She wanted to hate him and, yet, she believed his explanation. She knew how hard he worked, she knew what Sigrast meant to him. And now he was willing to give it up. For her. A cautious hope began to burn in her damaged heart, but she pushed it aside and forced herself to concentrate on her surroundings.

Her gaze went to the two men standing by the fountain and her body jerked. One of the men looked exactly like the image of the devil from her third grade Sunday school class, complete with pointed horns and a flowing black robe. But then her attention focused on the other man, pale and skeletal in the moonlight. Tugging on Kievan’s arm until he looked at her and his head dipped, she whispered in his ear as quietly as possible, “That’s the man from the Market; the one who grabbed me.”

His eyes flared but he only nodded and returned his attention to the two men. Cam strained to hear the conversation.

“And that damned Sardoran?” Prince Ustrod asked.

“I’m sorry, your highness but he is completely ensconced on Sardor Two. He has a new mate and seems to be firmly back in the fold. He hasn’t left the planet.”

Kievan’s muscles tightened beneath her arm.

“Then take care of him there.”

“Unfortunately, the Sardorans are even more vigilant with their new planet. There is no chance of breaching the orbital defenses untraced.”

“Dammit, Blauthen. He is the last link between me and Trillium. Not only that, he may have logs from that Serigali ship that disappeared. I want him eliminated.”

“I assure you that I am monitoring him. If he leaves the planet, I will strike.”

“Your past two attempts have not been successful. I suggest that you don’t fail me a third time.” The prince’s voice was deadly but Blauthen seemed unaffected.

Instead, he nodded calmly and changed the subject. “Is the new planetary destructor ready?”

Kievan tensed again, and for a horrifying second, Cam thought he would leap forward, but he remained at her side.

“No.” The prince scowled at the ground and scuffed his boot across the turf. “As profitable as the Bliss stones are, it’s a costly project and I can only push it to a certain extent.”

“Is it really necessary, your highness? Sardor will be gone soon. The Sardorans are busy moving to their new planet.”

“I don’t want them moved, I want them destroyed. They are the only race in this part of the Galaxy that is strong enough and honorable enough—” his voice dripped with disdain, “—to take up the Trillite’s cause. The new Emperor just might be weak enough to listen to them.”

“But they don’t know the Trillites have a cause.”

“Not unless that damned Chief figured it out. If the fucking Serigali had just killed him when they found him instead of deciding to torture him, this wouldn’t even be an issue.”

“They are an unreliable tool,” Blauthen agreed. “Why did you decide to use them?”

“They are immune to the effects of the Bliss stones. That means I don’t have to worry about them stealing the stones for themselves.” He laughed. “Yet they were the ones who discovered that the Trillites’ blood had such valuable properties. Ironic, isn’t it?”

Blauthen made a noise that could have indicated agreement, but Prince Ustrod had already returned to his pet peeve. “But you can imagine the outrage at slaughtering cute little animals for their blood. If the Sardoran knows, or if he told someone enough for them to realize it…” He shook his head. “I’m not about to take that chance. And considering how much money your Brotherhood is making out of this, you shouldn’t be, either.”

“Very well, your highness. I will—” Blauthen stopped and lifted his head. Cam remembered how he had sniffed as she approached in the Market and was suddenly conscious that the wind had shifted. Kievan cursed under his breath, his muscles clenching, but then his rigid posture relaxed, and he headed for an opening in the bushes. He pushed Cam slightly behind his body with one hand as he moved. Understanding what he wanted, she fell into slave position.

“Prince Ustrod,” he drawled as he stepped forward. “I was not advised that you had returned. And with such…distinguished company. Why it seems like Blauthen was gracing my jail cells only a few days ago.”

The prince’s cheeks darkened but Blauthen only smiled, baring double rows of pointed teeth. “I was desolated to have to refuse an extension of your hospitality.”

Kievan returned the smile with one so deadly that Cam shivered. The movement drew the prince’s attention.

“So you have finally brought me my reward.”

“Reward?” Kievan asked innocently.

“My reward for leaving your wretched little station alone. Have you forgotten?”

“Not at all. But, unfortunately, I must decline your gracious offer. If you want Sigrast, you may have it.”

“I want the slave,” he demanded.

Kievan’s body tensed. “No. She is mine.”

“You would sacrifice your station? For a slave?”

“She is not just a slave. She is my mate.”

Prince Ustrod stared at him in disbelief before giving a mocking laugh. “You damned Sardorans and your mates. Still, I suppose the fact that you think of her as belonging to you will just make it even more pleasurable when I fuck her.”

“You will never lay a finger on her.” Kievan’s voice turned lethal.

“Do you forget yourself, Lord Kievan?” The prince raised a mocking eyebrow and the resemblance to a devil became even more pronounced. “No matter what meaningless title you choose to assume, conquering one little space station does not give you any power here. I want her and I’m going to have her. It will just make it that more delicious every time she screams for you.”

“You won’t make me scream,” Cam bit out, before Kievan squeezed her hand.

“I assure you, my dear, you most definitely will. Oh, I do love a fresh canvas. I will give you one more chance, Kievan. Walk away now and I will be merciful and leave your precious station alone. If you do not, I will make everyone on board pay for your stubbornness.”

“No.” Kievan didn’t hesitate. He pushed Cam gently behind him, then placed his hands on his knife hilts.

Prince Ustrod laughed but she saw a flicker of doubt cross his face.

“Really? You would take on two armed men?”

“I would take on the whole damn planet for her,” he growled, and her heart fluttered at his words.

“I beg your pardon, your highness, but your contract with the Brotherhood does not extend to personal protection,” Blauthen interjected.

“What? Given the number of credits I’ve paid you, I expect you to assist me.”

“Unfortunately, my hands are tied. Especially since your last payment is late.” Blauthen’s mouth stretched into a shark like grin as he stepped back.

“You bastard,” the prince snarled. “I don’t need you, anyway.” He flung his cloak to the ground. Underneath he wore a tight-fitting black outfit with a long, thin, red sword slung at his hip. Cam cast an anxious glance at Kievan’s much shorter weapons but he didn’t seem concerned. He drew his knives and advanced on the prince. For a second, the other man hesitated, but then he drew his sword and rushed at Kievan. She bit back a frightened cry, determined not to distract Kievan, but he easily parried the blade slashing at his head and neck. The prince changed tactics, aiming for his legs instead, but Kievan slipped away with his usual speed, slashing the other man’s arm in the process.

Prince Ustrod drew back, giving his arm a brief, shocked look, before advancing again, this time with more caution. The clash of blade against blade was the only sound in the quiet garden as the men moved around each other. Even to her untrained eyes it became apparent that Kievan was playing with the prince, darting inside the reach of the sword to leave a rapidly increasing number of cuts on the prince’s body. After a second nasty slash to his arm, Prince Ustrod flinched and stumbled back. One of Kievan’s knives flew through the air, and the sword was gone, leaving the prince clutching his bleeding wrist. He turned and Cam realized that he intended to run, but Kievan’s other knife appeared in the soft flesh behind his knee and he crumpled to the ground instead.

Kievan stalked to his fallen prey, his face ice cold. The prince fumbled at his belt.

“I suspect he is trying to call the Royal Guard.” Blauthen’s cool voice startled her and she jumped when she realized he was next to her. “He has forgotten that communication from this garden is blocked, even though he ordered it that way to protect his secrets.”

Cam took a cautious step back. “Do you care what happens to him?”

The frightening smile appeared. “No. He was behind on his payments.”

Angling her head so that she could keep an eye on him and on Prince Ustrod’s position, she saw that Kievan was leaning over the prince’s body. He pulled his knives free, ignoring the man’s moan.

“This is for Sardor.” He dragged a blade across the prince’s stomach and Cam fought back the urge to vomit as his intestines literally began to spill from the gaping wound. “And this is for threatening my mate.” He drew the other blade across the man’s neck, almost severing his head. The body jerked once and lay still. Kievan didn’t look at it again, wiping his blades on the turf, before rising to his feet with a predator’s grace and stalking in her direction. His eyes were on Blauthen.

Blauthen gave him a considering stare and for a dreadful moment, Cam thought there would be a second fight, but the grey alien stepped back.

“Under other circumstances, I might enjoy testing myself against you; however, there is no profit in it. Also, the Royal Guard will no doubt be arriving shortly. He blocked any type of auditory or visual monitoring but his body signs would be tracked.”

Kievan ignored the warning. “What of your contract with Prince Ustrod?”

“With his death, it is null and void. Pity. I don’t suppose we will ever receive that final payment.” He tilted his head to one side, considering. “Although, perhaps we can retrieve the batch of stones the Serigali are currently smuggling to collect the debt.”

“I should kill you anyway, for what you did to Sardor.”

“We did not create the device. We only moved it into position.” His head turned and he nodded to the other side of the garden. “You have visitors.”

Before Kievan could respond, Blauthen slipped into the bushes. Kievan whirled in the other direction, motioning Cam behind him. Her heart pounded. Despite seeing how easily Kievan had defeated the prince, he was still only one man. How could he take on a squad of guards? To her relief, only one figure appeared. Like the prince, he had red skin and small black horns, but instead of short black curls, he had long red hair. He approached with an air of confident mockery that reminded her of Kievan.

“Kievan Rus, we meet again. Problems?” He swept a glance over the dead body by the pool but didn’t seem particularly perturbed.

“Not any more, Rastrath.”

“I see.” He abandoned his casual air and rubbed a hand across his neck, looking suddenly tired. “I’m not sorry he’s dead but I regret you had to kill him so quickly. I have some questions that need answering.”

“Did you know that he is responsible for the destruction of Sardor?”

“Not directly. But I suspected he was up to something. I have been tracking his movements for some time now. First drug smuggling and now this. It is a sad day for the Royal House.” He shook his head. “A planet destroyer, of all things.”

“You heard?”

“Yes, I was hoping to get some additional insight into what he was doing.” He gave Kievan a charming, lopsided grin. “But I assure you I was ready to spring to your rescue if it was needed.”

Both men suddenly tensed and a moment later, Cam heard the distant noise as well. It sounded like a number of men were approaching.

“Go, Kievan,” Rastrath urged. “I’ll take care of this.”

“Why?”

“Because someone is going to have to find out how and where this planet destroyer is being created.” He held up a hand. “Don’t worry. I intend to make sure that both it and the accompanying technology are eliminated.”

Kievan gave him a considering look, then nodded. “Very well. I will leave it with you. You may call on me if you need me.”

Rastrath nodded seriously, before resuming his carefree mask. “And let’s just say, I will be able to make some new friends as a result. You have your… slave to worry about.” He surveyed her with a casual appreciation that made Kievan snarl. “Not to mention a station to which you should return. If you don’t take Sigrast back, where else will I be able to lose such vast sums of money?” He grinned again. “Now, go.”

Chapter Nineteen

Kievan led the way quickly back to the ship. It remained where he had left it, a bored guard keeping watch.

“Leaving so soon?”

“Yes. Unfortunately, the prince was not satisfied with his…purchase.”

The guard’s eyes swept over Cam’s body in a way that made Kievan’s fists clench but he kept his expression blank. The guard shook his head.

“Royalty. I wouldn’t turn down a nice little morsel like that.”

“I’m afraid you couldn’t afford her.”

Without pausing for a reply, he urged Cam on board and went to the controls. Despite Rastrath’s assurances, he wanted off this planet before anything else went wrong. As soon as they left the atmosphere, he sighed and set a course for Sardor Two. If nothing else, Dragar and the others needed to know what had happened. He turned to look at Cam and his heart sank. Her face had resumed its expressionless mask.

“Would you like something to eat?” he asked tentatively.

He was afraid that she would reject him but she merely nodded and followed him to the galley. The meal didn’t take long to assemble, and he made sure to include her favorites before placing the plate in front of her. She shot him a glance he couldn’t read before picking at her food. He had no appetite at all but he had to fight the urge to put her on his lap and feed her. For once he found himself at a complete loss. He had betrayed her in the cruelest possible way and had no reason to expect her to forgive him—but how could he let her go? His need to claim her warred with the fear of causing her further pain.

Once the silent meal was over, he expected her to disappear into her room. Instead, she followed him into the lounge and knelt quietly at his feet. Her posture was perfect, her face blank, and his heart ached.

“May I ask where we are going?” she said finally.

“To Sardor Two. I need to inform Dragar what has happened.”

“What about Sigrast?”

“Now that Prince Ustrod is dead, the Empire will have no interest. I have been unable to raise J’Ssett to let him know that the danger is past. I assume that he is still busy with the evacuation.”

She hesitated and looked down. “Are you going back?”

“I don’t know. Perhaps not.” He had built his life around Sigrast, but now, looking down at her beautiful, blank face, it no longer seemed important. If he couldn’t have her, nothing else mattered.

“What about me?”

He closed his eyes and leaned back. Forcing the next words out was the hardest thing he had ever done. “You could stay on Sardor Two. You would be safe there and there are other human females.”

There was a long silence and he forced himself to remain motionless rather than sweeping her off her feet and carrying her into the bedroom where he could convince her of all the reasons why she should stay with him instead.

“Would you stay there?” she asked at last.

“No. I’m an Outcast, remember?” He tried for a casual shrug. “Perhaps I will become a mercenary again.” He didn’t mention that a mercenary career seemed like the quickest and easiest way to end a meaningless life.

“Kievan,” she whispered, and he suddenly realized that she had moved between his legs, her hands resting lightly against his chest. Her sweet fragrance surrounded him. His fists clenched, determined not to touch her.

“Do mercenaries get to bring their slaves along?” she continued softly.

“No,” he answered cautiously, his heart beginning to pound.

“In that case, my love, you will have to think of another profession, because I am never leaving you again.”

Her arms slid round his neck and she clung to him, her face hidden against his chest. He could barely breathe past the joyous pain in his chest.

“Sweetness. Are you sure?”

She raised her head and looked at him, face glowing. He caught his breath in wonder.

“I’m sure. I belong to you—only to you.”

Unable to resist any longer, he lowered his mouth to hers. She immediately opened to him, her response as passionate as ever, and he groaned at the sweet taste of her mouth. It had been too long; he needed more, demanded more, and she gave him everything he wanted until she was clinging helplessly to his neck, her nipples hard against his chest, and his cock was throbbing painfully against his pants. He forced himself to pull back.

“I can’t stay on Sardor and I may no longer have possession of Sigrast. I may not have anything to offer you.”

Blue eyes, still heavy with passion, studied him. “I know. But if you are willing to give everything up for me, how can I do less? As long as we are together, I don’t need anything else.”

Heart full, he cupped her face. “I love you, sweetness.”

Her smile lit up the room but she simply nodded. “I know, Kievan. I’m just glad you finally realized it.”

Triumph filled him and his mouth descended over hers with bruising force but she kissed him back just as hard, their tongues thrusting against each other as he took her to the floor. His hand went to her chest, he heard fabric rip, then the sweet warmth of her breast filled his hand, the nipple hard and demanding against his palm. Her back arched, one hand holding on to his neck, the other searching desperately between them to release his cock. He pushed his pants down, lifted her dress, and filled her in one hard thrust. Her legs wrapped around his thighs, her other hand clutching his ass so hard he could feel her nails digging in to his flesh but the slight sting only drove him on. Gasping for breath, their lips finally parted. Her mouth went to his shoulder, covering every inch she could reach with kisses. His head dipped into her neck, breathing her in as he fastened his mouth on her soft skin. She shivered beneath him. He could feel the pressure building at the base of his spine, his balls drawing up, but he couldn’t stop the relentless stokes.

“Hurry, sweetness,” he groaned. As the words left his mouth, his climax roared over him, driving him hard into her tight body. His mouth clamped down on her neck. She cried his name and he felt her convulse around him, her pussy clenching around his cock in silken waves that milked every last drop of his hot seed.

Breathless and content, he stayed buried inside her body as he kissed her again, long and sweet. When he raised his head, she was smiling at him and his heart stuttered.

“I love you, little flower.”

“I love you, too.”

He dropped his forehead to hers in a brief benediction, then gave her a slow, wicked smile.

“You know, pet, this is my private yacht.”

She nodded, eyeing him curiously.

“That means that the main statement room is fully equipped—toys…chains…”

They both felt her pussy convulse at his words and her eyes went heavy.

“Please, Master. Put my cuffs back on,” she whispered.

He reached into his pocket for the gold bracelets then paused, staring at them before shaking his head. “I should have realized when I made these.”

“Realized what?”

“Look at the design.” He traced the small rosettes. “Each link is a little flower. I had already claimed you, sweetness.”

Chapter Twenty

Cam watched as Kievan fingered the controls. He looked stunning in white leather—tight pants, high boots, and a snug vest with the back cut low to show his tattoo. Gold bands circled his biceps. She was also dressed in white, a short gown that covered her front but clung to every curve and clearly revealed the nipple rings circling each peak. The back opened in two big circles—one that revealed her upper back and her clan mark, the other her lower back to just above the curve of her ass. A gold choker and soft gold leather sandals which laced up to her thighs completed the outfit. She knew they were dressed to make a statement but she wasn’t sure why.

The time on the ship had been wonderful. Kievan, both tender and masterful, never keeping himself from her. Now his face had settled into the expressionless mask she remembered so well.

The planet on the screen grew larger, one massive red continent extending from pole to pole and dominating the globe. The rest of the surface was covered with a jade green sea sprinkled with much smaller red land masses.

“State your business.” The harsh voice filled the cabin and she jumped.

“This is Kievan Rus. I wish to land and speak to Chief Dragar.”

Absolute silence.

“Kievan Rus?” the voice asked.

“Yes.”

“For Chief Dragar?”

“Yes. Is it really necessary to repeat everything I said? Has Sardoran training deteriorated that much?” Kievan drawled.

A growl this time before the silence. This one lasted much longer. Kievan appeared relaxed but she could see the muscle clenching in his jaw.

“Very well. Follow the landing beacon,” the voice finally said, reluctance obvious in every word.

The ship descended, Kievan expertly maneuvering the vessel between tall red rock pillars to land in what appeared to be empty desert. The sand and surrounding rocks were red, not too different from an Earth desert, but the sky overhead was a pale jade green and an odd sense of disorientation made her feel slightly dizzy.

“Ready, pet?”

Gulping nervously, she nodded and let him precede her to the entry ramp. As the door opened, she saw two Sardorans waiting for them. One step behind Kievan, she followed him down the ramp, eyeing the two men curiously from under her lashes. One of them was Kievan’s size. His skin was bronze and he was handsome in a rough way completely different from Kievan’s refined masculine beauty. The second man would have been as beautiful, but cruel scars covered one side of his face and ran down his neck and into his vest. He was huge, as bulky with muscle as Mikaroz, and Cam stepped a little closer to Kievan, trying not to feel intimidated.

Both men were dressed in plain brown leather vest and pants, knives at their waists, and she couldn’t miss the shoulder holsters.

“Dragar.” Kievan nodded at the large man, then the handsome one. “Jakkar.”

“Why are you here?” Jakkar growled, and Dragar put a hand on his arm.

“Kievan, you know I owe you, but I’m not sure this is a good idea,” Dragar said quietly. His eyes moved to Cam, perfectly positioned, her face—hopefully—calm. He sighed. “Do I even want to know why she is here?”

“I have news.”

Jakkar raised a skeptical brow. “Really? You’re not just looking for a place to hide because all of your games have blown up at once?”

Cam felt Kievan tense and his hand move toward his knife. She moved closer, nestling into his back and putting a hand on his arm. The two other Sardorans watched her with narrowed eyes and Jakkar’s brow went up again as Kievan’s hand dropped and his body relaxed.

“I have news about Dragar. And about Sardor and the events of the past six years,” Kievan said evenly.

“Go ahead,” Jakkar ordered.

“Is it really necessary to stand in the middle of the desert and talk?” Kievan asked, and the cool mockery was back.

To her surprise, Dragar laughed. The laugh twisted his scar but it was unexpectedly appealing and she smiled at him. He returned her smile and she felt Kievan tense again but before he could react, Dragar spoke. “We’ll go to my house.”

Jakkar started to protest but he cut him off.

“It’s close and it’s private,” Dragar said. Jakkar looked at him and something passed between the two men. “I’ll make sure it’s private,” Dragar repeated.

Without any additional words, Kievan and Cam were escorted to a small flying machine. It took off at an uncomfortably fast speed, Dragar talking into a communicator while Jakkar piloted. The craft flew to the edge of the desert and then up into the mountains that edged it. Cam stared, wide-eyed. Like the desert, most of the ground and rocks were red and so were the leaves on the trees but they had black trunks and were draped with silver vines and the disorientation hit her again.

They landed in a small clearing before a house that looked remarkably like an Earth cabin, complete with front porch. Biting her tongue to keep from asking the questions filling her head, she followed the men into a large living room. The room was bright, open to a vaulted ceiling filled with skylights and windows lined the outer walls. The inner walls were hung with paintings and her shocked gaze took in more canvases and painting equipment at one end of the space. The huge scarred warrior was a painter?

He met her startled look with a grin and once again she couldn’t resist smiling back. This time Kievan growled and Dragar’s grin broadened; however, he didn’t say anything but simply led the way to a comfortable seating area. The two men sat on the couch and Kievan took an armchair. She knelt at his feet, leaning a little closer to his legs than was absolutely correct, and looked up to find both men staring at her. She raised her chin and stared back.

“Is my slave distracting you?” Kievan asked and his voice was deadly. Jakkar scowled but Dragar was still studying the two of them.

“Give us your information,” Jakkar demanded.

“You remember that Prince Ustrod wanted to buy you?” Kievan asked Dragar. The sound of the Prince’s name made Cam shiver and she pressed tighter against Kievan’s legs. His hand immediately went to her head, stroking her hair soothingly, and she relaxed again. She looked back up to see Dragar still watching her, a dawning expression of amazement on his face before his attention turned to Kievan.

Kneeling quietly at Kievan’s feet, she only half listened as he explained the prince’s fixation on the Sardorans. Her attention drifted to the paintings filling the walls and the warm sun flooding through the windows. Jakkar and Dragar started asking questions but she was getting sleepy. Her head rested against Kievan’s knee and her body started to slide down. Without interrupting what he was saying, Kievan reached down and picked her up, settling her in his lap. Used to being in his arms, she simply turned her head into his neck and snuggled closer. Suddenly conscious that the room had turned silent, she raised her head and found both men staring at her again.

“What?” she demanded, forgetting protocol. She looked up at Kievan, “Why do they keep staring at me?”

“We seem to have abandoned our roles, sweetness,” he said.

“Oh.” She flushed. “I’m sorry, Master.”

“You’re not his slave,” Dragar said suddenly.

She straightened and faced him defiantly. “Yes, I am.”

“Really?” He arched a brow and studied her. “Turn around.”

She looked at Kievan. His lips quirked but he turned her gently in his lap so that the two men could see her back.

“You marked her?” Jakkar asked, voice unbelieving.

Kievan shrugged, the merest hint of a flush hitting his cheeks. “She is my mate. It seemed like the thing to do.”

She watched as the three men stared at each other. Then Dragar erupted in a roar of laughter. He turned to Jakkar. “I think the time for privacy is over. They will never forgive us.”

“Who won’t forgive you?” she asked.

“You’ll find out soon enough, little female,” Jakkar said, his lips twisting. He got up and went to a communication panel.

“Dragar,” said Kievan quietly. “I want a favor.”

“You know I owe you one.”

“I want a claiming ceremony.”

A shiver ran up Cam’s spine. She held her breath as the two men looked at each other.

“The full traditional ceremony?”

Kievan growled and Dragar smirked at him. “It’s a little different from that side, isn’t it?”

“I should not have done it,” Kievan admitted.

“No,” Dragar agreed. “But I can’t regret the end result. And my little one is quite…adaptive.” He gave a wicked and remarkably attractive smile, before leaning forward and inhaling. “But with regard to your request. It is quite clear that the mating bond is there. She already has your mark, your scent.” His eyes flicked to the gold bracelets. “And mating cuffs, although somewhat unusual ones. It doesn’t appear to be necessary.”

“I still want the ceremony. I know that I will never be allowed to return to Sardor but I want to know that it could be recorded.”

Tears flooded Cam’s eyes as Dragar nodded. “Then you shall have it. But I warn you, I don’t think you’ll have much say in planning it.” He grinned again. “And since all of the records are being transferred here, I will make sure that it is included in the records.”

“Really?” she whispered to Kievan.

“Yes, sweetness. You may be my slave but you are also my mate and I want everyone to know.”

She burst into tears but it was hard to keep crying when Kievan was kissing her so she eventually stopped and gave in to the wonder of his mouth on hers. About the time his hand was on her breast and her hips were pushing insistently at his erection, she remembered that they were not alone. She lifted her head and saw that the cabin was empty.

“Where did they go?”

“I think they decided to give us a little privacy.”

“Mmm. In that case…” She wiggled a little harder. He laughed but raised his head, tilting it to one side.

“I think our privacy is over,” he said and stood, drawing her up beside him. The door opened and Dragar entered, accompanied by a strikingly pretty human woman. She was smaller than Cam and slender, with creamy skin and long white gold hair, and she looked impossibly tiny next to Dragar’s massive bulk. Cam stared at her and suddenly remembered Kievan’s story. This was the human he had wanted. Her body stiffened but his hand tightened on her waist and he tucked her under his arm.

The woman watched them curiously and smiled when she met Cam’s eyes. She had a beautiful smile and Cam bit back a wave of jealousy.

“I’m Beth,” she said softly. “Dragar is my mate.”

“I’m Cam.”

Beth’s eyes went to Kievan and she smiled again. Cam gritted her teeth and Kievan pulled her closer.

“I’m glad you found your mate, Kievan,” Beth said. Then she looked at Cam and her eyes softened. “And you too, Cam. You have both been alone for too long.”

Before Cam could react, footsteps sounded on the porch and another human woman entered, dragging Jakkar behind her. This woman was also smaller than Cam but her body was ripe and lush, richly curved. She had shoulder length golden brown hair, golden brown eyes, and skin tanned gold. Jakkar was a step behind her, carrying a baby who obviously resulted from both human and Sardoran parents. Cam’s mouth opened and she tilted her head up to look at Kievan, eyes narrowed.

“Honey, is there something you forgot to tell me?”

Both women burst out laughing.

“What he forgot to tell you is that humans and Sardorans cross breed quite successfully. Maybe a little too successfully,” the golden woman said ruefully, and her hand dropped to her stomach. Jakkar frowned and her hand immediately went to his cheek with a soft smile. “I’m just teasing.” She turned back to Cam. “I’m Anna by the way. And Beth is pregnant, too.”

Cam’s mouth dropped open again. Before she could speak, Kievan covered it with a gentle hand. “We’ll discuss this later, sweetness.” She tried to speak again but he kept his hand in place. “When we’re alone,” he added. “In great detail.”

She shivered at the promise in his words. Liquid bronze swirled in his eyes and his thumb stroked her lower lip. Her body responded instantly, her nipples aching in their rings and a tremor running through her lower belly.

“Yes, Master,” she whispered, and he kissed her, short and hard, before lifting his head and smiling at her. She smiled back and turned to find the others staring at them. Dragar looked amused, Beth thoughtful. Anna had a soft smile on her face and Jakkar’s face relaxed for the first time since they had come down the ramp.

Anna and Beth started to prepare a meal and Cam knew that she should offer to help. Instead, she stayed close to Kievan. She felt more comfortable with him, but more than that, she thought that he needed her. He talked with the other men, his posture relaxed, but she could see the reserve behind his casual facade. She suspected that his conflicted feelings about his Sardoran heritage would never let him be fully comfortable with them.

When they sat down to eat, she started to kneel at his feet once more but he shook his head and patted the seat next to him. Over the meal, the other men told their mates about the prince’s plot.

“But I don’t understand,” Anna said. “You say the stones are valuable but surely there are other planets with valuable resources. Why was it so important to keep Trillium a secret?”

“It’s not really a natural resource if you have to kill animals to obtain it,” Kievan responded. “He seemed to think that would be an issue with the new Emperor.”

“Kill?” Beth whispered, her face turning sheet white.

“Yes. There’s some type of native animal—he called it a Trillite—and he said it took their blood to make the stones.”

Beth swayed and would have fallen if Dragar hadn’t caught her. “Little one, wake up.” His voice was frantic as he stroked her unresponsive face.

“I’ll get some water.” Anna jumped up but Beth’s eyes fluttered open.

“Dragar, do you realize?” Her voice trembled and he pulled her closer before looking grimly at the others.

“We suspect that the animals on Trillium are sentient. No one has noticed because they communicate through movement and pattern rather than verbally.”

Everyone looked sickened as his words sank in.

“That’s why he wanted you dead,” Kievan said grimly. “In case you realized.”

“We have to go to the Emperor,” Jakkar said.

Kievan stroked his chin. “Prince Rastrath may be our best bet.”

“You will communicate with him?” Dragar asked. “I have been pushing for an investigation but it’s slow going.”

“I will.”

“Do you trust him?”

“I think I do. He plays the fool quite well but I’ve always suspected there was more to him than he let anyone see.”

“Reminds me of someone else,” Jakkar said drily.

Before Kievan could respond, the baby cried and the party dissolved. Anna and Jakkar went to take care of the baby. Dragar took a still pale and shaken Beth to the back of the house and Kievan and Cam ended up on the porch. He sat down in one of the rocking chairs and pulled her onto his lap. Dusk had fallen while they were inside and she snuggled against him as they looked out at the quiet night.

“This could almost be Earth,” she said, then laughed as she took in the double moon and the silver sparkle of the vines. “Well, not quite.”

“Do you miss it?”

Stroking his arm absently, she stared absently at the forest. “In some ways I do, just like I suspect you will always miss Sardor.”

“Since it reminds you of Earth, would you prefer to stay here? You would have other humans for company. And I suspect they would let me stay now that I have killed the man responsible for the destruction of our home planet.” His tone was sardonic but she could hear the pleasure underlying it. And yet, she remembered the distance she had sensed earlier between Kievan and the other men.

“Is that what you want?”

“I don’t want to abandon Sigrast,” he admitted finally. “J’Ssett will try but he doesn’t have the strength to hold it indefinitely.” He lifted her chin and studied her face. “But I want you to be happy.”

Sudden tears filled her eyes. “I’ll be happy as long as we’re together. I’ve been adrift since my mother died but I don’t feel that way anymore. I feel as if I’m part of something again. Now it’s you and me against the world.”

“Always,” he promised, and kissed her. She lifted her arms around his neck, the bracelets warm against her skin, and knew she had found her place in the galaxy.

Epilogue

2 months later

Cam pushed the box of receipts to one side of her desk and sighed. Despite the miracles of technology that surrounded them, many of the shopkeepers still used some version of paper to track their sales and it was part of her job to go through them.

“Tired, sweetness?”

Kievan stood in the doorway, and her heart did its usual skip at the sight of his tall, elegant figure. Her body was already responding, nipples peaking beneath the thin cloth of her gown and a slow pulse of arousal beginning between her legs. He stalked toward her, his mask of cool mockery firmly in place, but he couldn’t hide the warmth in his eyes.

“No, Master,” she said, slipping out of her chair to kneel before him.

“You do have an assistant, you know.”

“And she’s having lunch with her mate. I’m fine, honey.” She rolled her shoulders surreptitiously, trying to release the tension from being hunched over her desk all morning.

Kievan had been placing a small box on the corner of the desk but he caught the movement anyway and frowned. “I only agreed to let you have this job on the condition that it did not place an undue burden on you.”

“And because I’m damn good at it.” She made no attempt to hide her eye roll. They had returned to find J’Ssett wounded and the station in chaos, with only a few remaining guards trying to preserve order. With the assistance of Dragar and a small team of Sardorans, Kievan had reconquered Sigrast in a short, bloody battle. Once he had firmly established his control with a series of brutal but justified beheadings, business as usual resumed and she had offered to make over some of his accounting. Within two weeks, she was doing it all.

“There is that,” he agreed. His fingers dug into her shoulders, massaging to relieve the stiffness, before sliding up to caress the nape of her neck, sending shivers down her spine. “But your most important job is to take care of me.”

“Do you have any complaints?” she teased.

“Never.” His hand cupped her cheek and she nestled into it before he pulled back and gestured at the erection already tenting his pants. “But I find I am in need of your services again. You may begin.”

“Perhaps you would be more comfortable on the couch?” she asked innocently, deliberately running her tongue along her lips. The inner office where she worked had been redecorated after the battle and included a large and comfortable sofa where they frequently played, but she knew it wasn’t what he wanted now.

His hand tightened in her hair, sending a delicious thrill straight to her clit.

“Now, pet.”

“Yes, Master.” Drawing it out as much as she dared, she reached forward to release his cock. The thin white pants he was wearing did nothing to conceal his rapidly growing arousal and she caressed him through the silky fabric as he jerked in her grasp.

“Cam,” he growled, tugging her hair.

Hiding her smile, she drew the fabric down to reveal his now fully erect cock. Mmm. She used one hand to cup the smooth heavy weight of his balls while her other grasped his shaft, but she didn’t take him into her mouth. Instead, she teased him with delicate little licks up and down his pulsing cock and over the glistening head.

“Do you want to be punished, pet?”

Her body swayed toward him and he laughed. “Very well. But first, you will pleasure me the way I desire. Hands behind your back. Eyes on me.”

She obeyed immediately and he put both hands in her hair, holding her in place as he slid all the way to the back of her throat in one long, firm thrust. Her eyes watered but she relaxed her throat the way he had taught her, gaze fixed firmly on him. Liquid bronze swirled in his eyes as he watched her while thrusting into her mouth in slow steady strokes. Keeping her eyes on him created a link between them as intimate and erotic as the physical connection between their bodies and she gave herself over to him, a vessel for his pleasure. Her nipples throbbed and her clit ached but she kept her hands twisted together behind her back, determined to obey him. His body tensed and the speed of his strokes increased until she heard him groan. A flood of hot liquid filled her mouth but he never stopped watching her. The hands in her hair turned gentle, petting her as she lapped up each delicious drop.

“Very good, little flower.” He drew her to her feet before kissing her with a deep passionate intensity that left her clinging to him when he lifted his head. “Now for your punishment.”

Another shiver went through her, delight mixed with a hint of trepidation. He was very good at creative punishments and while she always ultimately enjoyed each one, he loved to push her limits.

“Remove your gown.”

Kievan watched with appreciation as his mate’s hands went to the shoulder of her gown. Her fingers trembled slightly, as they should, but her smile was genuine. Her smile turned teasing as she pretended to struggle with the jeweled clasp that held the gown in place and he had to bite back a smile of his own. His sweetness liked to test him.

He raised a brow. “I have no objection to removing it myself, but I believe you would regret it.”

Big blue eyes widened in that delicious mixture of anticipation and caution that went straight to his cock. He reached down and stroked it absently, already eager for more and she licked her lips as she removed the clasp. The deep blue fabric fell away, leaving her naked and beautiful. Her hair was already in disarray from his hands disturbing her usual neat twist, but he wanted more.

“Release your hair.”

She raised her hands to remove the gold clip, the movement causing her luscious breasts to tremble, and released the tumbled waves of red gold.

“Keep your arms up.”

She froze, the portrait of a woman undressing for her lover, shy and sensual at the same time. Perfect.

Leaving her in the middle of the room, he followed her earlier suggestion and took a seat on the couch, leaning casually against the cushions. Standing naked before him when he wasn’t touching her was always difficult for her so he didn’t make her wait too long.

“Bring the box on the desk and come here, pet.”

Obediently, she retrieved the small box and climbed into his lap. “Open it.”

Eager fingers removed the wrapping but she raised her eyebrows when she saw the contents.

“What is it?”

“It’s a special type of butt plug. Does the color remind you of anything?”

She frowned at the slender red cylinder. He saw the moment she realized what it was and started to scramble away but he kept his hand on her wrist.

“Is it eldflaur? You can’t put that in me.”

“I most certainly can. And we both know you’ll enjoy it.”

“No.” She shook her head frantically but her nipples tightened and her delectable scent increased.

“Over my lap.”

“Master,” she whined, but she was already moving into position. Raising his leg so that her toes barely touched the ground, he took a moment to admire the luscious curve of her ass, still slightly pink from her spanking the previous night. He stroked the silky skin before dipping into the tempting crevice between her cheeks. A little swirl around her puckered rosette had her squirming but he kept going, delving into the slick warmth between her thighs.

“You are very wet, little flower.”

“Yes, Master,” she agreed breathlessly.

“Shall I continue?”

Without waiting for an answer, he plunged two fingers into the tight depths of her soaking pussy. She cried out and he felt her channel clenching around him. His cock grew even harder and he could barely resist the temptation to take her now but he forced himself under control.

Removing the eldflaur cylinder from its box, he stroked it between her swollen labia, her juices immediately activating the heat from the candy. She yelped and tried to wiggle away but he held her easily in place.

“Stop moving, pet. The more you wiggle, the more it will dissolve.” Her body stilled but he anticipated her next move. “That doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty left to occupy your tight little ass. It just means that you will be as hot outside as you are inside.”

Before she could respond, he took the now slick rod and slid it gently but firmly into her anus. The diameter was small enough that there was very little resistance, even though she tried to clamp down. Unlike a standard plug, this would dissolve inside her body, so he followed it with his finger making sure it was firmly seated before he withdrew. Within seconds she started to squirm. Her hip rubbed rhythmically against his aching cock and he decided that his control had lasted long enough.

He lifted her into his lap, still facing away from him, and positioned her over his cock. The heat of her body combined with the heat of the candy, causing a fiery sensation across his cock head before he positioned himself at the tiny entrance of her body. She moaned and squirmed again, trying to force herself down on his shaft and with a groan, he lowered her slowly, working his way into her tight passage. By the time he was buried completely in the silken depths of her pussy, they were both panting. He held her there as the eldflaur generated a wave of heat that he could feel through the thin skin separating her channels.

“Kievan, please.”

“What is it, my pet?” It took all of his control to keep his voice calm and stroke a hand up her back, lingering on the place where his mark covered her creamy skin.

“I-I can’t…” Another wave of heat and her whole body trembled.

“Yes, you can.”

Taking pity on her, he curled an arm around her front, pulling her back against his chest while he tugged on a taut nipple. He used his other hand to spread her folds and tease her swollen clit.

“You can move, pet.”

Bracing herself against his arms, she began rocking urgently against his cock but she had too little leverage to move far. Despite that, the contractions of her pussy as she moved massaged his cock in pleasurable waves of tight warmth and he could feel his balls beginning to tighten.

“Please,” she cried again as another wave of heat swept over her. He moved both hands to her hips and took over, raising her up only to plunge her back down. Her pussy was impossibly tight and impossibly hot, and his urgency increased along with hers. Unable to hold back any longer, he brought her body down over his in one final hard stroke, his fingers clamping down on her clit. He felt her convulse even as his seed flooded her channel, and he retained just enough strength to wrap her in his arms as she cried out his name.

Cam curled on the couch, too lazy and satisfied to move. Kievan had cleaned her gently but the last remnants of the eldflaur were still sending pleasant waves of heat through her body.

“Come with me, little flower. I have something to show you.”

She pouted but Kievan pulled her to her feet anyway, fastening her gown back in place before leading the way from the office back into the private section. As they approached the old harem quarters, her heart began to pound. Why was he taking her here?

With a flourish, he threw open the doors but despite the extravagant gesture, she could see the tension in his body and frowned as she looked around. The area was almost unrecognizable. The pool had been removed, replaced by a castle like structure surrounded by rugs and low, cushioned furniture. The middle room on one side had also disappeared, leaving a wide passageway with doors at the end opening into their private quarters. She looked around again at the fanciful castle, the soft furnishings and the bright colors.

“Is this…is this a nursery?”

“I thought perhaps, when you were ready, we could perhaps try for a child.” Every muscle on his body was rigid and his face was an expressionless mask.

Her eyes filled with tears. “Oh, Kievan. I don’t—”

His face closed down even more and he headed for the door before she could finish. “I understand. It was just a thought. I won’t mention it again.”

“Kievan, honey, stop.” She had to dart around him, placing herself in front of the door before he would pause. “Please let me finish.”

Words suddenly deserted her and she could only stare up at him. His face softened and he stroked her cheek. “Don’t worry, sweetness. I understand.”

“What do you understand?”

“I am not a fit person to be a father.”

Now the words came rushing out. “Don’t be ridiculous. You’ll make a wonderful father. I was going to say I don’t understand why you didn’t tell me that you wanted a child. I didn’t think you did.”

He watched her intently. “Do you?”

“Well, not right now.” He tensed again and she put a restraining hand on his arm. “I want to spend more time alone with you first. But yes, I do want your child.” She glanced at the number of empty rooms and smiled. “Or even children.”

His whole body shuddered and then he had her up against the wall, tearing impatiently at his clothes until he could free himself and thrust inside her. His usual cool control completely disappeared and she could only wrap her legs around him and hang on as he pounded into her with frantic, driving strokes until he exploded inside her with a hoarse cry. She hadn’t come but she didn’t care, holding him tight as he buried his face in her neck. Still inside her, he lowered them to the floor, leaning back against the wall as his body trembled.

Kievan tried to catch his breath, still shaken by the strength of his response. The whole time he had arranged for the work on the nursery, he had told himself that it was for Cam. It wasn’t until he actually showed it to her that he acknowledged how much he wanted to have a child with this woman that he loved so much. He still had doubts about his abilities as a father but he trusted her not to let him fail. She might submit to him in many delicious ways but she would never permit him to fail their child. Or children, he thought with a satisfied smile, remembering the way she had looked around.

She snuggled closer and rocked her hips back and forth. He supposed he should feel guilty that he had left her unsatisfied but he was too content. She moved her hips again, more insistently this time, and he laughed.

“Are you trying to tell me something, sweetness?”

“You didn’t seem to have your usual control,” she teased. “It’s my turn now.”

“I am not always in control, sweetness. I control my station. I may even control your body.” He thrust upward and she arched her hips against him, eyes heavy with pleasure. “But you, sweetness, control my heart. I would be empty without you.”

Her eyes filled with tears but a joyous smile lit her face.

“I love you, Kievan. My master, my beloved.”

As he began moving, he rejoiced in the fact that he had conquered her heart and that was the most important conquest all.

Author’s note

Thank you for reading Cam and the Conqueror! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Whether you loved the book or not, it would mean the world to me if you left an honest review on Amazon. Word of mouth is incredibly helpful for authors and I’d love to know your thoughts!

The science fiction romance community is amazing! I’m truly grateful for the love and support I have received both from readers and my fellow authors. I’m especially thankful for Bex McLynn and Tiffany Roberts – and if you haven’t already read their books, I highly recommend them!

Next in the Alien Abduction series:

Deb and the Demon

An alien prince. A pregnant slave.

Can they come together to form a new kind of family?

Available now at Amazon!

Ella and the Emperor

An alien emperor. A silent young woman.

Can an emperor lose his heart to a human slave?

Preorder now at Amazon!

And in case you missed them, the previous books in the Alien Abduction series are:

Anna and the Alien

Beth and the Barbarian

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Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Epilogue

Author’s note