Mercenary

ENTWINED FATES:

MERCENARY

Trista Ann Michaels

www.loose-id.com

Warning This e-book contains sexually explicit scenes and adult language and may be considered offensive to some readers. Loose Id® e-books are for sale to adults ONLY, as defined by the laws of the country in which you made your purchase. Please store your files wisely, where they cannot be accessed by under-aged readers.

Entwined Fates: Mercenary Trista Ann Michaels This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Published by Loose Id LLC 1802 N Carson Street, Suite 212-2924 Carson City NV 89701-1215 www.loose-id.com

Copyright © August 2008 by Trista Ann Michaels All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this e-book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including, but not limited to printing, photocopying, faxing, or emailing without prior written permission from Loose Id LLC.

ISBN 978-1-59632-716-0 Available in Adobe PDF, HTML, MobiPocket, and MS Reader

Printed in the United States of America

Editor: Georgia A. Woods Cover Artist: Anne Cain

www.loose-id.com

Chapter One With a cautious glance around the packed, smoky bar, Captain Lucien Amanpour headed toward the small table in the back corner. He’d been here numerous times, both with his crew and without, but he never failed to check out his surroundings for possible threats. That’s how he’d managed to survive for as long as he had. Choosing the chair with its back to the wall, he dropped into it and casually studied the busy establishment. This place always had a crowd. Nestled in the center of the space station Odin Five, it was the entertainment hub for transport pilots, military, and general travelers. As his gaze worked its way around the room, he spotted his reason for being here. Count Stefan Marcone of Tilarus, one of the few royals he would gladly work for. His tall frame took up the doorway as he scanned the room like a king surveying his lands. Long, platinum blond hair hung down his back -- a Marcone trademark. He had gray eyes the color of gunmetal that could stare a man down and instill fear quicker than any laser pistol. The Marcones were definitely a family you never wanted to be on the bad side of. To catch his attention, Lucien waved. Stefan gave a nod of acknowledgment, then headed his way. “Well, well,” Lucien drawled with a grin. “This must be important if you’re slumming.” He loved to tease his royal friend about his unorthodox meeting places. Most men of his lineage wouldn’t be caught dead in a place like this. “You call this slumming?” Stefan snorted and dropped his muscular frame into the chair across from him, his lips twitching in amusement. “I’ve been in worse.” Lucien grinned at the former rebel leader turned senator. “I have no doubt. Now what was so important you had to come all the way out here? Why couldn’t it wait for my usual run to Tilarus?” “I need a favor.”

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With a cringe, Lucien shifted in his seat. “Last time I did a favor for you, it almost got me killed.” “Had fun, didn’t you?” Stefan’s lips twitched as he raised his hand, catching the attention of the barmaid. “If you consider getting chased halfway across the galaxy by the prime minister’s goons fun, but that’s beside the point.” Shaking his head, Lucien glanced toward their barmaid, a tall, beautiful, blue-skinned Volurian. She strolled over and placed two glasses in front of them teeming with synthetic ale. He reached out, grabbing her thin wrist, and smiled. “Do you think it’s possible we can get the real thing? I think I’m going to need it.” He winked and she smiled seductively, her golden eyes flashing interest. With a wave of her hand, she brushed her black hair over her shoulder. “I would be pleased to get that for you, of course for a price. You know the real thing is much more expensive.” Lucien nodded toward Stefan. “He can afford it.” Stefan raised an eyebrow at Lucian’s teasing grin. “This meeting was his idea, after all.” Her attention shifted to Stefan, her gaze wandering down his muscular frame with the same lustful interest. “Shall I get that for you?” Stefan nodded, an amused grin tugging at his lips. “If that’s what it takes to get him to agree to my request…so be it.” “I’ll be right back with those drinks, as well as anything else you might like.” Lucien watched the exaggerated sway of her hips as she walked away, then turned to his friend with narrowed eyes. “It never ceases to amaze me.” “What?” Stefan asked with a snicker. “You and women.” With a laugh, Stefan leaned back in his chair. “I seem to recall losing a few women to you.” Lucien’s lips lifted in a half grin as he too remembered all the times they’d fought goodnaturedly over women. For a royal, Stefan had been quite the hell-raiser; that is, until he met Krista. “Does your wife know about our little escapades?” “No.” Stefan shot him a firm look that would cause most men to quake in their shoes. “And I want to keep it that way.” “Damn, never thought I’d see the day you were whipped.” “It’s not being whipped.” The barmaid placed their drinks in front of them and Stefan nodded his thanks. When she walked away, he continued with a sly grin. “It’s called keeping peace within the household.”

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Lucien chuckled and lifted his glass to take a sip. With a cringe, he raised the glass to study the murky liquid with the sour taste. “You’d think as much as they charge, it would at least be good.” “I have a stash in the cargo hold of my ship. Good stuff from Rhinari. I’ll give you some before you leave.” Lucien stared at his friend. “If you’re offering to give me ale, this must be one hell of a favor.” Stefan leaned forward, resting his elbows against the table. “King Shaba of Delnista needs his daughter brought home.” For a moment, Lucien was silent, his mind working. Except for the Marcone family, he hated royals. Hated princesses even more. They were spoiled, meek, and for the most part, a pain in his ass. He shook his head with a frown. “He needs a mercenary to bring his daughter back?” “Well, it’s a little more involved than that.” “Out with it, Stefan.” “It seems she’s gotten herself into a little bit of trouble.” Lucien watched as he lifted his glass and took a sip of ale. “What kind of trouble?” “Slave trader trouble.” “Ah, shit,” Lucien growled and glanced toward the dark ceiling. “So you want me to…” He raised his fingers, forming quotes. “Rescue her?” “No. I want you to buy her.” Lucien choked. “Excuse me?” “Delnista doesn’t want that kind of trouble or publicity. They want it kept quiet for her reputation. You’ll have to buy her.” Lucien rubbed his fingers across his ever tightening forehead. Damn, he felt a massive headache coming on in the form of one spoiled princess. “How the hell did a princess get herself kidnapped by a slave trader?” The corner of Stefan’s lips twitched and a knot of apprehension formed in Lucien’s stomach. He had a feeling his friend wasn’t telling him the whole truth about something, but what, he didn’t have a clue. “Kiley’s father dotes on her, and I’m afraid she’s turned out to be quite the handful. She’s impulsive, unpredictable, headstrong.” Lucien dragged his hand down his face. “Great,” he grumbled. “Sounds a lot like someone else I know,” Stefan said with a cheeky grin, and Lucien curled his lip, making his friend chuckle. “Her father was throwing a party in her honor so she could meet her future husband --” Lucien held up a hand. “Wait a minute. How old is she?”

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“Twenty-seven.” “She’s twenty-seven and unmarried? Is she that undesirable?” Stefan shrugged. “I don’t know, haven’t seen her close up. Like I said, her father dotes on her. She put off getting married, but her father is now insisting before she gets any older. She wanted to buy a new dress and apparently got impatient waiting on her guard and went alone with her companion.” Lucien raised an eyebrow. “That was stupid.” “I agree. They were robbed, her companion killed, and she found herself kidnapped. Security cameras caught the whole thing so we know who has her.” “Why doesn’t Delnista do something?” “They’re mostly a peaceful planet, Lucien. They’re not really equipped for this sort of thing. Especially if it doesn’t go well.” Lucien tensed. “What makes you think it won’t go well?” “Because Jenik is the one who has her.” With a snort, Lucien lifted his glass and gulped down a huge sip. Jenik was a wellknown tyrant -- one he’d rather not deal with too much. “You’re just a fountain of good news tonight, aren’t you?” Stefan grinned. “Come on, Lucien. She’s a princess. You’re a prince. Right up your alley, don’t you think?” He narrowed his gaze at his friend. As oldest son of a king, he should have taken his rightful place and married, produced an heir, but none of it felt right. Despite being raised as Solaris’s next ruler, he hated the confinement, the constant parties and social events, the diplomacy. He knew he wasn’t king material, and it wasn’t just the arranged marriage issue. It was all of it. Catching his brother and fiancée in bed together had been the last straw. He did them -- and himself -- a favor by abdicating. He’d left, joined a mercenary vessel, built a formidable reputation, and never looked back. Now he owned his own fleet of ships and only returned home when necessary. “Jenik always sells his slaves on Veenori,” Stefan began and pulled a small chip from his pocket. “If you leave tonight, you should beat him there.” “So he doesn’t know she’s a princess?” “There’s been no ransom demand, so I’m assuming he doesn’t.” “You know as well as I do, if Jenik knew who she was, there would be no ransom demand. The man hates royals more than I do. He’d kill her, then leave her body where she fell. If she’s smart, she’ll keep her mouth shut.” “He hasn’t killed her yet. I spoke with my contact on Veenori just before getting here. Jenik has already told the bar where he sells the slaves he’s on his way with another one to auction off. The woman matched Kiley’s description.”

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“Why me?” “Because you’ve dealt with Jenik before and I know you’ll see her safely home in one piece. You’ll buy her on Veenori, take her back to Delnista. You’ll have her two weeks tops, Lucien, then you’re done.” Stefan slid the chip across the table. “What’s this?” Lucien asked, nodding toward the gold chip. “Unlimited currency. The king said to pay whatever is necessary.” Lucien picked up the small chip, studying the way the light flickered against the metal. He hated royals, especially spoiled royals, and it sounded like this one was spoiled beyond belief. “There’s no way I can…get myself out of this?” he asked, arching a brow. Stefan grinned. “Look at it this way. If you do this, you’ll be able to claim ‘I owe you one.’” With a snort, he dropped the chip into his pocket. “Not just one, my friend. You’ll owe me two for this one.”

***** Kiley took deep breaths, trying to keep herself from falling into a fit of panic. The cold air of the room hit her mostly naked flesh and she shivered. Her trembling fingers tugged at the collar around her neck to no avail. Looking down at herself, she adjusted the sparse material covering her breasts, then moved to the thong, tugging at the thin string of material as it crept deeper into the crease of her ass. God, she hated these things. Only a man would come up with something so annoying and uncomfortable. They’d arrived on Veenori just a few hours ago. The small planet nestled on the outskirts of the charted galaxy played host to thieves, pirates, and criminals looking for a place to hide. Its desert environment made the climate almost unbearable, especially for someone used to one that was more temperate. “Two minutes, slave.” She cringed as her kidnapper attached a long leather leash to her collar. His thick fingers trailed down her cheek, making her shiver in disgust. Narrowing her eyes, she stared into his black ones, refusing to show fear or back down. She was a princess, after all, although she hadn’t mentioned that to Jenik. She knew of his reputation, his cruelty. Jenik hated royalty and despite the money he would receive from her father if he ransomed her, the man would rather see her dead than returned home. So she’d kept her mouth shut and her true identity a secret. “Your beauty will bring quite a price,” he murmured. She jerked her head away and he gripped her chin, making her flinch in pain. “I know many men who would love nothing more than to tame that pride of yours, that arrogance. You will learn to submit, slave, or die. The choice is yours.”

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She swallowed, wondering how in the hell she’d gotten into this mess. Kidnapped, her best friend and royal companion killed. Guilt ate at her insides like a hungry animal. She should have never left home. She should have waited for her escort, but she had been so agitated. She’d been able to avoid marriage, using the time to try to find the man of her dreams. She wanted love, not some aristocrat who was only after her money and the right to proclaim Delnista as an ally. She wanted a man to be her hero, her lover, her friend. She wanted a man who could stand up to her temper, fight back, not cower and give in so his wife wouldn’t nag him. But that man had not materialized and she’d begun to come to terms with the arranged marriage her father wanted. She loved her father dearly and would do what he asked of her, despite how sad it made her. She’d looked long enough. It was obvious her knight just wasn’t out there. “It’s time, Jenik,” the bar owner yelled from the stage. With a tug, he pulled her past the curtain and in front of the roaring crowd. She coughed as nasty smoke filled her lungs, making her eyes water. Squinting past the haze, she stared at the mass of men hovering close to the stage. Lust shone in their eyes as they watched, making her tremble in trepidation. “Oh, God,” she murmured. “The bidding will begin at four hundred kilnotics,” Jenik shouted and the men around the bar scoffed loudly at the sum and a small part of her bristled. “She’s worth every penny,” Jenik continued. “Notice these breasts.” Her top fell to the floor and with a gasp, she raised her palms to cover herself. Jenik’s hand landed across her cheek with a loud slap. Lightning flashed behind her eyes, and she blinked to try to clear the tears beginning to well. “You will not cover yourself, slave,” he snarled in her face, his nasty breath making her want to gag. “Is that clear?” When she didn’t answer, he slapped her again, making her cry out in surprise. Jerking her head around, she glared at him in anger. “Fuck you,” she snapped. Jenik’s eyes narrowed in hatred and he lifted his hand, ready to strike again. Kiley braced herself for the blow. “Six hundred kilnotics,” a voice called and she searched the crowd, anxious to see who had bid. Her gaze landed on the man who arrogantly worked his way through the crowd and her heart skipped a beat in surprise. Is that the man who’d bid? He now stood just below her at the base of the stage. He was tall, with tanned flesh and blue eyes as hard and cold as the arctic ice on her home world and boring into Jenik with glaring hatred. “Lucien,” Jenik snarled. The man nodded. “Jenik.”

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Kiley continued to watch the man named Lucien, surprisingly intrigued with his dark good looks and smoldering eyes. His shoulders were broad and his waist trim. Black hair hung around his shoulders, giving the bidding stranger a roguish appearance. He wore black leather pants and a white shirt open halfway down his chest, showing off smooth muscles that any other time she’d want to run her fingers over. Around his neck hung a medallion of gold that spoke of wealth, while the blaster attached to the upper portion of his thigh spoke mercenary. They were the only ones allowed to carry such weapons. Mercenaries thought of money first. They were greedy. Maybe this man would be her best bet to get back home. She could offer him much more than he could ever dream. She just hoped he didn’t share Jenik’s opinion that the galaxy should be rid of royals. “Seven hundred,” another voice called, this one much higher pitched, almost whiny. “Well, well,” Jenik drawled with a half-smile. “Now we’re getting some bids. Apparently, they like your feisty attitude and look forward to taming you.” Curling her lip, Kiley rolled her eyes and watched in shock as the bids continued to climb. “Eight hundred,” Lucien called. “Nine hundred,” another bid and Kiley squinted, trying to get a better look at the faces in the dark, smoke-filled room “Eleven hundred.” “Fifteen hundred,” Lucien said. She gasped and turned her gaze back to Lucien. “Stop bidding against me, mercenary,” a man growled as he stepped forward from the crowd. Kiley’s eyes widened in fear as she stared down at the Veenorian. Oh, God no. His green-tinged skin rippled as he moved forward, his oddly bent, thin legs carrying him even closer to the stage. Golden eyes dilated then retracted as he took in her figure and exposed breasts. She prayed the mercenary would bid again. The thought of that lizardlike man laying a finger on her made her ill. “Three thousand.” Lucien’s deep voice carried across the room, making the Veenorian scowl in growing anger. “Four thousand,” the Veenorian growled, his gaze narrowing on Lucien as he strolled forward with more arrogance than any man should possess. “I thought I told you, mercenary, she’s mine.” “Only if you outbid me, Milash,” Lucien drawled, obviously unconcerned with the man’s threatening demeanor. “Ten thousand kilnotics.”

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Even Jenik raised a brow at that figure. Kiley began to back away slowly. The last thing she wanted was to be in the way if it came to blows. Lucien’s cold stare locked onto hers and she froze, her heart pounding wildly at the intensity of his blue gaze. “Going somewhere, slave?” Lucien asked with a raised eyebrow and she swallowed as tingling warmth spread through her stomach. Jenik turned and wound his hand around her leash, tugging harshly. She stumbled forward with a squeal, her hands reaching out to grip the leash and tug back. The action was a reflex, but it angered Jenik and his hand once again rose to strike. Her chin lifted and she faced him head on, daring him to hit her. “I wouldn’t if I were you, Jenik,” Lucien cautioned in a deadly tone. “Not if you want me to buy her. I prefer my slaves to be unmarked.” His lips lifted in a slight sneer. “I don’t envy you, Lucien. You’ll have your hands full with this one. I’m happy to be rid of her. Milash, unless you want to outbid the ten thousand, she goes to Lucien.” Milash shook his head with a low growl of anger. “Look’s like she’s yours, mercenary.” With a hard tug at her leash, she fell from the stage and straight into Lucien’s hard chest. Strong arms encircled her waist, holding her upright when she would have bounced off his chest and fallen flat on her bare ass. The warmth of his skin seeped into her, warming her body from the outside in. Inhaling, she caught the whiff of spice and musky male, making every part of her body tingle. No man had ever made her react this way and she didn’t have a clue what to make of it. He was a stranger, her new master, her captor, and she had no business feeling attraction toward him or, God help her, even lust. Lifting her head, she gazed into icy blue eyes and could have sworn she caught a hint of compassion. “Let me go,” she snarled. He raised an eyebrow in amusement, but kept his arms around her. “You’ll find, slave, you’ll get farther with me if you use sweet words, not commands. I’m the one who gives the orders. You’ll learn that soon enough.” Every part of her shivered. Whether in anticipation or fear, she had no idea. “This isn’t over, mercenary,” the Veenorian snarled, and Kiley swallowed at the menace filling his tone. Lucien snorted, ignoring him, and the Veenorian walked away, grumbling under his breath. Reaching into his pocket, Lucien pulled out a chip. Waving it over a small handheld device Jenik placed before him, he set the amount, then tossed it toward Jenik, who caught it in midair. “Appreciate the business, Lucien.”

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“Yes, I’m sure you do,” he drawled, then bent to throw Kiley over his shoulder. She gasped for air, struggling to find a more comfortable position as his shoulder bit into her ribs. “What…what are you doing?” she croaked. “Where are you taking me?” Pressing against his back, she tried to raise her head and peer around his shoulders, but they were so damn wide, she couldn’t see anything. “Damn it,” she cried, slapping her palm against his lower back. “Answer me.” Lucien froze and Kiley did as well, wondering if perhaps she’d gone too far. “Woman, if you slap me one more time.” “You’ll what?” she asked before she could stop herself, then immediately regretted it. “I’ll show you what.” He lowered her from his shoulder and dropped into a nearby chair. With a tug at her leash, he pulled her forward and over his lap, her head almost to the floor, her ass in the air. Kiley gasped, struggling to sit back up. Surely he wasn’t going to spank her. His palm landed across her ass with a stinging slap and she cried out in surprise. Mortification burned through her as her gaze caught the leering men who watched the master discipline his slave. This was insane. Another slap and she gulped in air, shocked at the warmth that began to settle in her pussy. Men around them began to close in, cheer with every strike of his palm against her flesh. Wetness began to coat her inner thighs and she whimpered, fighting against the rising tide of desire. This was wrong -- so wrong. Again, he slapped her ass. Men yelled and cheered, their leering facing forever burned into her mind. Her flesh began to sting and burn. The heat of a flush moved along her limbs and up her cheeks as his hand continued to land across her ass with amazing strength. “Stop,” she yelled. “Stop what?” he growled, then slapped her again, making her wince. “Stop, please.” “Nope,” he quipped. “Not what I wanted to hear.” His hand landed across her ass again and she scowled. “I don’t understand.” Tears gathered in her eyes, both from the sting as well as the mortification of her arousal. She prayed he hadn’t noticed. Prayed he couldn’t tell how wet she was getting with every slap of his palm. She never imagined something like this would turn her on, make her hot. Closing her eyes, she tried to ignore the men staring at her, tried to block out their yells of encouragement and pleas to let them have a turn. “What am I, slave?” She struggled to think past the pleasure pain. “My master?” “Yes.” His hand landed across her ass once again. “So stop what?”

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“Stop, Master,” she whimpered, so angry with herself for letting him get to her, making her submit like this. “Please, Master, stop.” He tugged her up and she winced, closing her eyelids tight as he turned her and set her on his lap. “Look at me,” he commanded and she opened her eyes, staring into his, shocked at the lust simmering in the midst of the icy blue. “Remember that,” he murmured. She nodded, rendered speechless by her own lust humming through her veins.

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Chapter Two Lucien tugged a reluctant Kiley behind him as he strode through the halls of his ship toward his private suite of rooms. What the hell had he been thinking to spank her like that? His cock hurt so bad, he thought it might explode. The sight of her pretty pink ass had played havoc with his libido. But pretty Princess Kiley needed to be taught a lesson. She needed to understand just how dangerous the galaxy was and why she had no business running around without an escort. He shoved her into the room ahead of him. Her gaze landed on his first officer and best friend, Syeer, and she came to a dead stop, staring at him warily. Syeer’s eyebrows rose in interest as his eyes scanned her nearly naked form. Lucien had always shared his slaves with Syeer, but for a tiny split second, his stomach knotted at the idea of Syeer touching her. “I brought us a new toy,” Lucien drawled, brushing his feelings aside. “I see that. And as usual, you have excellent taste.” Syeer reached out to finger her hair and she jerked away, recoiling from his touch. “Please.” She turned to face Lucien, her amethyst eyes shining in fear and confusion. “My father can repay every dime you paid for me if you’ll just return me to Delnista.” “Delnista?” he scoffed. “Now why the hell would I want to go there? It would take us two weeks.” Dropping into a leather chair, he watched Kiley pale. God, she was gorgeous. Long, honey blonde hair, smooth tan complexion and a perfectly curved body his hands itched to explore despite the fact he had no business doing so. He hated royals and monarchs, though Kiley seemed different than most. She had strength, courage, and at times, more bravado than she should. “Besides, what man on Delnista would have that much money?”

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She swallowed and crossed her arms over her chest. “My father would.” “Would he now?” Reaching into the bowl on the table beside him, he grabbed a handful of nuts and plopped one into his mouth. If he didn’t do something with his hands, he’d end up touching her again. He couldn’t remember the last time he was this attracted to a woman. Syeer paced behind her, an amused expression on his face as he silently listened to the two of them. Lucien’s gaze narrowed as he watched his friend study her ass. “Yes, he would,” Kiley replied, pulling Lucien from his thoughts. “And what does your father do that he would be willing to part with that much? We are, after all, not just talking about the ten thousand kilnotics I’m out, but my time as well. And my time is quite valuable. Perhaps I would find fucking your pussy a much better repayment.” She gasped, her eyes narrowing into tiny slits. “How dare you!” “I dare a lot, slave, you’ll soon find that out.” “My father is king of Delnista. You’ll be sorry you ever laid eyes on me!” “King?” Syeer snickered. Lucien chuckled at her anger, mesmerized with how her eyes glowed and her skin flushed an adorable shade of pink. “Is he now? So I guess that would make you a princess? Tell me, Princess…” His smile died as he stared at her. “How did you find yourself kidnapped? Surely you weren’t out alone, without a guard.” “We were robbed. My chaperone was killed trying to protect me. It was stupid, I know. But my father really will pay whatever price you want.” She glared at Syeer over her shoulder before shifting slightly so he was no longer directly behind her. Syeer’s amused gaze met his and they shared a knowing grin. Lucien stood and walked toward her. Amethyst eyes widened in trepidation as she stepped away, backing herself toward the wall. “Not everything is about money, Princess,” he purred. Raising his hands, he pinned her against the wall. The nervous rise and fall of her breasts caused her nipples to brush against his chest, making blood pound through his veins like hot lava. Inhaling, he drew in her flowery scent mixed with the musky smell of her arousal. Her eyes darted between him and Syeer, who leaned casually against the wall next to them, watching. “Maybe Syeer and I would prefer to take our payment from these luscious curves.” He lowered one hand and brushed his thumb across her nipple. She swallowed, her gaze locked on his, her tongue peeking out to lick across her full kissable lips and every part of him jerked to life. “You can’t be serious. Both of you plan to use me?”

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He shouldn’t be doing this. He really should leave her alone, but he liked teasing her, liked seeing that spark of lust just under the surface. She had passion, and he’d bet his last dollar she was a wildcat in bed. “That’s what we do. Share our slaves.” Syeer leaned forward and quickly nipped at her ear. He pulled away, but her body remained tense and her breathing became even more erratic. They would be stuck together for two weeks until he could get her home. Surely he deserved a little fun on his trip. Not to mention the fact she deserved a lesson. He would tell her soon enough who he was. For now, he would let her be afraid. The experience would make her think twice about leaving again. “You don’t believe me, do you?” she whispered. “Neither of you.” He shared a lazy half grin with Syeer. “Now what would make you think that? Tell me, slave. Have you ever been fucked by two men at once? How about being fucked while someone watches? Does exhibitionism turn you on? Make you hot? It does my first officer. Doesn’t it, Syeer?” “I love watching Lucien fuck our slave,” Syeer drawled, dragging the backs of his fingers down her cheek. Anger made her eyes sparkle. “Neither of you will touch me. Get away from me, you dirty prick.” “That’s Master,” he growled and used his knee to shove her thighs apart and press upward against the heat of her mound. She rose to the tips of her toes with a squeal, her hands flying to his shoulders to regain her balance. He lowered his head so that they were nose to nose. “You will refer to me as Master unless I say otherwise, and as far as touching goes, I’ll touch you any way and anywhere I damn well please. I paid ten thousand kilnotics for you and I’ll be damned if you’ll deny me that privilege.” Her lips set in a firm line as she raised her chin, openly defying him. “Do you want another spanking, Princess? I really don’t think you do. At least not now, because once I’m done spanking that pretty full ass of yours, I’ll fuck it.” Her eyes widened and her chest expanded against his on an intake of breath. God, the woman was going to drive him insane. “Answer me!” She flinched slightly, then narrowed her eyes. “I do not want another spanking…Master,” she added with a snarl. It took everything in him to not grin at her. She had spunk, he’d certainly give her that. Syeer, on the other hand, grinned in a way that made Lucien nervous. Like a cat who’d just snared the ever elusive canary. “That’s a shame,” Lucien murmured. “Maybe I’ll spank you later.” “I’m sorry to interrupt, Captain.”

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Lucien turned his head slightly to stare at one of his officers, but kept Kiley pinned to the wall. “What is it?” The officer swallowed. “We’re receiving a message from…from your contact on Tilarus.” He nodded. “I’ll be right there.” The officer left the room and Lucien turned his gaze back to Syeer, who watched him with curiosity, as though waiting for something. With a leer, he moved his attention back to his slave. “Looks like our playtime is over, but I’ll be back later.” He traced her lower lip with the pad of his thumb while she watched him warily. “Make sure you’re ready for us, slave. We want you wet and willing to do our every bidding.” With that, he released her and left the room, Syeer close behind. Outside in the hall, he frowned at his friend’s amused grin. “What? She needs a lesson,” Lucien argued. “Hey, I’m not arguing,” Syeer said with a chuckle. “What made you decide to teach her a lesson?” “It just came to me when I saw you standing in my quarters. What were you doing in there, by the way?” “Looking for the electronic charts you took from the bridge last night.” “Did you find them?” Syeer pulled them from his pocket and waved them before putting them back. “Yep. Now back to Kiley.” Lucien rolled his eyes. “I don’t know why you’re bothering to roll your eyes. I saw how you looked at her.” He pursed his lips, his jaw tightening as he stepped onto the turbochute. “I see,” Syeer said, following him. “Refusing to answer is a sure sign --” “That I don’t want to talk about it,” Lucien interrupted. “I was going to say that she makes you nervous.” “She does not make me nervous.” One corner of Syeer’s mouth twitched and Lucien sighed, wondering if his friend would ever give up on trying to cure him of his mistrust of royal women. “How long are we going to keep this up?” Syeer asked. Lucien frowned. “Keep what up?” Syeer turned to look at him, his gaze a mask of pure innocence. “Teaching Kiley a lesson.” He shrugged, wondering that himself. “Until I become bored with it.”

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Syeer snorted. “Have you really looked at her? I could never be bored with that body. I know you noticed.” “So? What’s the matter, Syeer? Jealous?” Syeer rolled his eyes. “You’re great at diversion.” “And you’re like a dog with a bone.” “She’s a princess,” Syeer continued as though Lucien hadn’t even said anything. “More than likely she’s a virgin, so I doubt you’ll want to go too far with this.” “She’s not a virgin.” Syeer raised an eyebrow as they climbed from the turbochute and stepped onto the bridge. “And how do you know that?” “Delnista princesses are given a harem on their sixteenth birthday.” “Damn,” Syeer murmured, then whistled. “I don’t know that I would want to be in your shoes, then.” “My shoes? Are you not in on this little game?” Lucien asked in amusement. “You couldn’t run me off,” Syeer drawled. “But if she has a harem, what makes you think the two of us will scare her?” Lucien snorted. “She may have had a harem, but that woman has never been dominated or shared.”

***** Kiley sank slowly to the floor and rubbed her trembling hands along her thighs. Were they really not going to take her back? She had to find a way out of here. Turning to the large window that ran along the wall, she watched the stars whip by with a sinking heart. They were already on their way to whatever part of the galaxy he chose. She would have to wait until he stopped somewhere. But what about until then? She wasn’t a virgin. Hadn’t been for quite some time, so the idea of sex didn’t frighten her. To be honest, it was her reaction to Lucien that scared the hell out of her. The other man was gorgeous, too. Tall and lean with eyes so green they reminded her of the summer grass back home. He had short white hair and his skin had a reddish hue. He was obviously from Karna and just as handsome as Lucien, but in a different way. Lucien had a much more dominant nature, controlling, sexual. No man had ever talked to her the way he did. No man had ever dared touch her like he did unless he was told to. Was that it? Was it the fact she had no control over the situation? She’d heard other women talk of dominance in a man, being bound and held captive, shared. Shaking her head, Kiley determined it wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. At least, so far.

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Letting out a ragged breath, her gaze wandered around the room. There was no doubt the man had money. The wooden furnishings screamed wealth and prestige, which surprised her. She imagined mercenaries as nothing more than pirates. The comforts and deep rich tones of burgundy, gold, and blue showed another side to the hard captain. The door slid open, pulling her from the confusing thoughts fumbling through her mind and she quickly covered herself. A young skinny boy that looked all of fourteen with curling dark hair and blushing cheeks set a tray on the table. Without looking at her, he spoke softly. “The captain suggested you eat. Said you would need your strength.” She scowled in agitation at the captain’s arrogance. “Did he now?” “Yes, ma’am.” With a nod, the boy left, closing the door behind him. She tried to ignore the food, but her growling stomach protested. How long exactly it had been since she’d last eaten, she wasn’t sure. But she definitely wasn’t used to going this long without something. Sighing, she stood and strolled over to the tray. Lifting the lid, she stared in surprise at the array of food and inhaled deeply the various scents. Even a small bottle of wine sat in the corner of the tray, a crystal goblet next to it. Did he want her drunk? Maybe she should be. Although, she had to admit that the idea of such a gorgeous man pleasuring her did have merit. There wasn’t one man in her harem that came anywhere close to Lucien in looks. Once she was wed, her harem would be released. Which truthfully, they would probably be thrilled to hear. She hadn’t used them much lately. Placing the lid to the side, she sat in the chair, staring silently at the food. Should she eat it? Her stomach again growled, letting its opinion be known. She did need to keep her strength up, not for the sex, but to find a way out. Her flesh heated thinking about sex with Lucien. He screamed dominance, arrogance, and his friend looked at her in a way that made her flesh burn with unwanted stirrings of desire. She’d never had to deal with men like them and quite frankly wasn’t sure she was up for the task. Would he beat her if she refused him? Reaching out, her trembling fingers closed over the silver fork. Could she use this as a weapon? Should she? Licking her lips, she went over her options in her mind. She had no idea how long it would be before he docked somewhere and she could escape. She would have to play things by ear, see what happened, and go from there since he’d refused to take her home. But no matter what, she could not let him see what he did to her or how much he turned her on.

***** Lucien strolled into the room and Kiley tensed in apprehension as she watched him approach from her position on the small sofa. He wore the same black leather pants and

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white shirt, his hair long and falling down his back like a cape, his eyes cold and assessing. He glanced at her now empty plate and nodded. “Good. I see you ate. Was it to your satisfaction?” She remained quiet, her lips tightly closed, her face a mask of indifference. “Giving me the silent treatment?” Again, she didn’t speak, just stared at him. “No matter,” he said with a shrug. “You’ll be screaming soon enough.” She opened her lips to say something, and he raised his eyebrow in interest. “Yes, you have something you would like to say…Princess?” She clamped her mouth closed and frowned, which only served to amuse Lucien. With a huff of exasperation, she turned her attention to the stream of stars outside the window. The door slid open and Lucien sighed. “Ah, there’s my dinner.” Turning, she saw the same young boy bring a tray in full of the same foods she had eaten earlier and place it on the table, then retrieve the empty one. “Thank you, Sam,” Lucien said, the soft smile on his face completely changing his looks, diminishing the harsh lines across his forehead. The boy beamed at his captain and practically skipped from the room. Kiley pursed her lips, surprised at the kindness he’d shown Sam. “Will you be relieved to hear Syeer will not be joining us tonight?” he asked. She remained silent, mulling that question over in her mind. Was she? Truthfully, yes. She’d spent the better part of the last hour mentally preparing herself to deal with the two of them. Now she found herself dealing with only one, but not really any better off. “Come here, slave,” he ordered and she blinked, staring at him in surprise. “Now,” he commanded in a harsher tone and she frowned. With a scowl, he threw his napkin down and began to stand. “I’m coming,” she quickly replied, jumping to her own feet. The last thing she wanted was another spanking. Her ass still stung from the last one. “That’s yes, Master. Must I remind you every time?” “No.” He cocked an eyebrow as he sat back down in his chair. “No, Master,” she corrected, though it galled her to do so. The damn prick was going to be the death of her. “Feed me.” “Excuse me?” she asked without thinking. He sent her a firm look that spoke volumes. This man didn’t like to be questioned. “I said feed me.”

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Shock made her stiffen. Surely he was joking. “Now, slave, before it gets cold.” Clenching her jaw, she reached onto the plate and grabbed a piece of meat. Holding it before his lips, she waited impatiently for him to grab it. Instead, he leaned back in the chair, opening his lips, and waited for her to place it on his tongue. Anger burned through her veins, tightening her muscles. This had to be the most humiliating thing she’d ever done. With a huff of aggravation, she placed it on his tongue, then quickly pulled her hand away as though loath to touch him. His eyes crinkled in amusement as he chewed. “This just kills you, doesn’t it?” “This is degrading,” she grumbled and reached for a fork. “I’d prefer you use your hands,” he said. “Why?” she asked in curiosity. Was he actually afraid she’d hurt him? “Are you questioning me?” “I just asked why.” “That’s questioning me. Take off your thong,” he commanded and plucked a piece of fruit from the plate. “What?” “I said,” he growled with menace, “take off your thong.” Her heart raced wildly at what he might have in mind. “Are you going to punish me because I asked why?” she snapped. He chewed slowly, studying her. “No. I plan to eat your pussy for dessert. Now take off your thong.” She gasped, her eyes widening in shock. He planned to what? “And if I refuse?” “Then I’ll take it off for you.” When she didn’t move, he reached for the knife. She gasped and began to back away, but he reached out and tugged at the flimsy material, holding her in place. Slipping the knife between the material and her skin, he cut it easily on both sides and slung it from her body, letting it fall to the floor. “Damn you,” she hissed, embarrassment inflaming her entire body. With a snort, he grabbed her wrist and tugged her toward him. “Straddle my lap, and slave, if you don’t do it instantly, you’ll feel the palm of my hand against your ass again.” With growing mortification and seething in anger, she straddled his lap, letting her pussy rest against his hard thighs. “That’s much better,” he purred. “Now finish feeding me.” “You dirty, rotten, son of a --” “Careful,” he said, pinning her with a hard stare.

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Clamping her lips closed, she turned to the side to grab another piece of meat. Turning back to him, she meant to thrust it down his throat, but he must have realized her intent. With a devilish grin, he grabbed her wrist and guided her hand to his mouth slowly. Opening his lips, he wrapped them around her fingers, sucking the meat from them, then glided his tongue around her knuckles sensually, his eyes watching her closely. She could hardly breathe. Every part of her felt as if it were on fire. His mouth was warm, his tongue soft like velvet, and when his teeth nipped at the tip, she swallowed down a whimper of lust. What was he doing to her? Why couldn’t she stop herself from wanting him? “Another,” he commanded softly and without a word, she turned and used her fingers to scoop up what looked like whipped potatoes. Holding it before his mouth, he shook his head. “Put it on your breasts.” “What?” she whispered. “Your breasts, slave. Must I do it for you?” With a shake of her head, she looked down and smeared the potatoes high on her breasts, nowhere near her aching nipples. He chuckled. “Apparently I do.” Using his napkin, he wiped the food away. “Now do it again and this time put it here.” He brushed his fingers across her breasts, just above her nipples, and she bit down on her lip. He wanted it there? Oh, God help her. She tried to hold her fingers steady as she smeared the food across the top of her nipple. She couldn’t believe this was happening to her and she shot him an angry scowl to cover her growing desire. Never breaking eye contact, he leaned forward and drew his tongue out, swiping at the food and her sensitive flesh. She bit down on her lower lip to keep from moaning and letting him know how much this was getting to her. Without warning, his thighs shifted, spreading hers. She inhaled a sharp gulp as cool air from the room brushed across her aching pussy lips. After licking her breast clean, he moved to the underside, nipping at the sensitive skin with his teeth. She reached behind her, gripping the table hard. A knot began to build in her stomach and she tried to focus on her anger, her loathing, anything to keep him from getting to her. He may use her body, but she’d be damned if she’d enjoy it. “Very nice, slave,” he murmured, then licked his tongue across her engorged nipple. She cried out in surprise, but quickly caught herself, biting down on her tongue to remain quiet. Warm strong palms moved up her thighs, creating goose bumps in their wake, and she held her breath. One hand slid between her thighs and she closed her eyes, the taste of blood filling her mouth as her teeth sank into her lower lip. “My,” he purred, his breath hot against her neck, his fingers sliding through the cream coating her pussy. “I believe you like being used as a plate, don’t you, slave?” She shook her head in denial and he chuckled.

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“Such a slick wet pussy.” He separated her labia, gently stroking her weeping entrance and she shivered, still biting down on her lip. His mouth moved back to her breasts, his tongue swiping and feasting on the hard, puckered nipples. One finger pressed forward into her pussy and her hips jerked of their own accord, wanting more -- needing more. “Oh, yes,” he murmured, pressing his finger deep into her throbbing vagina. “Nice and tight. Hot. I bet you’ll like my cock inside you, won’t you, slave? Stretching you. And I will stretch you.” His words made her tremble in delight. His fingers made her want to scream for more. He knew exactly what buttons to push to make her wild and she hated herself for liking it. Putting his hands at her waist, he lifted her to the glass table. “Lie back,” he ordered roughly. For a second, she remained still, unsure, wanting desperately to fight him but at the same time wanting more of the pleasure he offered. He took the decision from her by putting his palm against her chest and gently pushing her to her back. The cold of the glass against her heated back sent a shock wave of sensation to her core that she attempted to downplay. Gazing up at the ceiling, she struggled to remain indifferent. But his mouth -- oh, God, his mouth made her squirm. Cupping the underside of one breast, he pressed it upward and licked his tongue around her engorged tip. Her back arched, thrusting her mound further into his mouth for more. He backed away, teasing her, letting his lips and teeth work a path down her stomach. She panted, her fingers clawing at the edge of the table. His palms pressed against the inside of her thighs, widening them, and she whimpered softly, anxious for the touch he held just out of her reach. Hot breath blew across her labia and her hips jerked in reflex, trying to get closer to his mouth. “Is that a whimper of delight…or dread?” he teased. She clamped her lips tightly closed and kept her gaze on the ceiling. “Such a stubborn little thing,” he murmured, then bit the inside of her thigh. Her leg muscles trembled and she swallowed the desire to moan, to scream at him to make her come. “But I’ll break you,” he whispered against her pussy, making her pant in anticipation.

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Chapter Three Lucien inhaled her heavenly scent and silently counted to ten to keep his sanity in check. God, he wanted to fuck her -- bury his cock into her dripping pussy balls deep until she screamed. He hadn’t meant for it to go this far, but now that it had, he couldn’t stop until he tasted her, fucked her with his tongue. He wanted to hear her cries as she came down his throat. He prided himself on his control. Not once had he lost it with a woman, but damned if he wasn’t close with this one. There was something about her, something that tugged at the cold wall he kept around his heart. He had everything he wanted in his life; he didn’t need a woman, didn’t want the aggravation a woman would bring. Without looking too closely at his ragged emotions, he used the tips of his fingers to separate her labia and licked up her slit with one long, slow swipe, ending at her swollen clit. She gasped loudly, lifting her hips from the table to grind against his face. Oh, yeah. This was what he wanted. He wanted her wild, wanton, and begging. “Such a sweet pussy,” he whispered and swiped the flat of his tongue across her clit. She whimpered, lifting one shoulder to roll slightly to her side. With one hand against her lower stomach, he held her down and defenseless. “I want to tongue fuck this pussy,” he murmured, pulling her labia into his mouth and sucking before letting her go with a pop. “I want to feast on your cream.” True to his word, he stabbed his tongue inside her, licking away at her essence. Her cries were muffled as she bit down on her lip to keep her mouth closed and he smiled to himself at just how much she fought this, how much she fought him. Removing his hand from her stomach, he thrust two fingers inside her and she bucked wildly. He hissed as her tight walls clamped around his knuckles, sucking them deeper inside her. “God in heaven,” he growled and pressed deeper.

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He had to watch her, see her face when she came. Lifting above her, he set a slow rhythm with his hand, pulling almost out, then thrusting back in deep. “Open your eyes, slave. I want you to see who’s pleasuring you, who’s making you come. Look at me.” Her lids opened slowly and she stared up at him with cloudy, passion-filled eyes almost lavender in color. God, she was beautiful and his stomach knotted with possessiveness. Pulling back, he thrust forward with his fingers hard, filling her deep. She cried out, lifting her hips from the table. “Like that, do you?” he purred, then did it again, curving his fingers so they brushed across her G-spot. “Answer me.” “Ye…yes,” she panted. “Yes, what?” he growled, slowing his thrusts. She grumbled incoherently and he grinned. “Yes, what, slave?” he persisted. “Please,” she whimpered, trying to work her pussy against his hand and find release, but he held back. “Say it.” She shook her head. “No.” “Say it,” he whispered and thrust again, pushing deep, scraping his nails along the inside of her channel. “Say it and I’ll give you what you want. Don’t, and I’ll keep you here all night, hovering just off the edge. Say it,” he commanded. With a sob, she spat. “Yes, Master. God, please make me come.” Growling, he lowered his head between her legs and latched onto her clit, sucking hard and finger fucking her even harder. She exploded around him, screaming as her release barreled through her. Her sweet cream filled his mouth and he lapped greedily, licking away every drop, savoring her taste. Her hips bucked and rotated against his face, her pussy pulsed around his fingers, milking them like they would his cock and he gritted his teeth, wanting to feel it around his shaft, wanting to bury himself so deep inside her she’d think she was choking. Slowly, her body and cries quieted, but his body was still raging out of control. If he didn’t calm himself down, he’d hurt her in his lust and probably scare the hell out of her. He took a deep breath, resting his forehead against the soft flesh of her lower stomach. The com in his room beeped and he tensed. “Shit,” he snapped. “What!” “Sorry, Cap, but we have a problem.” He stood up straight, his body going to immediate attention. “What kind of problem?” “I think you should come to the bridge.” “Son of a bitch,” he growled. “I’ll be right there.” The com beeped again, signaling its disconnect and he dragged a hand down his face. “Looks like you get another reprieve, slave. Get some rest while you can.”

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Without looking at her, he strode from the room.

What the hell just happened? She tried to sit up, but couldn’t. Her limbs were weak, her body sated beyond anything she’d felt before. Not one man in her harem had ever given her an orgasm like that. Kiley closed her eyes and slapped her forehead with her palm. God, she was such a damned idiot. She’d given in to him, done exactly what she’d sworn she wouldn’t -- begged for it. How had he done it? How had he made her lose herself like that? She had to be better -- stronger. She knew there would be a next time and she steeled her spine, swearing to herself he wouldn’t get to her again.

***** “What’s going on?” Lucien asked as he strode onto his bridge. The night crew noticed his surly mood and wisely gave him a wide berth. Syeer turned to stare at him and smiled knowingly. “Sorry I interrupted again.” Lucien put his hands on his hips and glared at his first officer. “It better be important.” “If you call a trap in the propulsion system important. Seems Milash wasn’t joking when he told you it wasn’t over. If we go into warp, we fry the engines.” “Shit,” Lucien growled. “Can you fix it?” “Not in deep space. I need a dock.” With a nod, Lucien moved to the console and pulled up a map of their location on the small screen. “It will delay us, but Litana has a repair dock. We’ll go there. How long will it take you?” Syeer shrugged. “About two days. Provided we don’t have company.” “Company is a possibility. He’s probably following close by. Scan the surrounding space for his ship’s signature. If the ass is going to try and jump us to get Kiley, I want to be prepared.” “He’s not a very good loser, is he?” “The man has tunnel vision. He gets it in his head he wants something and he’s like a dog with a bone.” Syeer laughed. “You don’t sound very worried.” “I’m not really. Not unless the leech has gotten considerably better over the years.” Lucien dropped into the captain’s chair and spun it to stare out into space, his mind on Kiley. Why couldn’t he stop thinking about her? He could still hear her cries, still smell her on his fingers, and he wanted nothing more than to run back to his room and finish what

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he’d started. For the first time in his career as a mercenary, he couldn’t keep his mind off a woman. “What’s going on, Lucien?” Syeer asked. Lucien rubbed at his forehead. “I’m losing my mind.” Syeer snorted. “I thought that you did that when you abdicated, but that’s just me,” he added with a sideways grin. A grin tugged at Lucien’s lips as well. Many people would say he’d gone loco to turn down being a king, but in his mind, it was the best thing he’d ever done. “Can’t stop thinking about her, can you?” Syeer prodded. Lucien narrowed his gaze and studied his friend closely. Syeer didn’t back down, kept that silly, shit-eating grin on his face that made Lucien want to grit his teeth. “Why do I suddenly feel like I’m the subject of some cosmic joke? Are you in league with Stefan over something? The two of you plotting something I don’t know about?” “Why would we do that?” “Because the two of you have a sick sense of humor and enjoy torturing me, that’s why.” Syeer laughed. “You’re paranoid.” He grunted. “I’m tired.” “Go back to your quarters and get some rest. I can handle things here.” A beep sounded and Syeer glanced at the console. “Sensors picked up Milash’s ship. Thirty thousand light years behind us.” “Traveling on the same heading?” Syeer made a couple of adjustments, then nodded. “Yes.” With a snort, Lucien shook his head. “What’s his fascination with Kiley?” “You’re kidding, right?” “Yeah, I get it, ass. You think she’s gorgeous.” “Unless I’m mistaken, that sounded just a tad possessive, Cap.” Lucien didn’t miss the humor in his friend’s tone and thinned his lips, narrowing his gaze at Syeer. Like it did any good. Syeer wasn’t afraid of him any more than Kiley appeared to be. Shaking his head, Lucien tried to return his thoughts to the problem at hand. “You know Milash as well as I do. It’s not about that.” “Do you think he knows who she is?” “It’s possible.”

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“So you think he’s going to steal her from you so he can return her to Delnista and get the reward? Hmm. Maybe he has gotten a little better over the years. Got to give the worm a little credit for being creative.” Narrowing his eyes, Lucien turned the chair to face his friend. Syeer snorted, his lips twitching at one corner. “Yeah, I thought that would get you.”

***** Shivering, Kiley rummaged through Lucien’s closet looking for something she could wear to ward off the chill. It had gotten cold. Of course, she wasn’t used to walking around naked. Grabbing one of his shirts, she pushed her arms through the sleeves and stared down at herself.

I look ridiculous. The cashmere-like material was soft and hung almost to her knees. The sleeves dangled off the end of her hands and she raised her arms, shaking them so the sleeves would fall to her wrists. With a sigh, she rolled them up, freeing her hands. As she grabbed the collar to pull it closed on the front, she caught the masculine scent clinging to the material. God, it smelled like him. With a huff, she started to take it off, then changed her mind. It was better to be warm than stubborn. The door to his room slid open and she quickly covered herself by crossing the lapels of his shirt over her breasts. The mercenary walked in, took one look at her, and scowled. “I didn’t tell you to dress.” She swallowed, trying to ignore the heat his stare caused to flood to her veins. This man was her captor, her master, a mercenary -- the last person in the world she should feel any kind of attraction to. “I was cold,” she murmured. Clearing her throat, she raised her chin a notch, silently daring him to say something. “Take it off.” Her heart stopped. He wanted her naked? Again? “Excuse me?” He stepped further into the room, his dominating presence filling it so much she took a step back in reflex. The door slid closed behind him and she watched nervously as he moved to light a lamp on the small table next to the leather sofa. “I’m not used to having to repeat myself so much, slave. Perhaps we should have your hearing checked.” “My hearing is just fine, thank you, and my name is Kiley, not slave.” “So it appears I have ruffled the princess’s feathers yet again.”

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He bowed mockingly and she gritted her teeth against the desire to call him a bastard and get herself into more trouble than she already was. “Please forgive me, Your Highness.” He stood straight and pierced her with his cold gaze, heating her flesh. “Now take it off.” She remained rooted to the spot, clenching her trembling fingers into the fabric. If he wanted it off, he’d have to take it off. “As you can see, I make a terrible slave,” she argued reasonably. “I think you should take me home.” He snorted and moved to the other side of the room. “We’ve been through this already.” He removed his shirt and her gaze wandered over his wide back, trim waist, and long black hair. Jagged scars stretched across the tight flesh and she winced, wondering how he’d gotten them. It looked like they had been bad at one time, and part of her softened toward him and the pain he must have been through. Huge corded muscles flexed as he moved, making her mouth water and her stomach tighten. Despite his profession, she couldn’t help but admire his physique . She scowled. If only he’d keep his damned mouth shut. “I know we have -- “ “Kiley,” he growled, his back still facing her. “If that shirt isn’t off your body in two seconds, I swear I’ll rip it off.” Her heart jerked. “You’ll rip your own shirt?” He turned to glare at her, his eyes glowing in frustration, and she forgot to breathe. Immediately, he stalked toward her and she began to back away, suddenly very afraid of what he might do. He appeared furious and she definitely couldn’t trust her own body as she gaped at his smooth muscular chest and washboard stomach. What was wrong with her? Why did his dominating manner make her so hot? She refused to believe this was what she wanted in a man, refused to let him get to her. Stopping, she raised her chin in defiance. Her master grabbed his shirt by the lapels, hauling her toward him on her toes. His nose mere inches from hers, he growled, “I said, take it off.” “I thought you were going to rip it off,” she countered before she could stop herself. Her words shocked her as much as they had him. His eyes widened, then narrowed into hard unyielding slits that made her shudder. “So be it,” he snarled. Setting her on her unsteady feet, he gripped the shirt and quite literally ripped it from her shoulders. She gasped, trying to use her hands as cover, not only against the cool air of the room, but from his heated gaze.

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Grabbing her wrists, he pinned them over her head, then turned her to face the wall. With a slight shove, he placed her palms against it, his hot chest pressing into her back, his hands over hers to hold them in place. His heat seemed to tear right through her, making her weak. She held her breath, waiting to see what he would do. “You like living on the edge, don’t you…Princess,” he ground out close to her ear. His warm sensual breath fanned along her neck and she swallowed down her desire. It was insane to her that this type of treatment would turn her on. She refused to believe it or accept it. “Do whatever you want, you bastard. I will get away from you and my father will see that you pay.” He used his knee to spread her thighs. “Will he now?” he murmured. “How do you know he won’t pay me to take you off his hands? Looks to me like you’re nothing but trouble. You’re stubborn, willful.” One of his hands skimmed over her hip, leaving goose bumps, and her breath caught in her throat. “I bet you’re spoiled too, aren’t you, Kiley?” His fingers slid between her splayed thighs, stroking through the juices coating her pussy. She closed her eyes against the mortification, the obvious evidence of her arousal. “Admit it,” he purred, his voice lowering to a deep, sexy timbre, making her insides quake. “You’re spoiled. Daddy gives you whatever you want, doesn’t he?” She shook her head in denial, but deep down she knew he was right. She was spoiled and it had been her stubbornness, her impatience, that had gotten her into his whole mess to start with. “I can give you what you want too, Kiley,” he whispered, his fingers gently stroking her labia. “Only I can give you something your father can’t.” Separating her labia, he pushed two fingers deep into her aching pussy. Pressing upward deeper into her channel, he lifted her to her toes, making her gasp as pleasure speared through to her womb. “Like that, don’t you, Princess?” She closed her eyes against the title. He said it as though he didn’t believe her, as though it loathed him to speak it. “Tell me,” he whispered, slowly pulling his fingers out only to thrust them back in, again lifting her to her toes, stretching her almost painfully, but at the same time sending a shot of pleasure up her spine. “How many men have dominated you, made you submit?” “None,” she whispered, shaking her head. She turned to scowl at him over her shoulder. “No one has treated me this way. No one would dare.” “I would dare,” he breathed against her ear, making her shudder. “You’re awfully wet for someone who doesn’t like it. You like it, don’t you…Kiley?”

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This time he said her name much slower, much softer, his deep voice laced with desire and the strain of holding back. His fingers pulled out, then thrust in again and her hips jerked back, wanting more. “Answer me.” She shook her head, biting her lower lip to keep from crying out, to keep from doing exactly what he asked of her. God, she wanted to. She wanted to submit to this man, to do his every bidding, but her pride wouldn’t let her. Removing his fingers, he slapped his palm across the cheek of her ass hard. She cried out, her eyes popping open as the sting of pain made her pussy clench. “Tell me what you want, Kiley…or do you want another little tap of my palm?” “Little tap?” she gasped, then squealed when his palm slapped at her ass again. Tingles of heat sped up her spine, making her legs tremble. “That’s very little in comparison to what I could do.” He slapped her again, this time harder, and juices poured from her pussy to run down the insides of her thighs. Never in her life had she been this turned on, this desperate for relief, this damned embarrassed. His thick fingers moved back to her pussy and she held her breath, knowing the second they slipped inside of her aching channel, she was a goner. She’d lose it. The tip of his fingers spread through the cream at her opening, but didn’t go any further, making her whimper in need. Instead, they slid backward toward the tight opening to her anus. She tensed, a burning need building in the pit of her stomach as he pressed one finger past the tiny entrance. “Nobody has ever taken you here, have they?” he asked and she shook her head, her tongue flicking out to lick her lips. Is that what he planned to do? To take her there as punishment? “We’ll save that for another time then. Right now, I think I want this pussy.” His fingers moved back to her mound, slowly sliding through her drenched labia. “I want to feel these tight walls suck at my cock.” She shuddered, imagining him filling her, giving her what she so desperately needed. “Would you like that, Kiley?” She whimpered, but still didn’t say the words. “Then say it. Say ‘I want you, Master.’ Tell me.” She bit down on her lower lip, trying to ignore how dangerously close his fingers were coming to her clit. “Say ‘Fuck me, Master,’” he growled. Removing his other hand from her wrist, she could feel him fumbling with the zipper to his pants, freeing his cock.

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“Say it, Kiley,” he demanded, teasing her channel with the tips of his fingers, pressing them in ever so slowly. She sobbed, dropping her forehead to the wall. She couldn’t do this. She couldn’t give in. Removing his fingers, he replaced them with the length of his cock, slowly sliding it through her labia, coating it in her juices. Her whole body shuddered in desperate, aching need. “Oh, God,” she groaned, moving her hips in time with his. Bending his head, he sucked at her earlobe, then moved lower to bite gently at the side of her neck. Every part of her tingled and trembled. Even her lips opened to utter the cry of defeat, but she bit down on her tongue and remained silent. He pulled back and tugged at her hips with his hands, lifting her slightly off the floor. The head of his shaft edged into her, taking her breath. “Say it,” he demanded, holding himself back. With a cry, she relented, unable to stop herself and at the same time hating herself for her weakness. “Fuck me,” she sobbed. “Master.” With a loud growl of possession, he thrust forward, filling her balls deep. She cried out, gasping at the sudden fullness that gripped her, the tearing sensation as he stretched her wide to accommodate the thick girth of his cock. Immediately he began to move in hard, demanding thrusts and her body shattered, sending her headlong into an orgasm that threatened to rob her of consciousness. She gulped for air, desperately trying to keep from blacking out as her whole body spasmed, wringing pleasure and pain from her with a loud cry. Vaguely, she realized the scream came from her, but she couldn’t stop it any more than she could stop the man behind her. The man pounding into her, giving her pleasure she never imagined even existed. Her nails dug into the wall, scraping against the unyielding surface as she rode out the multiple waves. Her legs shook, her toes barely touching the floor as his fingers dug into her hips, holding her steady as he wrung every last scream of ecstasy from her weak body. With a shout of his own, he pressed forward, holding himself deep as he spilled his hot semen into her throbbing channel. Her pussy pulsed, sucking at him, taking everything he gave. Sighing, he pressed her further against the wall, burying his head in her neck. She closed her eyes, fighting back the tears of regret that threatened to spill over. “I hate you,” she sighed, resting her forehead against the wall. Lucien stiffened as surprising emotional pain shot right through his chest when she’d uttered those three little words. He’d never been with a woman who had left him feeling so out of control, and he didn’t have a clue what to make of it. What the hell had she done to him? “Hate me all you want. You’ll learn, slave, to do as I say, when I say to do it.”

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“Fuck you,” she growled. He chuckled, thoroughly enjoying her stubbornness. God, she was a handful. Leaning down, he gently nipped at her neck, inhaling her flowery scent mingled with the musky smell of sex. She stiffened and he pressed his cock deeper inside her, smiling as the soft moan passed across her lips. “What princess uses that kind of language?” he teased, fighting a grin. “What would your father say if he heard you speak like that?” “What would my father do to you if he knew what you did?” “Who’s going to tell him? You? Are you going to tell him how I made you submit and call me Master?” She stiffened and for a fleeting second, he felt a pang of regret for saying that. He didn’t fear her father. There were very few people in the galaxy he feared. Kiley’s father was a good man, but something happened three decades ago that changed him, turned him from the battle-trained warrior to a champion of peace and tranquility -- a man who refused violence of any kind. That thought made him surprised at just how feisty Kiley could be. It was obvious Shaba had raised his daughter to be smart, opinionated, strong. Not at all like the sweettempered, docile daughter he’d expected. She was definitely more spoiled than most. A trait Lucien found to be a major turnoff. If he found her to be such a turnoff, then why the hell couldn’t he keep his hands off her? Why couldn’t he stop thinking about her? Wanting her? She sparked life to something inside him he hadn’t felt in years, and it both angered and scared him. God, he didn’t need this. Not now. Not her. She was a damn princess, just like the woman who’d gutted him years ago. Pulling from her warm, wet body, he turned her, then threw her over his shoulder. She weighed practically nothing, despite the curves. She squealed, her hands gripping his waist to keep her forehead from hitting his back. “What are you doing?” she cried. “We’re going to clean up, then go to bed.” “I don’t want to go to bed with you, damn it. Put me down.” “Shut up, Kiley,” he growled and she snarled low in her throat, mumbling. His lips twitched as he fought a grin. “What was that, Princess? I didn’t quite catch it all.” “Go to hell,” she snapped, making him laugh. “If I’m going, you’re going with me.” He set her on her feet in the tile shower. Long blonde hair fell over her angry face and he brushed it back, smiling at her narrowed gaze.

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God, she was stunning angry. Those lavender eyes flashed a brilliant shade of amethyst, making his breath catch. “Besides,” he purred, lifting her chin with the crook of his finger. He kissed her softly, making her gasp in surprise. With a grin he whispered against her mouth, “Would you really want to condemn me to hell after that orgasm you just had? If I’m gone, I can’t do it again.” Reaching behind him, he turned on the water. “Turn around, Kiley,” he murmured. She did, but watched him warily over her shoulder the whole time, which made him want to chuckle. She had every right, he supposed. Even he could admit to being an ass more often than not. “Close your eyes.” After a second’s hesitation, she did and he tugged at her hair, pulling her head back. Water splashed over her head, wetting her hair and sliding down her curves. He watched one droplet as it made its way over her hip and down her thigh. He wanted to follow its path with his hand, his tongue. Feeling himself growing hard again, he turned his attention back to her hair. Filling his hands with soap, he ran his fingers through her tresses, enjoying the feel of the strands as they wrapped around his knuckles. She stiffened and tried to look at him over her shoulder. “What are you doing?” “Be still, Kiley, or you’ll get soap in your eyes.” “You’re washing my hair?” “Yes. That surprises you?” “What do I have to do for you in return?” she snapped His lips twitched in amusement. He could tease her, he supposed, get her all angry again, but he chose not to this time. “You’ve already done it, Kiley. Just be quiet and enjoy it.” Kiley wasn’t quite sure what to make of the enigma behind her. Harsh and cold one minute, soft and tender the next. It made no sense and she struggled against her confusion, her own warring emotions. “How long will you keep me?” she asked and his fingers stilled in her hair. “As long as I wish.” He tugged at her hair gently. “Lean back.” She did and warm water cascaded over her head, down her back, and despite everything, she began to slowly relax. His hands gently worked the soap over her back and hips. Curving around her waist, he washed her ribs and the undersides of her breasts. No one had ever bathed her like this, touched her with such tenderness. Even the men in her harem kept a certain distance and of course never touched her unless they were told. Up until this

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moment, she never even imagined she would want something like this, much less enjoy it. One thing her master had taught her over the last day was just how ignorant sexually she was. “Where did you get the scars on your back?” she asked, glancing at him quickly over her shoulder, trying to ignore the beginning stir of desire that warmed her belly. “It’s a long story,” he replied after a moment’s hesitation. She snorted, rolling her eyes. “It’s not like I’m going anywhere.” He dropped his hands from her body and she felt the loss as if he’d turned his back on her. She had a feeling he had, at least emotionally. “There’s a towel on the counter. Go dry off and get into bed.” Gone was the tenderness; the master had returned. She stared at him in surprise. Did he not want her to bathe him? It’s what she’d expected and if she were honest with herself, what she’d wanted. She would love to explore that wide expanse of chest, those hard planes of his back. In her mind, she imagined following the scars with the tip of her tongue. He’d touched her, but she’d not yet had an opportunity to touch him. He raised an eyebrow as though to say, “Defying me again?” Pursing her lips in agitation, she left the shower before he changed his mind. Her desire had only been a moment of weakness, that’s all. He had a way about him she’d never seen in another man, and it intrigued her. Nothing more. Grabbing the towel, she dried herself off quickly, then headed to the bed. Staring at it, she wondered if he’d be angry if she slept on the couch. She really didn’t think she had the strength to sleep in the same bed with him. Not after her body had just shown her mind how traitorous it could be -- how easily it could be convinced to do what it shouldn’t. “In the bed, slave,” he called from the bathroom. She growled toward the ceiling. He was so damn bossy. “Are you watching me?” “Yes,” he drawled over the sound of the water and she sighed, resigning herself to the bed. The warmth of the sheets surprised her and she ran her hand over the soft velvet material. The bed was heated? Oh, God, it felt like heaven. Snuggling into the covers, she waited in apprehension for her master, scooting as far to the edge as possible. What would he want to do now? The water shut off and she tensed, her breathing shallow and harsh. The bed sank as he entered the covers behind her and placed a hand against her hip. Nothing more, just a simple, soft touch she was sure would keep her awake for hours. “I was nineteen, trying to prove myself to the mercenary who had reluctantly taken me on,” he said quietly.

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She blinked and started to turn. Stopping, she glanced at him over her shoulder. His eyes remained closed, his damp hair flush against his head, his long black lashes resting against his masculine cheeks. Was he thinking back? Remembering? Softly, he continued. “I knew a lot about battle strategy, fighting. I was too cocky and agreed to do something I wasn’t ready to do and knew nothing about.” “What was it?” she asked. Opening his gaze, he stared at her, his eyes full of regret. “I thought I could catch a criminal. The captain decided to give me a chance, but sent one of his men with me. I made a very stupid mistake. One I have never made again. The criminal got away and the man with me was killed during the escape. The whipping was my punishment, as well as my reminder. I haven’t lost a man since.” Her heart actually ached for him, for the pain and guilt he must have felt. To be whipped like that at nineteen. To her, still just a boy in many ways.

He’s my captor. A jerk. A damn mercenary. Don’t like him. Seriously, Kiley. Don’t like him. “Go to sleep, Kiley,” he whispered. Once again, she turned her back to him, but she knew it would be hours before she could sleep.

***** With a snarl of impatience, Milash watched the computer. Lucien had changed course, which meant he’d probably found the trap device in his engines, which is exactly what he’d wanted him to do. He needed him to stop somewhere and hopefully leave the ship with Kiley. Getting his hands on Kiley was the important thing. He couldn’t believe his luck when he’d seen her on that stage. It was the perfect opportunity, or would have been if that pain in his ass, Lucien, hadn’t outbid him. Lucien would have never paid that much money for a slave. It was obvious he knew who Kiley really was and planned to return her to Delnista. Well, not if he could help it, he wouldn’t. Eventually he’d have King Shaba’s daughter and the revenge he’d waited almost thirty years for.

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Chapter Four Kiley awoke with a start and quickly glanced to the other side of the bed. Lucien was gone. With a frown, she wasn’t sure if she was happy or disappointed. “Hello?” Sitting up, she held the sheets to her chest and tried to see into the bathroom. “Lucien?” She shook her head with a grimace. “Master?” God, she hated calling him that. It galled her to no end. Like the damn prick wasn’t arrogant enough. No answer. With a sigh, she looked around the room and noticed the note placed at the foot of the bed atop a small pile of clothes. She raised an eyebrow, shocked after yesterday he would allow her to dress. Leaning forward, she picked up the paper and studied the neat scroll. Nice handwriting, if nothing else.

Kiley, Here are some clothes. Dress quickly. Sam is waiting outside the room to escort you to the bridge. Lucien Wow, Lucien instead of master. Isn’t he in a generous mood? she thought sarcastically. Setting the note aside, she climbed from the bed and lifted the shirt of the outfit. The purple color would go well with her eyes but she was shocked at the design. Off the shoulder and stretchy, which meant it would probably be tight-fitting. Also on the bed were black pants and knee-high boots. Beside the outfit, a small black leather choker with a figure eight loop attached to it. He had to be kidding. A slave collar? No way!

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***** “So what do you think her reaction is going to be?” Lucien harrumphed, but didn’t turn his attention from the computer screen. “Let’s see. Princess, slave collar. What do you think?” Syeer chuckled. “What I think is that you’re enjoying the hell out of this. You love the fight and deliberately do stuff to piss her off. Admit it.” “I admit nothing.” “I notice you’re not denying it, either.” Syeer snickered from behind him. Lucien’s lips twitched slightly. No, he wouldn’t deny it. He did enjoy the fight. More than he thought he would, actually, and the very idea made his chest tighten. He didn’t want to settle down and even if he did, he certainly wouldn’t want to with a princess. Just the thought made him want to vomit. Except… Except when he imagined Kiley by his side. There was no denying the physical attraction -- or the sex. She enjoyed being dominated sexually, although he doubted he’d ever get her to admit it. She had a body he couldn’t find any fault with and a fiery temper he loved. She would certainly make life interesting. God, what he wouldn’t give to be there when she noticed the collar. She would be livid. “Ten kilnotics says she comes in here without the collar,” Lucien said with a grin as he turned to stare at his friend over his shoulder. Syeer laughed. “I’ll take that bet.” The door to the bridge opened and Sam led a slightly hesitant Kiley onto the bridge, her gaze wandering around the small but brightly lit room. The color he’d chosen looked good on her and deepened the color of her eyes. Her hair hung around her shoulders in soft curls. The material of her clothes fit perfectly, clinging to her and accentuating her luscious curves. Lucien was speechless until, that is, he saw the absence of the collar. “I think you forgot something, Princess,” he drawled. Her eyes landed on him and narrowed. “I refuse to wear a slave collar.” Syeer stopped next to him and passed a chip into his palm. “Looks like you were right.” Her gaze narrowed even further, her cheeks reddening in anger. “You bet on me?” Lucien grinned. “It was too good to pass up. I just can’t believe you actually had the balls to do it.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Do what?” His smile faded. “Defy me.” “Maybe if I do it enough you’ll take me home.”

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“Don’t count on it.” He gaze shifted to Sam. “Did you bring it?” “Yes, sir.” Sam pulled another collar from his pocket and handed it to him. Kiley’s eyes widened as he walked toward her. Sparks of anger and defiance shone in her stare, mesmerizing him. Oh, yes. He definitely enjoyed the fight. Kiley stiffened as Lucien moved behind her and clasped the collar around her neck. With the click of the clasp, she closed her eyes, inwardly wanting to slither onto the floor in a heap. A damn slave. For some reason it hadn’t seemed real until just then. From the second she’d seen him, standing tall, his hair secured at the back of his neck in a ponytail, his black pants hugging thick thighs, his shirt open partway down his chest, she knew he was her weakness. The one man in her life who could turn her to mush, especially when his eyes wandered over her, interest shining in their icy depths. She was so angry with herself. Angry for leaving without her guard, angry for submitting to this arrogant jerk. Would she ever be able to fight him? Truly fight him? “That’s better,” he murmured. His fingers brushed across the flesh of her shoulder, making her insides quake. “Why do I even need the collar?” she spat. “So the people of the station will know you belong to me.” Her heart jerked in excitement and she spun around to face him. “What? We’re leaving the ship?” Was this her chance to get away? He silently studied her, then shook his head. “Try not to appear so excited, slave. It gives you away.” Leaning closer, he whispered. “Mark my words. You will not escape me.” “Doesn’t mean I can’t give it a try, now does it?” she sneered. His lips twitched and she wondered if he were fighting a smile. He found her funny? “So glad I amuse you,” she snapped, crossing her arms over her chest again. He grinned devilishly. “Kiley, you have no idea the endless joy and amusement you have brought into my life.” With a huff of exasperation, she turned her back on him and studied the bridge. She refused to be baited by his mocking. The room consisted of two levels, but was small with a massive window overlooking the looming space beyond. , Kiley suspected Lucien could control everything from this room with minimal crew. Two men stood on the upper portion, watching her with leers that made her want to shiver. In front of her stood the man who had been in Lucien’s room when she first came onboard. “You remember Syeer, my first officer,” Lucien said from behind her.

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She shrugged one shoulder in disinterest. “You’re such a damn jerk, I’m amazed you were able to find a crew at all.” Syeer chuckled. “Looks like your slave has a mouth on her.” “Yes,” Lucien drawled and Kiley immediately tensed. Had she gone too far? “Perhaps we should show her what we do with smart-ass slaves?” Syeer asked. Swallowing, Kiley began to back away, her gaze skirting around the bridge, looking for any avenue of escape. She had no idea what they had in mind and frankly, didn’t want to find out. “Gentlemen,” Lucien said with a nod toward the turbo lift. “Please leave us.” The men on the upper level nodded with obvious disappointment and turned to leave, taking her young escort with them. “Wait,” she said, her gaze shooting to Syeer, who wasn’t leaving. “You’re not going to spank me again.” “No.” Lucien’s lips spread into a purely predatory grin, making her stomach drop. “I have other plans for you.” “I am the daughter of a king,” she snapped, backing into the computer panel behind her. “My father will have your head when he finds out what you’ve done.” “So you keep saying, but as you can see, my head is still attached. You haven’t enjoyed yourself?” Lucien asked. “From your screams of pleasure, I got the impression that you did.” “Screw you,” she snarled. “Damn, she’s stubborn,” Syeer chuckled. “Either that or you’re slipping. Most of your slaves are much more docile by now.” “Yes, she’s quite the challenge.” Lucien leered, letting his gaze wander down her now trembling body. “And I do so love a challenge.” Kiley swallowed, her own body heating as she imagined all the things he might do to her as punishment. How was she going to get herself out of this mess? “I thought we were going to the station.” She was grasping at straws, she knew, but could she possibly distract him? “We are, after we’re done dealing with you.” “We?” she croaked. “Yes.” Lucien nodded once, his eyes narrowing into hot, searing slits. “We.” Her heart began to hammer away in real fear. Yes, she had five men in her harem, but not once had she taken them more than one at a time. Is that what he was suggesting? So far he’d used sex as her punishment, making her submit, and in some ways it had been the most exhilarating sex she’d ever experienced. But two men? No. She shook her head. “What are you saying no to, Kiley?” Lucien asked, his voice dripping with amusement.

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“What do you have planned for me? Are the two of you going to spank me?” Syeer grinned. “Now there’s an idea.” “See if there’s anything in the weapons locker we can use.” “What?” she gasped. Lucien wrapped his fingers around her wrist and tugged her forward. She resisted as best she could, but he held tight, pulling her along behind him toward an open door at the far side of the bridge. Slinging her into the room, he commanded. “Take off your clothes.” “No,” she snapped without thinking and cringed at the fire sparking in his gaze. God, he was gorgeous pissed. “Come again?” he snarled, his deep voice rumbling through his chest. She clenched her hands at her sides to hide the trembling. “You can’t be serious.” “I’m dead serious, Kiley.” Syeer strolled into the room, two pairs of handcuffs in one hand. In the other, he held a leather handle with several strips of leather dangling from the ends. Her stomach plummeted to the floor. They planned to whip her? She shook her head, her hands lifting to hold her tightening stomach. “No.” The corner of Syeer’s lips lifted. “She looks a little pale, Cap. Have you not explained to her how much she’ll like this?” “Like it?” She gaped. “Even if I had, Syeer, she wouldn’t believe me, so why bother?” Lucien stepped forward and reached out to undo the buttons of her top. In reflex, Kiley slapped at his hand. Lucien froze and, despite her shock at what she’d done, she raised her chin in defiance. With a snort of amusement, Lucien gripped the edges of her shirt and tugged, ripping it in two and away from her body. She gasped, trying to cover her bare breasts with her hands but Lucien would have none of that. Grasping one wrist, he lifted it, his gaze scanning the ceiling. “There,” he said with a nod of his head. “Cuff one wrist to this side of the fixture, the other wrist to that side.” Reaching out, he took the cuff Syeer handed him and tugged at her arm. Anxiety raced through her veins, choking her as she struggled against them. Syeer grabbed her other arm, lifting it as well. Once secured, she dangled from the pewter fixture on her toes, her breasts heaving in anger. “Very nice,” Lucien purred. Sticking his finger in his mouth, he wet it, then slowly drew it across her nipple. Kiley hissed as sharp tingles of awareness made her peaks harden. Anger cursed through her, intensifying every little sensation, every little prickle of desire.

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What kind of sick perverted nutcase was she? “I think I like you tied up and at my mercy,” Lucien drawled as he slowly made his way around her. As he came back around to the front, she kicked at him. Lucien caught her foot easily, lifting it to his waist. Losing her balance, she tugged at her bindings, trying to right herself. “Look, Syeer, she must wish for me to remove her shoes.” Syeer chuckled under his breath and turned his head, but not before she caught his grin. “Damn it, Lucien,” she growled. He wagged a finger. “Uh-uh. That’s ‘Master,’ and three more lashes for your insubordination.” Removing her shoe, he dropped it to the floor. “Other foot.” She remained still, shooting daggers at him. “So be it,” he said with a sigh and leaned down to grab her other foot. She tried to keep it out of his reach, but a quick flick of the leather strap against her lower back just above her pants made her freeze. It hadn’t been hard, but hard enough make her skin tingle. “Thank you, Syeer,” Lucien drawled in amusement as he removed her remaining shoe, and she gritted her teeth. “Anytime.” Glancing to her left, she shot Syeer a murderous glare. He smiled, completely unconcerned. “Both of you are damn arrogant, filthy -- “ Another swat with the whip made her gasp as it landed against her back, the edges curling around to slap against the side of her breast. Sharp tingles moved along her spine as she fought to ignore the pleasurable sensation weaving through her body. Every part of her felt at war with itself as she struggled to remain aloof. “I think the pants should be next, don’t you?” Lucien asked, raising an eyebrow at Kiley as though he expected a rebuttal. “If she tries anything, Syeer, give her a little whack on the ass.” Kiley clamped her mouth closed, her jaws aching from the force of biting down on her tongue. His fingers made quick work of the fastenings and tugged her pants down her hips. The cool air of the room washed over her legs, then between them to brush across her pussy. Closing her eyes, she tried to ignore their lustful stares. But try as she might, she couldn’t stop thinking about sex, about Lucien having his way with her. What about Syeer? Did he plan to share her with him? He must if he was still here. Swallowing, she tried to stop the wave of desire that thought sent straight to her womb.

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She’d imagined it, thought about it, but never had the nerve. That wouldn’t matter now. If that’s what they wanted, she would be helpless against them and it was that helplessness that made her so wet, so intrigued. A hard slap landed across the cheek of her ass, pulling her from her thoughts. “I didn’t do anything,” she snapped. “I know.” Syeer moved around to stand behind Lucien and smiled at her. “I just wanted to slap your ass. You have such a nice one.” Lucien chuckled. “That she does.” He dropped her pants to the floor and stared at her with such a hot, hungry look her heart skipped. “She has a nice pussy, too. Tight and hot.” Stepping forward, he slid his hand between her thighs, cupping her mound. She flinched, embarrassment heating her cheeks. He would know. “And wet,” he drawled, a slight hint of surprise tingeing his voice. Separating her labia, Kiley held her breath as Lucien slid his fingers through her juices, coming ever closer to her throbbing nub. One finger pushed into her depths and she closed her eyes, fighting the desire to moan. Pulling it out, he waited until she looked at him before sucking his finger into his mouth, licking her cream from his knuckles. She dangled, mesmerized. She couldn’t take her eyes off his mouth as she remembered how he used it before to make her come. “Shall we start your punishment?” She remained silent and he moved slowly behind her. “Kiley. What have I told you about answering me?” Again, she remained silent, refusing to give in. He slapped his hand across her ass, shocking her and forcing a startled cry from her lips. “Ow,” she snapped, her body swinging slightly from the force. “All right, fine, start with it, get it over with.” For her smart mouth, Syeer swung the strap, hitting her across her ribs. The sting made her shiver, but she remained quiet. Another swat caught her across her breasts, making her gasp. “Want Syeer to kiss it and make it better?” Lucien purred, but Kiley kept her gaze toward the far wall, refusing to look at either of them. This was insane. How could something like this turn her on? They weren’t really hurting her. The slaps stung, but not enough to really hurt. Shock was more like it -- shock and pleasure. Syeer strolled forward and ran his tongue across her nipple, soothing the sting away. Her head dropped back as warmth began to spread through her limbs. Moving away, he again swung the strap, catching her around the hip. The sting made her flesh tingle and she squirmed within her bindings, becoming restless as an all-consuming need began to build in her womb.

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Another swing, this one landing across her ass, and she bit her lip to keep from crying out. Syeer swung the strap again, hitting her on the upper thigh, just below her pussy. Her hips jerked as though seeking some invisible relief, but found nothing but more need. Warm lips gently nibbled at her ass while Syeer continued to whip her with amazing skill. Glancing down, she noticed the red marks beginning to appear across her flesh with every swipe of the leather against her sensitive skin. Lucien thrust two fingers deep into her pussy, so deep he lifted her from her toes and she moaned aloud. Tightening her stomach, she tried to move her hips and take him deeper inside her aching channel. What kind of punishment was this? Did they plan on getting her wild, then leaving her to suffer through her desire? She wouldn’t put it past him, but right now, she couldn’t think of anything but the sting of the whip and the slow, steady thrust of his fingers as he fucked her pussy. “You’re wet, Princess. I think you like this more than you’ll admit. Isn’t that right?” Lucien purred. She stiffened at the endearment “princess.” He said it with such disdain, as though he hated the very thought of that word passing his lips. “If I like it, then how can it be punishment?” she ground out, trying to ignore the slow sensual thrust of his fingers as he stretched her. “The punishment,” he began as he slowly removed his fingers, then came to stand in front of her. “Is that you like it. It bothers you, doesn’t it?” He used his fingers to spread her cream around her erect nipple. “That you like it. That my first officer and I can make you so wild, you’ll beg for it.” His gaze never left hers as he leaned forward and licked the cream from her breast. She swallowed her moan of delight as his tongue flicked back and forth, tormenting her. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Syeer move behind her. She held herself still, waiting for what he would do. “I’ll never beg for it,” she hissed. Lucien grinned and she gritted her teeth, so angry with herself and the control he obviously held over her. Syeer slid his fingers between her legs from behind, gently stroking her labia. Her whole body shivered as cream poured from her channel to coat his warm hand. “I bet you have a sweet pussy, don’t you, Kiley,” Syeer whispered. “And I bet your ass is even better.” He pushed two fingers into the tight hole of her anus and she gasped, her eyes opening wide as a burning sensation shot straight to her core. The invasion at first felt foreign, uncomfortable, but as he slowly moved them in and out, the discomfort morphed to pleasure -- searing pleasure that threatened to eat her alive.

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Lucien added his fingers to her pussy from the front, stroking, teasing, moving them in time with Syeer. Her fingers clenched, her nails digging into the flesh of her palms, desperate for them to stop but at the same time, desperate for them to give her more. She’d never felt like this, never wanting anything so badly. A battle raged within her. Beg, plead, do anything to make the hunger recede. It didn’t matter anymore. Her pride was already out the window, her defenses shattered. He’d done exactly what he said he would. He’d made her want to beg. He’d made her forget her anger, her humiliation, and want nothing more than to submit to him. “Lucien,” she choked, her legs lifting to circle his hips. Opening her eyes, she met his gaze and her heart stopped. In his stare she saw desire, confusion, torment. She wanted him to kiss her. She needed to taste him, but he held a huge chunk of himself back. And as she gazed into his eyes, she understood why. He’d been hurt. Deeply. The strong, arrogant captain had at one time fallen and was terrified to do it again. “Please,” she sighed, her hips undulating with their perfectly timed thrusts. “Syeer will take you first.” “What?” she whispered, her mind so lust induced she could hardly think. “Then we’ll take you together.” His mouth was so close to hers, so close. She could feel his breath against her lips as he spoke like the wind from the flapping of butterfly wings -- so soft. Her lips parted, desperate for his kiss, but he held himself back. Both men removed their fingers and she waited in anticipation for the first thrust of Syeer’s cock. He teased the opening to her pussy with the head, his breath hot and harsh against the side of her neck. In front of her, she could feel Lucien undoing his pants and freeing his own jutting shaft.

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Chapter Five Lucien could hardly keep himself in check. His control was dangerously close to shattering. He and Syeer had shared many women, but not one of them had looked as beautiful as Kiley did right now. Her skin was flushed and covered with a thin sheen of sweat; her hair cascaded down her back in soft waves of silk. Her pussy creamed so much it actually ran down the insides of her thighs. She never even flinched when he said they would take her together. Instead, her eyes had glowed with a dark passion Lucien recognized in himself. She liked this and would eventually crave it. She matched him in passion, but she was not for him. She was everything he despised. His heart had been broken by a princess -- a woman raised to be his, trained to be his. But she’d never wanted him. She wanted his brother. His softer, weaker brother -- the brother she could control. Kiley would be no different. She was spoiled, willful, and would always want her way. With a groan, Syeer thrust his cock into her pussy from behind and Lucien watched as her eyes closed on a sigh, her mouth parting to draw in a huge gulp of air. He had to stop looking at her or he would kiss her, plunder her mouth with his. That would be too personal, too close, and he couldn’t allow himself that touch. With Kiley, if he kissed her he’d be lost and he knew it. Leaning down, he suckled her breasts, his teeth scraping across her nipples and eliciting moan after moan from her sweet lips. Syeer continued fucking her from behind, filling her deep with his cock. Lucien’s balls ached as he waited for Syeer to move to her ass. Shifting to the other breast, he gripped her ass with his hands, separating her cheeks for Syeer. His friend took the hint and moved his now wet cock to her ass. Lucien spread her cheeks wide, allowing Syeer to position his cock at her tight entrance. With a hiss, he pressed forward. Kiley tensed and held her breath.

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“Relax, Kiley, and press out,” Lucien instructed in a soft voice, his teeth nipping at her collarbone. She apparently did as he instructed, for Syeer buried himself balls deep with a loud growl of satisfaction. “Damn.” He allowed Kiley a few moments to become accustomed, then positioned his cock at her weeping entrance. “Do it,” she whimpered. “Please, Lucien, do it.” “What?” Lucien teased, stroking her clit with the head of his shaft. “Who am I?” “Master,” she corrected, panting now, her eyes tightly closed, her skin flushed a deep pink in her passion. He couldn’t hold back any longer and drove his cock into her almost brutally. She cried out, her legs tightening around his waist, her body trembling in his arms. She was so tight, so damn wet, so fucking beautiful he could hardly breathe. It would be the most foolish thing he’d ever done to fall in love with her. No. The most foolish thing he’d ever done was agree to rescue her. Pulling back, he pressed into her again, thrusting in time with Syeer. They’d done this so many times they worked as one now -- each in tune with the other as well as the woman between them. Her body tensed as she cried out her pleasure, screaming to the ceiling above them. “Yes! Oh God, yes! Don’t stop.” Lucien and Syeer increased their thrusts, moving faster and deeper. Her screams became louder as the walls of her pussy clamped around Lucien’s cock. He growled, fighting hard to keep from losing his mind. She felt incredible as she continued to climax around him, sucking the very life from his balls. Syeer came first with a shout, spilling his seed deep into her ass. Lucien slowed his thrusts, not ready to leave her yet, not ready to give up the amazing pleasure her body wrapped him in. His friend held still, deep in her ass as Lucien fucked her pussy with slow, deep thrusts. He could feel Syeer’s cock through the thin passage that separated her channels and it only added to his rapture, his lust. Sliding his hand between their bodies, his thumb found her clit and stroked the swollen bud. She moaned, her teeth biting down onto her plump lips. “Come again for me, Kiley. Let me feel your pussy suck at my cock as I explode inside you.” He increased the pressure to her clit and quickened his thrusts. She shattered in his arms, her body shivering, her screams piercing the air around them.

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With a shout of his own, he came hard and deep, his seed emptying into her pulsing body with so much force he thought he’d momentarily died. Sighing, he dropped his head into her neck, inhaling her musky scent, the sweet smell of their bodies entwined. She went limp in his arms and he raised his head to look at her. Her head had fallen back to rest against Syeer, her eyes closed, her breathing slow and even. “I think she passed out,” Syeer said. Lucien nodded. Raising his hand, he cupped her cheek and ran his thumb across her bottom lip. Heaven help him. She was turning into more of a problem than he’d ever imagined.

***** Kiley followed along behind Lucien as they made their way through the crowded station. Her frown bored a hole into his back. She wished she had a weapon she could smack him with. Her body still ached from earlier, but she hadn’t been able to forget the intense pleasure that had raced through her. Two long thick cocks buried inside her at once had been both the most overwhelming and incredible thing she’d ever felt. And she hated him for it. Syeer followed behind her, the two of them keeping her in the middle. Always in the middle and very similar to how her guards at home would travel with her. That thought made her frown deepen. She missed home. She missed her father, her maid. Hell, she even missed the guards that followed her around nonstop. Their own people would never hurt her. It was the outsiders the guards protected her from. The many travelers that visited their world. She’d never again run off without them. She’d learned her lesson and then some. “Where are we going?” she asked, her gaze wandering around the spacious promenade. Above them, two levels overlooked the main floor. Each level boasted different forms of entertainment from restaurants to bars to stores. “We need a repair dock, so we’re here to register,” Lucien replied. “Register?” she asked. “Yes. They’re not free. We have to pick a time slot and pay for it.” “Why can’t you fix it in space?” She knew nothing of ships and, truthfully, she didn’t care. She just wanted to distract him while she tried to figure out how to get away from them. So far, a plan had not come to mind. “We need to get into the engines. That’s hard to do in deep space.” “Never spacewalked? What’s the matter, Master? Zero gravity make you sick?” she quipped, trying her best to annoy him.

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He snorted, not the least bit perturbed. “Keep it up, sunshine, and it will be you walking the steel outer shell in magnetic boots.” He turned to look at her, his eyes glowing with devilish sexuality. “Ever had sex in zero gravity?” “Can’t say as I have,” she snarled. “We’ll have to rectify that. It’s quite unusual. I think you’ll enjoy it.” She tried to imagine it at the same time she tried to ignore the tingle traveling along her spine. “I think it would be a little difficult, wouldn’t it? How would you get any traction?” Syeer chuckled and she turned to look at him. “You don’t need traction,” Syeer purred as he ground his pelvis against her hip. “Just a little grinding action from those luscious hips of yours.” She shied away, shooting him a scowl, her face heating in embarrassment. “Knock it off.” He and Lucien laughed, igniting her anger and aggravation further. She had to find a way to get away from them. Neither of them were good for her sanity. Especially when they looked at her like they wanted to eat her alive. “The two of you are impossible,” she hissed, following behind Lucien as he made his way through the crowded promenade. Warm, spicy smells filled the air around her, making her stomach rumble in hunger. Now that she thought about it, she hadn’t eaten breakfast before they left the ship. With no money of her own, she needed to convince them to eat before she tried to get away. “Can we get something to eat?” she asked. Lucien glanced at her over his shoulder and she shrugged. “I haven’t eaten yet today.” “Why not? I sent food to the room.” “I was too pissed off to eat it.” “I guess you’ll learn then,” he replied carelessly. Her mouth dropped open in shock. “You would actually make me go hungry?” Stopping in his tracks, he spun around to face her, making her jolt to a halt before slamming into that wall of muscle he called a chest. “What’s it worth to you?” “You can’t be serious.” She crossed her arms, then glanced beside her to Syeer. “Like the two of you haven’t had enough this morning, you want something else from me?” “Did I say anything about sex?” Lucien said with a snicker. “Get your mind out of the gutter, Princess.” Heat flooded her cheeks. “Fine. If it’s nothing sexual, then what is it?” A thoughtful expression pulled at his brow. “I’ll have to think about it and let you know.”

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With a nod, he turned and headed back through the crowd. Syeer gripped her elbow, propelling her forward as well. “He does that kind of stuff just to piss me off, doesn’t he?” Syeer grinned. “And you fall for it every time.” With a sigh, she jerked her arm from Syeer’s grasp and tried to keep pace with Lucien’s long strides. By the time they reached the office they were looking for, she was winded. “Do you have to walk so fast?” she huffed. Lucien snorted. “I really would have thought that orgasm we gave you would have put you in a better mood. You’ve done nothing but complain since we left the ship.” “Kidnapping tends to do that to a woman,” she snarled, refusing to back down. “I didn’t kidnap you. I bought you.” “It was against my will…same thing.” “I think her hunger is getting to her,” Syeer said with a chuckle. “Take her to get something to eat and I’ll handle this. When I’m done, I’ll call and find out where you are.” “Fine,” Lucien growled, narrowing his gaze at her. She scrunched her nose, but didn’t miss the hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. If only she’d met a prince that looked like him, that could make her skin prickle with desire and her heart race with lustful anticipation. That spark was what she’d searched so long for. Why did it have to be with him? A man her father would never allow her to be with, even if she’d wanted to. Marrying a commoner was forbidden if she ever wanted to rule herself, not to mention the fact her mother would roll over in her grave at the very idea of her falling for a mercenary. In her mother’s eyes, they were just barely a step above trash. With a nod to Syeer, Lucien put his hand at the small of her back and led her up the stairs to the upper level of the promenade. Colorful balls of festive lights hung from the high rafters, making the silver metal of the ship glow with romantic color. Music floated around them and she smiled, entranced by the unusual catchy beat. Two men stared at her with interest, their gazes landing on her collar. In reflex, she lifted her fingers, fiddling with the gold lock that hung from the strip of black leather. She had actually almost forgotten about the humiliating piece of jewelry, but now that she’d noticed those two, she began to see others watching her, staring at her, and it made her stomach tighten. She’d never traveled this far from home, so it was doubtful any of them would recognize her, especially while being led around by the arrogant man next to her. Would the necklace hinder her escape? If one of these men caught her out alone, would it be an invitation for him to take her for himself? “Ignore them.”

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He murmured it softly in her ear, but she still jumped, startled by his voice as well as the fact he seemed to know what she felt. “It’s humiliating. They take one look at my necklace and know what I am.” “Yes and because you walk with me, they know you belong to me and will leave you alone.” She huffed. “You have to be the most arrogant man I’ve ever met.” “Trust me, Kiley. There’s a couple more out there more arrogant than me.” “Only a couple?” she quipped, blinking innocently. The corner of his lips twitched. “That I know of.” He nodded toward a restaurant to their right. “How about this place?” She frowned at the unusual letters over the door. “Well, considering I can’t read what it says, why ask me?” His deep, rich baritone laughter circled her like a blanket, making her want to snuggle into its warmth, as well as his. With a mental shake, she tried to dislodge the feeling. “It’s Jorubian. I’m not very proficient in it either, but I can read the menu. The food is quite good. I think you’ll like it.” At the moment, she was so hungry she would probably eat most anything. She followed behind Lucien silently as they entered the darkened restaurant. A massive window covered the far wall, giving a breathtaking view of the purple rings of Jorin, the planet the massive space station orbited. They took a seat at one of the tables flanking the window and she watched in silent amazement as small ships darted by, heading to the docking stations at the other end. “You haven’t spent a lot of time in space, have you?” Lucien asked, surprising her. “No,” she murmured. “My father was extremely protective. I was mostly kept at home.” Not wanting to look at him and have him see the tears gathering in her eyes, she bent her head and concentrated on the fork lying on the table. The light flickered off the gold metal, and for the first time since her kidnapping, she thought of the party her father had planned for her. He must be out of his mind with worry. He’d abolished their space fleet years ago, so she wondered who he would have searching for her. Would they by chance be here? Could she be that lucky? Raising her head, she studied the crowd around them. No one looked familiar and disappointment punched her in the gut. Sniffing, she wiped at a tear gathering in the corner of her eye, anger at herself building. She was stronger than this. She could find a way home on her own. She had to. “Wiping at tears won’t get you any sympathy.” “Excuse me?” she exclaimed, scowling across the table at Lucien.

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His eyes glowed, the soft light of the room reflecting against the blue and giving him a much softer look. For a moment, she could have sworn she saw a slight hint of compassion behind the amused tilt of his eyes. “I’m entitled to miss home,” she replied, shrugging one shoulder. “Don’t you ever miss home? Where are you from, anyway?” Grabbing the soft napkin on the table, she unfolded it and placed it across her knees while she waited for him to answer her. When he didn’t answer right away, she looked up. “Surely you know where you’re from.” “Of course I do.” He remained silent and she frowned in confusion. “Is it a secret?” “Everything with Lucien is a secret,” Syeer said from beside her as he pulled out a chair and joined them. “How did you know where we were?” she asked. “I’m talented.” Kiley rolled her eyes. “Fine. Don’t answer my questions.” “Have you ordered yet?” Syeer asked Lucien. “No,” Lucien replied with a shake of his head. Lifting his arm, he signaled for one of the robotic servers to come to the table. Kiley stared in fascination as it came closer. It was about four feet tall and rolled easily through the crowd on one large wheel, a towel slung over one arm, a bottle of Martinician champagne in its free hand. After earlier, she knew she had no business drinking. She obviously had no control over herself sober; drunk, she wouldn’t stand a chance. She placed her hand over the tip of her glass. “None for me, thanks.” Lucien chuckled, that knowing grin spreading his lips and making her want to knock the daylights out of him. “Bring us the megon with lintles and shrank.” The robot nodded its head and spoke with a high-pitched female voice. “Yes, sir. Megon for three.” “He orders for you, too, I see,” she said, glancing toward Syeer. “Why do you put up with it?” “We’ve been together a long time, Kiley. I’ve learned to pick my battles, as will you.” Lucien continued to smile slightly as though he found the whole thing funny, and her fingers clenched around the edge of her napkin. “What’s made you so arrogant and dominating?” she asked. He shrugged slightly. “I was raised to be that way. It’s a little hard to outgrow how you were brought up.” “Brought up, my ass,” she grumbled. “Who raises their kids to be controlling jerks?”

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“You’d be surprised, Kiley.” “You remind me of an arrogant prince.” Syeer coughed, almost choking on his drink. Lucien stared at him, his eyebrow raised in amusement, but something else glittered in his eyes. Warning, perhaps? “Sorry,” Syeer murmured, wiping his mouth with a napkin. “Why are you apologizing?” Kiley snipped. “Surely even he realizes how ridiculous the idea of him being royalty is.” Lucien’s gaze narrowed. “Are you trying to piss me off, Kiley?” She snorted. “After this morning? I’d be out of my mind, now wouldn’t I?” “I don’t know. I got the impression you enjoyed it. Was I wrong?” “I’m not answering that,” she snarled, narrowing her eyes into a scowl. “You don’t have to. I already know the answer.” She took in a breath, ready to come back with a biting retort, but the robot waitress returned with their meals. The warm, spicy aromas made her stomach rumble in hunger, dispersing her anger for the moment. Despite her desire to eat, the unusual look of the food made her hesitate. Picking up her fork, she picked at the meal, studying it. “It won’t bite, sweetheart,” Syeer whispered close to her ear. “And I promise, you’ll love the taste. It’s quite different, but very good.” Glancing at Syeer from the corner of her eye, she caught his encouraging nod. For some strange reason, it eased her mind somewhat and she lifted the fork, bringing a small bite to her lips. The warm, buttery taste filled her mouth and she smiled. “This is good,” she said. “It’s amazing, isn’t it?” Lucien said, a sideways grin tugging at his lips “I believe we both told her it was and yet she still seems surprised.” “I wonder why that is?” she countered back. “You’re going to have to learn to trust us, Kiley. Like it or not.” “And why is that?” “Because we’re going to be together a very long time.” She stopped chewing and stared at him in shock. With a frown, she studied him, tried to figure him out. He sounded serious but at the same time a hint of mischievousness glittered in his gaze, making her wonder if he was truly serious or antagonizing her. She would be more likely to believe the later, but if truth be told, she honestly had no idea.

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Milash watched the screen with growing impatience. Syeer and Lucien kept the woman between them. It would be hard, but not impossible, to separate her from them. Her own desire to get away would aid his plan. He could tell what she wanted by how she glanced around, constantly looking for a way out. His first officer, Shorvan, had been following them since they landed at the station, the camera on his shirt catching every move they made. He couldn’t risk Lucien spotting him, so he’d decided to remain on the ship. His crew could handle this; if not, he’d kill them himself. This was too important for them to screw up. “Let’s see if we can crowd them,” he said into the communicator. “Just make sure you don’t lose her in the crowd.” “Yes, sir.” Shorvan moved forward along with several other men. Milash momentarily lost her in the throng of people and he sat forward, staring harder at the screen. They couldn’t lose her, not while they were this close. “I can’t see her, Shorvan.” “I can, sir. She’s just ahead of me.” Milash narrowed his gaze, catching a glimpse of her hair. Kiley’s heart raced in her chest. Where had all these people come from? Lucien was a few feet away from her, his angry gaze searching the room. She couldn’t even find Syeer in this mass of bodies. This was her chance…her one shot to get away. Taking a deep breath, she moved back a couple of steps, making sure to hide behind a large man. She hoped his bulk would keep her hidden from Lucien. “Kiley,” he shouted. She ducked her head behind the stranger’s shoulder and looked for Syeer. She didn’t see him and decided to make a run for it. The stairs to the lower level of the promenade was just to her right; if she moved quickly, she might be able to get down them. But then what? How would she get in touch with her father? For a split second, she hesitated, wondered if she was making the wrong decision. Her heart jerked at the thought of not seeing Lucien again. Why would it? She had no feelings for him other than lust, and of course, loathing. The man made her blood boil. She hated him…didn’t she? “Syeer, find her,” Lucien growled and she peered through the crowd, flinching at the furious scowl crossing his features.

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My God, he was angry. Even though none of this was her fault, he would still have her head if he caught up with her. She knew it deep in her gut and she really couldn’t take another punishment like this morning. Just thinking about it made her pussy throb, and she refused to ever submit like that again. The only problem was, she knew deep down he could get to her, knew he could make her beg for it. He was her weakness and she couldn’t afford to have a weakness. Not now. Shifting slightly, she slowly moved closer to the stairs. Almost there and he hadn’t seen her yet. She just hoped her luck held out. She turned quickly, intent on running if she had to, but ran smack into a man’s hard chest. At first, she thought it might be Syeer and cursed her bad luck. With trembling fingers, she looked up into black eyes that shone with triumph. A scar ran across his cheek from the corner of his firm mouth to the tip of his left eye. Long black hair hung around his shoulders, giving him a hard, menacing look, nothing close to Lucien’s roguish appeal. This man oozed danger, anger, and she shivered in fear. “Going somewhere, Princess?” Lucien turned a complete circle, checking every face, every head of hair. Where in the hell did she go? His stomach knotted in fear that had nothing to do with having to explain this to her father and everything to do with the fact he’d let her get too close -- let her affect him in ways he swore another woman never would. She had no idea what this station was like, no idea what kind of trouble she could get into, and the desperation to find her began to eat away at his patience and common sense. The crowd also nagged at his mind. Where had all these people come from? His instincts told him something wasn’t right. If Milash was behind this sudden influx of people, the need to find her was even more imperative. “Syeer,” Lucien snapped, catching his first officer’s attention. Syeer shook his head, lifting his palms in defeat. The crowd still mingled around them, blocking their view of the surrounding shops. Anger rolled through him. This was fucking ridiculous. With a growl of aggravation, he shoved the man next to him out of his way and stomped toward Syeer, who had jumped onto a low seating ledge to peer over the heads of the crowd. “Shit,” he murmured, pointing toward the stairs. Lucien jumped up and looked as well. Kiley lay over the shoulder of a tall man, now sprinting down the stairs toward the lower level. She squealed, her small fists pounding on his back, her body shifting and contorting to try to free herself. Uncontrollable fury raged through him at the sight of another man’s hands on her -hurting her, scaring her. He’d kill the son of a bitch.

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Refusing to think through his emotions, he jumped from the ledge, pulled the phazor from the back of his pants and shoved his way through the crowd, Syeer close behind him. They had to get to her. He and Syeer both took the stairs at a run, their eyes never leaving Kiley. She glanced up and their gazes locked, hers shining in fear and aggravation that sent Lucien running faster. “Lucien,” she squealed, her hand reaching out to try to touch his across the distance that separated them. Her captor turned to look over his shoulder. With widening eyes, he picked up his pace, zigzagging through a crowd that had just exited the bar to their left. “Son of a bitch,” Lucien snarled as he momentarily lost them in the commotion. “Lucien,” Kiley squealed again. Following the sound of her voice, he spotted the man slipping through a door discreetly nestled between two shops. “This way,” he shouted above the noise to Syeer and they both burst through the door, their guns drawn and ready. A long metal pipe swung toward his head and he ducked, wincing as the metal clanged against the wall beside him. Syeer shifted to the side, moving quickly to Kiley, who sat on the floor, her arms wrapped around her ribs. Anger tensed Lucien’s whole body as years of training and reflex took over. Standing, he turned toward the man and swung, catching him across the cheek with the back of his hand, knocking him sideways. With a grunt, the man hit the wall, bouncing back slightly before righting himself and making a move to come back at Lucien. Lifting his arm, Lucien fired his gun, hitting their attacker in the chest with a blast that shot a hole through his flesh several inches wide. Eyes staring blankly, he fell backward, dead where he landed. Kiley watched the scene and had to swallow down a lump of bile. Tears gathered in her eyes as she met Lucien’s angry stare. She’d wanted to get away from him, but instead found herself relieved to see him. Even when he looked at her as though he wanted to kill her, she was happy he’d rescued her. She was so screwed up. Physically, emotionally, she was a complete and total wreck. She tried to stand, then winced. Her ribs ached from her upside down position over her kidnapper’s shoulder and she wondered if he’d cracked them. Syeer grabbed her elbow, helping her. She again noticed the dead body on the floor and cringed, her body shaking slightly in revulsion.

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“Don’t look at him. Are you all right?” Syeer asked softly, and a single tear slipped down her cheek. She had a right to feel self-pity -- to feel angry and depressed. Doubt that she would ever see her home again left her heart breaking. “My ribs hurt.” “Of course they do,” Lucien snarled. “What the hell were you thinking? When there’s a crowd like that you stay close to us.” Kiley flinched at the anger in his voice. “I just wanted to find a way home.” Lucien sighed. It wasn’t something she expected, and she lifted her head to look at him. There was a firm set to his full lips; he walked over and gently probed her ribs with his fingers. She hissed as sharp pain raced through her chest from his touch. “I don’t think they’re broken, but they’re bruised. This is my fault, Kiley,” he said. Her eyes widened in surprise. What did he mean it was his fault? She was the one who ran. “Well,” she began just because she couldn’t stop the anger that still simmered in her belly, “maybe if you had treated me a little bit nicer.” “I think it’s more that maybe if I hadn’t lied to you from the beginning.” “What?” she asked. “What are you talking about?” “We should get out of here,” Syeer said. “Where do you want to go?” “We need a shuttle, then we’ll meet up with one of the other ships. The Morada is close, just a few light years away on Tangora.” “Lucien.” Kiley grabbed his arm to stop him as he began to turn away from her. “What did you mean about if you hadn’t lied?” “We’ll discuss it later. First I want to get you off this station and out of the reach of Milash.” “Milash?” she asked, startled. “Isn’t that the other mercenary that was bidding on me?” “Yes. And that man lying on the floor is his first officer.” Staring down at the dead body of the man who’d tried to kidnap her, she swallowed. She suddenly had a feeling there was so much more to this than Lucien was telling her.

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Chapter Six Kiley sat in the shuttle behind Lucien and Syeer. It was a fairly large shuttle with sleeping quarters and a table for eating. It would take them a couple of days to reach the other ship. Lucien didn’t want to contact them on the off chance Milash would pick up on the transmission. He still hadn’t explained his comment. He’d remained oddly quiet, only occasionally giving Syeer commands in a low voice she couldn’t quite make out. The air reeked of tension. She wanted to say something, but didn’t know what. Her gaze strayed to the stars whizzing by outside in the dark expanse of space. Even in a ship this small, they could travel at several times the speed of light. How close was Tangora to her home world? Would she have another chance at escape? Lucien turned to say something to Syeer and she studied his profile. A day’s worth of whisker growth covered his chin and cheeks, and his hair was slightly mussed, making her want to run her fingers through it. Curling her lip, she turned to stare back out at the stars. She did want to escape. She did want to get back home. She refused to think anymore of Lucien and Syeer and the way the two of them had made her feel. Especially Lucien. If she was so determined, then why couldn’t she stop?

Because I’m an idiot. “We’ll be stopping for the night in the Klitus Belt,” Lucien began. “We’ll hide the ship in one of the asteroid caves.” She shrugged one shoulder. “Why are you telling me?” Lucien spun his chair around and pinned her with a fierce stare that made her heart race. ”I wasn’t. I was talking to Syeer.” The heat of a flush moved over her cheeks. “Oh,” she murmured. “Sorry.”

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“She’s cute when she’s embarrassed, isn’t she?” Syeer said with a chuckle and she scrunched her nose at him. “There’s a good size cave in the asteroid straight ahead. Computer is scanning it for anything we might want to be aware of.” “Good. If it comes up clean, we’ll set her down.” Kiley remained silent while the men made final landing preparations. It was odd, floating around space in something so small. Claustrophobia tightened her chest and she had to take several deep breaths to keep the panic from rising as they descended into the dark cave. Just before lightly touching the ground, Lucien spun the ship so they could see the stars through the narrow opening of the cave. Smaller asteroids floated by, occasionally blocking out the starlight. “Use the password Stefan gave me and raise a secure channel,” Lucien ordered. “Who are we calling?” Syeer asked. “Shaba.” Kiley’s head jerked up in surprise. “Who?” “We’re calling your father.” Lucien didn’t turn around and she continued to gape at the back of his head. “My father?” she cried. “You know my father?” His shoulders lifted as he drew in a deep sigh and her anger rose another notch, almost choking her. “What the hell kind of game are you playing?” she demanded. “I’m not playing a game, Kiley. I’m trying to get some answers!” “You’re trying to get answers? How about giving me some?” “Channel’s open,” Syeer said, watching Lucien. Lucien nodded. “Captain Lucien Amanpour for King Shaba. He’s expecting my call.” “You son of a bitch,” Kiley growled from behind him. Hurt raced through her veins. Hurt and excitement. This meant she could go home. It also meant everything was not as it seemed with the captain. It meant more than likely he’d lied to her about some or all of her captivity and the circumstances behind her rescue. “Captain,” her father replied, his worried face filling the screen. “Do you have my daughter?” “Yes,” Lucien answered and her father breathed a sigh of relief. “Is she okay?” “See for yourself.” He waved his hand behind him and Kiley stepped into her father’s view.

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His eyes widened, then filled with tears as he smiled at his only child. Her own watered, and she covered her lips with her hand. “Kiley, thank God you’re okay. You’ve been treated well?” Taking a deep breath, she started to tell him no. She started to tell him how she’d been used, but she couldn’t. She couldn’t tell her father what she’d been through and how much she’d actually enjoyed it -- actually enjoyed submitting to her rescuer. “I’ve been treated well,” she said with a nod, sniffing back tears. “I’m just anxious to get home.” “We expect to arrive in about twelve days. I’m afraid we’ve had to take a little detour,” Lucien said. “What kind of detour? Why?” “I need to know how you know Milash.” Her father’s face went ashen. “Milash? The mercenary?” “Yes. He tried to buy Kiley on Veenori, then tried to kidnap her when we stopped for repairs.” “Damn,” Shaba murmured. “I knew him years ago. Before Kiley was born. It was before I turned against violence, before I vowed to make my home a haven of peace.” “What happened?” Lucien asked, and Kiley scowled. He spoke with her father as though they were equal. They weren’t. Her father was a king; Lucien a mercenary. A mercenary you’re lusting after, she reminded herself. “Long story short, there was a skirmish and his son was killed. He blames me.” “Did you do it?” “Lucien,” Kiley chided, but her father waved it off. “Yes,” he replied, as a sadness filled his eyes. “It was an accident, but he didn’t want to hear that. I would never kill a child deliberately and that incident is partly why I changed my way of thinking. Why I turned to peace.” His gaze shifted to his daughter. “He must want to get his hands on Kiley to pay me back.” Lucien nodded. “That would be my guess as well.” “Take care of my daughter, Lucien. Don’t let him get his hands on her. You have whatever you need at your disposal to make that happen.” The screen went blank and Kiley immediately turned on Lucien with all the anger she felt boiling deep in her gut. Picking up a small scanning device, she threw it, hitting Lucien in the back of the head. “You lying son of a bitch!” Lucien hunched his shoulders and grabbed the back of his head. “Here we go.”

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Syeer chuckled and she turned to yell at him as well. “This isn’t funny. You were rescuing me all along, but made me think I was a sex slave!” “You needed to be taught a lesson,” Lucien offered with a shrug and she gaped at him. “A lesson? You call what you did teaching me a lesson?” He cocked an eyebrow. “Are you going to go out without your guard again?” “Screw you,” she snarled. “You should be careful of your choice of words, Princess. I’m liable to think you want me.” “As if,” she growled. Turning, she plopped into one of the chairs surrounding the table, arms crossed over her chest, her angry glare staring a hole through his forehead. “You’re an arrogant prick.” “Yes,” he agreed, and she could do nothing more than stare at him. “Wow, you made her speechless,” Syeer said, grinning. “Good, my ears could use a break from her incessant chatter.” Her mouth dropped open, but the words she meant to utter died in her throat at the teasing glint shining in his eyes. “I can’t even stand to look at the two of you,” she sighed, standing. “Fine. You don’t have to look at us to fix us something to eat,” Lucien replied, his gaze on the control panel. She looked to Syeer and snarled at his pathetic display of hiding a grin. “I’m no longer your slave, jackass. Fix it yourself.” With that, she turned and left the bridge, heading down the small hallway to the private quarters at the end. Lucien watched her go, his lips twitching in amusement. Feeling his friend’s watchful eye, he snorted. “What?” “I’ll admit, it’s fun to watch you antagonize her, but sometimes I think you go a bit too far.” Turning in his chair, he stared at Syeer in surprise. “How did I go too far?” “If you ever want her to admit she’s in love with you, you have to stop making her angry.” Lucien returned his attention to the computer screen in front of him, ignoring his friend’s amused expression. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.” “I think I do. I’ve watched you do it before. You tame them, so to speak, infuriate them when you’re not fucking them, then when they start to act as though they’re getting too close, you sell them off to the highest bidder.”

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“Women are nothing more than a release to me, Syeer. It’s the way it’s always been. Kiley is no different. She’s learned her lesson, now she’ll be returned to her father. And that will be the end of it.” “You’ve got to stop thinking all women are the same.” “They are.” “Fine,” Syeer sighed. “If she means nothing to you, then you won’t mind if I go fuck her?” Lucien tensed. It was one thing to share her with Syeer, but for some reason the thought of his friend touching her without him there made his gut clench. “If she’ll let you.” Syeer’s assessing gaze watched him closely. “Oh, she’ll let me and you know it. I haven’t had a woman turn me down yet, despite how angry she was.” “Then why are you sitting there?” “Good question.” With a frown, Syeer stood and left the bridge, heading in the same direction Kiley had gone. Lucien’s fingers clenched, his nails digging into his palms. What did he care if Syeer seduced her? He didn’t. He’d taught her a lesson -- she’ll think before she leaves the castle alone again. Yes, the sex had been great, but he’d been with other women where the sex was just as good. Well, almost as good. She was a princess, damn it. A royal. Not his type. Not what he wanted. Let Syeer have her. Kiley paced the small bedchamber, her anger and frustration growing. How did her father know Lucien? How could he allow Lucien to address him as he had? There was no “Your Grace,” no “my lord.” He spoke to him as though they were equals and they weren’t. No mercenary would ever be equal to a king. Then why couldn’t she stop thinking about him? Why couldn’t she make herself stop wanting him? Wanting him to touch her? Her mother would roll over in her grave if she knew. She’d been taught to accept all people regardless of race, but she’d also known she would marry a prince. Someone who could take over since her father had never had a son. Despite how much she wanted love, she’d accepted her lot in life. Though secretly she hoped the prince she eventually married would also be the man of her dreams. It hadn’t worked out that way. Now she found herself attracted to a man she hated. “I know he can be an ass sometimes, but he’s not all bad.” Kiley spun around to stare at Syeer. He lounged in the doorway, his arms crossed, his eyes watching her with understanding. “Why didn’t he tell me?” “That he was sent by your father?”

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Kiley nodded and Syeer pushed away from the doorjamb and came further into the room, his long, lean gait graceful, confident. She tensed slightly as he came closer, but not from fear. She wasn’t afraid of Syeer. She was actually afraid of what she might submit to if he tried to seduce her. God help her, she had no more control around Syeer than she did around Lucien. Syeer stopped a few feet away from her, watching her closely. She had a bad feeling he knew what went through her mind. “Lucien wanted to teach you a lesson. Frighten you. I don’t think he expected the sex to be as good as it was.” Her body stiffened as she thought about how she’d begged for it, screamed her pleasure. “Very funny.” “I wasn’t trying to be funny. I’m trying to explain why he’s going to come barreling in here any second.” She frowned. “What?” “You see, normally we share his slaves. He fucks them, then I do, or we fuck them together. It’s how we’ve done it for quite some time. But the mere mention of my seducing you had him upset. Although he’ll never admit it.” At that very moment, Lucien stomped through the doorway, glaring at Syeer as though he wanted to strangle him. Syeer remained unaffected. “What did I tell you?” Syeer murmured, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. Lucien stopped dead in his tracks, a momentary spark of surprise crossing his features before he composed himself. “Change your mind about joining us?” Syeer asked. “We were just discussing whether we wanted to fuck on the chair or the bed.” Kiley’s mouth dropped open. “We were not!” “Fuck you, Syeer,” he growled, his eyes narrowing dangerously and for the first time Kiley saw a spark of jealousy, a spark of possessiveness, and her heart leaped almost clear out of her chest. Every part of her warmed with the thought of him being jealous -- of him wanting her only to himself. She took a deep breath, numbing herself to the growing effect he had on her. She felt like a yo-yo -- like she was bouncing from one emotion to the other on a ride she couldn’t stop, couldn’t slow down. “We don’t have time for this shit, Syeer. I only want to stay here a few hours. Let’s get something to eat, then a few hours sleep before we head out again. The sooner we get to the ship, the safer I’ll feel.”

*****

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Kiley sat at the table, nibbling at her food at best and watching the two men who turned her inside out. She should at least be honest with herself. They could do whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted, with minimal protest from her. And they knew it. And, of course, so did she. “Kiley, you can have the bed. Syeer and I will sleep out here on the pullouts.” He pointed toward the wall behind her and she turned to stare at the small metal handles, one a few feet above the other in surprise. Those bunks weren’t big enough by any stretch of the imagination. “We’re not sharing quarters?” she asked, glancing at him. His eyebrow cocked and she immediately regretted her question. “Would you like to share quarters?” “No.” “Your lesson is over, Kiley. You’re free to sleep in peace.” “My lesson?” she queried. “Are you sure it wasn’t that you just needed a quick fuck for a few days and saw me as the perfect opportunity?” Syeer pursed his lips and turned to watch Lucien. “Be careful you don’t say something you’ll regret later.” Lucien scowled. “If I had wanted a comment, Syeer, I would have asked for one.” “Demanded is more like it,” Kiley grumbled. With a wave of his hand, Lucien growled. “What is this? Are the two of you working in conjunction to piss me off?” “Somehow I doubt it would take both of us. I personally think you wake up pissed off,” Kiley rebounded, making Syeer grin. His eyes narrowed, making heat race through her body to accumulate at the juncture of her thighs. “Perhaps your lesson isn’t over, after all,” he murmured. “So what piece of metal will the two of you tie me to today?” she sneered, unable to stop herself from pushing his buttons. Memories of the last and only time they shared her sent blood pounding through her veins. Her whole body tensed with anticipation and the sudden realization that she actually wanted this. Wanted it with every fiber of her being.

My God. What have they done to me? “Should I strip and feed you? Or would you prefer to use me as another plate?” Syeer visibly swallowed, while Lucien’s eyes glowed with a lust that threatened to burn her alive. “If I didn’t know better, I’d swear you were begging for it, Kiley,” Lucien purred. “Is that what this is? Are you trying to push us into sharing you?”

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“You have to be pushed into it?” she snapped. “I thought it was something you did on a regular basis.” Syeer let out a breath and dropped his fork onto the table. “I’m not sure Lucien wants to share you with me anymore.” “Shut up, Syeer,” Lucien growled. Syeer stood and grabbed her hand, pulling her to her feet. Her heart raced wildly in her chest, stealing the very breath from her lungs. What was he doing? Why was he pushing Lucien like this? Why was she pushing Lucien like this? “If she means nothing to you,” he murmured as he turned her to face Lucien, whose eyes glowed with a hunger that easily matched her own. They bore right through her, setting her soul on fire, making it burn for his touch. “Then kiss her.” Kiley held her breath. Lucien hadn’t ever really kissed her. Her mind wandered, imagining what his mouth would feel like against hers. Would those full lips be soft, or hard and demanding? Syeer pulled her hair back over her shoulder and gently placed a kiss just below her ear. Goose bumps danced along her flesh, making her shiver. His breath was hot against her neck. Lucien’s gaze dropped to stare at her nipples that were now hard and beading beneath the material of her top, making her arousal all too obvious. Part of her wanted to stop this. A very small part. Later, she was sure she would wonder if she hadn’t done this on purpose. Her attraction to Lucien was the stronger, but she couldn’t deny Syeer’s touch made her squirm as well. The two of them together made her melt into a puddle, perfectly willing to do whatever they wanted to her. “What are you waiting for, Lucien? If she means nothing to you, then kiss her,” Syeer coaxed. Lucien stood and gripped her chin in his grasp, tilting her face upward. She held her breath, her heart pounding furiously in her ears as he leaned down, bringing his mouth closer to hers.

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Chapter Seven Lucien watched her, watched her eyes as they darkened in passion. Her lips were full and slightly parted, awaiting a kiss he wasn’t sure he could give her. He kissed women, but there was something about Kiley that made him leery of kissing. It would bring him too close to her. He wasn’t ready to be that close. He wasn’t ready to trust her. Hell, he didn’t know if he could ever trust her. She was a damned princess. Questions began to form in her gaze -- questions he couldn’t answer for her or himself. “Go ahead, Master,” she challenged and his eyes widened at her audacity, her spunk. “Admit you enjoy it,” he countered. Syeer sucked the lobe of her ear into his mouth and her eyes dipped slightly, arousal flushing her skin. “I wouldn’t know. You’ve never kissed me.” “I’m not talking about kissing, Princess.” He brushed his thumb across her lower lip, tugging it down just a little -- just enough to see the tip of her pink tongue as she licked at the pad of his thumb. He felt that light touch all the way to his balls, which immediately tightened painfully. Syeer gripped her wrists, pulling them behind her back. Her breasts thrust forward and he reached down with one hand to cup them. Her sigh vibrated through Lucien. A sudden wave of lust he couldn’t control made his hands shake as he fought to keep himself in check. This one woman -- this one princess made him so crazy, made him want to forget all the hurt he’d felt in the past. Made him think that maybe, just maybe, she was different than the others. “What are you talking about?” she whispered, her breath brushing across his lips.

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It made him hunger for her taste like nothing else ever had. What would one kiss hurt? He moved closer, his mouth just a hairbreadth from hers. They were close…so close his lips moved against hers as he spoke. “I’m talking about the domination. The two of us, me and Syeer, pleasuring you to the point you scream. To the point you think you can’t take another second. Admit it, Kiley.” She whimpered, the sound vibrating against his mouth like the flapping of butterfly wings. “Kiss me first.” “You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” he teased. God, he wanted to kiss her. Thrust his tongue into her mouth and feed off that sweet taste. Gripping the edges of her top, he tugged, popping the buttons free, and exposing her bare breasts to his touch. He cupped them, watching as her eyes closed on a ragged breath. Syeer wrapped his arms around her from behind, cupping her breasts as well. Each of them massaged her mounds, plucking playfully at her nipples, making them even harder. He still hadn’t kissed her, but kept his lips close to hers, breathing in every sigh she let slip -- inhaling her scent. “I bet that pussy of yours is wet, isn’t it, baby?” Syeer whispered as he moved his hands lower to push down her pants. Lucien joined him, but abandoned the effort when Kiley swayed. He grabbed her around her waist, holding her close as Syeer slid her pants the rest of the way down her hips. Her heavy-lidded eyes watched him, glowing with a passion that made his heart jerk. He moved one hand to pluck at her nipples and she moaned in response, her eyes closing. “Admit it, Princess. Admit you want me to dominate you, tie you up, and spank that adorable ass of yours.” She opened her gaze, sparks of defiance making his skin prickle in heat. “Kiss me.” He swallowed, watching her lips part as Syeer slid his hand between her thighs. “She’s so wet,” Syeer murmured as he gently bit at the side of her neck. “What are you afraid of, Lucien?” she asked, moving her hips slowly in time with the movement of Syeer’s fingers as he played with her pussy from behind. “He’s afraid of you,” Syeer whispered in her ear loud enough for Lucien to hear and Lucien stiffened. “Damn it, Lucien. If you don’t fucking kiss her, I will. And when I do, you’ll never get another shot at it.” “The hell you will,” Lucien growled, grasping her wrists and pulling them up over her head, holding them in place. Her gaze remained open and glued to his as he slowly feathered his fingers down her arms to her ribs. She started to lower them, but he narrowed his gaze. “Hold them there until I tell you to lower them.” She nodded and he shook his head. “Answer me.”

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“Yes…Master.” “Good girl,” he whispered against her lips. As her breath floated against his mouth, he couldn’t resist any longer. He’d be damned if Syeer claimed her for his own. It was one thing to share her, but Syeer would never touch her without him being present. And he sure as hell would never kiss her unless he told him to. As much as he hated to admit it, Kiley was different. Closing the distance, he touched his lips to hers, only wanting a fleeting taste. But the second her moan vibrated against his mouth and her lips parted to allow the invasion of his tongue, he was lost. So fucking lost. His tongue thrust past her lips to slide along her teeth, then sweep further into her mouth, coaxing her to join him in the play. Her tongue mated with his, teasing and twirling. And her taste…God, her taste had him almost dropping to his knees. “Son of a bitch,” he growled. Kiley’s fingers clenched above her head as Lucien continued to devour her mouth like a man starving. She wanted to touch him, to run her hands along his massive chest, to pull him closer. Syeer’s fingers continued to slide through the juices coating her pussy, driving her insane with the desperate need to feel him thrust those fingers inside her. He was deliberately teasing her, making her wild with lust. His teeth bit gently at her shoulder, intensifying her pleasure. Never in her life would she have imagined sex with two men would be like this. Her arms began to shake and Lucien slid his palms up her arms to grasp her elbows. He broke the kiss and she moaned, wanting to feel his mouth on hers again. But at the back of her mind, a thought nagged.

Kiss her if she means nothing to you. Because he kissed her, did that mean she meant nothing to him? Did it mean he really didn’t care for her at all? And did it really matter to her? “Take off your pants, Syeer,” Lucien commanded as he spun Kiley around to face Syeer. He lowered her arms and she gave a sigh of relief as the blood rushed back through the limbs. Her gaze wandered to Syeer’s long, thick cock and she licked her lips in anticipation, her pussy throbbing hungrily. “Drop to your knees, Kiley. I want to see you suck his cock.” Nodding, she dropped to her knees while Lucien pinned her hands behind her back. Syeer reached out and fisted her hair in his hands, holding it at the back of her neck as she leaned forward. Flicking out her tongue, she licked at the precum dotting the tip, enjoying his salty, somewhat musky taste. With his free hand, Syeer used his thumb to straighten his cock, aiming it directly toward her mouth.

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“Open those sweet lips, Kiley,” Lucien murmured. “Let me see you swallow him. All of him.” Taking a deep breath, she opened her mouth, allowing Syeer to slide his cock along her tongue. Gently he nudged at the back of her throat and she swallowed, taking all of him. Syeer moaned, his fingers tightening at the back of her neck. Her hands remained pinned at her back, her body held immobile as Syeer fucked her mouth. Juices rolled down the insides of her thighs, her body burning with the need to be taken, fucked. “Suck him good, Kiley,” Lucien murmured in her ear as the fingers of his free hand gently massaged her aching breasts. Syeer pumped his hips faster, her fingers massaging his balls as she sucked harder at his length. Her own body screamed for release, screamed for Lucien. Syeer’s cock jerked and throbbed against her tongue and she knew he was close, knew any second he’d jet his cum down her throat. She moaned, sucking harder, scraping her teeth along his length as he withdrew. With a shout, he came, shooting his cum deep into her throat. “Oh, shit, that was good,” Syeer moaned, watching her as she cleaned the last drops of cum from his length. “My turn,” Lucien whispered. “On the table.” Breathing heavily, Kiley moved to the clear spot on the table Syeer had just cleaned off. She watched in fascination as Lucien lowered his pants, freeing his engorged length. “On your back,” he commanded. She stared at him in surprise, half expecting he wanted her to suck his cock as well. Her pussy leaked juices at the thought of him sliding that massive length into her. She’d never been so damn turned on in her life. Syeer stood to the side, silently watching. To her surprise, it didn’t bother her. Instead, it turned her on even more. Obediently, she moved to her back, her legs spread wide and gasped as the cold glass of the table hit her back, but it did nothing to soothe the burning within her. Lucien put his warm palms against her inner thighs, spreading them wider, and her hips lifted in silent invitation. “You’ll get it when I’m good and ready to give it to you,” Lucien said with just a hint of amusement. “Right now I want to taste you.” His fingers slid through her wet slit, making her moan and wiggle to get closer. “Like that, do you?” he asked, his hot breath whispering across her clit as he moved closer. “I like it, too.” His tongue swiped through her slit, and she groaned, feeling the first tingling of her climax. Her gaze locked on Syeer as he watched her, his eyes hot and hungry, his cock once again engorged and ready.

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Lucien circled her clit and her hips jerked, a strangled cry leaving her throat. All it would take is one swipe of his tongue across her throbbing nub and she’d lose it. She’d explode like a bomb. “So sweet,” Lucien murmured as he nibbled along her labia, teasing it with his teeth and tongue, his breath scorching hot against her sensitive flesh. He dipped two fingers into her pussy and she lifted her hips, trying to take him deeper as he stretched her with scissorlike motions. Without warning, he removed them, sliding them slowly down the cleft of her ass to the tight puckered hole of her anus. He pressed forward and she gasped at the burning, stretching sensation that gripped her. But pleasure quickly took over as he pressed knuckles deep, filling her. “Please, Lucien,” she gasped, grinding her hips against his hand. “Please, what?” he rasped. “Please, Master. Oh, God,” she groaned, desperate now. “Not yet,” he whispered and Kiley groaned in frustration, slapping her palms against the glass of the table. Syeer joined them, leaning over to flick his tongue across her nipples. She cried out, grasping a handful of his hair to hold him in place, silently begging him to take more of her in his mouth. Her breasts ached -- her whole body ached as Lucien continued to move his fingers from her pussy to her ass in alternating, teasing thrusts that drove her mad. “You need us, don’t you, baby?” Syeer murmured as he slowly kissed a path up her chest and neck. His mouth hovered over hers, his lips teasing, his tongue flicking out to trace hers. “Syeer,” Lucien growled in warning from between her legs and he backed away. “Where do you want her?” Syeer asked, the question barely registering in her lustfilled mind. “On top of me,” he replied, then climbed onto the table next to her, lying on his back. She wanted him so badly, she could hardly move as she rolled over, straddling his hips. Like a starving woman, she sank onto his thick cock, moaning loudly as he filled her deep -all the way to her womb. She shook from head to toe as her channel stretched around him, the sensitive tissue giving way to make room for his massive girth. He pulled her up along his length, then back down, filling her even deeper. She screamed, grinding her hips against him, trying to get more of him inside her. Behind her, Syeer gripped her hips, holding her still as he spread a cold cream inside her anus. She sighed, anxious for the feel of him inside her as well, filling her full. Lucien pulled her forward, bringing her lips to his. She forgot everything as his mouth expertly devoured hers, stripping her soul bare. Behind her, Syeer nudged at her opening with the head of his cock. She broke the kiss, holding her breath in anticipation of that first burning, tearing thrust.

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He pushed forward, past the tight ring of resistance and she gasped, her body instinctively tightening. “Shh, relax, Kiley,” Lucien murmured as his fingers gently massaged her breasts. “Close your eyes, feel him as he joins with us. Relax your body and let him take you.” She closed her eyes, taking a deep, relaxing breath, accepting the thick cock invading her tight channel. “That’s it, sweetheart.” Her heart jerked at the endearment, the sweet endearment that crossed Lucien’s lips. She shouldn’t let herself get emotionally involved, but she couldn’t stop it. She wanted to hear that more often, wanted to feel his gentle touch, his lips on hers. Leaning over, she pressed back, taking Syeer deeper into her ass as her lips covered Lucien’s. He moaned, thrusting his tongue into her mouth and commanding a deeper response. Lucien would never be satisfied with part…he wanted all, every last piece of her, and that terrified the hell out of her. He would break her heart and she knew it. Pushing her fears aside, she focused on the moment, the feeling of fullness as the two of them pleasured her beyond anything she’d ever felt before. Syeer moved slowly in and out while Lucien remained still, his hands stroking her back, his tongue stroking hers. He tasted of cinnamon and male, of warm sultry nights and hot arousal. God, he could kiss. Wiggling her hips, she tried to get him to move, but he held still, buried deep inside her while Syeer stroked the channel of her anus, ticking her pussy walls from the other side. A tingling began to build in her womb and she moaned, riding out the wave of ecstasy as it took her over, consumed her. The walls of her pussy spasmed, tightening around Lucien’s cock and he groaned, burying his fingers into the flesh of her back. The explosion was imminent as Syeer moved closer, bending over her slightly as he pressed deeper. At the same time, Lucien pressed upward, putting pressure on her cervix and clit. She shuddered from head to toe as the first waves of release washed over her. “Look at me, Kiley,” Lucien commanded in a soft voice and she opened her eyes, staring into the deep recesses of his. She couldn’t break away, couldn’t stop looking at him as her body erupted into a ball of pleasure. Syeer increased his thrusts, pounding into her hard as the pleasure crested, sending her headlong into a firestorm of sensation. Lucien pumped his hips as well, stroking her walls and prolonging her orgasm until she couldn’t take it anymore. “Oh, God…please,” she gasped, barely hanging onto consciousness as both men erupted inside her, spilling their hot seed into her pulsing channels. Tears streaming down her cheeks, she collapsed onto Lucien’s chest, snuggling into his arms as they wrapped around her.

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Chapter Eight Lucien carried a half-awake Kiley to the small bedroom at the back of the shuttle. He could hardly walk himself after that explosive climax, but damn if he didn’t want her again. This time without Syeer. She’d embedded herself into his heart and he didn’t have a clue what to do about it. He was a mercenary, had been for years now. He doubted he could go back to the royal life -wasn’t even sure he wanted to, but could he for Kiley? Hell, for all he knew she was just enjoying the sex. As soon as they returned home, everything would again return to normal. She’d marry the prince her father had set her up with and continue on with her life. His chest tightened at the thought of her with someone else. The very image made him want to hit something. With a sigh, she buried her face in his neck and kissed him just below his ear, her breath hot against his sensitive skin. He tensed, his cock jerking back to life. Did she have any idea what she did to him? What she made him feel? After all these years he had no idea he could feel anything at all, yet she’d brought all those feelings he’d buried years ago back to the surface. The dream of a wife and family. All the things he’d thought he’d given up and left behind, he found he wanted again. Only this time with her. Laying her on the bed, he brushed her hair from her face, trailing his fingers down the smooth skin of her cheeks. Would she truly be like the woman who betrayed him? Would she be different? Could he take that chance? And could she accept him for what he was? A mercenary. Yes, he was still a prince. He would always be a prince, but because he turned his back, declined the crown, he would never rule.

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Could she accept that? Her lids fluttered open and she smiled shyly up at him. Slowly her smile faded as she studied him. “What happened to you, Lucien?” she asked softly. He wanted to tell her. Opened his mouth to tell her, but the words died a quick death in his throat. He couldn’t. He wasn’t ready. Instead, he lay over her, spreading her thighs with his. Cupping her face in his hands, he covered her lips with his, silencing her questions as he gently thrust his cock into her hot, wet pussy. Her hips lifted, taking him deeper as he slowly stroked her channel, enjoying the feel of her tightening walls as they gripped him, sucking him further inside her. He kept things slow, steady, just feeling her. With his hand, he lifted one of her legs over his hip, gently grinding himself against her clit. She moaned into his kiss, filling his mouth with the sounds of her pleasure. She felt so good, so hot, like a heated vise gripping him. He pulled almost out, then with more patience then he thought he could possess, pressed forward again, hissing as his cock slid along her slick walls until he was balls deep, only to repeat the move over and over. Kiley began to pant, her hips bucking wildly beneath him, trying to force him to fuck her harder. “Lucien,” she whimpered, her nails digging into his hips. “No,” he growled, holding her hips still. “Just like this.” She moaned, lifting her hips to meet his slow thrusts. He didn’t want it to end. Didn’t want to stop moving his cock inside her. It felt too good. He was losing himself to her, he could feel it, but couldn’t do a damn thing to stop it. The walls of her pussy rippled around him, signaling the first signs of her release, but he still kept it slow, burying his face in her neck and fighting his own mounting orgasm. Just as she was about to explode, he pressed deep, grinding himself against her clit. She screamed, rocking her hips with him, her walls sucking the very life from his balls. He erupted with her, giving her what felt like his soul along with his seed.

***** Kiley awoke to an empty bed and stared blankly at the pillow beside her. There was no indication he’d been there at all, other than the soreness and feeling of utter contentment consuming her. Last night, after he’d brought her to the room, had been different. She’d seen a gentle side to him that surprised her as well as confused her. He’d been staring at her as though he loved her, but at the same time, she hadn’t missed the pain and fear shining in his eyes. Only one thing would cause that kind of emotion. Someone had hurt him. Badly. “It’s not my problem,” she mumbled to herself. It really wasn’t.

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She didn’t want a life with him, didn’t need a life with him. Hell, her father would have her head if she even considered it. She’d promised her father she’d marry a prince and she would. She loved her father too much to back out on him. But what of her feelings toward Lucien? She’d always wanted a marriage made of love, but was that what she felt? Or was it just lust, pure and simple? “God, I hate this,” she whined, burying her face in her pillow. “I want to go home. I want to forget he ever existed.” “That will be a little hard to do, don’t you think?” Kiley jumped, sitting straight up to stare in surprise at Syeer. He stood at the end of the bed, his emerald eyes sparkling with amusement. Her gaze wandered down his lean, hard frame encased in black pants and white shirt. Her perusal stopped at knee-high boots before working her way back to his face. Her stomach fluttered and she frowned. “How long have you been standing there?” He shrugged slightly. “Not long. Lucien is in an unusually quiet mood this morning. What did you do to him last night?” Kiley huffed, then readjusted the covers over her chest. “He’s always moody.” “More so since you came on board.” Slapping at the mattress, she glared at Syeer. “What are you doing, Syeer? Why do you keep trying to make me think he cares for me?” Syeer leaned forward slightly, hands on hips, eyes narrowed. “Because he does.” Shaking her head in exasperation, she snapped, “But he’s a mercenary, so it doesn’t matter. I promised my father I’d marry the prince he chose. My feelings, or the feelings of Captain Lucien, arrogant mercenary extraordinaire, can’t come into it. He’s a good fuck, Syeer…so were you for that matter,” she added. “That’s all. Besides, I don’t for one minute believe he gives a damn about me other than sex.” “You could make us part of your harem,” Syeer teased as he sat on the foot of the bed. Kiley couldn’t stop the grin tugging at the corner of her mouth. Picturing Lucien and Syeer in a harem was quite funny. “Like you would want to be part of a harem. Besides, I think the men in my harem would prefer each other over me.” “Why do you say that?” She shrugged, the heat of a blush moving over her cheeks at the admission she never meant to make. “I’ve…watched them.” Syeer’s brow raised. “Watched them?” “Yeah…they have orgies.”

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Syeer laughed, making her smile, but she slapped at his thigh anyway. “It’s not funny,” she chided, trying not to grin. “Do you have any idea how that makes me feel? They would prefer to fuck each other in the ass than to have me.” “You enjoyed it though, didn’t you? Watching them?” Her skin tingled as she remembered the moans and the images. “Maybe a little.” He laughed even harder and she slapped his thigh again. “Stop that.” His sparkling gaze held hers, making her feel safe, protected. Syeer was so much easier to talk to than Lucien. All she ever did with Lucien was argue or have sex. With a sigh, she plucked at the blanket. “Why is he like he is, Syeer?” she asked. “What do you mean?” “He carries himself like a royal. When he enters a room, he commands attention. He’s certainly arrogant like a royal, but there’s a coldness to him, a hardness that doesn’t seem to fit. Take Sam, for example. Sam adores him.” “A couple of years ago, Sam tried to steal from him. Lucien caught him. When he found out the boy was an orphan, he took him in and let him work on the ship. Sam says he saved his life, gave him hope and a home, a family. I think Lucien sees a little of himself in the boy.” “So Lucien was an orphan?” “No. He has a family. A mother and father, a younger brother. Maybe even a niece or a nephew by now, but he doesn’t go home much.” “Why?” Syeer sighed, then glanced toward the door. “He’ll kill me if he knows I told you this… The woman that married his brother was supposed to marry him.” Her curiosity was now piqued. “She left him for his brother?” “He caught them in bed together not long before the wedding.” Kiley gasped. “Oh my God. That’s terrible.” Syeer pointed his finger at her, narrowing his eyes. “Don’t you dare tell him I told you. I mean it.” That explained a lot. “You remind him of her.” “What?” she gasped, surprised. “I look like her?” “No. It’s not looks…” Syeer sighed. “It’s hard to explain, but trust me when I tell you he’s fighting his feelings for you. That’s why he’s running so hot and cold.” “Why are you telling me this?” Syeer stood and walked to the side of the bed. Bending, he placed a soft kiss on her forehead and smiled. “Because despite your station and your misconception of his, the two of you belong together.”

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With that, he stood to leave. “Wait, Syeer. What do you mean my misconception…” Syeer continued out the door, ignoring her question. “Syeer,” she yelled louder, but was only met with silence.

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Chapter Nine “So what changed your mind?” Lucien didn’t look up from the charts on the screen in front of him as he answered his friend’s question. “I just thought it might be easier for us to hide within a crowd. Milash would expect me to go back to my fleet. He may not expect us to take a public transport.” “Are you sure that’s such a good idea?” “At the moment I’m not sure of anything,” Lucien grumbled. And that included his feelings for Kiley. He was falling in love with her, but how did she feel about him? Should he tell her he was a prince or would it be better to let her fall in love with the man she thinks he is? God, this was such a damn mess and he’d bet his life Stefan had known what would happen. Stefan probably saw Kiley as the perfect match for him and if it weren’t for the title, she would be. She was sassy, opinionated, headstrong -- a hell of a challenge. Life would never be dull, that’s for sure. But in the end, one of them would have to sacrifice their way of life and that was never a good thing. “What are you thinking about so hard?” Syeer asked. “Kiley. How to get her home safely.” “What happens once she’s home?” He turned to look at Syeer. “What are you talking about, Syeer?” “Who will protect her once she’s home? Her father? They don’t even have a military, Lucien.” His agitation with his first officer was rising. Lucien knew what he was doing. “What the hell am I supposed to do about that? My job was to get her home. What her father does

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after that is up to Shaba, Syeer. I’m not going to stick around and be her personal bodyguard forever.” “But you want to.” “Damn it, Syeer. Knock it the fuck off!” “I think the two of you have been cramped up in this small ship too long,” Kiley pointed out and both men glanced over their shoulders at her. Had she been standing there the whole time? Her hair was down around her shoulders, wavy and in total disarray, which only served to make her even more attractive. Like a wanton sex goddess come to life. “I think so, as well,” Lucien drawled. “Perhaps we need an outlet of some sort.” “Just so long as it’s not me. I’m still sore from last night.” Syeer chuckled and Lucien couldn’t help the grin that tugged at his own lips. “At least you’re honest. But I was thinking more along the lines of shopping. You can’t keep wearing the same clothes.” Kiley turned in a circle, a look of amusement on her face as she studied her surroundings. “Well, shopping sounds like a great idea, but I don’t see any stores around here, unless I’m missing something…” “Smart-ass,” Lucien grumbled. “I’m plotting a course to Cyra. There will be shops there.” “They’ll be expensive. Cyra isn’t cheap,” she said. Lucien shrugged. “Your father’s paying for it.” “Oh, of course,” Kiley replied, rolling her eyes. “How does my father know you?” Lucien raised an eyebrow, more than a little surprised at the question. “He doesn’t. But he knows Stefan Marcone, who is a friend of mine.” “I see. So it really wasn’t my father that hired you, but Stefan?” “With your father’s approval.” Lucien watched her, watched the wheels turning in her head, the questions behind her eyes. “What’s with the curiosity, Kiley?” “I just want to know how all this happened. Apparently, there’s more to my father than I ever thought. Friends with the Marcones -- target of a mercenary’s vendetta. He always hated violence. Any problem could be solved by talking it out. Politics was his thing. Politics and diplomacy.” She looked at him with doe eyes so beautiful, his heart jerked. “He’ll never stop, will he?” “Who?” he asked softly. “Milash. Even if you get me home, he’ll still try to get me. To kill me and finally get his revenge on my father.” Lucien stood and walked over to her. As he got closer, he realized she was trembling. His strong, opinionated princess was scared and it awakened a need to protect her -- to keep

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her safe. He put his hands on her shoulders, then lower to rub at her upper arms. Hesitation sparked in her gaze for a split second before she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest. Her warm body felt right in his arms, snuggled up against him as though she trusted him implicitly. Enfolding her in his arms, he laid his cheek against the top of her head, inhaling the sweet scent of her hair. “It’s going to be okay, Kiley. I won’t let him get you.” “Promise?” she whispered softly. Her voice sounded so small -- so lost. His arms tightened; her scent enveloped his senses and wrapped around his heart like a warm blanket. He was so fucked. “I promise,” he replied, and he meant it.

***** Cyra was huge. Massive skyscrapers reached for the clouds, their lights sparkling bright in the nighttime sky. Surrounded by ocean, Cyra was one of the largest cities in this sector of the galaxy, second only to Rhinari, the capital city where the galactic Senate was located. Despite her seclusion on her home planet, she had been required to learn of the galaxy from Rhinari to the smallest planets and even the worlds that were not part of the Senate. Her father believed she should be aware of what surrounded her and understand the different cultures and languages. Lucien parked the ship on a landing pad outside a tall glass building and Kiley looked out the window in trepidation. “We’re dangling off the edge of the building,” she murmured. “Yes,” Lucien said, his lips twitching. “One thousand and twenty flights up, if I recall correctly.” Kiley swallowed, her childhood fear of heights coming back full force. “We can’t park lower?” “Why would we? Here we’re right off the room.” “Room? I thought we were going shopping.” “We are. Here.” Shaking her head, she glared at him. “Here?” Lucien and Syeer studied her as her fingers tightened on the back of the chair she stood behind. “What’s going on, Kiley?” Lucien asked. She shook her head slightly, closing her eyes as her cheeks heated in embarrassment. She hadn’t felt like this since she was twelve and had been trapped on the castle tower for hours. The door had locked behind her and it had taken the house staff that long to find her. “Heights make me nervous. I thought I’d outgrown it, but I guess I was wrong.”

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Syeer started to step forward, but Lucien put his hand on his arm, stopping him. Kiley’s stomach tingled as Lucien came toward her, his gaze understanding, his hands gentle and warm as they cupped her face. “You’re going to be fine, Kiley. There’s nothing to be afraid of.” She nodded, unable to stop looking at him, unable to stop gazing into his beautiful eyes. “I hate to interrupt,” Syeer drawled. “But the staff are waiting and it appears as though impatiently.” Lucien let go of her face and turned to look out the window as well. “Shit,” she heard him mumble under his breath. Kiley frowned, wondering what the big deal was. Four men stood outside the door, two on each side, the wind whipping at them as though it would blow them away. Their long blue shirts flapped in the breeze around their knees, the collars held closed by large silver buttons. They stood still, regal, their gazes straight ahead. “Who are they?” she asked. “My father’s staff.” Lucien turned back to Syeer. “Take care of them, Syeer. Explain the situation and who Kiley is.” “Of course.” Syeer jumped from the open side door and jogged across the landing as though he walked across a lawn. “Your father’s staff?” Kiley asked in surprise. Had Lucien come from a wealthy family? “I thought he’d dismissed them earlier this year. He never uses this apartment anymore; I assumed it would be empty.” “What does your father do?” Lucien turned away, finalizing the shutdown procedure in the shuttle. “He owns several companies. Two of which are here.” She didn’t understand him. His father owned a company, several apparently, and made enough money to afford a flat on Cyra. If that was true, why had he become a mercenary instead of taking over? Especially if he was the older son. Did it have to do with the woman who married his brother? Or did he have an older brother she didn’t know about? Perhaps he was the middle child? “Then why did you become a mercenary?” she asked. “It’s a long story, Kiley,” he said, and sighed. “Well, I kind of get the impression we’re going to be together for a little while.” One corner of his mouth lifted as he spun around to face her. “True, but I believe we’re going to be preoccupied with keeping you safe, so no time for long stories.” “You could condense it.”

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Lucien laughed and she stood mesmerized, shocked at how the deep, rich sound vibrated through her. Was this the first time she’d heard him laugh? It changed his whole look. The lines across his forehead diminished and his eyes sparkled with light. He looked years younger and so damn sexy. “I want to know more about you.” Her comment seemed to surprise him. His laughter died away and the spark left his eyes, replaced by a hint of uncertainty. “Why?” he asked. “Once we return you, you’ll probably never give me another thought.” Her head tilted as she stared at him in shock. “What makes you say that?” “The staff has been briefed and the dress shop called,” Syeer said as he stuck his head in the door of the ship, interrupting their conversation. “They’re sending someone over within the hour, as well as dinner. I know you didn’t say anything about food, but I’m fucking starving, so I took it upon myself. If you don’t like it, get over it.” “Why the hell are you still my first officer? Explain to me again why I haven’t kicked your ass off my ship?” Lucien grumbled. “Because you can’t live without me,” Syeer countered back, making Kiley grin. She was slowly learning there was more to Lucien than he let on. Taking a deep breath, she stepped off the ship and onto the landing pad. She tried to keep her eyes ahead and not on the bottomless pit below her. The wind whipped across her body, threatening to throw her off balance. Her fingers fisted at her side as she stared at the narrow walkway they would have to cross to get to the veranda that spanned the length of the apartment. She was sure the view was amazing and she was sure she would enjoy it later, but right now, she needed to get across that walkway. Preferably without making a fool of herself. Lucien put his hand protectively at the small of her back and she reached around, grasping his wrist in a tight hold. She swallowed, taking another step forward, keeping herself close to Lucien, allowing his huge body to block some of the wind. “I won’t let you fall, Kiley,” he murmured, his voice barely carrying over the noise of the passing ships. “Why would anyone put a landing pad so far up?” she grumbled. “All that’s holding it is that stupid walkway.” Lucien chuckled. “There’s more holding it than that.” “Sure there is,” she mumbled sarcastically. As they approached the walkway, Lucien pressed her partially in front of him. She still held onto his wrist, his fingers still resting at the small of her back. His touch was warm even through her clothes and having him this close made her feel safe, protected -- as though

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nothing could harm her. She began to relax a little and breathed a huge sigh of relief as she took the last step onto the veranda. She let go of Lucien’s wrist but he surprised her by grabbing her hand and entwining his fingers with hers. She stopped, glancing down at their clasped hands, then up at him. He didn’t acknowledge her questioning stare, just tugged her along behind him as they entered the apartment. Her shock was evident as she glanced around the glass-enclosed room with views of the city on both sides. It was amazing and she couldn’t wait to see it in the daytime. Black furniture filled the room decorated with red throw pillows and crystal decanters. It was beautiful. With a squeal, she let go of Lucien’s hand and ran forward, throwing herself on the thick, fluffy couch, laughing as she landed amidst a mass of pillows. “Now this is much better than that stiff, hard stuff on your ship.” “Is that so?” Lucien drawled as he slowly walked toward her. Kiley couldn’t stop herself from admiring his gorgeous body and sensual walk. Her heart skipped a beat as he leaned forward. Bracing one hand on the back of the couch, he bent forward to whisper softly in her ear. “Most of the women I’ve encountered enjoyed my stiff, hard stuff.” “Ha, ha,” she breathed, barely able to utter a sound past the sudden lump of lust in her throat. “I was talking about the furniture, not your cock.” “He knows that,” Syeer replied in amusement, but Kiley ignored him, instead focusing on Lucien’s dark gaze. The way he looked at her made her feel hot all over. “The dress guy is on his way up,” Syeer said. “Want me to handle it while you get dinner together?” “Might not be a bad idea,” Lucien murmured before standing straight. Kiley got the impression if they kept staring at each other too much longer, they’d end up making love right here. Making love? Where had that come from? Love isn’t what happened between them. It was sex -- pure and simple. Wild, uncontrollable sex. And adding Syeer to the mix only made it more so. Just thinking about it made her pussy clench. “So…um…what kind of clothes am I supposed to be shopping for?” she asked, sitting up to watch them over the back of the couch. “Whatever you want,” Syeer said with a shrug. “God, don’t tell her that,” Lucien exclaimed. “She’ll break me financially.” “Like hell,” Syeer said, his laughter filling the room. Kiley narrowed her gaze, watching Lucien. He seemed uncomfortable talking about money. If the glare he shot Syeer was any indication, he apparently didn’t want her knowing

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what he was truly worth and she wondered why. Most mercenaries were wealthy, at least the good ones. So what was the big deal? “I’m going to go see about dinner. Watch her,” he added, pointing toward Kiley and she scrunched her nose at him. Lucien disappeared into the other part of the apartment just as someone knocked at the massive double entry doors, signaling company. Syeer moved to answer it, opening it wide for the man and his two assistants to enter. “If my father is paying for this, what difference does it make how much money I spend?” she asked softly, watching the man settle his small computer on a round table close to the window. She knew how this worked. She would make her selections, then they would order them through a replicating device, delivering them back to her less than an hour later. It was how she always shopped at home. “It doesn’t, Kiley,” Syeer said with a soft smile. “Lucien just likes to bitch. You should know that by now.” “Just how wealthy is he?” she whispered. Syeer’s lips twitched. “Truthfully? And between you and me?” She nodded. “He has more money than your father.” Kiley laughed, but it died at Syeer’s serious expression. “Oh my God. You’re serious.” He nodded, then placed his fingers before his lips reiterating she would have to keep that little tidbit quiet. Pursing her lips, she stood and strolled over to the computer, only half interested in her shopping excursion. She was more interested in finding out what other secrets her master mercenary had.

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Chapter Ten “Lucien,” she said softly and Lucien closed his eyes, enjoying the sound of his name whispered across her lips. “Have you ever been close to getting married?” His eyes popped open. “Excuse me?” He turned from the view of Cyra to look at her. She wore one of her new outfits, her hair pulled back to expose her long, graceful neck and her small, perfect ears with tiny pearl earrings dangling from the lobes. He wanted to kiss that neck and for a second, he completely forgot her question. She shrugged one shoulder, slightly uncomfortable, but curiosity shone bright in her eyes -- those beautiful eyes that made his chest tighten. “You heard me.” “Ah, yes. Was I ever close to marriage? Once,” he admitted. “Really? What happened?” He shook his head, unsure he wanted to go too deep into this. “It just didn’t work out.” “Did you love her?” With a sigh, he gazed back out over the city, squinting against the cool wind blowing across his face. “I thought you were afraid of heights.” “I’m good so long as I don’t look down. Stop trying to change the subject. Did you love her?” she asked again. “Sort of.” “Sort of? What does that mean?” “It was an arranged marriage set up by our parents. We’d known each other all our lives. Our fathers were…in business together. They thought a marriage between the families would benefit the…business.”

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“What happened?” she asked quietly. “What about you, Kiley?” he asked. “You’re awfully old to be unmarried for a princess. No offense,” he added with a grin. She smiled back, which caught him off guard. Her face lit up with that smile, despite the blush moving over her cheeks. “It was silly, really.” “What?” he prodded. “You changed the subject again,” she accused. “Yes.” He turned to fully face her. “If I have to tell you something personal, then you have to tell me something.” “Fine.” She sighed, and he grinned. He couldn’t help himself, she was so damn cute when uncomfortable. “I wanted love.” That simple answer surprised him. “Love? Is there such a thing within the monarchy?” “Sometimes.” “I take it you never found your love?” “No,” she replied and sadness filled her eyes. “So because you never found love, you gave up on it and agreed to marry your father’s choice.” “Yeah, that pretty much sums it up. I’m a princess. My father’s only child. I have to marry to carry on the line. I don’t have a choice.” “The joys of being royal,” he drawled, and her eyes narrowed slightly, watching him. “You still haven’t answered my question. What happened between you and your fiancée?” “I wasn’t for her.” She frowned. “You weren’t for her? What does that mean exactly?” “I wasn’t what would make her happy. Let’s just leave it at that.” He glanced back into the apartment and saw Syeer watching them. “It’s getting late, Kiley. You should probably get some sleep. We’ll head back out tomorrow.” “You’re pushing me away again,” she accused softly. He tilted his head slightly, watching the lights of the city sparkle in her eyes. He needed to push her away. “You push me away until you want sex, then you fuck me and leave. If you can’t talk to me, Lucien, don’t expect me to give in to you next time.” He snorted. “We’re not building a relationship here, Kiley. I’m taking you home.” “Well, excuse the hell out of me,” she snarled, then quickly left the veranda.

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He wanted to call her back. The momentary hurt he’d seen in her gaze tore at his chest like a dull knife. He didn’t want to hurt her. He wanted to touch her, hold her, make love to her. But she was getting too close. He was getting too close to her. She was quickly becoming an addiction. Even now, his hands shook with the desire to be with her. She wasn’t what he needed in his life. Period. “You’re such a damn fool,” Syeer murmured from behind him. “You have no idea what you’re pushing away.” “I know exactly what I’m pushing away. A princess, Syeer. The same kind of princess who decided she wanted my younger brother instead of me.” “She’s not like that, Lucien. Are you so blind you can’t see that?” “It doesn’t matter. She’s already agreed to marry who her father chooses.” “What if her father chose you?” Lucien rolled his eyes. “Why would he do that?” “Why?” Syeer snapped. “Are you kidding me? Did you suddenly forget you’re the son of one of the most powerful kings in the galaxy?” Lucien glanced back toward the apartment, making sure Kiley wasn’t standing there listening to them. “I wish the hell I could.” “Fine,” Syeer replied, holding up his hand in surrender. “Screw it all up. See if I care. But don’t you say one damn word when you see me with her.” “Stay away from her, Syeer,” he snarled. “Give me one good reason why. We’ve got well over a week. I plan on taking advantage of it. Unless you want her for yourself?” When Lucien didn’t answer, Syeer shook his head. “We’ve been friends for a long time, but this is dumbest move I’ve ever seen you make.” As Syeer left the veranda, Lucien turned back toward the dark horizon. In his opinion, the dumbest move he’d ever made was taking on this “favor” in the first place.

***** Kiley stepped out onto the veranda, watching the sun rise above the purple clouds and cringed as the heavy smell of fumes filled her nose. That was the only bad thing about massive cities such as these. The smells. She hadn’t slept much the night before, which she was sure was the biggest cause of her surly mood this morning. She woke up determined not to shed another tear over Lucien. The first hour after going to bed had been enough. And she wasn’t even sure why she’d cried. He hadn’t been any different last night than any other time. Well, except that night alone. When he’d been so tender.

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Shaking her head, she tried not to think about it. A relationship with him would never work. Her father would never allow it. “Are you ready, Kiley?” Syeer asked as he stepped up behind her. His hands were warm and comforting as he gently rubbed her shoulders. She sighed, closing her eyes against the need to lean into him -- to hear him say everything would be fine. There was something about Syeer that made him so easy to talk to, but she didn’t dare talk about this. To voice her feelings would make them more real. And the last thing she needed to do was admit she was falling in love with Lucien…surly, arrogant attitude and all. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. Are we really taking public transport?” “Yes. Does that bother you?” “Should it? I don’t know, I’ve never taken it before.” “We’ll have our own quarters, but we’ll dine with everyone else. We’ll have two stops. One on Shorlinka and the other on Rhinari, where we have plans to meet up with Stefan. From there, we’ll head to your planet. Stefan has arranged a more private shuttle to take us from there.” “Why the public route?” “Lucien believes it would be the last place Milash would look for you.” “Let’s hope,” she said, then let out a long sigh. Part of her would be so happy when this was over. Another part would always wonder where Lucien was and what he was doing. She doubted she would ever forget him and wasn’t sure she even wanted to. If she ended up having to marry a toad, she would at least have these few days to remember. She stood straighter, turning to look at Syeer, then past his shoulder to Lucien, who stood in the apartment, talking with the staff. That’s what she should do. Take the next few days to explore every possible sexual fantasy so when she no longer had Lucien, she would at least have her memories. “What’s going through that mind of yours, Princess?” Syeer asked, his brow raised in a mixture of amusement and apprehension. She grinned, not quite ready yet to tell them her plan. “Nothing. At least nothing I want to discuss just yet.” “I see,” he murmured, his lips twitching. “Should I be concerned or on my guard?” She shrugged, a mischievous grin tugging at her lips. “Depends.” “On?” he pried. “Your stamina.” With that, she left the veranda, going back into the apartment, leaving him to wonder. As she passed by Lucien, she sent him a devilish smile. His eyes glowed, sending heat to her

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core. Seducing them wouldn’t be hard at all. Not losing her heart…now that would be a problem.

***** Kiley watched Lucien toy with his food more than eat it. He seemed incredibly preoccupied ever since they’d left the apartment and boarded the public transport shuttle. Her plan to seduce them had been running through her mind most of the day, making her wet with need. She already ached for them. She’d waited until they were eating dinner since Lucien had avoided them for most of the time before that. Syeer had agreed to go along with her plan, actually chuckling with the idea of driving Lucien to lose his control. She just hoped it worked. As much as she was attracted to Syeer, it was Lucien she truly wanted. The dining room was dark except for the small electric flickering lights decorating the center of the tables. The low light made Lucien look even more menacing and sexy. He exuded danger, raw sex appeal, but she knew deep down he could be tender. It was that tender side she wanted more of. Catching Lucien’s dark stare, she drew her finger through the cream covering her venison, then lifted it to her lips. He stared, his gaze burning with growing lust as she sucked her finger into her mouth, licking the cream from the tip. Syeer joined in the play, sliding his finger through the cream, then lifting it to her lips. She removed her own finger, opening her mouth wider to suck at Syeer’s finger. “You have such a delectable mouth, Princess,” Syeer whispered just loud enough for Lucien to hear. His gaze narrowed, shooting daggers at Syeer. Kiley’s stomach flipped at the possessive expression on his face, the way he practically devoured her with his eyes. Such beautiful eyes. “I would love to feel those lips of yours wrapped around my cock,” Syeer murmured. “I bet Lucien would, too. Wouldn’t you, Lucien?” Syeer pulled his finger from her mouth and brushed her hair from the side of her neck. Leaning over, he placed a soft kiss just below her ear. She smiled slightly, not bothering to fight the string of goose bumps that rose along her flesh. Lucien continued to watch them, his eyes glowing with fire, his fingers tightening on the glass he held. “What are you doing, Kiley?” he asked. “Are you trying to start something?” “Only if you’re willing to finish it.” Lucien’s brow raised. “Careful, don’t push him,” Syeer whispered softly in her ear. “Are you trying to tell me you miss the sex?” Lucien asked, leaning closer.

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“Maybe,” she murmured, watching him across the table. “Make her come, Syeer,” he commanded, and her eyes widened slightly. “Here?” Syeer asked in surprise, his gaze glancing around the darkened but crowded room. “Yes,” he drawled. “Here.” Kiley swallowed, not quite sure what she’d gotten herself into. Syeer’s hand slowly slid up the inside of her thigh, his fingers diving beneath the hem of her short skirt. Her gaze flicked around the room, hoping no one knew what they were doing. His hand cupped her pussy and her eyes closed, her breathing becoming more ragged. She was already so turned on, it wouldn’t take much. “You’re so wet, Kiley,” Syeer whispered. “Have you been thinking about us?” She nodded, swallowing her sigh as Syeer’s fingers spread her labia, the tip of his fingers toying with the opening to her wet pussy. She opened her eyes, locking her gaze on Lucien as he watched them. A muscle in his cheek jerked and she knew he fought his need for her. She knew he fought jumping across that table and taking her right there. Syeer’s fingers continued to toy with her clit, gently swiping back and forth, tormenting the swollen nub. She wiggled, spreading her legs wider, inviting him to slide his fingers deep into her aching pussy. “You want to be fucked, don’t you, sweetheart,” Syeer whispered and she whimpered. Her breasts ached for his touch, his mouth, his teeth. Her nipples beaded beneath her top. The material brushed across the sensitive peaks, making her shudder. Syeer’s finger dipped deep inside her and she bit down on her lower lip to keep from crying out. “Damn, she’s wet,” Syeer said, glancing toward Lucien. Kiley reached over and gripped Syeer’s knee, digging her nails in. His lips lifted in a slight smile. “Don’t fight it, sweetheart. He wants to see you come. Show him.” Kiley’s heart pounded; blood rushed through her ears as Syeer continued to finger fuck her mindless. Adding a third finger, he twisted his hand, placing his thumb directly over her sensitive clit. She gasped and Syeer turned her to face him, his mouth covering hers and swallowing her cries of delight. His tongue dipped between her lips, his tongue gliding along hers, matching the steady, insistent rhythm of his fingers. One final swipe of the thumb across her clit and she soared, her body erupting into a flurry of pleasurable throbs. Her pussy sucked at his fingers, pulling them deeper as she pulsed and purred into his kiss. “Ah, hell yeah,” Syeer whispered against her lips and she smiled, glancing at Lucien from the corner of her eye. There was no denying the hunger blazing in his gaze, but what would he do about it?

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“Our quarters,” he growled. “Now.” Standing, he left the room, not waiting for them to follow. She glanced at Syeer with surprise and he smiled back, nodding at Lucien’s back. “You heard the man. I suppose we should follow.” She nodded and stood on wobbly legs. “I’m wondering, though,” Syeer murmured as he ushered her out of the room and down the hall toward their private quarters, “if we haven’t awakened a monster. Did you see the look on his face?” Kiley grinned. “Yes. I did.”

***** Lucien threw open the door to their suite of rooms and waited impatiently for Kiley and Syeer to follow. Damn, he wanted her. He couldn’t remember ever wanting someone so much and the very idea unsettled him to his core. He shouldn’t be doing this. He was falling for her…fast. But their relationship beyond the sex was totally impossible. Her father would never let her marry a mercenary and a mercenary is all he could ever be to her. Kiley strolled through the door, her thin skirt fluttering just above her knees, showing off smooth, firm, tan legs. He swallowed as his eyes raked upward, taking in the beaded nipples behind her matching top, her graceful neck with her pulse beating wildly just under her flesh. Full lips titled slightly upward as she stared back at him with eyes full of hunger. Damn it all to hell. Stepping forward, he completely ignored Syeer and cupped her cheeks, forcing her to look at him. “If I ever catch you kissing him on the mouth again…” he growled. Her eyes widened slightly before sparkling with amusement. “You’ll what?” she whispered, deliberately taunting him. “If I recall, you and I are not exclusive. Are we?” “Kiley,” he warned, but refused to admit that was exactly what he wanted. “Fine,” he growled. “Is that how you want it?” Turning her to face Syeer, he kept his hands on her shoulders. “Suck his cock while I watch. And you,” he growled toward his friend, who watched him with unhidden amusement. Syeer raised an eyebrow, completely unconcerned with his surly mood. “The only thing that goes near her mouth is your dick, got that?” “Is that so?” Syeer countered, and Lucien got the impression they were working together to provoke him into admitting something. “Don’t push it, Syeer, or you’ll find someone else to take care of your hard-on.”

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“Stop it,” Kiley demanded, turning to face Lucien. “I don’t get you. It’s okay for me to give him a blowjob, let him fondle me till I come, even fuck him, but he can’t kiss me?” Leaning down, hands on hips, Lucien brought his nose close to hers. “That’s right.” “Fine. But that means you have to kiss me. Like you mean it, Lucien.” “Like I mean it?” he countered, stepping closer, invading her space. “Yes. Like you --” His mouth covered hers, swallowing what she was about to say. She immediately surrendered, her body falling into his, her hands fisting in his shirt to pull him closer. God, she tasted so good, so sweet, he never wanted to stop. Her tongue swirled around his, thrusting, evading, teasing him till he thought he would drop to his knees. He would if he didn’t stop. One more second. Just another taste. With a growl, he gripped her upper arms and pushed her away from him. Her face was flushed, her eyes glassy with passion, her lips swollen and moist. “Do what I told you to do…now,” he ordered and didn’t miss the shiver that ran just under the surface. Her gaze sparked fire, but he could tell she loved being ordered -- dominated. Turning, she walked slowly toward Syeer, who still remained leaning against the closed door. With the flat of her palms, she spread his white shirt wide, exposing his chest, then lower to undo his pants. Kiley’s heart raced wildly in her chest. This had to be the most erotic thing she’d ever done -- pleasing another man while Lucien watched, given her orders, instructions. Part of her soared that he didn’t want Syeer kissing her. If he was jealous and possessive, did it mean he cared? Really cared? And did she dare hope? Keeping her gaze on Syeer’s face, she worked her hands into his pants, toying with his rock hard cock. His eyes closed and a muscle in his cheek jerked, but he made no move to touch her, made no move to kiss her, just as Lucien had ordered. Glancing to her right, she kept her gaze on Lucien as she unhooked Syeer’s pants and pushed them past his hips, exposing his thick shaft. His balls were high and tight and she fondled them softly, making Syeer moan. Lucien’s gaze burned into her as he reached behind his shoulders and tugged his shirt over his head, tossing it to the floor. He was magnificent, scars and all as he stood there, watching her, waiting. Turning her attention back to Syeer, she dropped to her knees, then licked her tongue along his engorged length. He groaned and fisted his hand in her hair, tugging slightly.

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With one hand at the base of his shaft, she swiped her tongue across the purple head, licking away the precum. Her pussy clenched and pulsed, anxious to feel one of them filling her, taking her to heights she knew only they could show her. Opening her lips, she engulfed his cock, taking him to the back of throat before slowly releasing him, sucking hard at the tip. “Son of a bitch,” Syeer growled, his fingernails scraping along her scalp. “Keep that up, Kiley. It felt good.” She did it again, feeling her nipples bead and ache. Her breasts were so full, they actually hurt. Lucien must have sensed her need, for he dropped to his knees behind her, reaching around to cup her breasts. She moaned around Syeer’s cock, arching her back as much as possible to fit her mounds more firmly into his palms. He squeezed and stroked, gently pinching her nipples through the fabric. But she needed more. His hands moved to her thighs, pushing her skirt up and over her hips. He would see she didn’t wear any underwear and the idea excited her further. “You were prepared for this, weren’t you, baby?” he teased, stroking his hands over the curve of her hips. When he slid two fingers through the juices coating her labia, she let go of Syeer’s cock to whimper. Her hand stroked up and down Syeer’s cock, using the same rhythm Lucien used with his hand, stroking her opening, but not entering her. “Suck him, Kiley. Make him come so I can fuck you,” Lucien whispered. “I want to watch you swallow him.” Nodding, Kiley drew Syeer’s cock back into her mouth and sucked with all her might, her fingers cupping his balls, massaging. She wanted Lucien inside her, needed it like the air around her. He was quickly becoming an addiction she didn’t want to break loose from. Syeer’s hips jerked and his cock twitched in her mouth, signaling he was close. Relaxing her throat, she swallowed him up to his balls, making him groan in pleasure. Just as she did, Lucien thrust two fingers inside her, filling her deep. Her eyes widened as scorching pleasure raced through her. Syeer held her in place, his cock throbbing inside her as he spilled his seed down her throat with a shout. Lucien kept fucking her with his fingers, teasing her to the point of pain. Releasing Syeer’s cock, she shouted over her shoulder at Lucien. “Now fuck me, damn it.” Pulling her to her wobbly legs, Lucien drew her across the room to a chair. He sat and she started to straddle his lap, facing him, but he turned her the other direction with her back to his chest. He tugged her onto his lap, placing the head of his shaft at her opening before ramming into her, taking the very breath from her lungs. She gasped at the stretching as his thick cock burrowed deeper, forcing her to take every inch of his massive shaft. She gripped the armrest of the chair as Lucien spread her legs wider with his thighs. Despite the initial shock of his invasion, it felt good. So good.

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Throwing her head back, she moaned as he worked her hips back and forth, up and down, over and over again. Syeer walked toward her and lifted her top. Leaning down, he covered one nipple with his wicked mouth, tormenting her aching bud. She squealed, grabbing a handful of his hair and holding him to her. Syeer shook his head free of her hold to work his lips lower. Lifting her skirt, he blew against her swollen clit, making her hips buck toward his mouth, her fingers digging into the armrest. Lucien groaned behind her, grinding himself into her deeper and she cried out at the fullness consuming her. Syeer’s tongue flicked out to lick at her clit and her head fell back on a sigh, her nails digging into the rough material of the chair. “Oh, God,” she whispered. “Oh, God.” Lucien wrapped his arms around her, cupping her breasts and pulling her back against him. His mouth bit at the side of her neck, making her shiver from head to toe. Every part of her quaked with her building release. Her cries built, becoming louder, stronger as she finally topped that pinnacle, falling fast to the other side. She screamed as her body erupted. Squeezing at Lucien’s cock with a stranglehold, she rode out the intense waves. Syeer kept licking at her pussy, soothing her as she floated back. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she heard Lucien groan, then empty his seed with a jerk deep inside her. “On your knees, facing Lucien, “ she heard Syeer order. She lifted up and turned, placing a knee on either side of Lucien’s thighs. With a hand at the back of her head, Lucien tugged her face toward his and kissed her, his tongue sliding past her lips just as Syeer filled her pussy from behind. She moaned into the kiss, thrusting her hips back to meet every pounding thrust of his cock. Lucien tugged at her breasts, plucking at them, pinching them, sending shards of pleasure to her very core. “Do you know he’s fucking me?” she whispered against his lips. “Yes,” he hissed. “Just kiss me, Kiley.” She did, sliding her tongue into his mouth, tasting him, teasing him, stroking his tongue in the same rhythm Syeer fucked her pussy. Lucien’s hand lowered to gently stroke her clit. She whimpered into his kiss, working her hips faster against Syeer, her pussy clenching and unclenching around his shaft. “Come for me, Kiley,” Lucien whispered. Dropping her head to his shoulder, she bit at his flesh, groaning as her release slammed through her, rocking her world off its axis for the third time that night. Syeer quickly followed, his cock pounding into her harder, faster, shoving her against Lucien’s chest as he spilled his seed. “Lucien,” she sighed as Syeer pulled from her body, allowing her to fall against Lucien, his arms rising to hold her against him.

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She could hear his heart beating wildly along with hers; his musky scent invaded her whole body and she knew she would never forget that smell. She would always hold it close to her heart. She felt Syeer kiss the back of her head, then felt him leave the room. She and Lucien were alone. “I would fuck you again if I thought I wouldn’t hurt you,” he whispered, his hands slowly moving up and down along her spine. Her lips spread into a sensual smile and she kissed the side of his neck. “What makes you think you would hurt me?” she whispered. “Insatiable minx,” he murmured, the corners of his lips lifting into a grin. His cock grew hard against her leg and she wiggled against him. “I want all of you I can get before we make it home.” His smile faded as he stared at her. With his fingers, he brushed her hair from her face and for a moment, she could see the anguish in his eyes. “We’re from two different worlds and I know we can never have more than this, so I want enough to last me a lifetime,” she whispered. Lucien’s eyes closed as though in pain and for a second she wondered if he would deny her. With his hands on her hips, he lifted her, once again settling her pussy at the head of his shaft. With one long stroke, he entered her, filling her deep. Her head fell back on a sigh, the slight sting only intensifying the pleasure. She began to move her hips, but Lucien stopped her, holding her still. “I just want to feel you, Kiley,” he whispered, his lips brushing lightly across hers. “Don’t move. Not yet.” With a slight smile, he pushed her back off him. She frowned in confusion. “Change of position. Put your legs over the arms.” She did as he asked, then moaned in surprise as he entered her again, this time going much deeper. With her legs spread as they were, it exposed her clit, sending shards of pleasure up her spine as her clit brushed against the base of his cock. His hands feathered all over her body, touching her everywhere as his mouth feasted on her neck, sucking lightly. “Lucien,” she whispered, desperate to move her hips, to grind against him and relieve the ache settling deep in her womb. “Not yet,” he growled, holding her fast. “I’ll let you know when.” “I’m not sure I can hold it off,” she whined. “It feels so good.” “Yes, it does,” he agreed, whispering softly in her ear. “Your pussy feels like a glove. So tight, so hot.” His voice dropped even deeper. “So damn good.”

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His palms gripped her ass and pushed her hips toward his stomach. Her mouth dropped open on a silent cry. He pressed upward with his hips, putting pressure on her clit and she sighed, her nails digging into his shoulders. “Lucien,” she panted. “Oh, my God. I can’t believe I’m going to come again.” Moving forward, he held her tight, then dropped to his knees on the floor. Laying her on her back, he braced himself on his hands and rammed into her, hard. He shoved deep, scooting her across the floor with the power of his thrusts. She gasped, then screamed as her release raced through her, spreading like hot lava through her limbs. Lucien kept going, kept thrusting, forcing one orgasm into another, robbing her of breath before he thrust one final time, yelling her name. She would always remember that sound. And the way she felt right now.

***** Milash stroked his chin, forcing himself to keep his temper under control. Where the hell had they gone? He knew their final destination, but how they were getting there was a mystery. Running his hand along the material, he studied the uniform of King Shaba’s guard. Could he make this work? Could he get close enough to Kiley to kill her on her own home world? “Are you sure you can get me into the castle?” he asked and then turned to face the man who’d brought him the uniform. He nodded. “Yes. For the right price.” Milash pursed his lips. “What did you have in mind?” The man’s eyes glistened with greed. It may cost him a fortune and be the last thing he saw, but it would be worth it. To see Shaba’s face when she died. To see his enemy and know he felt the same pain he himself had felt when his own son died in his arms. A needless death at the hands of the young king. Milash would finally have his revenge against Shaba.

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Chapter Eleven Kiley awoke to the smell of cinnamon Korniga and inhaled, stretching along the warm sheets. The fibers scratched a little at her skin and she frowned. It certainly wasn’t what she was used to. Even on Lucien’s ship, the sheets had been of the finest quality. It had surprised her that the public transport didn’t offer any better even in the suites. Turning her head, she glanced around the room, wondering where Lucien had gone. Out the window stars whizzed by. Two smaller ships flanked that side of the transport -their escorts through the shipping lanes. A tall form took up the open doorway and she turned to smile at Lucien. He looked so handsome in his black slacks and white shirt. His long hair hung around his shoulders and she remembered how soft it had felt between her fingers the night before. “Good morning,” she said, a little hesitant. He watched her with an odd expression. One that made her slightly nervous. “Is something wrong?” “No,” he replied softly, then moved into the room to sit on the side of the bed. She pushed herself up to lean back against the headboard using the edge of the sheet to cover her breasts. “I was thinking about what you said last night,” he said as he moved closer, making her stomach flip. “What did I say last night?” “You don’t remember?” “I said a lot. Perhaps you should refresh my memory.” She swallowed, wondering what he was talking about. There wasn’t a whole lot she remembered beyond the sex. God only knew what she said during the throes of passion. He moved closer. So close she could feel his warm breath as it brushed across her lips.

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“You said you wanted enough of me…of us…to last you a lifetime.” His lips brushed lightly across hers and she swallowed. “I said that?” “Did you not mean it?” His teeth sank into her lower lip gently, then he licked his tongue across it, soothing the sting. “Yes…” She swallowed, her body heating with arousal. “I did mean it.” “Then,” he whispered, swiping his parted lips over hers, teasing her. She parted her lips, inviting him to deepen the kiss, but he pulled back. “If you meant it.” He brushed his lips over hers again and she whimpered. “What are you saying, Lucien?” she asked. He cupped her cheek and brushed his thumb along her skin. “I’m saying I agree. During the time we have left, I…and Syeer…want to give you everything you can handle. I want to push your limits, take you places you’ve never been.” She nodded, then took the initiative, running her tongue along her bottom lip. He smiled, but still refused to deepen the kiss. “That’s all I can give you, Kiley. Your father would never agree to me.” “I know,” she whispered. Kiley couldn’t take the teasing anymore. She knew they could never marry. She’d promised her father and she loved him enough to keep that promise. It was enough to know Lucien wanted her. Leaning forward, she grabbed his face and pulled it to hers. His lips parted immediately, his mouth taking control as his tongue plundered hers. She loved how he kissed. How he made her feel when he touched her. And she needed him to touch her everywhere. Her whole body burned for the feel of his hands sliding along her flesh. God, how she would miss this. Grasping her hands, he raised them above her head and pushed her to her back, pinning her wrists to the mattress. She tried to break free, but he kept her pinned. Her heart skipped a beat and she glanced at her hands, then moved her gaze back to Lucien. He smiled devilishly and she returned it, her breath catching in her throat; the thought of being bound sent her desire soaring higher. His eyes glowed with passion and sparked with possession. It made her feel warm all over, tingly and sensitive across every inch of her skin. His clothes brushed along her naked flesh, teasing her hard nipples. Slow, lazy kisses made her wiggle and squirm, desperate for so much more.

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Lucien was determined to keep it slow, savor every moment, every inch of her flesh. He only had a limited time, a few days to get his fill of her. God help him when he had to let her go. Releasing her wrists, he leaned on his elbow and slowly slid his hand down her arm and cupped the side of her neck. Her frantic pulse beat beneath his hand, matching his own heart’s wild rhythm. She lowered her hands to wrap around his neck and he broke the kiss, shaking his head. “Put your hands back. This morning is all about you. Just feel.” She nodded as she replaced her hands above her head. A tiny pink tongue flicked out to lick her lips and he smiled, brushing his thumb along that same spot. Letting his gaze travel lower, he watched the shallow rise and fall of her breasts, watched the pink flush of arousal as it spread across her body. She was so beautiful. He knew he would be a fool to let her go -- to let her marry another. But he’d chosen to walk away from the royal life, to live as a commoner. A commoner that had no right to her. She was destined to marry a prince. Something he hadn’t been in years. For about the millionth time that morning, he’d wondered if he could go back -- be a royal again, give up being a mercenary, give up his freedom. He moved his hand lower along her chest and gently cupped her breasts, brushing his thumb lightly across her hard nipple. Her eyes fluttered closed and her lips parted to draw in a sharp in take of air, her back arching her breast toward his hand. Leaning down, he covered the other nipple with his mouth, sucking softly. Soft moans floated around him, filling his ears, and making his cock ache with need. He would never tire of that sound. Moving away from her breasts, he worked his lips lower, down her stomach. Flicking his tongue out, he teased her navel, smiling as she lifted her stomach and sighed. He bit at the flesh under her navel and used his palm to spread her legs wider. Inhaling deeper, he drew in her musky scent, committing it to memory. Her juices glistened against her smooth labia, inviting his mouth to taste. But not yet. He had so much more he wanted to do to her first. Avoiding her pussy, he kissed the inside of her thigh, slowly working down her leg. Kiley murmured her aggravation, her head shaking back and forth on the mattress. She was full of passion and life. A perfect match for him in every way. Especially the bedroom. When he reached her knees, he closed his eyes against the pain in his balls. He was so hard, he was sure he could hammer a nail through a piece of wood with his cock. “Roll over,” he croaked, helping her move to her stomach. She crossed her arms, laying her head against them, her lashes making shadows against her cheeks. Taking a break, he stood and removed his clothes, anxious for the feel of his skin

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against hers. He climbed back onto the bed, taking a deep breath for control and with more patience than he knew he possessed, he glided his palm up the back of her leg. Goose bumps rose along her flesh, making him smile as he explored every dip and curve, every hidden crevice. Using his palm, he again spread her thighs. “I love your ass,” he murmured, leaning down to bite at her hip. She gasped, lifting her ass in the air. “Like that?” he teased, nipping at her again, this time harder, making her squeal. “Lucien,” she sighed, spreading her legs wider, inviting his touch against her wet pussy. Climbing over her, he thrust two fingers deep inside her hot, slick pussy. She stretched her arms out ahead of her, burying her face into the mattress and hiking her hips higher. He thrust deeper, his teeth nibbling at the flesh along her spine. Every inch of his body burned with the need to be inside her. To feel the walls of her pussy squeezing at his cock like they squeezed at his fingers. He watched as her fingers curled, clinging to the blankets, turning her nails white. She was as desperate as he was -just as needy and the thought brought his balls up tight. “I need you,” she whined against the mattress. “Lucien, please.” Juices poured from her pussy, coating his fingers. She was so wet, so hot, and just watching her sent him to the edge of his control. Using his thighs, he moved between hers and spread them even wider. Bracing his hands at her shoulders, he positioned the head of his shaft at her weeping entrance. Her hips lifted, eager for his first thrust. Bracing himself on his palms, he thrust forward, filling her balls deep. She cried out, her slick walls tightening around him as he stretched her, forcing her to take all of him. Every throbbing inch. He scrunched his eyes closed, clenching his teeth to keep from coming instantly. She felt so good, like a glove of hot lava holding tight to his shaft. Pulling almost out, he savored the feel of her walls as they sucked at his length, trying to pull him back. With a growl, he shoved into her, pushing her along the bed. She growled, her fingers clenching and unclenching at the blankets. “Yes,” she moaned. “Oh, yes. Do it again.” He smiled, giving her exactly what she wanted. Slowly out, back in hard and fast. Over and over, he fucked her, thrust into her, giving her all of him body and soul. His balls tightened, tingled as he fought against his release. She was so close. He could tell by the sound of her cries, the tightening of her walls, the tensing of her body. He increased his thrusts, pistoning into her harder, faster. Sliding his hand beneath her stomach, he slid lower until he found her swollen clit, engorged and wet with her juices. He flicked his finger across it, moaning as her pussy quivered around his cock.

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“Oh, God,” she gasped, lifting her hips against him harder. “Come on, baby,” he growled. “Come for me.” With a mewling cry, she did just that, shattering around him into a million pieces. Two more thrusts and he followed her, shouting her name as his seed spurted deep inside her, filling her pussy full.

***** Lucien stood in the recreation room, waiting for Syeer and Kiley to get there. They’d made a short stop at one of the shops on their way. He frowned, wondering what was taking them so long. All around him, music blared, filling the low-lighted room with festive, seductive sound. Gambling and gaming tables sat at the far side of the room, surrounded by men and women alike, their excited and aggravated shouts occasionally drowning out the music. Most all transport ships had these recreational areas. It kept the passengers from getting bored on the long, slow journey. Syeer stepped through the door with Kiley behind him, and Lucien let out a sigh of relief he hadn’t realized he was holding. She looked so pretty. Her hair hung around her shoulders, her eyes sparkling a deep shade of amethyst. The pants she wore hung low on her hips, showing several inches of smooth, flat stomach, a gold ring in her belly button catching the room’s low light. Lucien frowned at the small piece of jewelry. “Nice, huh?” Syeer murmured as he stood next to him. “I like it.” “And so does every other male within ten feet of her,” Lucien grumbled, his gaze narrowing. “And I assume therein lies a problem?” Syeer said, her voice cracking with amusement. Lucien’s gaze traveled around the room, shooting daggers at any man who looked at her too long or with too much interest. They quickly looked away and his gaze returned to Kiley, who grinned a knowing smile that made his heart jerk. He didn’t care anymore that she knew he was possessive. Until he took her home, she was his, and he’d kill any man who thought to take her from him. “Where did the belly button ring come from?” he asked, his gaze dropping back to her exposed stomach. “I got it at the shop,” she said, brushing her hand across her stomach just above the ring. “Don’t you like it?” “You can’t tell he likes it?” Syeer teased, his lips twitching in amusement. Lucien shot him a scowl, but Syeer just grinned in response.

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“I’ve never done anything like this,” Kiley said, her eyes sparkling in excitement. “It hurt and I’m sure it will be sore for a day or two, but I love it.” He couldn’t help but smile, her excitement so evident in her gaze and the flush of her cheeks. “Then so do I,” he whispered. Her smile widened, making his heart skip wildly. He would forever remember her like this. Just as she was now -- carefree and happy. She stood on her toes, leaning in closer. “You know what I would like to do?” “What?” “I want to try gambling. I’ve never done it.” He raised a brow in surprise. “You’ve never gambled?” “No.” With a slight grin, Lucien grabbed her arm and escorted her to the gaming tables. He was curious as to how she would do.

***** Shouting in excitement, Kiley raised her hands and laughed. It was her sixth win in a row. Three other men had begun to bet the way she did, following her every move and becoming quite richer for it. Syeer watched in amusement, Lucien with mild surprise, and she giggled when he and Syeer threw in a currency chip, following her lead for the next bet. “What if I lose?” she asked with a sly grin. “Then I’ll take it out of your hide,” Lucien replied, his eyes sparkling with wicked intent. He looked so sexy when he did that and her heart skipped more than one beat in her chest. With it also came a pang of sadness. She doubted she would ever feel this excitement for her future husband. She doubted she would ever feel it for anyone other than Lucien. Turning from his assessing gaze, she put her attention back on the game. The game master placed the die in her hand and she brushed her thumb across the oddly shaped, ninesided dice. Closing her eyes, she blew across its glossy purple surface and tossed them. She needed an odd number and when thirteen came up, everyone around her yelled in victory. She’d done it again, but didn’t have a clue how. “Winner again,” the game master shouted and slid more currency chips into her pile. “I think I should leave it at that,” she said with a laugh as she bent over to pick up her chips. The crowd around her murmured their arguments, but Kiley didn’t want to push her luck. It was best to stop while on top. Lucien helped her gather her winnings and take them to the banker, who combined them into one currency chip that could be used anywhere. “Dinner. My treat,” she offered, watching her men closely.

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Could she convince them to do a repeat performance of last night? She found lately that although she loved being alone with Lucien, she had begun to crave the two of them together. She loved how they could make her feel -- how they could make her let go of her inhibitions. “I’m starving, myself,” Syeer admitted. “But not for food.” With his hand at the small of her back, Syeer leaned down and placed a soft kiss on the flesh just below her ear. Lucien’s nostrils flared, his eyes narrowing with a mixture of jealous possession and lust. She knew a battled waged within him. He loved sharing her, but at the same time hated seeing Syeer touch her. It was an odd combination, but at the same time, one that thrilled her immensely. She had to keep reminding herself not to fall any deeper in love with him. Leaving him would already be hard enough. Lucien moved close to her other side and whispered softly in her ear, sending goose bumps along her flesh. “I want you now. Dinner later.”

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Chapter Twelve Kiley followed the two of them back up to their suite of rooms, her stomach already knotting in anticipation at the sex to come. A tall Veenorian man walked by and she stiffened, searching his face for any likeness to the man after her. She saw none and breathed a light sigh of relief. Not once today had she thought about the danger she was in. Her excitement over their mode of travel and all the new things she was experiencing made her temporarily forget. Which truthfully was something she should never do, but at the same time, she felt safe with Lucien and Syeer. She knew they would never let any harm come to her. Lucien opened the door to their rooms and she followed him inside, Syeer close on her heels. “Undress,” Lucien commanded. She stopped and stared at him in surprise. “Undress? Just like that?” Lucien turned and winked, setting her heart to palpitating. “Yes. Just like that.” He motioned with his hand for her to come closer. “Stand here and undress slowly.” Her lips twitched as she watched him and Syeer take a seat on the small sofa. They wanted her to put on a show for them? She could do that. Licking her lips suggestively, she raised her hands to undo the buttons of her blouse, her gaze locked on Lucien. He took up most of the sofa, his large body dwarfing the small piece of furniture. Syeer sat next to him, his eyes sparkling with interest, his cock already hard behind his pants. Blood raced through her veins like boiling water as she anticipated what she knew was to come. Slowly, one by one, she released the buttons, then opened her top to expose her bra. Lucien’s scorching gaze dropped to her breasts and her nipples beaded behind the lace of the

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flimsy garment. Juices poured from her pussy, wetting her panties and she swallowed down the desire to strip quickly and take them both. With deliberate intent, she slid her top down her arms, letting it fall to the floor. Her palms moved upward and cupped her breasts, squeezing them together before lowering the straps of her bra. Lucien’s stare bored into hers as she reached behind her and undid the clasp. The bra joined the top as it fell to the floor, forgotten. Raising her hands, she stretched her arms high over her head, teasing them by jutting out her breasts. The corner of Syeer’s lips lifted, but Lucien’s gaze narrowed, and her body heated from the intensity of his stare even from across the room. The cool air brushed across her exposed nipples and she shivered, wanting desperately for one of them to come and lick, to warm them with his tongue. “Get on with it, Kiley,” Lucien growled, impatient. Turning her back, she undid her pants, then slowly lowered them over her hips. She hadn’t worn underwear, so her wet, aching pussy was fully exposed as she bent over and stepped out of the pants. Behind her, she heard one of them stand and move closer. She glanced over her shoulder, but Lucien’s command stopped her cold. “Keep looking straight ahead.” She swallowed and turned her gaze back to the gray wall, wondering what he had in mind. She didn’t have to wait long. Seconds later he covered her eyes with a soft cloth. Lucien’s scent clung to the satiny material and she inhaled, taking it deeper into her lungs. “What is this?” she asked, lifting her hand to feel the cloth. “It’s the sash from my pants,” Lucien answered. “From here on out you will say nothing unless we tell you to. Understand?” She nodded, her heart racing wildly in her chest. She’d never done sex blindfolded. “Anytime you speak without permission, you’ll get one of these.” His hand landed across her backside with a hard slap. A sharp sting preceded a wave of lust so strong she almost dropped to her knees. “Nod that you understand,” Lucien commanded, and she did. “Good.” A warm hand gently brushed her hair behind her shoulder and she held her breath as his fingers moved down the back of her shoulder to her hip. Goose bumps rose along her flesh, making her shiver in delight as he grasped her wrists, holding them together at the small of her back. “I think I like you like this,” Lucien purred close to her ear. “Completely at my mercy.” She licked her lips, wondering if he would tie her up. A warm mouth -- Syeer she assumed, since Lucien was behind her -- suckled at her breast and she sighed, falling back to lean against Lucien. Being unable to see made her other senses stronger, her skin more sensitive to the touch. With her eyes covered, she paid more attention to the roughness of

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their hands or the scent emanating from their bodies. She could even smell their arousal as well as her own. With one hand, Lucien held her wrists tight behind her back. The other hand slid between the cheeks of her ass, then lower to cup her dripping mound. His fingers gently stroked her labia, teasing her opening by not thrusting inside like she wanted. She wiggled her hips, mumbling. He removed his hand and slapped at her ass, surprising her and she jerked, her eyes popping open behind the scarf. “Quiet,” Lucien said, his voice just above a whisper. Her tongue flicked out to lick at her suddenly dry lips. My God. What were they doing to her? Her whole body felt as though it were on fire. She took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying not to cry out when Syeer scraped his teeth across her sensitive nipple. Lucien’s hand returned to her pussy, gently stroking before slowly pushing one finger deep inside her passage. She breathed deep, savoring the feel as he thrust in and out, teasing her mercilessly. “Good girl,” Lucien purred seductively, adding a second finger and stretching her with scissorlike motions. Syeer slid his hand lower, adding two fingers from the front. Four fingers moved inside her, delving, thrusting, fucking her mindless. She bit down on her tongue, determined to do as they asked and keep quiet, but God, she wanted to scream, beg them to take her. Her knees grew weaker and her body trembled the closer she came to climax. She didn’t know how much longer she could hold it off. Lucien held her up, supporting her as she wiggled between them. Lifting one leg, she wrapped it around Syeer’s hip, trying to thrust their fingers deeper. Syeer growled his approval, flicking his thumb across her clit. She squeezed her eyes tight behind the scarf, fighting hard to keep silent. Both of them dipped their heads, each kissing her neck on opposite sides. Juices poured from her pussy to coat their hands along with the insides of her thighs. Her pussy squeezed at their fingers, trying to suck them deeper. “I want to feel your pussy do that to my cock,” Syeer hissed. “Take her, Syeer,” Lucien growled. Syeer pulled his fingers. Lucien kept fucking her with his fingers, stroking her passage with gentle but shallow thrusts that made her want to bend over and push back against his hand. Lifting her leg higher, Syeer positioned the head of his cock at her opening and thrust forward with Lucien’s fingers still deep inside her as well. She gasped at the fullness consuming her and struggled to release her hands from Lucien’s grasp. She needed to hold onto something before she collapsed, but he refused to let go.

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“Like that, baby?” Lucien purred, moving his fingers in time with Syeer’s thrusts. She nodded, white lights exploding behind her eyes. Even if he’d wanted her to speak, she wasn’t sure she could. Syeer pounded into her slow, then faster, then slower again, tormenting her with an ever changing rhythm. Lucien kept pace as though he knew exactly what Syeer would do, as though they were one. Syeer pushed deeper and groaned, grinding himself against her clit. She cried out, forgetting their orders to keep quiet. Lucien didn’t slap her ass; instead, he gently bit at her shoulder, making her shudder. “Lucien, please,” she gasped, not really sure what she wanted; she just knew she needed some relief -- needed to come. Lucien let go of her wrists and commanded gruffly, “Come here.”. Syeer pulled free of her body as Lucien pulled her to the couch. She pulled the scarf from her eyes and squinted as she watched him lie on the couch, his cock springing thick and long from the open zipper of his pants. Before he could even tell her what to do, she climbed on top of him and sank down onto his engorged length. “Yeah, that’s it, baby. Take all of it,” he moaned, pressing upward and forcing himself deeper into her channel. She cried out, her nails digging into his flesh through the material of his shirt. Syeer climbed up behind her and Lucien reached up to pull her head down to him. His lips covered hers, his tongue seeking entrance to the warm recesses of her willing mouth. She loved the demanding way he kissed, the way his spicy breath mingled with hers. Behind her, Syeer pressed the head of his cock into the tiny entrance to her ass. She sighed, holding still so Syeer could penetrate her, give her what she so desperately wanted -both of them together. He thrust forward, past the tiny ring of resistance to fill her full. She moaned, dropping her forehead to Lucien’s chest. His hand brushed through her hair, soothing her with his gentle touch. She was so full she could hardly breathe. What little pain there was melted away to pleasure so strong she could hardly bear it. With a slow lift of his hips, Lucien pressed deeper, sending her senses reeling. Syeer pressed deeper also, robbing the very breath from her lungs. Together they began a slow, steady rhythm she knew would send her to the heavens. “Oh, God,” she panted, holding still, enjoying the feel of them as they moved within her. The muscles of her pussy and ass squeezed, sucking at them both. She wanted more and began to move her hips, silently telling them what she wanted. “Harder,” she whined and they gave it to her. Hard, fast, and deep.

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She cried out. Over and over her body erupted into one rolling mass of pleasure after another as they each gave her everything they had, filling her to the womb balls deep. Lucien’s hands reached up to squeeze her breasts, his fingers pinching her nipples. She moaned, rolling her head from side to side as the stirrings of yet another orgasm raced through her. Behind her Syeer grunted, his body going stiff as he emptied his seed deep into her ass. Lucien quickly followed, thrusting upward with a hard shove and a shout of release. Syeer pulled free and, with a sigh, she sagged against Lucien’s chest, his frantic heartbeat slowing against hers. “Wow,” she sighed. She felt Lucien’s chuckle with the shaking of his chest and smiled. “What the hell makes you think we’re done?” he growled. To Lucien’s surprise, Kiley didn’t flinch once at his comment. Instead, her lips twitched slightly as she snuggled closer against his chest. “You may not be finished,” Syeer sighed. “But I am.” He leaned forward and placed a kiss against Kiley’s temple. “Besides, you and Lucien need time alone.” “Where are you going?” Kiley asked, her eyes remaining closed. “To get something to eat. I’ll leave dinner on the table for you two when I get back.” “Thanks, Syeer,” Lucien said and Syeer nodded in understanding. Glancing down, he silently watched Kiley. Her lashes lay softly against her cheeks, creating shadows against her smooth flesh. Her lips were full, swollen from his kisses and his chest tightened with the desire to kiss her again. Would he ever tire of her? He doubted it. He had a feeling Kiley would always set his blood on fire. Letting her go would be one of the hardest things he’d ever done. She shifted and his cock, which was still buried inside her, began to harden again. Her warm walls encased him like a glove of satin -- warm, wet satin. He pressed his hips upward, sliding deeper and the sound of her moan vibrated against his chest. His hands feathered down her back, following the dip in her spine to the flare of her hips, committing every inch of her to memory. She jerked as his fingers slid over a ticklish spot and he smiled, vowing to remember where it was. He could lie like this for days, just holding her, feeling all her little dips and curves, the way her chest rose and fell with each slow breath, even the smell of her hair as it tickled his nose. She was everything he always wanted and a few things he didn’t know he wanted.

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Why couldn’t she have been the princess he was to marry? He might have felt differently about his fate. He might have been able to accept it. Now, he doubted he could ever go back, even for her. “A shower would be wonderful about right now,” Kiley murmured, and he grinned. “A shower?” he replied, brushing his fingers up her back and into her hair. Her soft strands curled around his fingers and wrist as though trying to hold onto them. “Come with me,” he whispered, pushing her up. She followed behind him into their private bath, and he couldn’t help but smile at her groggy, satisfied expression. Pushing the button, he started the water. It heated up immediately, filling the stall with thick, fragrant steam. Her hands began to work the buttons of his shirt free and move along his chest, exploring and driving him crazy. “You’re not getting in dressed, are you?” she asked coyly. “Maybe you should take care of that for me.” “I think so, too.” With a seductive grin that had his heart jumping, she pushed his shirt off his shoulders, then moved her fingers to his pants. He stood still, waiting, watching as she shoved his pants over his hips to fall to the floor. Her fingers wrapped around his growing shaft and he groaned as she tightened them, holding his cock in a firm grip. “In the shower, minx, now, before I fuck you right here,” he growled. Full, kissable lips spread into a grin. He was sure she would disobey him, but to his surprise, she turned and disappeared into the steam. Kicking his pants aside, he quickly followed, shutting the glass door behind him, trapping the warm steam inside. The smell of the heated water mixed with her own scent and his nostrils flared. He inhaled the combined scents, taking them deep into his lungs. Reaching out, he gripped her wrists and pulled her toward him. Her damp hair clung to her head, darkening the blonde color. The heat made her skin look flushed and he palmed one of her breasts, making her skin flush even deeper. “Wash me,” he commanded. With a devilish glint in her eyes, she lathered the soap between her hands, then ran them over his chest and arms. He closed his eyes, sighing as her hands worked lower over his hips and thighs. Walking behind him, she worked her touch over his back, then around to cup his balls. With a smile, he covered her hand with his, holding her against his aching cock. “Would you like for me to take care of that for you?” she purred. He couldn’t help but smile. God, she was so perfect for him. He needed her like he needed the air in his lungs.

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“Yes.” She moved around him again as he rinsed the soap from his cock. He wanted her mouth on him, around him, sucking him. He watched, holding his breath as she dropped to her knees in front of him. Water and steam surrounded them, heating their flesh, intensifying their arousal. A warm hand cupped his balls, then the base of his shaft as she tugged his throbbing cock to her lips. Her tongue flicked out, swiping across the engorged purple tip and his head fell back, warm water splashing across his face. As her lips encased him, every part of his body shook with pleasure and growing need. He buried his fingers in her hair, tugging her closer, pushing his cock deeper into her mouth. Dropping his head forward, he watched his cock move in and out of her mouth, watched as her lips opened to accept him, watched as her cheeks sunk in with every suck. He growled, unsure how much more he could take before he lost it and squirted his cum into her mouth. “Enough, Kiley,” he groaned, pulling his shaft free. “Now it’s my turn to wash you.” Grabbing her elbows, he helped her to stand and lean back against the wall. In her eyes, he could see the hunger that tormented her, the desire that strangled her, just like it did him. “Put your hands over your head,” he ordered and she did, stretching them high above, jutting out her breasts. To reward her, he leaned down and licked his tongue over one of her nipples. She moaned, arching her back, silently begging for more. And he gave it to her, engulfing the tip into his mouth and suckling it. She tasted so good. “I like that,” she whispered as he raised his head and moved to the other breast. With a sigh, she wiggled, moaning as he tormented the other nipple, sucking and tugging at the hard little nub. His balls ached with the need to be inside her again. It never took much to make him want her with everything he had in him -- want her with a need that nearly choked him. Was this what it felt like to be in love? Could he really walk away from this? Lifting his head, he cupped her cheeks and captured her mouth in a kiss that expressed everything he couldn’t say. She returned it, answering his need with a need of her own. He could feel the same emotions in her, the same need and desire…the same love. To hell with washing her. He’d do that later. Right now, he needed to be inside her -needed to be a part of her and make her a part of him. Without breaking the kiss, he put his hands under her ass and lifted her. Her legs immediately locked around his waist and her hands lowered to bury in his hair, holding tight as he thrust his cock deep inside her. She squealed into his kiss at his roughness and he held still, buried deep inside her hot, wet pussy, soothing her with his kisses until she became accustomed to his hard invasion.

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“Lucien,” she whimpered against his mouth. Her nails dug into the flesh of his scalp and he knew what she wanted. Very slowly so as not to hurt her again, he pulled out, then pressed back in. She sighed, trying to wiggle her hips and take more of him. Water droplets covered their bodies, making them slick and hard to hold onto. If he got too rough, he might drop her. Readjusting the hold on her hips, he pressed her tighter against the wall, seating himself even deeper. “Yes,” she cried, her lips moving to nibble along his neck. He closed his eyes, gritting his teeth against the feel of her tight shaft. Juices coated his cock and balls, easing his way into her and at the same time, throwing his senses into a tailspin. “You feel so damn good, Kiley,” he murmured. “So fucking good.” She whispered an incoherent response and he smiled. He could have sworn he heard her say she loved him and for a second his heart soared. Just for tonight, he wanted to pretend that could happen. Just one night, he wanted to believe they could have this forever. Turning his head slightly, he captured her mouth with his, swallowing her cries of delight as he pounded into her, thrusting his cock deeper and harder into the warm recesses of her pussy until she shattered around him, pulling him with her.

***** Kiley lay in the bed, trying to remember, trying to figure out if she’d actually said what she thought she had. Had she really told him she loved him? And did he hear her? If he did, Lucien didn’t give any indication. Except when it came to the sex. Tonight he’d held nothing back. He’d given all of himself, not once hiding behind a mask of indifference. Snuggling under the covers, she watched him move about in the other room. Her gaze strayed over his firm, muscular back and thick thighs as he fixed the two of them a plate of food from what Syeer had left for them. His body was so perfectly hard and muscular, so delectable. She loved it when he wore his hair down. She liked his long hair and the way the light cast blue highlights though the black strands. If only things had been different. If only they weren’t from different worlds. If only her father had had a son. Then she wouldn’t be forced to marry someone of her father’s choosing. She would be free to be with whom she wanted. She sighed, bunching the sheet under her chin, sadness filling her heart. There wasn’t really any point in thinking about the what-ifs. This is all she would have and she had to accept that.

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He turned toward her, and she smiled, watching the muscles of his chest twitch and bunch as he moved. His gaze caught hers and for a second she didn’t miss the longing, the sadness that filled his very soul just as it filled hers. She knew in that instant he did have feelings for her. But they both knew her father would never allow it. He dropped his gaze and grabbed two glasses of wine, placing them on the tray with the plate. When he glanced back at her, the longing was gone, replaced with a devilish sparkle that made her stomach flutter with desire…again. As he moved closer, tray in hand, she sat up and smiled. “That smells wonderful. What is it?” she asked. “Some sort of seafood.” Her lips twitched in amusement as she adjusted the sheet over her breasts. “You don’t know what kind?” Leaning forward slightly, she studied what lay on her plate. “You’re hungry, and it’s food. Does it matter?” Her head jerked up and she stared, studying his face. She realized instantly he was teasing and she grinned. “If it tastes as good as it smells, no, it doesn’t matter.” He returned the grin and handed her a fork. She took it from him, her skin tingling as his fingers brushed hers. With a nudge of his hips, he moved her over so he could join her on the bed. The heat of his flesh seeped into hers, warming her all over. His proximity played havoc with her senses and the ability to concentrate on her food. How was it he could do this to her? And did she do the same thing to him? Turning, she studied his face, his eyes, the line of his jaw, and the whiskers covering it. “Stop staring at me like that if you want to finish eating,” he said without even looking at her. “How do you know how I was looking at you?” she asked. He shrugged one shoulder. “I just know.” Her lips twitched. “All-seeing? Is that it?” He tilted his head, his lips set with an arrogant tilt. “Pretty much.” With that look on his face, she could almost believe he was truly raised to be arrogant. If insecurity played any part in his life at all, he never showed it. Silently, he placed a soft kiss against her lips, activating those pesky butterflies in her stomach. “Eat,” he whispered, nodding toward the plate. Embarrassment heating her cheeks, she nodded and turned her attention back to the food.

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Chapter Thirteen Kiley followed Lucien through the lower streets of Rhinari. Syeer stayed close behind her, a presence she was grateful for as they wove their way in and out of the crowd. Her gaze wandered everywhere at once, wanting to take in as much of the unusual atmosphere as possible. She’d never seen places like this. It reeked of danger and excitement, as well as fumes and alcohol. Most of the establishments in the lower streets were bars, catering to every kind of lowlife and criminal. The lower, ground level streets were the older parts of Rhinari. The upper levels, skyscrapers, and flyer byways were reserved for the rich and privileged, neither seeing the other. To her right a drunk staggered from one of the open bars. He hunched over and vomited close to her feet, his bile splattering across the concrete with a gruesome sound. She crinkled her nose, moving quickly to the left, avoiding the nasty contents of his lunch as well as the horrid smell. Lucien turned and took her hand, pulling her close to him. With a shudder, she tried to ignore the overpowering scent and the sudden feeling of discomfort. She entwined her fingers with Lucien’s, drawing from his strength. She felt safe when he touched her. Syeer moved to her left, putting his hand softly at the small of her back. “We’ll be out of here soon,” he said. “Up ahead are the taxi services. We’ll take one to the Senate building.” “Is that where Stefan Marcone is? And why didn’t he meet us at the transport depot?” “Yes,” Syeer replied with a nod. “As for the other, Lucien told him not to. We didn’t want to draw attention to us, and a monarch in the bowels of Rhinari would definitely draw attention.” “Of course not,” she replied with a cheeky grin.

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She’d spent her entire life traveling with an entourage. She never went anywhere without drawing attention. Hell, even the first time she tried to shop on her own she drew attention. Unfortunately, the wrong kind of attention. She had a feeling Lucien always drew attention as well. The attention of women. She’d seen it every time she went into public with him. Every female eye turned to watch him, ogle him. And she hated it. She’d never experienced jealousy, not once. Until Lucien. God, what would she do without him? The last few days had been incredible. Just thinking about going on without him made her chest tighten. She moved closer, wrapping her free hand around his elbow. Lucien’s arm bent slightly, holding her hand against his side. Did he sense what she felt? Or did he mistake it for fear? She glanced up at him, trying to read his face. He kept his eyes straight ahead, his expression blank, other than the menacingly narrowed eyes that kept most everyone at bay. No one in their right mind would go against him, and he knew it. Her fingers tightened around his elbow, flexing against the hard muscle. His fingers tightened around hers, warming her. “Are we almost there?” she asked. Her bravery had begun to fade, but she wasn’t sure why. The tenseness in her gut told her something was about to happen -- something was wrong. “We have about a block left,” Lucien replied. “There will be several shuttles lined up along the street. You can’t miss them.” She nodded, keeping her gaze straight ahead, trying not to pay attention to the men who stared. She’d looked back in curiosity at first; now they just gave her the creeps. They reached the shuttles and Lucien opened one of the doors, allowing her to climb inside behind Syeer. Lucien joined then and shut the door with a click. “The Senate Building,” Lucien commanded. The driver, a thin silver robot, nodded, repeating the destination. “The Senate Building. Dignitary or servant’s entrance?” “Servant’s.” “North or south gate?” “South.” The shuttle lifted straight off the ground and quickly ascended to the sky, merging into other shuttle traffic floating several hundred feet off the ground. Kiley gripped both Lucien and Syeer’s knees, her stomach flipping from the fast turns and dips of the shuttle as it zipped between skyscrapers. “Are you okay, Kiley?” Lucien asked and she smiled slightly, never taking her eyes off the traffic ahead of them out the front window.

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“I’ll be much better when we stop.” Syeer chuckled. “The drivers do tend to get a little carried away, but it’s safe.” She snorted. “A little? I’m sure there can’t be any more than six inches between us and the other shuttles he’s passing.” “More like eight, I think,” Lucien replied, then winked. Kiley frowned, but remained silent. In a move that surprised her, Lucien lifted her fingers to his mouth. His lips were warm as they placed a soft kiss on her knuckles, sending heated tingles up her arm. “You know, you can be very charming when you want to be,” she whispered. His lips twitched slightly in wry humor. “You just caught me on a bad day.” “I think I like your bad days.” The shuttle took a hard turn to the right and she squealed, falling against Syeer and then back toward Lucien as the shuttle righted itself. “Jeez,” she snapped. “I’d like to make it to the Senate Building in one piece, please.” Lucien chuckled. “There’s the feisty princess I admire,” he whispered in her ear and her heart skip a beat. If only he admired her enough to fight for her. To at least try to win over her father. The shuttle quickly dropped one hundred floors straight down to the lower level servant’s entrance. She gasped, grabbing her stomach and swallowing down the bile that threatened to spew forth. Thank God this ride was almost over. She didn’t know how much more she could take. The shuttle finally jerked to a hard stop and Lucien reached over the seat to swipe his currency chip. Once finished, the three jumped out. Kiley drew in a deep breath, then regretted it as the lower level smells filled her lungs. With a nod, Lucien escorted them to the entrance then to a set of wide elevators at the far end of the hall. “Where are we going?” she asked as the doors closed, and Lucien punched a code into the panel next to the doors. “Stefan’s apartment.” “I thought he retired from the Senate,” Syeer said, his brow drawn into a frown. “He did,” Lucien replied. “But he kept the apartment because he still comes to Rhenari on business.” The elevator lifted quickly, moving through the floors to the penthouse level that Stefan’s apartment was located on. The elevator came to a stop and Lucien punched in a second set of codes on the panel. A soft whoosh sounded as the doors opened, exposing a beautiful room open to the massive view of Rhenari.

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“Lucien,” a woman exclaimed and Kiley stared at her in surprise and just a twinge of jealousy. Who was this? Whoever she was, she was beautiful. Long blonde hair cascaded over shoulders that topped a perfect hourglass figure. Blue eyes sparkled as she came forward, lifting her arms to engulf Lucien in a hug. “How are you?” the woman asked. Lucien wrapped his arms around her waist, returning her hug. “I’m fine. I hope that husband of yours is treating you well.” The woman pulled away, laughing. “If he wasn’t, would you take care of it for me?” “I don’t know, Krista. I think your husband is probably one of the few people who could kick my ass,” Lucien replied, his lips twitching in amusement. Was this Stefan’s wife? She hoped so. She definitely didn’t like her touching him. Not at all. “You’re late.” Kiley turned to see a man coming into the room from an open door leading down a narrow hallway. His long white hair hung over one shoulder and smoke-colored gray eyes narrowed slightly as he stared at Lucien and the woman. “And speaking of kicking your ass…” Lucien lifted his hands in surrender. “She hugged me first. I swear.” Krista laughed, slapping at Lucien’s shoulder. “Stop it, both of you.” She turned to Kiley with a welcoming smile. “You must be Kiley.” “Yes.” “I’m Krista. Stefan’s wife.” Kiley returned Krista’s warm smile of welcome. For some reason, Krista wasn’t what Kiley pictured when it came to a powerful countess. There was no arrogance, no attitude of “keep your distance.” She was very approachable and made Kiley feel at ease and welcome. “Where’s your luggage?” Stefan asked as he joined them. He stood close to Lucien. Although Stefan wasn’t nearly as broad or tall, he still carried himself with an air of confidence that made him appear larger than he was. She doubted too many men crossed him. “It’s been taken to a locker. I didn’t want to have to drag it through the streets with us.” Stefan nodded. “Good idea. I’ll send one of the servants to retrieve it.” With a wave of his hand, he indicated they should continue to the living area. Kiley followed close behind Krista, with the men behind her. A large leather sofa sat in a sunken part of the floor in the shape of a semicircle. Across from it, an identical sofa was arranged to face the first, and between them a large round table covered in candles and flowers. Krista sat next to Stefan while Kiley, Lucien, and Syeer took the opposite couch.

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“Did you have any more trouble?” Stefan asked. “No. But I don’t believe it’s over.” Kiley stiffened as Lucien sat back, laying his arm across the back of the sofa behind her. She had hoped it was over. That once she returned home, she could stop worrying about it. “Do you need more men?” Stefan asked. “No. If he does have something planned, I don’t want to tip him off by upping the guard. Everything should stay as is.” “When were you going to tell me this?” Kiley hissed, clenching her fingers to stop the trembling that had started, both from anger and fear. Stefan watched them, his eyebrow raised in slight amusement. Lucien’s look mirrored the count’s as though they shared some secret joke about the whole thing. “I’m telling you now, Kiley,” Lucien replied. Syeer remained silent and she turned to stare at him. Her accusing glare caused him to look away. “So what now?” she asked. “Are you going to try and lure him out by using me as bait, or am I to spend the rest of my life with extra guards around me?” Lucien gripped her chin, forcing her to meet his intense gaze. She swallowed, staring into the depths of his blue eyes. “I will never use you as bait, Kiley.” She nodded, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. She believed him. “I do, however, intend to catch him after we take you home. I will not let you live in fear the rest of your life.” “Oh,” she whispered, suddenly wanting to kiss him, touch his face. He was her protector -- her champion. Stefan cleared his throat and she jerked away from Lucien’s touch, the heat of embarrassment rising over her cheeks. “I have men looking for Milash,” Stefan began. “We’ve found his ships, but so far no sign of him.” “He’ll show up sooner or later,” Syeer said with a confident nod. Kiley looked through her lashes at Krista and didn’t miss the knowing grin tugging at her lips. Did everyone know how she felt about Lucien? Was she that obvious? “I hope,” Lucien sighed. “The last thing I want is to drag this thing out.” A ping of hurt tightened Kiley’s stomach. Did he dislike spending time with her that much? Was he so anxious to be free of her? “There are always things we can do to speed it up,” Stefan offered. “I want to get her home first,” Lucien said.

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Stefan nodded. “The ship is ready whenever you are.” “I’d like to head out first thing in the morning. Are you and Krista coming as well?” “No. We have to get back to Tilarus, but the ship is yours for as long as you need it. When you’re done, just leave it here. Also radio me and let me know when you want to put a plan in place to catch Milash.” “It will be as soon as we return her to her father.” Stefan nodded. “Okay. I’ll make plans to meet you back here in one week.” Kiley bit down on her lip, wondering how she would know if they survived their plan.

***** Lucien walked into the small greenhouse on board the Vultair, the ship Stefan had loaned them. She was massive, with sleeping quarters for more than twenty, and a cloaking system that would keep them hidden from most all radars and tracking devices. Kiley stood at the massive windows looking out into space, her brow drawn together in a tight frown made her look tired and upset. She appeared so small amidst all the tall greenery and flowering shrubs. The room was full of plants and fountains. They helped maintain the oxygen levels as well as give the passengers a little bit of green to look at to break up all the metal and dark space. Lucien walked up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. She sighed, sagging back against him, and he wrapped his arms around her ribs, holding her close. He would miss this. Holding her, smelling her, touching her. “What’s worrying you, Kiley?” “Nothing really.” “You don’t lie well, Princess.” She turned and wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face in his strong chest. Inhaling, she caught the scent of musk and male, the scent she would always associate with him. Maybe when she married, she could close her eyes and pretend she was back with Lucien. “Kiley?” Lucien asked as he rubbed his palms up and down her spine. “I don’t want to talk about it, Lucien.” His chest rose and fell on a quiet sigh as he bent his head and kissed the top of hers. Things had changed so much between them over the last few days. He was still dominant, still controlling, but his tender side had emerged. A side that when she first met him, she never imagined existed. And that made it all the harder to walk away. “Where’s your first officer?” she asked. Lucien’s chest shook with a chuckle. “On the bridge of one of the most technologically advanced ships in the galaxy. Syeer’s like a kid in a toy shop.”

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Kiley smiled. She’d seen earlier just how excited Syeer had become at the mention of flying on the Vultair. “I never wanted you to get hurt, Kiley,” Lucien said, his voice uncharacteristically quiet in the solarium. Her arms tightened around him, holding him closer. She sniffed, turning her face into his soft shirt to fight the tears that threatened to spill down her cheeks. “I brought this on myself. I asked for this…for you to give me something to last forever.” Lucien swallowed down the three little words he knew would change his life forever. He loved her. With everything he had in him, but he could never tell her. She didn’t belong in his world, and he didn’t belong in hers. She deserved so much better than a man who couldn’t accept his own title and station. A man who could be the king she needed him to be when her father could no longer do the job. Closing his eyes, he laid his cheek against the top of her head. The soft strands of her hair tickled his nose, and he smiled sadly. They would be on her home world tomorrow. He had one more night with her. Only a few more hours to love her enough to last a lifetime. He never expected this. Never wanted this. Cupping her face, he forced her to look at him. Tears glistened in her eyes and on her lashes, tearing a hole in his chest. With the pad of his thumb, he brushed at her lower lashes, wiping away a tear that threatened to fall. He hated the thought of her crying, a stark contrast to his indifference when he’d first met her. She’d embedded herself into his soul. Bending slightly, he tipped her face up and placed his lips against hers, sipping at her taste. Her lower lip trembled slightly and he brushed his over it, soothing her. Her mouth opened, inviting the invasion of his tongue. He took things slow, tasting her, exploring. He savored every sigh that rose from her lungs as she sagged against him. Her palms flattened and slid up his back. His balls tightened and suddenly, the last thing he wanted was the clothes that separated them. He wanted them gone. He needed to feel her flesh, her warmth as it seeped into him. He dropped his hands from her face, moving them to the hem of her silk shirt. Lifting it, he broke the kiss just long enough to lift the shirt over her head. It fell to the floor, forgotten, and his palms moved to cup her bare breasts. She moaned, arching her back so they better filled his hands. They were the perfect fit -- round and firm and just the right size. “I like it when you go without a bra,” he whispered and then dipped his head, using his palm to lift one breast to his hungry mouth. “It makes it easier to do this.”

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His mouth settled over her hard nipple and she cried out. Her head fell back and her fingers buried in his hair, holding him close. He licked and teased, tormenting the tiny pink nub, moving from one across to the other. He loved all the mewling sounds she made and the way her body contorted and arched, silently begging for more. Inside his pants, his cock hardened like steel, desperate to be inside her hot, wet body. Dropping to his knees, he popped the button of her pants free and pushed them over her hips. The black silk thong she wore set his pulse racing wildly. Behind it, he could just make out the slight rise of her shaved mound. Leaning forward, he inhaled her scent through the fabric, fighting hard to keep his control as the responding shivers tightening her belly made his own body tremble in anticipation. She was so pretty, so perfect, so much everything he could ever want. “Should we be doing this here?” she asked and he glanced up at her face. Her cheeks were flushed a deep pink, her eyes glassy and filled with the same passion that burned deep in his own soul. Hard, perky breasts rose and fell with her shallow breathing as she stood watching him, waiting. “No one will bother us here,” he replied. Syeer was on the bridge, most of the skeleton crew with him. His gaze moved around the room for a spot more private and decided on a small bench close to the pond. A pump lifted the water up and over a set of moss-covered rocks, creating a soothing waterfall. Most ships had greenhouses, but Stefan had gone all out with this one. Standing, Lucien took her hand in his. Her eyes glowed with a passion that stirred his soul and made him wish for things that he had no business wishing for. Lifting her hand, he gently kissed the back of her fingers. Her nostrils flared and her eyes narrowed and his own body responded in kind. It never failed to amaze him how such a small thing could have such a major impact on his cock. “Come with me,” he whispered. Kiley followed Lucien on shaky legs, unsure she could hold herself upright long enough to make it to where he led her. Kicking off her shoes, she left them by the bench, then turned to face Lucien. Her body was so wound tight, she hardly noticed her surroundings or the sounds and smells. She could only smell him -- only feel him. “Let’s take these off,” he murmured as his fingers slid between the band of her underwear and her skin. His palms left trails of hot, tingling sensations as he slid them down her thighs. She could only close her eyes and lay her hands against his shoulders for support as he bent to help her step out of them. He could do anything he wanted to her. Even now her body burned for him, her pussy leaked and pulsed, screaming to have him inside her.

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“Lie back on the bench,” he whispered as he pushed her back to sit on the edge of the stone slab. The seat was cold against her back, but she hardly noticed. She was too hot to notice. Breathing hard, she gripped the edges as he lifted her thighs, exposing her aching mound to his view. “So pretty,” he murmured. His fingers brushed along her slit and she bucked, blindly seeking a firmer touch to his feathery light strokes. “I bet I know what you want.” Two fingers dipped into her dripping passage and she sighed, tightening her muscles to pull them deeper inside her. “Yes,” she whispered. Much too soon, he pulled his fingers free and slid them between the folds of her slit, stroking her swollen nub. She wiggled, moaning as his hands played her so easily. Every part of her burned. She needed him so much. Her fingers tightened around the edges of the stone bench as she fought the desire to throw him to the ground and take his thick cock inside her. She closed her eyes tight, holding her breath as he leaned forward and blew across her clit. Shivers ran the length of her spine and the muscles in her legs tightened. More warm breath fanned over her pussy and she lifted her hips slightly, encouraging him to move closer, to cover her with his mouth. Instead, he chose to tease her, tormenting her with gentle swipes of his soft tongue. He shifted closer, allowing her to rest her calves on his shoulders. The heat of his flesh seeped into her legs as he turned his head slightly, sucking gently at the tender skin of her inner thigh. If he didn’t do something soon to put her out of her misery, she’d combust. His warm mouth moved back to her pussy and she moaned loudly, unable to stop the incoherent babble. With his teeth, he tugged at her labia, lightly scraping her skin before licking his tongue into her channel. The sound of his moans of approval vibrated against her mound, increasing her pleasure, causing it to build to a blinding crescendo. She was so close. All it would take is one swipe of his tongue across her pulsing clit to send her into orbit. Right now, she could feel every brush of air as it crossed her skin, every droplet from the waterfall that fell across her body, and every brush of warm air from Lucien’s mouth as he ate at her pussy with aching slowness. Even the sound of her own sighs sounded loud to her now sensitive hearing. Every part of her was tuned into what he was doing, how he made her feel. What he made her feel was rapture. Absolute rapture. She knew, deep in her heart, he was her soul mate. The one man she would love for the rest of her life.

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Using his fingers, he spread her labia and gently suckled at her clit. She groaned, lifting her hips to grind them against his face. Desperation screamed through her. She needed a release from this madness, this blinding pleasure that held her so tightly in its grip. “Lucien,” she whined. Her fingers clenched against the edges of the bench. Her knuckles ached from the pressure of holding on so tight. Her breasts swelled and muscles tingled. The release she needed was right there, just out of her reach. Lucien removed his mouth and stood, leaving her gasping for air as the cool air of the room brushed across her sensitive pussy, almost sending her over the edge. She was that damn close. Opening her eyes, she watched him as he removed his pants and shirt. Low lighting reflected against the tan skin of his bare chest and washboard stomach. His cock stood proud and long, the purple head engorged and leaking precum. She licked her lips, anxious for the feel of that thick shaft impaling her, giving her exactly what she needed. He took a step closer, resting his hands on her raised knees. With his palms, he pressed her knees upward toward her chest. She held tight to the bench, bracing herself for his first penetration. The lustful glow in his gaze let her know it wouldn’t be gentle. It would be hard and deep and rough, and that was exactly how she wanted it. With a deep growl, he shoved his hips forward, burying himself balls deep inside her. She screamed as air rushed from her lungs. Doubled over as she was, she couldn’t move. She couldn’t buck her hips against him. But she could definitely feel as he pulled almost out, then slowly pushed back in, sliding every delectable inch of his cock along her passage, stretching her, filling her, pleasuring her. With every thrust, he pounded into her a little harder, grinding against her clit before pulling back, leaving her begging for more, begging for him to stop, screaming at him to never stop. She wanted it to end, but at the same time, didn’t. She needed her release but at the same time, wanted to keep him inside her forever. Lucien ground his teeth, trying to keep himself from coming and ending this much too soon. She was so beautiful. Her eyes glazed with passion, her mouth open and panting his name, her breasts jiggling with every thrust of his cock into her tight pussy. She felt like a glove, so hot and slick, so perfect. Pulling out, he hissed at the loss of her heat. She whined in protest, shaking her head no and trying to lift her hips to pull him back in. With a slight smile, he gripped his cock, wet with her juices, and brushed the tip against her clit. Her back arched, thrusting her breasts into the air. The perfect invitation and he couldn’t resist dipping his head to lick his

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tongue across one swollen nipple while positioning the head of his cock at the tight rosebud opening to her ass. Slowly so as not to hurt her, he pressed forward, groaning as the entrance loosened, allowing him to slide inside her. The heat of her ass surrounded him, squeezed him, and he stood straight up, taking a deep calming breath as he buried himself balls deep. “Oh, God, yes,” she groaned, biting down on her lip. Moving his hand between them, he thrust three fingers into her pussy, moving them in time with his cock as he fucked her. She never failed to amaze him, taking everything he gave her and loudly begging for more. “Come for me, Kiley,” he ordered, fucking her harder, pounding into her so hard he was convinced he would hurt her. Removing his fingers, he used the pad of his thumb to stroke her clit and she exploded. Her body tensed and her skin flushed a deep pink as her voice echoed around him, bouncing off the glass walls. Her screams were like music, spurring his own release. He felt every pulse of her orgasm as it rippled along his cock, sucking the life from him. With a shout of his own, he pressed deep, spilling what felt like his life deep inside her ass. “You’re killing me,” she sighed. Lucien couldn’t help but chuckle. She appeared deflated, as though every bit of air and energy had been sapped from her. Even her arms hung limp down the sides of the bench. Pulling his cock free of her ass, he leaned down and gently kissed her pussy just above her clit. She sighed, and he smiled. If she thought she was dying now, wait until he got her back to their room.

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Chapter Fourteen Kiley stood back, breathing in the fragrant Delnista air. Warm sunshine heated her face and she smiled toward the clear blue skies. It felt so good to be home, but at the same time, that happiness was so bittersweet. Her last night with Lucien had been amazing. Sex in every position imaginable. He’d been insatiable, taking her to incredible heights over and over again. Even now, her body felt sated and weak. She would miss him so much. Him and Syeer. Glancing behind her, she watched the two men climb from the small shuttle. Both had remained quiet on the ride down, the tension in the small craft so thick she could have cut it with a knife. She’d kept waiting, hoping Lucien would say something…anything to make her stay with him. Unfortunately, he hadn’t. It was summer on Delnista. Warm winds whipped around them and Kiley reached up to brush the hair from her face. Lucien had pulled his back, a diamond clasp holding it at the base of his neck. It was something you would expect to see on a woman, but looked incredibly manly on him. It was a sign of his wealth, which was something Kiley would probably never know the true extent of. However, in all honesty, it didn’t even matter to her. She would’ve loved Lucien even if he were poor. Lucien’s gaze met hers and she caught the intense longing before he lowered his lids, hiding it from her. Wrenching pain tightened her chest and her heart shattered into a million pieces. He would let her go. He said he would, but she’d hoped he would change his mind. Blinking back tears, she turned away from him and back toward a small procession of men heading their way. She caught sight of her father right away and waved. He picked up his pace as he got closer and Kiley sobbed, throwing herself into his outstretched arms.

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“Kiley, thank the heavens you’re home,” he whispered as his arms tightened around her, holding her close. She sobbed loudly now, crying from happiness at finally being home, but mostly for the loss she knew would devastate her. Her loss of Lucien. “Kiley, honey. What’s wrong?” her father asked. She shook her head and tightened her arms around his neck. She couldn’t look at him…couldn’t let him see how much she was hurting. “I’m okay. I’m just glad to be home,” she whispered. Her father remained quiet, but his gently patting hands against her back made her feel so much better. He could always comfort her, always make her feel better. Taking a deep breath, she pulled away from him and wiped at her eyes. Her father kissed her forehead, then moved to shake Lucien’s hand. “Lucien. Thank you so much for bringing her home.” Lucien nodded and met Kiley’s gaze over her father’s shoulder. She smiled slightly and turned to nod hello to her father’s guards that lined the small landing pad behind the castle. Lucien wanted so desperately to go after her and tell her he needed her. God, he never imagined it would be this fucking hard. He’d fallen in love with her. Despite her title, despite her sharp tongue, despite everything. He loved how she challenged him, and didn’t let him get away with his usual shit. He loved how she submitted to his every sexual whim. He would miss holding her at night, miss how her body curled into his so perfectly. Clearing his throat, he removed his hand from the king’s grip and let his gaze wander around the grounds of this beautiful planet. It was like a paradise, not just on the castle grounds, but everywhere. King Shaba took very good care of his people. There was no hunger, no war, no poverty. His people flourished, so therefore the king flourished. His diplomacy and attitude of peace and tranquility had paid off. Unfortunately, it also left them open for invasion and hostile takeovers from other worlds. He needed an army. He could still have that and his peace. Lucien was determined to make him see that before he left. He wanted to make sure Kiley was safe. Even if it meant someone else was protecting her. “This is an amazing home you have,” Lucien said. Shaba nodded. “Yes. It is beautiful. It’s my legacy to Kiley.” “I would like to speak with you about…” Lucien’s gaze landed on one of the men in Shaba’s guard. Something about him seemed off…even familiar. His gaze narrowed on the man and he squirmed slightly, his hand moving to the inside pocket of the long jacket he wore. Those eyes. He knew those eyes.

Son of a bitch!

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“Lucien?” Shaba asked, concern lacing his voice, but Lucien ignored him, his concern mounting for Kiley instead. How the hell had Milash gotten in here? “Kiley, come here,” he shouted, shoving past the king as he struggled to reach Kiley several feet away. She turned to face him, a frown contorting her face. He was sure she was about to balk at his tone. He didn’t have time for this. He needed her to move and fast. In what felt like slow motion, he watched Milash raise his weapon and aim it toward Kiley. Lucien’s heart fell. There was no way he would make it in time. He reached out, yelling her name as the gun fired. Her back arched and her eyes widened in fear and pain. Caught completely by surprise, she didn’t scream, only whimpered as she fell forward. He caught her to him before she hit the ground and her fingers clutched at his shirt. Her wide eyes stared up at him in confusion as tears streaked down her cheeks. Had she already been crying? “Kiley,” he whispered in anguish and her lips opened to speak, but no sound came out. Her warm blood seeped through her clothes to cover his hands as they held tight to the small of her back. Around them people yelled and he recognized the sound of Syeer’s gun as it fired, finding its mark between the eyes of Milash. Lucien ignored him as he fell to the ground, instead keeping his gaze on Kiley as they sank to the ground. He laid her on her back and she sobbed softly, her breaths coming out in shallow, almost gurgling sounds. Her skin was turning white, the light in her eyes fading. He couldn’t lose her, damn it. Not like this. “Kiley,” he whispered. “Stay with me, baby.” “Kiley,” her father shouted as he dropped to his knees next to her. Her gaze turned to her father, then back to Lucien. She reached up to touch Lucien’s face and he gripped her hand, holding the backs of her fingers to his lips. He felt his soul slipping away with her.

Don’t die on me, Kiley. “I love you,” she said, just barely above a whisper. Lucien’s chest tightened painfully and he closed his eyes in agony as she closed hers. Before he did, he didn’t miss the shocked look on her father’s face. “Someone get me a hospice transport!” Shaba shouted. “Now!”

***** Kiley frowned, sliding her leg along the soft silk surrounding her body. Where was she? What happened? Remnants of their arrival home flashed through her mind.

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Lucien yelling at her, the pain in her back as the shot slashed through her flesh, the anguish in Lucien’s eyes as he caught her. She sat up quickly, then clasped her palm to her forehead as pain throbbed behind her eyes. They must have taken her to the hospice, and she was still feeling the side effects. “You’re awake.” Kiley opened her eyes and stared at Phillise, her nanny. Warm brown eyes smiled down at her, putting her at ease…somewhat. “How long have I been out?” Kiley asked. “About thirty-two hours. How do you feel?” “Um, disoriented.” Her gaze moved around her room. Sunshine streamed through the open windows, allowing the warm summer winds to blow through, filled with the scent of flowers. She’d missed this -- her soft bed and sheets, her books that lined the far wall. But what she missed more was Lucien. “Where’s Lucien?” she asked. She tried to sit up better, to ease the dull ache in her back she knew would be with her for a few more hours yet. The flesh may be healed but sometimes the remnants of pain remained behind for a short time. Phillise walked over, a yellow robe dangling from her fingers. “You need to stand and walk, dear. So you can work those kinks out.” Kiley nodded and slowly turned to drop her feet to the cool stone floor. “Where’s Lucien, Phillise?” she asked again. “I don’t know, child. If you’re talking about the man who brought you home, I believe he left as soon as he found out you were okay.” “Oh,” Kiley whispered, tears burning the back of her eyes as a pain much worse than being shot tightened her chest. She knew he never planned to stay with her. She knew her father would never allow it, but she never imagined it would hurt this much. Taking the robe, she stood slowly and slid her arms through the sleeves. Her fingers trembled and she had a hard time tying the ties around her waist. Phillise noticed her difficulty and took over, brushing her hands aside. “Are you really okay, child?” “I will be, Phillise. In time.” “Is there something you want to talk about?” Phillise lifted her gaze, studying Kiley closely. “Anything?” Kiley swallowed, unsure she could talk about it without falling into a thousand pieces. She had a feeling Phillise knew something was up. She’d been taking care of her since she was a baby. She may tell her one day. Just not today.

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“No, Phillise. At least not yet.” “That’s fine. Just remember. I’m here for you.” Phillise smiled slightly and it softened the lines around her eyes. Even with her white hair, Phillise had always seemed young to her. “So this Captain Amanpour, did he treat you well?” “Yes,” Kiley whispered. “He’s a very handsome man. I saw him when he carried you into the hospice. Those wide shoulders. He’s obviously a very strong man.” “Yes,” Kiley whispered again, blinking back tears. “Your father was quite taken with him.” Kiley glanced at Phillise. “Really?” “Oh, yes. Before he left, they talked for quite a while.” “What about?” “I don’t know. The journey to get you home, I suspect.” “Yeah,” Kiley said with a sigh. “Probably so.” “Kiley, wonderful. You’re awake.” Kiley turned in time to see her father cross the room and enfold her in his arms. She sighed, breathing in his familiar scent. She loved her father so much and would never do anything to hurt him. She would do whatever he asked of her, even marry a man she knew she could never love. With a slight smile, she wrapped her arms around her father’s waist and bent her head back to stare into his loving gaze. He would give her whatever she wanted. Everything except Lucien. She knew that, therefore didn’t even bother to ask. “How are you, sweetheart?” he asked. “You gave us quite a scare.” “It scared me, too,” she said with a cheeky grin, trying to make light of the situation and the pain holding her heart in a vise. “Who shot me?” “Milash. Lucien’s first officer killed him, so you’re safe now.” Her father shook his head. “I don’t know what I would do if I lost you and that sassy mouth of yours. You’re so much like your mother.” She smiled and stepped back. She’d heard him say that so many times. It made her happy to know she was like her. Her father smiled back and the laugh lines around his eyes deepened, showing his age. He was approaching seventy. His once powerful frame had begun to thin, his shoulders drooping more with every passing year. He knew his age was catching up with him, that time was no longer on his side. He wanted her married and settled, everything in place for his passing. Reaching out, she touched his graying hair and brushed a wayward lock from his forehead. “I missed you,” she whispered. “I promise I’ll never do anything that stupid again.”

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He smiled. “Yes you will, Kiley. It’s in your nature.” She stared to argue, but he held up his hand, stopping her. “That’s why I’ve made the decision that I have. I’ve chosen your husband.” “I know. I was to meet him at the party.” “I’ve decided on a different man.” She frowned. A different man? “Who?” “He’s older than you, but comes from a very powerful family. He has military experience and he’s a good fighter. Someone I know will take good care of you and he has even agreed to help me rebuild our military. I don’t want a repeat of this to ever happen again.” “I see,” she said with a sigh. “Who is he? Have I met him?” “Yes,” he replied with a nod, a sparkle of mischief lighting his eyes. “He’s here now and would like to speak with you, if you are up to it.” “Now?” “Yes.” Her father frowned at her. “Would you rather it be another time?” She shook her head, resigned to get this over with. “No. I suppose now is as good a time as any,” she said with a shrug. Raising her hand, she brushed her hair from her face, pushing it back over her shoulder. She felt only the slightest twinge of curiosity as her father moved to the door. He waved someone in and Kiley squared her shoulders, preparing herself to meet the man she would spend the rest of her life with. The man she would bear children for and support as he ruled in her father’s place. She hoped he wasn’t too old and fat. She hoped he was patient and loved to laugh. She hoped she could eventually learn to love him. In her heart, she wished Lucien would walk into the room. Wished desperately to see his smiling face as he stared at her, waiting for her reaction. His long hair would be down around his shoulders, just like she loved it. He would wear his black slacks, his white shirt partially open, exposing his wide chest. Knee-high boots would complete the picture of her sexy mercenary, the man she loved with every piece of her soul. Just like the man in front of her. She blinked twice, staring in shock. “Kiley, meet your future husband, Prince Lucien Amanpour of Solaris.” “Lucien?” she whispered and his lips twitched slightly as he patiently waited for her to put the pieces together. “You’re a prince?” “Yes.” Her fingers clenched at her sides as her anger grew. “You son of a bitch!”

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Turning, she grabbed a crystal vase from her nightstand and threw it straight at his head. He ducked and the vase shattered against the wall behind him. “Kiley,” her father yelled. “Damn you,” she screamed, throwing more crystal. “How could you not tell me?” Lucien ducked again. “Kiley, that’s enough of that,” Phillise chastised, but Kiley ignored her, grabbing another crystal knickknack and throwing it as hard as she could. She didn’t miss Lucien’s chuckle, which only infuriated her more. “It’s all right,” Lucien said. “Let her get it out of her system.” “Out of my system? You rotten, arrogant, son of a --” Lucien frowned. “Careful, Kiley. I let it slide once.” “Oh, like I’m afraid of you,” she snarled. Her father raised an eyebrow but remained silent. “I can explain,” Lucien began. “Explain?” she snapped. “Explain what? How you lied, repeatedly?” “You never once asked me if I was a prince,” Lucien countered. “You omitted it,” she snarled. “You lied by omission.” “That’s ridiculous, Kiley, and you know it,” Lucien shot back. “How could you do this? Do you have any idea what I went through? How you made me believe that…” She put her hands over her mouth to try to hide the quivering of her lips. Oh my God. He was here. He was going to marry her. What the hell was wrong with her? But why? What changed? Why had he kept this from her? “Phillise and I will leave the two of you alone,” her father said. “Phillise,” he called, holding his hand out to her nanny. Phillise hesitated, but followed reluctantly, leaving her alone in the room with Lucien. “I don’t understand,” she whispered. “I saw you lying there, covered in blood. I, uh…I knew I couldn’t leave you.” “Why are you a mercenary? I don’t… Why did you lie to me?” “No one knows who I am, Kiley, other than Syeer. I am the oldest son, but I hated that life. It felt wrong and I walked away from it. I let my younger brother have the throne.” “As well as the woman who was supposed to marry you,” she added. Lucien nodded, watching her closely. “What changed your mind? What made you want to be a king again?” “You.”

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She swallowed, but remained rooted to the spot. “Me?” “I love you, Kiley,” he whispered. He loved her. She couldn’t believe it and her heart stopped, only to start again, beating wildly. With a sob, she rushed forward, throwing herself into his arms. He caught her to him, holding her tight, his face buried in her neck. It felt so good…so right. He was her world and now she had him forever. “Are you sure?” “That I love you?” he asked in amusement. She pulled back, staring into his eyes. “No. That you can be a royal again.” He nodded, his lips twitching. “I’m sure. I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life. I gave my fleet to Syeer and he says he’ll swing by periodically to check on us.” Kiley smiled. “Is that all?” His shoulders shook with laughter. “I’ve created a monster. Is sex all I am to you?” She frowned. “No. I love you.” His palms cupped her face tenderly. “I know. The way you look at me sometimes…it makes me feel as though I can do anything. Be anybody.” He smiled slightly. “Even a king.”

***** The wedding reception was Lucien’s first introduction to the people of Delnista. It hadn’t been as bad as he thought it would be. He felt incredibly comfortable and at peace. Especially with Kiley by his side. He was exactly where he wanted to be. With a smile, he glanced around the room and noticed his friend Stefan at the far end of the reception hall. Stefan tipped his glass toward Lucien, an amused grin tugging at his lips, his beautiful wife on his arm. Syeer stood with them as well, a large grin on his face. Leaning down, he whispered into Kiley’s ear. “I’ll be right back.” Kiley nodded with a smile, and he bent to kiss her cheek. He’d had a hell of a time all morning trying to keep his hands off her, but right now he needed to get a few answers. “So…” Lucien said to Stefan. “The three of you set me up, didn’t you?” “I wasn’t in on this, so don’t look at me,” Krista replied. “You’re a bad influence on your husband, Countess, you realize that, right?” Lucien said with a chuckle. She shrugged slightly, an adorable glint of mischief sparkling in her eyes. Lucien could see why his friend was so enamored with his wife. She was definitely a beauty. “I don’t know. I think he did quite well with his first match. And all without my help.”

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Trista Ann Michaels

Lucien crossed his arms over his chest and narrowed his gaze toward Stefan. “Just because you and your brothers are happy, you think everyone else should be as well? Is that it?” Stefan bit back a grin and stepped closer, lowering his voice slightly. “Are you really going to bitch about this? After the way I’ve seen you looking at her all day? Twice today I’ve seen her father rescue her from your hungry looks in fear you would fuck her right here in front of all his guests.” Lucien suddenly felt incredibly uncomfortable. “Shit.” Stefan chuckled. “Relax. Shaba’s thrilled you love her as much as you do. At least now he knows she’ll be truly happy.” Lucien turned to gaze at Kiley across the room as she smiled and conversed with his mother and one of her friends. His parents had been thrilled when they heard the news and had immediately headed to Delnista. Even his brother was here with his wife, Lucien’s former fiancée. He had no regrets. His brother was happy. He’d definitely done the right thing in that regard. Everything had turned out for the best. He had the woman of his dreams and Stefan to thank for it. “I owe you one, Stefan,” Lucien said. “Yep, that you do,” Stefan replied and Lucien laughed.

Trista Ann Michaels Trista lives in the land of dreams, where alpha men are tender and heroines are strong and sassy. When not there, she visits the mountains of Tennessee. Not a bad place to spend a little spare time when she needs a break from all those voices in her head. Unfortunately they never fail to find her.