Across the Stars

ACROSS THE STARS

India Masters

® 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.

Across the Stars India Masters 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 © January 2008 by India Masters 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 978-1-59632-625-5 Available in Adobe PDF, HTML, MobiPocket, and MS Reader

Printed in the United States of America

Editor: Sherri Lynn Cover Artist: Anne Cain

www.loose-id.com

Chapter One

“Entering Cyntur-Rho airspace, Raav.” Raav Asirian clapped a hand on the communications officer’s shoulder. “Very good. Open communications and let them know we’re on our way in.” “Aye, sir.” Raav stretched, groaning at the cracking in his spine. This mission had taken longer than anyone expected and the crew needed some downtime. Hell, he needed some welldeserved distraction himself. And this was just the place to get it. Cyntur-Rho boasted every kind of entertainment known to man. From video palaces to high-class bordellos, the pleasure planet had it all. And Raav wanted nothing more than to sink his cock into some willing female and fuck himself into oblivion. He dressed quickly in formfitting brown breeches that left little to the imagination, and pulled a dark ochercolored tunic over his head, not bothering with a belt because he didn’t plan to be in the garments any longer than it took to find a woman. Anticipation of an evening at the Pleasure Dome warmed his blood as he strode through the door and took the airlift to the bridge. Leaving a skeleton crew behind, Raav accompanied his first mate to the landing dock in search of an air taxi.

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Jomar Phaeg elbowed Raav’s ribs. “Look at the black warp flyer over there. Isn’t that Captain O’bora’s craft?” Raav grinned, recognizing the vehicle. “That’s interesting. Wonder what she’s up to?” Jomar chuckled. “You have that predatory gleam in your eye, my friend.” Raav laughed. “The ever elusive captain won’t escape me this time, Jomar. If she’s after a bounty, she’ll need Ala’s permission to take him off world, and I’m just the man who can get it for her.” “For a price.” Jomar shook his head. “You strike a hard bargain, Raav.” He slung an arm around his friend’s neck and urged him forward into the air taxi. “In more ways than one, my friend, in more ways than one.” Once inside the Pleasure Dome, Raav gave his senses a moment to adjust to the strobe lights and thumping beat of the music. From across the packed room, Ala Yurth waved and made her way toward him. A handsome woman, despite her advanced age, Ala still moved like a seductress. “Darling,” she purred, hugging Raav. “Handsome as ever, I see. Did you come to relieve me of one of my girls this evening?” Raav returned her hug. “Solae O’bora, she’s here?” Ala laughed. “I might have known you’d still be after that one.” She nodded toward the raised dance platform. “You may be out of luck, though. Seems she has her eye on that big guy she’s dancing with.” She smiled ruefully. “I wouldn’t mind a bite of that myself.” “I might be able to arrange that for you if you’re inclined to do me a favor.” Ala gave him a shrewd look. “So, he’s a bounty then? And the little witch never told me. She knows I get a cut of any bounty taken from my club.” She laughed. “You want me to tell her to back off, so you can intervene in her behalf, do you?” “That would be the general idea, my love. Then we both get what we want. I get Solae for the night and you get the warrior.”

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“I always did enjoy your devious mind, Raav. Wait at the bar.” Raav ordered a Red Crown Ale and leaned against the bar to watch the show unfold. Solae O’bora had talent; he’d give her that. One of the more ruthless, independent bounty hunters, she wasn’t above using sex appeal to make a capture. He watched as she danced seductively around the Zo-Qui warrior, her perfectly toned body moving in exact time with the beat of the music. She turned, shimmied against him, rubbing her ass against the man’s obvious erection. The warrior spun her around and lifted one of her legs to his waist, then grabbed her ass and ground her against him. Raav took a deep breath. Stars! The look of ecstasy on her face, though probably fake, made his own cock leap to attention. He took a gulp of ale and watched as Solae wove an arm around the warrior’s neck and drew him down for a kiss. Raav snorted in derision. Without a doubt, the sparkling lipstick she wore contained a dose of a chemical hypnotic, and if that wasn’t enough, he suspected her tongue stud was rigged to administer a dose of sleeping potion. Dumb bastard deserved what he got. He continued to watch as Ala pulled Solae aside to read her the riot act. He suppressed a smile as the two women argued, then nodded as Solae threw her hands up in disgust. She turned to the smitten warrior and ordered him to sit in his chair, then followed Ala to the bar. “I was going to tell you about it after I had him in custody, you old toad!” “Sure you were, you lying little slut! Get the hell out of my bar!” She glared in the direction of the Zo-Qui warrior. “He stays where he sits!” Raav had seen Solae pissed before, but the woman looked like she was ready to have a full-scale meltdown. Time for him to step in. “You dried up old piece of space debris. I ought to --” “Whoa, ladies,” Raav cut in. “What seems to be the problem?” Solae turned a fiery glare on him. “Mind your business, Asirian!”

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“You’re verbally assaulting an old friend, Captain O’bora. I consider that my business.” He turned to Ala. “What’s the problem?” “This little slut is using my club as her own personal bounty round up, and trying to do it without giving me my cut!” Raav raised an eyebrow and looked at his target. “Is this true, Captain?” She smiled seductively, then folded her arms across her chest. “Of course not, but the old bat won’t listen to reason.” Raav chuckled and led her away from Ala, hand at her waist. “Haven’t you ever heard the old Earth expression, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar?” She looked at him beneath hooded lids. Probably calculating the odds she could get him to help. She offered him an innocent pout. “What, sweeten her up?” Raav shrugged. “Of course, it’s probably too late now. You’ve really pissed her off. Is he worth much, this bounty?” Solae’s chin came up and she gave him a suspicious look. “Enough to make it worth my while.” Raav nodded and stroked the small patch of whiskers beneath his bottom lip. “Enough to make it worth my while to help you?” She cocked her head, studying him. “Perhaps. What will it cost me?” Raav swallowed a victorious grin as she nibbled her bottom lip. “One night in my bed. Doing anything and everything I ask of you.” He thought for a moment she might hit him, but she ran a finger down his chest, stroking the flesh bared by his tunic. “Done.” “Don’t move a muscle, I’ll be right back.”

*****

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Solae took a deep breath and tried to compose herself. Raav Asirian had been pursuing her for years. Well, not pursuing her in the true sense of the word. He was a mercenary and she a bounty hunter, so their paths crossed often enough they’d become acquainted. He’d let her know, in the most vivid terms possible, he intended to get her into his bed. Gods, he had practically bragged once she’d had him, she’d never want another! Heaven help her, she wanted him as badly as he wanted her. Only the fear of being completely consumed by him kept her running from his aggressive challenges to give in to just one night of pleasure in his bed. Fear had won before, but tonight, she would accept the gauntlet he laid before her. A man like Asirian, so blatantly sexual, would want to control every aspect of the liaison, and Solae was not a woman who gave up control, no matter how often she might have dreamed of just giving in and allowing herself the luxury of letting go. Therefore, she merely scoffed at his advances and chose men she knew she could dominate. But this time, he had provided her with the perfect out by manipulating the situation as he’d done. She could enjoy all he had to offer in the way of sexual pleasure and walk away the following morning without a care in the world. She stood beside him on the airlift, head held proud. In all honesty, he did fascinate her. She cracked the tiniest of smiles. The way a flute fascinated a cobra. “Is something funny? Please tell me, so I can share in the amusement,” Raav murmured in her ear. Solae laughed softly. “Not at all. I was just thinking about snakes.” Raav burst out laughing as the airlift came to a stop. “After you, aschema.” He gave her a mocking bow and a gentle shove into his quarters. “So, you think I’m a snake, do you?” She walked into the room and looked around, impressed by the luxury surrounding them. Her own quarters were Spartan compared to his. “Huh. I never would have taken you for someone so…self-indulgent.” “I like my comforts, and I can afford them. You don’t like it?”

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The look on his face told her it mattered to him that she did. So, naturally, she denied him her approval. “What does it matter? I won’t be here long enough for it to make a difference.” He yanked his shirt over his head and tossed it onto a chair. “So, you don’t care where I fuck you, so long as I just get it over with. Is that it?” “Oh, I wouldn’t say that. I expect you’ll get your money’s worth and, since I have no choice in the matter, I fully intend to take as much pleasure from the experience as is humanly possible.” She gave him a cool look, but her heart thudded with excitement at the sight of him. Gods, he was hot. Honey brown hair touched his shoulders while intense, hazel eyes studied her with greedy desire. Stars, but his shoulders were wide! His chest, broad and honed like granite, sported the same honey-colored hair, which formed a T-shape that disappeared into the waistband of his too-tight breeches. Solae’s fingers itched to dip beneath those trousers to find out exactly what all the fuss was about. Raav Asirian was reputed to possess quite the package. She was roused from her reverie when he spoke again, his voice deep and just a little cranky. “Then step into my parlor.” He moved to the chair and sat down to remove his boots. She laughed. “Said the spider to the fly.” Don’t let him see your hands shaking, Solae. She leaned down and pulled off her boots, dropping them on the floor. Her hands were steady when she reached for the zipper of her black bodysuit. She pulled it down slowly, watching Raav’s nostrils flare as the zipper parted, baring her flesh beneath his avid gaze. It was all she could do not to run when he got up and ambled to her, circling her like some giant cat, ready to devour its prey. “Such beauty for one so cold. You’ve led me on a merry chase all these years. Why change your mind now?” His fingers traced the line of her jaw to her chin, then down her neck to her collarbone. “Look at me, Solae.” The look she gave him was pure defiance.

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“When I tell you to do something, I expect to be obeyed, aschema. At least for tonight. Is that clear?” The touch of his fingers heated her skin, igniting a glow that only he could quench. She only hoped she could hide her reaction to him. A man like Asirian could make a woman forget herself, something she’d never allowed. Keep your voice cool, casual. “Crystal. Anything else?” His fingers picked up their leisurely excursion over her naked flesh. “Actually, yes. Is there another dose of sleeping potion in that tongue jewel or did the warrior get it all?” He tweaked a nipple, chuckling as she gasped at the sensation. “Tell the truth, lovely Solae, because if you inject me, I will chase you across the stars to make you keep our bargain.” Solae licked her lips. “What’s the matter, Asirian? Are you afraid of me?” In an act of total bravado, she leaned into him, running her tongue along his lips. Despite herself, she uttered a startled cry when he propelled her backward, pressing her against the wall. A laugh escaped her when he tore the sleeve off her bodysuit and wiped the lipstick from her mouth. His kiss was hard, and deep as his tongue warred with hers for dominance. His hands were at her shoulders, forcing the soft material down and off, till nothing but his hard chest pressed against her naked breasts. Heavenly stars! Her hands went to his hair, fisting in the long, silky locks to hold him in place while she kissed him back with all her might. His hands went to her hips, ripping the rest of the zipper apart. His hand burrowed between her legs, and he laughed softly. “So wet and tight,” he taunted. “Perhaps you’re not as indifferent as you’d like me to believe.” She tore her lips from his and practically growled. “Get your pants off, Asirian, and fuck me like you’re supposed to.” A raised eyebrow was the only indication of his surprise at her reaction.

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Solae skimmed off the shredded remains of her bodysuit, watching as Raav shucked his breeches. She licked her lips at the sight of his cock jutting proudly against his stomach. Jesus, what the hell did he think he was going to do with that thing? “Impressive,” she said with a nod. “Not nearly so impressive as what I do with it.” He spun her around and pressed her against the wall once more. “Spread your legs and put your arms over your head, palms flat on the wall.” She obeyed immediately, because she wanted to. My stars, to feel his hands on her, his cock driving into her, as he held her pressed against the wall. His fingers found her opening and the tip of his cock slid inside. Ah, yes, it had been far too long. Her heart thundered in her chest and heated liquid pooled between her thighs. She moved restlessly, waiting for him to go deeper. With a flick of his hips, he gave her more. Her head fell forward and her lips parted in anticipation. “More, aschema?” “Yes,” she sighed. “More. All of it.” He bent his knees, then thrust up and into her, raising her to her tiptoes. “Oooh, yes. Again, just like that.” He accommodated her, pumping into her with long, hard strokes, as his hands gripped her waist to prevent her from moving. “Do you like that?” he breathed against her ear. “Shall I make you come?” “Yes, Asirian, make me come.” It was both a demand and a plea. His hands moved to her breasts as he slowed his pace, and nipped her earlobe. “Say my name,” he whispered. “Say, fuck me, Raav. Make me come.” She stiffened against him, her mind warring with her body at his demand. He stopped, buried deep inside her. “My name, Solae. Say it.” Withdrawing partway, he slammed into her once more. She moaned. “Fuck me, Raav. Make me come!” She cried out when his arms went around her waist, lifting her off her feet. He set her down at the foot of the bed.

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“Lean over and brace yourself on the mattress, aschema.” His hands moved between her thighs, adjusting her stance, then his hips scooped under her, and he began to thrust. His hands grasped her hips, pulling her hard against him as he rocked forward, sinking deep into her. No man had ever filled her so deeply or made her feel as out of control as Raav. She was no inexperienced girl, taking her pleasure whenever the spirit moved her, but this experience made her want to scream, to beg him to fuck her. Every nerve ending lit up with a simple brush of his hand. And his cock, so thick and long, made her want to scream at him to give it to her, and never stop. Solae keened mindlessly as Raav powered into her, fucking her hard, his hips like a piston as he drove her to the edge. The man definitely knew how to use what was given to him. “Ah, stars! I’m going to come…don’t.” The words died on her lips as he reached around to tweak her clit. Her body went rigid, and she threw back her head, yowling like a moonstruck cat as she came. He never gave her a moment, just kept pumping as her body jerked and twitched. “Oooh!” she shrieked, as a series of intense tiny, orgasms rocked her. When she felt as if she couldn’t bear it one minute longer, Raav slammed into her one last time, bellowing as he emptied himself deep in her molten core. As her trembling legs gave out, he followed her down to the mattress and rolled onto his back. She held herself apart from him, denying herself the luxury of a cuddle. When her breathing returned to normal, she turned onto her side with a satisfied sigh. “Not bad, Asirian,” she said when he looked at her. “Not bad!” He lunged at her, laughing as he hauled her against him. “Not bad? I’d wager you could count on one hand the number of men who could make you come screaming like that.” Solae rolled her eyes, but didn’t deny him the smile already forming. “Like I would ever admit such a thing. Your ego’s big enough as it is, without any contribution from me.”

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She eased herself out of his arms and sat up looking around. “Where’s the nutrition replicator? I’m starving.” “I don’t doubt it,” he said with a leer. “You just expended a huge amount of energy.” He got up and strode across the room. With the press of a button, a small door slid open to reveal the replicator. “What do you want?” “Hmm. I want a thick rib-eye steak and a large salad with blue cheese dressing. Oh, and a nice glass of cabernet.” He gave her a smile. “A fan of Earth cuisine, I see. As am I. I’ll have the same, but I think I’ll have a baked potato with the works.” He programmed in the menu and pushed start. “How did you learn about Earth foods?” Solae raised an eyebrow. “Daughter of an intergalactic ambassador? I lived on Earth for ten years after…” She hesitated, clearing her throat. “I lived on Earth for ten years.” “After Fyn Du-ket.” “Yes. After that murdering bastard.”

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Chapter Two

Raav enjoyed watching Solae devour her meal. She ate with gusto, enjoying each bite. Her manners were impeccable. They’d have to be, considering the number of State dinners she’d probably attended in her lifetime. He tried to imagine her in the role of dutiful, political daughter, but found it impossible. Of course, that was probably because she was sitting at his table, completely naked, and apparently comfortable doing so. She was docile at the moment, a side of her he’d never seen before, so he decided to push his luck. “Join me for a shower?” He pushed his plate away. Her body visibly stiffened. “Is that an order or a request?” He smothered a sigh. He should have known she’d get testy again once she’d recharged. “Which would you prefer? You may join me voluntarily, or I can demand it. You agreed to the terms for the night. Your choice, aschema.” Her beautiful mouth thinned into a hard line. “You really are a snake, you know.” Raav shrugged. “I see you’ve made your choice. Stand up and follow me to the shower.” She smiled serenely and followed him. “As you wish.” Raav punched a code into the wall panel and a large, clear polymer tube descended from the ceiling in the corner of the room. A circular section of the hard surfaced floor

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retracted to reveal a tiled area with a drain in the center. He punched in a few more numbers and a gentle shower of water flowed from the ceiling. “After you.” Solae stepped into the shower and tipped her head back, letting the water sluice off her jet-black hair. She was an intriguing woman, Raav thought as he joined her. Hard as diamonds one moment, and astoundingly passionate the next. Her hatred of Fyn Du-ket had hardened her, and Raav wasn’t sure anything could change her personality. He handed her a packet of hair and body liquid. “Wash me,” he demanded. Her eyes dilated. Oh yeah, the idea of having free range to touch him definitely tuned her on. Why then, did her mouth harden into a thin line? Her fingers were strong and purposeful as she washed his hair, massaging his scalp, then working the lather through. His cock twitched to life as her hands smoothed the slippery liquid over his back and buttocks and he heard her knees crackle as she knelt to wash his legs. He could barely restrain a groan when her hand slid between the cheeks of his ass to massage his balls. He turned, looking down at her as she took his erect cock into her hands, washing it with a tight up and down motion. “Rinse it and suck it.” Her eyes met his, and she licked her lips before her generous mouth closed over his dick, sucking him deep inside. The feel of her hot mouth enveloping his cock made him want to promise her heaven and earth if only she would stay with him forever. Hands in her hair, he closed his eyes as her tongue, curled around his width. The smooth, jeweled orb in her mouth was an added stimulation he discovered he liked very much, like a strong, stroking finger as her mouth devoured him. Gods, but the woman knew how to suck cock! He worked his hips gently, not pressing too hard, and she wrapped her hand around his root, a possessive growl emanating from her throat. She liked what she was doing and she intended to make him come. Her other hand moved to caress his scrotum, and Raav inhaled sharply as his balls tightened, the moment of release close at hand. “Ah, yeah, that’s good. You’re going to make me come, aschema.”

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At the last moment, she grabbed his ass and pulled him to her, taking him fully into her as he came, her throat working to swallow every gushing drop. His body arched like a bow. “Fuck, oh, fuck yeah!” Raav leaned down and slid his arms beneath Solae’s, lifting her to her feet. “Now, I get to wash you, aschema.” He washed and rinsed her hair, then applied the liquid soap in much the same manner, starting at her exposed neck, then slipping his hands around to wash and massage her breasts until the nipples peaked and she arched against his hands. She had a spectacular ass, finely toned from hours of combat training. His soap-slicked hand slid between her cheeks, and she moaned as he worked his middle finger into her anus. “Mmm, you like that, do you? I might have just the perfect little toy for us to play with later.” He eased his finger from her, squirted more soap in his hand, and moved down to wash her legs and feet. “Now for that sweet pussy.” Raav soaped the small, trim triangle of hair before allowing his probing fingers to explore at his leisure. He opened her, washing each delicate fold. He rinsed her, then dipped his finger in her pussy to collect the cream gathering there. His finger touched her clit, and she shuddered. “That’s enough. Step out and let me dry you.” She looked like she might protest, but instead she smiled and obeyed. He wrapped a towel around his waist then set about drying her, roughing up her nipples with the nubby cotton towel. “Go stand in front of the large chair.” Raav could see the effort it took for her to obey him. He smiled to himself. I hope she lets me live in the morning, after I’m done with her tonight. It took everything he had not to run to the small night table by the bed to retrieve just the right toy for his lovely Solae. He didn’t know if she’d ever tried anal play, if not, she would learn tonight.

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“Sit down and drape your legs over the arms of the chair, aschema. You’re in for a treat.” He held up a small, battery operated, anal plug and a container of lubricant. She frowned. “Suppose I don’t want that particular treat?” Raav knelt in front of the chair. “Anything and everything I want to do to you, remember?” “Bastard,” she hissed, but she raised her legs and draped them over the arms of the chair. Her nostrils flared with the first touch of his fingers. “What a pretty pussy, aschema.” He opened her lips, tracing each line with a feather light touch. The flesh was soft and pink, begging to be savored. “I’ll bet it tastes as good as it looks, too.” He smothered a chuckle and leaned in to tease her with the tip of his tongue. “Mmm, I was right.” He slid his hands under her ass and pulled her to the edge of the chair. “Oh.” It came on a sigh as he settled his mouth over her weeping cunt. “Oh, yes.” Raav dipped his tongue into her, lapping at the free flowing juices, nibbling at her smoothly waxed labia, and reveling in the ecstatic noises she didn’t try to hide from him. She tasted fresh, like a shell pulled from the Salt Sea on his home planet. Slick from her juices, his lips glided to her clit, giving it a hard, tight suck. Her pussy thrust against his mouth as she writhed, her cries becoming louder, more demanding. Raav lashed the hard bud and felt her stiffen. He watched as the orgasm broke over her, her body trembling with release as she cried out. Raav held her legs apart, giving no quarter, as his tongue darted against her puckered anus, nipping and teasing the sensitive flesh. Her breath hitched each time he touched her there, and he knew she was ready. He opened the lubricant and applied it to the anal plug. “Solae,” he whispered. “Open your eyes and watch.” Her eyes widened when she realized what he was about to do. “It’s all right, aschema, it’s very small. Not much bigger than my finger, and you liked that, right?”

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“Oh, yeah.” Her body tensed and he could tell she was fearful, but she watched as he placed the tip of the device at her tiny opening and pushed it past the tight ring. She moaned as he eased it back, then pushed it deeper still. “Feel good?” “Stars, yes!” “More?” “Yes, more.” With one last push, Raav seated the plug. “Now, I’m going to eat your pussy, Solae. I’m going to eat you out while this plug is buried in your sweet ass. Then I’m going to fuck you.” He sucked her clit between his lips, then tapped the switch on the plug and set it to vibrate. Solae bucked beneath his mouth, as his tongue, teeth, and lips once more laid siege to her pussy. Oh, the noises she made, and he’d thought her cold as ice. He lapped at her clit and she came again, screaming, “Raav!” He thrust a finger into her scorching pussy, and she came up off the chair. “Oh, gods!” Raav’s cock ached and throbbed. He had to have her, now. Scooping her up from the chair, he carried her to the bed, arranging her in the center with her sweet bottom in the air. “Open your legs, Solae. My cock’s so hard for your pussy; I can’t wait a minute longer.” She opened for him and he eased the head into her opening. “Do it,” she demanded. “Oh, gods, Raav, fuck me!” He pressed deeper, groaning as her pussy clasped him even tighter as the plug pressed against his cock. The pressure was so intense there was no way he could hold back much longer. He pulled back, intending to ease into her more gently, but his finger brushed the plug, and she screamed, thrusting back against him, hard, until she had him buried to the hilt. “Shit, I didn’t hurt you did I?” “No!” she gasped. “It’s…it’s one of those hurts so good kind of things.”

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“Good, now we’ll take it nice and slow.” Raav withdrew, then thrust into her with a long, slow stroke, groaning. The feel of her hot, slick pussy made his cock ache like an untried youth’s. Out again, then slowly in to the hilt. Out, and in, each thrust slow and easy, making his balls ache with need, until she began to move with him. “That’s right, Solae, give it to me. Fuck yourself on my cock. As hard as you want, aschema, you set the pace.” “Oh, gods, Raav. It’s…hard…I need to come!” He didn’t need to hear more. She wanted hard and fast. Grasping her hips to hold her steady, his cock plowed into her. He reached out with his thumb and tapped the plug, sending her over the edge. “Aaahhh!” she screamed, and froze as he slammed into her one last time, his orgasm coming quickly on the heels of hers. He held her tightly against him as her pussy continued to contract, and his seed pumped deep inside her. Before she collapsed in a damp heap, Raav pulled the plug from her quivering ass and tossed it on the floor. As she stretched out, he eased her into the curve of his body, spooning himself around her. “Sleep, Solae.” He woke her twice more during the night, fucking her slowly, sweetly, and completely, driving her to the edge of madness. He lay in the darkness, watching her sleep, and tried to think of a way to keep her with him longer, but those thoughts were sheer folly. He might tame her sexually, but no man would ever own Solae O’bora.

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Chapter Three

Solae woke with a start and looked around. What the fuck? Then she remembered. She’d spent the night as Asirian’s love slave. And what a night it had been! He’d taken her places she’d never known existed, fucked her in ways she’d only heard stories about. She studied his sleeping form. The harsh planes of his face were relaxed, giving him a look of deceptive innocence. He was no innocent boy, for sure. He was all man, the man who had controlled her every movement, and every reaction like the skilled lover he bragged of being. An overwhelming wave of tenderness washed over her. He’d been a demanding lover. Rough at times, then handling her with a tenderness that made her ache for something she’d never known. Jesus, he was dangerous. She’d worked too long and hard to cultivate her cool, untouchable demeanor. Too much time with Asirian could easily cause that façade to crumble. It was her only defense, the only thing that kept her from descending into a darkness so complete there would never be a way out. Solae eased herself from beneath the possessive arm draped across her middle and scooted to the edge of the bed. She spied the anal plug on the floor and scowled. No wonder she was sore this morning. Visions of watching Raav slide the plug into her virgin ass swam through her still sleepy mind, and her cheeks heated. He’d used the damn thing on her,

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fucked her while it lay deeply buried in her ass, and wrung cries of ecstasy from her that still rang in her ears. Bastard. She hadn’t wanted to enjoy his sexual prowess quite so much. Didn’t want to like him. “What’s your hurry, aschema?” Raav’s voice purred at her back. He moved closer, pressing kisses at the small of her back. She all but leapt to her feet. Gods, she had to get out of here, now! “Hands off, Asirian. Our bargain called for one night. You’ve had your night, now find me some clothes. I have a bounty to collect.” He sighed and rolled off the bed to gather the remnants of her garment. “Very well, Solae.” She couldn’t help but notice the tautness of his ass as he sauntered to the replicator and programmed in the particulars of her jumpsuit. No getting around the fact he possessed all the qualities most women looked for in a man. His muscles rippled with each predatory motion. His golden brown hair felt like satin to the touch, and those fathomless hazel eyes could pin a woman to the spot with one curious glance. She’d fought her attraction to him over the years, and was honest enough to admit, at least to herself, she’d like nothing better at this very moment than to have him sink his magnificent cock into her and fuck her till she screamed. Just as he had last night. Solae squared her shoulders. No time for that. Besides, Raav’s dominating personality clashed with her own. It would be a constant battle for superiority if they mated. “Here.” He turned, holding out the garment for her inspection. A smug smile twisted his lips as her eyes moved to his jutting cock. “Sure you wouldn’t like another ride before you leave, aschema?” Solae snorted and grabbed her clothes, avoiding his eyes. “You overestimate your charms, Asirian.” She stepped into the full jumpsuit and zipped it closed. She was very aware of him watching her as she pulled on her calf-high boots.

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“Oh, I don’t think so, Solae,” he said softly. He stalked across the room, backing her against the wall. He nuzzled her cheek. “How many times did you beg me to finish you last night, aschema? Hmm? Admit it; I’m the best you’ve ever had.” She put her palms on his bare chest and gave him a shove, aware he allowed her to push him away. “So what if you were? I haven’t slept with every man I’ve met on my travels.” She tapped her lips with her index finger. “You know, come to think of it, I’ll bet my Zo-Qui warrior has a nice fat cock. Maybe I’ll play with him while I’m transporting him to the Mercantile Protectorate.” The look on his face revealed his obvious displeasure at the idea of her fucking her bounty. “Now, I really must be on my way. Thanks for a fun night, Asirian. Maybe we can do it again sometime.” “Count on it,” he growled, yanking on his clothes. “I’ll have to go down to the Palace with you. Ala won’t release your prisoner unless I tell her you lived up to your end of the bargain.” His smile was cruel. “Which you did remarkably, by the way. Best piece of ass I’ve had in quite some time.” She fought the tears threatening to well in her eyes. If he’d thought to hurt her with his words, she intended to prove him wrong. “Thanks. Spread the word, hmm? I always enjoy a man striving to live up to expectations. Shall we go?” “After you,” he snarled.

***** Mercantile Protectorate Toru Sector -- Toru Two

“Your prisoner, Magistrate Uhorru,” Solae said by way of introduction.

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A short, rotund man of indistinguishable age, the magistrate took her in with a happy gleam in his eye. “Captain O’bora, delighted to see you again!” He came around his desk and shook her hand vigorously. “Another stellar job, I see.” Solae nodded her acknowledgement as the magistrate walked around the prisoner, giving him a good looking over. “He’ll do well in the mines, I should think. Of course, he’ll have to go to one of the reeducation centers before he’s fit for labor.” Solae blanched. “Is that really necessary, Magistrate Uhorru? It’s not like he’s a violent criminal.” She’d heard stories about the reeducation centers. Stories of brain remapping surgeries gone horribly wrong. Strong, intelligent men and women turned into flesh and blood robots, fit only for hard physical labor. The little man’s lips puckered. “Oh, most certainly, Captain. A brute like this? Why he could hurt someone should he choose to rebel.” He gave the prisoner an avid look. “Of course, with his looks and physique, we could probably put him on one of the recreation ships, let him service the workers. The women would go wild for a man like this. Some of the men, too.” “And after he works off his debt?” “Why, he’ll be released, naturally. Unless he chooses to stay. Some in the pleasure industry do, you know.” Solae nodded, turning to the Zo-Qui warrior. “What will it be, Soriu? Reeducation and the mines, or the pleasure industry?” The warrior smiled. “The pleasure industry, Captain. And perhaps you will come back this way and avail yourself of my…expertise.” Solae chuckled. “You never know.” She turned to the magistrate. “My payment, sir?” “Oh, of course, my dear!” The tubby little man hurried back to his desk, shuffling through paperwork. “Ah, just sign here.” She did, and he handed her a small rectangular card. “One hundred-fifty thousand sterling credits, Captain. And, may I say, it’s always a

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pleasure doing business with you.” He gave her a shrewd look. “I have another bounty that might interest you, Captain.” “Indeed? And who might this one be?” “Why, someone you’re all too familiar with, my dear. The pirate, Fyn Du-ket. He murdered several merchant families on Ohega 12 and Xat-Rah One before disappearing through the Xat-Rah wormhole. Last we heard of him, he’d kidnapped the daughters of two minor governors in the outlying colonies. He’s demanding hefty ransoms for the girls and the families simply don’t have the means to pay him. Of course, you know what will happen to the girls if they aren’t rescued.” Solae gave him a grim look. She knew full well what would happen. They would be sold into the sex slave market, just as her schoolmates had been when Du-ket attacked her home planet. “And the Protectorate is willing to pay the ransoms for the girls?” Uhorru handed her a disk containing the relevant information, including the pirate’s demands, background on his many crimes, and star charts pinpointing his most recent whereabouts. “The bounty is quite generous, Captain. You could retire on it if you bring the black-hearted bastard in.” “And the bounty?” “Ten million Alliance Marks, payable upon delivery. Dead or Alive.” A smile twisted her lips. She would gladly kill the bastard for free, but ten million Alliance Marks would provide her with a life of luxury. “Excellent terms, Magistrate. Though I expect I’ll need some help bringing him in, and I’ll need to refit my ship’s defensive shields.” “Yes, I thought as much. Actually, I have an excellent candidate for the job.” She raised an eyebrow as the magistrate cleared his throat. “In fact, the Protectorate insists on the partnership.” “Do they indeed?”

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“Indeed they do, aschema.” Solae spun around, staring wide-eyed, as Raav ambled through the door. A shiver of delight and dread shot down her spine and straight to her pussy. She suppressed a shudder and cocked her head, pretending to study him. “Asirian,” she said with a nod, then turned to the magistrate. “He’ll do in a pinch, I suppose.” Behind her, the rich quality of his laugh made her pussy clench. Get a grip, O’bora. He’s just a man. “Put out the word I’ll personally be delivering the ransom, Magistrate Uhorru.” Raav fisted his hands on his hips and leaned toward her. His voice came low and menacing. “You’re crazy, if you think I’m going to let you do that. Especially if what they say about the man is true.” Solae gave him a tight little smile. “I’m not asking for your permission, Asirian, nor do I need it.” She turned the same smile on the magistrate. “Do it.”

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Chapter Four

Solae and several members of her crew transported to the bridge of Raav’s ship,

Nomad. There was no arguing the fact; an intergalactic transport cruiser possessed the tools needed to chase Du-ket across the stars and through dangerous wormholes. Not only that, Solae was practical enough to know upgrades to her long-range cruiser would take most of her hard earned credits, and she was mercenary enough to allow Asirian to take on the expense. After all, the man seemed to be made of money. “Welcome aboard, Captain O’bora.” Raav greeted her with a predatory smile. The man had plans for her, no doubt about it. He nodded to her crew. “Allow me to introduce you to my First Officer, Jomar Phaeg.” At Solae’s nod, he continued, “Communications Officer, Lieutenant Tzo Blaq. And Navigation Specialist, Lieutenant Liam Olna. Solae nodded politely. She might have known he’d have an all-male bridge crew. “Gentlemen. I’ve brought my First Mate, Under-Captain Ceropa Pham, Free Programmer, Ensign Sharma Peca, and, Weapons Specialist, Cruz Zseo.” She turned to Raav. “Our quarters, Captain Asirian, so my crew can settle in?”

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Raav bowed slightly. “Mr. Phaeg, please show Captain O’bora’s crew their quarters and provide them with electronic locators to guide them.” Placing a proprietary hand at the small of her back, he guided Solae to the door. “I’ll show the Captain to her quarters.” As soon as the doors closed behind them, Solae took a deep breath and stepped away from Raav. Distance. She needed distance to prevent her from throwing herself into his arms. “Hands off the merchandise, Asirian. I don’t need to be led around like a child.” “But I like touching you, Solae. Surely you know that by now.” He stroked his hand down her back, letting it come to rest on her ass. Her heart thundered in her chest as she stopped in her tracks. “You need to understand one thing very clearly. This is strictly a business arrangement. There will be no touching. Kindly get your hand off my ass.” Raav grinned. “Then how will I manage to fuck you the way you like, if I’m not allowed to touch you?” Shards of heat shot straight to her pussy, but she ignored her body’s traitorous reaction and focused her energies on strengthening her weakening knees. She whirled away from him. “There will be no fucking, Asirian. Are we clear on that?” He lunged, forcing her against the wall. “I’m clear on the fact you believe it, but trust me, aschema.” His voice was thick as smoke as he nuzzled her neck. “I will come to your quarters tonight, and you will spread those gorgeous legs for me.” She gave his chest a hard push. “I don’t think so,” she said through gritted teeth. He stopped one door down from what she knew were his quarters, and drew a keycard from his pocket. “Your key and your quarters, Captain. Your belongings have already been delivered and unpacked. Feel free to explore the ship. Two levels up is the recreation deck. There’s a cocktail lounge, billiards tables, and a few doors down is a fully equipped gym.” He pulled her close, filling his hands with her ass. “I look forward to sparring with you once we’re underway.”

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Her mouth went dry, as an image of grappling with him on a wrestling mat popped into her head unbidden. Heaven help her. “Have a care. I’m well known for my combat abilities.” “So, I’ve heard, aschema. I look forward to testing your skill.” Solae inserted the card into the slot, and the door whooshed open. Raav stopped her with a light touch. “By the way, you’ll be dining with me this evening. I believe you know the way.” Solae sighed as the doors closed behind her. Damn his hide! There would be no peace from his relentless pursuit. Her quarters adjoined his, for god’s sake! He was going to make this journey as difficult as possible. Intimate dinners, sparring in the gym, and private strategy sessions. Already, her pussy was throbbing in anticipation of his promised late-night visit. And she wanted him to come for her! Wanted the feel of his hands and mouth on her body. Wanted the satisfaction of that massive cock thrusting into her until she came in a flurry of passionate screams. It simply wasn’t fair! Of all the men in the galaxy, the magistrate could have partnered her with, why did it have to be Raav Asirian? Of course, she knew the answer. He was the best man for the job. But that didn’t mean she had to like it. Nor did it mean she wouldn’t do everything in her power to avoid being alone with him.

***** Raav paced restlessly across the width of his quarters. What had made him believe she’d blithely accept his demand she dine with him? Or for that matter, his assertion that he would come to her quarters and make love to her. Make love? Where the hell had that come from? He hadn’t actually made love since his first woman, back when he was a kid, still wet behind the ears. Moira Cintar had laughed at him when he’d declared his feelings.

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Devastated, he’d stolen his father’s trader and vanished into worlds yet unknown to him. Even now, he could hear her mocking words. “Love?” She laughed at him. “Boy, you should be thanking me for teaching you how to use that marvelous tool you have between your legs. Love? What would I want with a merchant’s spunk, when I have real men ready and waiting to lay entire planets at my feet? You were a distraction. Nothing more. Now run along home, I’m bored with you.” Raav closed his eyes, squeezing back the lingering pain. He’d run all right, and he’d never looked back. Furious with himself for caring, and with Solae for ignoring him, he punched in the code to the door adjoining her quarters with his. She looked up as the door opened, her expression neutral. “I told you that you would be dining with me this evening,” he said with barely contained fury. Her eyes were shuttered, a void. “And I chose to dine in the privacy of my quarters, Asirian. Is that a problem?” His jaw clenched. “When I give an order, I expect it to be obeyed.” Solae set aside the star charts she’d been studying and rose, giving him a smug little smile. “I see. Very well, I’ll be happy to join you for dinner. This petulant little boy aspect of your personality is so very charming, after all.” Raav stepped aside and let her precede him into the room, taking note of her garment for the first time. His nostrils flared as he took in her bare feet and the sapphire silk tunic that barely covered her gently swaying ass. So, that’s how she dressed for bed. He’d often wondered. She walked casually to the table, taking note of the candles and fine china. She watched him approach, one eyebrow raised. “Candles? I wouldn’t have thought you capable of such a…gesture.”

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To her credit, she never flinched when his hand grasped her by the throat, pulling her against him. “Perhaps my intent was to fuck your lovely ass with one. What do you say to that?” Her eyes widened as he reached behind her and yanked the tablecloth off the table, scattering food and dishes everywhere. Her lips parted, and she leaned forward, licking his clenched jaw. “I say you probably have something better than a candle to fuck me with.” A bark of laugher escaped him, and his hand left her throat to rip open the delicate silk tunic, baring her completely. “You don’t scare worth a damn, Solae.” He spun her around and shoved her down on the table, kicking her legs apart. Her breath hitched as he fumbled with his breeches, freeing his cock. With a growl, he plunged deep, burying himself to the hilt. She groaned. “The only thing scaring me, Asirian, is you might be inclined to stop.” He withdrew and drove into her again. “Never going to happen, aschema.” He leaned forward, grabbing the edge of the table for support and began to pump with long hard strokes. She ignited a fire that burned inside him, one he couldn’t put out, no matter how hard he tried. He’d wanted her for so long, and now he had her, he couldn’t get enough. Her cries of encouragement drove him into a frenzy, and he increased his pace, fucking her hard and fast as her fists pounded the table. “Oh...it’s!” Solae cried. “I…oooh…Raaavvv!” Her pussy gripped him, contracting around him, drawing him into his own release before he even realized it was on him. “You…are…mine!” he roared, each word punctuated by a hard, deep thrust that brought him to culmination. In the awkward stillness that followed, Raav kissed her neck and withdrew. Her legs trembled as she pushed away from the table, and he picked her up and carried her to the bed. He stretched out beside her, pulling her close as she curled against him. “I’m sorry, Solae.”

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He kissed her damp forehead. “When you didn’t come to me…I went a little crazy. Did I hurt you?” She snorted, but gave him a cat-that-ate-the-canary smile. “You aren’t that big, Asirian,” she teased, then pinched his nipple. “Ow!” he yelped, then kissed the top of her head. “Are you angry?” “Hell, yes, I’m angry! Must you always rip my clothes?” In the aftermath of another breathtaking round of sexual acrobatics, star charts lay scattered across the room, along with the remnants of the ruined meal they’d neglected to clean up. They sat cross-legged on the bed, eating ice cream and studying the latest coordinates Lt. Olna sent to Raav’s computer. “Right there,” Solae said, tapping the stylus on the monitor. The Xat-Rah sector appeared on the screen. “That, my friend, is where he’ll be hiding.” Raav frowned. “He’s going to hide in a bunch of space dust?” Solae laughed and fed him a spoonful of cinnamon ice cream. “You’ve never been to this sector have you?” “No, but I know a nebula when I see one.” “Quite right, Asirian, but --” She paused to accept a spoonful of his chocolate ice cream, licking the spoon suggestively, then winced. “Yeow, brain freeze.” Raav laughed and she continued, “As I was saying, what few people know is there are several small asteroids behind that bunch of space dust.” He opened his mouth to comment, but she cut him off by shoveling in another spoonful of ice cream. She laughed and followed up with a leisurely kiss, and he thought she might be getting the hang of this romance thing. “Honestly, the only way to keep you quiet is to put food in your mouth. Now, my theory is the combined magnetic and gravitational fields of the planet and the wormhole keep them stationary somehow.”

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She demonstrated by curling her fingers and hooking them together, then pulling in opposite directions. “It’s the perfect spot for an ambush. The increased magnetism plays havoc with the less sophisticated merchant ship’s scanners and communication devices. They’re sitting ducks, and none of them have lived to tell about it.” She leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “He almost caught me once, you know. But I slipped into the wormhole. When he came out the other side and saw I was ready to fight, the coward ran.” Raav took her dish and set it on the bedside table with his, then pulled her into his arms. “Will it be enough? Catching him?” He pressed her down to the bed and rolled on top of her, searching her face. “When he’s out of the way, will you be able to breathe again, aschema? Can you live without the chase?” Her eyes welled with tears. “I don’t know, Raav. He’s been my reason for breathing for ten years. The rest has been a means to an end. How can I know until I have him? And I must have him. You understand?” He dipped his head and kissed her. “I understand.” His cock swelled as he lowered his head to kiss her again, then groaned as the com signal sounded. “Yes, Mr. Blaq?” “We’re ready for Captain O’bora in the lounge, sir. As soon as she’s ready, we can record her message to the kidnapper.” Raav sighed. “Be right there, Mr. Blaq.” He gave Solae a quick kiss and got up. “Better go get dressed. And, aschema, I can’t believe I’m going to say this, wear something sexy.”

***** Solae walked into the lounge and the whole place went quiet. She fit the image of the bad girl bounty hunter most of Raav’s men had heard about. Skintight black leather pants hugged her, and the black corset made her breasts look as though they would spill over the straight bust line. Thigh-high boots with back lacing encased her long legs. “Tongues back in your heads, gentlemen,” she teased, swinging her hips as she strode across the room on four-inch heels. She stopped in front of Raav. “Sexy enough for you,

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Captain?” She laughed as he choked on his words. “Somebody fix me a dirty martini and let’s get this show on the road.” When she sat down on a sofa, Raav leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I’ll pay you five thousand republic marks if you’ll let me fuck you wearing nothing but the corset and those boots.” Solae laughed softly and bit his earlobe. “I think we can work something out. Now, come sit beside me like a good boy and let me entice our prey.” Ceropa, her First Mate, handed her a dirty martini with a shake of her head. “Your showmanship never ceases to amaze,” she said mildly. “Reel him in, Captain.” When the recorder’s red light came on, Solae leaned forward and set her drink on a table. She rested her forearms on her thighs, hands dangling between her parted legs, and began to speak. “This is your lucky day, Du-ket. The Mercantile Protectorate decided to meet your demands. Naturally, I volunteered to deliver the ransom.” She reached out for her drink and took a long sip. “Dirty Martini. I’d offer you one but it’s a civilized drink, and we both know there’s not a civilized bone in your body. I’m en route to your location, in the fine company of Captain Asirian.” She turned to Raav, who nodded, head cocked, then back to the camera. “When we get there, I’ll expect to see proof of life. Don’t disappoint me, darling.” She held her glass up in salute. “See you soon.” Solae slumped back in her seat and gulped down her drink. “I swear, I feel dirty just sending the pig a message.” She plucked the olive out of her martini and chewed it slowly, savoring the taste. “It’s not too late to change your mind,” Raav said. “It was too late the day he killed my mother and my baby sister. Sirius was five years old. Too young to be of any monetary value.” Even now, the fury she felt toward the notorious pirate threatened to overwhelm her. She stood up. “I’m going to change. I need to workout.” She hurried from the room, practically running for the airlift when the doors closed behind her.

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Thank the stars; she made it to her quarters before anyone saw her. Thinking of Sirius always caused the same reaction. She reached the bathroom in the nick of time, and heaved the contents of her stomach into the commode. “Are you all right?”

Raav. She didn’t want anyone seeing her like this, especially him, but she’d already learned he wasn’t a man to be put off. He ran the water and handed her a damp cloth. “I’m fine.” She rose on shaky legs. “Thank you.” “You should rest.” “I said I’m fine!” She shoved past him and sat on the bed, unlacing the boots that had so fascinated him, tossing them across the room. She glared at him when he sat down next to her and began unlacing her corset. “Stop being so fucking nice to me, Asirian!” She flung the corset and stomped to the storage bay, yanking her workout clothes from a cubby. The tight flexible bodice had wide straps and hooked between her breasts, offering support and freedom of movement. She discarded the leather breeches in exchange for exercise pants of soft cotton, then pulled on a pair of supple, foot-molding shoes. Raav stood as she turned to leave, and she stopped. “Follow me at your peril, Asirian. I am in no mood to play.”

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Chapter Five

Several people looked up as Solae entered the gym. She acknowledged them with a terse nod and went straight to the old-fashioned punching bag to begin her workout. She donned a set of boxing gloves and threw her first punch. Oh, how she wished the bag was Fyn Du-ket! He had done this to her, turned her into something less than whole. With each thought of him, visions of what he’d done to her family assaulted her. The knowledge it was her fault only intensified the pain and drove her to greater and greater feats of recklessness, spurred her to bring in the worst of the worst. She rained a flurry of punches on the bag, remembering. The transport had been delayed, and her mother hadn’t been there to meet her at the docking station. A tad unusual, yes, but she hadn’t given it much thought. When she’d tried hailing her, Falon O’bora hadn’t answered, so she’d waited a bit longer. Then she had taken an air taxi home. Solae could still recall the eerie feeling she’d had when she’d walked into the house. It was too quiet for a home with a precocious five year old. Where had everyone gone? Anxiety had turned to outright fear when she called her mother’s name and received no answer. Panicked, she’d raced up the stairs and into her mother’s room.

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Solae continued to dance around the bag, throwing punches that would devastate a human opponent. The bag was Fyn Du-ket and she wanted to kill him. Wanted to beat him to death with her bare hands. She swallowed an agonized sob as the memories rolled through her mind like old newsreel footage. Her mother lay dead on the bed, beaten, raped, and strangled. A hard enough thing for a sixteen-year-old girl to see. But it was the sight of Sirius that sent her over the edge. Her beautiful little sister had been pinned to the wall with a sword through her heart. He’d used her as his own personal bulletin board, skewering a note to her little body. Ambassador O’bora: Your lovely daughter wasn’t at school today, so I came here looking for her. Pity she wasn’t at home, wouldn’t you say? Fyn Du-ket Sweat poured from her, making the floor around the punching bag slippery. “Solae,” Raav said softly. She felt a hand on her shoulder, whipped around and threw a punch, knocking him on his ass. She looked at him dispassionately. “I told you to leave me alone.” “So you did.” He shook off the punch and got to his feet, turning to address the crewmembers in the gym. “Out!”

***** Raav rubbed his aching jaw. He’d have one hell of a bruise soon. His little bounty hunter packed quite a wallop. “You want to take me on, aschema? Take off those gloves and fight me the way you were trained to fight.” It was all he could do not to laugh when she cocked an eyebrow and looked down her nose at him. Stars! She actually thought she could beat him!

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His eyes followed her as she pulled off the gloves and shoved them back in their cubby. He gestured to the mats, watching as she settled into her stance. She had good form, he noticed, with her feet somewhat spread for balance. Her arms relaxed, hands resting lightly on her hips. Raav felt a moment of apprehension. Solae was prepared to do battle. He didn’t want to hurt her, but she needed to release the demons pursuing her before confronting Du-ket. He nodded, then began circling her, looking for an opening. She didn’t provide him with one, so he simply lunged at her. He grunted in surprise as she reached over his arms and fisted her hands in his shirt, yanking him toward her. As she fell backward, a foot to his stomach had him flying over her head to land on his back. She immediately rolled to her feet and regained her stance. “Nice, aschema.” He immediately rushed her again, but she dropped onto one knee, grabbed his knees, and planted her shoulder into his stomach, lifting him off his feet. With her hand on his lower back, she yanked his legs out from under him and dropped him to the mat. Again, she scrambled away. Several rounds later, Raav was sweaty, his blood was pumping, and he’d swear he’d never felt so alive. He laughed. “You’re good, aschema, but how are you at offense, eh? It’s easy enough to take a man down when you’re expecting him to attack, but what if you have to go after him?’ “Let’s see, shall we?” Raav kept close watch on her as she approached him from the side. As she raised her leg to deliver a kick, he swung his leg around behind her knees, blocking her. He scissored his legs around hers and brought her down. He could tell she was getting tired, but the anger in her burned as brightly as ever. It was time to stop this and force her to voice what she’d been keeping inside for so long. In the end, he used the simplest technique available. When she threw another kick at him, he

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grabbed her heel and flipped her in the air. She landed hard, on her back, the wind knocked out of her. As she lay there, stunned, he pinned her. “Talk to me, Solae.” She howled, struggling to throw him off, her breath coming in frantic gulps. “Let me up!” He strengthened his hold on her. “Do you think Du-ket will let you up?” He shook his head. “I don’t think so. If he ever gets you in this position, he’ll rape you, then kill you.” “Good! He can finish what he started ten years ago!” she screamed, attempting to headbutt him. Raav shook his head, confused. “I thought it was a raid to supply the recreation ships with fresh women.” Solae howled with rage. “He wanted me, damn you! I wasn’t at the school so he went to my home! I wasn’t there so he killed my mother, and he drove a sword through my sister’s heart!” Raav sat up and pulled her into his arms as the words tumbled from her. “Don’t you see? I was late. It’s my fault.” He tightened his hold on her as sobs wracked her body. “It’s my fault.” Shocked and shaken, Raav rocked her in his arms. The haunted look in her eyes shook him to his soul. “Hush, aschema,” he crooned. “You were barely sixteen years old. The only person responsible for Du-ket’s actions is Du-ket himself.” He rose to his feet in a smooth motion, taking her with him. The hall was empty as he strode to the airlift, still holding her. When the lift stopped on the officer’s deck, he carried her into his quarters, and placed her on the bed. He stretched out beside her, holding her close. He tightened his hold on her as she wrapped herself around him, sobs wracking her body. As she fell into a deep sleep, he stroked her hair. “You will have your revenge, Solae, this I promise.”

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Hours later, Raav woke to the feel of Solae’s hand slipping beneath the waistband of his breeches to fondle him awake. He lay there for a moment, glorying in the feeling. For the first time, she was initiating sexual contact with him. “I know you’re awake, Asirian,” she murmured. “Lift up your hips and let me relieve you of this pesky garment. I’ve already disposed of mine.” Fascinated, Raav levered his hips up and Solae skimmed his pants off. Her hair tickled his thighs as she knelt between them to take him into her mouth. She was gentle, yet demanding, sucking the head of his cock, then moving to lick the entire length of him. She cupped his balls, taking the time to suck each one into her mouth, before returning to his rigid cock. Her greedy mouth took him deep, rising and falling as she sucked him. Raav groaned. Her mouth and hands were magic, but he needed to be inside her. “Solae, come ride me. Let me watch you ride my cock, aschema. I want to see your face when you come.” As she straddled him, he sat up, whipping his shirt over his head so he could feel her naked breasts press against his chest. He guided her, groaning as she sank down onto him. “Oh, yeah. Take it all, aschema.” Raav held her bottom in his hands as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. It was another first for them, this gentle, passionate kiss. Before tonight, every joining had been punctuated by a barely concealed violence. But this was a side of Solae he’d bet no man had seen before. She was making love to him, and he liked it. When she broke the kiss, she leaned back, offering him her breasts, and Raav took each in turn, drawing a taut nipple between his lips, pulling deeply. He considered himself an experienced lover, but no woman had ever made him feel the things Solae made him feel. He might know her for the rest of his life and, yet, never fully come to know every aspect of her. Her hips ground against him as she rode him, rising and falling in a rhythm they set together. “Yes, that’s right,” he whispered. “Take what you want, aschema.”

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He released his grip on her ass and cupped her breasts, pinching the nipples, making her cry out. Raav didn’t know how much longer he could hold himself in check. She was riding him hard, now, her breath coming in gasps as she rose up and slammed back down. “Oh…oh, it’s so good, Raav. Come on. Come with me, baby.” Raav watched, mesmerized, as Solae threw back her head and howled her release, hips grinding against him, her pussy convulsing. He wrapped his arms around her waist, thrust one last time, and held her still as he came with a shout. He continued to hold her, long after their heart rates returned to normal, silently acknowledging that if he had his way, he would never let her go.

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Chapter Six

Forty-five days of travel found the Nomad approaching the nine planets that made up the Komae sector. Solae stood on the bridge with Raav, giving the crew a brief lecture. “Eight of the planets host mining colonies and any manner of precious metals and stones are available for purchase on the merchant planet, which is Komae Nine. Most important of all the stones, and the reason we’re here, is anuiam crystals.” Anuiam crystals powered everything from the most sophisticated spacecraft to reading lamps in the lowliest crofter’s cottage, and more uses were found for them all the time. “Komae Nine is also a staging planet for expeditions to the farthest reaches of the solar system. Every cruiser, transport, or shipper traveling this way will spend several days on the planet.” Peace had been the norm for this sector of the galaxy for several millennia, so the

Nomad crew had no reason to travel this far. A barely contained sense of excitement filled the crew. While the star charts didn’t read “Here there be monsters,” everyone knew, from what Solae and her crew had told them, they would be meeting individuals from races previously unknown to them.

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Once docked, the Nomad’s non-essential crew would leave with strict orders to return to the ship in four hours. They would relieve other crewmembers so they could also explore. Jomar, Raav’s First Mate, would stay aboard and oversee the loading of supplies along with Solae’s First mate, Ceropa. After leaving last minute instructions, Raav accompanied Solae to the airlift. “This Oseof character is trustworthy, isn’t he?” Raav asked for the third time. Solae snorted. “He’s about as honest as any merchant in this sector. But keep in mind, this is the last outpost before we leave this star system, so they can charge pretty much whatever they want for their trade goods.” When he frowned, Solae laughed. “Don’t worry about it, Asirian. As it happens, I saved Oseof’s life when he got into trouble with a U-beju warrior. He’s been indebted to me ever since. He’ll give you a fair price on your anuiam crystals.” “U-beju warrior?” “An avian race. They’re quadrupeds. Their eyes are on extendable stalks. Damned unusual looking, and they tend to be a bit…sensitive about their appearance. Oseof made the mistake of commenting on their curious looks.” She looked around the lift at the crew members. “Remember, don’t stare like you’re at a freak show. Let diplomacy be the key to your interactions here. And keep your eye on the time. There are two suns here, so there is no darkness.” The lift door opened and they stepped out into the docking bay area. Solae lowered her sun shades and looked around. “There’s Oseof,” she told Raav, then raised her hand in greeting. A gigantic saurian male hurried toward them, his blue green scales polished to a blinding luster. “Solae, darling, delectable as ever I see.” Solae gave him a flirty smile, extending her hand. “Oseof, still the same old sweet talker.”

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“How have you been? Will you be here long?” “I have been well, darling. Still collecting bounties so, no, I won’t be here long. Any sign of Fyn Du-ket?” A reptilian hiss escaped Oseof. “He was here two months back, the scum. Of course, we had no choice but to provide him with whatever he wanted. The bastard stole two Ru-Qut women on their way to Uza Six to be married to the king’s sons. Now there’s a threat of war between the two planets. Apparently, Ru-Qut thinks one of the princes planned the kidnapping. I’d avoid both sectors if possible.” His forked tongue slithered out to taste the back of her hand. “I’d hate to see anything happen to this delicate flesh.” Beside her, Raav frowned, his mouth opening to speak, but Oseof turned to him and smiled. “And who is this magnificent specimen with you, darling? We don’t get many of his caliber in the outposts.” Solae turned to Raav. “Raav Asirian, meet Oseof, Procurement Specialist for the Komae Sector. Oseof and his woman are trying to reproduce. For some reason, Osara thinks my DNA will make her eggs more fertile, so Oseof takes a small sample whenever we meet.” The giant reptile hissed a laugh. “Explaining yourself to a mere man, Solae? This must be serious.” Solae laughed. “Nonsense. The Mercantile Protectorate teamed us up to catch Fyn Duket. I was merely saving you from having your tongue pulled out of your head. He’s never been this far out before, and I didn’t want him to think your behavior was threatening.” “I should have expected as much,” Oseof said. “Haven’t yet met the man who could tame you.” He turned back to Raav. “Oh, the stories I could tell you.” He chuckled. “But, you aren’t interested in gossip. You came here to purchase supplies. Rest assured, you will be dealt with fairly here. I’ve made it known to all the merchants.” Raav nodded. “Thank you.” He turned to Solae. “Where should I meet you when I’m done?”

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“I’ll be at The Open Flask. Oseof will tell you how to find it. Thought I might see if I can scare up a bounty or two while I’m here.” Oseof hissed. “Try The Harlot’s Den or The Virgin’s Blood, darling. There might be one or two possibilities there.” He put a clawed hand to his pointy snout and whispered. “But you never heard it from me.” As she turned to leave, Raav grasped her hand and pulled her against him, eyes smoldering with barely contained heat. “Be careful, aschema. I, too, would hate to see anything happen to that delicate skin.” He lowered his head to kiss her. Solae melted against him, wrapping her arms around his neck as she kissed him back. When he broke the kiss, she sighed, giving him a rueful smile. “Damn, Asirian. What have you done to me?” She didn’t give him a chance to answer, but turned on her booted heel and strode off into the crowd. Solae began her search at The Open Flask, greeting the owner heartily. “Alucard Ushan, my friend, how are you?” The muscled man set down his polishing rag and made his way toward her. He was tall, with wavy, silken hair the color of burnished iron. “Solae! Lovely as ever. How long has it been?” “Two years, at least, Alucard,” she said, taking in his formfitting black jumpsuit. Beady purple eyes twinkled at her as he took her hands and looked her over. “Tell me you’ve come to spend a night or two in my bed, kitten.” She gave him a disappointed smile. “Alas, not this trip, darling. I’m just here to get resupplied and then we’re off to the Xat-Rah system.” Alucard sobered. “One of these days, he’ll tire of this little game, my love, and when he does, he’ll kill you.” Solae pouted. “Have you so little faith in my abilities, Al? You never thought anyone would be able to bring you in alive, did you?”

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The big man laughed. “Truer words were never spoken, but then I never expected to be fucked into submission either.” “I take my pleasure where I can find it, darling.” She leaned in and pressed a kiss to his full lips. “And may I say, you pleasured me well?” “And I stand ready to do so again, anytime!” He smacked her on the ass and led her to the bar. “Sit! Try my newest creation. I call it Blue Thunder.” Solae watched as he put together his latest concoction. When he was done, he handed her a drink that glowed a pale blue, with cerulean flakes swirled through the thick liquid. She sniffed it. Pears? She took a sip, a wide smile curving her lips. “Why, it tastes like chocolate! However did you manage it?” “My secret recipe, love. If I told you, I’d have to kill you.” Solae sat at the bar, chatting with her friend, keeping a constant eye on the door as patrons entered and departed. “Looking for someone in particular?” Alucard asked. “Not really. Just figured if I found a bounty or two while I was here, I’d take the opportunity.” Her friend leaned across the bar. “The Virgin’s Blood. One of Du-ket’s men got left behind when he didn’t return to the ship as scheduled. Big guy with maroon stripes in his hair and a feather hanging from his ear. He’s shacked up with that bitch, Sheeba Valesti. Although I doubt you’ll run into Sheeba with two fleet ships in town. She’ll be upstairs humping to her black heart’s content.” Solae grinned. “Hmm. Interesting combination. A vampire and pirate.” She sat there for a moment, thinking of a way to disguise herself. The pirate might not recognize her, but Sheeba certainly would.

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As if he’d read her mind, Alucard gestured at the curtains hiding the stage. “Backstage, love. There are clothes and silicon hair coloring. May I suggest blonde? I’ve always wanted to see you as a blonde.” Solae hopped off her stool and blew him a kiss. “I adore you.” She headed backstage. When she emerged from the dressing rooms, Solae felt confident no one would recognize her as the bad girl bounty hunter. Her black hair had gone to blonde, her sapphire eyes to green, and her black catsuit to a red plaid, pleated miniskirt. She would have looked like an innocent schoolgirl if the skirt had been longer. And, well, if she hadn’t donned a red satin corset and thigh-high black stockings. The sexy pumps added three inches to her height. She approached the bar. “Well, darling, do I pass muster?” Alucard’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head. “I wouldn’t know you if I passed you on the street, but I’d certainly follow you around with my tongue hanging out.” He leered at her. “And just where are your cuffs, love?” “Why holding up my stockings, of course.” He made a strangled noise at the sight of the two silver snake-like bands wrapped around her slender thighs, the head devouring the tail, and pointed to the door. “Out, before I force myself on you, wench.” Solae laughed and headed for the door, swinging her hips as she walked. The walk to The Virgin’s Blood Tavern was only five blocks, but the atmosphere changed dramatically the closer she got to her destination. The neighborhood was decidedly seedy. The men standing on the street corners leered, and some followed behind her, angling for her attention. The music coming from the tavern was loud, the lyrics crude. She pushed through the door and paused in the entryway to let her eyes adjust to the dim interior. The place hadn’t

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changed much in two years. It still smelled of stale ale, tobacco smoke, and sweaty bodies. The clientele still consisted of men with questionable pasts and women attracted to danger. Two muscle-bound, tattooed bouncers stood at the entryway, massive arms folded across barrel chests. Solae pasted a seductive smile on her face and approached. “What’s the cover tonight fellas?” The bigger of the two looked her up and down. “Usually it’s five sterling union coins, but for you, there’s no cover…if you show me a little something.” Solae gave him a make-believe gasp, then dug into her bodice and pulled out a coin. She tossed it behind her and said, “Oops, I dropped something.” Turning around, she bent at the waist to pick up the coin, giving both men a view of her thong-covered ass.

Both grinned, and stepped aside. “That’s a first class ass,” the bigger one said. “You don’t find what you’re looking for in there, I get off when the eastern sun sets.” Solae smiled and squeezed his bicep. “Mmm, mmm, mmm. I do love a man with big, strong arms. I’ll keep it in mind, lover boy.” She strutted to the bar and ordered a Red Crown Ale, then turned and leaned against the bar, eyes scanning the crowd. There were at least two minor bounties sitting at a table in the back, but they weren’t worth enough for her to waste her time. She had bigger fish to fry. And there he was, sitting on an upholstered bench, his long legs stretched out in front of him, watching two women making out on the dance floor. Solae finished her ale and ordered another one. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, she decided, and pushed away from the bar. The bench where her mark was sitting ran the length of the dance floor. It was filled mostly with men, watching the entertainment. This was the type of establishment where just about anything went. Women danced together, making out, touching one another. Men ground themselves against women in imitation of the act they hoped to perform later.

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Others, like the pirate, Yega, chose to watch. Solae approached slowly, giving him time to notice her. “Hello, lover, mind if I squeeze in beside you?” she asked, her voice low and smoky. The pirate offered her a come-on smile. “You can sit on my lap, kitten,” he purred. “We’ll talk about the first thing that pops up.” Solae laughed softly. She grabbed the back of the bench and swung her leg over his lap, leaning down, almost brushing his lips with hers. She hovered above him for a moment, smiling seductively. “Interesting proposition, lover boy. I do love a nice hard…lap.” She swung her other leg over him and snuggled in beside him on the bench. He leaned over. “What’s your name, kitten?” Solae licked her lips. “Does it matter?” “I like to know who I’m fucking, sweetheart.” She ran a fingernail up his thigh. “So confident. I like it. My name is Europa. What’s yours?” “Yega.” He studied her for a long moment, his eyes dipping to the cleavage threatening to spill over the top of her corset. “You look good enough to eat, kitten.” Solae returned his appraising gaze. He really was quite good-looking -- big, muscular, with maroon strips in his black hair and the feathered earring, just as described. A pity, really. “Do I now? And what about you, Yega? Are you good enough to eat?” She watched his eyes dilate and knew she had him. Men were so easy it was almost pathetic. “Are you hungry, little one? Because, if you are, I know a place we can go to gorge ourselves.” Solae merely raised an eyebrow and looked at the stairs leading up to the rooms where the prostitutes plied their trade. “No, kitten. Not up there. Outside, around the back. I have a room above the bar.”

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She smiled. “Do tell. And does it have a bed, this room of yours?” The pirate laughed. “A big one, kitten. Made for a big man.” Solae dipped her eyes to his crotch, watching his cock swell. “Kiss me first.” He grinned. “Why?” “Well, if a man doesn’t kiss worth a damn, he doesn’t fuck worth a damn.” She curved her tongue around her bottom lip, showing him her ruby tongue jewel. She gasped when Yega pulled her onto his lap, bent her over his arm and kissed her, demonstrating his skill. He wasn’t a bad kisser for a murdering scumbag. “Good enough?” he asked, a smug smile on his face. “Better than good enough, lover boy. Lead the way.” Solae took his hand and let him lead her past the bar and through the entryway, where the big bouncer gave her a mournful look. She grazed his cheek with a fingernail. “I’ll be back soon, lover.” Yega laughed. “No she won’t, brother. At least not before you leave for the night.” Out the door, Solae gave a whoop of laugher as Yega pushed her up against the front of the building and kissed her again. She grasped his ass in her hands and pulled him against her, then triggered the injector on her tongue jewel as he buried his tongue in her mouth. A moment later, she broke the kiss. The sedative would take effect any moment, and she didn’t want the bouncers to see the big man brought to his knees. As she urged the pirate around the side of the building, she spied Raav. The moment she saw him, she knew by the look on his face he’d recognized her. And he wasn’t happy. Son of a bitch! “Come on, lover, let’s go upstairs,” she urged the pirate. He took a few staggering steps, then fell against the wall, sliding down, his feet sprawled in front of him.

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She pressed the release button on the snake restraints and shook them out. “Nightynight, big guy,” she crowed, and cuffed him.

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Chapter Seven

Raav was livid. She dared kiss another man? To practically have sex with him outside the rankest bar on the outpost? Furious, he stormed into the alley but was brought up short when he saw her cuffing the brute. He struggled to swallow, pushing back his anger as she stood up. “Lucky for me you arrived when you did,” she said, grinning. “I don’t think I have the strength to lift this scumbag. Call an air taxi, will you? This one’s not only worth a hefty sum, he’s also one of Du-ket’s men.” Raav gave a terse nod and went out to the mouth of the alley to a call box and requested the taxi. “I take it he’s going back to the ship with us?” “Of course. He might prove useful, don’t you think. I assume you have a brig?” “We do. And I’m tempted to throw you in a cell, too.” “Me? What did I do?” Raav stalked toward her, eyes narrowed dangerously. “What did you do?” he asked softly. “You mean, besides practically fucking him on a public street?” She actually had the nerve to laugh!

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“I did no such thing. I merely grabbed his ass and kissed him so I could inject him.” She stuck out her tongue to show him the jewel. “Besides, what if I had? It’s no concern of yours.” She regarded him, lust heating her eyes. “I believe hell just froze over -- Raav Asirian is jealous!” Raav shoved her roughly against the wall. “Now, that’s where you’re wrong. I don’t do jealousy, but just so you know, everything to do with you is my business. Did you think I was kidding when I told you that you were mine, Solae?” “Sex talk,” she protested. Raav shook his head. “No, aschema, it wasn’t sex talk. Yes, I was fucking you at the time, but I meant every word. You are mine.” She straightened her spine, her mouth settling in a firm line, her eyes narrowing into tiny slits of outrage. “I belong to no man, Asirian. It’s best you don’t forget.” Her nostrils flared and a fierce scowl marred her brow, but he could tell by her accelerated breathing that she was aroused by his dominating words. “I beg to differ, Solae.” He raised his hand to her cheek, caressing her softly, before leaning down to kiss her. “My little bounty hunter,” he whispered against her neck. “So beautiful, so cold…except when you’re with me.” He kissed the tops of her breasts, then pulled the corset down until they sprang free. “I make you burn, aschema. Can you deny that?” His lips moved lower, closing around a nipple. It was all he could do not to chuckle when she moaned. His teeth scraped her nipple; he drew it deeper into his hungry mouth. His hand slid beneath her skirt and searching fingers plucked at the scrap of silk covering her pussy. He cupped her mound, slowly caressing her labia. When he felt her shudder against his hand, he spread his fingers to lightly stroke her inner lips. His mouth

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went back to the pulse point of her neck, kissing and nibbling her sensitive skin. She moaned, grasping his shoulders for support. “Your pussy’s so hot and wet, Solae.” He slid his fingers through the cream at her opening to moisten them, then stroked each side of her clit, barely touching it. She was breathing harder now, practically gasping. He grazed her clit, circling it gently before rubbing it with the pad of one finger. “Oh, stars,” Solae groaned. “You’re going to make me come, Asirian.” “That’s my intent, aschema.” He increased pressure on the swollen bud, circling and rubbing side to side as her legs began to quiver. Her hips thrust against his hand and he slid two fingers into her pussy, curving them against her slick walls, pumping hard and fast as she came with a gush, her fingers biting into his shoulders. He swallowed her cries with his mouth, pumping his fingers into her as she came again. She slumped against the wall. Raav relinquished her pussy, covered her with her panties, and rearranged her skirt. He grasped her chin and forced her to watch as he sucked her essence from his fingers. “You are mine, Solae. I know it, and you know it. Fight it if you must, but it will change nothing.” She opened her mouth to speak but the air taxi arrived. He gave her a fierce, fiery kiss, then released her. “To be continued, aschema.” Then he went to the pirate and hoisted him over his shoulder. “Come with me now, we’ll toss this piece of shit in the brig.” With a mute nod, she followed. By the time Raav finished overseeing the care and treatment of Solae’s prisoner and saw that all the supplies had been loaded, Solae had showered and crawled into her own bed. He shook his head, grinning at his empty room. Would there ever come a time when she didn’t feel the need to assert her independence? He took a quick shower and joined her in her quarters. He stood in the doorway watching her sleep. One arm curved above her head, while the other rested between her breasts. The silken sheet had slid past her waist, exposing the

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two pale globes. One tanned, cocked leg peeked invitingly from beneath the sheet. Her slightly parted lips made him want to slip his cock between them and have her suck him until he came. He smiled ruefully. Before he’d moved Solae in, this had been his special playroom, and was equipped with several features she knew nothing about. Seeing her lying there like she was, he thought it was time to let her know just how serious he was when he told her she belonged him. Of course, after what he planned to do, she’d probably bite off his cock if given the opportunity. He crossed the room to the hidden closet and began to assemble his favorite toy. Raav whipped the covers off Solae’s body, bent down, and pulled her over his shoulder. “Whaaa?” she asked, groggy from sleep. As quickly as possible, he draped her over his special stand and cuffed her hands to the legs. “What the fuck!” Solae barked, struggling against the restraints. Raav dodged her flailing foot and grasped her ankle, pulling her leg down to attach it to the frame. “Damn you, Asirian! What the fuck are you doing?” He grasped her other ankle and cuffed it to the other side of the frame. He nipped her ass before straightening and walking around in front of her. He grinned in amusement. “Well, let’s see. You’re bent over this comfortably padded bench, arms and legs spread eagle, ass in the air. Care to guess what’s going to happen next?” He whipped off his towel to show her his fully erect cock, raising his eyebrow as she bared her teeth at him. “You motherfucker!”

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He stepped around behind her and smacked her ass, hard, with a leather-clad paddle. When she howled in outrage, he chuckled. He knew damned well he hadn’t hurt her, though the swat surely had some sting. “Now, now, aschema. Mind your language. I have never fucked my mother. But I am going to fuck you. Numerous times, and in every way possible. By the time we’re done, you’ll admit you belong to me.” “Never, you fucking bastard!” He swung the paddle again, delivering another stinging blow. “Another slur on my mother?” He watched her take a large gulp of air, gearing up for another tirade. Before she could begin, he leaned down and ran his tongue across the light pink imprint of the paddle, satisfied when her ass clenched. Raav knelt behind her and parted the rosy globes of her ass, exposing her glistening pussy. “What have we here?” he mused, dipping his finger into the moisture. “Could it be you like what I’m planning to do to you?” “You son of a bitch!” She howled as the paddle whacked her ass again, moaning when he attached his mouth to her pussy, licking and sucking until she quivered. “I’m going to gut you in your sleep.” He chuckled. “I sincerely doubt that, aschema. You’ll be too tired.” He paddled her twice more for insubordination, then dove into her pussy again. He lapped and slurped, bringing her to the edge of orgasm, then stopped. “Damn you, Asirian, finish me!” Raav ran his hands over her pretty, pink ass, soothing the burn. “I don’t think so. We’ve only just begun. You’ll come when I decide it’s time for you to come, and not before.” He nibbled at her cheeks, then touched his tongue to her puckered anus. “I think I’ll fuck your gorgeous ass tonight, aschema. I’ve been wanting to since our first night together.” He paused, sipping at her pussy again. “But first, we have to prepare you for my cock.”

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***** Solae tensed when she felt the beaded anal plug against the tiny opening. Oh, stars in

heaven, it’s bigger than the first one. But she wanted it. Lord, how she wanted it! Raav’s voice soothed her as she jerked against the invading toy in her ass. His fingers moved to her pussy and she moaned as he teased her clit. The plug advanced another inch, breaching the tight ring of her anus. He eased it back, then forward, and the larger bead penetrated her. White hot heat filled her pussy. She wanted to glove his cock in the heat pooling between her legs, make him as wildly needy as he made her. Solae cried out at the burning pleasure-pain filling her ass. “Oooh,” she moaned as two, thick fingers thrust into her pussy. Another bead penetrated her as his fingers pumped deeper and she hissed. “Yes, oooh, Raav, yes!” “Shall I give it all to you, Solae? Hmm?” “Yes!” She shrieked as the plug was firmly seated, aroused at the feel of it buried so deep. “Now to fill your pussy, aschema.” The feel of his cock pressing against her feminine core nearly did her in. The head penetrated, pulled out, then advanced again, and she nearly growled from the pleasure. Dear gods, what was it about being trussed up like a roasting bird that elevated her pleasure so? Had she always had these tendencies or was it only Raav who brought them out. Whatever it was, she wanted more. “Yes, Asirian,” she gasped. “Fuck me. Let me have all of you.” She realized her mistake immediately. He backed out of her, leaving only a scant inch of his cock inside her. “Say please,” Raav demanded.

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Solae gritted her teeth. Truly, she was going to gut him like a fish when this exquisite torture was complete. “Please,” she said grudgingly. He rewarded her by thrusting a bit deeper. “Good girl.” “Oooh, you --” He thrust hard, burying his cock deep, effectively silencing her. She was practically sobbing now, desperate for him to fuck her, and yet he did not move. “Please. Oh, please.” She shivered as his hands stroked her ass and he began to pump with long, measured strokes. This was unlike anything she’d ever experienced. Shards of pain shot through with a pleasure so intense she doubted her ability to maintain control. His cock was long and thick, plowing into her, stretching the walls of her pussy to accommodate his bulk. Yes, yes, yes!

I’m going to come! Oh, please, make him let me come! She heard herself moaning loudly, unable to control the volume as his cock pummeled her. “Do you want to come, aschema?” he demanded. “Yes, oh, Raav, yes! Make me come!” “Say it! Say you’re mine, Solae. Tell me there will be no other men!” “No…other…men!” she keened, as he pounded into her. “Good girl,” he praised her. “Now you may come.” Solae felt as though she were levitating as he reached between her legs and pressed his thumb against her clit. Her body jerked and spasmed, and she screamed when Raav jerked the plug from her, pulled out of her pussy, and thrust his cock deep in her ass. She was going to come again! Oh, have mercy, the feel of him pumping into her ass was almost more than she could bear. He showed her no mercy, as he pinched her clit between his thumb and forefinger, forcing yet another sharp, almost painful orgasm. “Ye--oooh!” Above her own cries, she heard Raav bellow his release as he buried his cock in her ass. It leapt inside the narrow channel, gushing into her. Drained, she slumped over Raav’s

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restraint device, unable to move. Maybe she’d gut him tomorrow, she thought with a sigh as he uncuffed her and carried her into his bedroom. He stretched out beside her, spooning around her, and finally they slept. Sometime in the wee, small hours of the morning, Solae woke to the feel of Raav’s cock sliding into her pussy. With a groggy smile, she arched back against him, sighing as he fucked her slowly. Tears filled her eyes with the realization that she loved him. She hadn’t wanted to, had fought her feelings for him, but there it was. “I love you,” she said simply. “I know,” he whispered. “I love you, too, aschema.” His slow, steady movement brought her to completion, and when she came, she sobbed out his name.

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Chapter Eight

The next thirty days passed in a blur of combat training and long nights of lovemaking. Solae couldn’t remember a time when she’d been so happy. Not that she and Raav didn’t still butt heads, they did, it was just that the making up was so exquisitely exciting. She found it comparatively easy to give up control when it came to sex. More than once, she found herself cuffed to his submission stand, her bottom hot from the paddle, as he stood behind her fucking her until screamed his name as she came. It was during one such session they received word Du-ket had contacted the ship. “Captain,” Jomar’s voice broke in. “I know you did not wish to be disturbed, but we’ve had a communiqué from Du-ket. I think you need to see this.” “Very well, Jomar. We’ll be there as soon as we can.” “Aye, sir.” Raav and Solae sighed in unison. He stroked her bare ass, then leaned down to uncuff her. “To be continued, aschema.” The male crewmembers looked shocked as Solae strode through the door by Raav’s side. Jomar spoke first. “Sir, the content of the communiqué isn’t…pleasant.” He gave Solae a meaningful look.

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Solae cocked an eyebrow. “Did you think I expected anything less, Jomar? I, of all people, know what Du-ket is capable of.” Raav nodded and Jomar opened the link. Du-ket stood in his quarters, both girls chained to the wall behind him. “Hello, Captain O’bora.” He strolled casually toward his prisoners, a crop in his hand. “As you can see, these lovely young ladies are very much alive.” He traced the outline of one girl’s breast with the tip of the crop. He turned and smiled. “As you see, they are unmarked. Unfortunately, they are not untouched. I’ve had them in every way a man can have a woman, and they’ve become very obedient little slaves. Just as you will, when I have you under my control, lovely Solae.” Despite herself, Solae shuddered. “Here are my instructions. You will depart Asirian’s ship in three days, and travel through the Xat-Rah wormhole with only the ransom and a pilot. Since Captain Asirian’s reputation precedes him, he will be your pilot. Once you reach Xat-Rah One’s airspace, you will proceed to the coordinates provided to your navigation officer. Your pilot will set down on an island, where you will both disembark with the ransom. The lovely ladies and I will be there to meet you. “Once you have seen they still live, you will set the case containing the ransom on the ground and begin to walk to me. The girls will meet you, and will be free to board your transport vessel. You and Asirian will come to me and one of my men will retrieve the ransom. If the case is booby trapped in any way, you will be killed. If not, you and I will have a marvelous time getting to know one another.” Solae took a deep breath and looked at Raav. He shook his head. “No way in hell.” “What choice do we have?”

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“What choice, indeed?” Raav nodded at his communications officer then took Solae’s hand and pulled her from the room. “At the moment, I don’t know what other choices we have, I only know I’m not sending the woman I love into the arms of that man.” “I’m not wild about the idea myself,” Solae admitted, allowing him to guide her onto the airlift. “But I can handle myself. You know I can.” As the door closed behind them, Raav pushed the button for the officer’s level and pulled her into his arms. “I know you’re good. I can’t deny that, but you tend to lose focus where Du-ket is concerned. Be honest enough with yourself to admit as much.” The airlift came to a stop and they stepped out, making their way back to his quarters. “I do admit it, Raav.” She stepped into the room, arms folded across her chest. “And it’s the one thing that might work in our favor.” Raav went to his desk and brought up the coordinates provided by the pirate. “How do you figure?” he asked, gesturing her to come and look at the map. Solae went to stand beside him, studying the monitor. “He’s sent a video link. Click on it and let’s see what this island looks like.” Live streaming pictures of the island appeared on the screen. It looked to be an island of some size. Lush vegetation marched to the edges of the white sand beach as soothing turquoise water lapped at the shore. As the scenes changed, they noticed mountains rising in the background, and low, stone buildings with crenellated battlements. The pirate had built himself a castle in the middle of nowhere. “I’ll be damned,” Solae murmured, her face going ghostly white. “It’s almost a complete replica of my home. What the hell?” “Obviously, he’s been planning this for some time; he wants you to feel at home, aschema,” Raav growled, black anger glinting in his eyes. “What was that you were saying about using your lack of focus against him? From the looks of this place, his focus has been entirely on you for a great number of years.”

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“Holy shit,” she said, shaking her head as she moved to sit in the overstuffed chair. “What could he possibly hope to gain by going to these extremes?” Raav shut down the video. “It looks to me as if he intends to make you his mate, aschema. That was more than a castle. That was a home for a knight and his lady.” He knelt on one knee before her, taking her hand. “Now, more than ever, I cannot agree to let you deliver the ransom.” He could tell the exact moment her emotions went from confused to angry. Her mouth became a harsh slash, and frown lines accentuated her scowl. He released her hand and shot to his feet. “It is too dangerous, Solae!” “Nevertheless, I will go, and you can’t stop me.” “Oh, I beg to differ.” “Beg all you want, Asirian,” she said, shoving him away as she stood. “I’m going, and I’ll hear no more about it.” Raav grabbed a fist full of dark, silky hair as she stepped past him and pulled her back against his chest. His cock leapt to attention, snuggling against the cheeks of her ass. “You’ll hear no more about it?” he mimicked, his voice dark and soft as velvet. “I think you will, aschema.” As one arm wrapped around her middle, he loosed his grip on her hair, freeing his hand to cup one full breast. “We will discuss this in great detail before any final decision about how to proceed is made.” He chuckled as Solae squirmed to get away. It was so like her to struggle against the fire building in her body when he touched her. She moaned as he pinched her nipple to attention, and again when he slid his hand past her belly to dip beneath the waistband of her workout pants.

*****

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Solae hissed as Raav’s fingers slithered between the lips of her pussy to test the heat and moisture pooling between her legs. The ache to be filled took her, and she shifted her stance to allow him better access to her throbbing cunt. Damn him for having this affect on her! She was trying to argue her case intelligently, yet all she could think about was the feel of his hard cock stuffing her, ramming into her over and over, until she was nothing but a mindless bundle of orgasmic sensation. His voice whispered in her ear. “Why must you always fight me, Solae? Why can’t you just accept the inevitable?” She shuddered as the pad of one finger began to gently work her clit, spreading her slick juices over the pulsing bundle of nerve endings. “Because you don’t fight fair, Asirian,” she gasped. He would have her soaring before long, begging him to take her in any manner of his choosing. “And I never will where you’re concerned, aschema,” he said, and nipped her earlobe. “You leave me no other choice. This appears to be the only way I can have your undivided attention.” Solae cried out as he plunged a finger into her swamped pussy. “Ahhh…Raav.” “Not yet, my love.” The finger retreated to slather her clit, then returned, joined by another. Solae’s hips picked up the rhythm of his thrusting fingers, keening as the heat built within her womb. His thumb rode her clit hard, and she felt his grip tighten as she sagged against him barely able to stand on her own. “Yes,” she hissed. “So close…so good.” Raav thrust his fingers into her hard, then stopped. “Tell me what I want to hear, Solae. Tell me you’ll let me decide how to handle Du-ket and I’ll give you what you want.” “Nooo,” Solae howled. “Damn you, Asirian!” She reached up and wrapped his hair in her fist, giving him the same treatment he had given her. Except Solae yanked hard. “Let go of me or I swear I’ll yank it out by the roots!”

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She shoved him away when he released her. “Bastard! You think you’re going to control every aspect of my life just because you’re a good fuck? Think again!” Solae took a step back as he straightened, his hands curling into fists. She didn’t take an easy breath until he unclenched his jaw and forced his hands to relax at his sides. Still, she watched warily because he was poised for action. “I don’t want to control every aspect of your life, aschema,” Raav assured her, moving toward her. He was looking for an opening, and Solae damn well knew it, so she moved with him, circling him. “Bullshit, Asirian. You need to be in control just as much as I do. If this thing between us is going to work, we have to be equal partners.” Raav snorted. “I’d be happy to compromise with you, love, if I thought it would do any good.” They continued circling one another, angling for position, and Solae knew the minute she’d been outmaneuvered. The bastard had herded her toward an oddly shaped chair, over which she tripped, none too gracefully. He was on her in a second. Solae felt herself being lifted, and then he pulled her hands behind her back, holding them together with one strong hand. “You found my special chair, aschema. Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to try it out.” Solae struggled against him as he pulled the chair away from the side of his desk, then reached into a drawer to pull out several pair of magnetic cuffs. Despite herself, her nostrils flared in anticipation. He would have his way with her now, she knew, and she would be howling with pleasure before it was over. A shiver ran up her spine as he shoved her down on the chair. “Be a good girl and I won’t blister your ass, my love.”

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Oh stars! His voice was rough and predatory, telling her he was on the verge of losing control. She licked her lips, staring at him defiantly. “Fuck you, Asirian.” She cried out when he reached out and pinched her nipple. “So, that’s the way you want it?” She stared right at him, putting a dare in her eyes. “Do your worst, you arrogant prick.” Solae fought him as he snapped one cuff to her wrist and the other to a semi-circular bar attached to the chair from the back down to the edge of the seat. They tightened, automatically adjusting to the circumference of the bar. By the time he had both wrists secured to the chair, her arms were spread above her head. “Worried yet, aschema?” he asked. He took a sharp knife from the desk drawer and slit her shirt up the middle, setting her breasts free. He sighed. “Looks like I’ve ruined yet another piece of your clothing. What will you do with me?” “Kick your ass?” She struggled to keep a seductive smile off her face. Raav laughed. “And how will you manage that?” Quick as a snake, Solae snapped her leg out in front of her, aiming at his crotch. Only lightning fast reflexes saved him. To her chagrin, he merely laughed. “I have just the thing to prevent your unfortunate penchant to go for my balls, love. Don’t move, now.” Solae growled as she watched Raav disappear into her room, only to return moments later with a spreader bar, ankle cuffs, and a piece of chain. She licked her lips, watching through hooded lids as he attached the chain to the back of the chair, letting it drape over her shoulder as he walked back around to stand in front of her. Oh, boy, this had all the promise of a rollicking good time. “Here’s what’s going to happen,” he told her conversationally. He picked up each ankle, clipped on a cuff, then attached the cuffs to the spreader bar. The chain hooked to a metal eyebolt on the bar. “This chair adjusts to a myriad of positions. I can raise it, lower it, or lay the back completely flat.” He rolled his office chair in front of her, then hooked his hands behind her knees and drew her to the edge of the

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narrow seat. With the flick of a remote control, the chair raised to the perfect height. He leaned forward and took a long, slow swipe at her slit, his tongue to burrowing into her. He thrust one finger into her pussy then sat up. Solae groaned as he stuck his finger in his mouth and licked at the juices coating it so generously. “What’s that old Earth expression? Finger-licking good? That’s you, aschema.” She all but growled at him. How could she deny the heat building in her traitorous body when he was licking the evidence from his finger? “Now, here’s the fun part.” He winked at her as he held up the remote. “When I push this button, the back of the chair lowers so that I can lay you flat. Let’s see what happens, shall we?” Solae screamed in outrage as the back of the chair moved slowly toward the prone position, the chain attached to it causing her spread legs to rise ever higher, until her pussy and anus were completely at Raav’s disposal. He could do anything he wanted to her and she was completely helpless to stop him. Pushy bastard. “Oh, yes, I like this position very much. How about you, aschema? I can eat your sweet pussy. I can fuck it. I can even fuck that tight little ass.” He stood up and walked to the side of the chair and looked down at her. “Do you have a preference for which I do first, Solae?” She drew her lips back over her teeth and snarled. But angry as she was, she couldn’t recall a time when she had ever been more turned on, more hot, more swollen with need. If he didn’t fuck her soon, she’d be begging for it. “Still choosing to be difficult, I see. Very well, I’ll take the decision out of your hands then.” Watching him disrobe, she inhaled deeply. His flesh rippled with muscles taut from holding back his own desire. His cock stood at attention, swollen and pulsing, the head

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purple and dripping with pre-cum. Solae licked her lips, wanting to taste him but too stubborn to ask. He probably wouldn’t trust her anyway. When he took his seat between her parted legs, she held her breath, wondering what would happen first. She raised her head, peering between her legs. Gods help her, he had the anal plug and the paddle. He looked at her, a seductive smile on his face, and raised the paddle. “This is for trying to geld me, aschema.” Solae cried out as the paddle connected with her firm ass, the crack reverberating in her head. Shit! That hurt, the bastard. She arched her back, trying to wriggle away, but the spreader bar and chain attachment held her in place. “Oww! You shit!” Another whack and her ass began to tingle. “Damn it, Asirian, that hurts!” Whap! Whap! Whap! Her ass was burning now, the throb shooting straight to her pussy. She moaned and heard the paddle hit the wall as he tossed it away. Then his mouth was on her, nipping and licking the tender spots left by the paddle. “You’re so beautiful,” Raav said, his fingers playing in her juices. “You’re pussy’s so hot and wet. I could eat you all night, aschema.”

Sweet, heavenly, stars! He’s French kissing my pussy! It was as though her clit was her tongue as he ran his own around it, over it, laving it, sucking it into his mouth. Solae thought she might actually pass out, so great was the pleasure. Then his mouth moved down, and his tongue dipped into her hot core, fucking her, lapping at the cream leaking from her, dipping down to tease her anus, nipping at the curves of her ass. “I can’t…take…any…more!” Solae’s voice was strained, strangled. “You can and you will, aschema. You’ll take all that I give you, and more.” Solae moaned as something hard and cool pressed against her ass. A plug, oh, yes, a plug! Well lubricated, the smooth butt plug worked its way into the narrow channel. Gods,

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what had he done to her that her desire for this wicked pleasure-pain could cause her to burn hot as a star? Before him, she’d never known such pleasures existed. “Yes, you like that, don’t you? Shall I fuck your pretty little ass with this plug while I eat your pussy? Should I make you come like that, Solae?” “Yes! Oh, yes, Raav!” She screamed as he eased the plug back, then rammed it deep in her ass. Gibberish. She was talking sheer gibberish as Raav plundered her tender ass with the smooth plug while his tongue lashed at her clit. Sweat beaded on her forehead and trickled around her breasts. How much more did he expect her to take before she shattered completely? She sobbed in relief when he finally stood and pressed the head of his cock to the hungry mouth of her pussy. It was an impossibly tight entry, stretching her, pressing against the walls of her vagina as his cock competed with the fullness of the plug seated so deeply in her ass. Finally. He was seated to the hilt. Solae panted and strained, trying to thrust her hips. She felt her cheeks heat as Raav chuckled. “Are you so hot for me, aschema? Shall I move inside you?” “Yes!” “Say what I want to hear, love, and I’ll give you everything you want.” “What?” she sobbed. “What do you want me to say?” “Say you’ll agree to whatever plan I come up with when we arrive at the island. Say you trust me, no matter what, and you’ll do as I say.” Solae screamed as his cock fucked in and out a few times, then stopped. “Promise me, Solae!” He plunged into her, burying himself deep.

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“I promise! Oh, gods! I promise, just fuck me!” Her eyes locked with his and she shuddered at what she saw reflected there -- his love for her, desire, need, lust -- all of it she knew must be mirrored in her own eyes. Stars, how she loved this man! “Yes, aschema,” he rasped, wrapping his arms around her extended legs. “I’ll fuck you.” Solae arched her back and screamed as Raav’s cock withdrew and plunged into her as deeply as before, but he kept on moving, pounding into her. She wrapped her hands around the curved bars restraining her, and held on tight as he ravaged her.

I’m so full. Oh, gods, it feels so good. “Oh my gods! I’m gonna come! Oh, Raav, don’t stop, don’t stop!” Solae felt the familiar burn in her clit, as Raav reached down and pinched it between his fingers. The heat welled up from the center of her womb, stabbing at her, setting her alight as an orgasm, more intense than any before, tore through her. Her body shuddered and shook as her pussy contracted around his cock, holding him as he continued to stroke her through the sensual meltdown. Just before her body went limp, he surged into her one last time, his seed jetting into her in great spurts as he came roaring her name.

***** Raav fell back into his chair. Stars above, that had to have been the most intense orgasm he’d ever experienced! His bounty hunter had a true affinity for his sexual games. If there had been any doubt in his mind that she was the woman for him, they were gone now. He took a deep breath and began the process of soothing her as he released her from bondage. Solae’s body trembled as he caressed the backs of her legs. “You are a marvel, aschema,” he said softly, releasing her ankles from the magnetic cuffs. “I love the way you fight me, knowing it will only intensify the pleasure we both feel when I fuck you.” As the chair slowly returned to its upright position, Raav scooted closer to her. “Do you have any idea how much I’ve come to love you?” He watched her, focusing in on her

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expressive, sapphire eyes. They were still drowsy from satiation, the sweep of dark lashes shielding the pupils. “I know,” she sighed, then wiggled the cuffs. “Now, turn me loose and feed me before I pass out.” Much as she loved him, discussing her feelings was still difficult for her. When she was freed from her restraints, Raav picked her up and carried her to the bed, laying her down. “You’re all right? I didn’t hurt you?” Solae snorted. “Please, it’ll take more than a little paddling to hurt me, Asirian. I’m not some delicate flower that needs to be treated with tender, loving care. You wouldn’t have chased me across a multitude of star systems if you thought that was the case.” “Are you glad that I caught you?” He frowned when she shrugged. “Don’t get your knickers in a twist, Asirian,” she scoffed. “I’ve never done this before, been with a man the way I’ve been with you. I’m not used to…compromising. You know that.” Raav pressed his lips against hers in a brief kiss, then got up and crossed to the food replicator. “I do realize this is all very new to you. I’ve never been in a relationship either, so we’ll figure it out together. If I seem to push too hard --” She sat up in the bed, cutting him off. “Seem to?” With a shake of her head, she continued, an amused expression on her face. “You’re a tyrant, Asirian, and for the life of me, I don’t know why I put up with it. You’re arrogant, obnoxious, and completely without scruples.” Raav grinned, programming in the meal. “In other words, I’m exactly like you.” “Exactly.” She busted out laughing. “Frightening, isn’t it?” Gods, he loved her laugh! It occurred to him that laughter hadn’t been a big part of her life since the murder of her family. For that alone, the man who’d betrayed her should pay, because Solae laughing and happy was a sight to behold.

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The machine chimed and Raav opened the door to retrieve their food, setting it on a nearby table. Solae rose from the bed like Venus from the sea, and he felt his chest tighten. No woman had ever made him feel what he felt with her, and it scared the shit out of him. Could he hold her? When they came face-to-face with Du-ket, would he lose her forever? And if he did, could he live without her? A smile lit her face. “Mmm, spaghetti. One of my favorites.” She kissed him. “You’re spoiling me, Asirian.” He seated her and then settled into his own chair. “I would give you the stars, Solae.” She laughed. “I already have the stars, Asirian. All I need is you.” “That you have, aschema. Forever.”

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Chapter Nine

“We’re going to have to come around behind and take them out,” Solae argued, standing on the bridge with Raav. “You have cloaking capability, I assume.” Earlier that morning, their sensors picked up the positions of several small ships, clustered behind the protective asteroid belt disguised as a nebula. Just as Solae had predicted. “Of course.” He nodded, frowning. “But I don’t want to antagonize Du-ket before we have the hostages in hand.” Solae snorted. “Do you think Du-ket gives a shit about a few small fighters? These guys are second string. We’ll see his top guns when we get through the wormhole. But, if he thinks there’s any possibility he can take out your weapons system and board you, he’ll be more than happy to take possession of your ship, Asirian. It’s what he does.” Her eyes narrowed as Raav clasped his hands behind his back. Why was he hesitating? At the very least, he needed to take out those damned fighters to prevent them from blocking an escape. If the pirates couldn’t take the large ship, they’d certainly follow the smaller flyer through the wormhole to prevent them from turning back. “And while you’re

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at it, you might as well use the triphasor to eradicate that asteroid belt. Too many people have lost their lives to just this kind of ambush.” Hands on her hips, Solae stalked toward Raav. “Have you even been listening to me?” “Yes, aschema, I’ve heard everything you have to say. How could I not?” He turned to her with a glare. “I’ll thank you to remember I command this ship.” “And yet you hesitate!” She cut him a contemptuous look. “I should have refitted my own vessel and come alone. I never took you for a coward, Asirian.” She heard his shocked hiss and turned to walk away in disgust, but Raav’s hand gripped her bicep, yanking her back. His face was a hard mask. “Mr. Tezu,” he snapped, calling to one of his officers. “Place Captain O’bora under arrest.” Her upper lip curled in disdain. “You dare to lock me up, Asirian?” “I dare much, Solae,” he growled. “And fear little, least of all you. I suggest you hold your tongue, woman.” He motioned to Tezu. “And if she utters another word, gag her.” Solae stumbled as he released her with a shove, but Tezu caught her and put her in restraints as Raav issued further orders. “Engage cloaking and lower shields,” Raav barked. “Aye, Captain. Cloaking engaged and shields are in place,” the first officer confirmed. “Come around behind them, Lt. Olma, and lock on targets.” “Aye, Sir.” The young navigation officer made the specified maneuver. “In position, targets locked in.” “Fire at will, Mr. Phaeg.” Solae watched the screen as the phasors found their marks and the small fighter crafts exploded. She raised an eyebrow as Raav glared at her. “Happy now, aschema?” His voice was taut and angry as he spoke. “Now, destroy that asteroid belt, Mr. Phaeg.”

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“Aye, sir, though it’s likely to take some time.” “Whatever it takes. And when it’s done, send someone to ready the craft for tomorrow. Captain O’bora and I will be in my quarters, discussing…strategy for our upcoming journey. You will join us there when you’re done.” He was angrier than she’d ever seen him and didn’t speak a word as they rode the airlift to the officer’s deck. Solae spared him a glance and nearly cringed at the barely controlled rage reflected on his face. This was a side of him she’d never seen before and a finger of fear snaked up her spine. Would he hurt her? Solae cried out as Raav hurled her through the open door of his quarters. She stumbled and fell, sprawling on the floor. “Get up!” Raav shouted. “I intend to.” Her voice quavered. Wide-eyed, as she struggled to her feet. She stood her ground as he advanced on her and gripped her jaw with his hand. “I could break this pretty jaw so easily,” he said softly, squeezing until she winced. When she jerked her head back, he released her. “Did you really think you could humiliate me in front of my officers and get away with it?” Oh, he was completely pissed, which didn’t bode well for her. Not that she thought he would hurt her. Raav wasn’t the kind of man who hurt women. But he would punish her for her impudence. How he would punish her was the question. “Take off your clothes, aschema.” Solae shook her head and took a step back. “No. You’re too angry for that. Besides, I’m still cuffed.” He laughed, spun her around, and removed her restraints. “Oh, I’m angry all right, and you will do as I say. Remove your garments or I will do it for you.” Solae took another step back, hands shaking as she tugged at the zipper on her bodysuit. Perhaps if she simply obeyed him, it would temper his anger. She smoothed the

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stretchy material down her body, paused to kick off her boots, then stepped out of it, tossing it aside. “Good girl,” Raav said, strolling over to his closet to retrieve a bar with four cuffs attached to it. There was no expression on his face as he moved to the bed. “Come here.” Solae swallowed hard but did as he demanded, watching cautiously as he knelt down and attached one set of cuffs to her ankles. “Spread your legs wide.” She moved her right leg until it was even with her shoulder, giving a surprised yelp when he smacked her inner thigh. “Wider.” When he was satisfied, Raav attached the other cuff to her ankle. “Now, bend over.” Once again, Solae silently obeyed Raav’s command, bending over so that he could snap the cuffs at the center of the bar onto her wrists. When he stood up, she tested the strength of the restraint and shuddered to find she was completely immobile. For the first time since she’d started playing these games with Raav, she was worried. And then the com chimed outside his quarters, and she knew he intended to punish her in front of witnesses.

***** Raav grinned at the look of surprise on Jomar Phaeg’s face. “Come in, Jomar. Please be seated.” Raav casually strolled over to where Solae stood, bent over, ass in the air. He ran his hand over her bare ass, chuckling when she stiffened. “Mr. Phaeg is here as a witness, aschema. He will observe your punishment and report back to the bridge crew that you have been…disciplined for your earlier behavior.” He reached into his bedside drawer and pulled out an eighteen inch leather slapper, making sure she got a good look at the device he meant

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to use on her upturned bottom. It was all he could do to restrain his laughter at the look of panic on her face. Raav moved beside her, caressing her sweetly curved ass. Her beautiful pussy peeked out from between her legs and his cock went granite hard. He couldn’t wait to get the punishment out of the way so he could fuck her. Raising his arm, he swung the leather slapper hard. The business end landed on her ass with a resounding smack, the sound of which startled him. She jumped, head jerking up to the side to glare at him, but he merely smiled. A small, red rectangular shape took up residence on Solae’s backside but she hadn’t made a sound. Raav frowned. He wouldn’t break her skin, but, by the stars, she would not remain silent. He swung the paddle again, harder this time, forcing himself not to wince at the sharp, cracking sound of leather meeting flesh. This time she gasped. The next slap had her groaning, her delicate backside glowing red. Raav looked over at Jomar and nodded grimly. His first officer looked a bit uncomfortable with his role as observer, no doubt because he knew Solae was not an ordinary woman. Each time, the crack of the slapper reverberated in the room, Jomar shifted in his seat. Why wouldn’t she cry out, dammit? If she would only cry out, Raav told himself, he would stop. Damned stubborn woman! He raised his arm to smack her again, but Jomar jumped to his feet. “Sir, I beg you, no more! She is your woman!” Raav heard Solae snort softly, and whacked her lightly, the tip of the slapper grazing her pussy. Her body shuddered and an aroused moan rose from her throat. He hardened his features and nodded at Jomar. “Very well, Mr. Phaeg. You are dismissed.” As the door whooshed shut behind his first officer, Raav turned back to Solae. Her bottom was decidedly red, and probably smarted like a son of a bitch. He gave her a light

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swat on her exposed pussy, and sure enough, she moaned. He shook his head. Would he never get the better of her? A few more light taps and Raav could see the cream welling at her opening. Oh, yeah, he had to get in there. With more control than he felt, he moved to stand in front of her and slowly removed his clothes. Naked and throbbing madly, he tapped her lips with the tip of his cock. “Suck it,” he ordered, praying she’d obey him instead of biting him. He sighed as she opened her mouth and took him inside. The softness of her tongue against his flesh made him shudder. He wanted to thrust himself deep into her throat, but the stockade restraints made her unstable on her feet, so he allowed her to find her own rhythm and set her own pace. Just the feel of those luscious lips wrapped around his cock was enough to stoke the fire that always burned in him when she was near. His balls tightened, and he knew he was close, but he didn’t want to come this way. He wanted to plunge his cock into her hot, tight depths, to feel her pussy swallow him whole. “That’s enough, aschema,” he said gruffly. He walked around behind her, pleased to see how her pussy glistened with her juices. Without warning, he grabbed her hips and pulled her back onto his pulsing cock, burying himself deep. Raav groaned as her pussy closed around him. She was so tight, hot, and wet. How was it possible for each time to feel like the first time? He pulled back and thrust in again, reveling in the moans she couldn’t control. “That’s right, aschema, moan for me.” He released his grip on one hip and smacked her ass before retreating again. Gods, he could barely hold back! His large hands gripped her again, holding her in place as he pounded into her, wringing cry after strangled cry from her. “I am captain of this ship,” he gritted out. “Never. Disrespect. Me. In. Front. Of. My. Crew.” Each word was punctuated by a hard, deep thrust that set Solae to screaming as her pussy contracted around his cock.

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The screams of her orgasm drove Raav over the edge and he pistoned into her, fucking her hard and fast as his balls tightened and he came with a shout. He held her tightly against him for several long moments, before pulling out and walking around to free her from the restraint device. “Are you all right?” “I’m fine,” Solae said sharply, wincing as she straightened her body. Raav stretched out on the bed, watching as she placed both hands on her lower back to stretch out the kinks. He licked his lips as those luscious breasts were thrust out, making him want to take them in his hands and tweak the nipples until she moaned. Gods, it was as though he was still a randy kid when it came to Solae. “Come here, aschema.” She eyed him suspiciously. “What for?” “I want to hold you in my arms.” Solae snorted, looking pointedly at his rapidly stirring cock. “Bullshit. You want to fuck me again.” Raav chuckled. “That, too. But I do want to hold you. And I want to make you understand why you were punished, and why my first officer had to be here.” Solae finished her stretching and walked, catlike to the bed, to stretch out beside him. “Oh, I understand very well,” she purred, running a hand over his chest. “I questioned your authority and called you a coward. I apologize. I will not challenge you in front of your crew again.” “Apology accepted.” Her hand slid to his groin and he sighed when her questing hand closed around his cock. “Mmm, that feels nice, aschema.” She chuckled. “Does it? And how about this? How does this feel?” Her hand closed around his testicles and squeezed. Not too tightly, but enough that he knew she was there and wanted his attention. “Solae,” he said, putting a warning in his voice. “Have a care.”

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Chills ran down his spine when she laughed softly. “Oh, I’m being very careful, Asirian.” She gave him a little squeeze that drained the color from his face. “Did I ever tell you about the time I subdued a very big, very hostile bounty by crushing his testicles?” “No, you never did.” He could hear the strain in his voice. If she grasped him any tighter, she’s have him completely subdued, too. “Cried like a baby.” Her voice was way too conversational for his comfort. “I think he’s working on one of the mining colonies now. Probably a total eunuch. It’s a shame really. He was quite good-looking and a real hit with the ladies.” She licked his cheek, then gave him a look that told him she was quite prepared to geld him, as well. “I do understand the point you were trying to make, darling, so I’ll keep this short and sweet. If you ever make a spectacle of me again, you won’t need your fabulous cock, because I’ll put your balls in a vise and squeeze them till they’ve turned to jelly. Are we clear on that?” Raav closed his eyes, gritting his teeth as she squeezed him once again. “Absolutely clear, aschema,” he groaned. “Good. Now, you mentioned something about strategy?”

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Chapter Ten

“Stop looking at me like that,” Solae snapped, as she and Raav buckled themselves into the small transport vessel. “It’s not like I actually carried out the threat. Your balls are intact.” “Barely.” Solae snorted. “Yeah? And my ass is none too happy to have me sitting on it right now, either. So, I guess we’re even.” “There’s no comparison. Besides, your ass is tougher than shoe leather.” It was all she could do not to laugh. Gods, men were such babies! “Never mind my ass, just program in the coordinates and let’s get this over with. And be sure your harness is securely buckled. This wormhole is notoriously unstable so we’re bound to get bounced around.” “So, I guess a blow job is out of the question, huh?” He grinned and wagged his eyebrows at her. Solae rolled her eyes and uttered a long-suffering sigh. “Well, unless you’d actually like to have it bitten off, I’d say so. Do all men think exclusively with their dicks, or did I just luck out when I found you?”

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“Actually, I found you, aschema,” he replied, programming the coordinates into the onboard computer. “Oh, my gods! You’re so competitive! What does it matter who found whom?” With a shake of her head, she began the preflight systems check. Raav finished his task, then took her hand, kissing the knuckles. “It matters to me. I’ve spent the better part of ten years chasing you from star system to star system. At the very least, I should be rewarded for my persistence. So, just you remember who caught whom the next time you feel like putting my balls in a vise.” Solae’s hands stilled. She turned in her seat and reached for him, grasping his freshly shaved cheeks. “I love you,” she said fiercely. “You know that, right? I mean, just in case anything goes wrong. I want you to know you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. No matter how things shake out, I will always be yours, Asirian. Always.” He pulled her as close as he could and kissed her deeply, passionately. Gods, but she loved him! She’d thought her capacity for love had died along with her mother and sister. Never, in a million years, would she have believed herself capable of this depth of feeling. It was both exhilarating and frightening, this love business. Raav Asirian was capable of filling her with such joy, she often felt she couldn’t contain it, but with that power, came the ability to utterly destroy her. She was no fool, and no stranger to the desolation of an empty soul. He was a dangerous man, and not just because he was a mercenary. “I feel the same, aschema.” His eyes held hers. “Nothing will happen. We’ll do what we’re being paid to do, get out quickly, and then we’ll take some time, just the two of us.” Solae nodded. “That sounds wonderful.” She leaned in and kissed him again, marveling at the feelings that flooded her. “I can’t imagine my life without you now.” She laughed softly. “You and your dastardly toys, you shit.” Raav laughed. “That’s my girl. Let’s do it.”

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The small ship dropped from the bowels of the larger cruiser, Raav engaged the throttle, and the transport shot forward, hurling them toward an unknown future. Within a few moments, they entered the throat of the Xat-Rah wormhole. Traveling through a transversable wormhole was like combining a roller coaster ride with a luge. It was wickedly fast and full of loops and turns. One moment you were racing through the tube sideways, only to drop hundreds of feet at incalculable speeds. Interuniverse travel was not for the faint of heart. Solae loved it, hooting like a child with each twist and turn. Raav, having never traveled through a wormhole, had a raging hard-on by the end of the journey. Too soon to suit her, the ride was over, and Raav adjusted the throttle, slowing the craft as it entered Xat-Rah airspace. Setting the controls to autopilot, he unbuckled his harness. With a sensual glance, he reached over and freed Solae as well. “We have plenty of time before the deadline, aschema. Climb in the back and take off your clothes.” Solae licked her lips, then smiled. “I like the way you think, Asirian.” Raav sat in the front, watching as Solae doffed her boots and made a striptease out of disrobing, lowering the zipper on her suit, and shrugging out of it one sleeve at a time. His heart quickened as she cupped each breast, manipulating the nipples into stiff peaks. Propping her feet on the back of the pilots’ seats, she raised her hips and slid the jumpsuit down and off, leaving only a pair of transparent panties for him to remove. Watching her slip her hand between her legs proved to be his undoing. He was naked in seconds, crawling across the console to spread her wide. “I’m going to eat your pussy until you come screaming, aschema.” On his knees, he draped her legs over his shoulders and lowered his mouth to her heated center, slurping the cream already forming there. Gods, but he loved to make her squirm under his mouth. He lapped and sucked, prodded and poked, penetrating her with his tongue and fingers until she burned for release.

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“Come for me, aschema,” he growled, then sucked her clit between his lips to ravage it with the tip of his tongue. Her moans egged him on, and he thrust two fingers into her dripping pussy, gently fucking her as he continued to lap at her clit. Her hips thrust against his mouth as her fingers grasped his hair, pulling him tight against her. “Mmm… That’s so good…so close,” Solae moaned. “Make me come, Raav. Make me come!” “I’ll make you come, all right,” he promised, and shoved his thumb into the tight opening of her anus. She bucked against his face, as he fought to hold her against his ravenous mouth. “Ahhh!,” she screamed, as his fingers and thumb drove into her. Her back arched, and her body went stiff as her orgasm pitched her over the edge of reason. Raav maneuvered onto the seat beside her, and pulled her across his lap to straddle him. Without preamble, he guided his straining cock into her opening and, with an upward thrust, buried himself inside her silky heat. It took all his control to prevent himself from coming when her pussy contracted around him, in a short, but intense orgasm. “Easy, love,” he crooned. “Lean back and rest your arms on the backs of the pilots’ seats.” As she leaned back, he scooted forward, driving himself deeper. “That’s right, there you go. Now fuck me, aschema. I want to watch my cock sinking into you over and over again.” The muscles of her arms flexed as she fucked him, rising and falling on his cock, slowly driving him toward the peak. Stars, but she looked like she was in another world as she lost herself in the act taking him deep inside her body. Raav leaned forward and took her breast into his mouth, drawing deeply on her nipple while he cupped the other in his hand, pinching until that one was stiff too. He groaned as he felt her tighten around his cock. She would come again, and soon.

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He knew she was nearly there when she threw her head back and intense little mewling sounds emanated from the back of her throat. She was holding back, waiting for him, and the effort nearly had her sobbing with need. Raav leaned back in the seat, pulling her against him, and when she raised up, he slid a finger into her bottom, making her keen. Her pussy contracted once, and when she rose again, he gave her one more digit to sink onto. “Now, aschema,” he demanded, his voice thick as smoke. “Ride my cock and fingers. Come for me!” He held on for a few moments longer as Solae ground her hips against him, lunging and cursing as her orgasm hovered just out of reach. “One more,” he growled. “I’ll give you one more.” He did, thrusting one more finger into her, burrowing as deep as he could go. And she shattered like glass in his arms, howling as she came. Gods, she was clasping him in the heated vise of her pussy so tightly it seemed she would never let him go. He ground into her, pumping furiously as he came. “Aschema!” he bellowed as his cock leapt, emptying his seed in a heated gush. Pulling free of her quivering ass, he wrapped both arms around her, holding her close as they began their descent from the heights. “I love you, Solae. Never forget that.” “I won’t,” she said on a sigh.

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Chapter Eleven

“Isn’t that sweet?” The com lit up and Du-ket’s voice filled the space. “I could just weep from the sentimentality.” Solae grimaced. “Well, well, if it isn’t Du-ket. Don’t worry about it, big guy. It’s difficult to grasp the concept of true feelings when you have none yourself.” Du-ket laughed, and Solae’s skin crawled. “Don’t kid yourself, Captain O’bora. I have feelings. And currently, they’re feelings of lust. Who would have imagined you were so passionate? And here I thought you only used your sexuality to capture hapless men.” She looked at Raav, a tight smile on her face. “Gosh, I hope this doesn’t mean he expects me to use the same techniques on him. Last I heard the bounty was payable dead or alive.” “You won’t find me easy to kill. Though I dare say it would be fun letting you try.” “Something to look forward to then.” “Enough of this banter, woman. Just get your asses moving. We’ll meet you on the beach. And don’t even think about running. You may have taken out my ships at the entrance to the wormhole, but there are more where they came from. And Asirian, you’ll pay for destroying my fighters.”

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Raav shot Solae an I-told-you-so look, then said, “You didn’t leave me much choice, Du-ket.” “Ransom delivery can be tricky. Lucky for you, they were just decoys and none of my men were lost. There are two fighters off your port and starboard sides, follow them in.” On the surface of the planet, the fighters set down forward and aft of them and immediately disembarked. Raav carried the ransom in a large, silver case, dropping it when given the order. The two fighter pilots hurried to retrieve the case and open it. Satisfied, they whistled sharply. Moments later, Du-ket walked out of the heavy foliage lining the beach, the hostages walking submissively behind him. “You’re going to have to fly them back to the ship,” Solae murmured, keeping a close eye on the women. Raav shook his head. “No way I’m leaving you here alone, Solae. Get that thought out of your head right now.” “But…” “The ship has autopilot. It’s already programmed for the return trip. They’ll be fine. Mr. Phaeg has instructions on how to proceed.” Solae sighed. There was no use arguing with him; he’d made up his mind. “If that’s what you think is best…” she began, then her eyes widened in disbelief. “What the fuck?” Solae and Raav watched, astonished, as the two women dropped to their knees next to Du-ket, wrapping their arms around his legs, weeping. As they got closer, they heard the women begging to stay with the pirate. “Please, Fyn!” the pretty brunette wailed. “Do not make us go back! We want to stay with you.” To her everlasting amazement, Solae watched as the pirate drew them gently to their feet, kissing each girl on the forehead. He draped a silver necklace adorned with a bullet shaped crystal over the head of the brunette. “But you must return, my lovelies. You have a

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duty to your fathers and your countries. Someday you will be great queens, and when you are, perhaps you will remember your treatment here and pardon me for my crimes, eh?” She seriously wanted to puke. How in the world had Du-ket managed to get his victims to grovel at his feet, begging to stay? She looked at Raav, shaking her head. “Those women obviously need help. It’s as if he’s bewitched them.” Raav nodded. “I read about this somewhere. The victims become attached to, and begin to identify with their captors, so much so, they defend their actions.” “Well, those girls are going to have to be deprogrammed.” She sighed. “Their families are going to be horrified. Not to mention the prospective husbands.” Hands on her hips, Solae watched as Du-ket gave each girl a gentle nudge in their direction. Her mouth was set in a grim line when they finally stood before them. “There are clothes in the transport,” she told them. “I suggest you change before Captain Asirian’s crew takes you onboard. Your families await you on Toru Two.” The blonde finally spoke. “But we don’t want to leave! We want to stay here with Fyn!” Solae rolled her eyes heavenward, then sighed. “But he obviously doesn’t want you here, now does he? Otherwise, he wouldn’t be sending you away.” The girls blanched at her cruel words, but Solae maintained eye contact. “But you do have family who miss you very much and want you home with them. Now go.” She gave them a shove in the direction of the ship, then shook her head at Raav. “If I ever get like that, shoot me, okay?” He laughed, then reached for her, holding her close against him as Du-ket closed the distance between them. “Hello little brother,” the pirate said.

*****

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Fyn Du-ket watched as the color drained from Solae O’bora’s face. “What, he didn’t tell you?” Alarmed, he reached for her as she wrenched herself from Raav’s side. She looked as though she might faint. “Don’t touch her,” Raav snarled, giving his half-brother a murderous look before turning to Solae. “Aschema,” he pleaded. “I meant to tell you, truly, I did, but…” Solae staggered away from him, a horrified look of betrayal on her face. “But what? You were too busy seducing me into following you here?” She took another step back when he would have reached for her. “To what end? To deliver me into the hands of a murderer? How could you, Asirian?” Du-ket gave her a surprised look. “You thought I meant to kill you? Why would I do that?” “Why wouldn’t you?” she shrieked, backing farther away as both men advanced on her. “That’s what you intended when you killed my mother and sister, isn’t it?” Her words stopped him in his tracks. “I did not kill your mother and sister, Captain O’bora.” Du-ket watched helplessly as she bent over, hands on her knees, and gulped for air. “Oh, gods. This can’t be happening.” She spun around and vomited into the sugary white sand. Bloody fucking stars, what the hell had Raav been thinking, not to tell her? “Captain O’bora? I know this has come as a shock to you, but I give you my word that I mean you no harm.” Her back was turned and the pitiful sobbing, intermingled with gagging sounds, weren’t abating. Gods, was she crying too? His concern was nearly his undoing, for when he placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, she whipped around and sliced a good-sized gash into

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his chest. He stood there, gaping at the blood pouring through his fingers as he sought to put pressure on the wound. “Are you crazy?” his brother shouted, reaching for him. “Gods, Fyn, let me look at it!” Du-ket dropped to his knees on the sand. There was nothing quite like a knife wound to create a distraction, he thought, watching as Solae raced toward Raav’s transport ship, the case carrying his ransom tucked under her arm. “There she goes, little brother,” he said with a grimace. “Looks like you’ve lost your craft.” He took the hand Raav offered and hauled himself to his feet. “Not to worry, though, the truth will out.” He draped an arm around Raav’s shoulder as the ship’s engines powered up. “I am sorry about the ship though, and that you’ve lost your woman. I could order my men to stop her.” Raav’s pained reaction surprised them both. “Actually, it went better than I expected, all things considered. She could have killed us both. Lucky she was more concerned with escaping than she was with revenge or we’d both be bleeding. Besides, she won’t be that difficult to find. A woman like Solae just naturally attracts attention.” Fyn shook his head. “You always did have a thing for dangerous women.”

***** Solae hit the control for the door and it slid shut with a whoosh, the locking mechanism engaging automatically. “Buckle those harnesses, ladies, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.” The two women gave her a blank look. “Now!” Solae flipped the manual override switch and took control of the helm. She’d been through this wormhole before, so nothing new there. The trick was going to be slipping past Raav’s freighter and getting back to Komae Nine to refuel and then on to Toru Two, where her own ship awaited her. The little transport craft was significantly lighter than the freighter, therefore, it was faster, so she figured she could uncloak just before she got out of communication range and let the first officer know to meet them on Toru Two.

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As devastated as she was by Raav’s betrayal, she couldn’t contain a whoop of laughter. “Fuck with me, will you?” she crowed. She turned and looked at her two passengers. “Hang on to your tits, girls!” In one smooth move, she pulled a one-eighty and hit the throttle. In a matter of seconds, the ship catapulted into the Xat-Rah wormhole. As they shot out of the other side, Solae heard moans of discomfort behind her. “Don’t you puke in my ship, ladies. All’s well that ends well. We’re through the wormhole and on our way back to your families. Close your eyes and try to get some rest.” Coming out of the wormhole cloaked had provided Solae with the time and distance she needed to prevent the Nomad from snagging her with a seizure beam. Now, she slowed the little craft to a crawl as she approached the border of the sector and hailed the freighter. “Nomad Transport to First Officer Phaeg.” “Go ahead, Transport.” “This is Captain O’bora, Mr. Phaeg. I am in command of Nomad Transport and approaching Komae Sector airspace. We will be docking at Komae Nine for refueling and setting a course for Toru Two. Do you copy?” “Affirmative, Captain O’bora, but where is Captain Asirian?” Solae swallowed a laugh. “The captain is currently on Xat-Rah, in league with his brother, Fyn Du-ket. Tell me, Mr. Phaeg, did you know Asirian was related to Du-ket.” She waited. Fucker must be trying to figure out how to handle the situation. “The silence is deafening, Mr. Phaeg. I’ll take that as an affirmative.” “Captain O’bora, I must ask you to turn your vessel around and dock with the Nomad.” Solae laughed. “Well, you can ask all you want, Mr. Phaeg, but it’s not going to happen. I’ve got a big head start on you and by the time you reach Komae Nine, we will have refueled and gotten underway for Toru Two. Suggest you meet us there and pick up your transport.” “Captain, you know I can’t do that. And may I remind you that I have several members of your crew onboard?”

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“I’m well aware of that fact, however, we will proceed as planned. I trust you will deliver my crew to me when you reach Toru Two, Mr. Phaeg.” Phaeg’s voice rose in anger. “Captain O’bora, turn that vessel around or I will file piracy charges against you!” “You do that and Asirian will find himself up on charges for aiding and abetting a felon in the commission of a crime!” “If Asirian has come to any harm, O’bora, I will make it my mission in life to track you down!” Solae laughed bitterly. “Not to worry, Mr. Phaeg. Asirian is fine. He’s just going to need a lift back to the Nomad. You might want to check on his brother though. He was bleeding quite profusely when we parted ways.” “Du-ket is injured?” “Yes. Terrible accident. He slipped on my knife.” Phaeg had obviously forgotten to disengage the com, because Solae heard him mutter. “The captain’s going to be pissed.” “Not my problem, Mr. Phaeg. We’ll see you on Toru Two. Nomad Transport, out.”

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Chapter Twelve

Solae engaged the com and notified Oseof that she was arriving and would need supplies in a hurry. She docked expertly, cut the engines, and admonished her passengers. “Remember what happened the last time you were here. I don’t care how fond you became of Du-ket, he’s not here to protect you now, and the travelers on this outpost can be very dangerous.” She fastened tracking devices to each girl’s wrist. “If you so much as twitch, I’ll know it. And trust me when I tell you, you do not want to get on my bad side.” She opened the hatch door and lowered the steps, smiling at Oseof as he approached. “Can you spare a couple of guards, my friend? I don’t want to run the risk of the future princesses being taken again.” Oseof returned her smile. “But of course, darling. Anything you desire.” He signaled two of his personal bodyguards. “Watch the ship and see to it the passengers do not disembark.” He offered Solae his arm and they strolled off to his office. “Osara is nesting. One of the hatchlings is female, and she asks permission to name her after you.” Solae preceded him into his office. “That’s wonderful, Oseof! I am truly happy for you both. I would be honored to have your offspring named for me.” She crossed the room and took a seat in front of his desk.

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“You know, she fully believes it was your DNA that made the difference.” He crossed to a small bar and poured an amber colored drink into two cordial glasses. “We were wondering -- ah -- or rather, I was wondering if I could trouble you --” “For a sample to preserve? Of course.” She took a sip of the spicy, sweet cordial. “Mmm, this batch is particularly good, my friend. The Ume orchards must have done well this year.” “Indeed.” He gave her a somber look. “I could not help but notice you are here alone with your charges. Was there a problem?” She gave him a grim smile. “That bastard, Asirian. Turns out he and Du-ket are related. I felt it prudent to leave him behind.” Oseof hissed. “I see. In that case, I feel I must tell you that the Nomad has called in a request that you be detained until her arrival.” Solae raised an eyebrow. “And your response?” Oseof spread his hands. “Naturally, I told the first officer I would do what I could, but I had no legal grounds to detain you. He claims you stole one of the Nomad Transport vehicles. Gave a detailed description of the craft, as well as her call numbers.” He eased into a chair behind his massive desk and leaned forward, speaking quietly. “The vehicle is being…detailed, as we speak. I’ve taken the liberty of providing you with the title and call numbers of an old heap that’s been decommissioned from my personal fleet. When you leave here, you will be piloting a completely different vessel -- as far as the records are concerned. I thought red was a nice color for you. I’m providing you with extra canisters of anuiam crystals, and one of my engineers is installing a replicator for you. As far as the authorities are concerned, you never stopped here.” Solae gave a delighted laugh. “I adore you, Oseof! You can have as much of my DNA as you see fit to take.” The cosmetic changes to the Nomad Transport required an overnight stay, but Solae was on her way, early the next morning. Bundled in the robes of an Uzoran priestess, hood

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pulled low over her eyes, she passed right by the Nomad’s first officer to board her craft. Coated in a cherry red polymer skin that was impervious to heat and scratching, she tossed the robes aside and took the helm. She’d stockpiled enough fuel to get her to Toru Two without further stops, so she doubted the Nomad would catch up with her, and if they did, they’d never recognize her as their own transport vehicle. All in all, the brief visit to Komae Nine had been very worthwhile. Solae programmed a more direct route to Toru Two into the on-board navigation system. No way could she tolerate forty-five days in the company of the two Ru-Qut women. As spoiled as they obviously were, she could only imagine how much worse they would be when they married and gained their royal titles. They already acted like spoiled princesses. She turned in her seat and glared back at them. “Bloody fucking stars! Would you stop with the whining?” “But we don’t like this strange food,” the blonde pouted. “And these clothes are awful. We want you to give us back the clothes Fyn gave us,” the brunette insisted. Solae snorted. “Your darling Fyn had you clothed like harem girls. I will not return you to your families dressed as concubines. And as for the food, if you don’t like it, I have some nutrition pellets you can swallow. Your choice.” “Humph,” the brunette groused. “I really don’t understand what Fyn saw in you. You are such a bitch.” “Pfft. What he saw in me was a way to make money, and when that failed, he killed my family. The man isn’t capable of true human feeling and you’d do well to remember that.” “That’s not true! He told me he’d been crazy about you when you were younger and going to some fancy private school. He said he’d gone to see you the day your mother and

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sister were murdered. He found them dead and ran away! It’s all right here in the data crystal he wanted me to give to you!” Solae frowned. “What data crystal?” The brunette held up the bullet shaped crystal attached to the silver chain. “He said I should give it to you but I…I wanted to keep the chain.” Her eyes pleaded with Solae. She sighed, exasperated, and held out her hand. “Keep the damn chain, just give me the data crystal.” She took the crystal and placed it in a pouch in her utility belt. “Aren’t you going to look at it?” “Maybe later, when I need a good laugh.” But the truth was, she was dying to view the crystal. Just not with a captive audience in attendance. Come on Toru Two.

***** At last! Thirty-three days of mind-numbing chatter from the prospective princesses was coming to an end. They were approaching Toru Two airspace. Solae engaged the com and opened a direct link to the magistrate.

Mercantile Protectorate Toru Sector -- Toru Two

“Anvil Transport to Magistrate Uhorru. This is Captain Solae O’bora, do you copy?” “Yes, indeed, Captain. Welcome back. Do you have my packages?” “I have two of them, Magistrate, however, the third eluded me. This time. I’ll fill you in when we dock. We’ll need appropriate accommodations for my passengers.” “I’ll have everything prepared for your arrival. Will you be staying on Toru Two long, Captain?”

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“A few days, possibly. We’ll see you shortly, Magistrate Uhorru. O’bora, out.” She gave a little shudder. Gods, she hoped he wasn’t going to put the moves on her again. The chubby little bastard gave her the creeps. Solae docked the transport craft at the docking station above the main government building, and checked the appearances of her charges. Both girls were modestly dressed and appeared no worse for wear. She was dressed in her typical garb, a black jumpsuit that fit like a second skin, calf-high boots, black, webbed utility belt, and a vintage pair of Mark Jacobs sunglasses her father had sent her from his posting at the United Federation of Planets Headquarters in New York City, Earth. She escorted the girls to the transport tube and gave her coordinates to the operator. Once inside the tube, they were transported to the magistrate’s office in the blink of an eye. Solae stepped out of the tube to the sounds of overjoyed cries as the families greeted their long-lost daughters. She noted, with some amusement, that the prospective spouses did not appear as pleased as the family members. The magistrate came forward and shook her hand, expressing his gratitude, and looking pointedly at the silver case at her feet. She offered him a smug smile. “I was unable to bring Du-ket in for the bounty, but I did manage to steal your ransom payment back for you, Magistrate Uhorru.” She picked up the case and placed it in his greedy little hands. “I’ll have another shot at Du-ket one of these days. If you don’t mind, I’d like to keep the bounty papers.” “Most assuredly, Captain. Will you stay and meet the families?” “I don’t think so,” she demurred. “The fewer people who see me, the easier it is for me to do my job. You understand. Do you have anything worth my while?” The little man gave her a flustered look. She could only imagine what that was about. He probably intended to offer a place to stay while she was on Toru Two. Fortunately for her, she had a place to stay whenever she touched base on the planet. On any planet, actually.

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Uhorru went to his desk and dug around for a folder. “Aza Ozemac.” He handed her the information. “Likes to board merchant ships, disable the crew, and make off with the cargo. The last ship’s crew decided to fight back. They were all subdued, placed in a single transport, and set adrift. A troop ship found them drifting in the Tertius sector. All dead but for two men. Resorted to cannibalism to stay alive. One of the dead was my youngest son, Ceb. Bring him in any way you see fit, Captain.” “I’m so sorry, Magistrate Uhorru. You have my word, Ozemac will be brought in and you shall have your day in court.” “Thank you, Captain.”

***** Solae took her leave, happy to have the distraction of another bounty to keep her mind off Raav. She hailed an air taxi and directed him across town. Her visit might be unexpected but never unwanted. In no time at all, the taxi hovered by the curb and she hopped out, pressing a coin into his hand. Kei Rewu answered the door wearing nothing but a pair of baggy drawstring pants. His face lit up when he saw Solae. “Hello, gorgeous!” Strong hands grabbed her around the waist and lifted her off her feet. She wrapped her arms around the big man’s neck and hugged him tightly, blinking back tears. A sob escaped, despite her best efforts. “What’s this?” Kei asked, setting her on her feet to peer at her upturned face. “Tears? Then it’s true what I’ve heard. You’ve gone and fallen in love. And from the look of it, he’s broken your heart. Who is the bastard? I’ll gladly kill him for you.” A giant of a man at nearly eight feet tall, Kei was a fierce competitor on the gladiator circuit. His body was a mass of muscle and sinew, honed to perfection by hours of practice on the field and off. He wore his waist-length silver hair in a braid, practiced yoga, and had

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fallen madly in love with Solae from the moment he first laid eyes on her. Whenever business brought her to Toru Two, she shared his home and his bed. “How long will you be here, pet?” the big man asked. “Just until the Nomad arrives and I can retrieve my crew.” She looked at him, wondering if he could make her forget Asirian’s betrayal, at least for a time. “I could stay onboard my ship, if you’d like.” “Nonsense! You will stay with your old friend. Kei will cook for you, yes? Fatten you up, skinny girl. You will talk about what has happened with this man of yours and I will hold you while you sleep.” He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. “If you say no sex, then no sex, eh? But next time you come to town, if you are not with this man, eh? Just like old times.” Solae jumped into his arms. “You always know just the right thing to say, Kei. But I’d like to keep the option for sex open. You might be just what the doctor ordered.” He laughed and wiggled his eyebrows. “For you, pet, I will be glad to play doctor. Now, go and change. Your kimono is lonely and you know how I despise those one-piece things you wear.” True to his word, later that evening, Kei laid out a feast fit for a king, each one a favorite Earth dish. Thick, medium-rare sirloin steaks, roasted herbed potatoes tossed in olive oil, steamed string beans, a large garden salad, and a lovely bottle of red wine. He seated her at the table and poured her a glass of wine. “To old friends,” he said, toasting her. They both took a drink then dug into their meal. “So, tell me about this man who has broken your heart.” Solae chewed slowly, remembering the thrill of his touch, the acute despair of his betrayal. “You may know him, my friend. Or know who he is. His name is Raav Asirian.”

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Kei raised an eyebrow. “I’ve run across him a time or two. Mercenary. His sexual tastes run toward the…exotic, or so I’ve heard. His last job was for the federation, I think, putting down a revolt on Kor 2.” “That would be him.” She stabbed a grape tomato with her fork and popped it into her mouth, moaning at the sweetness exploding from her taste buds. “Turns out he’s related to Fyn Du-ket.” Kei shoved his plate away and poured more wine, giving her a sharp look. “Asirian didn’t tell you?” “No.” Her eyes welled with tears and she swiped them away, angry that anyone held the power to hurt her so badly. “What am I to think? Why would he withhold that information from me if he didn’t plan on turning me over to Du-ket? That bastard came to my home to abduct me, maybe even kill me, and when I wasn’t there... Asirian knew that, yet he chose to withhold his relationship with Du-ket from me.” “Do you really think he would have turned you over to his brother?” Solae took a deep, shuddering breath. “I don’t know. I didn’t give either of them a chance to get their hands on me. I laid open Du-ket’s chest with that pig-sticker you gave me, grabbed the ransom, and ran like hell.” She wiped her nose and flashed him a grin. “Hijacked Asirian’s transport craft and left him there to tend to his brother.” Kei roared with laughter and sloshed more wine in her glass. “Way to go, pet. He deserved nothing less.” He shoved away from the table. “Come into the solarium. I’m watching a broadcast of my next opponent. You can give me some tips on how to fight dirty.” Solae snorted. “As if I could teach you anything.” Solae snuggled next to Kei on the massive couch. Her relationship with Asirian was essentially over. He’d betrayed her in the worst possible way, and she’d stolen his transport ship, leaving him stranded on another planet. Now she was in the home of a man she cared

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about, one who could make her forget, at least for a night. Where was the harm? She reached up and caressed his bare chest. Kei chuckled and lifted her to straddle his lap. “I have just the cure for what ails you, pet.” His lips slanted over hers, and she opened beneath them, sighing. Yes. This is what she needed -- a sexy man to please her throughout the night. One who wouldn’t hurt her. She moaned as his hand fisted in her hair, and pulled her head back, baring her neck to his lips. “So beautiful, my pet.” His voice was smoke, enveloping her as he paused to nibble her clavicle. The kimono slid off one shoulder to reveal the top of one creamy breast. When he sought out the jeweled tip, she stiffened. His arm encircled her, and he twisted to the side, pressing her onto her back. “Unfortuately --” The sound of splintering wood had him on his feet. He dragged Solae with him, thrusting her behind his back. “What the fuck?” She tightened the belt on her kimono and peered around Kei. A shocked gasp escaped her. “Asirian,” she hissed. The red light of a laser pistol caught her attention just as Kei’s plasma monitor exploded. “Get your hands off my woman, gladiator,” Raav snarled, advancing on Kei. He raised an eyebrow as Solae stepped out from behind Kei’s broad back. “I can forgive you for stealing my transport vehicle, Solae. I can even forgive you for trying to filet my brother. But, this?” He casually gestured at Kei. “We’ve discussed the issue of other men. Was there something in particular you didn’t understand?”

Solae could feel her cheeks heat. In fact, she was pretty sure her head would explode any moment. “Bastard!” She stalked toward him, shouting. “You dare barge in here and talk to me about betrayal when everything between us was based on a lie?”

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“That’s not true and you know it. I may have been less than forthcoming, but my love for you is unquestionable. And I never intended to hurt you.” “Too late, Asirian! That ship has already sailed!” Gods! She was so furious she wanted to hurl herself at him and scratch out his eyes. “Get out! We’re over!” His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “We’re a long way from over, aschema.” His hand shot out, and he grabbed her by the hair, pulling her to him. She screeched in fury, but he held her tightly. “Behave yourself. You’re upsetting your friend here, and I’d hate to have to shoot him.” “You wouldn’t dare.” “Of course, I would. I ought to kill him just for touching you, but I won’t because I can see he means something to you.” Kei gave him a tight smile. “She wouldn’t have gone through with it, Asirian. The minute my lips touched her, I knew.” “I told her I’d ruin her for any other man.” Solae flinched as he tightened his grip in her hair, wrapping it around his fist. “I swear, I will geld you the first chance I get.” A bark of laughter escaped both of the men, and Raav raised an eyebrow at Kei. “You see what I put up with?” Solae bared her teeth at him. “You haven’t seen anything yet, Asirian.” She fought back a cry as he used her hair to drag her toward the door. “Stay put, gladiator,” Raav warned. Solae’s eyes widened as the two men stared at one another. Finally, Kei spoke. “Harm her and there will be no safe place for you to hide, Asirian.” “Duly noted,” Raav said with a nod. He activated his com and pressed the button to speak. “Cargo obtained, Mr. Phaeg. We are ready to transport.” “Cargo!” Solae growled. “You’re going to wish you’d put me in the cargo hold, you ass.”

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Raav holstered his weapon and wrapped an arm around her. “Ass. Now, there’s an expletive a man can sink his teeth into. Care to take a guess at whether you’ll be able to sit on yours tomorrow?”

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Chapter Thirteen

He didn’t release his hold on her when the transporter deposited them in Raav’s quarters. Instead, he guided a struggling Solae into the adjoining room. She hissed and spit like a cat when she saw the metal frame attached to the bed, leather sling and straps attached and ready for use. “Do this and I swear, you’ll have to sleep with one eye open, Asirian.” “Such bluster from someone who loves to have her backside warmed before she’s fucked.” His fist in her hair kept her from moving when he pulled the kimono from her body. He guided her into position and cuffed her to the curved steel arms, then positioned the sling against her hip bones and pushed her down, leaving just enough slack so it could swing forward and back. The thigh cuffs came next, and within moments, she was bent over and spread wide, ass in the air. Raav caressed her smooth ass, then slid a finger into her pussy from behind. Jesus, she was ready and he’d barely touched her! “Wet already, my love, despite all your protests?” “Fuck you, Asirian.”

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He chuckled. “Maybe later, aschema. First, I’m going to fuck you…everywhere.” He watched her eyes widen as he pulled out a ribbed anal plug and a small paddle, laying them on the bed, before slowly stripping. “Hard to decide where to start,” he said conversationally, climbing on the bed. “Maybe I’ll have you suck my cock.” He gave her a pointed look. “Don’t even think about biting, aschema, or I promise, even standing up will be painful for you. Understood?” She didn’t respond, so took a fistful of hair in his and pulled her head back. “Suck me, Solae,” he demanded, his voice smoky and soft. “Let me feel your lips close around my cock, your tongue stroking it while you suck it.” She opened her mouth and he thrust inside on a sigh. “Yes. Yes, aschema, that’s so good.” He watched her through hooded lids as her mouth worked over his engorged shaft, thrusting gently. “Think about how I’m going to fuck you, Solae. Suck me and think about my mouth between your legs, licking your pussy, sucking your clit.” It was all he could do to maintain his cooing as his words enflamed her. She gobbled his cock, sucking harder, moaning as he increased his thrusts. “Yes, just like that. I’m going to give you more, aschema.” He thrust deeper and she took him eagerly, her tongue massaging the thick stem as she sucked. “I love eating your pussy, aschema. I love the way your juices soak my lips. The way your pussy quivers. I’m going to make you quiver, Solae. I’m going to eat you while I use that new toy to fuck your pretty little ass.” Bloody fucking stars, he hadn’t meant to let her make him come, yet his balls were tightening and contracting, his cock pulsing with need. “Ah, gods, aschema! I can’t hold it!” He thrust once, burying his length in her mouth, coming in a heated gush. She took all of him, without complaint, glowing with satisfaction when he sank back on his heels, shaken by the intensity of his orgasm. She gave him a defiant smile, causing him to laugh. “You’re far too cocky for your own good, woman.”

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Raav rolled off the bed and picked up the paddle, wrapping the strap around his wrist. He swung and the leather paddle connected with a satisfying whap. He leaned down and licked the red spot forming on her ass. “You were going to try fucking me out of your head, weren’t you?” He smacked her harder this time, and she yelped. “Answer me!” “Yes!” Another resounding thwack of the paddle. “I…oooh! I wanted to! I intended to fuck him until there was nothing left of you!” His jaw clenched with the effort to hold back. He gave her three sharp blows, then tossed the paddle aside and thrust his fingers into her soaking pussy. “Never again, Solae!” He rammed his fingers deep, flexing them. He felt the spongy flesh of her G-spot and stroked it over and over. “Oh, gods!” she screamed as his fingers continued to work inside her. “I’m going to come!” “Not yet, you’re not,” he growled, and pulled his fingers from her weeping cunt. He smacked her ass again and reached for the anal plug. His emotions ran the gamut from furious to so turned on his cock felt like a steel rod.

***** Solae moaned as the tip of the plug probed her ass. It had been quite some time since he’d taken her there, and she’d expected some pain, along with the pleasurable sensation of fullness. Would he use his cock on her later, filling the narrow channel with his significant girth? Gods, she hoped so. She uttered a gasp of pleasure as the ridged surface of the toy pushed past the elastic band of muscles. There were five ridges in all, each one stretching her, until the plug was firmly planted in her ass. He gave the toy a twist and it began to vibrate deep inside her. “Oh, gods!”

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The next sensation was the brush of his silky hair against her thigh as he positioned himself between her legs. She moaned as his tongue began a lazy exploration, lapping at the moisture pooling there. “So sweet and tasty,” he whispered, pausing to fuck her with his fingers. “I’m going to make you come, aschema. And then I’m going to fuck this juicy pussy until you scream.”

His tongue, oh, his tongue. She tried to stay quiet, tried to deny him the moans and cries of impending orgasm, but she couldn’t. With each flick of his tongue against her bursting clit, she cried out. When he finally sucked it into his mouth, nursing her with strong, deep tugs, she screamed. “Oh, gods, finish me! Make me come, you bastard!” His only response was to crank up the speed on the plug and work his fingers into her until she was frantic. She was burning. Every nerve ending, every centimeter of skin was so sensitive she could barely stand to be touched. And then she was there, her body convulsing, arching until it seemed her spine would snap. She threw back her head and howled as her pussy gushed. She nearly fainted. And then his cock pierced her, ramming hard, thrusting deep, burning her cunt with its snug fit. She knew he must feel the ridges of the plug along the stem of his cock as he thrust into her tight pussy. This was no gentle mating; this was a conquering. His hands closed around the sides of the sling, using it for leverage as his cock speared through the soft folds of her pussy again and again. She clenched her teeth, her breath coming in harsh gasps as he fucked her. Dammit! She wanted to participate, wanted to push against him, fuck herself on his rigid cock, but he wouldn’t allow it. He was in complete control, and aware of her desires. “Come on, Solae. Give me another one. Feel my cock fucking you, so hard and so deep. Don’t fight it. I love you, aschema. I’ll love you every day of my life. Give it to me.”

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Tears coursed down her cheeks. Gods, she wanted to deny him! Didn’t want his words of love, even though her heart soared as he spoke them. She wanted her body to deny his, refuse the cataclysmic orgasm he was prepared to wrench from her sodden body. Suddenly, what she wanted didn’t matter anymore. Restrained, controlled by his every move, his body pumping hard and fast into her, she finally gave in and gave up control. “Oh, it’s happening. I’m co…oh, gods!” She grasped the steel arms of the frame as she sobbed her release. She didn’t think she’d ever stop coming as her body shook and shuddered with his final thrust.

***** In the calm that followed the storm, Solae accepted his tender ministrations as he cleaned her and helped her into the red, silk kimono. She protested when he picked her up and carried her into the main room. “I’m perfectly capable of walking, you know.” Raav chuckled, kissing her cheek. “Indulge me, Solae.” He set her on the bed and strode to the replicator. Solae frowned when he returned with a steaming cup of cocoa. “Hot chocolate?” “One of my weaknesses. Drink it, it’ll cure what ails you.” “What is it you think is ailing me, Asirian?” “A lack of knowledge.” He retrieved the data crystal from the pouch of her utility belt. “Mr. Phaeg was kind enough to gather your belongings from the gladiator’s house.” “And what exactly is on that data crystal?” “Proof my brother did not kill your family. Fyn showed me a copy of the crystal he sent along with hostages.” “Proof? What kind of proof could he possibly have that any sane person would believe?”

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“He said the brown-haired Ru-Qut woman was supposed to give you the original data crystal. This is it, correct?” “Yes, but you know these things can be edited, manipulated. What’s to say Du-ket didn’t do exactly that?” “There are ways to check to make sure the crystal hasn’t been tampered with. You can do that at your computer. Have you even looked at it, Solae?” “No.” “Why not?” “Because I’m afraid to see what’s on it. What if he recorded their deaths? I couldn’t bear to see that.” Raav crossed to her and pulled her from the bed. “Come, we’ll watch it together. Pull up a chair while I run a check on this thing.” Solae sat down next to him, watching as he inserted the crystal into the port on the computer. He ran a quick diagnostic check, then took a deep breath and looked at Solae. “No evidence the crystal was edited in any way. What do you say? Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” “All right. Let’s watch the damn thing and get it over with.” The data on the crystal was in video form, and Solae shuddered as Du-ket’s face filled her computer screen. He was sitting in what she assumed was his office, a serious expression on his face. After a long pause, he spoke. “I know you don’t want to hear this, Captain O’bora -- Solae -- but, for your own good,

you must. I did not kill your mother and young sister, but I know who did, and this crystal contains the confession of the man who committed those crimes. But first, some history. “You remember your years at the private girl’s academy? You were very young,

perhaps thirteen years, when I first saw you. My sister, Necceru, went to the same school. I

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often picked her up for holidays, and we met once, while you were waiting for your father to pick you up. “I was just twenty-one when you turned sixteen, and felt I was ready to settle down

and take my place in the family business. I was ready to take a wife, and, though you were young, you were the one I wanted. I knew some time would have to pass before you were old enough to marry, but I thought if I spoke to your father… “I went to your home that day -- the day your mother and sister were murdered. I

discovered their bodies. I also discovered the man who killed them. I had my headset turned to record, because I wanted to send a live feed back to my craft, so I could build you a home that would remind you of the place where you grew up. It pains me to know the images on this crystal will force you to relive that day, but I could not take a chance on editing the data, for fear you would not believe what you are about to see. I urge you to jump ahead several frames so you will not see the bodies of your loved ones. What follows, Solae, is the confession of the man who killed your mother and your beloved sister.” Solae sat frozen in her chair, unable to speak. “Solae, I’m so sorry.” “No!” Solae howled. She leapt to her feet, knocking over her chair. “It’s not possible! How can this be possible? It’s a lie! Du-ket faked the recording!” She wanted to run away but there was nowhere to go. “My father would never…how could I not know? How is it I couldn’t see through the veneer of his grief?” “He’s your father. When had he ever given you reason to doubt him?” She was going to be sick. Oh, gods. She raced to the bathroom and threw up. It was all a lie. Her whole life was nothing but one big lie, stacked one on top of the other. Tears coursed down her cheeks as she curled up on the cold tile floor, her body wracked with sobs.

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Strong arms encircled her, lifting her up against a rock-solid chest. Asirian. Oh, gods, Asirian! How could she have doubted him? How could she have believed he would ever betray her? “I’m sorry!” she wailed. “Hush, aschema,” he crooned. “It’s all right. I understand.” He carried her into the next room and sat down on the bed, holding her tightly in his arms. “We’ll get through this, Solae. There’s nothing we can’t overcome, as long as we’re together.” Solae clung to him, sobbing her grief. Of all the things she’d suffered over the years, this betrayal was worst of all.

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Chapter Fourteen

He looked down at Solae, curled in his arms. All cried out, she had fallen asleep. He eased her down on the bed and stretched out beside her, curving his body around hers, protectively. Difficult as it was to admit, he’d done so many things wrong with her. Manipulating her into spending that first night with him. Forcing her to partner with him in pursuit of his brother. But the biggest mistake had been not telling her who he was, that he and Du-ket were related, and that Du-ket was innocent of the murders attributed to him. He would have had a fight on his hands. Solae was as hardheaded as they came. He couldn’t resist a smile thinking about the number of times they had butted heads, and the varied manner in which they’d made up. But he would rather have had to fight her tooth and nail than to pick up the pieces of her broken heart. Mending it would be a monumental task. Would she ever trust him again? She moaned in her sleep and he tightened his hold on her. He would see to it Solae had her justice, or die trying. Raav was just drifting off when he felt Solae stir. She rolled over and opened her eyes. “Du-ket, he’s alive?” He nodded. “He’s alive. The house is equipped with a medical rejuvenation unit. We got him there quickly. He asked me to tell you there are no hard feelings.”

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She flopped onto her back, covering her eyes with her hands. “How can that be? My mother and his father had an affair and conceived my sister? I can’t believe he doesn’t hate me. Sirius was his sister. My family ruined his life.” Raav pulled her hands away from her face. “You were both victims in this, Solae. Fyn knows that. But he chose to run, and he made the choice to turn to piracy. He could have gone to our father, should have gone to him. None of this is your fault.” “I nearly killed him! And he’s been blamed for hundreds of crimes he didn’t commit!” “But you didn’t kill him. Besides, he knows the risks of the life he’s made for himself. We may manage to get him cleared of the murders hanging over his head, but he’s still a pirate. He’s looted and taken hostages for years. He’s my brother, and I love him, but I hold no illusions as to his character. Someday, someone will catch him, and he’ll have to answer for the things he’s done. My only request is that you not be the one to bring him in.” His relief was enormous when she nodded her agreement. He still intended to build a life with this woman, and wasn’t sure he could do that if she insisted on her relentless pursuit of his brother. Large sapphire eyes pinned him to the spot. “I…” she swallowed a sob. “I need you.” “And I need you, aschema. Always.” He pulled her to her knees, skimming the kimono off her body. Stars, why was he always so hungry for her? It would strain his patience to take his time with her, but she needed a long, languorous fuck, one that would send her flying out of her body and into a world where only the two of them existed. He took her face in his hands and kissed her, slowly, deeply, savoring the taste that was uniquely her. His mouth dropped to the curve of her neck, nibbling the delicate flesh as his hands stroked her shoulders, slid down her arms, and took her ass in his hands, pulling her tight against him.

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“So firm and yet so soft,” he murmured against her neck. He stroked the outer lips of her pussy from behind. “So hot and tasty. Lie down so I can taste that sweet pussy, aschema.” She lay back and closed her eyes. “Open your legs, love.” She did as he directed and he moved between them. “Mmm, so beautiful. I hardly know where to begin.” He rose above her and leaned down to suckle her breasts, each in turn. She moaned as his teeth grazed each taut nipple. “Someday, these breasts will fill with milk to feed our children. I can hardly wait to taste the nectar that will flow from them.” He gave her a good, hard suck to emphasize his words. “Children?” She sounded so surprised, that he nearly laughed. Did she think he’d been playing with her all this time? It never occurred to him that he might want to marry and produce children one day, but he knew with a certainty that Solae O’bora would be the mother of his children. He moved steadily down her body, nipping her slender waist, then pausing to dip his tongue into her navel. “The belly ring will probably have to go when you swell with our child.” “You want children?” “With you? Desperately.” He took a moment to nibble her hip bone, then settled himself between her legs. “Such a sweet pussy.” His hands pressed her legs farther apart to reveal the cream already welling at her center. He used his thumbs to open her lips, then ran his tongue through her slit. “Yes. Yes, aschema, cream for me. I want all of it, every drop.” She was hot and wet, her body trembling with desire. No matter what came between them, they would always have this, the physical need for one another that always culminated in an orgasm that was soul deep. He gave her another lick and she moaned, thrusting her pussy against his ravenous mouth. “I can’t wait to bury my cock in you, love. So deep in your tight little pussy you’ll beg to come.” Her clit was red and swollen, like a ripe berry ready to explode in his mouth. He took it between his lips and sucked on it, flicking his tongue against the hard nub. She was crying

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out, thrusting and pulling away, thrusting again. He wrapped his arms around her thighs to hold her still, and laved the engorged bud, lapping at her like a cat with a saucer of fresh cream. “Mmm…oh! I’m going to come, I’m going to come…oooohhh!” Gods, but he loved to watch her in the throes of an orgasm. Her entire body arched like a bow, head thrown back, eyes screwed tightly shut, mouth open as she howled her release to the stars. He drank from her shuddering body, demanding more and receiving it. Greedy hands reached for him, tugging at him. “I need you inside me, Raav. Oh, please. Fuck me, now!” He nipped the inside of her silken thigh and levered himself up to hover above her. He hissed when she reached for his cock, stroking him, cupping his balls. She tugged on his cock and drew it to her heat, parting the folds of her pussy as he plunged deep. It was like being home, clasped in her tight, hot cunt. “Oh, yes,” she groaned. “Oh, yes, that’s what I need. It feels so good. Fuck me, Raav.” Jaw clenched tight against the urge to come, he draped her legs over his shoulders, climbed to his knees, and began to thrust. Her pussy clasped him in a velvety vise as he withdrew, and sank into her again, deeper this time, setting a rhythm that had her pounding the mattress with her fists. He wouldn’t last much longer, could already feel his balls tighten and retract. He increased his pace, slamming into her as she cried out, driving him on as her pussy clamped around him and she came again. There was nothing like this feeling, the friction of her contracting pussy milking him as he drove into her again and again, until every last drop of semen was wrung from his body. His arms shook as he buried himself inside her, roaring with release, unable to move, unable to do anything but gasp for breath.

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The intensity abated and he lowered himself to the bed, resting his head on her thigh. “Ah, aschema. I’ve been away from you for too many nights. You run from me again at your own peril.” He pressed his cheek against her inner thigh and gave her a nip. “Understood?” “Understood.” “Good. Now tell me what you want to do.” “Go to Earth, of course.” “Of course.”

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Chapter Fifteen

The logistics of taking two large starships such a long distance were made relatively easy since the discovery of transversable, interstellar wormholes. And still, the trip would take six months, with stops for fuel and supplies. Over the years, Solae’s bounty hunting had netted her a vast array of star charts, which Ceropa had spent hours feeding into the Anvil’s computers. It had been an easy enough job to transfer the data to the Nomad, so both ships were in possession of the same information. Since Raav’s ship was larger, and his quarters more comfortable, they decided to make the trip on the Nomad, while Solae’s crew followed in her ship. Now, finally, they reached their destination. Solae and Raav stood on the observation deck as the ship approached Earth. While a big fan of all things Earth-related, Raav had never actually been to the planet referred to as the big blue marble. “Isn’t it beautiful?” she said reverently. “Beautiful doesn’t even come close, Solae. Would you look at all the blue? The whole planet must be covered in water.”

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Solae grinned. “It is. Most of the water is comprised of various oceans, so it’s salty. The salt content is so high you bob around in it.” “You’ve actually been swimming in their oceans?” “Oh, yes! One of my friends actually lives and works under the sea, and the creatures that live there are astounding. Huge mammals called whales live in the oceans. They have blowholes on the backs of their heads and they have to surface to take in air. And they have great beasts called sharks, with sharp, serrated teeth that could cut a man in half. They were endangered for several hundred years because it was discovered that the cartilage in their bodies cured a dreaded disease called cancer.” “Fascinating. And you’ve actually seen these beasts?” “Yes!” Solae pressed her hands against the window, like a child with her nose pressed against the window of a candy store. “See the little peninsula that looks like a thumb? That’s Florida. And see all the little islands in the waters below it? It gets very hot in those areas, and in the late summer and early fall, they sometimes get hit by these massive storms called hurricanes.” “What are the inhabitants like?” “Still pretty primitive in many countries, though since the planet was discovered most of the countries have gotten onboard. It used to be a really violent place. Lots of genocide in the under-developed nations. Lots of wars. You would have loved it.” Raav chuckled. “I think I’ve just been insulted.” He brushed the hair away from her neck and kissed her. “So, what are they like now?” “Well, the United States of America and the European Union are very technologically advanced, as is the Asian Confederacy. They were at the forefront of the technological revolutions in the earlier years of the twenty-first and twenty-second centuries. Then things really took off when the first explorers landed. But the Americans are still a pretty

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independent lot. If any of the Earth countries are going to butt heads with the Federation, it’s going to be America.” “So, what do you know about this meeting we’ll be interrupting?” Solae shrugged. “Not too much. Mostly, Father wanted me to come home for a visit so he could nag me about his lack of grandchildren.” She felt her cheeks heat at the reference to children, recalling how Raav had made love to her, the things he’d said. “The last time I communicated with him, he said they were trying to get the Americans to agree to some kind of Federated Tribunal to deal with intergalactic crime. I gathered the Americans weren’t too keen on the idea of subjecting their citizens to the will of a galactic court. The ambassador was not happy.” “You were able to get the schematics for the United Federation Headquarters?” “I hacked into the Federation’s computers while you were napping and downloaded the video. The ambassador won’t know what hit him.” Raav chuckled. “The authorities have been notified?” She gave him a smug smile. “Ye of little faith. What do you think? The Federation high command should be receiving the downloaded files very shortly, and I sent a copy to the chief of the federal police in New York City.” “I think if you ever decided to give up bounty hunting, you could earn quite a good living as a hacker. Or a security specialist.” Solae laughed. “Let’s hope you’re right about that, Asirian.” She took a deep breath and gave his hand a tug. “We’d better go change.”

***** Solae closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then pushed through the door to her father’s office. “Karem, you’re looking fit. How are you?”

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Karem Camden, her father’s assistant, hurried around his desk and took her hands in his. “Why, Solae, you’ve grown up! I haven’t seen you since --” He tapped his lip with an elegant finger. “You must have been eighteen or nineteen years old the last time you were here. He’s in his office, I’ll let him know you’re here.” He reached across his desk and pressed the intercom button. “Ambassador, your daughter is here to see you.” The door to Anterius O’bora’s office opened and Solae’s father rushed out. “Darling! I wasn’t sure if you would make it or not!” She stiffened as he embraced her then held her at arm’s length. “Let me look at you.” He sighed. “No new scars, that’s a good thing. Can’t even see the one over your right eye anymore.” Solae fought to hold her trembling body in check, and turned to Raav. “Combat training with an overly enthusiastic ‘droid. Raav Asirian, meet Ambassador Anterius O’bora, my father.” The ambassador paled for a moment, then offered his hand. “This is the first time Solae has ever brought a man to meet me.” Solae could almost see the gears turning in her father’s mind. Did Solae know about Du-ket’s relationship with the Asirian clan? Had Du-ket told his brother anything? Her father laughed heartily and looked at Solae. “I hope this means you’re going to settle down, my dear.” He gave Raav a shrewd glance. “Always had a touch of the wanderlust, my Solae. I remember once, when she was around seven or eight --” “Father, please,” she cut in. “This isn’t a social call. We need to talk to you about something of grave concern.” Anterius nodded. “Very well, child, come into my office.” Solae pulled the data crystal out of her pocket and crossed to the plasma screen mounted on the wall. “This thing accepts data crystals, doesn’t it?” The ambassador frowned. “Yes, of course, but what’s this about, dear?”

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Solae smiled. “It’s about murder, Father.” She plugged the data crystal into the monitor and jumped ahead several frames, then returned to her seat and pressed play on the handheld remote. “By the way, Fyn Du-ket sends his regards.” Five long minutes passed as the ambassador watched, a horrified expression on his face. Finally, he turned to Solae. “She was a slut! She bore the child of another man and tried to pass her off as mine!” “And for that she had to die? And Sirius, too? She was an innocent child! My sister, whom I adored! How could you, Father? And you left them there for me to find, you son of a bitch!” Anterius got up and ejected the data crystal from the monitor. “This is staying with me, Solae.” He glared at his daughter. “What is it you want?” “Justice.” “Well, you won’t get that now, will you?” He dropped the crystal to the hardwood floor and smashed it under his foot. “Oh, please, Father, do you really believe that’s the only copy?” Seeing the color drain from his face, Solae continued. “As we speak, the original is on a mail packet, headed for Ega 12. Along with documentation showing that every murder Du-ket is accused of committing, has been aboard ships belonging to his family. Your competition in the shipping industry, I believe. And believe me, when they haul your ass home, I’ll be right there to see you pay.” “I am your father!” Anterius roared. “You are not my father! Not anymore! You’re no better than the murdering scum I’m charged to bring to justice! How many lives have you ruined? Hundreds? I hope you rot in the Egan mines for what you’ve done!” She stood slowly, looking at the crushed crystal sparkling on the dark hardwood and shook her head. “I can’t believe you underestimated me to such an extent. The authorities will be here soon, I’m sure.”

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She trembled at the touch of Raav’s hand on her lower back, guiding her to the door. “Solae! Solae, get back here this instant!” She looked over her shoulder at her father’s mottled face. “Enjoy your speech, Ambassador. It’s going to be your last.”

***** Solae and Raav stood in the gallery as her father was introduced to the dignitaries. He began his speech about the need for consistent criminal legislation to govern all races in all galaxies. With his nod, a media specialist uploaded a data crystal containing information and statistics on the various crimes to be covered by the Federated Galactic Court. The audience sat in stunned silence as his face came on screen, spewing out his confession of the violence he’d inflicted on his own family. He stumbled to his seat, silently mouthing the word “no,” over and over again, when Solae came on screen, her voice calm, her eyes wounded. “My name is Solae O’bora, and I am the ambassador’s daughter. Ten years ago, I arrived

home from boarding school to find my mother and sister brutally murdered. When my father arrived, he informed me that Fyn Du-ket was responsible for the destruction of everything I held dear. Years passed, and I became a bounty hunter, bringing to justice those who committed heinous acts. But the murder of my own family was always uppermost in my mind, and my ultimate goal was to find Du-ket, and make him pay for what he had done to my loved ones. “That day finally came, and in the place of revenge, I was given proof the notorious

pirate was also a victim of treachery. As I speak, the information on this data crystal, along with other documentation, is being sent to my father’s home planet, Ega 12, where I hope all murder charges against Captain Du-ket will be dropped.

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“The sad truth is, my father is solely responsible for the deaths of hundreds of innocent

people, all in the name of revenge against Du-ket’s father, his primary competition in the shipping industry. As one who is sworn to uphold the decree of the courts, I urge you to pass this legislation so my father, and others like him, can be brought to justice wherever they might reside.” Solae and Raav stepped out of the gallery into the hallway. “Asirian to Nomad bridge.” “Go ahead, Captain.” “We’re done here, Mr. Phaeg. Engage transporter at these coordinates.” “Aye, Captain.” He turned to Solae. “So, where to now?” Solae smiled. “I say we head for the Xat-Rah sector. I believe I owe your brother an apology. He’s a real captain, right? I mean, he could marry us?” Raav wrapped his arms around her as they were transported to his quarters. The com immediately pinged “Where to, Captain?” “Chart a course across the stars, Mr. Phaeg. We’re heading back to Xat-Rah. Captain O’bora has just proposed to me, and I’m accepting.” “Very good, Captain. And congratulations to you both.” The com went dark. “Hey, I have an idea,” Solae said in a teasing voice. “Why not stop on Cyntur-Rho on the way? We’ll need a marriage license, and I have this bounty --” “Solae,” he growled, as she backed away. She laughed when he caught her and pressed her against a wall. “Remind me to have Fyn put the word obey in the vows.”

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Solae gave him a saucy smile and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’ll obey you anytime you want, Asirian, just not outside the privacy of our own bedroom.” She shrieked with laughter when he picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder. “Well, in that case, let the obeying begin.”

India Masters India refers to herself as an old, Southern hippie. She is happily divorced with no intention of rectifying the situation because sometimes she can barely stand her own company, much less someone else. She has one grown daughter who she still refers to as “Doodle,” and lives in a rapidly developing rural area in Florida where she shares her domain with all manner of wildlife, a swimming pool that is a breeding ground for a seemingly virulent strain of algae, and a black snake that likes to surprise her when she turns on the outdoor faucet and picks up the black water hose. India developed a love for writing while earning her B.A. in Criminal Justice from a northern college. She refers to herself as a late bloomer, as she married late, gave birth late, and got started writing late in life. She developed her love for all things quirky from doing psychiatric social work in both the community and corrections fields. She has always loved a good romance novel but found them lacking because all the good stuff was cloaked in euphemisms or happened behind closed doors. It wasn’t until she joined a critiquing group that she discovered romantic erotica, and her first book, The Soul Collector, was born. She credits her success to the caring support of the women -- and one, lone man -- in her critique group, but especially to one member who took her under her wing and helped her learn everything from point of view to manuscript formatting.