Chapter Ten

 

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

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

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

Her body shuddered and he knew she was close.

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

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

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

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

“Excellent, little flower.”

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

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

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

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

“Ready for more, sweetness?”

“Yes, Master.”

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

“Touch yourself, pet.”

Her eyes flew open. “What?”

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

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

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

“Now touch your clit. Make yourself come.”

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

“Faster, sweetness.”

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

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

“You feel so good,” she murmured.

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Would you like to come to my office?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Yes, Master.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I only smiled at him,” she protested.

“Don’t,” he growled.

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

“What are those?” she asked.

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

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

“I have work to do, sweetness.”

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

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

“Continue your lessons,” he ordered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Yes, pet?”

“Are all your guards the same race?”

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

“As good as Sardorans?” she teased.

“No,” he answered curtly.

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

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

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

“Are you always this jealous?”

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

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

 

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

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

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

“I know. I like to do it.”

“Why?”

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

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

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

“Can you read this?” he asked.

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

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

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

“What do you think?” he asked.

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

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

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

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

“What happens now?”

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

“How?” she whispered.

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

She shook her head frantically.

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

 

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

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

“Do you really want to know?”

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

She nodded again.

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

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

“An eye for an eye.”

“What?”

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

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

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