Chapter Four

Deb tensed, fear threatening her arousal, but then he slid his hand gently between her legs and the unexpected arousal won out. This was the first time someone had touched her with the intention of giving her pleasure since she’d been taken. Her hips jerked forward, demanding more, and he laughed approvingly.

“That’s right, sweetheart.” As he spread her open with his fingers, they could both see the moisture glistening on her swollen folds. The long hard bar of his cock pressed against her ass and she knew she should be afraid—but she wanted this, she wanted to feel pleasure again. He used his free hand to stroke two fingers up her slit and she cried out as they slipped over her clit, but he kept going, circling back down to probe at her entrance. When he slipped a finger into her, it was much larger than the doctor’s slender instrument, but it didn’t hurt, not a bit, and she clenched down, wanting more. His cock jerked in response, but he maintained his position and began a gentle thrusting motion that had her eyes rolling back in pleasure.

“Such a sweet little cunt, clinging to my finger so tightly. Does she want more?” His voice was a low growl in her ear, his warm breath sending shivers up her spine as they both watched his finger penetrate her.

“Yes, oh please, yes.”

He added another finger and it stretched her, but the slight burn turned to pleasure so quickly she didn’t have time to be afraid. His rhythm became more demanding and she arched into his hand, her body starting to tense in anticipation. She was so close, she just needed… desperate, she started to reach for her throbbing clit, but he got there first.

“Not this time, pet. I’m going to give you your first pleasure.” He circled the swollen flesh and she grabbed his wrist, desperate for something to hold on to.

“Show me what you like,” he urged.

“I don’t know.” She was panting, trying to reach that elusive peak that was just out of reach.

“Slow, like this…” He pulled back the hood and stroked the exposed flesh with a tender delicacy that left her shaking. “Or fast, like this?” This time he circled the demanding nub, pressing firmly all around her clit but not actually touching it.

“The first.” She could barely get the words out, but she tried to lift her hips, seeking more of that exquisite touch. He laughed, the vibration sending pleasurable ripples through her body. The fingers entering her pussy moved faster, harder, demanding more from her as he once again barely touched her exposed clit. The contrast had her whole body tense and shaking, straining for her climax.

“Now, sweetheart. Come for me now.” He pressed firmly on her swollen nub as he spread his fingers and her body exploded. Bright lights flashed across her vision as she convulsed, still cradled in his arms. Her pussy clamped down hard on the resistance provided by his fingers and the additional pressure sent more waves of pleasure through her trembling body as the climax rolled on and on. It wasn’t until the shaking stopped that the tears began.

Rastrath held Deb close with a feeling of immense satisfaction. She had come apart so beautifully, every bit as sensual as her lush body had promised. And her cunt, so tight and silky around his fingers that he could only imagine how magnificent she would feel around his cock. His body throbbed, eager for satisfaction, but he was unexpectedly content just to hold her until she recovered. It took a moment for him to realize that she was no longer shaking from her climax but the sobs that were wracking her small frame.

“Sweetheart? Deb? What’s the matter?” At the sound of her name, she just cried harder until she was gasping for breath. Beginning to panic, he took them both to the edge of the bed where he could reach the com panel and sent out an urgent call to the doctor.

Unable to think of anything else to do, he picked her up in his arms and began walking the floor, pacing back and forth as he hummed softly. Her sobs died down, but she was still wheezing when the doctor appeared. She moaned at the sight of him and clutched Rastrath’s robe.

“Ssh, sweetheart.” He tried to soothe her, but her cries began to increase again.

“Help her,” he demanded.

Dr. Mako frowned. “I believe it will take a sedative to calm her.”

“Do it.”

Deb tried to flinch away, but he held her firmly while the doctor puffed the drug into her lungs. Her eyes closed immediately but her breath continued to shudder for several long minutes before her body relaxed and her breathing deepened. His own tension eased as she calmed.

The doctor was still frowning. “Perhaps I should admit her to the infirmary.”

“No. You saw how frightened she was of you. I don’t think she would react well to waking up in a medical center.”

His immediate instinct was to put her back in his bed, but if she had been traumatized by what had occurred between them, perhaps a different location would be better. But where? He had no intention of housing her in the slave quarters. Inspiration struck as he glanced around the suite and remembered that there was a second bedroom on the other side of the balcony. It was intended for a Consort, so he’d never even bothered to enter it.

With the doctor trailing him, he carried Deb there, relieved to see that his efficient staff had kept it clean and prepared. He lowered her onto the bed and covered her with a light blanket. She looked so small and helpless in the enormous bed that he hated to leave her.

“She will sleep for several hours,” Dr. Mako said, and urged him to the door. He went, although not happily, and left the door cracked behind him.

Once they were back in the main room, the doctor asked, “What happened?”

“I don’t know. One moment she was…happy, and the next, she was hysterical.”

“Did you have sex with her?”

Every ounce of his royal training protested the impertinence of the question, but the doctor’s face was concerned rather than offensive so he sighed and answered.

“Not exactly. But I did give her pleasure.”

“I see.” The doctor rubbed his chin, then sighed. “I suspect that she couldn’t cope with it after the abuse she has suffered.”

Horror struck, he stared at the other man. Why would anyone damage that fragile, beautiful body? “Abuse?”

“You didn’t notice the scars?”

He looked away, ashamed to admit that he had only been focused on the signs of her arousal.

“The scan revealed some previous internal tears, also, although they have healed remarkably well.”

Anger shot through him so quickly that his knees weakened, and he turned away, walking out onto the balcony to let the fresh air clear his head. He wasn’t naive; he knew that despite Imperial law, slaves were often abused. Ustrod, his deceased cousin, had a horrendous reputation for the treatment of his slaves. But, somehow, it had never come so close to him before. The slaves in the Imperial Palace had always presented a smiling face. His horror must have been apparent because the doctor followed him and actually patted his arm soothingly.

“As I said, her body has healed well. I suspect her mental wounds will not heal as rapidly.”

Deeply troubled, he stared out to sea. “Should I let her go?”

“Go where?” The doctor raised an eyebrow. “She is alone and pregnant and…desirable. She needs your protection.”

“She will have it.”

The doctor nodded. “Good. I will have food sent up before she wakes.” He turned and left, just as Marious came rushing in.

“Your Highness. The man you were waiting for has arrived.”

“Very well. Show him…” he hesitated and glanced at the half open door, then sighed. “Bring him here.”

Marious scurried away and he moved over to close the door. He paused, studying the small figure. She did not sleep peacefully, her legs and arms twitching, and as he watched, she moaned. Unable to resist, he moved closer, stroking a gentle hand through the heavy silk of her glorious hair. “Hush, sweetheart. You’re safe now.”

Surprisingly gratified when she sighed and her restless movement stilled, he remained at her side, petting her softly until he heard the outer doors open. It was his turn to sigh, but he gave her one last caress and left.

If Marious had looked nervous before, now he looked terrified. He hovered by the doors and as soon as Rastrath looked at him, he put one hand on the door handle. “Do you need me, Your Highness?”

“No, he doesn’t need you, fish face. Go,” Athtar roared.

Somewhat to Rastrath’s surprise, Marious still waited for his nod before scurrying away. He wouldn’t have blamed the man for running. Athtar was an imposing sight anywhere, but compared to the diminutive Sheraens, he was a giant. Over seven feet of heavily muscled, blue-skinned warrior, his bare chest covered only by his weapons harness, he looked like a savage god come to life. The runic tattoos covering his chest and the multitude of braids twisting through his long white blond hair only added to the effect.

“Was that really necessary?” Rastrath asked.

“I’ve no time to waste with fools. Or worthless royal scum.”

“And I’ve no patience for impudent dogs who don't know their places.”

Pleasantries exchanged, they grinned and slapped each other’s back, Rastrath trying not to flinch from the blow.

“What’s all the fucking secrecy about?” Athtar demanded.

With a glance at the closed door, he led the way out onto the balcony. Silently, the men looked out over the calm turquoise sea and the cluster of pink islands dotting the horizon.

“Nice place the feckless bastard left you.”

Rastrath shot him a surprised look and Athtar shrugged. “Too fucking peaceful to suit me, but it’s pretty enough.”

“The only thing that suits you is a dirty old freighter.”

“True enough.”

That dirty old freighter had been Rastrath’s home for almost two years. After receiving word, months after the fact, that his mother had died of a lingering sickness during which she hadn’t bothered to contact him, he had abandoned the Imperial Palace and taken a job on the first ship leaving the port. Athtar had spent the next six months beating the spoiled kid out of him and in the process, they had become friends. The captain hid a mountain of loyalty and intelligence behind his gruff facade and Rastrath knew that he could trust him.

“The reason you’re here,” he said, turning to his oldest and best friend, “is that someone has invented a device capable of destroying a planet.”

“Fuck me with a blunt spoon.”

“Exactly.”