Life returned to Ilse’s limbs, but not reality. She blinked, trying to clear her vision and the fog that clouded her mind. Her throat was dry, and her head pounded. Her skin itched. She tried to lift her hand to scratch her arm, but it wouldn’t cooperate. Frowning, she strained her neck to take in her body and then gasped. Cold shivers ran down her spine. She was spread-eagled and bound to a bed. Naked.

Jerking on the ropes that held her hands and feet, she suppressed a sob.

Don’t panic.

She inhaled deeply a couple of times.

Don’t panic. Don’t panic.

The tension only made her headache worse. What had happened? After calling Pete, Samuel had blindfolded and tied her up on Pete’s instruction, who’d said Frik was on his way to get her. Then the wall of the shack had fallen down and someone had injected her with something that had knocked her out.

Where was she? She took stock of the room. It was unlike anything she’d seen. The bed was circular, reflecting the domed ceiling. The mattress was so soft and comfortable it seemed to mold to her back. Everything was a clean, off-white color. Except for the bed, there were no other furnishings. Despite her resolution, panic gripped her. Who had taken her? What was he going to do to her?

The questions were still assaulting her mind when an opening appeared in the wall. Her mouth dropped open. What was this place? Then all of her disconcerting questions were answered in a frightening, shocking instant when an impossibly tall, muscled man stepped through the entrance.

Drako.

Her breath caught. Her heartbeat spiked, sending her pulse through the roof.

He gave her a lazy smile––the unfriendly kind––while advancing slowly to the bed. “You’re awake.”

He was taller than she remembered, or maybe he carried himself taller than what chains allowed. Slacks covered his legs, but his sleeveless T-shirt bared his shoulders. The wound was completely healed, not as much as a scar in sight. The improbability of a wound like that healing in such a way only made her anxiety climb.

She yanked on the restraints. “Let me go.”

He stopped at the foot end. Like his smile, there was nothing friendly in his voice. “How does it feel, Ilse?”

She tried to swallow away the dryness of her throat, but there was no saliva to alleviate the sandpapery burn.

“How does what feel?” she croaked.

“To be so helpless?”

She concentrated on not choking on her tears. “What are you going to do to me?”

Ever so slowly, he leaned over the bed, placing his hands on either side of her hips. Catching his weight on his arms, he lowered his upper body between her legs. He held her eyes as he dipped his head, his lips close enough to touch her core. A full-body shiver ran over her.

Hot air from his lips scorched her sex as he spoke. “What do you think?”

Reflexively, she tried to close her legs, which only invited a cruel chuckle from him.

“Please,” she whispered. “Don’t.”

“You’re at my mercy, now,” he said. “How does it feel, Ilse? Tell me.”

“I’m sorry! I didn’t have a choice.”

“You’re a liar,” he said with a sneer. “Everything that came out of your mouth was false, except for this.”

The way his eyes darkened from yellow to gold warned her of his intent. She thrashed in her constraints. God knew how many times she’d dreamt about his mouth on her, but not like this. Not for warped reasons.

“Drako, don’t.”

Ignoring her protest, he flicked out his tongue. Light like a feather, he drew the tip over her clit. She jerked at the contact. A flame of desire licked over her skin, instantly setting off a dull ache in the nub. Without giving her time to process the sensation, he pressed his tongue flat on her folds and licked her from top to bottom. What was supposed to be a protest came out as an embarrassingly needy whimper. Her thighs quivered as he repeated the action, dragging his tongue through her slit. Heat penetrated her pussy, making her shiver despite how frightened she was.

“Do you like that?” he asked with a humorless grin. “Or are you going to lie about it, too?”

Before she could reply, he lapped at her with two long strokes before clamping his teeth over her clit and licking the sensitive bundle of nerves like candy. This time, the flame spread like a wildfire through her body. Her breasts turned heavy and her nipples hard. Her folds throbbed with slick wetness coating them. She bit down hard on her lip to prevent a moan from escaping. She wanted to look away from him, not wanting him to see the effect he had on her in her eyes, but he held her gaze with an unspoken demand. His expression was dark with lust, but above all with satisfaction, the angry kind that came with retribution. By responding to him, she was giving him exactly what he wanted. Revenge. Her helplessness to stop her reaction turned her fear into anger.

“You lied to me, too,” she snapped.

Releasing her clit, he lifted his head a fraction. His eyes narrowed with a calculating look. “When did I ever tell you an untruth?”

“You said you wouldn’t bite.”

Some of the anger in his expression made way for guilt. “It wasn’t supposed to happen.” His gaze moved to her neck. “I would’ve used my technology to heal you and take away any discomfort, but I see the marks are already gone.” He smiled coldly. “I suppose you’re happy. At least you don’t have to cover your neck in shame.”

“What was that, anyway? Are you a vampire?”

“My species take pleasure from drinking blood, but only in small quantities.”

“Oh, great. You take pleasure from our pain.”

He flinched. “It wasn’t supposed to be painful. If done during intercourse, you will have more pleasure than you’ve ever felt.”

“I prefer not to have a repeat. It was horrible.”

“It won’t be next time,” he insisted.

“I fainted, and when I woke I couldn’t remember what had happened. No thanks. I’ll skip.”

He lifted another inch off her, his heat disappearing. “I went overboard, but that’s because I was starving, and I didn’t know all the facts. Next time, I’ll have better control.”

“Don’t count on it. As I said, there won’t be a next time.”

“We’ll see about that.”

“You can’t keep me here against my will.”

“I already am.”

“Untie me.” She scowled at him. “Give me my clothes.”

He laughed softly. “Sorry, little doll.” He placed his palm on her stomach, making her skin contract. “This time, the roles are reversed. You’ll stay naked, and I’ll decide what to do with you.”

He trailed his fingers over her mound to cup her sex. She was intensely aware of how wet she was from both arousal and his tongue.

“Is this what your government pays you for? To get wet for men?” He circled his thumb over her clit, dragging the pad through the discriminating evidence. “You’re trained much better than the first whore they sent.”

“I’m not a prostitute, and I’m not trained to get wet for men.”

His smile was pure evil. “Only for me?”

“No.” Damn. If he didn’t stop touching her she was going to come. She bit the inside of her cheek hard.

He stopped rubbing her clit only to flick his index finger over the nub. It was a matter of seconds.

“I beg to differ,” he said. “You’re always wet when you’re near me.”

She pulled on the ropes in frustration. “I’m not.”

Piercing her with his iron gaze, he abandoned her clit to drag his finger through her folds.

She wanted him to both stop and continue. Being so close to coming and needing the release with an intensity new to her was more than she could bear.

Triumphantly, he lifted his finger to her face. “See?” His eyes turned hard, mocking. “I guess you lied again.”

“You’re a bastard.” She suppressed a sob of humiliation. “Go on. Just do it.”

“Do what?”

“Do what I did to you so that I can get on with my life. That’s what you want, isn’t it? Revenge.”

He pushed to his feet. The last of his warmth evaporated, leaving her cold. “Oh, but you’re wrong, my little doll. It’s not revenge I want.”

“Then what?” she cried in frustration. “What do you want from me?”

His words were measured. “To finish what you’ve started.”

A chill ran over her. “Y-you mean like oral sex?”

His smile turned thin. “I mean sex.”

“S-sex? With you?” Her gaze slipped to the bulge in his pants. It would never work. It couldn’t fit. Was it even possible between their species?

“Fornication, coupling, banging, fucking. Do you need me to quote more terms?”

“No,” she whispered. “I get it.” She took a deep breath, trying not to hyperventilate. “Are you going to rape me?”

He gave her a hard look. “I’m not like you.”

Ouch. She guessed she deserved that. “I’m sorry, Drako. Really, I am. I wish you’d believe me.”

He turned his back on her and walked to the opening in the wall.

“Wait!” She didn’t want to be left here on her own with nothing but her frantic thoughts. “Just let me go. I won’t tell anyone, I swear.”

“You’ll go when I’m ready to let you go and not a second before.”

“If you think I’m going to have sex with you willingly, you’re mistaken.”

He chuckled. “Time will tell.”

A heavier thought struck her. What if his motives were darker than punishment for her actions? She knew who and what he was. If he set her free, he had no guarantee she wouldn’t talk.

She shuddered. “You’re not going to let me go, are you?”

Emotions flickered across his face. “Maybe not.”

There it was. The truth. She steeled herself with another shaky breath. She refused to show him her fear. “Sex isn’t going to happen, so you may as well kill me now.”

“I’m not going to kill you.”

“Why did you take me, Drako? Are you going to turn me into some kind of sex slave?”

“No,” he bit out.

“Then why keep me?”

“To save you.”

“From what?”

“It’s complicated.”

“From what?” she insisted. “If you’re not planning on letting me go, you may as well tell me.”

“Fine.” He took a step back to her. “You want the truth? The Krinar, my people, sent me on a mission to Earth. My goal was to determine if our species could live together in peace.”

Please don’t let it be what she was thinking. “You’re going to invade our planet.”

When he didn’t answer, her worst suspicion was confirmed. “Oh, my God. It’s true.”

He gave her a guilty look. “Nothing is certain.”

“You wanted to see how susceptible we are to sharing our habitat.” She gasped. “You’re going to tell your people to kill us.”

“After what your people did to me, what else do you expect? To say you’re kind and welcoming?”

“Not everyone is like Frik and Pete. I swear. Drako, you have to believe me. There are good people out there.”

“Like you?” he scoffed.

She averted her gaze. “I’m sorry for what I did to you, but it was the only way to save you.”

“Don’t lie to me more than you already have!”

As if the sight of her made him sick, he looked away from her with a sneer and stomped through the opening in the wall. It closed behind him in a beautiful finality of velvet-soft cream.

She didn’t know what was worse, being alone or with his dooming presence. He didn’t leave her for long. The wall reopened to reveal his imposing form. In his hand, he held a glass of water. With the worst of the shock being over, she took more time to study him. The fabric of his T-shirt and slacks were the same neutral color as the walls. It looked like linen, only softer. Everything seemed foreign. It made her throat close up with new alarm. What if he’d taken her to his planet?

She broke out in a cold sweat. “Where am I?”

He carried the glass to her. “Don’t fret. You’re still on Earth.”

She exhaled in relief. He stopped at the side of the bed, looking down at her with a broody expression. Miraculously, the ropes around her wrists and ankles started untying all by themselves. They curled and pulled, a slow dance of magic, as if invisible hands were manipulating them.

She stared at them in wonder. “Am I hallucinating?”

“It’s real,” he said in a clipped tone. “Move your arms.”

Obeying the order, she lifted an arm. He hadn’t lied. “How did you do that?”

“Krina technology.”

She pushed up on her elbows, but he placed a palm on her chest. “Slowly. You may be dizzy from the tranquilizer. Thirsty?”

She nodded.

He supported her neck and brought the glass to her lips. She drank until the glass was empty and licked the drop that ran over her lips.

“More?” he asked, following the movement of her tongue with his eyes.

“Please.”

“Stay there.”

He walked to the wall and disappeared through the opening, which this time didn’t close. She strained her neck to see around the opening, but could discern nothing but bright light that streamed from the other room. He returned shortly with a jug of water, refilling the glass and helping her to drink.

“Thank you,” she said when she’d had her fill.

“Water is free,” he said, “since that’s the one kindness you showed me, and so is the bathroom.”

“Free?”

His gaze remained cold. “Everything else you have to pay for.”

Her jaw dropped. “You want money?”

“No.” That icy gaze settled on her breasts. “We’ll negotiate terms.”

Vividly, she imagined those terms. She swallowed back an insult. There was no point in provoking him. She’d pretend to go along with his game and use whatever freedom he gave her to find a way to escape. Since the bathroom was free, she’d take that.

“I’d like to have a shower.” Every muscle in her body ached. She felt weak from the drug. A warm shower will make her feel better and help her gain back her strength.

“Through there.” He indicated the opposite wall.

Another opening appeared, revealing a bathroom with white fittings.

“How do you do that?”

“How it works doesn’t concern you.” He took a few steps away from the bed, giving her space. “Do you need help?”

She gave him a cutting look. “Not from you. I’ll manage.”

His yellow eyes turned hard. “As you wish.”

“Drako?”

“Yes?”

She wanted to thank him for saving her from Samuel, but since he only did it to kidnap her, she supposed gratitude wasn’t in order. Instead, she asked, “How did you find me?”

“Technology.”

“That doesn’t concern me?”

“Exactly.”

Before she’d blinked, he was gone, leaving the wall open behind him. If he wasn’t moving like a flash, he was stalking like a graceful predator, a prowler that matched his bloodthirsty trait.

From the way her legs were shaking and sweat beaded on her forehead, the drug was still strong in her system. She ignored the nausea. She wouldn’t be sick. Mind over matter. At least her body was hydrated. She sat up and swung her legs over the bed. Feeling dizzy, just as Drako had predicted, she got up slowly. The carpet was soft under her feet, the fibers massaging her soles. For a few seconds she stood still, enjoying the sensation. When she felt more stable, she made her way to the bathroom. Halfway there, her head started spinning. She reached for the wall, pushing one palm on the smooth surface and the other on her stomach. Inhaling deeply, she concentrated hard on not falling over or being sick all over Drako’s magic carpet.

A blur of movement flashed in her peripheral vision, and then Drako was at her side. The speediness of his actions only added to her disorientation, making her feel more light-headed.

“Ilse.” His hands fastened on her hips, burning like branding irons. “Come here.”

He scooped her up in his arms, cradling her against his chest.

Acutely aware of her nakedness, she pushed at his chest. “I’m fine.”

“Keep still,” he chastised. “I told you you’d be unstable.”

He carried her to the bathroom and lowered her onto a bench, which was strangely warm under her naked backside.

“Let me check you out.” He swept his hands over her shoulders and down her arms. “Where does it ache?”

“My head.” She touched her temple where pain was throbbing.

“The drug must’ve dehydrated you,” he mused. “What else?”

“Just a bit of dizziness and nausea.”

“You’re shivering. Are you cold?”

“A little.”

“You have a very susceptible nervous system to have such strong reactions. I’m sorry for the side-effects, but sedating you was the easiest way.”

She couldn’t keep the bitterness from her voice. “For you.”

He ignored the comment. “Wait here.”

“Where else am I going to go?”

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but shut it again. When he left the bathroom, she leaned against the cool wall, closing her eyes. As shivers continued to wrack her body, the wall seemed to adapt to her needs, turning warm. She had under-floor heating in her house, but she’d never experienced wall heating.

Drako’s voice spoke next to her. “You’ll be better in no time.”

She opened her eyes. She hadn’t heard him came back. The man really moved like a panther.

He cupped her neck. “Don’t be afraid. This won’t hurt.”

In his hand, he held a flat device the size of credit card. As he pointed it at her skull, she pulled away.

“What is that? What are you going to do to me?”

His thumb brushed over the nape of her neck. “Relax. I’m going to make you better.”

“Is this how you healed yourself?” She nodded at the device in his hand. “This is what you needed from your pod?”

He nodded. “Now, be quiet. Close your eyes.”

Deep inside, she believed him. She didn’t think he meant to harm her with the device. She tilted her head back, but kept her eyes open. Crouching in front of her, he angled the device at her forehead. A light came on and a red beam ran over her skin. The feeling was pleasantly tingling. In an instant, her headache disappeared. As he ran the beam over the length of her, every ache subsided. The fever vanished. The nausea made way for a healthy appetite. Every muscle relaxed. She felt revitalized, better than she’d felt in years.

“This is incredible,” she whispered. “How does it work?”

“Advanced nanotechnology. Better?”

“Much.”

He put the device aside. “You’re welcome.”

Instead of straightening, he remained crouched, bracing his hands on the bench on either side of her body. The color of his eyes intensified. A darker swirl of gold invaded the yellow until his irises were a deep, bronze color that seemed to come alive with fireworks. She couldn’t look away. His gaze dropped to her lips. The way he stared at her mouth as if he wanted to eat her alive made her relive the memory of their kiss. It had been unlike any kiss she’d shared. The thought alone brought her body to life, her stomach contracting with flutters. She pushed her knees together. He didn’t need to know how intense the reaction was he had on her. It would only put more power in his hands.

He abandoned his scrutiny of her lips to fix it on her breasts. His nostrils flared slightly. The direction in which his gaze shifted told her he knew exactly how turned on she was. She jumped when he gripped her knees and pulled her legs apart.

“What are you doing?”

All his attention honed in on the junction between her legs. He studied her unabashedly, just like he’d done the first day they’d met.

She strained against his hold. “Let go of me.”

“You shave,” he said, tilting his head to examine the landing strip trim.

“It’s called waxing,” she snapped. “Now let go. You’re looking at me as if you’re used to nothing.”

He smirked. “Oh, I’ve seen my share of vaginas, but yours is beautiful. So pink and tight.”

“I prefer not to discuss my vagina’s attributes with you.”

“I prefer to do a lot more than talking about how appealing your pussy is.” He pressed his thumb on her clit. “You’re wet.” His eyes twinkled, easing some of the dark lust of earlier. “Again.”

“It’s a natural reaction. Don’t flatter yourself.”

“I forgot. You’re trained to get like this.”

“Go to hell.”

He adjusted an impossibly huge hard-on, all the while massaging her clit in torturously slow circles. “I am in hell.”

This was a dangerous situation. The more he touched her, the wetter she got. It was impossible not for him to notice the moisture leaking onto the insides of her legs.

“I want my clothes,” she said defiantly.

“What are you willing to trade for them?”

“You’re not seriously going to play this game, are you?”

“I’m always serious, little doll.”

If she could’ve turned into a dragon, she would’ve spat fire. “You’re infuriating. Stop touching me.”

His thumb kept on teasing, working her into a tightly spun ball of desperate desire. Dear God, she was pathetic.

“An orgasm for your bra,” he said without blinking.

“You’re out of your mind.”

“It’s up to you.” He shrugged. “You can cover up your cute tits and the way your nipples turn harder than pearls every time I touch you or have dinner with me naked.”

Eating naked didn’t sit right with her. Not while ogling her like he was, making a visual meal of her body. Surely, she could handle one orgasm. Maybe after two, he’d give her back her panties, too.

“Fine.” She stopped fighting his hold and relaxed her legs, opening them wider. “Make it quick.”

He clicked his tongue. “Rush the first time you’re going to come for me? I don’t think so.”

Her cheeks heated, but she held her tongue.

Straightening, he offered her a hand. “Get up.”

“Why?” She was starting to panic again. “What’s wrong with here?”

“You’re going to watch your reaction in case you’re tempted to lie about it later and tell me you didn’t enjoy it.”

“I probably won’t. This isn’t a romantic situation. Just get it over with so I can have my clothes.”

He didn’t budge. He just stood there with his proffered hand.

Sighing, she put her palm in his and allowed him to pull her to her feet. He led her to a wall that opened to reveal a mirror. Out of nowhere, a plank appeared and drifted to them on the air, but she didn’t have time to express her surprise, as the plank shifted neatly under her ass and rose, lifting her feet an inch off the floor. She yelped, grabbing at Drako’s arms for support, but the floating seat was very stable and comfortable. Towering behind her, Drako dragged his hands over her shoulders down to her breasts. She gasped as he gripped her nipples and rolled them between his fingers. They extended further, turning even harder than before. The sensation echoed in her abdomen, sending more moisture to her folds. She caught Drako’s gaze in the mirror as he studied her face.

“Look at you,” he said. “Isn’t that pretty?”

She had to admit there was something erotic about watching the wicked work of his hands. Her breasts appeared heavier. Her cheeks were flushed, and her lips parted. It was hard to deny the ecstasy when it was written all over her face.

“See how beautiful you look when you’re wet?” he breathed in her neck.

He smoothed his hands over her stomach, down to her inner thighs. Dragging up his palms, he watched her intently as his fingers reached the apex of her sex. Lightly, he brushed them over her folds. She shivered. Her chest heaved with labored breaths.

“That’s right, little doll. I want to make you shake with pleasure.”

When he traced a finger over her slit, she closed her eyes and leaned her head back against his chest. A sharp pinch on her clit made her eyes fly open.

“Keep on watching,” he said. “I want you to see what you look like when I make you come. There’ll be no denying how much you enjoy it.”

He was right. There was no denying the sensations that ran through her body as he gently slipped the first digit of a finger inside. Moaning, she bit her lip.

“You can be loud,” he whispered, kissing her ear. “There’s no one here to hear but me.”

Turning his attention back to her face, he eased his finger all the way in. Her inner walls fluttered.

“More?” he said with an evil smile.

She managed nothing more than a whimper.

“That’s my doll.”

He kept on whispering words of praise and encouragement for her reaction as he started moving his finger, inviting louder moans and her body to writhe against his. With one arm clamped around her waist, he held her back to his stomach while adding another finger to the first. The fullness felt like heaven. She wanted to object and beg him not to stop at the same time. Already hot coils of pleasure twisted around her insides. She spread her legs wider, giving him better access.

“Yes, damn it all,” he hissed, his gaze slipping from her face to where he was conducting his sensual assault on her most sensitive parts.

The pad of his thumb pressed down on her clit. She was going to come undone.

“Drako.”

“Yes, Ilse. It’s me taking your pleasure. Only me.”

She cried out again as he picked up his pace, fucking her in all earnest with his fingers. She was helpless to prevent hot, intense pleasure from building inside her. She could stop it as little as she could stop the effect he had on her. Leaning back against him for support, she gave over to the sensations, allowing them to wrack her body. He flattened his hand, slapping the heel of his palm on her clit. Decadent, wet, spanking sounds filled the space. She gripped his hips, sinking her nails into the fabric of his slacks.

“Close?” he purred.

“Ah!” The brutality of the pleasure had her toes curl. “Mm-mm.”

Withdrawing his fingers abruptly, he lifted her to her feet and pushed her upper body down with a hand between her shoulder blades. At the brusque change of positions, she caught her weight with her hands on a plank that had appeared miraculously in front of her. A protesting sound escaped her throat at the loss of his touch, but he filled her quickly and fully by pressing three fingers into her from behind. The stretch added a scorching pressure, making her need climb quicker. He fucked her hard, making her body sway to the hammering rhythm of his hand.

“Drako,” she gasped.

His golden gaze lifted from her pussy to her face. “Show me.”

She did. Her expression contorted in a mask of intense ecstasy as her orgasm detonated, pulling her muscles tight. Her thighs quivered, and her arms shook as spasms rippled through her body. Through it all, Drako kept up his harsh pace until she couldn’t stand it any longer. Unable to do as much as speak coherently, she could only utter a protesting moan, shaking her head meekly. In the far-off corners of her mind, there was embarrassment for her distorted features and the way she chewed her lip to prevent herself from screaming, but she was too consumed with the sensations coursing through her body to give it another thought.

Only after several long seconds did Drako finally stop. Her body went limp. He had to catch her around the waist to prevent her from sliding to the floor. She was breathing hard, but so was he. The frightening length of his hard-on pressed against her backside as he leaned over her, pressing a kiss to her shoulder.

“Perfect,” he whispered, “like I knew you’d be.”

She hung her head in shame, unable to meet his eyes.

“Look at me,” he demanded.

The uncompromising tone made her lift her head. His golden eyes met hers in the mirror.

“You loved that.”

She didn’t answer. She didn’t have to. It had been obvious, but Drako wasn’t content with her silence.

He gripped her hair into a ponytail, giving a soft yank. “Tell me you loved it.”

She gave him a defiant stare. “You know I did.”

“Tell me,” he insisted.

He wasn’t going to give up. He was much too obstinate when he had a point to prove. Anyway, her face had already given it all away. What difference would admitting it with words make?

“I liked it.”

He chuckled. “That’s rather mild. You can do better than that.”

He was such an arrogant bastard. “Fine. I loved it. Happy?”

“How much?”

She wiggled in his grip, trying to duck under his arms, but he only tightened his hold.

“How much, little doll?”

“A lot!” She added angrily, “Wasn’t that obvious?”

“Yes, but I like hearing you say it.”

He released her hair to drag his fingers over her scalp. “How about that shower, now?”

God, yes. She needed to escape their intimacy.

He indicated the shower booth. “Take your time.”

Thankfully, he left her to her privacy, giving her time not only for her grooming, but also to come to terms with what had happened. How easily she’d surrendered to him. He’d won this round, and she had a feeling he was going to win a whole lot more. With a weary sigh, she pushed away from the plank. Her body felt bruised in a good way, an experience she hadn’t had in a long time. Dragging herself to the shower, she took a minute to figure out the controls. She was still trying to come to grips with an overly complicated system when the booth closed around her, encasing her in glass. She pressed on the walls in a fit of terror. The smaller the booth got, the faster her heart beat. She dragged her nails over the glass, looking for a seal or a door. When vapor poured from ventilation holes, obscuring her vision and preventing her from breathing, she lost it.

She hammered her fists on the walls. “Drako!”

She tried to suck in a breath, but there was only humidity. She was going to be smothered to death.

Choking, she banged her palm on the glass. “Drako! Please let me out.”

The vapor became denser, the fog obscuring not only her sight, but also the little reason she was hanging onto.

Keep calm. Don’t panic.

Repeating the mantra didn’t help. Shit, she was going to black out. She focused on her breathing, clinging to reason, but then something inside of her snapped. She fought like an animal in a cage, clawing for freedom.

“Please, please,” she panted. “No more. Please.”

The vapor stopped, but she was too far gone to calm down. Hot air blew over her body and a sweet perfume filled the space. She just wanted out. Sobbing, she sunk to her knees, her palms pressed on the walls that kept on shrinking.

Drako came charging into the room, his eyes wild when they fixed on her. In a second, the capsule opened, cool air washing over her. She caught her weight on her hands, gulping air into her starved lungs.

“Crute.” In a flash, he was in front of her, picking her up in his arms. “It’s all right, Ilse. You’re all right.” He pressed her face to his broad chest and carried her to the bedroom. Sitting down on the edge, he cradled her in his lap. “Zut. What happened?”

“I-I…” She battled to speak through her violent sobs.

“Shh.” He stroked her hair. “You’re safe. I’ve got you.”

He rocked her gently, his arms firm around her but not too tight. Eventually, his cooing words and soothing paid off, leaving her feeling slightly better and totally embarrassed.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize.” He kissed the top of her head. “Just tell me what happened.”

“The shower. It closed in on me.”

“Yes?” He frowned at her, as if her words were a mystery to him.

“I couldn’t breathe. I was drowning.”

“Of course you could breathe. You must’ve panicked. Do you suffer from a phobia?”

“I have a bit of claustrophobia.”

“A bit?” He raised an eyebrow, a soft smile curving his lips.

“All right. A lot. I’m terrible with small spaces.”

“I’m sorry, sweetheart.” He nuzzled her temple. “I should’ve asked or at least have explained. It’s an intelligent shower, but if it makes you nervous I’ll construct something more traditional for you, something you’re used to.”

She stared at him in surprise. “You’d do that for me?” Wouldn’t that be difficult and time-consuming? How long was he planning on playing this game?

“The idea isn’t to torture you,” he said, the warmth of his gaze chilling by several degrees. “I don’t derive pleasure from making people suffer like humans do.”

“Drako,” she pleaded. “Not all humans are the same.”

He dropped her to her feet. “In my experience, they are.” All the distant coldness from earlier was back. He lifted her bra from the bed. The strap swinging from his finger, he held it to her. “Take it. You earned it.”

Heat rose to her cheeks. Awkwardly, she reached for the scrap of lace. He didn’t grant her privacy to fit it, but stood gawking while she pulled the straps over her shoulders and reached behind her back for the clasp. His eyes changed from winter-yellow to summer-gold as she adjusted the lace cups over her curves. Disconcertingly, the color didn’t revert to its natural state, but remained dark and intense for the rest of the day.

* * *

The joke was on him. Drako watched Ilse as she padded through the living space, dressed only in that piece of lace that pushed her breasts higher and made the curves spill over the fabric. He longed to suck her hard little nipples into his mouth as much as he craved another taste of her blood, but he’d have to negotiate for it. His little doll wasn’t giving anything freely. Not yet. Unlike her, he wouldn’t take anything without her consent.

He crossed his arms as he studied her, frustration mounting with the painful hard-on in his pants. The combination of her naked pussy and ass with her concealed breasts was all the more enticing. The flesh hidden from him was a tease, one he barely resisted. He fought with every ounce of reserve he possessed not to flick that lace down and expose her perfect, bouncy flesh. She walked around the room, trailing her fingers over the wall, a frown marring her brow and her lip caught between her teeth. No doubt she was worrying her mind about where she was and when he’d set her free. Guilt stabbed at him, but he suppressed it. This wasn’t a tenth of what she and her compatriots had made him suffer.

She turned to face him, and he couldn’t help but stare at the delicate folds of her pussy the short-trimmed pubic hair didn’t conceal. His mouth watered. His cock jerked in response. If he didn’t find something to keep his hands busy, he was going to pounce on her, spread her legs, and devour her. Several times in a row.

The kitchen could prepare a meal on a voice command, but he opted for manual labor, needing the distraction. Turning his back on her, he took ingredients from the fridge. He’d stocked up with vegetables from her planet. She might need time to get accustomed to the Krina food types. Soon, the fragrance of a vegetable stir-fry filled the space. He smiled when she neared, sniffing with appreciation.

“Can I help?” she asked shyly.

“No.” He pointed at a floating stool by the island counter. “You’re my guest.”

Her tone changed from uncertain to cocky. “Guest or prisoner?”

He only flashed her a smile over his shoulder. Sarcasm wouldn’t work on him. When the food was ready, he dished up a hearty portion and carried the plate to the counter. Dipping the fork into the food, he took a bite and hummed his approval. Scrumptious.

The way her eyes widened and she subconsciously licked her lips made his smile grow bigger.

He dabbed a napkin to his mouth. “Hungry?”

She should be. On cue, her stomach growled. She didn’t ask, though. Pride, he guessed, prevented her.

He leaned his arms on the counter. “What are you prepared to give me in return for a bite?”

Her blue eyes flared. “You can’t be serious.”

“Why wouldn’t I be? I took an orgasm for your bra. How about you let me make a meal out of your pussy in exchange for this meal?” He pushed the plate toward her. “Doesn’t that sound fair?”

Her nostrils quivered. “Nothing about this is fair.”

“Neither was locking me up, torturing me, and stealing my sperm.”

She looked away.

He gripped her chin and forced her face back to his. “It’s no big deal. All you have to do is hop onto this counter, spread your legs, and a lovely meal awaits you.”

She jerked from his hold. “You’re a bastard.”

“So you’ve said.”

“I hate you.”

“Now, that’s new.”

“I suppose the feeling is mutual, or you wouldn’t be doing this.”

“Hate is a strong word for what I feel for you.”

“What do you feel for me?”

“Let’s just say the dominating feeling is lust.”

“You hope to satisfy it by finishing what I started?”

“Exactly.”

“Then you’ll let me go?”

“When I’m satiated and I’ve worked you out of my system, yes.”

“Why me?”

“You did something to me in that cell where your lover kept me.”

“He’s not my lover.”

“Stop lying!”

“Drako, you have to listen to me.”

“Stop.” He held up his hands. “No more lies.”

Her chest heaved with a sigh. “You want to bite me while having sex, don’t you? Is this what you’re referring to every time you talk about finishing what I’ve started? This is what it’ll take for you to let me go?”

He couldn’t deny it. There was no point in wasting words. Fear sparked in her eyes as the truth was laid on the table, naked and flawed. There was nothing right about what he wanted, except he couldn’t turn his back on her and walk away.

“There’s no need to rush into it,” he said. “We’ll take baby steps, starting with you spreading your legs for my tongue.”

She gave him a hard look. “Is there no end to your perverseness?”

“Not where you’re concerned, it seems.”

Lust ate at his patience. His control was hanging by a thread. Hoping to speed her decision along, he lifted her onto the counter and pushed her legs apart. Her pussy lips were swollen and glistening with moisture.

“You’re not put off by my proposal. Unlike your mouth, your pussy doesn’t lie.”

A war raged in her eyes. He could almost see the moral debate taking place in her mind. There was only one outcome to that debate. He had to have his way. He had to, if he wanted to walk away with his sanity intact. She’d eventually give him what he wanted, and they’d part ways. He’d go back to his life before the deceitful temptress had come along, once more finding peace in his work, and she’d go to live with Kahvissar. She’d be saved from both her government and the Krinar’s conviction. Logically, it was the perfect solution. Only, that last part, the part where she lived with Kahvissar, chafed on his gut. It was a shard of glass under his skin. For now, he didn’t pause to analyze it, not while her pussy was presented to him all wet and ready.

Placing a hand on her chest, he pushed her down gently, praying she wouldn’t resist. “You can close your eyes, this time, if it’ll be easier.”

For two more seconds, her body remained tight, but then her muscles relaxed, and her legs fell open.

“Good little doll,” he cooed, lightheaded from the rush of blood to his brain and cock.

He didn’t waste time on making good on her non-verbal agreement while the offer lasted. His doll was temperamental. Who knew how long before her resistance flared again, denying him the sweet treat between her legs?

Her head was turned to the side, her eyes closed. He intended on keeping his open. He didn’t want to miss a thing. Memories of the first and last time he tasted her pussy, mere hours ago, almost drove him to the brink of insanity. Gripping her thighs firmly, he laid into the meal. This time, there was no holding back. Dragging his tongue through her folds, he lapped up her sweetness. The taste made him heady. All for him. He speared into her heat, sucking and kissing until his cock was ready to blow. He latched onto her clit, pinching the nub with his lips while licking with his tongue. Beautiful sounds exploded from her chest. They told him what he wanted to hear, that she wanted this. Her back arched off the counter, pushing her deeper into his mouth. He growled against her flesh, sucking her harder and devouring her with his eyes. Crute, the way she reacted to him was hot. Her movements and whimpers increased in intensity and volume, telling him she was close.

“Yes,” he said, digging his fingers into the soft flesh of her ass. “Come for me.”

She came with a loud cry, her legs gripping his face. She wasn’t going anywhere, but he held her ass firmly, making sure she couldn’t escape his lips and tongue. When she fell limp, her body shaking in a tantalizing way that made him realize both what power he had and how vulnerable she was, he petted her clit with long, slow strokes of his tongue, prolonging the aftershocks that contracted her abdomen. Immense satisfaction burst through him, even more satisfying than the physical need this woman evoked in him. Slowly, he eased up, enjoying the way her chest rose and fell with violent breaths and how her skin glistened with perspiration. He was the cause of those reactions, and he wanted to be the last to evoke these feelings in her.

Opening her eyes, she stared at him with a drowsy look. Satisfied. He barely suppressed a grin. If she hadn’t needed nourishment, he would’ve taken her straight back to bed for more negotiations.

“Come here.” Pulling her into a sitting position, he kissed her long and hard.

The flavors of her mouth and body exploded in his senses. If he wasn’t careful, he’d get addicted to her. With much effort, he broke the caress. Positioning her in his lap, he started feeding her, bite by bite, alternating them with sips of water, until she assured him she couldn’t eat more. The simple act of taking care of her filled him with warmth he’d never felt before. Yes, Kahvissar had been right. Humans were addictive. Caution was most definitely advised.

He finished the rest of the food and set the empty plate aside. His thumb played over the tender flesh of her temple. “Would you like to rest or perhaps engage in an activity? You could read or watch a movie.”

“Are you going to be here?”

“Of course. Where else would I go?”

“I don’t know. I was hoping…”

“That I’d leave you alone so you can try and escape?”

Her cheeks flushed.

“Rest assured, little doll, there is no way out of here, so don’t waste your energy.” Since she wasn’t going to decide, he’d make up her mind for her. At his voice command, a shelf in the wall slid open and a book drifted toward them. He caught it in mid-air.

“Here you go. Alien Invasion. According to your media, it’s the latest bestseller.” He winked. “I thought you might enjoy it.”

She snatched the book from his hand. Obviously, she didn’t find it funny. A plank drifted into position. Grudgingly, she sat down. Looking down at her, she made a beautiful sight. Her upper curves of her breasts were on display, as well as her toned stomach and legs. The only problem with the picture was that her legs were crossed.

“Open your legs for me, Ilse.”

Her look was cutting. “Are we negotiating, again? What is it this time? You require a prime view in exchange for the book?”

“The book was a gift. It’s simply a request.”

“You’re asking?”

“Yes. Nicely.”

“Why? You’ve seen me enough times already.”

“A thousand times and a million more will never be enough.”

“I want the rest of my underwear.”

“Your panties, you mean.”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“The way you look at me makes me uncomfortable.”

“I guess you better get used to it, because a lot of looking is going to happen between now and…” He couldn’t finish the sentence, couldn’t say, when I let you go.

She left the book on the plank and shifted to the edge. “I tell you what. How about if I do this?” Reaching for his slacks, she untied the drawstring. “Will this earn me the rest of my underwear?”

Crute, yes. He clenched his jaw, trying to contain his lust. “Are you doing the negotiation, now?”

“You bet.”

She pushed the slacks over his hips, setting his cock free. It wasn’t the first time she was doing this, but felt like a novelty, all the same. It didn’t come without a tinge of bitterness at the memory of the last time she’d given him oral sex. Pushing the recollection aside, he focused on the present hotness of her mouth and the skillfulness of her tongue as she sucked him into oblivion and to places he was better off not going.

* * *

Ilse was laying on the plank with her head in Drako’s lap, reading, or mostly pretending to read, while he played with her hair and worked on something embedded in his palm. The closest she came to a term for the astonishing phenomenon was a tablet or smartphone.

“Are you an explorer?” she asked.

He lowered his hand to look at her. “I suppose you could put it like that.”

“Have you been on many explorations?”

“Some.”

“To where?”

“Far-off galaxies.”

“Were you searching for habitable planets?”

“I’m not a biologist or a geologist. I’m more of an adventurer.”

“What does that mean?”

“I test new terrains for extreme sports.”

“What about here? Why were you sent to Earth?”

“It was a once-off mission to investigate things of a more intangible nature.”

“Like the probability of peaceful coexistence.”

“Yes.”

“When are you giving your decision about Earth to your leaders?”

“I already have.”

A lump lodged in her throat. “What have they decided?”

“The Council is sitting in a month. They’ll make their decision then.”

“Based only on your feedback?”

“Based on various data they’ve captured over the centuries, and yes, on my feedback.”

“Centuries?”

“Our species came from way back, long before we planted life on your planet.”

“How does your lifespan compare to ours?”

“It doesn’t.”

“How old do you get on average? A hundred years? Give me an average figure.”

“There’s no figure.”

She reflected for a while. The implication sounded ridiculous. “You live forever?”

That sounded silly. He was going to think her naïve. She couldn’t help but laugh at herself.

He didn’t return her laugh. He was dead serious when he said, “Yes.”

She went completely still. Her heart skipped a beat. “You’re not joking.”

He threaded his fingers through her hair, seeming to sense her need for comfort at the shocking news.

“I’m not,” he said gently.

“I see.” She swallowed. “How old are you, Drako?”

“Not so old. Barely over five hundred Earth years.”

She jerked into an upright position, dropping the book. “Five hundred years?”

He bent to retrieve the book. “That’s what I said.”

“Oh, my God.” She pressed a hand to her chest.

“There are no diseases on Krina,” he explained, “and as you’ve seen, we can heal any wound. It doesn’t mean we’re indestructible. Like any living creature, if injured critically, we will die.”

“Wow, I don’t know how to deal with what you’ve just told me.”

“I can appreciate how overwhelming it must seem.”

“Our planet can profit immensely from your technology. If you can cure any disease––”

“Your planet isn’t ready.” He pushed her aside and got to his feet. “In any event, it’s not my or any Earthling’s decision to make.”

“Drako, you have to talk to them. If there is an advanced race out there, why would they refuse to help us?”

He stalked to the far end of the room. “Let’s see, Ilse. Maybe because you don’t deserve it?”

She jumped up, following him. “What happened to you was horrible and wrong. I’m the first one to admit it. Please believe me when I say I don’t work for those agents. They brought me to you to treat your wounds.”

He clenched his fists, the golden color of his eyes turning into frosted yellow. “You participated in their experiments. I know exactly how much they paid you. One million. Isn’t that right?”

“I did what I had to do to win time. If not, they were going to kill you.”

“Spare me your lies,” he hissed. “I’m not interested in your false justifications.”

Frustration turned into anger. “Just in my blood. That’s why I’m really here. Admit it.”

The one minute he was standing at the opposite side of the room, and the next he was in front of her. “Yes, I want your blood,” he said through clenched teeth. “I never lied about it.”

“If that’s what it’ll take to get me out of here, just do it.” She tilted her head to the side, exposing her neck.

“You’ve got to be damn sure about this, my brave little doll, because once we go down that road, I won’t be able to stop.”

“Do it!”

He moved closer, his breath hot on her face. “So impatient. All you have to do is ask.”

“What are you waiting for?” she challenged.

“Take off your underwear and lie down on the bed.”

“You don’t have to romance me,” she snapped. “There’s no need to pretend this is anything other than bloodthirsty lust. Just take me on the floor like the common whore you accuse me of being or better yet against the wall.”

His laugh was cold. “It’s got nothing to do with romance and everything with practicality. This is going to last for hours. I doubt you’ll stand on your feet for that long, especially not with what I have in mind for your body.”

A little of her bravery slipped. The last time he’d bitten her hadn’t been pleasant. She hated the black void in her memory and not knowing what had happened. Not being in control or cognizant scared her.

“Not so brave, anymore?” he asked.

Screw him. “Fine. How do you want me?” she asked tartly. “On my back or on my knees?”

“We’ll start on your back,” he said, jerking the T-shirt over his head.

Her mouth turned dry at the sight of him. True, he was deliciously hard, a perfect male specimen, but he was also impossibly big. His weight alone could crush her. What if he drained her? There was no Frik or Pete to save her this time.

She wet her dry lips. “What if you go overboard?”

“However difficult it is to maintain control around you, I swear I won’t take more than a sip. I’ve learned my lesson, and I’m wiser for it.”

When he reached for his slacks, her courage almost failed her, while a shameful part of her wanted this. She wanted him inside of her as badly as she needed her freedom. The reason why she needed her freedom throbbed painfully inside her heart. She might not be the traitor he accused her of being, but she would be once she warned the world about the pending danger. How could she stand back and let Drako’s leaders destroy mankind because of a few, twisted agents? If she didn’t deserve his wrath now, she would later. She might as well take her punishment. The thought hurt more than she’d expected.

He dropped his slacks and stepped out of them. His erection jutted at her, inviting both desire and trepidation.

Taking his cock in his hand, he pumped twice. “If you want to back out, now is the time.”

She lifted her chin. “I’m ready.”

“Good.” He scooped her into his arms. “So am I.”