Drako carried Ilse with brisk strides to the bedroom, placing her in the middle of the mattress. The bed immediately started doing its magic, massaging her tense muscles.

His gaze was dark with hunger as he pushed open her legs and climbed between them. He hooked a finger under the elastic of her bra. There was a tearing sound, and then the bra fell open.

“Wait.” She exhaled nervously. “If I give you this, you have to let me go.”

His jaw bunched. “You want to be rid of me this badly?”

“I don’t want to be your prisoner.”

“Fine. You won’t be.”

“What about diseases or birth control?”

“Krinar don’t have diseases, and I can’t make babies with you.”

“You’re infertile?”

“Our sperm isn’t compatible with humans.”

“Oh. Shouldn’t we talk about––”

She was going to say conditions, but he crushed his mouth to hers, spearing her lips with his tongue. He wasted no time in devouring her with a kiss. There was no going slow or practicing caution. He took her mouth as if he owned it, stroking the depths with his tongue and nipping at her lips with his sharp teeth. The kiss worked her into a frenzy of desire and wet need. Long before he abandoned her lips to attack her breasts, her ankles were locked around his ass, her pelvis grinding against his. With every move of her hips, he growled, the sound sending vibrations over her skin. He plumped up her breast in his hand and drew her nipple deep into his mouth. She yelped at the bite of pain. He let go with a pop, laving at the soreness he’d inflicted.

“So delicious,” he muttered. “I can eat you all day.”

She hoped he didn’t mean it too literally, but she had no time to contemplate her uncertainty or fear, as his tongue trailed a path over her stomach to her pubic bone, making her shake with delicious anticipation. At the apex of her sex, he tortured her with soft licks and gentle suckles until she was begging for more.

“Please, Drako.”

“I told you, all you have to do is ask.”

“Let me come.”

“That’s exactly my intention.”

His fingers played at her entrance. She moaned as he inserted one, then two, and three fingers.

“I want you,” she panted. “Give me more than your hand.”

“I have to prepare you,” he said, biting down gently on her mound.

He brought her to the edge, but didn’t give her enough to send her over. She was whimpering in frustration, but understanding that he was being considerate, making sure she was ready to take the size of his cock.

When the broad head of his cock finally prodded at her entrance, her courage almost failed her for a second time. No matter how wet she was or how long he’d fucked her with his fingers, she’d never truly be prepared. He shifted his hips, tilting them up until the crest of his shaft eased inside her. Her muscles resisted. It was too much. Too big. The stretch burned. Her inner walls clamped down on the invasion, trying to expel it.

“Relax,” he said. “Let me in.”

She pinched her eyes shut and tried to do as he’d asked, but it took great effort to slide his cock another inch inside her with still so many inches left. She shook her head. “It’s not going to work.”

“Shh.” He kissed her lips. “We’ll make it work. Look at me.”

She opened her eyes to see the determination in his as well as tenderness and care. He was administering great control. She could see it in the way his arms shook and a muscle ticked in his jaw.

“Put your hands on my shoulders.”

She only realized how badly she’d needed to hold onto him when she’d complied.

“That’s my girl.”

Holding his cock perfectly still, he rewarded her with a long, soft kiss. By the time he tore his lips from hers, her inner muscles had adjusted to his size, giving him easier entry.

“Zut. Yes.”

He slipped deeper, the earlier pain returning.

“Drako, it hurts.”

He gripped her nipple and pinched, drawing her attention to another part of her body. The sharp sensation wasn’t all painful. It mixed with pleasure to make her ache with carnal need. Her clit throbbed, and her folds swelled more, turning her passage slicker.

“Ah, yes,” he groaned. “Zut, you’re tight.”

His next words warned her his fucking was about to turn intense.

“I’m sorry, Ilse.”

Drawing out until only the head of his cock was lodged inside her, he slammed back, tearing through sensitive tissue and setting every internal nerve ending on fire. She dug her nails into his shoulders.

Groaning, he kissed her lips. “The worst is over. I’m going to make this good for you. I promise.”

She bit her lip. It was all she could do not to cry out. He was buried inside her as deep as he could go. Their groins were touching, his balls pressed flat against her ass. His hips jerked, but he gnashed his teeth and kept still. Holding his weight on one hand, he moved the other between their bodies, finding her clit. He wasn’t gentle. He massaged the nub hard and fast, quickly bringing her back to the edge. Her channel relaxed, the inner muscles turning soft.

“That’s it.” He kissed her again and again. “You’re doing so well.”

“Drako.” She clung to him, not wanting him to stop and frightened for him to carry on. Whatever was happening, it was going someplace deep and dark, someplace she’d never been.

“I’ve got you, little doll.”

He did. She believed it. The minute she gave over to the knowledge, his kissing turned fierce. He pulled out and pounded into her. The force would’ve shifted her right across the bed had he not been holding onto her hip. His fingers dug into her flesh. He pumped into her, hard and fast. The ache in her core wasn’t all pleasure. There was pain, too, but the good kind, the kind that would leave memorable bruises. Right now, she couldn’t care. All she could care about was letting go, coming undone under and around him and marveling at his invasion, wishing him to take more.

“More,” she whispered, giving voice to her desire.

His picked up his pace. Grabbing her wrists, he kissed first one then the other before placing them above her head.

“I love looking at you like this,” he gritted out, “splayed out for me.”

The air left her lungs every time he thrust his cock into her.

“Mine,” he groaned. “Your very breath is mine.”

She couldn’t contest it, not when he owned the moment, her ecstasy, and everything that came with it, which was going to be her orgasm, too, in the next few seconds.

“I’m…” She gasped for breath.

His voice was animalistic. “Now?”

Suddenly, his pace slowed. His kiss turned gentle. He dragged his lips along her jaw and down the column of her neck. Her body tightened as his teeth scraped over her skin. She turned rigid, bracing herself for the pain.

The sky exploded, and she was sucked into a vortex of excruciating pleasure. Her scream had to have torn into that universe of unbearable ecstasy, but nothing was coherent save for the orgasm that wouldn’t let her go. On and on it went, dragging her deeper, making her come harder. In and out of that darkness she floated. Drako’s grunts and cries of pleasure accompanied her at times, and at others there was only the buzzing in her ears. Always there were his arms around her, holding her safe.

When she thought she’d die from it, that she couldn’t take more, she tried to protest, but her teeth chattered too much to speak. Trembles wracked her body.

“P-please make it stop.”

She couldn’t be sure, but she thought that begging voice belonged to her. The one who answered was the master of her pleasure, the owner of her fate.

“It’s a long night, still. Hold on for me, little doll. I’m not done with you, yet.”

* * *

Light infiltrated the room. It was artificial, but Drako thought it better to maintain light during the natural Earth day and darkness during the night. It would mess less with Ilse’s metabolism and brain patterns. He looked down at the woman who slept with her head on his chest, her thigh thrown over his groin. His dick grew hard. Last night was indescribable. In his lifespan he’d had his fill of sexual partners, but it had never been like this, both stroking a deep physical and emotional need. It was as if this human woman was made for him. If anything, last night had only stoked his desire. He’d never get enough. A dark thought dowsed the pleasurable afterglow that relaxed not only his body, but also his mind. He’d promised to let her go. How could he do that after last night? She’d leave an aching hole in his chest.

Unable to resist the temptation, he pulled the sheet down her body, only to still.

“Zut,” he muttered.

His heart picked up with an uneven beat, his throat pulling tight. Fury at himself coiled through his stomach, twisting his gut into a knot. Bruises in the shape of fingerprints marked her neck, back, hip, and thigh. There were blue marks on her slender wrist. He’d reminded himself to be gentle with her, remembering how easily he’d pulled a man three times her size apart. Seething with self-directed anger, he eased out from under her. The fact she didn’t stir only concerned him more. She had to be exhausted. Standing over the bed, he stared at her body. If this was what she looked like on the outside, she had to have bruises on the inside.

A voice command brought the nano-healer to him. It was best he fixed her before she woke to this battered state. She’d never trust him again, if he even deserved her trust. With the task done, he left her to rest while he took care of breakfast and fabricating a new bra for the one he’d destroyed last night.

The omelet was just about done when she walked into the kitchen, the sheet draped around her body. She gave him a shy but glowing smile.

“Hey.”

“Hi.” He left the spatula on the counter to wrap his arms around her, inhaling the fragrance of her skin. He watched her closely. “How do you feel?”

“Good.” Her cheeks turned a pretty pink. “Great, actually.”

Inwardly, he sighed with relief. “What do you remember from last night?”

“Almost everything. Although, I think I blacked out, again.”

He brushed a stray strand of hair from her cheek. “You did.” Kissing her gently, he teased her tongue with the tip of his, enjoying her taste. Food. She needed to eat. With much difficulty, he set her aside.

She averted her eyes, toying with the edge of the sheet. “You said you’d let me go.”

The notion stabbed him right in the heart. He put two steps between them.

“You should eat.” He served the omelet on a plate and put it in front of her. “After last night, you need fuel.”

A smile flirted with her lips. “There’s no negotiation this time?”

“No.” The word came out harshly. “Our game is over.”

“Wow.” Something like hurt flashed in her eyes. “You sure got over it fast.”

“We made a deal. I stick to my promises.”

“All right,” she said slowly. “So, you will let me go?”

“Yes. Just not now. Eat up.”

“Wait. What? What do you mean not just now?”

“Our time together isn’t up, yet.”

“You didn’t mention a timeframe last night.”

“You didn’t ask.”

“Don’t throw technicalities in my face. We made a deal. You said you’d honor it.”

“I will.” He added, “When the time is right.”

“When might that be?”

“Sooner than you think, but maybe not quite as soon as you hope.”

“Stop being vague.”

“Enough! I don’t want to talk about it any longer. If it’s the biting that concerns you, you needn’t be. I won’t take your blood again.”

She almost seemed dejected. “I thought you liked it.”

“I more than liked it. Loved it doesn’t even come close to describing it. I guess adored would be as close as I could come in your human language. That’s the problem. It’s too damn good. If we do it too often, both of us will become addicted.”

The delicate skin of her neck rippled as she swallowed. “I see.”

“Eat now. Your food is getting cold.”

“What about you?”

“I don’t need to feed or sleep as often as you.” With that, he stalked from the room.

While Ilse ate in the kitchen, Drako paced the living space. The idea of setting her free had him on edge more than he’d ever imagined. It turned him into an animal who wanted to protect his territory. He didn’t enjoy the primal feelings. It made him nothing but barbaric. He was still sifting through his emotions, trying to force logic into the equation––yes, letting her go to Kahvissar made perfect sense, but it didn’t mean he liked it––when she reentered the room, still wearing his bed sheet. She looked like she was walking on eggs.

“Thank you,” she said softly. “The breakfast was delicious. I didn’t realize how starved I was.”

Just like that, he melted. His heart softened. “You’re welcome.”

He lifted the new bra and panties he’d made with the Krina technology from the table and offered it to her.

“For me?” She reached for the undergarments tentatively.

“To replace the one I destroyed yesterday.”

“Oh. Thanks.”

“Is there anything else you would like?”

Her look was hopeful. “Anything?”

“Yes, anything.”

“A dress?” She bit her lip, staring at him in expectation.

Ah, zut. How can he deny her anything when she looked so gorgeous and so damn vulnerable? “Sure. Go ahead and use the bathroom. Your dress will be ready when you’re done.”

She hesitated, not heading for the door.

“What is it, little doll?” He needed her to know she could ask him anything. He didn’t want her to be scared of him or doubt that he’d grant any reasonable request.

“Um, what you do want in return for the dress?”

“Nothing.”

Her eyes grew large, the blue set off by her new, shiny black hair. “You were serious when you said the game’s over. What has changed?”

“You’ve earned everything you want. You deserve anything you may wish for.”

“Because of last night?”

Because he was tired of playing this game. He didn’t want to punish her, any longer. He just wanted to be with her and forget the past and the future for a few days. He wanted whatever she was willing to give freely, not by manipulation or negotiation.

He nodded in the direction of the bathroom. “Go have your shower. I’ve changed the system to one you’re used to, one that will stress you less.”

She clutched the underwear to her chest. “When did you have time to do that?”

“While you were sleeping this morning.”

“You remodeled a bathroom in a morning?”

“Enough of the questions. Go before I change my mind.”

Her smell was much too tantalizing. He’d only just repaired her. He didn’t want to tear her, again.

For once, she obeyed immediately and without question. She scurried away, leaving him impossibly hard and hopelessly frustrated.

When she got back to the lounge, a dress waited for her on one of the floating planks. She reached out to touch it, but probably thought the better of it, because she retracted her hand and looked at him instead. “May I?”

“Go ahead. It’s for you.”

His chest warmed with that familiar feeling he was fast getting used to at the sight of her obvious pleasure.

“It’s so soft,” she exclaimed.

“Try it on,” he said with a smile.

Arms crossed, he stood watching her, taking joy in the simple act.

She pulled the dress over her head and turned in a circle. “How do I look?”

Perfect. Gorgeous. “It suits you.”

He uttered a voice command, and the wall opened to expose a mirror. Hurrying to it, she studied herself, turning from left to right. The dress scooped low over her back. The high neck in the front emphasized the perfect shape of her breasts. The way the fabric fell softly over her hips to flare out to her knees highlighted the narrowness of her waist and the pert roundness of her ass.

She turned back to face him. “May I keep it on?”

“As you like. No more rules apply.”

“You really meant it.”

There was a bite to his words he couldn’t help. “I never say anything I don’t mean.”

He immediately regretted it when a veil dropped over her expression and she averted her eyes. Trust him to spoil a perfect moment. In a desperate effort to rewind to the comfortable zone they’d just been, he blurted, “Would you like to sit with me?”

“Sit with you?”

“Yes.”

“And do what?”

“What do you mean do what?”

“We can’t just sit.”

“Why not?”

She sighed. “Never mind.”

“What do you do when you sit?”

“I never do nothing. There’s always too little time. I catch up with messages or emails, or I balance my checkbook.”

“What do you do to relax?”

“I read a book or watch a movie.”

He sat down on the plank and patted the space next to him. “Then we’ll watch a movie.”

“You’re serious?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“It’s just… I can’t remember the last time I sat next to someone and watched a movie.”

“What do you like?”

Taking a seat close to him, she grinned. “Romantic movies.”

He grimaced. “I already don’t like the sound of it.”

At his command, the wall opened to expose a flat screen. A list of the latest movie releases showed on the screen.

“Choose something,” he said.

After she’d made her choice, he pulled her close to him, holding her at his side. Right now, there was nowhere else in the galaxy he’d rather be.

* * *

It seemed strange for the big, dangerous Krinar to cuddle with her, but Ilse reveled in his nearness and heat. Despite the situation, she started to relax. She ached for something other than his lust, something deeper. Something off-limits, because this couldn’t go further than physical. They had no future. Soon, he’d set her free, and she’d have to warn the authorities about the Krinar’s intentions, unless she could convince Drako otherwise and make him change his one-sided opinion of mankind. Thinking about it made her chest constrict painfully. She wouldn’t think about it now, not when his arm came around her and he pushed her head down on his shoulder. Not while the moment was perfect.

Halfway into the movie, she dozed off. When Drako woke her with a gentle kiss, she rubbed her eyes.

“Sorry, I must’ve been more tired than I thought.”

His gaze was concerned. “You didn’t get much sleep last night. I wouldn’t have woken you, but I have business to take care of. Why don’t you go back to bed?”

“You’re leaving?”

“I’ll be back before you know it.”

There was a warning in his voice, one she couldn’t ignore.

Not wanting to break their comfortable spell, she said, “Did you really watch the rest of the movie all by yourself?”

His expression softened. “I was watching you.”

The way he looked at her made her cheeks flush with a pleasant heat.

“Why do your human men offer their women gemstones?” he asked.

He was referring to a scene from the movie where the man gave his girlfriend a diamond ring.

“It’s a symbol of affection. If a man loves a woman, he sometimes buys her a gift to express his feelings. It works both ways. A woman will buy a man something she hopes will please him. A ring symbolizes a bond that you promise to love that person and share your life with him.”

“When you give a woman a ring, do you always make love?”

He uttered the expression carefully, as if he’d committed it to memory.

“It’s not a requirement, but the physical act is a demonstration of love.”

He seemed to ponder her words so seriously she couldn’t help but smile. “Is it different on Krina?”

“We have a life-long bond with our partners, but we don’t use jewelry as symbolism.” He got to his feet, pulling her with him. “Go rest. I’ll be back before lunch.”

He didn’t leave until she was in the bedroom. The minute he was gone, she went around the room, searching for an exit or a control to open the panel, but there was nothing. She only had access to the bathroom. Sighing in frustration, she sank down onto the bed. If only she could contact Caitlin and Mosa to make sure they were all right and to tell them not to worry about her.

* * *

Drako flew his pod to the Krinar station midway between Earth and Krina. The ship was manned with technicians, engineers, and researchers who oversaw interplanetary integration. On board was also Ehle, their expert in human behavior. Having requested an audience, Drako made his way straight to the behavioral scientist’s office.

She greeted him with a friendly smile when he entered. “It’s good to see you, Drako. I’m sorry about your recent misfortune on Earth.”

He shrugged. “I survived.”

“Still, such an experience must leave a mark.”

He lifted his arms. “As you can see, I’m as good as new.”

She came from around her desk, offering him a wise smile. “The most damaging are the marks we don’t see.”

“I’m not here to talk about the scars of my soul,” he said wryly.

She indicated two visitors’ planks facing a floating table. “If not to talk about your traumatic experience, why are you here?”

“I need information.” He took a seat opposite her.

“About what?”

“About human behavior.”

“Ah. What is it you’d like to know?”

“Can human nature change, or are characteristics and personality traits genetic?”

“Some traits are genetic, and others stem from learned behavior. Genetic ones are biologically programmed in the DNA and part and parcel of the human. To try and change such a trait would be stressful and even damaging to the human psyche. It would be like forcing an introvert to be sociable. Not only would the natural introvert find the forced situation stressful, but his psychological health could also suffer if others make him feel that his nature is unacceptable or unlikable. Such psychological stress, if prolonged, could result in detrimental physical damage, such as depression and even cardiac disease. Learned behavior can be changed, but it is a long and difficult process. Why do you ask?”

“Say for example a human is deceitful, could that change?”

“It depends on many factors, including personal motivation, role models, external factors, and mental health.”

“Could you reprogram human DNA to remove the negative trait?”

“Impossible. There are too many variables and influencing factors. Some traits may be a combination of both learned and inherited behavior. I’m afraid tampering with their DNA can’t alter human personality. Maybe before conception, but certainly not after birth.” Crossing her legs, she gave him a piercing look. “Why are you so interested in this subject? You’re an adventurer, not a psychologist.”

He looked toward the window through which the planet of Earth was visible. “I met someone, a human, and I have strong … emotions … for her, but she betrayed me.”

“I see.” Her voice filled with compassion. “I couldn’t say if she could change. Each individual is unique. There are no guarantees. Like any living creature’s, human nature is complicated.” She continued softly, “Would you trust a Krinar who betrayed you?”

“No,” he said with regret. “I could never trust a Krinar if he deceived me.”

“Then you have the answer you came for.”

“Yes.” He got to his feet, a heavy feeling settling in his heart. “I guess you’re right. I thank you for your time.”

“Go well, Drako. I hope to see you soon, again.”

Unable to speak, he nodded his greeting and made his way to the door.

“Drako?”

He turned back to face the scientist.

“We can learn to trust again if that trust is earned.”

“It’s a noble concept, but I’m not that forgiving.”

“I guess that’s your inherited nature,” she said with a smile. “Or maybe it’s a part of you that could change.”

He doubted it. This one cut too deep. It was ironic that it had to be the first woman he’d fallen in love with.

Thoughts mulled in his mind as he piloted his pod to Earth. Maybe he couldn’t trust his human doll, but he could enjoy the last few days with her. The memories would be all he’d have. If she went to Kahvissar as his charl, he’d never be able to face his friend again. It would slice his heart open to see them together. The day he delivered her, he’d sign up for the explorations of new adventure terrains uncountable light-years away from Earth, to the farthest corners that posed the most danger. For now, though, he was on his way to Ilse. There was no point in tormenting himself with a future that would do the job all by itself.

An idea occurred to him as Johannesburg came into view. On impulse, he issued a voice command, requesting the system to show him a map of vendors in the proximity of his temporary dwelling.

Choosing the biggest one, he ventured south and landed next to a lake near the Bruma Market. Making his way through the market, he inspected the stalls that sold everything from garments to gadgets. At a jewelry stand, he paused to inspect the items on offer.

“Can I help you?” a woman asked.

She uttered a gasp when Drako looked up to meet her eyes. Pressing a hand over her heart, she exclaimed, “What in God’s name are you?”

“An alien,” he said drily. He hated that term, but it was the one all humans understood.

She stared at him for a moment, and then broke out into laughter. “Ha ha, very funny. You almost got me. You must be with the theatre group performing in the amphitheater. I have to say, you’ve got your role cut out for you. Nice contact lenses. Are you looking for something specific?”

“A gift.” He looked over the earrings and bracelets pinned to a board. “For a woman.”

“What’s your relation, if I may ask?”

He frowned. “Why? Does it matter?”

“Why, yes. You wouldn’t give your mother the same gift you’d give your girlfriend, now, would you?”

He tested the word on his tongue. “Girlfriend.”

Taking it as his answer, the woman pushed a glass case filled with rings toward him. “In that case, I’d suggest something more intimate.”

There were rings in gold and silver with every color stone in the galaxy. The choice was overwhelming. He leaned closer to inspect them. He wanted exactly the right one for Ilse.

“What is her birthstone?” the woman asked.

He gave her a puzzled look. “Birthstone?”

“You know, in which month was she born?”

Damnation. He didn’t know. “I haven’t asked.”

The woman clapped her hands. “Ooh, it’s a new relationship. There’s nothing like the first months, right? It’s all novel and exciting. What’s her favorite color?”

Zut. His annoyance climbed a notch. He should’ve known little but important things like that.

“I like this one.” He pointed at a ring with a center stone surrounded by smaller ones, shaped like a five-pointed star.

“Rubies. Good choice.” She removed it from the showcase and handed it to him. “Have a closer look.”

The sun caught the color of the stones, illuminating their depths. They were dark and rich, their beauty turbulent. Perfect.

“I’ll take this one.”

“Shall I giftwrap it for you, sir?”

“Please.”

A short while later, he was making his way back to his prisoner. He was pleased. He’d only made a short detour and delayed his return with a few minutes. The warmth in his chest as he felt the gift in his pocket made every second worthwhile. Presenting Ilse with a gift gave him more pleasure than what she could ever derive from it. He’d never thought giving could feel this good. The closer he got to the mine dumps, the more excited he got. Patience. He had to wait for the right moment. It wouldn’t do any good to rush it and spoil the experience. Yes, he’d bide his time. It would prolong the fuzzy feeling he suddenly had in his chest.

* * *

No matter how hard she tried, Ilse couldn’t sleep. She paced the room, breathing in and out to calm herself and trying hard not think about the fact that she was locked up in a small space. She was walking around the bed for the thousandth time when the wall opened and Drako barged through.

“What is your date of birth?”

She blinked at him. “What?”

“When were you born?” he asked impatiently.

“July third.”

“How old are you?”

“Twenty-eight.”

“What’s your favorite color?”

“Drako, what’s going on? Why are you asking all these questions?”

“Answer me.”

“Blue.”

“Favorite food?”

“Italian.”

“Italian?”

“Any pasta dish or pizza.”

“What’s your favorite drink?”

“Drako, please. You’re acting weird. What’s the meaning of this line of questioning?”

He closed the distance, stopping short of her. “I’m getting to know you.”

Without thinking, she touched his cheek. “Getting to know people takes time.”

“We don’t have time,” he said harshly. “I need to know everything. Now.”

“It doesn’t work like this,” she whispered.

“Why not? I’ll ask you questions, and you’ll tell me what I want to know.”

“Those are not the things that matter. Those facts are superficial. If you really want to get to know someone, you have to spend time together, see how that person behaves, and what makes them tick.”

He grabbed her to him so suddenly she cried out with a start.

“Then I’ll make the best of the time we have.” He pushed the sleeves of the dress over her shoulders. “I’ll start with getting to know your body and what makes it tick.”

Blood rushed through her veins, making her skin tingle. “I think you’ve already established that.”

“Not by a long shot. There’s a million other ways in which to have you.” He pushed the dress over her hips and released the clasp of her bra.

Cool air washed over her breasts, contracting her nipples. When his mouth closed around one, she forgot every protest she was going to make, losing herself in a man who hated her as much as he wanted her body.