Dayna was trying to fight off the shock, but her close call had violent shivers wracking her body. She gritted her teeth and tried to relax in Rillian’s arms.

He stepped off the elevator—that he’d had Tannon check twice before they’d used it—and onto the penthouse level. Tannon led a team of security guards behind them.

Rillian strode down the hall and past the door to her bedroom. A moment later, he carried her through the large double doors at the end of the corridor and into his room.

“No one gets in without my permission.” He slammed the doors closed.

Dayna got the impression of black paint and warm woods, with a dash of blue. He set her down on the large bed covered in a glossy black cover. It felt divine under her fingers.

“My personal physician will be here shortly.”

“Rillian, I’m fine—”

When he skewered her with a look, she closed her mouth. He started pacing across the large room. The lights of the city glittered through the large windows.

Dayna settled back on the bed, distractedly brushing the sleek, soft cover. A moment later, there was a soft knock at the door. Rillian opened it, and a tall, thin man with long, white hair entered, carrying a small black bag.

“She was exposed to Zavir. Check her.”

At Rillian’s curt order, she rolled her eyes.

“Hello there, young one.” The physician sat beside her on the bed. “I’m Healer O’Garrie. Rillian’s paying me a lot of money to check you over.”

“I’m afraid he’s wasting his money, I’m feeling fine.”

“Zavir poison is not something to be trifled with.” A wide smile in a friendly face. “Let’s take a look.”

The man pulled out a small scanner and ran it over her. He hummed, and after a few beeps from the device, he set it back in his bag. He looked at Rillian. “She’s in perfect health.”

Rillian gave a tight nod. “Thank you, O’Garrie.”

“Get some rest.” The healer patted her shoulder.

Dayna murmured her thanks, and watched the doctor leave. The door clicked closed behind him.

She lifted her chin. “Satisfied?”

“No.” Rillian strode to the edge of the bed. “I want to check you myself.”

Her chest hitched. “Rillian, you heard what the doctor said—”

“Strip.”

A blunt command. She sucked in a breath and stared up into his face. She saw that this was a man standing on the very edge.

She swallowed and slowly rose. Only inches separated them, and she felt the heat pouring off his body. She touched the fastenings of her gold skirt and they parted. The fabric slithered down her legs. She sat back on the bed in tiny black panties and the fitted black bodice of her gown.

Rillian pressed one knee to the bed, leaning over her. She got a hit of his spicy cologne. God, the man smelled so good.

His fingers brushed over the few inches of belly bared between her panties and top. A featherlight touch, but sensation whispered over her skin.

“When I realized you were missing…” He moved his hands, sliding them down her legs and then up again. “When Tannon told me there was Zavir in the elevator, I thought I’d lost you.” Rillian looked at her like he was mesmerized and memorizing every inch of her. His fingers skated back up her legs, his touch turning harder as he kneaded her muscles.

She shifted on the bed, biting down on her lip. Soon her belly was filled with flickering flames.

“I thought you were gone from my life and I couldn’t bear it.”

Dayna stared at the beautiful lines of his handsome face. He was so gorgeous, especially with the threads of silver sparking in his black eyes. “I’m alive. I’m right here.”

His fingers moved up, nudging her legs apart. He brushed her inner thighs, then teased the line of her panties. She sucked in a sharp breath, her breasts rising and falling.

His gaze moved up and lingered where the top of her breasts spilled over the top of her bodice.

“You are so beautiful, Dayna.”

No one had ever called her beautiful. Athletic and attractive, but not beautiful. She needed him. She needed this man more than she needed to breathe.

She pushed up to sit, and then slid onto his lap. She tore his shirt open and leaned in, pressing against the warm, bronze skin of his chest.

Dayna felt the warm throb of her symbiont, and she knew it was enhancing the desire that was already burning hot inside her.

Rillian’s hands slid down, cupping her ass, and moving her closer. Then his mouth was on hers.

She moaned, bucking against him, her tongue tangling with his. He tasted of smooth alcohol and hard man. He pushed her down on the bed and leaned over her, caging her in with his powerful body.

She stared up into his hungry face as he nudged her legs apart.

“I’m going to rip these tiny panties off you and eat you until you scream.”

The dirty words said in such a charming voice made her shiver. Oh. God.

“Let’s see how sweet you are—” he nipped at her inner thigh “—under all that sexy competence and practicality.”

She gasped, writhing under his touch. He leaned down, pulling one of her legs over his shoulder. Then with his other hand, he tore her panties off.

“Rillian.”

She felt his warm breath against her folds, then one long finger slid inside her.

“Drak you’re tight,” he growled. “And wet.”

She lifted her hips up, not sure if she would survive this. Then he lowered his dark head and his mouth was on her.

Sensations exploded, and Dayna arched up, moaning.

His tongue licked and flicked. Her hands flexed on the covers. He sucked at her, his tongue delving inside. Then he found her clit.

“Oh…don’t stop,” she panted.

He made a sexy growl against her, sucking her clit into his mouth.

He was relentless, not giving her a chance to catch her breath or to compose herself. He pushed and pushed, another finger sliding inside her. His mouth and fingers kept driving her higher and higher.

Without warning, her orgasm crashed over her. Dayna screamed, bucking against Rillian’s mouth.

Her body shaking, she flopped back on the bed.

“I need to be inside you.” Rillian pushed off the bed in a single, violent move. His suit jacket fell to the floor, and then he tore open his trousers. Finally, he stood beside the bed, naked. Gloriously naked.

Holy hell. “You know, it’s so unfair to every other male specimen in the galaxy. Not only are you rich, handsome, and have a gorgeous body, you’ve also got the most perfect cock I’ve ever seen.” Her gaze dropped, skating over his hard, long length.

He smiled.

Dayna felt a trickle of something deep within her, and the uniqueness gave her pause. She’d dated, and on Earth, she’d had a perfectly good sex life…but nothing or no one had ever made her feel like this. She was filled with a hungry, edgy tension, and he hadn’t even been inside her yet.

Rillian gripped her ankles and yanked her toward him. She slid across the covers to the very edge of the bed. With a flick of his wrist, her bodice loosened and was gone. Then he was leaning forward, his lean hips between her legs. The intensity on his face made her belly tighten. Then he reached down, gripping her hips, and moving her exactly where he wanted her. With one hand, he circled his cock, rubbing the head of it between her folds. She moaned.

“So wet and needy.” His voice was low and husky.

“Yes, I am. Inside me. Now.” She moved against him, watching a smile curve his lips.

“I like it when you beg.”

“Inside me now, Rillian, or I’ll hurt you—”

He drove into her with one solid thrust.

“Oh!” She reached her arms out, her hands digging into the bedcovers. She was so full, she needed an anchor, something to keep her from flying apart.

Rillian started thrusting. “I want you. All of you. You’ll give yourself to me.”

Desire was rising inside her, insistent and raw. His eyes were pure silver, and so hungry. She’d never been needed like this before.

“I’ve got you,” he growled. “I’m going to take it all from you.”

She saw the hunger etched on his face, but at the same time, she could feel the control he was leashing it with. His body was still tense, even as he thrust inside her.

She was right on the edge, her body trembling with the need to come again. Any second, she would go over into oblivion, but this time, she wanted him with her.

Rearing up, Dayna raked her nails over his shoulders. “I’ve got you, too.”

With a groan, he lowered his head and kissed her. Hard, rough, and punishing. He groaned again, his body shuddering, and she felt that iron control of his slip.

“Let go,” she urged.

“No.”

“Yes!” She arched against him, lifting her hips to meet each one of his heavy thrusts. Their cries mingled. She was so close to coming again, but Dayna was determined to make him hers, to take him with her.

* * *

Hunger clawed at Rillian.

Drak. What the hell is this? He hammered into Dayna’s tight body, feeling flames lick up his spine.

He pushed her back, and she arched upward, her breasts pushed forward. He ran his hand down her toned belly. Then he looked at where his cock plunged into her.

Mine. He was claiming this woman of Earth. His.

Her slick body clamped down on his cock. He felt another orgasm coming.

“Yes, again,” he rasped. “Come again.”

Her head thrashed on the covers. “I can’t—”

“You can.”

Her gaze met his. It was glowing gold. “Come with me.”

He buried himself to the hilt inside her. She writhed, thrusting up. No sweet, submissive lover, his Dayna.

Sliding into her with long, solid strokes, more husky cries were ripped from her throat. He gritted his teeth, fighting off his orgasm.

He slid a hand down her sweat-slicked body, and found the fascinating nub of her clitoris.

Two more strokes and she screamed, her body clenching down on his cock.

“Drak!” With two more thrusts, he lost all semblance of control. His vision flashed red, and his fingers clenched on her skin. Her scream echoed around him as he poured himself inside her with a shout.

For the first time ever, he felt drained dry.

Chest heaving, Rillian collapsed beside Dayna, rolling sideways so he didn’t crush her. He pulled her close.

She moved her head, her lips brushing his chest. “Well…” Her husky voice was lazy and relaxed. “The ladies were right.”

He looked down at her satisfied face and arched a brow.

She smiled. “Sex with an alien rocks.”

He smiled, taking her in. He’d never get tired of looking at her. All that gorgeous, sweat-slicked skin was pure temptation.

Feeling like celebrating, he pulled away and walked over to the small, built-in bar on the other side of the room. From the cooler, he pulled out a rare bottle of Mirah.

When he turned back, he saw Dayna was up on her side, blatantly watching his naked body.

He fought a smile. When her gaze met his, she grinned at him. No shy smiles or coy looks from Dayna. It was just pure appreciation in her eyes.

He let his gaze slide down her naked body and gave her the same back. He sauntered back to the bed and sat beside her.

“I thought we’d share a glass of this.” He lifted the bottle. “Mirah.”

“Rory tells me that it tastes almost like something we call champagne on Earth.” She cocked her head. “You didn’t grab any glasses.”

“No need. I have a far better idea.” He lifted the bottle and poured a splash down her chest.

She gasped.

Rillian lowered his head, lapping the golden liquid off her skin. Delicious. He licked one nipple and she moaned.

“It tastes better off your skin.” He lifted the bottle to her mouth and she closed her lips around it. He tipped it, watching her throat work as she drank. Then he pulled it away, leaned forward, and kissed her gorgeous mouth. Bubbles fizzed between them, and one of her hands tangled in his hair.

Then he pushed her back, running the bottle down between her breasts. Her eyes glowed, just as her symbiont stone did. He tipped more of the drink on her belly and lapped it from her navel.

She tilted her hips up. “Oh, God.”

He spilled more of the wine over her mound, watching it slick down over her swollen folds. He lowered his head again, licking at her. Her cries were sharp and husky.

“I need you again,” he growled.

Her teeth sank into her bottom lip and gold flickered through her eyes. Rillian dropped the bottle, not even bothering to watch it hit the floor and roll away. He gripped her hips and flipped her over onto her belly. She pushed her ass back against him and he shaped his hands over her glorious curves.

Then he moved in behind her, covering her body with his. “I’m rock hard again, Dayna. I can’t be sweet or gentle.”

She pushed back against him. “I don’t want sweet or gentle.”

He notched his cock between her thighs and then slammed inside her body.

“Yes!” She rocked back against him.

Again, Rillian lost his grip on his iron-hard control. He thrust into her with wild abandon, driven by an urge to possess he’d never felt before. He also felt the strangest sensation from his symbiont—like it wanted to possess as well.

This time, both their cries of release echoed off the walls as they came.

* * *

Dayna lay sprawled on the sheets, one arm outstretched and one leg cocked.

She might never be able to walk again, and she was perfectly okay with that. She felt lips press against her bare shoulder and she smiled.

“I got you all sticky.” His fingers drifted down the side of her body.

“We’re both sticky,” she murmured.

“Come on.” Rillian’s arms wrapped around her and he lifted her into his arms.

“I’ve never been carried as much as I have been since I came here.” Dayna secretly loved it. She was tall and athletic, and carried a lot of muscle tone. On Earth, there hadn’t been many men who would be able to carry her with ease.

“I like carrying you.”

She’d assumed he was taking her to the bathroom, but when the glass doors to the balcony opened, she stiffened. “Rillian, we’re naked!”

“Don’t worry. I like my privacy, and no one—” his voice lowered “—no one gets to see you naked but me.”

The possessive vibe to his voice made her shiver.

She swallowed. “Ryan told me that Zhim has a fancy pool out on his balcony.”

Rillian made a sound close to a snort. “Zhim has a need to be showy and flaunt his wealth. He has a pool that screams for people to look at it.”

Her lips twitched. Says the man who owns the wealthiest, classiest casino in the city.

Hidden lighting clicked on, bathing the balcony in a soft, golden glow. She gasped. A small plunge pool was set into the floor, and protected on either side by high walls. It had a gorgeous mosaic tile bottom, and was a private little haven.

It was gorgeous. Like a magical grotto.

Gauzy, white curtains hanging from a wooden frame above the pool floated in the warm nighttime breeze. Straight ahead, she had the perfect view of the horizon, and Carthago’s moons, hanging above the shadowed desert.

“It’s beautiful.”

Rillian stepped into the water and set her on her feet. The water lapping at her was the perfect temperature and she pushed away, ducking under. When she rose and turned back, he was leaning against the edge, watching her. Like an emperor watching his latest acquisition.

Gorgeous man. And for the moment, he was hers. His gaze was unwavering and she sucked in a breath. He saw her. All of her. All the good and all the bad. Everything she’d been before, and everything she was now.

He took another step into the water, and she moved closer to him. He stood only thigh-deep and her gaze dropped to his hardening cock.

On that big bed inside, he’d driven her crazy, over and over again. She’d lost count of how many times he’d made her come.

Time to drive him wild.

She dropped to her knees on the bottom step in front of him. He paused, cocking his head.

“Time for me to have some fun.” She pressed her hands to his hard thighs.

“Fun?”

“Yes.” Anticipation licked her belly.

“You want to suck my cock, Dayna?”

Her fingers dug into his hard muscles and the water lapped at her breasts like a caress. Her gaze locked with his. “Oh, yes.”

“And I want to see your lips wrapped around me.” His fingers cupped her jaw. “I want you to suck me until I come in your mouth.”

Dayna’s belly clenched. She licked her lips and leaned forward. She ran her tongue over his magnificent, long cock.

He made a noise and it spurred her on. She took him in her mouth, enjoying the salty taste of him. She sucked him deeper.

Fingers stroked her cheek and his hips moved minutely. He was still exerting that fierce control of his.

She adjusted her angle and took him deeper. His groans urged her on, and a sense of power filled her. His fingers tightened on her jaw, and having this powerful, dangerous man under her spell was intoxicating.

“Hold still, Dayna.” His words were raw, ripped from him. “I’m going to fuck that sexy mouth now.”

She obeyed, letting him direct her mouth. He started moving his hips, thrusting deeply between her lips. God.

“Can’t last…much longer.” His face was drawn tight, a dull flush along his cheekbones.

Seconds later, he came with a groan, his hands tangling in her hair. Dayna swallowed it down.

“Drak, you slay a man.” His thumb brushing her lips.

She was trembling with need again, her symbiont burning in her chest.

Rillian took another step down into the water, and swept her up against him. As he shifted, she saw his symbiont glowing brightly against his back. She reached over his shoulder and stroked it.

He stilled, turning a little. She leaned over and pressed a kiss to his back. Then he reached out, his hand caressing the stone between her breasts, and she moaned at the sensation.

His cock was hard again, pushing against her belly. As he pulled her up, she wrapped her legs around his hips.

“Need you,” he growled. “Can’t wait.”

She didn’t want him to wait. He thrust inside her.

Dayna’s head dropped back, her fingers digging into his shoulders. As that thick cock worked in and out of her body, she felt a violent need to feed rising up inside her.

She tried not to panic, but she couldn’t control it, couldn’t stop it.

“Rillian.” She heard the fear in her voice.

“Take what I freely give, Dayna.”

She leaned into him, their chests slicked together. Then she released her fierce hold on herself and felt the energy pull from him into her.

It felt so good. Like being drowned in a wave of pleasure. “Feed from me, too,” she panted. “While you’re deep inside me.”

He made a feral sound and didn’t pause in hammering into her body. A second later, she felt the reciprocal flow of energy as he pulled it from her.

Her eyes widened. Gold met silver. The pleasure was unlike anything she’d felt before.

Her orgasm blindsided her. It was almost like an explosion, energy flowing over them as pleasure burst through her. As she screamed his name, she heard his harsh roar as he came.

And then, for the first time in her life, Dayna blacked out from pleasure.