Justin
TalesoftheShareem,Book7
Copyright©2011byJenniferAshleyandAllysonJames
Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Thenames,characters,places,andincidentsareproductsofthewriter's
imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to
persons,livingordead,actualevents,localesororganizationsisentirelycoincidental.
All Rights are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever
withoutwrittenpermissionfromtheauthor.

Booksinthe

TalesoftheShareem

Series

ByAllysonJames

(shortstory)

Justin

Andmoretocome

ChapterOne

“Identcard.”

ThepatrollerwhoheldherhandouttoJustinhadprettybrowneyes,sleekdarkhair,andalushbodyin

a tight coverall he wouldn’t mind seeing her out of. Not bad, but she was a patroller and right now in
Justin’sway.

He moved past her outstretched hand, making for the Vistara station’s exit. “Sorry, sweetheart. Catch

meonthewayback.”

Thepatrollergotinfrontofhimagain.“Isaid,‘Identcard.’”

Eventhroughhisimpatience,Justinnoticedhersmoothface,slightlyupturnednose,andwide,kissable

mouth.HewasShareem—ofcoursehenoticed.HerhairwaspulledintoanI’m-a-tight-assknotonthe
backofherhead,butshecouldn’thidethesheenofit.

He didn’t need to give her his ident card to leave the station. Justin had bought a ticket and already

turneditin,likeeveryoneelse.Butpatrollerslikedhangingaroundhovertrainplatformsharassingpeople,
especiallyShareem.

“Tellyouwhat,”Justinsaid.“Youwaitformehere,andI’llgiveyoumyidentcardonmywayback.”

Darkbrowssnappedtogether,andhersultryeyesnarrowed.“No,you’llgivemeyouridentcardnow,

andI’llthinkaboutlettingyouwalkoutofhere.”

Damnit.Hewasalreadylate,andifhedidn’thurry,Sybelliewouldbegone,andJustinwouldhaveto

waitanotherentiredaytoseeher.IfJustindidn’tseehereveryday,somespaceinhisheartwentempty.

He tried to stride around her, but the patroller got in front of him again. The little sweetie was fast.

“Identcard,”sherepeated,adangerousedgetohervoice.

Fuckthis.

Justingrabbedthewomanaroundthewaist,liftedher,swungaroundwithher,andsetheronherfeet

again.Shegapedinshockasheplunkedherdown,toostunnedtorestrainhimorevenshoutforhelp.

Justingrinned,tappedtheendofhernose,whirledaway,andstrodethroughthecrowdandoutofthe

station—fast.

He heard her shouting behind him, but he didn’t worry. The small female patroller would never out-

stridealong-leggedShareem.

Aloudthrumvibratedthroughhisbody,andsomethinghotbitintohisbackside.Justin’skneesbuckled,

andhemetthepavement,face-first,hisnervessizzlinglikefriedwires.

He heard applause. The crowd on the Vistara was cheering the patroller who’d taken down the

dangerousShareem.

ThroughhisfoggedvisionJustinsawthepatroller’sbootedfeetstopinfrontofhisface.Justincouldn’t

keep his gaze from traveling from her slim ankles up her long, sexy legs all the way to sweetly curved
hipshuggedbythecoverall.

Hislastthoughtbeforeanotherstunburstwhackedhiminthesidewasthatshehadthemostlickable

calveshe’deverseeninhislife.

*********

HisnamewasJustin.

The information on Deanna’s prisoner flickered across her console at the main Pas City detention

facility.

He’d been part of DNAmo’s Shareem project — genetically engineered males created for sexual

pleasure — before DNAmo’s productions had been declared illegal and the company forced to shut
down.ThisShareem—Justin—hadbeensoldtoabuyerafewyearsbeforetheshutdownandshippedtoa
planetcalledSiriusIII.

Sirius III had required the woman who’d purchased Justin to let him go, as human trafficking was

highly illegal in the Sirius system. Justin, once free, had apparently decided to remain on Sirius. He’d
livedtherefortwenty-fiveyearsasanordinarycitizen,cohabitatingthelastfifteenyearswithawoman
calledShela,untilherdeathacoupleofyearsago.

Afewmonthsago,Justinhadreturned,ofhisownvolition,toBorNarga.

Why?

The Shareem represented all things sensual and sexual, qualities abhorred by most Bor Nargans. On

BorNarga,theforbiddenShareemweresecondclass,restricted,watched,forcedtotakeinoculationsto
keepthemsterileanddiseasefree.

SowhyhadthisShareemgivenupfreedomandahomeofhisowntocomebacktothisrock?

Deanna studied the holopic that rotated slowly on her console. Justin had dark brown hair, hard,

handsomefeatures,and,ofcourse,Shareem-blueeyes.Thatwasthemaninhercell,allright.

Theholopicshowedonlyhisuppertorso,butDeanna’smemoryfilledintherest.He’dtoweredover

herinthetrainstation,themannearlysevenfeettall.He’dwornsun-blockingrobesoverhistunicand
leggings,butthematerialhadoutlinedabodyofsolidmuscle.

Andhewasstrong.WhentheShareemhadliftedher,thepowerinhishandshadtakenherbreathaway,

renderinghersohotandconfusedthatshe’dnoteventhoughttodrawhergun.Clippinghandcuffsoverhis
thickwristshadgivenherastrangeshiverofpleasureaswell.

Deannahadn’tbeenintheprocessingroomwhenhermaleunderlingshadstrippedhimdown.Shewas

supposedtoabhorthesexualasmuchasthenextBorNarganwoman,butdamn.She’dlikedtohaveseen
that.

Deanna’s console beeped, startling her out of her daydreams, the alert from the guard she’d been

waitingfor.

TheShareemwasawake.

Sheshutdownherfiles,tuckedherhandheldintoherbelt,andleftforthedetentionarea.

PasCity’sdetentionbuildingcontainedamazeofcellsmadeoffoot-thicktransparentplasti-glass,each

cell about six feet square and ten high. Nutrition gels were issued through a slot in the floor every few
hours,refusetakenawaythroughanotherslot.Thatwasit.

TheShareemcalledJustinwasinacellhalfwaydownanemptyrow.Theguardshadlethimresumea

loincloththatcoveredhisprivates,butnothingmore.Apartfromthat,heworeonlyablackchainaround
hisrightbiceps,themarkoftheShareem.

Thosebicepswerehuge,hisarmsconnectedtoequallyhugeshoulders,roundandtight,aboveachest

assculptedwithmuscle.Hewasmalebeauty,slickwithsweat,ondisplayforalltosee.

Deanna made herself approach his cell at a brisk walk, pretending that all that naked flesh didn’t

unnerve her. Justin raised his head as though he heard her coming, though the cells had been
soundproofed.

Helookedexhausted,darksmudgesunderhiseyes,butthen,he’dgottenadoubledosefromDeanna’s

stunweapon.Inspiteofappearingasthoughhecouldbarelystand,however,hegaveheranenragedlook
thatcouldblowaholethroughthefoot-thickwall.

He said something, lips moving in silence behind the soundproofed wall. When Deanna flicked a

switchtoturnonthemikesbetweenthem,Justinclosedhismouth,buthenevertookhiseyesoffher.

“You know that refusing an identification request from a patroller is grounds for incarceration, don’t

you?”Deannaasked.“Eventermination?”

Justinfoldedhisarms,allthosemusclesrippling.“Yeah?Well,fuckyou,sweetheart.”

Deanna made herself not flinch. “If you give me a good reason for refusing my request for

identification,Imightbeabletogetyoualightersentence.”

“Request?”Hissmileheldnohumor.“Isthatwhatthatwas?Youdidn’tneedmyidentcard,Patroller.

I’minyourdamneddatabase.”

“Iknowthat.ButallShareemmustrenderidentificationwhenasked.”

“Youknow,you’resexywiththatrulebookupshovedupyourass.”

Deannacurledherfingersintoherpalms.“Youhadyouridentcardwithyou.Whydidn’tyoujustgive

ittome?”

Heshrugged.“Iwasinahurry.”

“Forwhat?”

Justin stepped forward, put his mouth right in front of the mike, and spoke slowly. “None of your

damnedbusiness.”

Deanna’sgazerivetedtohismouth.Hislipswerepaleandsmooth,andthewayhesmiledmadehis

tannedfacedelectable.Histonguemovedwithhiswords,redandmoist...

Shedraggedinabreath.“You’reShareem.I’mapatroller.Itismybusiness.”

“Notthistime.”

Hiseyesweresoblue.AllShareemhadblueeyes,whilenative-bornBorNarganshadbrown.Their

iriseswerealittlebiggerthantheaveragehuman’s,andwidenedwhentheywerearoused.

“YourrecordshowsthatyouwerewarnedtwicetostayoutoftheVistaradistrict,”Deannasaid.“So

whydidn’tyou?”

“There’snothinginyourrulesthatsaysIcan’twalkdownapublicstreet,sweetheart.Ilookeditup.”

“ButpeopleontheVistarahavemadeitcleartheydon’twantShareemontheirpartofthehill.”

“PeopleontheVistaraareabunchoffull-of-themselves,sticks-up-their-asses,wannaberichfolks.You

patrolthere.Youshouldknowthat.”

Deanna privately agreed with him—patrolling the Vistara could be a major pain in the butt. Not

because of crime, but because of the incessant complaints of the people who lived there. Nothing the
patrollersdidwasevergoodenoughforthem.

“Doesn’t matter,” she said. “You received several warnings to stay away. You knew you could get

arrestedifyouwentupthereagain.Sowhydidyou?”

“Idon’tknow.MaybeIfeltlikemovingthesticksintheirasses.”

Deannaforcedherselfnottosmile.“Whodidyougotosee?”

Justinhesitatedtheslightestbit,andDeannaknewshe’dhitpaydirt.She’donlyguessed,buthislittle

startconfirmedit.

“Noneofyourdamnedbusiness,”hesaidagain.

“Awomanwhohiredyou?”

“Sure.”Hegaveherasteadybluestare.“Aclient.”

Shareemcouldn’tlie,thefilessaid.They’dbeenprogrammedtohavenoemotionsandnoabilitytolie

—tohavenounderstandingoftheneedtolie.

Sowhywasshedoubtinghim?

“Canthiswomanvouchforyou?”Deannaasked.

Justingrinned,andagainhisfacedeepenedintosomethingbeyondhandsomeness.“Awomanfromthe

Vistara?AdmittingshehiredaShareem?Areyoukiddingme?”

True—ifaVistarawomanconfessedtowantingsex,especiallywithaforbiddenShareem,hersticks-

up-their-assesneighborscouldmakeherasocialoutcast.

“Youmightdieifshedoesn’tadmitit,”Deannasaid.

“Guessit’snotmyluckyday,then.”

Whatwaswrongwithhim?Didhewanttobeterminated?

“Look,Icanbediscreet,”shesaid.“I’llcontactthiswomanprivately.NoonehastoknowIspoketo

herorthatshehiredyou.Shecantrustmenottorevealhername.”

Justinleanedhisforearmsonthewall.“You’resayingthatifthisclientvouchesforme,you’llletme

go?”

“Icanatleaststoptheterminationorder.”

Justin remained where he was a moment longer, then he straightened up. “Nope. Sorry, darlin’. A

Shareemdoesn’tkissandtell.”

Deannamadeanoiseofexasperation.“Gods,whyareyoubeingsostupid?”

Theyweregoingtokillhim.Thisbeautifulspecimenofamanwouldbeinjectedwithdrugsuntilhe

lostconsciousnessanddied,thenhisprefectbodywouldbeincinerated.

Deannareachedtothetransparentwallandspreadherfingersacrossthecoolplasti-glass.Thegesture

wentagainstallhertraining,butforsomereasonshewantedtodoit.Shehadtogetthroughtohim.

“I’mnotsupposedtotellyouthis,”shesaid,“butthepeopleontheVistarawantedyoutobeterminated

assoonasIslappedthecuffsonyou.Theydidn’tevenwantmetobringyoudownhereandlockyouup.I
madethedecisionnottolistentothem.Youweremybust,myprisoner.”

Justin’seyesflickered,andshesawaflashofseriousangerinthem.ButShareemcouldn’tgetangry--

couldthey?Notlikethis,notwithmurderintheireyes.

“Well,aren’tyoualove?”hesaid,hisvoicegoingsoft.“DecidingthatthepoorShareemgetstolive?”

“If you sign a statement promising you’ll never set foot in the Vistara district again—and obey it—I

mightbeabletoletyougo.”

Hedidn’thesitate.“No.”

Deanna balled her fists. “What is the matter with you? Make the promise that you won’t go up there

again,andImightbeabletogetyoufree.Helpmehelpyou.”

Justincameoutofhisnegligentstanceandslammedintothewallinfrontofher,fistsagainsttheplasti-

glass.Deannastartedtobackupinalarm,butshemadeherselfstayinplace.

Hecouldn’thurther,couldn’tgetout,couldn’tevendotheShareemtrickofusingpheromonestorelax

her. The cell walls, set up to contain any kind of prisoner, including off-worlders who might have
telepathy,wouldn’tlethim.

“You’reonlyofferingto‘help’mesoyoucansignoffonyourfuckingreport,”hesaidinahardvoice.

“TheShareemwouldn’tcooperate,sohehadtodie.Notyourfault—youfollowedtherules.That’sall
youwant,Patroller.”

“Deanna.”

“What?”

“Mynameisn’tPatroller.It’sDeanna.DeannaSurrell,PatrollerFirstClass.”

Hestareddownather.“Youtryingtobemyfriendnow...Deanna?”

Hepronouncedthenamecarefully,hisvoicetakingonasensualitythatreachedthroughtheglass.

“I’m not trying to be your friend,” Deanna said, softening her tone. “But I don’t want to see you

terminated because some sticks-up-their-asses, wannabe rich folks decided you ruined their pristine
street. That’s not fair. But I can’t help you if you won’t work with me.” Deanna put her hand on the
transparentwallagain,directlyoveroneofhis.“Please,Justin.”

ChapterTwo

Thepleasegottohim.

Thishadtobeafirst.ApatrollersayingpleasetoaShareem.

Her brown eyes had warmed, and the hand placed directly over his fist was a sweet gesture. She’d

lookbeautifulwithascarfaroundherwrists,sheonherknees,begginghimwiththatlookinhereyes.

Deanna. Lovely name. Justin could whisper it while he cupped her breasts, again while he slid his

handdowntofindthewetheatofherpussy.

His cock tightened, and Justin immediately shut off his thoughts. The last thing he needed was a big

hard-on,hereinthesecellswherehecouldn’thideit.

“Signthestatement,andyoucango,”Deannasaid.“Aseasyasthat.”

Justinrestedhisforeheadagainstthetransparentwall.He’dnotnegatedherassumptionthathe’dbeen

onhiswaytovisitaclient,becausehesureashellwasn’tabouttotellthispatrollertherealreasonhe’d
gonetotheVistara.

And no way would Justin sign a document promising he’d stay away from the district. Not while

Sybellielivedthere.

Sybellie,hisdaughter.

Shareemwerenotallowed,onpainofdeath,tofatherchildren.IfJustinhadtobeterminatedtoprotect

theknowledgethatSybelliewastheoffspringofaShareem,sobeit.

Sybellie did not know that Justin was her biological father and neither did her adoptive parents. He

sureashellwouldneverletthatknowledgeout,becausethegodsonlyknewwhattheassholewomenin
theBorNargangovernmentwoulddotoSybellieiftheyfoundoutshecarriedShareemDNA.

Theymightshutheraway,experimentonher,dissecther,orsimplykillher.Justinwouldn’triskthat,

noteventosavehisownlife.

But,damnit,shewashisdaughter.Hewantedtoseeher.Heneededtoseeher,evenforabriefhour

acrossacrowdedstreet.

“Please,Justin,”Deannasaid.

Thatpleaseagain.Itdidfunnythingstohisinsides,eventhroughhisworryandanger.

MaybeifJustindidpleasethispatroller,she’dlethimoutanddismissthecase.Hecouldpleaseher

withalittlescrewing,maybeinhercubicle,onherdesk.Hedidn’thavehisboxofequipmentwithhim,
but he could make do with a piece of cloth for her mouth, maybe a belt for hand restraints. Level-two
Shareemweregoodatimprovising.

Deanna’shandheldbeeped.

“Excuseme,”shesaid.

ApatrollerbeingpolitetoaShareem.Whataday.

Deannatouchedabuttononthehandheldandreadwhatevertextwasflowingtoher,hermouthpursed.

Asweet,redmouth,withmoist,plumplips.Niceforkissingandotherthingsthatmouthsweregood

for.

Justincouldn’tstophimselfthinkingthesethings,evenwithherholdinghisfateinherhands.He’dlove

itifshecouldholdsomethingelseinthemtoo.Itwouldmakehisinevitableterminationallthesweeter.

Deannasnappedoffthehandheld.Whenshelookedathim,thesympathyinhereyeshadbeenreplaced

byahard,angryglare.“Youhavefriendsinhighplaces.”

Justinhadnoideawhatshewastalkingabout.“Yeah?”

“I’vebeenorderedtoletyougo,allchargesdropped.”Anddidn’tshelookpissedoffaboutthat?

“Iguessit’snotyourluckyday,darlin’.”

Deanna’s voice went crisp. “The order comes from none other than the ruling family. Is one of them

anotherclientofyours?”

Justinsaidnothing.Iftheordercamefromtherulingfamily,hehadaprettygoodideawho’dtoldthem

todoit.Heknewonlyonememberofthatfamily,aprettyladycalledBrianne,who’dhookedupwithnot
one,buttwoShareem.LookslikeithelpedtohaveShareemfriendswhowereregularlyfuckingpowerful
women.

“Yes, yes, I know.” Deanna sounded disgusted. “You don’t kiss and tell.” She pushed buttons on her

handheld.“Ifthisholdsupmypromotion,Shareem,IsweartothegodsIwillmakeyourlifehell.Imight
makeyourlifehelljustforthefunofit.”

Nomore,Please,Justin,nomorefirstnames.

Too bad. The sincerity in her eyes had been there. The anger she showed now was outrage that

someonehadstompedonherauthorityandmadeherlookstupid.Justincouldalmostfeelsorryforher.

Almost.

Justinpressedawetkisstotheglassandlaughedwhenshewhirledaroundandstrodeaway.

“I’mlookingforwardtoit,sweetheart,”hecalledafterher.

*********

“Brianne,”Justinsaidmanyhourslaterasheliftedyetanotherglassofale.Hewasdrunk,unsteady,

anddidn’tcare.“Letmekissyou.CanIkissyou?”

Brianned’Aroth,granddaughterofthewomanwhoruledBorNargaandadvocateforShareemrights,

glaredupathim.“No.Justin,youidiot.”

“Soundslikemybaby’spissedatyou.”Aiden,Brianne’sassholelevel-oneShareemlover,stoppedand

grinnedatJustin.BlondAidenhadbeenfacesculpted,andhisfeatureswereaworkofart.

AidenslidhisarmaroundBrianneandkissedhercheek.“Youdonotwanttogetthisladymadatyou,

Justin,trustme.”

“Whynot?”Justinslurred.“Shewon’tgodownonyouwhenshe’smad?”

“Nope,shecanbearealbitchaboutit.Won’tevenwatchKydoittomeeither.”

“Aiden,myfriend,yourlifeispurehell,”Justinsaid.

JustinwasalittlemoresanguinethantheotherShareemabouttherelationshipbetweenAidenandKy

—twoShareemwho’dgonefrombeingbestfriendstobeinglovers.OnSirius,allkindsofrelationships
were accepted, fully legal, and not considered shocking, as long as everyone involved was adult and
consenting.

Brianne heaved a sigh. “Will you two be serious? I had to pull every string I had to get you out of

prison,Justin.IfIhadn’t,you’dbemarchingtotheterminationchamberevennow.Ihadtogivemyword
thatyou’dnevergouptotheVistaraagain.Doyouunderstandme?”

“Iunderstand.”Justintookalastslurpofaleandstaredmoroselyatthebottomoftheglass.“Dayslike

theseImissSirius,boringasitwas.”

“Sowhydidyoucomebackhere?”Aidenasked.“Youneverhavecomeupwithagoodexplanation.”

“Becauseit’snoneofyourdamnedbusiness.”Justinhadtokeepsayingthat.Maybesomedaysomeone

wouldlistentohim.

“That’strue,”Aidensaid.“Butyou’vegotuscurious.”

Red-haired Judith, who owned the bar, snatched Justin’s ale glass from the table but didn’t give him

anotherone.“LeaveJustinalone.He’shadanordeal.”

Justin slid his arm around Judith’s waist as she cleared the table. “This is why I came back to Bor

Narga.BecauseIheardaboutthisgreatbarownedbyasexyladynamedJudith.”

“Bullshit,”Judithsaid,butshesmiled.

Justinslidhishanddownwarduntilhecouldgiveherassalittlefondle.Judithpulledaway,butnotin

anger.

“Don’t,”shesaid.“Mitchdoesn’tlikeit.”

Aiden,Justin,andanotherShareemcalledBraden,who’dstrolledup,said“Oooo,”atthesametime.

Aidenadded,“Mitchdoesn’tlikeit.”

Judith blushed while they laughed. Mitch was a human, off-world pilot who’d taken to coming to

Judith’sbar.He’dalsotakentoJudith.Justinhadn’theardthatMitchhadaskedJudithtobeexclusive,but
goodforher.

Braden,theblack-hairedShareemwho’djustarrived,slidhimselfontoastoolatJustin’stable.Justin

had shared an apartment with Braden when he’d first returned to Bor Narga, but had moved out when
Braden’snewlover,Elisa,movedin.

“I’mgladforJudith,”BradensaidasJudithwalkedaway.“Shedeservessomeonespecialafterhaving

Shareemmanhandleherforyears.”

“NotthatIeverheardhercomplain,”Aidensaid.

Justinsaid,“ButdoesMitchkeephishandsoffotherladieswhenhe’snothere?Heneedstoplayfair.”

“Isayweaskhim,”Aidensaid.

“Goodidea,”Bradensaid.“Weneedtomakesurehe’sgoodenoughforourJudith.”

“Excuseme,”Briannesaidloudly.“Inoticehowdeftlyyouallmanagedtochangethesubject.Ineedto

knowwhyIhadtopullranktogetJustinoutofjailthisafternoon.”

“Letitrest,Bree,”Bradensaid.“Itwasapatrollergettingherpantiesinatwistandtakingitouton

Justin.Besides,Justin’snotusedtotakingorders.Heactuallygottolivelikeahumanbeingforawhile.
Heprobablypissedoffthepatrollerbynotkissingherasswhenshetoldhimto.”

Justinnodded,asthoughBradenhadnailedit.

Braden and Elisa were the only people on the planet, besides Rees, who knew the true reason that

Justinhadreturned.They’dallkeptitquiet,evenfromtheotherShareem,understandingthatthelesstheir
friendsknew,thesaferitwouldbeforallconcerned.

Briannemadeanothernoiseofannoyancebutgaveup,andJustinletouthisbreathinsilentrelief.

Aiden pulled Brianne against him and kissed her hair. “You know, baby, I’m in the mood for some

roughplay.HowaboutwegofindKyandlethimhavehiswaywithus?Thenwhenhe’sdone,I’llsoothe
itallbetter.”

Brianneblushed,butshelookedreadyforwhathewanted.Aidenwasalevelone,puresensuality—

scentedoils,massages,slowsex.Ky,ontheotherhand,wasalevelthree,whichmeantbondageplay—
varying from easy to hardcore, depending on what the lady wanted. Aiden and Ky balanced each other
perfectly,oppositeandcomplementaryatthesametime.

AidenledBrianneoutofthebar,andBradenandJustinwatchedthemgo.

“Sometimes I wonder what the three of them do together,” Braden said. “And sometimes I just don’t

wanttoknow.”

“Hey,itworksforthem,”Justinsaid.

“AndI’mgoodwiththat.”Bradentookdrink,wipedhismouth,andleanedintoJustin.“Butseriously,

whydidyougouptotheVistaraagain?”

Justin’sheadstartedtoache.“Iwantedtoseeher.”

“Ifyougetyourselfexecuted,myfriend,youwon’tseeheratall.”

“Iknow.”Justintiltedhischairbackontwolegsandleanedagainstthewall.“Iwantsobadtoseeher,

andatthesametime,itkillsmeto.”

Bradengavehimasympatheticlook.“YoufoundLillian,yet?”

Sybellie’smother.JustinhadreturnedtoBorNargatofindthemboth.“No.Nothing.”

“Elisahasn’tturnedanythingupeither,”Bradensaid.“Butdon’tworry.Elisa’sthebestlibrarianonthe

planet.Ifthere’sarecord,she’llfindit.”

“It’sgettingbloodyimpossible.”

“Don’tgiveupyet,myfriend.We’llfindher.”

Braden could afford to be optimistic. He’d paired off with Elisa not long after Justin’s return. Justin

wasgladforhim,buttheirhappinessgavehimalonelyfeeling.JustinhadlivedwithawomanonSirius
—Shela—forfifteenyears,andthey’dbeenloversandbestfriends.Hemissedherlikecrazy.

Justinneededtochangethesubject.“What’sitlikeforyourlady,livingwithyouandyourjokesallthe

time?WhoeverheardofacheerfulDom?”

Bradengrinned.“Hey,shelovesme.Anyway,isn’tthatwhatleveltwosdo?Spankandlaugh?”

“Funandgames.Whippedcreamandfurryhandcuffs.”

Bradenshookhishead.“Boring.Fakebondage.”

“Bondage-Light,”Justincorrected.Hepushedhimselfoutofhischair.“I’mouttahere.Judithhascut

meoff,andIneedsomesleep.”

“Take it easy out there,” Braden said, expression serious. “Brianne can’t always be around to cover

yourass.”

“Don’tworry.Ilearnedmylesson.”

Likehellhehad.

BradenwatchedwithaskepticallookasJustinsaidgoodnighttoJudithandgothimselfoutofthebar.

Justinhadtakentheapartmentnextdoortothebar—withJudith’shelp—atinyplace,buttherehecould
shutouttheworldandgetsomepeace.

Justinwentinside,strippedoff,showered,driedhimself,andlandedfacedownonhisbed.Theexcess

alesenthimquicklytosleep.

He dreamed of a patroller with pretty eyes and sexy ankles threatening him with a gun loaded with

whippedcream.Hewasnaked,andsowasshe.

Thewhippedcreamdrippedcoollyacrosshisbackanddownhisbody.Hefeltahottonguelickingand

licking,teethonhisass,assheatethewhippedcreamfromhim,dollopbydollop.

Thenthepatrollerwiththebigbrowneyesturnedhimoverandsmiledathim,rightbeforeshewrapped

thatbeautifulmoutharoundhiscock.

She suckled and stroked, tongue tickling the underside and driving him crazy. Justin got harder and

harder,hishipsrockingasshesuckledhim.Gods,itfeltgood.Harder,baby,harder.

Justinwantedtotasteherinreturn.He’dspreadherlegs,dribblethewhippedcreamacrossherpussy,

buryhisfaceinher,andlickherclean.

Inhisdream,heheardtheclickofhandcuffs,feltthefamiliarvelvetofhislinedonesaroundhisown

wrists.Sheputtheloadedwhippedcreamgunagainsthistemple.

“No,Shareem.Idothismyway.”

Herwaymeantsquirtingwhippedcreamalloverhischest,thenlickingdowntohiscock.Swirlingher

tonguearoundthetip,theheatofhermouthclosingaroundhim.Squeeze,suck.Yes.

Come.Iwanttocome.Justinwantedtomarkherwithhisseed,soshe’dknowshebelongedtohim.

And then she’d arrest him. She already had him in cuffs. Maybe she’d swat his ass, making it sting,

beforeshecooleditdownwithwhippedcream.Thenshe’dlickhimagain.He’dlikethat.

Justinwouldbreakfree,andhe’dcatchherwhenshetriedtogetaway,anddoitallbacktoher...

Aheavybuzzingcutthroughhisdream.Whatthefuck?Maybethewhippedcreamgunwasoverloading.

Anotherbuzzing,sharper,moreinsistent.Itshatteredthedreamlikeglass,andthepleasantsensations

vanishedintosmoke.

Justinopenedhiseyes.Hefoundhishandaroundhisthrobbingcock,hisheadpoundingjustashard.He

peeledhisachinghandfromhispenisandreachedforhishangoverpills.

Anotherbuzzing.Thefrontdoor.Shit.

Justin rolled out of bed, pulled a tunic over his nakedness, and stumbled into the front room. He

slammedthedooropen.“What?”

He’dexpectedBraden,ormaybeRees.Whathegotwashissexypatroller,Deanna,whowalkedright

inpasthim.

“Ineedtotalktoyou,”shesaid.

ChapterThree

“Comein.”Justinsaidtotheopendoor.“Makeyourselfathome.”

Deanna looked around the small living room strewn with Justin’s clothes and other junk. Shela had

alwaysyelledatJustintocleanup,butwithouthertomotivatehim,Justinhadlostinterest.

“Youlivehere?”Deannaasked.

Justinletthedoorslam.“No,Istandinthemiddleofthisroomforthehellofit.”

Deannapeeredintothecornerkitchenthenatthealcovethatledtohisbedroomandbathroom.

“It’sverysmall.”

“It’sclaustrophobic.ButIdidn’thaveachoice.”FewwantedtorenttoShareem.He’dbeenluckyto

getthis.

“Mysuperiorscamedownhardonmeaboutyou,”Deannasaid.“Gettingacallfromonhightoletyou

goembarrassedthem.So,they’retakingitoutonme.UnlessIcanproveIhadgoodcausetoarrestyou,
mypromotionisoff,andImightevenbedemoted.Imakeanothermistake,andI’mout.”

StupidBorNargans.Theytrainedtheirpatrollerstobemajorpainsintheass,andthengotmadatthem

fordoingtheirjobs?

“Notyourfault,sweetheart,”hesaid.“Shareemareshitheads.Everyoneknowsthat.”

Sheshothimawrysmile.“Idon’tthinkthatwillbegoodenoughformysuperior.”

Hervoice,evenagitated,wassexy.Maybeshereallydidhavewhippedcreaminherstungun.

“Whatdoyouwantmetotellyou?ThatIwenttheretoclimbthroughawoman’sbedroomwindowto

ravishhersenseless?Soyoucanarrestmeforrealandmakeitstick?”

“I’mnotgoingtoarrestyouatall.Ionlyneedtoprovethatyouwereletoffbecauseoffavoritism,not

incompetenceonthepartofthepatrollers.ParticularlyincompetenceonthepartofPatrollerFirstClass
DeannaSurrell.”

Justinneverthoughthe’dfeelsorryforapatroller,butwithhismindfullofthedream,Deanna’sdismay

arousedJustin’ssympathy.

InthethreemonthsJustinhadbeenbackonBorNarga,thepatrollershadfollowedhim,cardedhim,

harassed him, watched him. They’d done the same to his friends. They were a body of condescending,
sneeringbitchesincoveralls.

Deanna’s uniform was tight on her body, and again she wore her dark hair in the severe bun all

patrollersdid.Butwithhereyesholdingangerandworry,shelookedalmosthuman.

Justingatheredupclothesfromthecouch,dumpedtheminacorner,andgesturedtothebatteredsofa.

“Sitdown.”

ShesatbutscoochedtotheendofthecouchwhenJustinsatrightnexttoher.

Helaughed.“Areyouafraidofme?”

“No.”Hereyesbetrayedthelie.“Ihavemystungun.”

Justinwenthot.“Didyouloaditwithwhippedcream?”

“What?”

“Ihadadreamaboutyoulastnight.Youandfurryhandcuffs.”

Nowpanicwarredwithherinterest.“Youputmeinhandcuffs?”

“No.”Justinstretchedhisarmacrossthebackofthecouch,lettinghisfingersdangleaninchfromher

shoulder.“Iwasinthehandcuffs.IguessdeepdownIwantedtoplaysomegameswithyou.”

“Whatdoesthatmean,exactly?”

“In my dream, you locked my hands around my bedpost, and you bit my bare ass. Then you squirted

whippedcreamallovermycockandsuckeditoff.”

Deanna’seyeswentwide,andhesensedherbodywarming.“Icouldarrestyouforevensayingthatto

me.”

“Littletease.Didyoubringrealhandcuffs?MaybeIcouldturnthetablesandputthecuffsonyou.”

“I’mwarningyou,Justin.Icanthrowyourbuttinjailjustfortalkingtomelikethis.”

Justinleanedcloser,hisbloodheatinginawayithadn’tinalong,longtime.“Thenmyfriendsinhigh

placeswillgetmeoutagain,andyou’llbebackhereinmyapartmenttryingtosaveyourjob.Fullcircle.”

Herangerflashed.“Thatdoesn’tmeanyoucangetawaywithanythingyouwant.”

“Sureashellsoundslikeittome,sweetheart.”Justinmovedhisfingersclosertoher,lettingthemresta

fractionofaninchfromhercoverall.“Ifitmakesyoufeelbetter,it’sprogrammedintoShareemthatwe
can’ttouchaladyuntiltheygiveuspermission.Wecancajoleandtalkandpromise,butuntilyousayyes,
wecan’tdoanything.”

Deannaletoutabreath,warmonhishand.“That’strue.”

“Soyou’resafefromme,Patroller.Don’tworry.”

Justindidn’tmentionthathe’dlearnedtobreakthatprogrammingduringhisyearsonSirius.He’dhad

nointentionofforcingawoman,butShela,aworkaholic,hadkeptignoringJustin’sblatanthintsthatshe
shouldstartasexualrelationshipwithhim.

Shela had been so good at playing hard to get that Justin had trained himself to make the first move.

He’dspentnightsofsweatandpainbeforehe’dconvincedhisbodytolethimdoit.Andhe’ddoneit,to
Shela’ssurpriseanddelight.

“Soassoonasyouwantmetogetthefurryhandcuffs,youtellme,”hesaid.

“No.”Theanswerwasclipped.

“Damn,Ihatewhenawomanisallbusiness.”

“Livewithit.AndtellmewhyyouwenttotheVistara.”

Justinproppedhiselbowonthebackofthesofa,headonhisfist.Keepingyourhandsnearyourface

distractedpeople,he’dlearned.Theydidn’twatchyoureyes.

“See,Patroller,thereasonladieslikeShareemis...we’rediscreet.”

Deanna’sgazesharpened,andJustincouldalmostfeeltheclickofthecuffs.“You’dgotojailtoprotect

thiswoman’sidentity?”

“Whynot?Ialreadyhaveonce.”

“Shemustbesomewoman.”

“Mustbe,yeah.”

Was that envy in her eyes? He hoped so. His patroller wasn’t bad. Now if he could get her to take

downthatbunofsteelandrelax.

“Soyoudidgouptheretovisitawoman,”Deannasaid.

“Ineversaidthat.”

“Sheinvitedyou?”

“Neversaidthateither.”

Deanna folded her arms, which pushed up the cleavage that would show if she undid the coverall.

“What you’re telling me, Justin, is that you violated two warnings to stay out of the district in order to
meet an unknown woman at an undisclosed place. You should have explained to her that you weren’t
allowedtogoupthere.”

Justinrubbedthewallnexttohishead.“See,thetrickythingis,ifItellyouIwenttoravishaVistara

woman, so yeah, you were right to arrest me—then I’ll be back in my boring cell. It’s not in my best
interesttohelpyou.”

“ButIorderyoutohelpme.”

ShesoundedsodesperatethatJustinlaughed.

“Tellyouwhat.I’lllevelwithyou.”I’llsortoflietoyou.“IwentbackuptotheVistarabecausethe

lasttwotimesIwasthere,Isawthispatrollerinthetrainstation.Shehadprettybrowneyesandhairthe
colorofmidnight.Iwishshe’dletherhairdown.Ibetitwouldbebeautiful.”

Deanna’seyessoftenedforafractionofasecond.“Don’tbullshitme,Shareem.”

“Nobullshit.Ibetyourhairreallydoeslookgood.”

“That’snotwhatImeant.”

Helethissmilegosensual.“Takeyourhairdown.Idareyou.”

“No.”

Justinleanedforwardalittle,lookingstraightintohereyes.“Youtakeitdown,andI’lltellyouwhoI

wenttosee.Promise.”

*********

Deannachewedherlip,veryawareofJustin’slarge,warmbodyinchesfromhers.Nofoot-thickplasti-

glasstoprotecthernow.

Hewasdifferentfromwhatshe’dthoughthewouldbe—hewassmart,withasenseofhumorthatwas

almostplayful.ButthebluefillinghiseyesashewatchedherremindedDeannathathe’dbeencreatedin
afactory,notborn,notquitehuman.

Woulditbeworthittodowhathesaid?Hewasn’taskingforanythingsexual,onlyforhertorelease

herhair.Deannadidthateverydaywhenshegothomefromworkanyway.Itmightbeworthittogeta
straightanswerfromhim.

She reached up and touched the clasp that held her bun in place. Justin leaned toward her, as though

Deannatakingdownherhairwasthemostimportantthingintheworldtohim.

Deannaslowlyreleasedtheclaspandletherhair,fineandstraight,tumblepasthershoulders.

“Beautiful,” Justin said, voice low, gaze only for her. “Like the swaths of silk I see in the markets.

Blacksilk.”

Deanna’sbreathhitched.“It’sonlyhair.”

Justinstretchedhisarmacrossthebackofthesofa,againstoppingshyoftouchingher.Shesworeshe

couldfeelsparksbetweenhisfingersandherskin.

“It’sbeauty,”Justinsaid.“Whydoyouhideit?”

“Ican’tdomyjobwithmyhairinmyface,canI?”Deannameanttosoundstern,buthervoicecracked.

“Youwouldn’tneedyourstungun.Allyou’dhavetodowassmile,andtheperpswoulddropatyour

feet.”

Whatwashetalkingabout?Allhehadtodowassmile,andhe’dhavewomenontheirknees.

Justinwassmilingnow,thelittletwitchoflipsthatwarmedhiseyesandmadeDeanna’stemperature

jumptoscaldinglevel.Thiswasdangerous.

Justinreachedoutandwoundhisfingerthroughastrandofherhair.

“Stopthat,”shesaid.

Justintookhistimeaboutobeying.Hesmoothedthelockwithhisfingers,tuggeditgently,andfinally

releasedit.

“Itfeelsasbeautifulasitlooks,”hesaid.

Deannashivered,adeep,soul-lickingshiver.“Allright,Ididwhatyouasked.Now,tellmewhoyou

wenttotheVistaratosee.”

“Okay,Iliedaboutthatpart.I’mnotgoingtotellyou.”

“What?”Deannashovedhimasideandjumpedtoherfeet.“ButIdidwhatyouasked.”

Heopenedhishands.“I’mShareem,sweetie.Iseduce.It’swhatIdo.AndIwantedtoseewhatyou

lookedlikewithyourhairdown.”

“Why?”

“BecauseIknewyou’dbedamnedsexy.”

Deanna’s throat tightened. She could almost believe him when he said it like that. Sexy. No one had

evercalledherthat.Noonewouldeverdare.

ButShareemweremastersofseduction,andseductioninvolvedlies.Shareemweren’tsupposedtobe

able to lie . . . but Justin had done it. He’d promised to tell her what she wanted to know and then
reneged. Look at him, lounging on the sofa like a decadent god, daring her to take him down for being
whathewas.

Deannastartedtowindherhairbackintoitsbun,butshedroppedtheclasp,whichclinkedonthebare

floor.ShedoveforitatthesametimeJustincameoffthecouchandreachedforit.

Their shoulders collided, his a solid wall of muscle, then he steadied her with hands that were

incrediblygentle.“Youallright?”heasked.

“Yes.”Shegasped.“Don’ttouchme.”

Ifhedidn’tletgo,she’dnevergettoherfeet,neverregainherbalance.

Justinheldontoherevenmorefirmlyashehelpedhertostand.“Youneedtobetouched,Deanna,”he

said.“You’recryingoutforit.”

Deannastaredathimafrozenmoment,herbodyagreeingwithhim.Warmthtickledbetweenherthighs,

andshewantedhimtoholdontoherandneverletgo.

But he only released her and handed her the clip. The sudden absence of his warmth was like being

dousedincoldwater.

Deanna wound up her hair and snapped the clasp. “I’ll be watching you, Shareem. I’ll find out what

you’reupto.Youwon’tbeabletowalkoutsidewithouttrippingoverme.”

Hissmileflashed.“Promise?”

Thesmilemadesomethingrawboilupinsideher.Shehadtogetoutofthere.

Justinmadeittothedoorbeforeshedid,slamminghishandtothedoorframe.“Don’tbeafraidofme,

Deanna.”Again,hisvoicewasgentle,coercing.

Deannapattedherstungunwithashakinghand.“I’mnotafraid.I’marmed.”

“Seriously.I’dneverhurtyou.”Justin’sgazelockedtohers.“Andthankyou.”

“Forwhat?Comingheretoquestionyou?”

“Forlettingmeseewhatyoulooklike.”

Deanna’s answer died on her lips. His body was incredibly warm, his heat like a blanket, and he

wasn’teventouchingher.

Deanna punched the control to open the door. They looked at each other for another long moment,

somethingpassingbetweenthemthatDeannadidn’tunderstand.

ThenDeannaduckedunderhisarmandwalkedswiftlyoutoftheapartment.TheBorNargansunshine

blindedher,butweirdlyitfeltnowherenearashotasJustinhad.

Justindidn’tsaygood-bye.Deannaturnedaroundtodiscoverwhynot,butthedoorslammed,andshe

stoodaloneinthestreet,facingblank,rustingmetal.

*********

Deannadreamedabouthimthatnight.

Inthedream,sheenteredaroomtofindJustinnakedandtiedtoachair.Hesatcasually,ashehadon

thesofa,butnowhishandswerefastenedbehindhisback,hisbodystretchedoutforhertosee.Hiscock
waslongandstraight,fullyerect,stretchingupwardfromacrossofropes.

“Deanna,”hesaidinhisdarkvoice.“Letyourhairdownforme.”

Without hesitation, Deanna pulled the clasp from the bun. Her hair cascaded, thick and curly, all the

waytoherfeet...Well,thisisadream.

“Thankyou,”Justinsaid.“You’rebeautiful.Now,comehere.”

Shemovedtohim,herbarefeetsinkingintosoftcarpet.Deannawaswearinglittle,onlyasilksheath

overbareskin.

Justinwatchedherasshestoppedinfrontofhim,hissmilespreading.Hisbodywasrockhardwith

muscle,slickwithperspiration,andthatcock...Itstoodstraightup,risingwitheverybreath.

“Takeoffyourdress,”hesaid.

Withoutargument,Deannaunclaspedthesilksheathandletitslidetothefloor.

Justinskimmedhisgazeupanddownher,eyeshotblue.“Untieme,sweetheart.”

“No.”Deannasmiled.Thiswasherdream,andshewasincharge.

“Please.”Perspirationwethisforehead.“Iwanttotouchyou.”

“No,”shewhispered.

HerShareem.Tiedupforher.Wantingher.

Deannawenttohimanddaringlystraddledhisthighs,herlegsoneithersideofhis.Hiscockwasso

big,anddarkwithwanting,soclose...

“Haveaseat,baby,”Justinsaid.

Should she? She could feel the warmth of him, even in her dream. His breath was hot on her skin.

Delectable.

Deanna could do anything she wanted in this vision, and no one would ever know. It would be her

secretpassion,herfantasy.

“Down,”hewhispered.

Thiswasinsane.Hewas the one tied to the chair—Deanna should have all the power. His beautiful

bodywasbound,hismusclestightashestrainedagainsttheropes.

ButDeannafeltcompelledtoobeyhim.Shesatgingerlydownonhim,gaspingwhenhiscockslidup

intoherverywetopening.

Yes.

Deannawhimpered,butitwasasobofjoy.

Justinliftedhiships,pushingallthewayupinsideher.Deannaknewitwasadream,butshestillfelt

him,bigandhard,reachingintoher.Wonderful.Sheburned,buthersheathwaswetandslick.

Justinwatchedher,hiseyessoblue,thesamewayhe’dwatchedherwhenthey’dbeenonhiscouch.

Thesimpleactofhimtouchingherhairhadmeltedeverypartofher.Hencethedream.

Thishot,fabulous,wickeddream.

Themadfrictiondroveheron,thesinfullookinJustin’seyesdrivingheraswild.

Theimagebegantodissolve,Justindriftingawayfromher.Deannawaswakingup.No.

Shemoanedhisnameaswildnesspouredoverherinwaves.She’dneverfeltanythinglikeitbefore—

darknessandnothingbutonepointoffeeling.

Deannagaspedandopenedhereyes.Shelayinthemiddleofherbed,alone,thesheetsshovedaside.

Oneofherhandspressedbetweenherlegs,herfirsttwofingerssolidlyinsideher.

Shefroze,habitualshamedashingoverher.She’dtouchedherself,broughtherselftoorgasm.Taboo.

Shameful.

Why?therebelliouspartofherdemanded.It’sheaven.

Shemovedherfingersinsidehersheath.Thecrazywildnesshadfaded,butthepressureinsideherwas

stillhotandsatisfying.

Deanna stroked herself a little longer, calming down, comforting herself. But she knew that her own

handswouldbenowherenearascomfortingasJustin’s.

Gods,shewantedhim.Deannagroanedagain,cuppinghardbetweenherlegs.

She’d have to live without him. Part of Deanna’s job was to protect other women from Shareem, to

makesurethewalkingsexmachinesdidn’tstepoutofline.Shecouldn’tbringJustintoherbedanddoher
job.

She’dgetoverit.She’dmakesureJustinstayedofftheVistara,andthenshe’dmoveontoothermatters

andforgetabouthim.

Forgetabouthim.Sure.

Ifshewassodeterminedtoforget,whydidsheimagineJustin’slarge,workwornhandpressinghard

intoherpussyasshedriftedbackintoatroubledsleep?

*********

“Anything?”JustinaskedElisa.

HestoodwithherinasmallbackroomofaPasCitylibrary,withElisapeeringataterminalscreen

andBradenloungingagainstthedesk.Thislibrarydidn’thavemuchinthewayofresources,butifanyone
couldwrestinformationfromtheBorNargandatabases,itwasElisan’Arell.

“I’m sorry,” Elisa said at last. “There’s no record anywhere of the woman called Lillian. The last

mention of her is of her quitting DNAmo and moving back home, where she obviously is not now. She
obviouslylivedintheapartmentwithherparentsuntiltheirdeath,butthen,she’sgone.”

“Sybellie’sbirthwasrecorded,”Justinsaid.“Andheradoption.Lilliansentmeamessageaboutit.”

Hepulledoutaplasticstripandhelditup,theimprintofthepreciousmessagehe’dsaved.Hethanked

thegodshehadn’thaditwithhimwhencutelittlePatrollerFirstClassDeannaSurrellhadarrestedhim.

“The birth is recorded in a free clinic in the lower end of Pas City,” Elisa said, reading her screen.

“Themotherdidn’tgiveaname.”

Bradenasked,“Isn’tthatillegalonBorNarga?”

“Technically,yes,”Elisasaid.Buttheattendingmedicmighthavenotpressedtheissue.Somelower-

class women can’t afford to raise a child, so they have them anonymously and give them up. That must
havebeenveryhardforLilliantodo.”

“Yeah.Itwas.”

And damn hard for Justin. He’d known that Lillian had been pregnant—she’d told him, and he’d

advisedhertoquitDNAmobeforetheyfoundout—buthe’dbeensentoffbeforeLillianhadgivenbirth.

“MayIseethemessage?”Elisaasked.“Theremightbesomethinginit,ifyoudon’tmind.”

Justinrubbedtheplasticstripwithhisthumb.“It’sencrypted.We’dfiguredoutawaytosendwordto

eachotherwhileshewasatDNAmo.Lillianusedthatcode.”

“Wecanreadithereifyouinputthekey,”Elisasaid.

Justin hesitated. Elisa was right—she might be able to find something Justin hadn’t seen, but it was

difficult to hand over the slip. He’d told Elisa and Braden the story, but sharing the message was like
sharingaveryintimatepartofhimself.

Elisagavehimanunderstandinglookasshetooktheslipandgentlyfeditintotheslot.Thecomputer

screenfilledwithastringofnumbersandletters,Lillian’scode.

JustinleanedoverElisa,tappedinthekeytobreakthecode,andstoodbackasthemessagerevealed

itself.

Wehaveadaughter,healthyandstrong.ShehasbeenadoptedbyafamilyontheVistara,onethat

willtakegoodcareofher.Bewell,myfriend.Ourdaughterisbeautiful.

Thescreenblurred,andJustintouchedthewordswithhisfingertips.

Elisastudiedthescreenforalongtime,thenshekeyeditoffandremovedthecard.Herowneyesheld

tearsasshegaveitbacktoJustin.

“I’msosorry,”shesaid.

Justintuckedtheplasticintohispocket,keepingitsafe.

Bradenclearedhisthroat.“Ihatetosaythis,Jus,butmaybeyoushouldletitgo.MaybeLilliandoesn’t

wanttobefound.”

“Iwanttoseeher,”Justinsaidstubbornly.“Evenifit’sonlytotellherthatSybellieisallright,that

she’sbeautiful.”

“Youneedclosure,”Elisasaid.“Finality.”

“Yeah.”Justinnoddedashepulledonhissunblockingrobes.“That’sit.”

Bradenchuckled.“Mylibrarian,shelovesthebigwords.”

“DoyouthinkyoucanfindthemedicwhodeliveredSybellie?”Justinasked,ignoringBraden.“Maybe

shewouldhavesomeideawhereLillianhadbeenheadingafterthat.”

“Icantry,”Elisasaid.“Butthemedicmighthavepassedawayoroffplanetbynow.”

“True.Butit’sallI’vegot.”

Elisa patted his arm. “Don’t worry, Justin. I won’t give up. Katarina might be better at talking to the

back-streetmedics.DoyoumindifIaskher?Idon’thavetotellherspecificallywhy.”

“Sure.”Justintookabreath.“IfIhavetobringherinonthesecret,Iwill.NotCalder,though.”

“Oh,right,”Bradensaid.“HaveasecretwithKatarinaonthesly,andseewhathappenstoyou.”

“And you’re not possessive about Elisa?” In spite of his sorrow, Justin wanted to grin at his friend.

“LookatyouhoveringaroundwhileI’mhere.”

Braden gave a mock snarl and closed his big hands on Elisa’s shoulders. “You keep your furry

handcuffstoyourself.”

“You’refunny,Braden.”JustinleaneddownandkissedElisa’scheek.“Thanks,Elisa.Ioweyou.”

“No,youdon’t,”shesaid.“It’smypleasure.”

Justin gave Elisa’s backside a pat, laughed at Braden’s growl of possessiveness, swirled his robes

aroundhisshoulders,andleftthelibrarythroughthebackdoor.

Onceoutinthesunnystreet,JustinwalkedtowhereDeannalurkedaroundthecorner.He’dseenher

followhimfromhisapartment,andnowhereshewas,waitingforhimtocomeoutofthelibrary.

Justinwalkedstraightather.Deannatriedtoslipoutofthealleybeforehegotthere,butJustinmadeit

firstandblockedherinwithhisbody.

“Hey,sweetheart,”hesaid.“Imaginerunningintoyou.”

ChapterFour

Deannamadeherselfmeethisgaze,standingstraightandnotflinching.“Ididn’trealizeShareemliked

librariessomuch,”shesaid.

“Wedowhenourbestfriend’sgirlisthelibrarian.”

Justinwouldn’tmove.Thealleybehindherwasadeadend,andifDeannawantedwalkoutofif,she’d

havetopushpastJustin.Sheknewthat’sexactlywhathewanted,soshestayedput.

“Andwhatwereyouinthelibrarytolookup?”Deannaasked.

Hegaveheradeadpanlook.“WeathercyclesintheSandSea.Maybe.”

“Don’tB.S.me.Icanalwaysgetawarrant.”

“Iwastheretovisitmyfriends,”hesaid.“That’sall,sweetheart.Nothingillegalaboutthat.”

“YoucanvisittheminthatShareembar.”

“Judith’s?Sure,butmylibrarianfriendcan’talwaysgetaway.She’snice.You’dlikeher.”

Deannatriedadisdainfullookbutcouldn’tquitemanageit.“SheconsortswithShareem.”

“Consorts.”Justinlaughed.“Isthatwhatthekidsarecallingitthesedays?SheliveswithBraden,sure.

Ibettheyhavelotsofsex.Infact,Iknowtheydo.I’veseenthematit.”

Deannagapedathim.“Seenthem?That’s—”Shewasn’tsurehowtofeelaboutit.“—notright.”

“A little voyeurism never hurt anyone, as long as everyone knows it’s happening. You should try it

sometime.”

“No.”

“No?”Justinwassomehowclosertoherwithoutherrealizinghe’dmoved.“Allright,then,whatdo

youliketodo?”

“Nothing.Imean,youshouldn’ttalkaboutthingslikethat.”

“I’m Shareem. I was bred to talk about things like that. Some people talk about politics—the gods

knowwhy.Italkaboutsex.”

“Nottoapatroller.”

“Whynot?”Howdidhegetevencloser?Justin’sbodyheatenvelopedherlikeablanket,evenunder

thescorchingsun.

“Ifyouwanttofollowmearound,”hesaid,“thenyouhavetoputupwithwhatyouget.Tellyouwhat

—insteadoffollowingme,walkwithme,andI’llshowyouwhatIdoallday.”

Allday.Walkingwithhimstrongandtallbesideher,exudingthatsexualcharm.

Deannahadneeds,shedidn’tdenyit.Herdreamswereenoughtotellherthat.Butshealsohadwork,

responsibilities,andpeopletoworryabout.

Butthen,sheneededtoprovethatthisShareemhadbrokenthelaw,thatPatrollerFirstClassDeanna

Surrellhadn’tbeenwrongtoarresthim.Sheneededtokeepherjob,orthingscouldgetverybad.

Justinwasuptosomething,thatwascertain.Stickingwithhimwouldeventuallyleadhertowhat.

ShelookedJustinstraightinhisShareem-blueeyes.“Allright.Let’sgo.Wheretonext?”

Justinlookedbrieflysurprised,asthoughhehadn’texpectedhertoagree.Thenhissmileflashedagain.

“Youhaveguts,Deanna.I’llgiveyouthat.”

His tone was so admiring that Deanna found herself flushing with pleasure. She had no business

flushingwithpleasure,butshecouldn’thelpit.Hissmilewassowarm,hisgazeallforher.

Heheldouthishand.“Comeonthen.”

Deanna looked at his callused palm then back up at him in amazement. “I’m a patroller. I can’t go

walkingaroundholdinghandswithaShareem.”

“Aw,poorthing.”Justinwriggledhisfingersthenheloweredhishandtohisside.“You’lljusthaveto

keepupthen.”

Heturnedabruptlyandstrodeaway,hislonglegstakinghimswiftlyintothePasCitycrowd.

Deannajoggedafterhim.Themanmovedfast.

Justinduckedintoashadedalleyfullofvendorssellingallkindsofclothandinexpensivejewelry.Silk

and gauze of all shades spilled from boxes and carts, semiprecious stones and silver glimmered from
others.ThewomaninDeannawantedtoslowdownandbrowse.Thepatrollerinherneededtokeepher
quarryinsight.

Justinstoppedinfrontofavendorsellingveilssimilartothosethathighbornwomenwore—fabricthat

couldmerelyframethefaceorbepulledacrosseyes,nose,andmouthtokeepoutdust.

Justin was lifting a crimson veil from the table when Deanna panted up to him. “Wait,” she said

breathlessly.

“Thiswouldlookniceonyou,”Justinsaid.

BeforeDeannacouldprotest,hedrapedthesilkoverherheadandcrossedtheendsoverherchest.

The silk brushed Deanna’s face, the fabric touching her like a whisper. The vendor motioned to a

mirrorproppeduponhistable,andshecouldn’tresisttakingalook.

Deanna,usedtothedrabgrayofherpatroller’suniform—whichsheworewithpride—wassurprised

atwhatshesaw.Theredoftheveilbroughtcolortohercheeksandmadehereyeslookdarker.Herblack
hair, though drawn back tightly as usual, looked soft where it peeped out from under the veil. The silk
complementedherhairratherthanhidit,renderingitabrushofdarknessbeneaththecloth.

“Thisislovely.”Thewordscameoutbeforeshecouldstopthem.

“Howmuch?”Justinaskedthevendor.

“Twenty.”

Deannereluctantlyslidofftheveilandshookherhead.“No,Ican’tafford...”

ShefalteredasJustintookacreditstripfromhispocketandhandedittothevendor.Thevendorzipped

itthroughhishandheldandmadethetransactionbeforeDeannacouldcompletehersentence.

“Justin,youcan’tdothat.”

“Ijustdid.”Justintookhiscreditstripback,pluckedtheveilfromDeanna’shands,andsetitbackover

herhead,layingthecrossedendsoverhershoulders.

“Ican’tacceptthis,”Deannasaid.“Youcan’tbribeme.”

ThevendorglancedatJustinandDeannathenturnedquicklyaroundtotalktoacustomerontheother

sideofhisbooth.Hedidn’twanttoknow.

“Not a bribe,” Justin said, perfectly serious. “A gift. What would I be bribing you for anyway? I

alreadygotoutofjail.”

“Formetolooktheotherwayatwhateverelseyou’reupto.”

Justin straightened the edge of the veil against Deanna’s cheek, his fingers warm on her skin. “I’m

givingyoutheveilbecauseitlooksprettyonyou.”

Itdidlooknice.Toonice.Deannashookoffhistouchandpulledthefabricfromherheadagain,butshe

balledthesilkinherhandanddidn’treturnittothevendor.

Justinhadalreadystartedtowalkaway.Deannahastenedafterhim,swearingunderherbreath.Anyone

whobelievedShareemweren’tmastersofmanipulationhadn’tmetJustin.

Hedidn’tgofar.Shecaughtuptohimwhenhestoppedatacoffeevendor’sandorderedtwocupsof

thickBorNargancoffee,whichwasgrowninthenorthernmountains.Peoplecamefromplanetsfar,far
awaytogetBorNargancoffee.

Arareopenspacebeyondthecoffeevendor’sstallprovidedtables.Justindeftlytookonefromthree

workers who were leaving and set down a coffee for Deanna. He waited for her to sit first at the high
table,butshereallyshouldn’tsitdowninpublicwithhim.Shewasthepatroller,hetheformerprisoner.

Buthe’dstandtherealldaywaiting,sherealized,sosheploppedintoaseat.

Shesnatchedupthecoffeeanddrank,closinghereyesatthetasteofthedeep,richbrew.He’dbought

thetopoftheline—atleast,astopofthelineasyoucouldgetinPasCity.

DeannaopenedhereyestofindJustinsittingacrossthetablefromher.Hekepthisgazeonherwhilehe

tookasipfromhisowncup.

Hedidn’tdoanythingradicalwiththatsip—hesimplydrankthecoffee.Butthewayhedrankit...He

tookitlovinglyintohismouth,closinghiseyeswhilehesavoredthetaste.Histhroatmovedinaslow
swallow,thenheslidhistongueoverhislipstocatchanylingeringdrop.

Deanna’skneeswentweak,somethinghotstabbingthespacebetweenherlegs.Themancouldn’tdo

anythingwithoutbeingover-the-topsensual.

Heopenedhiseyesandcarefullysetdownhiscup.“Weartheveil.”

Sheshookherhead.“Ican’t.NotwhileI’minuniform.”

Justinmovedhisgazetohercoverallwhereithuggedherbosom.“Patrollersliveinthoseuniforms.

Youshouldhavesaid,notwhileI’monduty.Areyou?”

Deannarolledhercupbetweenherpalms.“No.”

“Whynot?”

She didn’t want to tell him. Being a patroller was Deanna’s life. She’d been a patroller since she’d

graduatedfromtheacademy,hadmovedupthechainwithease.Shestoodtobepromotedsoon.

UntilJustin.

Sheclutchedthecupwhilehumiliationcrawledthroughher.“Thismorning,Iwastoldtotakealeave

ofabsence.”

She waited for Justin’s laugh, his satisfied glee, but he watched her without changing expression. “I

thoughttheywereonlyholdingupyourpromotion.”

“TodaytheydecidedIshouldtakeafewdaysoffwhiletheylookintomyperformanceanddecidewhat

todo.”

“Fuckingpatrollers,”Justingrowled.

Deannashrugged,shouldersshakingalittle.“It’sprocedure.Iscrewedup.”

“Don’tjustifyit.Thearrestwaslegit,andwebothknowit.”

“They’reembarrassedandlookingforsomeonetoblame.IguessBrianned’Aroth’swordcarriesalot

ofweight.”

Tohersurprise,Justingrinnedintruemirth.“Ibelieveit.Ihaven’tknownBreelong,butIcanseethat

shegetsherownway.She’dhavetohavethatkindofmoxie,toputupwithAidenandKy.”

“Moxie?Whatdoesthatmean?”

“WordIpickeduponSirius.Meansshehasballs,guts,lotsofdetermination.”Justinleanedforward.

“Youdotoo,I’mthinking.Weartheveil.Tohellwiththem.”

Sheshouldn’t.Deannahadlearnedfromdayone,Respecttheuniform.

Patrollers never went off duty, not really. They kept their eye out for crime every minute they were

awake.Deannahadanalarmnexttoherbedwiredstraightfromthestationhousesotheycouldwakeher
whenevershewasneeded.

Patrollers kept the streets safe for citizens of Bor Narga. Off-worlders came here by the ton, beings

fromalloverthegalaxy,andnotallofthemrespectedBorNarganlaws.Deannahadstoodbetweenoff-
worldriotersandthehomesofBorNargansmorethanonce,foughtaslaverhand-to-handwhenhewas
gettingreadytoabscondwithtwochildren.She’dhauledhissorryasstohercellsandgothimtransported
toamaximumsecuritystationtoawaittrial.Whichhe’dlost.Servedhimright.Scumbag.

Deannawasheruniform.She’dgivenherlifetothepatrollers,believedinwhattheystoodfor.

And they’d cold-shouldered her the minute she’d made a mistake. Which hadn’t been a mistake. Her

prisonerwasadmittinghisguilt.

But it didn’t count, because all the ruling family had to do was say a word, and it was Deanna who

paid.

Deannashookouttheveilwithanangryjerk,laiditoverherheadandwrappedtheendsaroundher

throat.

Justinsmiled.“Mmm.Beautiful.”

“Thesilkisnice.”Nicerthananythingsheowned.

“Imeantyouarebeautiful.Takethecompliment,Deanna.”

Whenhesaiditinthatvelvetvoice,Deannawantedtobelieveit.

“Tellmewhatyouwereresearchingatthelibrary,”shesaid.

Heshookhishead.“Damn,you’relikeadogwithabone.”

“Ialwaysgetmyprisoner.”

“Ibetyoudo.Howabout,insteadoftalkingaboutme,wetalkaboutyou.WhoareyouDeannaSurrell?

Whyareyouapatroller?”

Easytoanswer,ifhewantedtoplaythisgame.“It’swhatIalwayswantedtodo.”

“What,yourmothergaveyouapistolandabadgewhenyouwerefive,andyouwentaroundthehouse

arrestingyourdolls?”

Sheflushed.“Yes,actually.Somethinglikethat.ButI’dwantedtobeapatrollerbeforethat.Mymother

was just humoring me.” Deanna had wanted her mother to be so proud. And her mother was, the rare
timesshecouldcommunicate.

Justintookanothersipofcoffee,anotherlessoninsensuality.“Soyouwenttotheacademy,”hesaid.

“Wereyoutopoftheclass?”

“No.”Butprettydamngood.“Iwonamarksmanshipmedal.”

“Shit,nowonderyougotme.Ifyou’dbeenshootingwitharegulargun,I’dbedead.”

“Youwouldbe,”Deannasaid.“ButI’mnotakiller.Isubduethetargetbutkeephimalive.”

“Anddraghimtothecellstointerrogatehim.”

“Andmakesurehe’swellcaredforinmycustody.Woundshealed,nutritiontakencareof,noabuse.

Someofthepatrollerscanbe...”

Deannaclosedhermouthoverthecriticism.Finetocomplainwithinthedivision,badtospillaboutit

toacivilian,especiallyaShareem.

“Yeah,Iknowhowthepatrollerscanbe,”Justinsaid.“Whatmakesyousuchasweetie?”

“I’mnot.Idomyjob.”

Hegrinned.“SoallBorNarganscanresteasyintheirbeds?”

“PatrollerssweartoprotectanddefendtheordinarycitizensofBorNarga.That’swhatIdo.”

“Fromthebig,badShareem?”

“Ifnecessary.WhatwereyoudoingupontheVistara,Justin?”

Justinraisedhishands,stillgrinning,buthisgazebecamewary.“Itoldyou,love.WhatShareemdo.”

“Whichiswhat,exactly?”

“Theusual.Lookitup.”

“I’maskingyou.Noevasionsandhalf-truths.Iwanttoknow,ineverydetail,whyyoudecidedtogoto

theVistaratwomorningsagoandwhatyouintendedtodothere.”

Hissmilevanished.“IfItellyou,thenwhat?Youarrestmeagain?”

“Idon’thavethepowertoarrestyouatthemoment.”Deanna’sfingerscurledonthetable.“Butifyou

werebreakingthelaw,orintendingto,youdon’tgettogofree.”

“WhatifIpromiseyounolawswouldhavebeenbroken?”

“Inthatcase,youcantellmewhatyouwhatyouweregoingtodo.”

Justinturnedhisheadtostudythenearbystallsoverflowingwithspicesandexoticfruits.Deannasaw

inhiseyes,inthemomentbeforeheturnedaway,aflashofdeeppain.

“I’llthinkaboutit,”hesaid.

“I’mapatroller.I’mquestioningyou.Youhavetoanswerme.”

When Justin turned back, the pain she’d glimpsed had vanished, and she wondered whether she’d

imaginedit.

“Youweregivenaleaveofabsence,”hesaid.“Soyou’reacivvyrightnow,sameasme.”

“Justin,”shesaidinexasperation.

Heleanedforward,hisgazeallforher.“Ilikeitwhenyousaymynamelikethat.Yourfacegetsall

soft,andyoulosethestickupyourass.It’slikeyouwanttotalktome.”

“Idowanttotalktoyou.Whywon’tyoutellme?”

“Becauseyouwanttoknowsobad.”Hesmiledagain,ahot,meltingsmile.“I’mleveltwo,sweetie.I

tease,Idriveyoucrazy,youbegforme,andIgiveyouwhatIknowyouwant.”

Whenhesaidbegforme,Deannahadasuddenvisionofherselfonherknees,herhandsboundtogether

byhernewsilkveil,sheaskingJustintodowhateverhelikedwithher.

She also remembered her dream of him tied up on the chair, ropes snaking around his aroused cock

whileheinstructedhertogetundressed.Shesquirmedinherseat.

“Likethat,”Justinsaidinalow,warmvoice.

Deannahoppeddownfromherstool.“Cease.”

“I’mnotdoinganything.I’mdrinkingcoffee.”

“Yes,youare.You’reShareem-ingme.”

Justinburstoutlaughing,atruelaugh,notateasingone.Passingwomenglancedoverandsmiled.

“Shareem-ingyou.Ihavetorememberthatone.”

Deanna’s face went hot. “You know what I mean. What you do with your smiles, and your sips of

coffee,andtouchingmewithyourpheromones.”

“Isweartoyou,baby,I’mkeepingmypheromonestomyself.You,ontheotherhand,aresendingout

signalslikecrazy.”

“Iamnot.”

“Yes,youare.You’rethinkingaboutsomethingthatinvolvesme,andit’smakingyouwantme.”

“Youareanarrogant,sonofa...vat.Idonotwantyou.”

“Yes,youdo.I’mright,aren’tI?”

Hewas,andshe’dneveradmitit.

“Gohome,andstaythere,”Deannasaidswiftly.“IfIcatchyougoingtotheVistaraagain,Isweartothe

gods I’ll shoot you in the ass, and I won’t use a stun gun this time.” The veil brushed her cheek as she
gesticulated,andshestartedtoslideitoff.“Andtakethisback.Idon’twantit.”

Justin’s hands stilled hers. “Yes, you do.” He smoothed the veil back into place, and Deanna stood,

frozen,whilehisfingersbrushedhercheek.“Youdeserveitforputtingupwithme.”

His touch was warm. Deanna found it hard to breath, while at the same time her heart pounded

sickeninglyhard.Shewantedtoturnherheadandlickthesideofhisthumb,maybetakehisfingertipinto
hermouth.

Justin brushed her cheek again, his gaze holding hers. Deanna’s body was warm, pliant, the secret

wantingshetriedtobanishtwiningherinanimpossiblegrip.

Themomenthungwhilethecolors,scents,andsoundsofthemarketplacewhirledaroundandbecamea

backgroundblur.

Justinskimmedhishanddownherarmandclosedhisstrongfingersaroundhers.“Walkmehome.”

Itwasnotacommand,notasuggestion,andhedidn’tplead.Hesimplysaidit.

Deanna twitched her hand from his, but she nodded. Justin flashed another smile at her, one of the

amazingonesthatlituphisfaceandmadeherwanttocollapseathisfeet.

Sidebyside,theyleftthemarketplace,backtothesearinghotstreetsofPasCity.

Justin’sflatwasnexttothebarrunbythewomancalledJudith.TwoShareemstoodinthebar’sopen

doorway, a dark-haired one with massive muscles next to a tall blond Shareem with a face of perfect
masculinebeauty.

ThedarkmantookonelookatDeanna,scowledather,andfadedbackintothebar,buttheblondman

eyedherwithinterest.

JustinignoredthetwoShareemcompletelyashepalmedopenhisdoorandpulledDeannainside.The

doorslammedclosedbehindher,thelightscomingon.

“Nowstayhere,”Deannastartedtosay.

Justinbackedheragainstthewall.“YouthinkIcanletyougoyet?Withyoulookingsobeautiful?”

BeforeDeannacoulddomorethangape,Justincuppedherfaceinhishandsandpulledheruptohim

forahard,hotkiss.

ChapterFive

Justintastedthefireinher.Deannawasshaking,uncertain,buthescentedherwanting,whichfilledhim

withelationhehadn’texperiencedinalongtime.He’dhadsomuchgrief,andnowhewantedapatroller
who’dshothimintheass.

HeslantedhismouthoverDeanna’s,sweepinghistongueinside.HewasShareem—hecouldn’tsimply

kissawomanandbedone.Hehadtotakehermouth,learnit,exploreit.

Asherbodysoftenedunderhis,Justinlickedthecornersofherlips,drewhistongueacrossherbottom

lip,andteasedbeneathhertongue.Shetastedofthecoffee,therich,headycoffeeofBorNarga.Plainand
simple,butoh,sostrong.

Theveilhidtheseverebunsheinsistedonanddrewattentionfromthedrabgraycoverall.Theredsilk

emphasizedherdarkeyes,therichbrownofherhair.

Anditwasdamnsexy.Thiswomanhadhiscockhard,andshewasapatroller,forthegods’sakes.

Ifheseducedher,ifhetookherintohisbedroomforalongandsatisfyingafternoondelight,wouldshe

leavehimthehellalone?Orarresthimagain?

No,shewasoffduty.Forcedtotakealeaveofabsence,becauseofhim.

Soshe’djustcallanotherpatrollertocomeandarresthim.

Justineasedthekisstoaclosebutkepthishandscurledaroundherface,thumbscaressingherskin.

“Youarefuckingwithmyhead,”hesaidsoftly.

“What?”

“You’rebeautiful,andI’mlonely.”Andhorny.Sofar,Justinhadbeenmakingdowithhisever-vigilant

hand,butthathadtostopsometime.Shareemneededsex.

Bradenhadofferedtofixhimupwithawomanortwotoworkitoff,butJustinhadn’twantedtobe

wellintoatwo-daybingeandmissanywindowofopportunitytoseehisdaughter.

Besides, he’d learned the difference between sex with love and sex for the sake of satiation. He

preferredthelove,thoughheknewhe’dhavetosatehimselfsoonorexplode.

But he was beginning to like this feisty little patroller. A day with her, teaching her everything she

neededtoknowaboutShareem...

Justin’s level-two instincts knocked. He could lock her hands behind her, strip her bare, run slow

fingersoverherbody,thenkissher,lickher,biteher,andshowherthatalittlespankingbetweenfriends
couldbefun.

Deannawasready,hecouldfeelitinher.Herskintemperaturewasrising,facenowasweetpink.Her

needwasfillingher,probablysurprisingher,andJustinhadtotalkfast.

“Tell you what,” he said. “You let me teach you about Shareem—what we really are, not a bunch of

crapinyourdatabase.Letmeteachyou,andmaybeI’lltellyouwhatIwasdoingupontheVistara.”

Helettheliecometohislips,withoutstirringupthepainandsweatthatotherShareemwentthrough.

Half-lie, actually. He wouldn’t tell her about Sybellie, but he might help Deanna save her job—

somehow.Itwasimportanttoher.

Deannaleanedtohim.Herlipsparted,herbreathtouchinghisfingers,andhermouthstartedtoformthe

wordYes.

“No,”shesaid.

Ahard,emphaticNo.

Disappointment kicked him in the gut. He’d been looking forward to taking her by the wrists and

tuggingherwithhimintohisbedroom.Rightnow.

Justincouldstilldoit.He’dbrokenhisprogramming.Hedidn’tneedherpermission.

“No?”heaskedsoftly.

“I’mnotawhore,thankyouverymuch.NolearningaboutShareeminexchangeforanything.”

Fairpoint.“Allright.HowaboutlearningaboutShareemforthehellofit?”

Thatstoppedher.Deannawantedit—everythingaboutherscreamedit.Herbodywastightunderhis

touch,nipplespearlingagainsthercoverall.

Deannatookafirmstepaway.“No.”

Shehadtodragthewordout,butthewomanhadguts.NotmanyfemalescouldresistaShareemwhen

theypourediton.

“No,” she said again. Deanna managed to slide herself along the wall toward the door, though she

couldn’tlookawayfromhim.

Justinlethergo.Hecouldtakeher,sure.Hecouldmakeherlikeitsomuchthatshenevertoldasoul

andkeptithersecretpleasureforever.

Hecoulddoanythinghewanted,butJustinhadthefeelingthatifhecoercedherintoitnow,thiswould

be their one and only time. As much as he could make her like it, Deanna would be ashamed, and she
wouldn’tbebackformore.

Butithurt,oh,ithurt,towatchhergo.

“Stay here,” she said, her voice stronger the farther she made it from Justin. She touched the door

controls.Thedoorflungitselfupward,asthoughittoowasinhastetogetheroutofthere.Hotairboiled
inatthem.“AndstaythehellofftheVistara.”

Deanna walked out. Almost ran out. She gave Justin one last look over her shoulder—her longing

burninghimasherveilglistenedinthesunlight—thenthedoorclosed,andshewasgone.

“Shit.”

Justinranhishandsthroughhishair,hisbodysweating,thoughthecoolertriedtostaunchtheheat.He

wasgoingtoburnupanddie.

HewantedtorunafterDeanna,haulherbackinhere,takeheragainstthewall.Todrowninherscent,

totasteeveryinchofher—heneededit.

Damnher.

Justincollapsedtothesofa,scrubbinghishandsthroughhishair,tryingtostopthetinglingalloverhis

skin.Heneededtorelease.Shareemgenesweretakingover,andheneededtorelease,now,now,now.

Oh,right,Ibrokemyprogrammingandcanlivelikeanormalhuman.

I’mShareem,andIalwayswillbe.

ItwastimetoseeSybellie.ButJustincouldn’tsneaktotheVistaraandthecoffeehousewhereshemet

herfriendswhenhewasburninguplikethis.He’dneverwalkthreefeetwiththishard-on.

Judith was next door, a woman who made no secret that she loved Shareem—four or five at a time

whenshecouldmanageit.

Butasshe’dindicatedwhenJustinhadsqueezedherasstheotherday,shewasholdingoffShareem.

She liked Mitch, Mitch had asked her to be exclusive, and who was Justin to come between a budding
relationship?

Justin occasionally still joined Braden and Elisa for a little ménage fun, but right now he needed

mindlessfucking,andhedidn’tthinkBradenwouldstandbackandletthathappen.NeitherwouldElisa,
andanywayJustindidn’twanttouseElisathatway.

Thatlefthishandyhand.

Hedidn’thavetimetomakeitaformalritualorevengrabsomelube.Justinrippedopenhisleggings,

wrappedhishandaroundhishardandunhappycock,andyanked.

*********

Deanna didn’t catch her breath until she was halfway down the street. The veil had sunblocking

material woven into the silk, which shielded her from the worst of the sun, but her body was scalding
fromtheinsideout.

She still felt Justin’s mouth on hers, his skilled kiss, his fingers gentle on her face. Her body was

burningtoitscore,herneedmakingherhotterthanshe’deverbeen.

EvenDeanna’sdreamabouthimhadn’tgottenherthisbothered.Butthathadn’tbeenreal,andJustin’s

searingkisshadbeen.Whileshe’dstoodagainsthim,takingthekiss,she’dwantedtograbhisbighand,
thrustitbetweenherlegs,andbeghimtopleasureher.

When he’d offered to tell her what she wanted to know in exchange for teaching her, she’d nearly

screamedYes!

Deanna’s hasty claim that she wouldn’t make a whore of herself for him had been a huge lie. She’d

wantedto.Justinmadeherwantto.Andwhenhe’dsuggestedtheydoitforthefunofit...

Goodthingshe’dgottenherselfoutofthere.

Deannaleanedagainstthewallinanearbyalley,tryingtolettheheatofthesun-bakedbrickrestoreher

equilibrium.Asshewaited,sheforcedhercommonsensetoreturn.

Inspiteofthewayhewooedhertoday,Justinwasstilluptosomething.He’dreturnedtoBorNargafor

a reason, and he’d gone to the Vistara for a reason, and that reason was costing Deanna her job, her
career,andherlife.

She damn well wanted to find out what that reason was. And she would—no letting him distract her

withbuyinghergiftsandpromisingherpleasure.

Deannawasn’tcertainhowlongshestayedinthealley,watchingandwaiting,tryingtocalmdown,but

thesunmovedhigher,andplentyofpeoplepassedby.

She came alert when a sleek hovercar pulled up in front of Justin’s door. The car was expensive, if

Deannawereanyjudge,barelymakinganynoiseasitrockedonitscushionofair.

The car had a driver’s compartment separate from the passenger’s—the type of car its owner would

never drive herself. A highborn woman lurked behind those tinted windows in the back, Deanna was
certain,achauffeurinthefront.

Afteraboutfiveminutes,thedoortoJustin’sapartmentopened.Justinstrolledout,coolandcollected,

hissunblockingrobespulledoverhisheadandacrossthelowerhalfofhisface.Thebackpassengerdoor
openedpolitelyforhim,andJustinslidinside.

Thedoorclosed,andthecarslidforward,headingstraightforDeanna.

Deannaduckedbackintotheshadowsofthealley.Assoonasthecarpassed,shecameoutofhiding

andfollowed.

Thestreetsdownherewerefullofpeople,slowingthehovercar,soDeannaeasilykeptupwithit,and

thedriverdidn’tseemtobeinahurry.Thecarwovepatientlythroughthepedestriantrafficanddidn’t
pickupspeeduntilitfoundamainthoroughfare.Deannasteppedbackasthecarturnedthelastcornerand
dartedintothestreamoftrafficflowinguphill.

“Damnhim,”shesaidoutloud,thevestigesofherlongingwashedawaybyanger.

The thoroughfare was the direct route to the Vistara, the hill upon which upper middleclass and

aspiringupper-classwomenboughthomes,raisedchildrentobeassnobbishastheywere,anddreamed
somedayofmovingontotheSerestineQuarter.

Growlinginrage,Deannasprintedbackdownthestreet,nevermindingtheheat.Sheusedherbadge

thatshecarriedondutyorofftorushpasttheturnstileattheneareststation,andleaptontothefirsttrain
headinguptotheVistara.

ChapterSix

Justin barely made it. He stayed well under the shadows of the passage across the street from the

coffeehouse,andlookedoveratthefourgirlsattheirusualtableinside.

Theotherthreeyoungwomenweredaughtersoflocalwell-offfamilies,andtheyallwenttothenearby

universitygraduateschoolwithSybellie.Sybelliewasstudyingtechno-finance,he’dhadElisalookup.
Hewasproudofhowsmartshewas.

As Justin watched, Sybellie lifted her coffee to her lips then threw her head back and laughed at

somethingoneofherfriendssaid.

Sherobbedhimofbreatheverytimehesawher.Shelookedmuchlikehermother,Lillian,butSybellie

hadalsogottenJustin’sgenes,whichhadbeenengineeredtoproducestrength,physicalbeauty,stamina,
androbusthealth.

Sybellie glowed with beauty. Her hair was soft brown, her eyes brown—happily Lillian’s dominant

BorNargangenehadnotbetrayedSybelliebygivingherblueeyes.Theyoungwomanlaughedreadily,
herpinkcheeksmatchingtherose-coloredveilsshelikedtowear.

Inshort,shewasatwenty-something-year-oldwoman,happywithherfriends,poisedtotakeonlife.

Justinhadnevermetherandhadneverspokentoher.Hecouldonlystandheredayafterdayandgaze

at her, wishing like hell he could walk to her, take her hand, sit down next to her and say, “Hello,
Sybellie.I’myourdad.”

Henevercould.Shareemintheory,weren’tabletoreproduce.ButJustinhadmanageditwithLillian.

Afluke,aluckyshot.

Abeautifulluckyshot,therewithherfriends,sohappy.

Someonepunchedhimintheass.No,notpunched,shovedapistolontohisrightbuttcheek.

“ItoldyouwhatI’ddoifIfoundyouuphereagain.”

Deannahadabedroomvoiceevenwhenshewasthreateninghim.Shewasstillwearingthesilkveil

too.

Justin turned abruptly, grabbed the wrist of the hand holding the pistol, and flattened Deanna to the

wall.

“Shutup,”hesaidinalow,fiercevoice.

Deanna’seyeswidened,butinfury,notfear.“Letgoofme.”

“Keepitdown.”

Shestruggled.“Iyellonce,andeverypatrollerontheVistaragunsyoudown.”

“That’swhyIneedyoutoshutup.”

“I’mnotafraidofyou.”

“Idon’tgiveashit.Don’tsayaword.”

Thedoorofthecoffeehouseslidopen,andthefourgirlscameout,talkingtogether.Theypulledsilken

veilsdowntokeepouttheheat,butdidn’tstoptheirchatter,whichtheyallseemedtobedoingatonce.

Justindidhisbestnottolook.Hetriednottoturnhishead,tonotsomuchasmoveaneyeball.

Buthecouldn’thelpit.Sybellietossedherveilaroundherthroat,herclearvoicetouchingJustinlikea

caress.

Deannaglaredathim.“You’reupheretowatchthem,aren’tyou?Aren’ttheyalittleyoungforyou?”

“Iwasn’twatchingthem.”Justinhadgottensogoodatlying.

She ignored him. “Are you stalking one of them? Was she who you were coming up here to meet? If

she’sunderage,youaresoscrewed.Tellme,Justin.I’llfindoutanyway.Orwasitallofthemtogether?”

Justinpushedherharderintothewall.“Youleavethemthehellalone.”

Deanna’seyeswidenedagain,thistimewithalookofpain.“Oh,gods,Justin,youreallyarestalking

them.”

“No,Iamnot.”

“Thenwhyareyouuphere?Whyareyouriskingyourlife?”

Justinletgoofher,fearswirlingthroughhim.“Allright,allright.”Heraisedhishands,pretendingto

becool,whenhisheartwaspoundingsohardhewantedtodie.“It’strue,”hesaidquickly.“I’maperv.I
likeyoung,softflesh.”

Deanna’seyesnarrowed.“You’relying.”

“Shareemcan’tlie.”

“Butyou’redoingit.Again.”

Fuck.

Herpistolcameup.Itwasastunpistolonly,butshecoulddraghimanywhereifsheknockedhimout.

“You are going to tell me every word of what’s going on,” she said. “Or I’ll arrest you again, and I

don’tcarehowmanyd’Arothsganguponmetogetyouout.”

“Fine.” Justin reached into his robes. Deanna’s trigger finger tightened until Justin pulled out his

handheld.“I’llcallmyride.It’smorecomfortablethanapatrolcar.”

“Whynotwatchfromthecar,then,whereIcouldn’tfindyouorshootyou?”

Justinpushedbuttonsthatsummonedthechauffer.“Youwouldn’tunderstand.”

BorNarganglasstendedtobeverythickandfullofshielding.Lookingthroughtheshieldedglassof

Brianne’s car to the heavy windows of the coffeehouse rendered the coffeehouse’s windows an almost
opaquegray.Ifhestayedinthecar,hewouldn’tgetaclearviewofSybellie.

Thecarslidtoasilenthaltattheotherendofthealley.JustingrabbedDeanna’shandandtowedher

alongwithhimtowardit.

Thecar’sbackdoorslidopen.JustinallbutshovedDeannainsideandclimbedinbehindher,dropping

ontotheseatwithherbeforethedoorclosedagain.

The chauffer turned and looked at them through the window of his compartment. Deanna’s gun was

obvious,butJustinshookhishead.

“It’sallright,”hesaidthroughthespeaker.

Thechauffer,usedtoShareembynow,turnedawayanddarkenedthewindowbetweenpassengerand

drivercompartments.

Thecarwasabubbleofprivacyandluxury.CushionssofterthananybedJustinhadownedcradledhis

backside. The air was cooled and lightly scented with the odor of meadow flowers. Justin had walked

acrossrealmeadowsonSirius,andknewthattheysmelledofmud,decayedgrass,andthelastpassing
cow.ButnoneofthatwoulddoforthehighbornladiesonBorNarga.

“Howdidyouaffordthis?”Deannaasked,lookingaroundinwonder.

“Ididn’t.It’safriend’s.Sheloanedittomefortheafternoon.”

“Whatfriend?”

“Brianned’Aroth.”

Deannamadeanoiseofexasperation.“Imighthaveknown.She’sbeenveryhelpful,hasn’tshe?Isshe

oneofyour...clients?”

“No,”Justinsaidwithemphasis.“She’sjustafriend.”

“WhyshouldIbelieveanythingyousay?”

“Whyareyoutryingtomakemylifehell?”Justincountered.

Theyfacedeachother,Deannabreathinghard,red-faced,andstillsexy.

“WhydidyoucomebacktoBorNarga?”Deannaasked.

“Whyisitanyofyourdamnedbusiness?”

“Because it’s my job to protect women from people like you!” Her voice rang in the small

compartment.

“Oh,right,toprotectthewomenwhomakesomanyrulesthatmyfriendsandIcanbarelyexist?The

samewomenwhohireusinsecrettomakethemorgasmallnight?You’reprotectingthemfromme?”

“Youdidn’thavetocomebackhere,”Deannasaidhotly.“YoulivedonSirius,forthegods’sake.You

lefttheretocomebacktothishellhole.You’reuptosomething.Ineedtoknowwhat.”

“Nothingthat’sgoingtohurtyouorthepreciouswomenyou’reprotecting.”

“HowthehellcanIknowthat?”Deannashouted.“Shareemaren’tsupposedtolie,butyou’redoingit.

Shareemcan’ttouchawomanwithoutherpermission,butyougrabbedmeandshovedmearoundwithout
aflickerofpain.Hassomeonebeenmessingwithyouinside?Didtheybreakyourprogramming?Who
wasit,andwhatdoesithavetodowiththosegirls?”

“Ibrokeit.”Justingrabbedherwristagainwithoutmitigatinghisstrengthandtwistedthestungunfrom

herhand.“Ibrokemyprogrammingmyself.IthasnothingtodowithanyoneonBorNarga.Withmorethan
twentyyearsonSiriuswithoutthestupidinoculations,Ihadplentyoftimetopractice.”

Deannastared,openmouthed,asheclickedonthestungun’ssafetyandtossedtheguntotheotherside

ofthecar.“Icouldhaveyouterminatedfordoingthat.”

“Fine.Thendoit.”Justinshovedhishandheldather.“Callyourpatrollers.Arrestme.Terminateme.

Hell,Idon’tcareanymore.”

He did care, but Deanna was right. He shouldn’t have come back to Bor Narga. But after Shela had

died,hiscravingtoseeSybelliewouldn’tleavehimalone.

Now he realized his selfishness. Deanna wasn’t stupid. If she figured out what was going on, if she

reportedit,hemightaswellhavekilledhisowndaughter.

Deannatookthehandheld,butsheresteditbetweenherfingertipsanddidn’tturniton.“Idon’twant

youterminated,Justin.”Hervoicewaslow,thatbedroomsilkinessagain.“Itoldyouthatwhenyouwere
in the cell. I would have helped you out of there, without you having to bother Brianne d’Aroth. Why

didn’tyoubelieveme?”

“You’reapatroller.”

“You’reaShareem.”

Shecontinuedtorotatethehandheldbetweenherfingers,notmakinganymovetouseit.

“Thatmeanswe’realwaysenemies?”heaskedher.

Deanna’seyesweresoft.“Idon’twantustobe.”

Justin didn’t want them to be either. Not enemies. In different circumstances he’d be happy to get to

knowthislady.Shehadbeauty,strength,andgrit,astheplain,hardworkingfolksonSiriuslikedtosay.

AsDeannacontinuedtoturnthehandheld,Justinscoopedtheveilbackfromherface.Hecaressedthe

cornersofhermouthwithhisthumbs,partingherlips,studyingthered,moistheatofhermouth.

Justinleanedcloser,herbreathonhisskinassoftasthesilkveil.Herhandscameuptorestagainsthis

chest,thecornerofthehandheldpressinghistunic.

Justinpartedherlipsalittlemorebeforeheslantedhismouthacrosshers.

Hetastedtheheatofherashestrokedhistongueinsideher,feltthepulsepoundinginherthroatashe

slidhisfingersdownherneck.

Deanna opened her lips to his, trying to imitate what he did. The flicker of her tongue was erotic as

hell,makinghisalreadyhardcockthatmuchmorerigid.

Justinslidhiskneebetweenherthighs,likingthetightcoverallthatlethimfeeleverypartofher.She

gaspedashepressedherlegsopen,thenhereyessoftenedashestrokedhisthighagainstherpussy.

HerlittlenoiseofsurrendermadehisShareemneedskickin.Justinloopedhishandaroundherwrists,

holdingthemlockedtogetherwhilehepushedherdowntotheseat.

She squirmed under him, but Justin held her firmly, continuing to lick and stroke her mouth. His

questingfingersfoundthefasteningofhercoverall,andhejerkedthecoverallopenfromnecktowaist.

Beneath it, Deanna wore an almost sheer tunic, the rosy buds of her nipples displayed against the

fabric. Justin held her down while he tongued one nipple through the tunic, loving how it rose and
tightenedagainsthislips.DeannaarcheduptohimasJustinclosedhismouthoverherbreastandsuckled.

Hecouldhavehernow,holdingherdownonthesoftcushionoftheseat.Hecouldtearthesilkopen

andfeastonherbareflesh,lickinghiswaydowntoherpussy,whichhecouldscentwaswetandopenfor
him.

She’dtastegood,herhotspiceflavoringthebareflowerofherpussy,thehardberryofherclit.Then

he’dhavethecoveralloff,andhe’dthrustintoher,satingtheneedthatwasburninghimup.

The driver couldn’t see—he’d cut off sound and sight to give his passengers privacy. The man was

usedtodrivingBriannewithAidenandKy.He’dprobablylearnedalongtimeagothatitwasbestnot
knowwhatwentoninhisbackseat.

Justin’s imagination flicked briefly to Aiden and Ky, two hard-bodied Shareem sandwiching pretty

Brianne, in this compartment, pheromones thick, and his libido snapped tighter. Justin liked a bit of
voyeurismnowandagaintowhethisappetite—thesedays,hedidn’thavemuchmorethanthat.

Butthepicturequicklydissolved.HewantedittobejusthimandjustDeanna,forthemtofindtheir

deepestpleasurealonetogether.

Justinkissedhiswayuptoherthroat.“Hireme,”hewhispered.

“What?”

“Hireme.”Heraisedhishead.“LikeIofferedbefore,letmeshowyouwhatbeingwithaShareemcan

be.”

Deannagavehimalittlesmile,hereyeslanguid.“Youmean,thisisn’tit?”

“No.”Notbyalongway.Hewantedtodiscovereverysingleoneofherdesiresandfeedthemtoher.

“Hireme,andI’llgiveyouanightyou’llneverforget.”

From the heat blossoming in her eyes, she wanted it. She wanted him. Her body gave off desire in

waves,thefemalescentofherkickingJustin’shard-onintohighgear.

Hereagernessdied.“Ican’t.”

No,no,sweetheart,don’tsayno.“Yes,youcan.”

Deannashookherhead.“Idon’twantittobelikethat.”

NeitherdidJustin.Hewantedhertobewithhimbecauseshewantedhim,nothingmore.

On Sirius, selling sexual favors had been illegal. Sex between two consenting adult beings—human,

alien,cyborg,samesex,samewhatever—wasfine,butnousingsexasacommodity.Almosttheopposite
ofBorNarga,wherephysicalsexwastaboo,butladiessecretlyhiredShareemforforbiddenpleasure.

Justintracedhercheek.“Here’swhatIwantyoutodo.Gohome.Getplentyofrest.Thencomeback

andfindme.I’llgiveyouanight.Justyouandme,nostrings,nocontracts.Justyouandme,”herepeated,
kissingher.“Understand?”

“Justin,I’mapatroller.”

“On leave of absence. Leave the uniform at home. We’ll be Justin and Deanna, not patroller and

Shareem,notanybodybutus.”

Thecarslowedandstopped,andJustinknewthey’dreachedhisapartment.“Allright?”heasked,not

moving.

Deanna’sbreathcamefast,herchestrisingtohis.“I’llthinkaboutit.”

“Thinkuntildark.Thencometome.”

“Isaid,I’llthinkaboutit.”

Feistysweetheart.“Fine.”Justinsatup,gentlypulledhercoveralltogetherandfastenedit,thenturned

onthespeakertothechauffer.“Taketheladywherevershewantstogo.”

“Gotit,”thechaufferanswered.

ThedoornexttoJustinslidopen,revealingthedustystreetandJustin’sfrontdoor.

JustinpulledDeannaupforonelastkiss,thenheextricatedhimselffromthecarandsignaledforthe

drivertogo.Hesteppedbackandmadehimselfnotgiveintohisimpulsetodivebackintothecarand
ravishDeannaallthewayhome.

Thecarspedoff,spewingdustalloverJustinwhilehestoodinthestreetandwatchedthemgo.

*********

Justin knew he’d never last until Deanna came back—if she came back. She was the kind of woman

who’d talk herself out of giving in to her desires. Justin might have to chase her a little harder, but he
didn’tmindthechase.Infact,helookedforwardtoit.

Butrightnow,hisbodywashot,hiscockpoundinghardagain.Hischoicesforreleaseweretospend

moretimewithhishand,togetfallingdowndrunk,ortoworkitoff.

He didn’t want to be falling down drunk or hung over if Deanna returned, and his hand wasn’t the

funnestdate,sohedecidedtoworkitoff.

Judith,thesweetie,hadrentedoutasmallwarehouseandturneditintoShareemparadise.Theplace

containedbathsandshowers,aprivateplacetohangoutandbewithShareemfriends,andadungeon-like
roomunderneathwhereShareemcouldbringtheirmoreadventurousladies.

Theenormouspoolinthebathareahadonemirroredwall,behindwhichwomencouldsitandwatch

Shareemcavort,ifcavortingShareemwastheirthing.

UsuallythepoolwasforShareemalone,buttodayaladywasthere—Jeanne,theloverofEland.They

wereinthewatertogether,bothnaked,JeannewithlegswrappedaroundElandwhileElandcradledher
hipsinhishands.Theynevermindedwhowatchedwhatevertheydid,thosecrazykids.

Jeannehadbeenafactoryworkerwho’dmetElandrightafterDNAmoshutdown.She’dprotectedhim

fromthepatrollerswhowerehuntingShareemtoterminatethem,andElandandJeannehadhititoff.

WhentheterminationorderforallShareemhadbeenlifted,ElandandJeannehadstayedtogether.They

sometimesbroughtinotherpartners,maleorfemale,forfun,butthetwohadformedapermanentbond.

Watchingthetwonowinthewatertogether,gazingintoeachother’seyes,gaveJustinalonelyfeeling.

Hewasgladforthem,buttheirhappinessunderscoredtheemptinessinsidehim.

“Getaroom,”Justinsaidjokinglyashestrippedtotheskinandsplashedhiswayintothepool.

ChapterSeven

“Wedid,”Elandrumbled.“We’rerelaxing.”

Elandwasbig,evenforaShareem.Alevelthree,hehadmuscleslikeaheavyweightwrestler.

Justinswamalap,likingthatthewaterwascooltoday,refreshingaftertheheat.Watercascadedinto

thepoolfromastonespouthighinawall,andJustincameupunderthewaterfall.

“You’redisplacinghalfthepoolwiththatcock,”Elandsaid.“Ifyou’regoingtoblowinhere,tellme

soIcangetoutfirst.”

“That’swhyI’munderthecoldshower,idiot,”Justinsaid.“Tryingtodeflate.”

Jeannesenthimasmile.“Wecanhelpyou,youknow.”Shewriggledhertonguetolethimknowher

mouthwasavailable,aslongasElandwastheretowatchheruseit.

ButJustinwantedDeanna’smouth.Herred-lipped,softmouththatturnedupintosuchacutesmile.

Shit,whydidhehavetothinkofthat?Shewouldn’tcometohimtonight,andhe’dhavethiserection

forever.

“Thanks,butI’llswimitoff.”Justintriedtosoundnonchalant,buthisvoicecracked.

Jeannelaughedathim.“I’mthewronglady,amI?Uh-oh.”

Justinsnakedhishandunderthewaterandsqueezedhiscock.Calmdown,dryup,goonvacation,he

toldit.

Itwasn’tlistening.Okay,changethesubject.

HeswamovertoElandandJeanne,whowatchedhimapproachwithoutmuchcuriosity.WhenJustin

was close enough that his words wouldn’t carry to anyone who happened to be behind the mirrors, he
asked,“Jeanne,anyword?”

Jeanneglancedatthewallandalsoloweredhervoice.“Imightknowsomeonewhousedtoknowher.

AfriendofminesaidsheknewawomannamedLillianwhoshethinksonceworkedatDNAmo.”

Justin’sheartbeatfaster.“Isthisfriendstillintouchwithher?”

“Shehasn’tseenLillianforyearsnow,shesays.They’dbeenclosefriends,butLillianmovedfromPas

Cityandneverkeptintouch.”

Toomuchtohopefor.“CanItalktothisfriend?”Maybeshe’dknowenoughaboutLilliantogiveJustin

aleadonwhereshemighthavegone.

“Sure,”Jeannesaid.“I’llsetitup.”ShecockedJustinalook.“Sureyou’renotupforalittlethreesome

action?”

“Nottoday,honey.Ihaveacock-ache.”

Jeanneonlyshrugged.ElandgaveJustinalookofsympathy,butonethattoldhimhewasanidiotfor

passingupthechanceforsex.

Lastweek,Justinmighthavetakenthemuponitandgottensomeheatoutofhissystem.Aftermeeting

Deanna—notasappealing.Sexwithfriendswasnotwhathewantedrightnow.

Ihavetobecrazy.I’mlookingforsomethingdeeperwithapatroller.

Justin took himself out of the pool and hit the showers, setting the water temperature to freezing. He

stillneededhishandtofinallyrelease,sohecouldwalkhomewithoutabigstickhangingbetweenhis

legs.

Hereallyneededabetterlife.

*********

Deannawashomeanhourbeforeshestoppedshaking.Shehadn’tevenbeenabletoenjoytheridein

theluxuriouscar,somethingshe’dprobablyneverhavethechancetodoagain.

ShestillfeltJustin’smouthonhers,robbingherofbreath,hisbigbodypressingherintotheseat.He’d

beenheavy,toostrongtofight,notthatshe’dwantedtofight.

Mouthonhernipple,tonguebringingittolife,makingithis,ashe’dstrokedbetweenherlegswithhis

thigh.He’dbeenhardandready,theridgeofhiscockagainstherunbelievablehuge.

Tofeelthatgoingintoherwouldbe...Deannahadnoidea.Shehadnocontext.

Her shaking finally stopped when her mother’s companion, Reda, brought her mother home from the

rehab center. Reda shook her head when Deanna looked a question, which told Deanna that her mother
washavingoneofherbaddays.

Deannahuggedhermotherthoughthewomansatstraightandunresponsiveinherchair.Hereyeswere

focusedonnothingasRedacombedouthersilverandblackhair.

The disorder that had afflicted Deanna’s mother was technological, not physiological. Kayla Surrell

hadbeenonalayoverinaspacestationandwanderedbyaccidentintoanareathathadbeenclosedoff
for radiation leak repairs. She’d gotten dosed with some complicated chemical that Deanna still didn’t
understand,whichhadatfirstparalyzedher.

Kaylahadsurvivedbygoodluckalone—someonespottedheranddraggedheroutintogoodair—but

she’dneverspokenagain.Thechemicalshadtangleduphernervoussystem,andnow,thoughshestillhad
mostofhermotorfunctions,shedidnotrespondtostimulusmuchofthetime.

Somedays,Kaylawouldalmostrespond,andDeannawouldgrowhopefulthathermotherwasgetting

better. Then she’d relapse into nothingness and have to have her every bodily need met by Reda and
Deanna.

DeannakissedhermothergoodnightandletRedaputhertobed,thoughitwasstillearlyafternoon.

JustinhadaskedDeannatoreturntonight,tobewithhim.

So,sotempting.Deannawouldloveoneeveningtoforgeteverything,tofeasthersensesinamanlike

Justin,tofeelsomething.

Butshecouldn’taffordtolethimbamboozleher.HermotherwaswhyDeannacouldn’tloseherjob.

Deannafixedabiteoflatelunchinthekitchenandshutherselfintoherroomwithhercomputer.She

hadaprettyhighclearanceinthecomputerdatabasesofBorNarga,evenonaleaveofabsence,andshe
wasgoingtolearneverythingshecouldaboutJustin.

Notlonglater,Justin’scasefilesfromDNAmoopenedlikeflowersunderherfingertips.Theserecords

hadbeensealed,butnowthatmorethantwentyyearshadpassed,accesshadbeengrantedtothosewith
the right clearance. A Patroller First Class, the highest level of the uniformed patrollers, had the right
clearance.

Deannawentthroughtherecords,readingeveryword.

The notes on Justin indicated he hadn’t given the researchers at DNAmo too much trouble. He’d

stoicallytakentheresearchers’experimentseveryday,experimentsthathadinvolvedalotofsex.

ThefirstmentionofanytroublewasaboutaworkercalledK-48.

K-designated workers, colloquially referred to as “guinea pigs,” were women hired by DNAmo to

participate in sex experiments with the Shareem. The experiments were designed to find out what
Shareemwoulddoandhowmuchtheycouldbecontrolledundercertainsetsofcircumstances—basically
discoveringwhatalevelonewoulddo,howfaraleveltwowouldgo,howroughalevelthreemightget
beforehisprogrammingstoppedhim.

Justinperformedasaperfectleveltwo,thenotessaid,buthisbehaviortowardK-48wastroubling.

JustinandK-48talktoeachotherduringtheexperiments,butwecan’thearwhattheysay.When

askedwhatheistellingher,Justinrefusestoanswer,evenwhenheispunished.Wehavenomeansof
compellingK-48tospeakbecauseoftheprivacyclauseinhercontract.

Alaternotesaid:K-48andthesubjectJustinwereconfinedalonetogetherforaseven-dayperiod.

During that time, Justin used every method he’d been taught on her and never seemed to run out of
stamina.HeletK-48restwhensheneededto,buthehasamostunusualabilitytoworkcontinuously.

MoreentriesaboutJustin’sprogress,muchofitinmedical-speak,withnomentionofK-48,followed.

FinallyDeannafoundanotherreference.

Justin’sobsessionwithK-48hasreachedanalarminglevel.Herefusedtoparticipateintheday’s

experimentsanddemandedtoknowwhereshewasandwhathappenedtoher.Whentoldwecouldn’t
conveythatinformation,heturnedviolentandhadtobeconfined.

ThedirectoragreedwecouldbringbackK-48toseewhateffectithadonhim.K-48appearedtobe

quitepleasedtoseeJustin,andwhenleftalone,theyheldontoeachotherforalongtime.Webecame
awarethenthattheywerespeakingrapidly,butwecouldn’thearwhatwassaid,andweremovedher.

IandthedirectorconcludethattheShareemhasformedanattachmenttoK-48.BecauseShareem

are to be programmed to form no attachments to their clients whatsoever, recommend immediate
transferofK-48toanothersection.

AfinalnoteonK-48said,TheShareemJustinreactedviolentlywhenhewastoldthatK-48hadbeen

transferredandhe’dnotbeallowedtoseeheragain.Hedemandedassurancesthatshewasallright
andnotharmed.Evenafterwegavehimthat,hewassurlyanduncooperativeandhadtobeinjectedto
calmhimdown.

EndofreferencestoK-48.Apparently,JustinhadgonebacktobeingacompliantShareem—eitherthat

ortheresearchershadn’tbotheredbothertorecordanymoreofhisreactiontotheabsenceofK-48.

Afewweekslater,Justinwassoldtoanoff-worldwoman,packedup,andtransportedtoSirius,never

tobeseenonBorNargauntilamonthago.

WhataboutK-48?Deannaskimmedthroughthedatabaseuntilshefoundher.

Herrecordshadbeensealedforprivacy,butagain,Deanna’sclearanceandtherequisitetimehaving

passedopenedthem.

K-48’simagepoppeduponDeanna’sholoscreen.Aprettyyoungwoman,sturdyofbuild,typicalofthe

lower-classwomenofPasCity.

Her records contained a statement from her that she’d signed up for the program because of the high

paymentoffered.She’dbeenpairedonlywithJustinfortheexperiments,becauseshe’drequestedthatshe
notbeputwithmorethanoneShareematatime.

Nodetailsabouttheexperimentswerelistedinherrecords,butanotesaidshe’dbeentransferredto

thelevel-onesectionthemorningafterthesuggestionthatshebemovedhadbeenputintoJustin’sfile.

ThedayafterK-48wastransferred,sheterminatedhercontractandquittheprogram.Interesting.

K-48’s name was Lillian Passan, a working-class woman from a working-class family in Pas City.

She’dworkedatDNAmoforatotalofsixmonths.

DeannamovedtheDNAmorecordstothebackgroundanddidageneralsearchonLillianPassan.She

easilyfoundLillian’sbirthrecords,herschoolrecords,herjobhistory,andtherecordofhersigningup
forDNAmo.DNAmohaddonebackgroundchecksontheirtestsubjects,soLillian’sentirelifewasnow
opentoDeanna.

Not much to it. After Lillian had quit DNAmo, she’d moved back in with her parents. There, the

information ended. No more jobs, no moves, no trips off planet. Nothing. She’d stayed home with her
parents,andthatwasit.

Deanna keyed in the address of Lillian’s family’s apartment. No Passans living there now. A Rose

Passan and a Samuel Passan who’d leased the apartment fifteen years ago were listed as deceased—
Lillian’sparents.

ButnoLillian.DeannadidmoresearchesonLillianbutfoundnothing.

Shesatback,staringatthesmallholographicwomanturningslowlyonherconsole.IfDeannawanted

anexplanationofwhyJustinhadreturnedtoBorNarga,thiswasit.HislifemateonSiriushaddied,and
he’dreturnedtofindLillian.

AlittlepainburnedinDeanna’sheart.ShethoughtofJustin’slipsonhers,hepushingherbackontothe

seat,hiskissoneofdesperatehunger.Shethoughtofwhathe’dwhisperedtoherinhisapartment,Youare
beautiful,andI’mlonely.

Hewantedhertogotohimtonight.

Buthe’dreturnedtoBorNargatofindthewomanwithwhomhe’dformedanattachmentatDNAmo.

PuzzlingthatLillianhadsimplydisappeared.NooneonBorNargacoulddoanythingwithoutastring

ofrecordsfollowingthem.

And why had Justin been looking for her on the Vistara? His frequent trips there, despite all the

warnings,madesenseinthecontextofacontinuoussearchforLillian.

DeannalookedthroughrecordsfortheVistara—forallofBorNarga—andfoundnoonenamedLillian

livingontheVistaraorworkingforsomeonethere.

Lillian could have changed her name, but there should be a record of that too. Such a thing could be

donesecretly,ofcourse,intheory.PerhapsLillianhadknownsomeonewhocouldhelpherdisappear.

Butwhy?Byallaccounts,Lillianhadbeenahardworker,adecentstudent,andalaw-abidingcitizen

whowasfondofherparents.She’dneverbeenarrested,warned,orevenlookedatbythepatrollers.

DeannafannedouthersearchtocoverthefewyearsbetweenLillianquittingDNAmotoshortlyafter

herparents’deaths.Shebroadenedthesearchtoincludeanynewpersonpoppingupfromnowhereduring
thattime,oranyincidentinvolvinganunknownwomanoftherightage.

Threedeathsofunidentifiedpersonshadbeenrecordedinthatwindowoftime,buttwoofthosehad

beenoff-worldhumanmalesandoneanalien.ItwasunusualwhenevenDNAcouldn’tidentifyabody,
butitwasknowntohappenifoff-worldrecordswerespotty.

Therewereafewbirthswith“motherunknown”attached,whichDeannaatfirstignored,untiladate

caughtherattention.

She’dseenasimilardatesomewhereonhersearch.Afteramoment’sthought,shekeyedopenJustin’s

DNAmorecordsagain.

Thereitwas,thedateofLillian’stransfer.No,itwasnotthesamedateasthebirth—sameday,same

year,butdifferentmonth.

Deanna’sbreathcaught,herentirebodysqueezinguntilshethoughtshe’dchoke.

LillianPassanhadfinishedherseven-dayconfinementexperimentwithJustinalmostninemonthstothe

daythatagirlhadbeenborntoananonymousmotherinabackstreetclinic.

It could mean nothing. Coincidence. Bor Narga had a large population, and many children had been

bornthatday,eveninbackstreetclinicsinPasCity.

But only one had been born to an unknown woman of the same age as Lillian. A daughter. The girl

who’dbeenbornthatdaywouldnowbeabouttwenty-fouryearsold.

Deanna’s thoughts flashed back to Justin standing in the alley on the Vistara, gazing across the street

withlongingatthegroupoffouryoungwomeninthecoffeehouse.Eachofthegirlshadbeenaboutthat
age.

No. No. It was impossible. Shareem couldn’t father children. All the science in the DNAmo records

saidso.Theywereprogrammednotto,thatprogrammingbackedupwithsterilityinjections.

Buttheevidencewasthereforanyonewhowantedtotaketimetolookandthink.

Justin had grown too fond of a test subject, Lillian had quit right after DNAmo removed her from

Justin’sreach,andshe’dgonehometolivequietlywithherparents.JustinhadreturnedtoBorNargaafter
hislifematepassed.HewenttotheVistaraandcontinuedgoingevenwhenheknewsuchanactioncould
gethimterminated.Hewenttheretostandandgazeacrossthestreetatayoungwomaninacoffeehouse.

Hisdaughter.

Deannasatbackinherchair,closedhereyes,andpressedherhandstoherface.

*********

Justingroaned.Hewaswetfromhisaboutfourthfreezingshowerbutnotcold—noonewasevercold

onBorNarga.Heleaned,naked,againstthewallinhislivingroom,hishandaroundhisneedycock.

Hecouldn’tstopthinkingaboutDeanna.Shewiththatveilframingherface,herbodymovingunderhis

ontheseatofthecar,theamazingtasteofher.

She’dsaidshe’dthinkaboutcomingback.

Crap, she wasn’t coming back. Justin was dreaming to think she was. His trip to the baths hadn’t

helped,andthecoldshowerhe’djustfinishedinhisownbathroomhadn’thelpedeither.

TheonlythingthatwouldhelpwasDeanna.

Nextbestthing—fantasizingaboutherwhilehestrokedhimself.

Justinatleasthadthechancetouselubethistime.Hiscockwasslickunderhisfingers,theshafthard

andhot,thetipsosensitiveamoanescapedhimeverytimehetouchedit.

HeleanedhisheadonthewallandimaginedDeanna’ssmaller,softerhandgrippinghim,orbetterstill,

herred-lippedmouthclosingaroundhim,hertongueticklingtheunderside.

Oh,yeah.That’sit,baby.Suckme.Harder.Harder.Pleeease!

Afaintbuzzingtappedathissenses,buthecouldbarelyhearitovertheroaringinhishead.Itsounded

again,andthenhisdoorshotupward,sendingindyingafternoonlight,andDeannaherself.

ChapterEight

Deannawasn’twearingtheveil,Justinsawbeforethedoorslammedshutbehindher.

Shestoppedandstaredathim,eyeswideningasshetookinhisnakedbody,hiscockslidingbetween

hisfist,hispartedlegs.Whatevershe’dbeenabouttosaydiedonherlips.

Justinsmiledalittleashesqueezedhishandharderaroundhiscock.

“Hey,sexy,”hesaid.

Deanna’smouthclosed,buthergazefelltohiscockandstayedthere.Justinstrokeditagain,opening

hisfingerstoshowherhowhardhewasforher.

“GuesswhatI’mthinkingabout?”heasked.

Sheswallowed.“Sex.”

“You.”Justinskimmedhishandtothebaseofhiscockagain.“Iwaswaitingforyou,thinkingaboutyou

andwhatIwantedtodotoyou.Iwasrememberingyourbeautifulbreastinmymouth.Ishouldn’thave
donethat.”

“No,youshouldn’thave,”Deannasaid.“I’mapatroller—”

“ImeantIshouldn’thavethoughtaboutit.Lookwhatitdidtome.”

Justin squeezed himself again. Gods, she was gorgeous, with her bedroom eyes and her sultry body,

evenifherhairwasscrapedbackagainintothathardknot.

Hecouldn’t think anymore.He could onlysee her, scent herpheromones, feel herdesire all the way

acrosstheroom.

“Helpme,”hesaid.“Please.”

Deannawetherlips,makingthemredder,andsendinghisfantasiessoaring.“Idon’tknowhow.”

“Comehere.I’llshowyou.”Justinreachedhisfreehandoutforher,hopinghecouldstophimselffrom

beggingtoohard.Ifhehadtoachievethereleasebyhimself,he’djustgethardagain.Shareemstamina
wasabitch.

Deannawalkedtohim.Sweetlady.Justintookherhandwhenshereachedhim,andcarefullywrapped

itaroundhiscock.

“Likethis.”Hekepthishandaroundhersandpulledthemtogetherdowntheshaft.

He almost came right away. But no, his strength held it back, the science beaten into him letting him

keepithardforhislady.

Deanna looked up at him as she glided her hand under his. Her eyes were so dark and beautiful he

couldn’tstopthenextgroan.Hewrappedhisarmaroundherwaist,pulledheragainsthim,andletgoso
shecouldstrokehimalone.

Deannahadahardtimecatchingherbreath.Justin’sbodyagainsthersidewasstrong,hard,andstill

wetfromashower.Heleanedbackagainstthewall,onefistclenchedathisside,theotherhandresting
onDeanna’swaist.Hiscockinherhandfelt...wonderful.

Theoilorwhateverhe’dputonitmadeitslick,soDeannaeasilyslidherhandupitslength.Theheat

wasincredible.Histipwasalittlebitsofterthantherest,fleshgivingbeneathherfingers.

Back and forth she took her hand, then once she became more confident, she started twisting and

pulling.Shewasn’tsurewhyshewantedtodothat,shejustdid.

Justin’shipsbegantorock,whichpushedhiscockthroughherclosedhand.Themoreshetwistedand

pulled,thefasterhethrust.

“That’sit,”hewhispered.“Gods,Deanna,youarebeautiful.”

She’dneverthoughtso.Buthewasbeautiful.Hisnakedmalefleshwasbrownedfromworkinginthe

sun on Sirius, and the body she rested against was so hard with muscle she didn’t feel a slackness
anywhere.

Hischestroseandfellwithhisswiftbreath,hislowerabdomenshinyfromwherewiththelubrication

he’dputaroundhiscockhadsmearedonhisskin.Thestrengthofhimwasamazing,buthislarge,work-
wornhandonherwaistwasgentlenessitself.

ThefrictionfromstrokinghimmadeDeanna’spalmhot,butshedidn’twanttostop.Shebrushedher

thumb over his tip, liking the slightly rubbery feel of it contrasted with his iron-hard shaft. She liked
caressingbeneaththetipaswell,becausethatmadehimmakemorenoisesofpleasure.

Justin’sstrongfingersclosedaroundherwrist.Hisheadwasbackagainstthewall,eyesclosed,lips

partedinecstasy.

“I’mcoming,”hewhispered,thenitbecameathroatyrumble.“GodsamIevercoming.”

She felt the pulses begin, Justin’s body moving, and suddenly, his male seed jetted out all over her

hand.Ropesofcomesnakedtothefloorandhislegs,Justinputtinghiscleanhandoverhisfacewhilehe
letoutaheartfeltmoan.

Thenitwasover.Justin’sfacewentgrimashefurrowedDeanna’shairwithfirmfingers,pulledher

headback,andkissedher.

Thiskissnowherenearmatchedtheoneofquiethungerhe’dgivenherinthecar.Hismouthwashard,

hislipshot,tongueseeking,taking,punishing.Justinpushedherfromthewallandafewstepsacrossthe
room,untilthebacksofherkneesconnectedwiththesofa.

Justin smiled a wide smile as he pushed her down to the couch, at the same time unfastening her

coverall.Thecoverallcamedown,andthenthesilkunder-leggingssheworebeneathit.Justinwriggled
coverallandleggingsarounduntiltheywereoff,andallDeannaworewashersleevelesstunic.

Justinloopedherkneesoverhisarms,laidherbackontheratherlumpycushions,andkneltbetween

herlegs.Hekissedtheinsidesofherthighswiththesamestrongkissesbeforeheloweredhisheadand
fastenedhismouthoverheropening.

Deannaletoutastrangledgasp.She’dneverfeltanythinglikethisbefore.Hismouthwasscalding,the

frictionofhistonguegrating,histeethscrapinghertighteningclit.

Sherockedherhips,ashehaddone,wantingtodriveherselfupandintohisbeautifulmouth.

“Justin!”

She couldn’t take it. Deanna squirmed and wriggled, but she couldn’t get away from his mouth, his

tongue.Andshedidn’twantto.

Justinwasn’tgoinganywhere.Helickedandtastedher,drinkingherspice,lovinghowwetshewasfor

him.Hercomeflowedintohismouth,hisladyopeninguptoamanforthefirsttime.Justinknewitwas
herfirsttime,herreactiontellinghimthatshe’dneverfelttheamazingwildnessoforgasm.

Hercriesturnedincoherent,andJustinsmiledtohimselfashesuckledherswollenclit.Theclitwas

pinkanddelectable,herpussyframedbysoftbutwirydarkhair.SomewomenshavedfortheirShareem,

butJustinlikedtheticklingfeelingofDeanna’shairashedrank.

Helickedhiswayaroundeithersideofheropeningandthenfastenedhismouthtothewetfoldsand

dranksomemore.

Her echoing cries turned to whimpering moans, an inexperienced woman quickly finding her first

explosionofpassion.

Justincouldhavefeastedonherallnight,butheeasedback,lickedherclean,andraisedhishead.

“Awdamn,”hesaid,feelinghimselfgrinaswideashismouthcouldgo.“NowIneedanothershower.”

*********

ShoweringwithDeannawasgood.Justintowedherinsideinhersilkundertunic,therestofherclothes

apileonhissofa.

Thewettuniccameoff,andshestoodwithhim,naked,whilewaterpouredoverhertightlittlebody.

Shewasapatroller,soshewasstrong,butherhonedmusclesmadeherslimandpretty,andthebreasts
thattightenedinthewaterwerefullandround.

Sogoodtowashsoapoverherbody,goodtohavehersoaphiminreturn.Hisshowerwasn’tthatbig,

but they managed, sliding against each other when they needed to move, laughing at the tight space. No
complaintfromJustin.

Hewantedtofinishthis,wantedtotakeherinadeep,satisfyingfucking.Butnotyet.

Justin wanted to learn her, to let her learn him. He wanted to teach her about pleasure, but he also

wantedhertohavefun.

Hethoughtofwaystoplay—maybetieherhandsthensquirtherwithwhippedcreamandhoneyand

lickherclean.Hemightblindfoldher,maybe,andthenspankherandshowherhowmuchfunitwas.

Rightnowtheywereplayingatsoapingeachotherdown.Again,nocomplaints.

TheslicksoapletJustinglidehishandsupanddownherwetbody,findthewarmthbeneathherbosom.

Heliftedtheweightofherbreastsandsplayedhisfingersoverthem,closingfingersaroundhernipples.

Sheletherhandsrovehiminreturn,slidingoverhisbackside,whichshefoundfascinating,andaround

tohiscockagain.He’dteachherhowtospankhimtoo.

Justinpressedherbackagainstthesmoothwallandkissedher.Helikedthatshewasalreadylearning

tokisshimback,openingherlipswithouthesitation.

“Justin,Ineedtotalktoyou.”

Deanna’svoicewasawhisper,shebreathlessfromthekisses.

Notnow.

Shedidn’tseeminclinedtokeeptryingtotalk.Justinkissedheragain,handsslidingdownherbodyto

thejoinofherlegs.

“Weneedtomakesureyou’reclean,”hesaid,andshesmiled.

Regular soap could sting her sensitive pussy, especially when he’d made it swell, but Justin had

specialsoapthatwouldcleanwithouthurt.Hesquirteditonhishandandputhishandbetweenherlegs.

Shewidenedherstance,andJustinleanedintoheragainsttheshowerwallwhilehewashedher.And

damnedifhisfingersdidn’thappentoslipinsideher,tofindthetightwalls,tomakeherdraginabreath.

Heplayedthere,twofingersonly—Deannawastight.Hehadsometoysthatwouldloosenherabitand

makehermorepliantforharderplay.Butnotrightnow.Nowwasforstroking,teasing,andteaching.

Justinkissedher,thewatertricklingdownhisface,asherubbedhisthumboverherclit.

Whenshecame,hismouthwasonhers,andhecaughthercriesonhistongue.Shesquirmedagainsthim

too,thestiffpoleofhiscocksandwichedbetweenthem.

Thelittlesweetiewrappedbothhandsarounditandstartedtostroke.Shelearnedfast.Beforethelast

ofhercrieshaddied,Justinrestedhisforeheadagainstthetilewallandcameandcame.

They wound down together, letting the shower wash them clean, until Justin finally snapped off the

water.

JustinrubbedDeannadrywiththefluffytowelhangingoutsidetheshower,notmindingthattherewas

onlytheone.Hedidn’tmindbeingdampwhilehewrappedDeannainthetowel’sfoldsandkissedher
warmlips.

“Ididreallycomeovertotalktoyou,”Deannasaidwhenhermouthwasfree.Hervoicewasathroaty

murmur.

“Let’stalklater.”Justinsaid,rubbingadropfromthebridgeofhernose.“I’mnotinthemoodtobe

serious.”

Deannawatchedhimforamomentlonger,eyessoft.“AboutLillian,”shesaid.

ChapterNine

ThewordsconnectedwithJustin’sbrainafterafewmorerubs.Hestopped,thetowelpressedagainst

herbreasts.

Ifshe’dwantedtokillthemood,Deannacouldn’thaveadoneabetterjob.Theheatinhisbodystarted

tofade,hiscock—finally—todeflate.

“What?”heaskedinacarefulvoice.

“IknowwhyyoucamebacktoBorNarga,”Deannasaid.

Justingrabbedher,towelandall,andpropelledheroutofthebathroomandintohistinybedroom.He

half-lifted,half-tossedherontothebedthenclimbedoverher,thetowelonlythingbetweenhisdripping
bodyandhers.

“Tellme,”hesaid.

“LillianwasK-48,”Deannasaid,lookingupathimwithoutfear.“Ireadyourfiles,andhers.Youfell

inlovewitheachotherandstartedarelationship.Butthatwasagainsttherules,sotheytransferredher
outofyoursection.AmIright?”

“Yes.”

JustinrememberedthebleakdaytheresearchershadtoldhimthatLillianhadbeenmovedbeyondhis

reach.He’dhadtobadgerthembeforethey’devengivehimthatmuchinformation.

They’dtakenawaytheonlythingthathadputanywarmthintoJustin’sexistence—seeingLillian,whom

he’drefusedtocallK-48.TheadminsatDNAmohadrippedherfromhim,leavinghimaloneandbereft,
andtheyhadn’tcared.

Justinhadn’tbeenabletodoadamnthingaboutit.He’dragedatthemuntilthey’dsubduedhimwith

shocksanddrugs,thenhe’dhadtositthere,alone,andgrieve.She’dtoldhimaboutherpregnancybefore
she’dgone,sohe’dworriedaboutthataswell.

“YoucamebacktoBorNargatofindher,”Deannasaid.

“Maybe.” The relief that Deanna hadn’t mentioned Sybellie relaxed him a little, but Justin knew he

neededtoremaincautious.“Doesitmatter?Itwasyearsago.DNAmoisclosed,allthatshitover.Now
LillianisjustsomeoneIknew.Igottowonderingwhathappenedtoher.”

“SoyouleftadecentlifeonSiriustoberestrictedagainonBorNargatofindher?”

Justinmadehimselfshrug,thoughheknewshecouldfeelhispoundingheart.“Sure.Mylover,Shela,

died.Iwaslonely.IthoughtmaybeIcouldhookupwithLillianagain.”

Deannawatchedhimwithdarkeyesthatwerefullof...hurt?“You’retellingmethatyoutraveledfive

light years back to a planet where you’re the equivalent of a prisoner on parole to find a woman you
haven’tseenintwenty-someyears?Becauseyouwantedto‘hookup?’”

“Yes,”Justinsaid.

“Youaresofullofbullshit.”

Deannastruggledtogetup,butJustincaughtherwristsandheldherdown.

“MaybeIfoundsomethingbetter,”hesaid.“Likeaprettypatrollerwhocan’tkeephercutenoseoutof

mybusiness.”

Thehurtinhereyesreturned,shovingasidetheanger.“LikeIsaid,Justin,youarefullofbullshit.”

“It’snotbullshitthatIlikeyou.That’swhyIwantedyoutocometonight.That’swhyIdreamaboutyou

withyourstungunfullofwhippedcream.”

Henuzzledher,tryingtolethisvoicegoseductive.HewasShareem.Hecouldcharmheroutofher

anger,makeherforgetallaboutLillian,makeherstopwantingtodigdeeperintohispast.

ButDeannawasdamnstubborn.“Whydidn’tyoutellme?”

“Oh, right, tell a patroller I’d come back to hunt down a woman taken away from me at DNAmo

because we got too close? I didn’t want Lillian to get any shit thrown at her because of me.” Justin
tightenedhisgriponDeanna’swrists.“Istilldon’t.”

“That’snotwhatImeant.Imeant,whydidn’tyoutellme?MaybeIwouldn’thaveriddenyousohard.”

Justingrowledandtriedtosmile.“Don’tmakemymindgothere.I’mbarelyholdingitin.”

“WhatI’mtryingtoexplain,Justin,isthatifyoureallywanttofindthiswoman,Icanhelpyou.”

“Helpme?Helpmehow?”

“Ihaveresources,accesstodatabases,clearancesthatyouneverwill.IfyouwanttofindLillian,Ican

findher.”

Shewasserious.“Whywouldyoudothat?”heasked.

“BecauseIreadyourDNAmofiles.Idon’tthinkitwasfairtoeitherofyouthattheysplityouup.And

becausemaybeifyoufindher,you’llgooffandlivewithhersomewhere,andstopscrewingupmylife.”
Deannawasbreathinghard,herbodyrigidunderhis,buthereyeswereshiningwithtears.

“Hey.”Justinlethisvoicegrowgentle.“IknowIgotyouintotrouble.I’msorry.”Heshouldadd,You

gohomeandworkonkeepingyourjob,andIpromiseI’llleaveyoualone.

Thewordswouldn’tcomeout.Justingrippedherwrists,notwantingtoletgo.Havingherwalkout,

andnotcomeback...Hedidn’tevenwanttothinkaboutit.Patrollerornot,JustinlikedDeanna.Wanted
her.Wantedherhere.

“Ican’tlietoyou,”Deannasaid,sosoftlythatJustinhadtoleantoher.“Iknowwhyyoureallywantto

findLillian.”

No, she couldn’t. Justin hated that she thought he wanted to find Lillian because he was still in love

with her, but the real reason was too dangerous for her to know. “I told you,” he said. “I was lonely. I
wantedtofindoutwhathappenedtoher.”

“Andyouwanttotalktoheraboutyourchild.”

Justinhadheroffthebedandhauledagainstthewallbeforeheknewwhathewasdoing.Terrorbeat

throughhimsohardhecouldn’tsee.

“Whatthefuck?”

Deannaliftedherchin.“IfiguredoutthatLillianhadababy,aboutninemonthsaftersheleftDNAmo.I

knowthatLillianonlyeverdidthesexexperimentswithyou.Iknowthatthebabywouldbeabouttwenty-
fourbynow,andIknowthatyouwenttotheVistaratowatchagroupofyoungwomen.Whichonewas
yours?”

Justinfoundhishandaroundherslenderthroat.“Don’tyoutouchher.Don’tyougonearher.Do you

understandme?”

Deannadidn’tlookaway.“Iwouldn’t.Iwouldn’t,Justin.Iknowyou’dbeterminatedifanyonefound

out.”

“Idon’tgiveadamnaboutme.She’dbe killed. She’d be dissected, and studied, and not allowed to

live...”

Hisbreathgaveout,asthoughhe’djustsprintedamilestraightuphill.

“Iknow,”Deannasaid.Hestillhadhishandatherthroat,buthervoicewasclear.“It’snotherfault.”

“ThatherfatherisafuckingShareem?”

“Notherfaultthatthelawsareallscrewedup.”

“Whatareyousaying,Patroller?ThatIcantrustyou?Thatherlifeissafewithyou?”

“Yes,”Deannawhispered.“That’sexactlywhatI’msaying.”

Justin stared at her, his lungs burning. She looked right back at him, no fear in her eyes. Worry, yes;

fear,no.Andtruth.Deannawantedtohelphim,justasshe’dofferedtowhenhe’dbeeninherdetention
cell.

Helpmehelpyou,she’dsaid.

ButthathadbeennothingtodowithSybellie.Hehadtoprotecthisdaughter,atallcosts.

“Youleaveherthehellalone.YouleaveLillianthehellalone.You’veneverheardofher,allright?”

HeleanedclosertoDeanna,herscentdrivinghimcrazy,buthisfearmakinghimevenmorecrazy.“Stay
thefuckoutofmylife.”

Moretearsfilledhereyes,butDeannadidn’tbreakdown,notthistoughpatroller.“Youaskedmeto

comeheretonight.”

“Imadeamistake.”Justinwantedtolethergo,tobackaway,buthecouldn’t,notyet.

“Why did you ask me?” She blinked back the tears. “If you’re looking for Lillian, if you’re trying to

keepmefromfiguringoutwhatyou’redoing,whydidyouaskme?”

Because he’d wanted her. Deanna intrigued him, called to him. Kissing her in his living room then

touchingherinthecarhadarousedJustin’sdeepestneeds,notjustforawoman,butforher.

MaybethedangerofbeingwithDeanna,becauseshewasapatroller,excitedhim.Ormaybehewanted

todominatehertogetherbackfordominatinghim.

He knew that neither of those explanations was true, even as he tried to make himself believe them.

Whathe’dhadwithShelahadbeenwonderful,andJustincouldfeelsomethinglikethatbuildingbetween
himselfandDeanna.Buthecouldn’triskit.

Deanna’s body trembled under his hands. Her hair was down, wet, snaking around her body. When

she’dworntheveil,she’dlookedsweetandfeminine,hereyessoft.

Rightnowshewassexyassin,beautifulinnocenceexperiencingherfirsttouchofaman.Justinwanted

toreachforthatsensualityandbringitoutofher,showherhowtorevelinit,toshowherhowtofindthe
deepestpleasureimaginable.

Hewantedtoteachher,tounwrapherlayerbylayer,untilshewastotallyopentohim.

HewantedDeanna.

Justinmadehimselflethergo.Hesteppedback,hisgutclenching,hisbodyshaking.

“Go,”hesaid.

Shestaredathim.Shewasnaked,dampfromtheshower,delectable.

“Go,”hesaid,thewordjerkingoutofhim.

Deannastoodthere,frozenagainstthewall,damnbeautifulandlookingathimlikehewascrazy.

Whichhewas.Justinturnedaway,grabbedatunic,pulleditoverhisnakedbody,andslammedoutof

theroom.Hebarreledoutofthewholeapartmenttothehotstreet,inthedark,wherehestartedwalking,
whothehellcaredwhere.

*********

JustinendedupatElandandJeanne’s.Jeannehadanicelittleapartmentinoneofthebetterstreetsin

PasCity,whichhadsunawningsandstormshielding.Jeanneneverhadtosweepoutherfrontroomafter
everysandstorm,asJustindid.BlowingsandhadlearnedhowtofindeverycrackaroundJustin’sdoor
andburstin,uninvited.

JustinpushedthebuzzerandheardEland’sbigvoicethroughthecom.“Enter.”

Thedoorrolledback,andJustinwalkedthroughavestibuletoadooronthefarend.Thefrontdoor

closedandthereardooropenedatthesametime,usheringJustinintothelivingroom.

ElandandJeannewerehavingsexinit.

ThebigElandsatonastraight-backedchair,withJeannestraddlinghim.Theymovedrapidly,Jeanne

workingElanddeepintoher.

Herheadmovedonherslenderneck,hernakedbreastswithduskynipplespressingEland’schest.The

heavynippleringinherleftbreastbothpulledonherbreastandgroundintoEland,whodidn’tseemto
mind.

Elanddidn’tlookaroundatJustin’sentrance.Eland’sgazewasallforJeanne,hisShareemeyesfixed

onherwithdeeplove.

Anormalhumanwouldhaveavertedhisgaze,expressedsurpriseordisgust,ortakenhimselfoutofthe

apartment.

ButJustinwasShareem,andthepheromonespouringfromElandandJeanne,thickandharsh,kepthim

inplace.Plus,hewaskeyedupfromhisencounterwithDeannaandDeanna’srevelations,plushe’dstill
nothadfullsex,andDeannahadlefthimburning.

“You could have warned me,” Justin growled. He jerked the tunic from his body before he even

realizedhehad.Hiscockstoodoutramrodstraight,andJustinclosedhishandaroundit.

Doing that made him remember how Deanna had touched him and brought him to peak in his living

room.Whichmadehimrememberthefunintheshower,whichbroughthimfullcircletotheanguishand
fearofherannouncementthatsheknewaboutSybellie.

ThenhisbraintookhimbacktohowmuchfunitwouldbeforDeannatobeheresuckinghimoff—and

heher—whiletheywatchedElandandJeanneenjoyingthehelloutofeachotherintheirlivingroom.

“That’sit,baby,”Elandsaid,stillwatchingJeanne.“Takemedeep.”

Jeanne was far gone in passion. Shareem were big, and Eland’s huge cock was buried pretty hard

insideher.Jeanne’sskinshonewithperspiration,asdidEland’s.

Jeanne moved her hands on Eland’s neck, and Justin saw that cuffs enclosed her wrists with a chain

betweenthem.Realcuffs,nottheplayful,fuzzyonesJustinused.Elandwaslevelthree,whichmeantthe

roughstuff.

Justinmovedtothetablebeyondthem,caughtuplubethey’dleftthere,andsquirteditontohishand.

Watchingwasnowherenearasmuchfunasdoing,butJustinleanedhisassonthetableandtriedtoletthe
tinglingpleasureofhishandonhimselfcalmhisfear.Heneededtobecalmtofigureoutwhattodoabout
Deanna.

“Ithinkhelikesit,baby,”Elandrumbled.

Jeanne,eyesclosed,submersedindeepestpleasure,didn’tanswer.Itwasanevenbetshedidn’teven

realizeJustinwasthere.

ElandroseonstronglegsandwrappedJeanne’slegsaroundhim.Hereyesopenedwideashepressed

deeperstill.

“Justin,”Elandsaidbreathlessly.“Plug.”

Aplugwaitedonthetable,asmall,flexibleone.Justincaughtitup,usingthelubetowetit.

JustinwasreadytohandittoElandsohecoulddothehonors,butElandputhishandsaroundJeanne’s

ass and spread her a little. Eland’s lubed finger went between her buttocks, rubbing to soften and open
her.

“Putitin,”Elandsaid.

He was far gone too. Justin placed the plug between two fingers, steadied his hand on Jeanne’s ass

whereElandopenedher,andslidthelittlethingintoplace.

JeannesquealedherpleasureandwriggledonEland.AsmilespreadacrossEland’sface.“Aw,yeah,

that’sgood.Thankyou.”

Justinbackedoffandletthemhavetheirfun,buthestayedwithinrangeoftheirwarmthandlettheir

pheromonesandhisbathehiminmindlessphysicalpleasure.Heclosedhiseyes,envisioningDeanna,on
herknees,hermoutharoundhiscock.

Aw, fuck. Justin’s seed shot out of him and onto the floor, just as Eland and Jeanne hit their peaks

togetherandhungontoeachotherhard.

Justinletoutalongbreath,eyesstillclosed.Hewhispered,“Deanna,”andlethismindgoblankfora

fewminutes.

When he could think again, Justin unwound his sore fingers as Eland resumed the chair, Eland and

Jeannekissingandcooing.

“Sorry,”Justinsaid.

Jeanneturnedherhead,herhandsstillinthecuffs,hereyesheavywithafterglow.“Forwhat?”

“Yourfloor.”

Shelaughed,whichshookherbody,andElandgaveJustinabeatificsmile.“That’swhatthetowelsare

for,”shesaid.

Justin looked down. Practical Jeanne had spread towels all around the chair, knowing that sex was

messy.Wisewoman.

“I’lljustborrowyourshower,”Justinsaid,headingfortheback.

Theothertwodidn’tanswer.Theywerecuddlingandkissing,enjoyingthemoment.Justindidn’tmind

watchingsex,butwhattheyweredoingnowwasprivate,emotional.Loving.

WhathewantedtoexplorewithDeanna.

Justinsoapedoffintheirshower,driedhimselfwiththehotairdryersinthewalls,andpulledonhis

tunicagain.Bythetimehereenteredthelivingroom,thechairandtowelsweregone,andtheloverswere
loungingonthesofa.

Elandhadatleastcoveredhiscockwithaloosepairofleggings,butJeannesat,nakedanddemure,

againstthepillows.She’dlearnedlongagonottobeinhibitedaroundShareem.Shehadshiningdarkhair,
mussednowfromlovemaking,butnonebetweenherlegs.Elandlikedabarepussy.

Jeanne looked up at Justin, her dark eyes filled with contentment. “You changed your mind about the

threesome,then?”

“Icametofindoutifyou’dspokentoyourfriend,theonewhomighthaveknownLillian.”

“Toobad—aboutthethreesomeImean.Yes,Ididtalktoher.Sheagreedtomeetyou.Iwasgoingto

callyouandthen...”

ElandwaswatchingJustinwithameasuringlook.“YousureyouwanttofindLillian?DNAmowasa

longtimeago,andalothaschanged.”

“I’mnotlookingforhertocontinuewhatweoncehad,”Justinsaid,knowingthetruthofit.“Ifwehad

anythingmorethanmutuallonelinessinthefirstplace.Iwanttotalktoher,makesureshe’sokay...”

HeclosedhismouthunderEland’sscrutiny.NooneknewaboutSybelliebutBradenandElisa—and

nowDeanna.JustinhadtoldtheotherShareemthathe’dreturnedtoBorNargatohuntupLillian,nothing
more.Theyallthoughthiminsanebutacceptedhisexplanation.

Jeannestoodup,leaneddowntokissEland,andgaveJustinawink.“We’llmeetmyfriendatJudith’s.

WhichmeansIhavetowearclothes.Judithdoesn’tmindmewithout,butpeopleonthesubwayjustdon’t
understand.”

ShelaughedasElandflickedhernippleringwithonefinger,thenshesaunteredoutoftheroomtoget

ready.

“Seriously,Justin,”Elandsaid,onceshe’dgone.“I’mallforyoufindingLillian,butbecareful.The

lessthepatrollerswatchusrightnow,thebetter.”

Justinknewwhathemeant.Rees,theShareemwhowasmoreorlesstheirleader,wasaShareemofno

level—anotherDNAmoexperimentgoneawry.

Recently,ReeshadbeganworkingtogettheShareemoffplanet,tosomeplacetheycouldlivewithout

somanyrestrictions.Notaneasytask,andifanyofthemwerecaught,allShareemcouldbeterminated.
Justin,whoknewpeopleonSiriuswhocouldhelptheShareem,hadagreedtoassist.

ButJustincouldn’tleavetheplanetrightnow.NotuntilhefiguredoutwhattodoaboutSybellie.

AndnowDeannaknewabouther.

Jeannereturned,wearingasilksheaththathuggedherbodybutcoveredhertoBorNarganstandards.

Elanddonnedatunic,lentJustinsomeleggings,andtheyalllefttogether.

ChapterTen

Judith’splacewasfulltonight,withbothShareemandthedockworkers,maleandfemale,wholikedto

hang out there. Shareem attracted women, the male workers weren’t ashamed to pick up Shareem
leavings,andthefemaleworkerssizedupbothShareemandthehumanmales.

JudithgesturedtoatableinashadowycornerwhereaBorNarganwomanwaitedalone.Jeannewaved

atthewomanandledthemthere.

WhenJudithbroughtaletothefourofthem,shepausedtoducktowardJeanneandkissherfullonthe

lips.“After?”Judithasked.

Jeannenoddedwithoutworryandsippedherale.

“Waitaminute,”JustinaskedbeforeJudithcouldwalkaway.“Whathappenedto‘Mitchdoesn’tlike

it?’”

“Oh,hedoesn’tmindJeanne,”Judithsaid.“Hejustdoesn’twantaShareem’stestosterone-ladenhands

alloverme.MitchlikesJeanne,andlikestowatchusgo.”

ElandgrinnedatJustin.“It’sagreatshow.”

“I’llbet.”

Once upon a time, Justin might have begged a front-row seat, but now that his life was complicated,

Justindrankhisaleandwaitedimpatientlyfortheconversationtoturntowhathe’dcomeherefor.

Jeanne’sfriendmusthavebecomeusedtoShareem—andJeanne—becauseshedidn’tlookshockedin

the slightest at either the kiss or the obvious appointment for a threesome later. Jeanne introduced the
womanasMira,afreelancesailorontransportships.

Mira’sfacewaslinedwithexperience,age,andtravel,butshehadlivelydarkeyes,andherhairheld

nogray.Herjobexplainedherunworriedexpression.She’dhavebeentomanyplanetsandseenpractices
farbeyondwhatBorNarga’sinhibitedstanceonsexallowed.

“IthinkthewomanIknewusedtoworkforDNAmo,”Mirasaidonceintroductionsweredone.“She

livedonMadallinRowwithhermomanddad.”

Justin’sheartbeatfaster.“That’sher.Doyouhaveanyideawheresheisnow?”

“Sorry.WishIdid.Shewasagoodfriend.”

Hetriedtohidehisacutedisappointment.“Whendidyoulastseeher?”

“About fifteen years ago,” Mira said. “I shipped out with a company that did runs in the Paladias

system,andwasthereforayearorso.WhenIgotback,Lillian’smomhaddied—herdadhadgoneafew
monthsbeforethat,Iheardfromherneighbors—andLillianhadmovedout.Nooneintheneighborhood
knewwhereshe’dgone.Someonesaidthemountains,butwhenIhadthechancetogooutthere,acouple
years later, I never saw her. I looked, but didn’t find her.” Mira shrugged. “She might have gone off-
world.Ididn’ttrytoohard,becausemylifehadmovedon,andIfiguredhershadtoo.Butdoyouwant
metoaskaround?”

Justin turned his ale glass on the table. “I don’t want her getting into trouble because a Shareem is

askingforher.”

Mirasenthimalittlesmile.“Icanbediscreet.”

“Bereallydiscreet.”

“Youcantrusther,”Jeannesaid.“Sheunderstands.”

“Ido,”Mirasaid.“So,Justin,youbusyfortherestofthenight?Youforhire?”

Shemadehimsoundlikeataxi.JustinhadurgedDeannatoengagehimforhisservices,butwhenMira

askedforit,theappealdidacompleteturnaround.

“Sorry,”Justinsaid.“Nottonight.”

“He’snotbeeninterestedinsexverymuchatalllately,”Jeannesaid.“Poorguy.Hemustnotbefeeling

well.”

“Yeah,that’sit,”Justinsaid.“I’mgettingoversomething.”

“Youtwoleavehimalone,”Elandrumbled.“Drinkup.It’sonme.IfyouwantaShareem,I’mhandy.

ButonlywithJeannetoo.”

Miralaughed.“Nothanks.You’recute,Jeanne,butIdon’tleanthatway.Maybelater,Shareem.”She

winkedatJustinthenabsorbedherselfinfinishingoffheraleandsignalingformore.Thewomanwasa
seriousdrinker.

Justinfinishedhisalemoreslowly,notingthatMirawasonaboutherseventhbythetimehequitthe

placeandwentbacktohisapartmenttothinkaboutwhatshe’dsaid.

Themountains.Notextremelyspecific,butitwasaplacetostart.

Deanna wasn’t in the apartment when Justin reached it. He shucked his clothes and lay down on the

bed,herfreshscentstilllingeringonthesheetswherehe’dpressedher.Heclosedhereyes,andsighed
whenhiscockbegantoriseagain.

*********

Deanna had spent some time after Justin left his apartment searching it. She didn’t know why she

wantedto,buttheacheinherheartmadeherneedtodosomething.

Shedidn’tfindmuch.Justin’sapartmentwasbareofanythingbutnecessities,andhehadlittleinthe

wayofclothesorpersonalbelongings.

Behind his bed, she found a wall compartment that slid open to her touch. When closed, the

compartment blended seamlessly into the wall, but the catch to open it wasn’t hidden. Inside the
compartment,shefoundtwoboxes.

Onewasabouttwofeetonasideandmadeofwood,anincongruityonBorNarga.Theboxwasnot

locked,andDeannaopeneditslidtofindaninteriorlinedwithblackclothanddividedintosections,a
toptrayliftingouttorevealadeeperspacebeneath.

Thethingsthatlayintheslotsinthesesectionsmadeherstill.Hehadhandcuffs,severalpairs.Notthe

functionalkindthatDeannacarriedtosubduearrestees,butthickcuffslinedwithvelvet,cloth,orfakefur.
Eachhadaslimchainbetweenthecuffsthatlookedalmostlikejewelry.

Straps,bothleatherandcloth,werefoldedintoanotherslot.Inanothershefoundasmall,velvet-lined

boxthatcontainedthreesmallspheres.Whatthosewerefor,shehadnoidea.

Shealsofoundthewands—small,slenderonesaswellasshorter,widerplugs.Shestaredatthema

moment,beforerealizingtheywereforinsertion...intovariousplaces.

Deanna’simaginationconjuredJustin’sfingerswarmonherwhilehecarefullyslidoneofthewands

insideher.

Sheshiveredandopenedhereyes,whichhaddriftedclosedforsomereason.

Anotherslotcarriedtubesoflubrication,andanotherheldthreesmallglassbottles.Sheworkedoutthe

stopper on one bottle, smiling in delight when she breathed in the heady aroma of cardamom and other
spices.

Justinsmoothedtheseoilsontheladyhepleasured,shepresumed.He’drestrainherwiththecuffsand

usetheplugstofillher,whileheworkedtheoilintoherskin.Thestraps?Forteasingandtickling,orfor
somethingharsher?

Deanna pictured herself lying facedown on his bed, her wrists fixed to headboard by the soft cuffs,

while he drew the straps down her bare back. She’d be filled with the plug, warm from his caresses,
waitingforhiskissesonherskin,andforhimtofillherhimself...

Deanna shuddered, nearly dropping the bottle of oil. She quickly put in the stopper and returned

everythingtotheboxwhereshe’dfoundit.

The second box in the wall compartment was smaller and made of plastic. This too was not locked.

Deannaopeneditandfound...Justin.

Printedphotographs,whichtheystillusedonSiriusandotherbackwoodsplanets,layscatteredontop

of souvenirs. The first photograph showed Justin, grinning, wearing a body-concealing work coverall,
lookingsonormal.

MoreshotsofJustin—inabar,holdingupaglassofale,surroundedbyotherlaughingmen;withhis

armaroundabrown-hairedwomanwhoworethesamekindofcoverall;ofthesamewomaninashort
tunic at an ocean, then one of Justin, wearing short leggings and nothing else. He balanced on a rock,
laughing,whiletheoceancrashedbehindhim.

ThewomanmustbeShela,thewomanhe’dlivedwithforfifteenyears.Theybothlookedsohappy.

TheotherthingsintheboxwerebitsandpiecesofJustin’slifeonSirius—plasticentrancediscsfor

various shows, his work ID for his job on the space docks then the permit to start his own offloading
company,plusthedeedtoahousealittleoutsidethecity.

Deannalookedcloseratthedeed—Justinstillownedthehouse.Thatwasablatantviolationoflaws

onBorNarga,butnotonSirius.Touchyiftheissueevercametoatrial.

At the bottom of the box was a faded piece of silk—a Bor Nargan veil, Deanna realized when she

pulleditout.Theveilwasoldbuthadbeenkeptwithcare.Withitwasasmallplasticcard,anoteof
somekindmaybe,thoughDeannacouldseenothingonitwhensheheldituptothelight.She’dneeda
computertoreadit.

Theveilandcardgaveheranidea.Shefoldedthesilkaroundthecardandtuckedbothintothepocket

insidehercoverall.Theveilwassofineitfoldedtonothing.

Deannaclosedtheboxandsliditbackintoitsplace,shuttingthewallcompartmentagain,beforeshe

leftJustin’sapartmentforthedarknessofthedesertnight.

PasCityhadcooledfromtheterribleheatoftheday,thedistrictandmarketscomingalivewithpeople,

color,lights.ButDeannaturnedherbackonthelaughterpouringdownthestreetsandheadedhome.

SheenteredherapartmentquietlytofindRedainthelivingroomwatchingavid.

“Sleeping,” Reda said, answering Deanna’s unasked question. Deanna nodded. She looked in on her

mother,sawKaylaindeedsleepingheavily,andwentontoherbedroom.

Deannabroughtuphercomputer,unfoldedtheveilfromherpocket,stuckthesilkintothefullscanner,

andreadthesecretsitrevealed.

ChapterEleven

Notsurprisingly,theDNAontheveilmatchedtheDNAforLillianPassan.Perhapsshe’dlefttheveil

behind at DNAmo one day, and Justin had kept it for her, or perhaps she’d given it to Justin as a
remembrancegift.

Deanna set the veil aside and keyed in her authorization code to search the highly restricted DNA

databasesforallofBorNarga.Veryfewhadtheclearance,butDeannahadqualifiedforit—something
elseshemightloseifhercaptaindecidedtofireher.

TheDNAdatabasefoundapartialmatchforLillian’sDNAinayoungwomancalledSybellie,whohad

the same birth date as the anonymous birth recorded at the backstreet medic’s. The girl’s mother was
listed as anonymous, father unknown, and the database showed she’d been adopted as an infant by a
Vistarafamily.

WhyaVistarafamilywouldadoptaworking-classillegitimatechild,Deannadidn’tknow,butperhaps

theywerekindhearted,orcouldn’thavechildrenthemselves,or...Whoknew?

TheholopicofSybellieshowedhertobeoneoftheyoungwomenDeannahadseenatthecoffeehouse.

Sybellie had seemed to be accepted by her friends and happy—Deanna could find no evidence in her
recordsthatshe’dhaddifficultiesinschoolorwasthoughtinferior.

TherewasnoinformationlistedforSybellie’sbiologicalfather—noname,noDNArecord.Thatwas

notunusualinthematriarchalsocietyofBorNarga,wherethemotherwasthemostimportantconnection.
Money,land,inheritance,andnamescamethroughthewoman.

Thefatherwouldbelistedonlyifhecamefromagoodfamilyconnectionorhadalotofmoneyforhis

childrentoinherit.Ifthemotherdidnotwantthefathertohaveresponsibilityfororevenaccesstothe
child,shecouldleavehimoutoftherecordsaltogether.Manybirthsamongworking-classwomenhadno
fatherlisted.

No one, it seemed, had bothered to check at Sybellie’s DNA for a father match. No one had cared.

Lillianwastheimportantpersonintheequation,notthemanwho’dgottenherpregnant.Though,inthis
case,noonehadmuchcaredwhotheanonymousmotherwaseither.

Deanna did not run the search for the father now. She did not want to risk leaving any trace of her

search,andleadthosewhopolicedthedatabasesbacktoJustin.

Although,theymightnotnotice.Deanna’sopinionofthepeoplewhowatchedthegovernmentdatabases

forillegalactivitywasn’thigh.WhenDeannaworkedwiththemtotrackdowncriminals,theytookalot
ofthingsforgrantedanddidn’tlookbeyondtheirassumptions.

Evenso,shedidn’tchanceit.

DeannawentbacktoLillian’sDNArecordandranthesearchforherDNAagain.

Afterabouttwohoursofscrolling,backtracking,andtracingthroughlinkeddatabases,herbackaching,

shefoundanothermatch.

*********

Justin ignored the buzzing of his com that woke him out of half-drunk slumber the next morning. The

callerwasDeanna—shedidn’tbothertodisguisehernumber.

Heachedtoseeheragain,butsomepartofhimfearedto.Hewasfallingforthewoman,needed her,

butsheknewtoomuch,andanydangertoSybelliemadehimwild.

Thenagain,ifhekeptDeannainhissights,kepthersatedwithpleasure,hecouldcontrolherandwhat

sheknew.Maybe.

Eitherrecoursewasdangerous.

Justin reached for the com to answer it just as it went silent. His thumb hovered over the button to

returnthecallthenhesighedandloweredhishandbacktohisside.

Damnit.

Timetostartmoving.Justindraggedhimselfoutofbed,puthimselfthroughtheshower,dressed,and

decidedtohitthestreettofindbreakfastatavendor’scart.

His door opened before he could reach for the control, to reveal Deanna standing in the sunshine

holdingtwocoffees.Sheheldoneouttohim.

“Ready?”sheasked.

Justinbracedhimselfonthedoorframeandblinkeddownather,thehalf-hangoverpoundingthroughhis

head.“Readyforwhat?Areyouarrestingme?Luringmeintoyourpaddywagonwithcoffee?”

“Whatareyoumumblingabout?Ihiredacar.YouwanttogouptotheVistara,don’tyou?It’salmost

time.”

Sureenough,atinyhovercarwaitedafewfeetdownfromJustin’sapartmentdoor.“Whatthefuck?”

Deannathrustthecoffeeintohishand.“IfyouwanttogototheVistara,bettertoletmedriveyouina

private car than get caught walking around up there. You were going to try to go again today, weren’t
you?”

Yes.“Iwasgivingitsomethought.”

“Thengetinthecar.”

Justin took a gulp of coffee. He grimaced, the brew cheap, even for Bor Nargan coffee, but it cut

throughthehazeinhishead.

Deannawalkedofftowardthecar,givinghimaniceviewofherassinthetightcoveralls.Hewalked

afterher,tryingnottostumble,andthepassengerdoorofthecarslidopenforhim.Sayingnothing,Justin
climbedinside.

Thiswasn’tapatrolcar.Itwasaprivateconveyance,meantforadriverandacoupleofpassengers,

nothingluxuriousaboutit.

Justindrankhiscoffeeinsilence,thoughhispulseracedandhismindjumpedfromworriedthoughtto

worriedthought.

Ifhedidn’ttalk,didn’tevensaythewordVistara,Deannacouldn’ttellanyone,withoutlying,thathe

wanted to go to an area restricted to him. If she, a patroller, drove him up there, Justin couldn’t do
anythingaboutit,couldhe?Nothisfaultthatapatrollerdraggedhimthroughthedistrictforreasonsofher
own.

Deannaslidintothedriver’sseat,sealedthedoors,andtouchedthecontrols.Thehovercarrose,rather

bumpily,andslidslowlythroughthecrowdedstreetstothemainthoroughfare.

Justin watched Deanna’s slim fingers tap controls as she programmed her destination. When she sat

backtoletthecartakeover,shereachedintohercoverallandpulledsomethingoutofherpocket.

“I’m guessing you’ll want that back,” Deanna said, laying Lillian’s scarf and her coded note about

Sybellieinhislap.

“Shit.” Justin snatched up both, the silk of the veil soft on his fingers. “Where the hell did you get

these?”

“Fromthecompartmentinyourbedroom,behindyourbed.”

“Yousearchedmyapartment?”

“Youmademeangry,”Deannasaid.“SoIdidasearch.Idon’tknowwhy,butitmademefeelbetter.I

foundthose.Icouldn’treadthecard,nomatterhowItriedtobreakthecode,butthescarfwasLillian’s.”

“Iknow.”Hestuffedcardandveilinsidehistunicpocket.

“Itgavemeanideaofhowtotraceher.”

Nowfearjoinedtheroilinginsidehim.“Itoldyou,Idon’twantyoutracingher.”

“AndItoldyou,I’mnotgoingtotellanyoneaboutSybellie.Itwouldn’tbefairtoher.”Sheadjusteda

controltomovearoundanother,slower,car.“Iknowwhyyou’reworried,andyou’reabsolutelyright.”

Justinopenedhismouththencloseditagainwithoutspeaking.Hewantedtotrusther,buthedidn’ttrust

himself. He was forming affection for Deanna, the hot little patroller, who had so far proved that she
didn’tmindlesslyfollowtherules.

And she was hot. Wait, did he think that already? Maybe he was letting his need for sex with her

overridehiscommonsense.

Whowashekidding?Needforsexwithherwasabsolutelymessingwithhiscommonsense.Beingin

theclosespacewithher,breathingherscent...Hishangoverwasdissolvingunderarushofneed.

“Whatelsedidyoufindwhileyouweresearchingmyplace?”heasked.

Herlittle,shy,sidewaysglancemadehisbloodheat.“Oneortwothings,inthatwoodenbox.Ididn’t

understandwhattheywereallfor.”

Aw,she was socute when sheblushed. Deanna had losther businesslike stance,and had once again

becomethewomanwho’daskedhimtoshowherhowtobringhimoff.“Makeanappointmentwithme,
sweetheart,andI’llteachyouallaboutthethingsinmymagicbox.”

Deanna’sblushdeepened,andaforamoment,hethoughtshe’dagree.Butthenshelosthersmileand

looked serious. “I wanted to ask you about your lifemate, Shela. She never had a child, did she? But
obviouslyyoucanmakeone,andyouwouldn’thavehadthesterilityinoculationsonSirius.”

ThedelightfulthoughtsofwatchingDeannasiftthroughhisboxofaccoutrementswhileheshowedher

whateachplug,strap,ring,andclampwasfor,fled.

“No,”hesaidinaquietvoice.“Shelacouldn’t.Thatwas...hardonher.”

“I’m sorry.” Deanna sounded like she meant it. “You stayed with her, though. I mean, you knew you

couldhavekids,butnotwithher.”

“Yes,Istayed.”Hewonderedwhatwasgoingonbehindthoseprettyeyes.“Notherfault,andIwanted

tobewithher.Whyareyouasking?”

“Noreason.”Sheswervedthecarupthelastofthehilltothedoublestreetwherethecoffeehouselay.

“We’rehere.”

Deanna pulled the car over, parking it behind hovercars in which Vistara women were driven half a

blockbytheirchauffeurstogoshopping.Thecoffeehousewasopenandfull,andthefouryoungwomen
satattheirtablebythewindow.

Justinsatbackinhisseatandslowlyletouthisbreath.Deannahadparkedclosertothecoffeehouse

thanheusuallygottostand.Thecar’stintedwindowshidthemfromthepassersbyonthestreet,butunlike
Brianne’s car, its windows didn’t have so much shielding that they blocked out the windows of the
coffeehouse.

Justinsaw Sybellie clearly.She laughed atsomething one of herfriends said, hermouth open as she

clenchedherhandsaroundhercoffeecup.

Shewassobeautiful.JustinsawmuchofLillianinher,buthereyeswerethesameshapeastheones

thatlookedbackathimfromthemirrorinhisbathroom.Therosecolorshechoseforherveilssuitedher,
matchingherpinklipsand...

“Shepaintsherfingernails,”Justinsaidintenderwonder.“Pinktomatchherveil.”

“Iseethat.”

He felt himself grinning like an idiot. “Am I supposed to say, that looks nice, honey, or tell her she

shouldn’tspendallhertimeonmanicures?Damnit,Idon’tknowhowtobeafather.”

“Idon’tknowwhatyou’resupposedtosay.Idon’thavekidseither.”

ThesadnessinDeanna’svoicetuggedathim.“Whatdidyourmomsaytoyou?”heasked.

Deanna glanced at her fingernails, which were smooth but short. “I’ve never had my nails done, so

nothingaboutthat.Shedidoncetellme,that’sanicepistol,honey,butdon’tspendallyourtimeatthe
firingrange.”

Justinhadtolaugh,eventhoughhervoicehadgonesadderstill.HerestedhishandonDeanna’sthigh,

likingthewirystrengthofit,rememberingherintheshower,herskinsoftandfeminine.

Shewasgivinghimagift,herealized,lettinghimseeSybelliewithoutinterference.Hewasgoingto

kissherforthat.Andmore.

Sybelliewastellingherfriendssomething,hereyesanimated,handsmovingassherelatedwhatever

wasthefunnystory.Hewantedtohearit,wantedtoseeherrollhereyesandsay,Dad!whenheaskedher
aboutit.

Hewanteditsomuchitwaskillinghim.

“It’sahellofathing,”hesaidsoftly.“Iwanttoseeher,talktoher,hugher—justbewithher.ButIalso

wanttoprotecther.AndIcanonlydothatbystayingawayfromher.”

HefeltDeanna’sgazeonhim.Shewaslookingathiminunderstanding,sympathyeven.No,shewas

definitelynotlikeanyotherpatrollerhe’devermet.

Thegirlswereleaving.Thefourofthemwalkedout,pausingoutsidethecoffeehousetotalkstillmore.

Justincouldn’ttakehiseyesoffSybellie.Shewassoyoung,soinnocentandpretty.Lillianhadbeen

much the same, but Lillian had already been hardened when she was twenty, by having to grub for a
living.Sybelliewassoft,unusedtotheworld,untouched.Free.Happy.

Therewas much hugging,and then twoof the girls walkedaway, their armslinked. Sybellie and her

otherfriendremained,stilltalking.Attimes,theybothweretalkingatthesametimewithoutrealizingit,
andJustinlaughed.

Hewatchedher,hisheartfull,hisdaughterthreestepsawayfromhim,andsheneverknewit.

Sybellie’s friend walked away, Sybellie waving. She scanned the street, as though deciding which

directiontogo.Hergazesweptoverthecar,notseeingJustinbehindthetintedglass,notknowinghesat

there,hisentirebeingachingforher.

Deanna’s fingers closed around his and squeezed. Justin clung to her hand, glad she was with him,

knowingshe’ddonethisforhim.

A man walked past the car, an off-worlder by his clothes. He stopped and looked at Sybellie. Justin

noticed him only because the man took a few quick steps forward, put himself in front of Sybellie, and
startedtalkingtoher.

Agrowlroseinhisthroat.Maybetheguyknewher,friendofherparents,orsomething.

ButSybelliewasdrawingback,givinghimalookofdistaste,andthendisgust,thenfear.Shetriedto

turnaway,butthemangrabbedherarm.

JustinwashalfwayoutofthecarwhenDeanna’sfullweightlandedonhim.“Justin,don’tyoudare!”

Justinfoughttountanglehimself.“Heneedstogetthehellawayfromher.”

“Iknow.Butletme.Letme.”

“Damnit,Deanna—”

Deannalethimgobutlockedthepassengerdooratthesametimesheopenedherown.“Youstaythere.

Thisismyjob.”

Justin knew she was right. If he leapt out and accosted the man, he would be arrested, and Sybellie

mightbeexposed.Buthecouldn’tjustsithere...

Deanna was around the car, her stun gun held casually in her hand, her patroller’s swagger in place.

Justinheldhisbreath,butatthesametimehefeltasurgeofprideasDeannamovedtothemanandgot
rightinhisface.

That’smygirl...

*********

Theoff-worlderwasthekindDeannadidn’tlike—arrogant,superior-acting,sosurethatBorNarga,in

spiteofitsadvancedculture,wasbackwardbecauseitwasruledbywomen.Well,hewasgoingtolearn
athingortwo.

Deanna stepped to him and used a practiced grip on his wrist to make him open his hand. The man

winced,andhiseyeswidenedinsuddenpain,butheletgoofSybellie.

“What the fuck?” He had an accent, but he spoke Bor Nargan very clearly. It sounded like he’d

practicedtheswearwords.

“BorNarganwomenaren’ttobetouchedwithoutpermission,”Deannasaidinhercrisp,PatrollerFirst

Classvoice.“That’sonpagetwoofyourTraveler’sGuidetoBorNarga,whichwashandedouttoyou
onyourtransport.Youreadit,right?”

“Hey,bitch,youshouldn’ttouchme.”

Hewasredwithanger,andSybelliestartedtoedgeaway.

“It’sallright,”Deannatoldher.“He’sjustadickhead.Don’tdisruptyourdaybecauseofhim.”

The man went red with rage. “You should be polite to me, sweetheart, or you won’t get anyone else

comingtothisbackwoodsplanet.”

“Onpagethirty-six,itsaysyoucanbearrestedforbeinganasshole,”Deannasaid.“Nowclearoffthe

Vistarabeforeyoutemptme.”

Hetappedabadgeonhistunic.“Fuckyou.ThismeansIgettogoanywhereIwanttoonthisrock.”

“ThatisaClassThreepass.MeaningyoucangoanywhereyouwantaslongasyoufollowBorNargan

law,whichincludesobeyinganydirectivegiventoyoubyapatroller.Ifyoudisobeymydirective,Igetto
stunyou,arrestyou,putyouindetention,andthenthrowyourbuttoffthisrock.”

“Whatareyougoingtodo,sweetie,putmeincuffs?MaybeI’dlikethat.”

WhywhenJustinteasedherabouthandcuffs,didDeannablushandgohot,butwhenthismansaidit,

shewantedtokickhim?

MaybebecausewhenJustinsaidit,sheknewhewantedtoplayandtopleasure,tomakeherfeelgood.

Thisguydidn’tlikewomenatall.

“Idon’tneedthecuffs.”Deannastuckthebarrelofthestungunintohisribs.“IfIsqueezethistrigger,

you’ll be out for a couple of hours. Maybe longer. When you wake up, you’ll be in a cell or maybe
alreadyonatransport.Howlongyou’reunconsciousdependsonwhatsettingIhavemystungunon,and
you know, I can’t remember which it is now. So, you can either get off the Vistara and stay close to
whereveryou’rebilleting,orIstunyouandprocessyou.Yourchoice.”

Themanglancedathergun,thenatthepassersbywhowerefrowningathim,clearlyonDeanna’sside.

Hetookastepbackbutpointedhisfingerather.“I’mreportingyou,bitch.”

“Pleasedo.I’llbeinterestedtoreadmystationmaster’sreport.”

With a final growl, the man turned on his heel and stalked off. He’d never looked again at Sybellie,

whichhadbeenthewholepoint.

“Youallright?”Deannaaskedher.

Sybellieletoutashakyherbreath.“Remindmenottovisithisplanet,whereveritis.”

“There’sprobablyasignpostedtoapproachingcraft—Warning,assholesahead.”

Sybellielaughed,hermouthquirkinginawaythatremindedDeannaofJustin.

“Thankyouforhelpingme,”shesaid.“Iwasn’tquitesurewhattodo.”

“Youdidfine.Andneverbeafraidtocalloutforapatroller.”DeannaglancedatthecarwhereJustin

waited.Shecouldn’tseethroughthewindow,butsheimaginedJustingluedtotheglass.“Wouldyoulike
aridesomewhere?Incasetheguydoesn’tclearoutfastenough?”

Sybellielookeddownthestreet,worriedandhesitantatthesametime.“Ifit’snottoomuchtrouble..

.”

“Notatall.It’smyjobtomakesurecitizensofBorNargaareallright.”

Sybellieletoutanotherbreath.“I’monmywaytotheuniversity.”

“Easy.Comeon.”Deannaledthewayaroundthecar,openingthesmallbackdoorforher.

When Deanna slid into the drivers’ seat, Sybellie was settling herself in the back. Sybellie glanced

curiouslyatJustin,whosatonthefarsideofhisseat,againstthedoor,lookingpoleaxed.

“Don’t mind him,” Deanna said as she sealed the doors and lifted the hovercar. “This is Justin. I’m

givinghimaridetoo.”

ChapterTwelve

Justincouldn’tspeak,couldn’tthink.Sybelliewassittingtwofeetfromhim,separatedfromhimonly

by the seatback. Deanna calmly tapped controls to move the car quietly down the street, the air cooler
kickingintomakethecaralivabletemperature.

Sybellie’s hair was dark, her eyes a chocolate brown. She had Lillian’s nose, but the shape of her

mouthwasJustin’s.Sheworethefaintestscent,somethingpowderyandlemony.Itwentwithher,justlike
therose-coloredsilksthatwhisperedaboutherface.

“Isheallright?”SybellieaskedDeanna.“Youhaven’tarrestedhim,haveyou?”

She was a Bor Nargan female, all right. Men were creatures of inferior intellect—so Bor Nargans

believed—andwomenoftentalkedaboutmenintheroomasthoughtheyweren’tthere.

“No,no,”Deannasaid.“I’mjustgivinghimalift.”

SybellielookedJustinover,asthoughtryingtodecipherwhathewas.“Hedoesn’tlookBorNargan.

Whereishefrom?”

Justinopenedhismouthtoanswer,butnothingcameout.Everywordhe’drehearsedtosaytoSybellie

ifheevermetherjammedinhisthroat.

“He’sfromSirius,”Deannasaid.

Sybellie looked interested, and she directed the next question at him. “I’ve never been there. What’s

Siriuslike?”

Shewasn’tafraidofpeople,thatwascertain.Butshe’dprobablynevermetanyonewho’dbeenbadto

her,exceptingthatjerkinthestreet.

Deannaanswered,becauseJustin’smouthstillwouldn’twork.“There’slotsoftreesthere,soIhear,”

Deannasaid.“Andmeadows.Andfarms.”

“Areyouafarmer?”SybellieaskedJustin.

Justinclearedhisthroat.“No.”Hecoughed,tryingtoopenuphisgullet.

“Well,theygrowthemtallonSirius.”Sybellielaughed,ingenuousandinnocent.“BorNargancarsmust

beuncomfortableforyou.”

Shedoesn’tknowwhatIam.ThewordsbeatthroughJustin’shead.Shedoesn’tknowaboutShareem.

“Yes,”hemanagedtosay.

“Here’stheuniversity,”Deannasaid.“Whichsideofcampuswouldyoulike?”

Thefarside,Justinwilled.It’stoosoonforyoutogo.Waytoosoon.

“Thisisfine,”Sybelliesaid,andJustin’sheartached.“Thankyouforrescuingme.”

Deannasetdownthecarandpushedacontroltounsealthebackdoor.“Itwasmypleasure.Believe

me.”

Sybelliesentheranothersmile,gatheredherskirtsandrobesabouther,andclimbedout.Shebentback

throughthedooranddirectedherwordsatJustin.

“Good-bye.IhopeyouenjoyyourstayonBorNarga.”

“Ungh,”Justinsaid.

Withonelastradiantsmile,Sybelliestraightenedup,turnedwithaswirlofsilks,andwalkedoffinto

theheat-shieldedcampus.Anartificiallygeneratedbreezecaughtherskirtsandveilsasshewavedata
groupofapproachingyoungwomen.

Deannasealedthedooragainsttheheatandquietlyturnedthecararound,headingdownthestreetand

backtowardthemainthoroughfare.

“Shit,”Justinsaid.Hepassedashakinghandoverhisface.“Shit,shit,shit,shit.”Helookedback,but

theuniversitywasrecedingquickly,swallowedbybuildingsandhovercars.“Whattheholyfuckdidyou
dothatfor?”

“Youwantedtoseeher,”Deannasaid.

Shelookedsocalm,tappingthecontrolstoputthecaronautopilot,programmingittotakethembackto

PasCity.Damnherforlookingsocalm.Justinwantedtoexplode.

“Shit,”hesaidagain.

“Ithoughtitwasagoodopportun—”

HerwordscutoffwhenJustingrabbedher,hauledherhalfoutofherseat,andkissedher—hard.

“Justin,thecar—”

“Isonautopilot.”

Hekissedheragain,silencingherwithhismouth.Hedraggedheruptohim,lickingandkissing.

Justincuppedherbreaststhroughthecoverallasshekissedhimback,liftingthem,fullandwarm.Her

nipplesbecametightpointsunderhisthumbs,Deanna’sintakeofbreathtellinghimshefeltwhathedid.

He kissed his way down her throat as he ripped open the catch that held her coverall in place. He

draggedthecoveralldownandpressedherupwardtotonguethenipplethatroseagainstherundertunic.

Thecar’sconsolebeeped.Deannatriedtoextractherself,butJustindidn’tcare.Hesuckledher,tasting

silkandtheheatofher.

Theconsolebeepedagain,moreinsistently.Justin’sbodydidnotwanthimtolethergo,everynerve

screamingwithneedforher.Hewantedtofuckherrighthereinthecaranddamntheconsequences.

“Justin,we’llwreck—”

Justinclosedhisteethoverhernipplebeforereleasingher.Deannagrabbedthecontrolsjustintimeto

slidethemintothenarrowstreetsofPasCity.

Hercoverallgapedopentoherwaist,thesilkinsideclingingtoherbreasts.Herhairwasamess,her

faceflushed,assheguidedthecraftalongthestreettostopinfrontofJustin’sapartment.

“You’rehome,”shesaid.

Justinreachedoverandkilledthecontrols,andthecarfoundthestreetwithathump.

“You’recominginwithme,”Justinsaid.

“No,Ihaveto—”

Hehitthecontrols,everydoorinthecaropening.JustinlockedhishandsaroundDeannaanddragged

heroutwithhimthroughthepassengerdoortothebright,hot,emptystreet.

Thecarpolitelyclosedupagainassoonastheywereclear.JustinpulledDeannatohisrustyapartment

doorandkeyeditopen.

They nearly fell together into the apartment, and the door slammed closed behind them. Justin had

Deannaagainstthewall,hisbodycoveringhers,beforethedoorevenhittheground.

Deannatriedtostophimkissingher,triedtospeak,butJustindidn’tcare.Whatshe’ddone...What

she’ddoneforhim...

Hewantedtokissandkissher.Makelovetoher,playwithher,andmakelovetoheragain.

Heliftedherintohisarmsandcarriedhertothebedroom.Thebedwasrumpled,unmadefromwhen

Justinhadcrawledoutofitearlier,andJustinsetDeannasquarelyonit.

He pushed her open coveralls from her shoulders. Deanna made a token protest, but her eyes were

warm,andsheintheendhelpedpullthecoverallfromherbody.

Hersilkentunicclungtoher,anothingbarrierbetweenherselfandhim.Oneyankanditripped,giving

Justinaccesstoherbarebody.

Justinpulledandkickedhisownclothesoff,hisskinitchingtobeoutofthem.Heloweredhimselfon

topofDeanna,andeverythingstopped.

He was breathing hard, and so was she. They looked at each other, gazes locking, Justin holding

himselfoverher,neitherofthemmoving.

Herskinwashottothetouch,warmwithsweat,andJustin’sbodywasscalding.Insilence,helowered

hisheadtokissheragain,slowingdownfromhisfrenziedneed.

Deannapartedherlipstotakehim.Theirmouthsmet...andmetagain,slowinthemiddayheat.The

soundofthekisseswhisperedintheroom,theonlytouchinthesilence.

Justin slid one hand to her breast, the supple cushion welcoming his hand. The point of her nipple

pokedbetweenhisfirsttwofingers,andherolleditashekissedher,bringingittobeautifultightness.

Deannarestedherarmonhisshoulder,fingersfindingandplayingwithhisdarkhair.Hereyeswere

languidbrown,sodarkhecoulddrowninthem.Justinkissedherlipsoncemorebeforeslidinghisbody
downsohecouldfeastonherbreasts.

Justin suckled one breast as he cupped the other, caressing with fingers as much as he did with his

tongue.Heswirledaroundtheareolabeforesucklingagain,lovingthecontrastbetweenhersilkenskin,
thecushionofthebreastitself,andthetightapexofhernipple.Whenhefinished,hemovedhisheadto
thoroughlytasteandsucktheother.

Deanna’sbodymovedasheworkedher,herhandsfurrowinghishair.Justinkissedhiswaydownher

abdomen,lickedhernavel,thengentlypartedherthighssothathecouldliebetweenthem.

He studied her pussy as he ran his fingers down either side of her opening. Hers was a bit small,

Deannanotalarge-bonedwoman.Butherentrancelaybeforehimlikeaflowerofferingitspetals,moist
andinvitingamonghercurleddarkhair.Herclitwasalittlebud,pinkandcute,beckoninghistongue.

Justinkissedtheclit,thenflickedhistongueoneithersideofherpussy.Deannajumped,thenherhips

rose,herbodybeggingforJustintodowhathewanted.

Whatshewanted.Justinclosedhismouthoverher,anddrank.

Deanna thought she’d die. The room was hot, neither of them having stopped to turn on the cooler.

Justin’s apartment wasn’t automated. Sweat dripped down her sides, but nothing was as wet as where
Justinlickedher.

Histonguemovedinandoutofher,oraroundtheopening,orplungedinside,orclosedwithhismouth

overherclit.Thefeelingwashot,wild,thefrictiondrivingherinsane.

Justin’seyeswereclosedinconcentration,hislargehandsonherhips.Atonepointheopenedhiseyes

andlookedupather,theiriseshotblue,obliteratingthewhites.Sheshiveredatthesoinhumansight,but
everythingelseaboutJustinwascertainlyallmale.

Sheheardhervoiceringthroughtheroom,withoutanyrealizationthatshe’dcriedout.Thenoiseswere

sharp,animallike,andDeannacouldn’tstopthem.

“Justin!Gods...”

Thenherwordsbecameincoherent,hercriesshrill,asJustintookheronandonwithhistongue.

Andthenitwasover,herreleasecomplete.Shefellontothebedasthoughlandingfromagreatheight,

tryingtocatchherbreath.

Butitwasn’tover.Justinroseoverherlikeagod,pressedherbackintothebedwithhislargebody,

andenteredherinone,longstroke.

No...shecouldn’ttakeit.Hewassobig.He’dtearherapart.Andwhydidthatexcitehersomuch?

Buthe’dmadeherpussywideandneedy,andDeannawelcomedhimin,spreadingherselftotakehim.

Justin moved inside her swiftly, and in silence. His face was set, eyes that crazy blue, his mouth

pressedtogetherashethrustandthrust.

Hewastryingtoworksomethingoutofhimself,andhiscockwasrammingintohertodoit.

Deannamethisthrustswithherown,feelingherpussysqueezearoundhim,itsomehowknowingwhat

todo.Butitwaswonderful.Shewashotfromhimdrinkingher,andthein-and-outfrictionofhiscock
woundherbacktothewildplace.

Hestartedtogrunt,hisstrongarmsholdinghimoffherashethrustagainandagain.Deannawascrying

out,thebedrocking,sweatdrenchingherbody.Hisskinwasslickunderherfingers,hissweatdropping
ontoherlikegentlerain.

Slipperyandsliding,hiscockpriedheropen,stretchingherwide.Shepartedherthighstotakemoreof

him,liftingherhipstobringhimallthewayinsideher.

Justingrabbedherhipwithonehand,pullingheruptohim,showingherhow.Deannaliftedherfeetas

hewoundherthigharoundhim,wrappingherlegsoverhis,pressingonesoletohisbuttocks.

Shareemcocksweretwelveinches,onestandardfoot,andJustin’smovedallthewayinsideDeanna.

Thiswasn’tpleasure,itwasraw,mad,fucking,socrazyDeannawantedittolastforever.

Theworldceasedtomatter.Deannaknewnothingbuttheheatwithinherandwithout,thetwoofthem

rockingonthebed,Justinsodeepinsidehersheknewnothingwouldeversatisfyheragain.

Butthentheywerebothshouting,bodiesslammingtogether,tearsonDeanna’sface.Sheseemedtobe

falling,falling,buthisstrongarmsweretheretocatchher.

Deannafelthimcome—hisgiantcockshotscaldingseedfarinsideher,somuchthatsheknewshe’d

neverholdit.

Butshedid.Hewasglorious,andshe’dneverfeelsofineandstrongagain.

“Deanna,”hesaid,hisvoiceharsh.“Thankyou.Thankyou.”

He crashed onto her, his weight hot and hard, and all the wildness went out of him. He cradled her

againsthim,open-mouthedkisseslandingonherlips,herface,herhair.

“Thankyou,”hewhisperedbrokenly.

Deannatouchedhisface,whichwaswetwithtears.“You’rewelcome,”shesaid.

*********

It occurred to Deanna, after some time, that underneath her was hard coolness, flooring designed to

keeptheheatatbay.ThecoolslabcontrastedwithJustinontopofher,andtheheatofhismouthonher
skin.

“Whendidweenduponthefloor?”sheasked.

“Don’tremember.”Justinpressedwarmkissesalongherbreasts.“Don’tcare.”

Deanna didn’t much care either. It was beautiful here on the floor, with Justin on top of her. He was

heavy,buthetookcaretonothurtherashewithdrewfromherandrolledontohisside.

Hemadenosuggestionthattheygetbackonthebedbutlaydownnexttoher,spooningheragainsthim,

hishandfindingherbreast.

“Whydidyoudoit?”heasked.

“Letyoumakelovetome?Ithoughtthatwasyouridea.”

“Imeanletmeseehersoclose.”

Deannashrugged,herbodytired.“Ididn’tliketoseeyouhurting.”

ShefeltJustin’sstart,thenhewasuponhiselbow,lookingather,stunned.“Itwasawonderfulgift,

Deanna.”

“Anytime.”

He let out a long breath and lowered himself to her side again, cradling her into his big body. “This

isn’twhatI’msupposedtodo.Fuckingyoulikethat,Imean.”

“Idon’tknow.Itseemedfinetome.NotthatIhaveanyexperience.”

“Ipleasure.Imakeyoufeelgood.Butthistime,Icouldn’tstopmyself.Ihadtohaveyou.”

Deanna ran her hand across his callused fingers. “I have news for you. I felt good. I . . . well, I’ve

neverfeltanythinglikeit.”

“Iwanttomakeyoulaugh,andbeg,andlaughagain.”Hewipedatearfromherlashes.“Notcry.”

“Icriedbecauseitwasbeautiful,”Deannawhispered.

Justin went silent, his head buried in the curve of her shoulder. She couldn’t see his face in their

position,butshefelthisbreathhotonherback.

Helaystillforsolong,thatshethoughthe’dfallenasleep.Thenhegrowled,arumblingthatvibrated,

andthenextthingsheknew,heliftedherinhisarms,upoffthefloor.

Backtothebed,thistimesidebysideasthey’dbeenonthefloor,themattresscushioningthem.Justin

gotbehindher,hookedhislegaroundhers,andmovedherbentkneeforwardenoughtoopenhertohim.
Hiscock,rock-hardagain,pressedfirmlyagainstherbackside,whileheteasedheropening,thenheslid
hiscockintoherpussy.

Deannaletoutalongsighthatendedinamoan.Justindidn’tthrustasmuchthistime—hesimplyfilled

her,pressingfartherandfartherinwitheachsmoothpush.

It didn’t take much until Deanna was coming again, her writhing pulling him deeper. Justin groaned

underhisbreath,holdingherinstrongarms,hisseedoncemorefindingher.

He was still inside her when Deanna fell asleep, a profound, deep sleep that erased every fear and

everydream.HereinthebedofaShareem,she’datlastfoundcontentment.

*********

When Justin woke again, his body sore and sated, Deanna was gone. She wasn’t in the shower—too

bad—notinthelivingroomwaitingforhim,notinthekitchentryingtoscareupsomethingtoeat.

Justinpulledonhistunicandshoes,tiedbackhishair,andsteppedoutsideintofadingdaylight.Maybe

she’dgonetoavendorsforsomedinner.ThegodsknewJustinneverhadanyfoodinthehouse.

Thecarwasgone.Justinstopped,notlikinghowemptythatmadehimfeel.Logically,Deannacould

have simply gone to return the car to wherever she’d hired it before she was charged for another day.
Justinhadbeensleepingsohardthatshemighthaveshoutedinhisearsthatshewasgoing,andhe’dnever
haveheard.

ButJustinknewsomehowthatshewouldn’tbebacktonight.

He went to the crowded marketplace around the corner, hoping against hope to see his patroller

wandering among the stalls. He did see patrollers, two of them, buttoned up, hair in tight buns, but no
Deanna.

“Justin.”

Justinlookedbehindhimtoseeanoff-worldman,tallerthanmostBorNarganmen,inadustypilot’s

coverall,hismussedhairlightbrown,hiseyesdeepgreen.

“Mitch,”Justingrunted.“Didn’tknowyouwereback.”

“Gotherethismorning.Reesislookingforyou.Andme.”

JustinhadnointerestintalkingtoReesrightnow,buthefiguredhemightaswellgetitoverwith.“If

youjustgotherethismorning,whyareyououthereonthestreetandnotinsidedoingJudith?”

“It’sherbusiestbusinesstime.ThoughtI’dgiveherabreak.”

“Niceofyou.”

“I’maniceguy.”

Mitch didn’t break a smile as they started down the market street, whose artificial light glittered on

tablesfilledwithbrightsilks,cheapjewelry,fruitsfromalloverthegalaxy,pilesofexoticspices,and
shiningmechanicalparts.Womenineverythingfromdrabwork-graytosilksasbrightasthejewelsthey
haggledformovedfromstalltostall,thericheronesfollowedbyservantswhocarriedallthegoodsthey
bought.

“It’sprettyhere,inaweirdway,”Mitchsaidastheywalkedthroughthecolorfulchaos.

“Weirdisright.”

“Siriusisdrab,”Mitchsaid.

Yes, everyone wondered why Justin had returned to his native land, leaving the relative freedom of

Sirius. Mitch was a laidback guy—very different from Bor Nargan men, even different from men on
Sirius,whowereprettymuchintohardwork,theirideapleasurebeingonebeerandagoodnight’ssleep.
MitchwouldneverdirectlyaskJustinhisreasonsforreturning,butJustinfelthiscuriosity.

“Comeon,”Justinsaid.“IbetReestoldustohaulourasses.”

“True,” Mitch said, finally grinning, and they walked on through the streets, until they reached the

basementapartmentwhereReeslivedwithhislifemate.

Reeshadlivedhereforyearsbeforehe’dmetTaland’Urvey,hislady-love.Talanhadanicebighouse

toherselfonanearbymoon,butReesandshestayedintheapartmentwhentheywereinPasCity.Talan
seemedtolikethetinyplaceforsomereason.

Talan answered the front door. She was a diminutive woman with red hair, which she wore under a

sheerveil,andasmileaswarmasherheart.

ShehuggedJustinandgavehimakissonhischeek,thengreetedMitch,withoutasmuchtouchy-feely.

Talanledthemthroughthetinyhalltothemainroomoftheapartment.Astheyentered,Reesturnedoff

whateverhewaslookingatonhiscomputerandrosetogreetthem.

ChapterThirteen

ReeswasabittallerthananyoftheShareem,andlargertoo.Hewasalevelthree—oratleast,that’s

whathetoldeveryone.

ReeshadbeenanexperimentalShareem,adeep,darksecretkeptbyDNAmo,isolatedfromtheothers

andputthroughsomehellacioustests.Justinhadn’tevenknownaboutReesatDNAmo,nothearingabout
himatalluntilJustin’sreturntoBorNarga.

Rees was currently working on plans to take the Shareem off Bor Narga—permanently. Mitch had

agreedtohelp,andJustin’spartwastocontactpeopleheknewonSiriustoreadythemforaninfluxof
Shareem.

Except,JustinhadaskedReestopostponetheexodusawhile.OncetheShareemleftBorNarga,there

wasnocomingback.Ever.

After the standard greetings—”How the hell’ve you been?” and shit like that, Rees got down to

business.

“Whoisthispatrollerthatkeepsfollowingyouaround?”heaskedJustin.

Justinbristled,protectivenessmakinghimmeetRees’sgazewithahardoneofhisown.“Hername’s

Deanna.” Justin flashed back to her underneath him on the floor, her breasts moving against him as he
lovedher.“She’sallright.”

“She’sapatroller.”

Rees’s skeptical look was starting to piss him off. “She’s smart and has compassion,” Justin said.

“Trustme,she’sfine.”

“Youknowwehavetogosoon.Weonlyhavesomanywindowsofopportunity.”

“Iknow.”

Reeslookedsteadilyathim,andJustinreturnedthestarewithoutmoving.

“WhatdoyouhearfromRio?”Mitchasked,breakingthetension.

RiowastheonlyShareemwhohadeverescaped.He’dhadthesensetorunoffwiththedaughterofthe

leader of Ariel, and was now immune from Bor Nargan persecution. Ariel was a fairly open planet,
acceptingofoff-worlders,buttheyhadapolicyoflettinginonlyafewnewpermanentresidentsperyear,
andthewaitinglisttogettherewaslong.

However,Riohadresourcesthatcouldhelpthemgoelsewhere.

“RiosaysthatNellaisliningupplaceswe’llbesafeonStation475.IfwegettoSiriusandrequest

asylum,fromthere,wecangoanywhere.”

“I’vegotguystohelpwiththetransport,”Mitchsaid.“ButIdon’twanttogivethemtoomanydetails

yet.AndIcan’tguaranteethey’llallbefreeatthesametime.”

Both men turned to look at Justin, who held up his hands. “I know you’re waiting on me. It’s taking

longertofindLillianthanIthought,butIneedtofindher.”

“TalanorBreeorElisacanhirepeopleheretolookforher,”Reessaid.“Shecanbetransportedto

whereverweendup.”

“It’snotthatsimple.”

Reeswentsilent.JustinknewReeswasbeingpatientwithhimandhadsaidheunderstood,butRees

wasrightthattheycouldn’tlingerforever.

And now there was Deanna—the pretty patroller whose job it would be to stop Justin and the other

Shareemleavingtheplanet.She’dbeobligatedtoarresthimandlinehimupforexecutionforbreaking
oneofthemostbasiclawsBorNarganshadaboutShareem.

How could Justin justify endangering all Shareem to have a fling with a patroller? Or because he

wantedtostayhereandgazeatthedaughterheloved?

Hecouldn’t.

“Givemeafewdays,”Justinsaid.“AndI’llreportwhatmycontactsonSiriussay.”

“Samehere,”Mitchsaid.

Reesgavethembothanod.

After a little more conversation—but not much, because it was clear that Rees wanted them gone—

probablysohecouldscrewTalan—JustinandMitchdepartedtogether.

MitchsaidlittleastheywalkedbacktowardJudith’s,andthatwasfinewithJustin.Hehadtoomany

thoughtsforconversation.

HecouldstillfeelDeanna’swarmtharoundhim,couldstillscentherdesire.TohelptheShareemstuck

onthisplanet,Justinwouldhavetoturnhisbackonher,andonLillian,andSybellie.

BreakaShareem’sheart.

HelookedatMitch.“Wanttohelpmefindanoff-worlderwhopissedmeofftoday?”

“Sure.Whatdidhedo?”

“Wasrudetoalady.”

Deannahaddrivenofftheasshole,butJustinstillwantedtokillhim.Putyourhandsonmydaughter,

andseewhathappenstoyou...

“Areyousayingtheladydidn’thavehimarrested?ThisisBorNarga.”

“Longstory.I’dliketofindhim,andexplainhowIfeelaboutit.”

Mitchgrinned.“Let’sdoit.”

One thing Justin liked about Mitch—the man didn’t demand explanations or waste time arguing. He

simplystartedwalkingwithJustinthroughthenarrowstreetstowardthespacedocksandthelodgingsfor
off-worldersthere.

Onlytheveryrichestandmostimportantoff-worlderswereallowedtostayuponthehill,andtheguy

hadlookedneitherrichnorimportant.Soitwasanevenbethe’dfoundaplacetostayintheoff-world
quarter.

Justinfiguredthatfindingtheguywasalongshot,butevenlookingforhimmadeJustinfeelbetter.But

then,themanhadbeenanarrogantjerk,andarrogantjerkswerebadatkeepinglowprofiles.

Sureenough,inthefourthbarMitchandJustinvisited,Justinsawthemanwho’daccostedhisdaughter.

Themanstillworehisdarkcoverall,andhewasbeingrudetothewomanbehindthebar.Thewoman

wasgettingreadytothrowhisassout.

Justinpointedhimout,andheandMitchwenttoleanonthebaroneithersideofhim.Mitchdrawledat

thebartender,“Wantustotakeoutthegarbage,darlin’?”

Thebartendershrugged.“Finebyme.Justdon’tbringpatrollersdownonme,”sheaddedwithasharp

lookatJustin.

ThemanwastoofullofhimselftounderstandwhatwashappeninguntilJustinandMitchseizedhim

betweenthemanddraggedhimtowardthedoor.

“Whatthefuck?”Themantriedtostruggle,buthewastoodrunk,thepairofthemtoostrong.

JustinandMitchhalf-carriedhimintothealleyaroundthecornerandthrewthemanupagainstawall.

Thealleywasdark,strewnwithgarbageandsand,thesmellthick.

“Fine,I’llgotoanotherbar,”themansaidsulkily.“Ididn’tlikethatshitholeanyway.”

“We’renotthebouncers,”Justinsaid.“I’mthefriendofsomeoneyouupsettoday.”

“Yeah?”Themanfrowned,asthoughsiftingthroughallthepeoplehe’dupsetthatdayandwondering

whichonetheymeant.“Whothehellareyou?”HelookedJustinupanddown.“Whatthehellareyou?
You’renotBorNargan.”

“BorNarganbornandbred,”Justinsaid.“Andreallyunhappywithyou.”

“Well,youdon’tlooklikethelittlepussymenwholivehere.Ifoneofthemwasyourfuckhole,andI

madehimcry,Idon’tcare.”Theman’sfrowncleared.“Ormaybeitwastheprettylittlepieceupinthe
richtown.Sheyourwhore?Tellyouwhat,whydon’tyouletmetakeapokewithher,andwe’llforgetthe
wholething—”

Justin’spunchcaughthiminthegut,andtheman’sbreathwhooshedoutofhim.Drunkandstupid.

Justinpunchedandkeptonpunching.Themanstartedtodefendhimself,fistsreturningblows,which

Justin deftly blocked. Shareem weren’t supposed to be fighters, but Justin had learned fighting out of
necessityonthedocksofSirius.

Heblockedandhit,catchingthemaninthejaw,theface,thegutagain.Themanfoughtbacksomewhat

skillfully,inspiteofhisinebriation,butJustinwassoberandveryexperienced.

Mitch never jumped in to help, seeming to understand that Justin needed to do this, even if he didn’t

knowexactlywhy.

Justin balled his fist and landed one last, practiced punch to the man’s face. The off-worlder’s head

snappedback,thenhiseyesrolledclosed,andhesliddownthewall.Nice.

Justinshookouthishand.“We’redonehere,”hesaid,outofbreath.

“Remindmenottopissyouoff,”Mitchsaid,leadingthewayoutofthealley.

“Iwill.”Justincaughtuptohim.“Now,let’sgogetdrunk.”

*********

Deanna’smotherwashavingabadnight.Shecouldn’teat,couldn’tsitstill,andcouldn’tstopmoaning.

DeannaandRedadideverythingtheycould,butintheend,Redaendeduptranquilizingher.

Deanna brushed back her mother’s hair as her face relaxed with the tranq. “I’m sorry, Mama,” she

whispered,kissinghercheek.

“Prettysoon,Iwon’tbeabletolookafterherbymyself,”Redasaid,puttingawaythetranqbox.“Oh,

don’tlooklikethat,honey.It’snotthatIdon’twantto,butIdon’thavetrainingatthatlevel.Andshe’ll
needmorethanonepersontohelpher,fulltime.”

“Iknow.”

Deannafoldedherarmstightlyoverherchest.Afewhoursago,she’dfeltsowonderfulinJustin’sbed,

curledbackagainsthim,fallingasleepwithhimstillinsideher.She’dlovedtohavestayedallnight,but
she’dneededtoreturnthecarandcheckonhermotherandReda.

ProblemswithhermothertonighthadbroughtithometoDeannathatsheneededtomakethingsrightin

her job. She had to keep on getting paid, keep receiving the compensation for her mother’s care. If her
mother had to go to fulltime care, that would be even more expensive. Deanna had gotten a settlement
fromthespacestationwherehermotherhadstumbledintotheradiationrepair,butitstillwasn’tenough.

And,Deannamissedhermother.Thewarmheartedwomanwho’draisedherwasgone,astrangerinher

place.

ThesoonerDeannahelpedJustinfindLillian,thesoonerDeannacouldgethimoutofherlifeandreturn

tonormal.

Normal.Sure.

DeannahelpedRedamakeKaylacomfortableinbed,thenDeannawentbacktohercomputertofollow

uponhersearchforLillian.

Afteranotherhour,Deannawasprettysureshewasrightaboutwhatshe’dcomeupwith.Atleast,it

wasworthatriptofindout.

ShebroughtuphercommunicationsfunctionandcalledJustin.Noanswer.

Shecalledhimagainhalfanhourlater.Andagain.Andagain.

Justineitherwasn’thomeorwasn’tanswering—allnight—forwhateverreason.

Thiswastooimportant,though,toworrythathewasavoidingher.Sheshutdownhercomputer,told

Redashewasgoingout,andheadedbacktotheheartofPasCityastheskywaslighteningtogray.

*********

“I’m closed,” the red-haired bartender said. She was clinking glasses and metal tankards behind the

bar,shovingthemthroughhersterilizer.

Deannaglancedattheoff-worlderwhosatonabarstool,aglassofaleinfrontofhim.He’dhadafew,

bythelookofhim,buthemanagedtopinDeannawithasteadystare.

Hehadgreeneyes,almostemeraldincolor,startlingonaworldofdark-eyedpeople.Deannahaddone

herresearch—hisnamewasMitchandhelikedtofrequentthisbarwhenhewasonBorNarga.

“I’mnotacustomer,”themansaid.Thefactthatheansweredforhimself,insteadoflettingawomando

it,alsomarkedhimasanoff-worlder.“I’mafriend.”

“All my paperwork is in order,” Judith the bartender said. “And I’m too busy for a spot inspection.

Comebacktomorrow.”

Deannaheldupherhands.“I’moffduty.IcametofindJustin.”

Judithdidn’tstopmessingwiththeglasses.“Helivesnextdoor.”

“Iknowthat.Hewon’tanswerhisdoor.”

Judithshrugged.“Thenhewantstobeleftalone.He’shadenoughtroublewithpatrollers.”

Deanna drew a breath, trying to stem her impatience. “I need to see him. I’m helping him with

something.”Sheglancedagainatthegreen-eyedman.“I’mafriend.”

Theman’sinterestperked.“Waitaminute.Didadickheadoff-worldermakeyourlifehellsometime

today?”

Deanna remembered the asshole on the Vistara, and the satisfaction she’d taken in making him walk

away.

“Yes,butItookcareofit.Why?”

Themangrinned.“I’dsayJustintookcareofit.Itwasathingofbeauty.”

“Whatwas?”Deannaaskedinalarm.“Whatdidhedo?”

“Ididn’tknowShareemcouldfightlikethat.”

Fightlikewhat?“Whatdidhedo?”

“Foundtheguyandbeathimupforyou.Igottowatch.”Themanchuckled.

“Whydidn’tyoustophim?”Deannademanded.“He’sgoingtogethimselfarrested.”Shetrailedinto

muttering.“Damnit.”

“Whydoyouwanttoseehim?”Judithasked.

“Ihavetotellhimsomethingimportant.He’sbeendodgingmycallsallnight,andnowhewon’tanswer

thedoor.”

“Hewasprettydrunkwhenwepartedcompany,”Mitchsaid.

JudithfinallylookedupfromhercleaningandstudiedDeanna,butshedirectedherwordsatMitch.“I

think she’s the patroller Justin was talking about. Aiden said he saw them together the other day, going
intoJustin’sapartment.”

“The one Justin says looks hot in her coveralls?” Mitch answered, giving Deanna a once-over. “I’m

willingtobet.”

Deanna’sfaceheated.“Ireallyneedtotalktohim.”

“So,gotalktohim,”Judithsaid.

Deannablewoutherbreath.Justin’sdoorwaslocked,hewouldn’ttakehercalls,andfromwhatMitch

hadsaid,hemightbedrunkenlyasleep.

Then again, Deanna was still a patroller, and she had a pass code to override his door if necessary.

Andshehadhandcuffs.

ShelookedatJudiththenMitch,whobothwatchedherexpectantly.Shenodded.“Allright.”

Deannaturnedaroundandwalkedbackoutintothecomingdawn.

ChapterFourteen

Justinwashavingabaddream.

HewasatDNAmoagain,hishandsandfeetbound,whilethescientistsinjectedhimwitheverything

fromsuped-upadrenalinetothestrongesttranquilizerstoseewhathissystemcouldtake.Heremembered
his heart nearly exploding in his chest and him screaming, to being so groggy he barely had strength to
breathe.

If he doesn’t make it, one of the scientists was saying, take a few DNA samples and incinerate the

body.

Kindofawaste,anothersaid.

Don’tworry.Hehasadaughter.Wecandothetestsonher.

No!

Justin jerked his hands as he came awake, panting and sweating, and found his wrists still bound

together.

Whatthefuck?

Helayfacedownonhisbed,naked—he’dstrippedoffhisclothesbeforehe’dfallenontothemattress

andneverbotheredwiththecovers.Hisarmswerenowstretchedoverhishead,hiswriststetheredtohis
headboard.

The cuffs felt wrong, though. They weren’t the super-strong metal that had kept him constrained at

DNAmo,butsoftandwarm,likehisowntoys.

Someonehadgottenouthishandcuffsandmanacledhimtohisownbed.

Justinliftedhishead,hisheadachepoundingashelookedoverhisshoulder.

He went instantly hard when he saw Deanna standing beside his bed, arms folded, her coverall half

opentorevealthetunicbeneath.

“Whatthefuck?”hesaidoutloud.Ormaybeheshouldsay,begentlewithme,sweetheart.

Thenagain,hedidn’twantanygentlenessgoingoninthisroomrightnow.Roughplayhaditstime,and

thattimewasnow.

“Youdidn’tansweryourcom,”Deannasaid.“Oryourdoor.”

“Busy.Thendrunk.”

“Andsoundasleep.Youneverheardmecomein.”

“Areyouarrestingme?Again?Havetoadmit,thisismorefunthanthefirsttime.Ordoyouhaveastun

gunreadytogo?”

“Ishould,”Deannasaid.“ButIdon’t.”Sheputherhandonhisbareshoulder,andJustinjumpedlike

he’d been shocked. “I was thinking about a dream I had after I met you. I dreamed I came into your
apartment,andyouweretiedtoachair,waitingforme.”

Justingotharder.“Yeah?Youhaveathingforputtingmeinbondage,doyouPatroller?”

“Maybe.”Deanna’svoicewassoft.“ThoughIdon’tknowwhy.”

“You’reaclosetdominatrix?”

“Idon’tevenknowwhatthatmeans.”

“Youlikebeingincontrol,”Justinsaid.“Youwanttobetheoneholdingthewhip,sotospeak.Maybe

that’swhyyoubecameapatroller.”

“Idon’tknow.”Againthesoftwonder.“Ilikebothways,Ithink.”

Justinbrokeintoawarmsweat.“That’swhataleveltwolikestohear.”

Deannareachedforthebedsidetable,andherealizedthathisboxofaccoutrementslayopenonit.His

heartbeatfasterassheliftedsomethingoutofit.

“Whatarethese?”Sheshowedhimthethreesmallballsnestledintheirvelvet-linedbox.

“Thoseareforyou.ToremindyouofmewhenI’mnotaround.Wantmetoshowyouhowtousethem?”

“Notyet.”Deannareturnedthebox,tohisdisappointment,andbroughtoutaslim,smallplug.“Whatis

this?”

“Assplug.”

“Doyouuseitonyourself?”

“Sometimes.”

“Why?”

Why?Whybothertoeatdeliciousfoodwhenblandfarewillkeepyoualive?

Justinshruggedthebesthecould.“Itfeelsgood.Full.Stimulating.Wantmetoshowyou?”

Deanna examined the little plug in curiosity. It wasn’t very big, just enough to feel, to enhance the

lady’spleasurewhilehepleasuredherinotherplaces.“Howdoesit..?Howdoyou...?”

“Lube.Inthejar.Smeariton,anditgoesinnice.”

HeheldhisbreathwhileDeannaopenedajarofflowery-smellinglubeandtentativelysmeareditonto

theplug.Watchingherconcentrate,thetoynearherface,hadhimthrobbingandready.

Justinpulledathiscuffs,buttheywouldn’tbudge.He’ddesignedthemhimself,andhe’ddoneagood

job.

Deannaputthelubeaway,thenherlipsquirkedintoalittlesmileasshetouchedtheplugtoJustin’s

buttocks.“Itgoeshere?”

Justinstiffened.Shedidn’tmeanshewantedtotryitonherself.Oh,no.Hislittlepatrollerpreferredto

tortureJustin.

Heforcedhimselftorelax.“Youhavetoplayalittlebit.Getmereadyandopen.It’saverysensitive

place,anditcanhurtifyourush.”

“Iwon’thurtyou,Justin.”

Gods,hearinghersaythatinhersexylittlevoicewasgoingtomakehimloseitwaytoosoon.

“Putlubeonyourfingers.Thentouchmethere,verygently,untilIopentoyou.”

Deannanodded,herexpressionsolemn.Hemightbeinstructingherhowtofixahovercar.

Hewatchedwhilesheopenedthelubeagain,makingherfingersglisten.Whensheloweredherhandto

his backside, Justin closed his eyes and moved all his attention to the warm, sensual pressure of her
fingers.

Shehadnoideawhattodo.Anexperiencedwomanwouldpressaroundhisentrancebeforeslippingin

afinger.Deannatouched,caressed,rubbed,andplayed,untilJustinthoughthe’dcomeoffthebed.

Thiswassobackward.Heshouldbetetheringher,touchingher,teachingherhowtotaketheplug.But

howsexywasittoteachherhowtopleasurehim,andhowfuckinggooditwastoliehereandtakeit.

Under her silken touch, his cock got harder, his backside more ready. The warmth of her fingertip

slippedinside—byherstart,shehadn’texpectedthat.Butshe’dlearnthatwhenitwastime,itwastime.

“Now,”hewhispered.

Heclenchedhisjawwhenherwarm,sweetfingerwentaway,thenmadehimselfrelaxagainwhenhe

feltthecoolerpressoftheplug.Itslidin,niceandsnug,nottoobig.

“Whatdoesthatfeellike?”Deannaasked,fullofcuriosity.

“Hot.Full.Satisfying.Good.I’llshowyouonceyouunlockme.”

Shedidn’tmoveto.“WhatelsecanIdotoyou?”

Justin’sheadachehaddisappeared.Hisbodywaspliant,warm,excited.“Turnmeoverandsuckme.

Letmesuckyou.GetuphereinfrontofmesoIcanfuckyou.Wantmetogoon?”

Hereyeswentwideathisbluntwords,butshestoodherground.“Howcouldyou...backtofront?”

Justin leveraged himself to his knees, the plug staying put. He held onto the headboard, his cock

stickingoutlikeathickpole.

“There’splentyofroomforyoutokneelinfrontofme,evenifyoudidchainmeup.”

“Youmean...upmyass?”

Thehesitantwayshesaidithadhimthrobbingwithlonging.“No,sweetheart.That’stoomuchforyou

yet.Imeaninyourprettypussy.Icandoyouifyou’reinfrontofme.”

Shewantedto.Hercheeksandthroatwereflushed,hernipplestight.Justinwaitedforhertoturnand

walkout,toleavehimmanacledandneedy,tohavesecondthoughtsaboutbeinghereatall.

Then she pulled her coverall down and stripped out of her underclothes. Naked, she was sleek and

beautiful,herbreastsfull,hipscurved,legsstrong.

Still,Deannahesitated,handspressedtogether,fingertipsathermouth.

“I’m your prisoner, Deanna Surrell,” Justin said, his need for play rising. “What do you want your

prisonertodo?”

Deannaswallowed,herslenderthroatmoving.Allatonce,sheduckedunderhisarmandcameupon

thebed,facinghim.

“This,”shesaid,andkissedhim.

*********

DeannashookalloverasJustinkissedher,hisstrongmouthpinningherdespitehishandsbeingcuffed.

Touchinghimhadbeenexciting,watchinghimrespondtoherhadmadeherfeelpowerfulandtenderat

thesametime.

Before when he’d loved her, he’d started slowly, caressing. This time, his mouth punished, his teeth

catchingandnippingherlips.“Turnaround,”hesaid.

“IthoughtIwastheonecallingtheshots,”Deannasaid.

“Turnaroundandtakeholdoftheheadboard,beforeIbreakoutofmychainsandswatyourass.”

Deanna shivered, a dark excitement rushing through her. She kissed his lips one more time, then

obeyed.

Shewasn’tcertainthattherewasroom,butJustintoldherhowtogetpositionedinfrontofhim,her

back to him, hips canted up and open to him. She jerked when his tip pressed her opening . . . no, he
wouldn’tfit.

BeforeDeannacouldslideawayinworry,Justinpushedhimselfallthewayinside.

Hewasfillingherup,spreadingher,toomuch,toomuch.Havinghiminsideherthefirsttimehadfelt

good,butthistookherbreathaway.

“Youlikethat,Deanna?”heasked.“Sweetbaby.Youlikebeingfullofme?”

“Yes.Yes.”

“You’reacutelittletease.”Justin’shandswerestrongontheheadboard,hisforearmsbunchingwith

muscle.“Bindingmyhands,playingwithmyass.Ican’tletyougetawaywiththat.”

“No,”shesaidbreathlessly.

“Sotakeme.Takeallofme.”

Shewastakingallofhim,whethershelikeditornot—andshedecidedshedefinitelylikedit.

“I’m only sorry I can’t spank your ass while I’m doing you,” Justin said. “But you have me chained.

Later,though,I’llmakeupforit.”

Spankher?Deannawasn’tsurewhattothinkofthat.ButJustinthrustingagainsther,hisballsslapping

herass,madeapleasanttingleonherskin.

Hekeptthrusting,neverslowing,neverbackingoffthepower.Deannalostcontrolofherwords,crying

outhowmuchshelovedwhathewasdoingtoher.Justin’sdarkvoiceresponded,callingherhis,telling
herwhathewantedtodotoher,howmuchhelovedfuckingher.

ItwentonuntilDeannawascertainnothinginherlifehadeverexistedbutthisbedbeneathherhands

and knees, the strong man thrusting into her and making himself a part of her. Fire ignited where they
joinedandranthroughherbody,thestreamofitone,andwhole.

“Deanna.Gods.Fuck.”

Justin’s seed scalded into her, as Deanna continued to come apart. She wanted to cry, the feeling so

beautiful,knowingthatitwouldn’tlast.

She heard the sound of tearing metal, then Justin’s hands were on her back, his weight pressing her

downintothebed.

Hestartedtolaugh,hisbreathhotinherear.Justincaressedherhair,turningherheadsohecouldkiss

her, still laughing. The chain had broken, Justin’s hands still in the wide cuffs, but no longer tethered
togetheraroundtheheadboard.

Deannalaughedtoo,lovinghowhisbodyshudderedontopofhers.Hewasstillinsideher,stillhard,

buttheymovedmoreslowlytogether,untiltheydriftedtosilence.Justin’sbedsideclockchimedsoftlyto
showthatitwasfullmorning,thesunupnow,thelastthingDeannaheardbeforeshedriftedtosleep.

*********

Justin had a momentary panic when he opened his eyes again. The last time he’d fallen asleep with

Deanna,she’dbeengonewhenheawoke,andhe’dlainthere,bereft.Hehadn’tlikedthatfeeling,didn’t
wanttoexperienceitagain.

ButDeannawasstretchedoutnexttohim,breathingsoftly,andherelaxedinrelief.

Justinmusthaveslidoutofherinhissleep,andnowhenestledbehindher,histhighfirmlypressingher

rump.Thebuttplugwasstillinhim,though.Hereachedaroundandcarefullyworkeditout,thenleaned
acrossDeannatodropitintothesterilizerontheothersideofhisnightstand.

Deannaturnedherheadandlookedathimsleepilyasheeasedbackontothebed.

Justinkissedhershoulder.“Hey,”hesaid.

“Hey.”Shewassobeautifulwithherdarkhairtangledoverherbody,herbrowneyeswarm.“Whydo

youalwaysdothat?”

“Make hard love to you? Because you’re gorgeous, sexy, and a real sweetheart. How can I stop

myself?”

“Imeanwhydoyoualwaysdistractme?Icameoverheretotellyousomething.”

Justinsmiledashelickedacrosshershoulder.“Whydidn’tyouwakemeupandtellmethen?”

“BecausewhenIsawyou...itmademethinkofmydream.Icouldn’tresist.”

“I’mgladIledyouintotemptationthen.”Justinslidhisfingersunderherbreast,liftingtheweightofit.

“I’dhappilydoitagain.”

“Ireallydohavesomethingimportanttotellyou.”

“Bettertellmethen,beforeIwakeupalltheway.BecauseI’mgoingtowanttodistractyouagain.”

Justinwasdrowsy,satedforthefirsttimeinages,buthernextwordswipedawayhiswarmth.

“IthinkIknowwhereLillianis.”

Justinstopped,handfirmingonherbreast.Shewatchedhiminsometrepidationbutalsodetermination.

“Itoldyoutoleavethatthehellalone,”Justinsaid.“Remember?”

“AndItoldyouIcouldhelp.Icangetintodatabasesthatareclosedtomostpeople,evenyourlibrarian

friend—IassumeshewashelpingyoulookupLillianthatdayIsawyoucomingoutofthelibrary.Don’t
youwanttoknowwhatIfoundout?”

Justin did, and at the same time, he wanted Deanna to have nothing to do with this. Knowledge was

dangerous.“Yes,”hesaidtersely.

“IusedtheDNAtracertolocateapersonwithanexactmatchtotheDNAIfoundonyourveil.The

tracerpickedupLillian’soldrecords,andthentherecordsofanotherpersonwithadifferentname.”

Justinstilled.“Who?Whereisthisperson?”

“Idon’tknow.”

“Damnit,Deanna,youjustsaid...”

“I’llexplainifyouletmefinish.”Sheraisedupononeelbowandpushedherhairbackfromherface.

“TherecordIfoundisaboutfourteenyearsold,andtherearen’tanyafterthat.ButIknowLilliannever
left the planet. Even if she stowed away and got off planet, there would be a DNA record of her
somewhere.She’dhavetoapplyforhousingorforajob,andshe’dhavetogiveaDNAsample.Youcan
changeyournameandwhereyoulive,butyoucan’tchangeyourDNA.”

Justin lay silently, barely able to breathe. Elisa’s searches for Lillian too had not shown her on any

otherplanet.EvenifLillianhaddied,theDNAofthedeceasedwouldberegistered,regardlessofwhat
nameshe’dbeenusing.

“Sowhatareyousaying?”Justinasked.“Weretherecordswipedafterthat?Andhow?”

Deannashookherhead,theendsofherhairbrushingJustin’sskin.“I’vethoughtoftheonlyexplanation

thatfits.ThereisonegroupofpeopleonBorNargaallowedtohideallrecordofthemselves,allowedto
becompletelyanonymous,untouchableevenbytherulers.It’svery,veryhardtogetacceptedintotheir
enclaves,butonceLillianbecameoneofthem,herrecordswouldbeclosedandunsearchable.”

“Whatgroup?”JustinhadlivedmostofhislifeoffBorNarga—thankthegods—andhecouldn’tplace

whatshewastalkingabout.“Shebecameoneofwho?”

Deannatookabreath.“Thecelibateorders.IthinkLillianjoinedoneoftheWays.She’stakentherobes

andgoneintoseclusion,whichmeansthatallrecordofhercanvanishwithoutatrace.”

*********

Justingotthemupandoutinrecordtime.Deannasawtheagitationinhim,thedesperation,evenasthey

bothshoweredanddressed.

“Wherearewegoing?”sheaskedasJustinallbutshovedheroutthedooraheadofhim.“Idon’tknow

whichordershe’sin,orwhere.LikeIsaid,therecordsaresealed,eventome.”

“We’regoingtoseesomeonewhoknowsallaboutthecelibateorders,”Justinsaidstridingaheadof

hertoleadtheway.

Hetookheroutthroughtheimmense,brightheatofthemorningtothestreetonwhichshe’dspiedhim

before,whenhe’dgonetothesmalllibrarythatservedcitizensofthispartofPasCity.

The library was more crowded than she’d have thought, with people on every console, and others

askingquestionsofthelibrarians.Ayearago,thisplacehadbeenalmostdeserted.

Justin went to a counter and leaned his arms on it, waiting for a pretty woman in a light robe and

tastefullydrapedveilstofinishhelpingthepersonshewastalkingto.Highborn,Deannaclassifiedher.
Workingherebecauseshewantedto,notbecausesheneededthejob.

Thewomanturnedafterthelastpatronleftherdesk,andhereyeswidenedassheglancedfromJustin

toDeanna.“Hello,Justin.Isanythingwrong?”

“Weneedtotalk.Canwe...?”Hemadeavaguegestureatthedoorbehindher.

Thelibrariannodded,turnedonasignthattoldpeopletogotothenextlibrarianonthecounter,andled

JustinandDeannathroughthedoortoasmall,coolroomintheback.Deannaheardsoundproofingclick
intoplacewhenthedoorslidshut.

Justin started to speak, but the librarian held out her hand to Deanna. “I’m sorry, we haven’t been

introduced.”

Definitelyhighborn.OnlysomeonefromtheSerestineQuarterwoulddemandthatmannersbefollowed

nomatterhowdirethesituation.

Deanna,asthelower-rankingwomanintheroom,wentfirst.“DeannaSurrell,PatrollerFirstClass.”

“Elisan’Arell,LibraryDirector.”

Shecamefromanoldandrichfamily,Deannasurmised,withanamelikethatandveilsthatwouldcost

Deannaamonth’spay.

“I’mnotarrestingJustin,ifthat’swhatyou’reworriedabout,”Deannasaid.

“Shealreadydidthat,”Justinsaid.“Shelikeshandcuffs.Andotherthings.”

Elisa looked at both of them again, took in Justin’s half-grin, and made an “oh” of understanding.

Deannablushedharderthanshehadinherlife.

“Youcanstopexplainingrightthere,Justin,”Elisasaid.“Idon’tneedtoknow.Butyou’refrothingat

themouthaboutsomething.What?”

“Lillianjoinedacelibateorder,”Justinsaid.“Iwanttoknowwhichone.”

Elisalookedsurprised.“Anorder?You’resure?”

Deanna answered. “Very sure. It’s the only explanation. I’ve been helping Justin try to find her,” she

addedatElisa’scontinuedsurprise.

“Orderrecordsaresealed,”Elisasaid.“Eventome.”ShepeeredatDeanna.“Areyouverysure?”

“Very.It’stheonlywayallrecordsofherafteracertainpointcoulddisappear.EvenDNArecords.I

foundreferencetohernewnamewhenIdidaDNAsearch,butonlyone.Then...nothing.”

“Yes,youcouldberight.”Elisa’seyestookonakeenlight,asthoughshe’denjoysiftingthroughallthe

dataagainherself.“Itneveroccurredtomeshemighthavejoinedanorder—they’reveryselective.Iwas
goingonwithlookingforanamechangeormoveoffplanet,andIhavenoaccesstotheDNArecords.But
evenifwhatyousayistrue,Ican’tgetintoorderrecords.”

“Butyouknowpeople,”Justinsaid.“IfIbelieveeverythingBradensays,youwereprettyhighupin

yourWay.You’dknowwhotoask.Askthem.”

Deanna’s world was sure being shoved around this week. A Shareem, classified as the lowest of

sentient life forms on Bor Narga, was sitting here demanding that a highborn woman formerly from a
celibate Way use her contacts to help him. He wasn’t groveling or even asking politely. Justin looked
highbornElisan’Arellstraightintheeyeandtoldhertohelphim,andElisadidn’tevenblink.

“It’s a good idea, Justin, but I can’t promise anything,” Elisa said. “Some of the orders can be very

close-mouthed.”

Justin’sgrinspreadoverhishandsomeface.“You’llsweettalkthem,Elisa,asonlyyoucan.”

Andnowthehighbornwomanwasblushing.“I’lltry.”

“Thankyou.”Justinrose,butinsteadofgivingthewomanapolitenodorbowaslower-rankingpeople

weresupposedto,hecuppedhershouldersandkissedheronthecheek.“TellBradentobeextraspecial
toyou.”

Hersmilewarmedhereyes.“I’lldothat.”

Justin led Deanna back outside. The heat had pumped up as the sun moved to its zenith, and sweat

trickledbetweenDeanna’sshoulderblades.

“Wassheever...”Deannaclearedherthroatandforcedoutthequestion.“Wassheoneofyour...

clients?” The comfortable way Justin had spoken to Elisa, coupled with the kiss, which Elisa had
acceptedwhileblushingrosyred,pointedthatway.ThelevelofjealousythisgaveDeannadismayedher.

“Elisa?No,she’sBraden’sgirl—rememberItoldyouthatwhenyouaskedmewhatIwasdoinghere

the last time?” Justin stopped and pulled her to face him. The Bor Nargan sun made his still-wet hair
glisten,andshadowedhistannedskin.“OrdidyouthinkIwenttothelibrarythatdaytoseeherforsex?”

Deannatriedtoshrug.“Ofcoursethat’swhatIthought.You’reShareem.”

“Icanseethatweneedtohavealittletalk.”

Justintookherhandandalmostdraggedherbackthroughthestreetstowardhisapartment.Insteadof

leadingherinside,though,Justinduckedwithherintothebarnextdoor.

“Iseeyoufoundhim,”Judithsaidfrombehindthecounter.

Deanna’sfacewenthot,butJustinpulledherpastJudithandMitch,whosatonhisusualstoolatthe

bar.

“We’retakingthecornertable,”Justinsaid.“Keepeveryoneaway,butbringtheale.DeannaandIneed

totalk.”

“Uh-oh,”Mitchsaid.

Judithwipedherhands,pulledtapstodispensetwotankardsofale,andbroughtthemtothetable.“Be

nicetoher,Justin,”Judithsaid.“Patrollerscan’thelpbeingwhattheyare.”

Justinshookhishead.“Deanna’sagoodlady.Don’tworry.”

Judithraisedherbrowsbutwalkedawaywithoutaword,backtothebarandMitch.

Deannatookasipofale,findingitsurprisinglygood,butJustindidn’tdrink.

“I’mShareem,”Justinsaid,hisblueeyessteady.“ButIleftBorNargaalongtimeagoandlivedlikea

realhumanbeing.Igottogetherwithawomanandstayedwithherinapermanentrelationship.Shelaand
I were together, with no one else. Occasionally, we’d bring in a third or a fourth, but only for fun, and
onlybriefly.”

Deannacoughed,wipedhermouth,andsetdownhertankard.“Athirdorafourth?”

“Yes.”Noexplanation,noembarrassment,justtheoneword.“WhenImovedbacktoBorNarga,Elisa

andBradenweregoingthroughsomethings.Iwastheirthirdacoupleoftimes,butitwasforfunonly,to
help them work out their problems. They’ve invited me back once or twice, but lately, I haven’t been
interested.”

“No?”

“No.” Justin leaned to her, his gaze intense. “Because I’m more interested in a patroller with pretty

eyes.”

“Oh.”Deannaswallowedandstartedtosaymore,buthecutheroff.

“I’m not finished. DNAmo created Shareem to be living pleasure toys—played with until the lady is

bored then handed off to the next lady in line. But the reality is that Shareem like to be with certain
people, and not others, and they can fall in love. I wasn’t smart enough to hide that with Lillian at
DNAmo,whichiswhytheybrokeusup.OnSirius,IgotwithShela,andwewereveryhappy.Andnow,
I’mfinallyfindingsomethinglikehappinessagainwithyou,whichmeansI’mnotrunningaroundfucking
everywomaninsight.Allright?”

Deannalistened,heartpounding.Thewayhelookedathermadeherwarmandhappy,andshecouldn’t

quitemakehertonguestartworkingagain.

“Allright?”Justinrepeated,waiting.

Shenoddedquicklyandclearedherthroat.“Ibelieveyou.”

“Youclincheditwhenyouhandcuffedmetothebed.”Justin’ssmiledglimmeredthrough.“Nicetouch.

IwastryingtoconvincemyselfthatIcouldn’tpossiblyfeelanythingforapatroller,andthenyouwentand

excitedmemorethanI’vebeenexcitedinalongtime,andnowyou’rehelpingmefindLillian.Why?”

Thatwaseasy.“BecauseIhateseeingyousosad.BecauseIknowwhyyouneedtofindher.BecauseI

don’tthinkit’sfairwhattheydidtoyou.”

Justinwatchedherclosely,eyessodeeplyblueinhishandsomeface.“You’resweet,Patroller.”

“I’mnotsweet.”Deannaballedherfists.“Ijust...Ithoughtyou’dbedifferent.Ineverrealizedhow

muchI’dlikeyou.”

“Fairdues,”Justinsaid.“IneverthoughtI’dlikeyou.Andthenyougoandmakemecare.”

“Sowhatdowedo?”

Justinstartedtosmile.“Havemoresex?”

“Isthatyouranswertoeverything?”

“ItiswhatIam.Nomatterhowwefeelinside,Shareemstilllikesex,andweliketoexploreevery

sexualfacetwecan.That’swhysomeaddthethird—orfourth,orfifth—toenjoythespice.”

“Isthatwhatyouwanttodowithme?”Deannaunclenchedherhandsandlacedthemaroundherale

glass.“Addmorepeople?”

“No,actually.I’mfindingthatIdon’twanttoshareyou.Butthere’sotherwayswecanplay.Likemore

ofwhatwe’vedone,orwatching,or...”

“Wait,wait.Watching?Watchingwhat?Youmeanlike...dirtyvids?”

Justinletoutalaugh.“Vidsareboring.There’snothinglikewatchingapassionatecouplereallyinto

eachother.Theyknowyou’rewatching,andtheylikeit,whichmakesitevenmorehot.”

Deannafelthermouthdropopen.“Ifyousayso.”

“Andifwegetsointoitthatweripoffeachother’sclothesandstartinourselves,allthebetter.”

“Infrontofthem?You’recrazy,right?”

“Itcanbefun,Deanna,withtherightpeople.Ifeveryone’sconsenting,whatthehell?”

“Doyoudothisoften?”

Justin looked surprised. “No. Like I said, it has to be the right couple and the right time. You’re

adventurous,sweetheart.Iseethatinyou.Ithinkyou’denjoytheexperience.Butifyoudon’twantto.”
Heshrugged.“Finebyme.There’splentyotherthingsthatarefun.”

“Youarecrazy.”

But Deanna wondered. Would she feel horribly embarrassed seeing two people making love to each

other, or would it spur her—especially if Justin was next to her—to want it too? Pheromones were
unpredictablethings.

Evenso,suchanideawasoutofherrealm.Justinwasoutofherrealm.

“I’mnotsureaboutthat,”Deannasaid.

“Don’tworry.Isaid,Ihavemanyideas.”

“OnceyoufindLillian,though...”

“OnceIfindLillian,what?”

Shewasn’tcertain.IfLillianwasinacelibateorder,Justincouldn’trunoffwithher,butwhatwould

heandLilliandecidetodo?They’dbeensomethingtoeachotheronce,andtheysharedachild.

“Justin,whatwehavecan’tpossiblygoanywhere,”shesaidinarush.

“Iwasthinkingthesamething,actually,untilyoubrokeintomyhousethismorningandchainedmeup.”

“IknowIdid,but...”

“Now,I’mwillingtothinkaboutit.I’mreadytoletwhathappens,happen.Ilearnedalongtimeagonot

tothrowsomethingawaybecauseotherpeopletrytoscrewitupforyou.WhatIhavewithyouisnoneof
anyone’sbusiness.”

“But it’s dangerous for both of us,” Deanna said. “You don’t know everything about me, Justin.

Anything, really. My mother . . .” She studied her ale, then decided it better to meet his gaze as she
explained.“Mymotherisveryill.Incurably,theytellme.”

ChapterFifteen

ThesuddencompassiononJustin’sfacesurprisedher.“Gods,Deanna.I’msorry.Whathappened?”

Deannatoldhimbrieflywhilehelistened,stillwiththatcompassion.“Andthere’sreallynothing...?”

heaskedwhenshefinished.

Deannashookherhead.“I’velookedintoeverytreatment.Theremightbesomethingoff-worldIdon’t

know about, but anything I’ve found that might help even a little is so hideously expensive, I couldn’t
possiblysaveupenoughforitintime...AndIwon’ttrysomestrangeexperimentaltreatmentthatmight
makeherworse.”

“Iwishyou’dtoldme,”Justinsaid.

“Why?”Deannaaskedsharply.“Wouldyouhaveleftmeinpeace?”

“No,Iwouldhavetriedtohelpyousooner.Ihaveresourcesyoudon’tknowabout.”

“Whatresources?Whatareyoutalkingabout?”

“People.Knowledge.Money.”

“Ilookedyouup,Justin.Ilearnedeverylastthingaboutyou.Youdon’thavemoney.Youhaveahouse

on Sirius, but it’s sitting empty. And I know who you know. If you mean Katarina d’Arnal, your medic
friend,she’snotqualifiedtotreatprofoundchemicalproblemslikethisone.”

“Databasesonlycoughupwhatpeopleputintothem,doesn’tmatterhowgoodyourclearancecodeis,”

Justinsaid.“Ifthedatabasedoesn’tknowaboutit,noonecanfindoutaboutit.”

“Meaningyou’rekeepingsecretsfromtheBorNargangovernment?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”Deannaliftedheraleandtookanice,longdrink.

Justingrinned.“See?You’renotsobad.I’llmakesomeinquiriesandletyouknow.Inthemeantime..

.”

“In the meantime?” Deanna’s heart beat faster. She didn’t think he could help her—the situation was

beyondhelp—butshelikedthathewantedto.

“Inthemeantime,Ithinkweshoulddowhatyousuggestedandhavemoresex.”

Deannafelthermouthmoveintoasmile.Shelookedintohiseyes,whichhadscaredherandfascinated

herthefirsttimeshe’dseenthem.“Maybeyou’reright,”shesaid.

*********

Justinthrustagain,likinghowhereyeshalf-closedwheneverheslidallthewayinsideher.Andshe

madesuchdeliciouslittlenoises.

“Ilovefuckingyou,”Justinsaid.“Justfucking,nogames.”

“Yes...”

Justin held onto his bed frame and thrust again, she face-up under him, the sweat between their bare

bodiesslickandhot.Shesmelledgood,womanlymuskandsalt.

“You’retight,”hewhispered.“You’remakingmecomeagain.Damnit,I’mnotready.”

Deannagavehimalanguidsmileandsqueezed.Thelittlesweethearthadlearnedherlessonswell.

“Deanna,”hesaidashismindblankedtoeverythingbuther.“Deanna.Gods.”

HerowncryjoinedhisasDeannapeaked,herbodymovinginrhythmunderhis.“Justin,”shegroaned.

“Justin,Iloveyou.”

*********

The room went silent as they wound down. Deanna’s face was relaxed in passion, but her eyes held

trepidation,almostfear.

Justinkissedher,thewarm,slowkissesofafterglow.“Shh.”

“Justin...”

“No,”hewhispered.“Don’ttakeitback.Don’t,sweetheart.”

Deannabitherlip,andJustinpulledherclose.Hefelttheshudderofherbreath,herfears,everything

thatwasbetweenthem.

Theylaytogetherforalongtime,hestillinsideher.Heknewhe’dmissedhiswindowofopportunityto

gethimselftotheVistaraandseeSybellie,buthe’dforgothatforoneday.

Rightnow,heneededtobewithDeanna.Eventhoughheknewroughtimeswouldcome,especiallyin

lightofReeswantingtogetthemoffplanet,hehadn’tlikedDeanna’sdeclarationthattheycouldn’thave
anythingbeyondthis.Hewantedthis,andsomuchmore.

Fornow,hecouldholdher,drinkinthescentofher,andlethimselfbaskinjustbeingwithher.

Andplaywithher.Afteratime,whenheknewshe’drestedenough,hemurmured,“Youmademecome

toosoon,littledarling.”

“Idid?How?”

“Bybeingyoursweetself.AndsqueezinglikeItaughtyou.”

“Likethis?”Shegavealittlesqueeze,andJustinwentrockhardagain.

“Damnyou,woman.Justforthat...”

Hepulledout,muchashehatedto,andhadheronherstomachbeforeshecouldfighthim.Hisvelvet-

linedcuffswereready,andhelockedthemaroundheroutstretchedwrists.Shewriggledandcriedoutin
protest.

“There,”hesaid.“Howdoyoulikebeingonthereceivingend?”

“Justin.”

Justinlockedthehandcuffstogetheraroundtheheadboardwithaslimchain.“Hmm,thislooksfamiliar.

Exceptitwasmewithmyassintheair.”

“Youletmegorightnow,”Deannasaid,butnotveryconvincingly.“I’mapatroller.”

“That’strue.Apatrollerwho’sbeenvery,verybad.SleepingwithShareem,playingwithtoys.”

Ashespoke,Justinreachedfortheoilthathe’dhadAidenmixforhim,theonethatsmelledofjasmine.

Heopenedthebottle,theheadyaromafillingtheair,anddribbledoilontoherback.

Shejumped.“Whatareyoudoing?Oh,thatsmellsgood.”

AndbecauseAiden,thebestleveloneever,hadmixedit,theoilhadsoothingpheromonesinitaswell.

Aconcoctiontomakeawomanrelaxed,happy,andneedy.

Justinsmoothedtheoildownherbackandoverherbuttocks.Deannastretchedandpurred.

“Thisisthenicepart,”Justinsaid.“Leveltwosgettobealittlebitlevelone.”Heliftedhishandaway.

“Andalittlebitlevelthree.”

Helethishandcomedown—smack—onherass.

Deannajumpedandyelped.Justinspankedherafewmoretimes,thenrestedhistinglinghandonher

warmedbuttocks.“That’sfortyingmedown.WhichIliked,soI’mbeingnicetoyou.Don’teventhink
aboutwhatI’lldotoyouforarrestingme.”

“Itwasmyjob.”

“Thisismine,sweetie.ThisiswhatbeingwithaShareemis.Hefindsoutallyourdesiresandmakes

youlivethem.”

“Youcan’tknowwhatIwant,”Deannasaid.

“Betme.Iknowyoulikethis.”Justinraisedhishandandslappeditdownonherbacksideagain.“You

likemespankingyou.”

“No.”

“Thenwhyareyoulettingmedoit?”

“Becauseyou’vehandcuffedme!”

“Deanna,love,thosecuffsaren’tthatstrong.I’mnotlevelthree.You’renotstrugglingtogetaway.That

tellsmeyoulikeit.”

Deannadidlikeit.She’dneveradmititoutloud,buttheheatonherbuttocks,hishandrestingthere,

excited her amazingly. Even more when he lifted his hand away, and she clenched her body in
anticipation.

What she felt next was not his hand, but his tongue, seaming between her buttocks and touching her

opening.Shejumped.

“Youlikethattoo,”Justinsaidinhisdarkvoice.“Mynaughtypatroller.”Heliftedhisbeautifultongue

away,andslap,slap,hishandcamedownagain.

Deannapulledatherbonds,buthewasright,shedidn’ttryveryhard.“Letmego.”

“Idon’tthinkso.Now,whatelsedidyoudotome?Oh,yeah.”

Justinreachedtohisboxnexttothebedandtookoutaplugthatlookedmuchliketheoneshe’dusedon

him.Deannacaughtthewhiffofsanitizerwhenheremoveditfromitscasethenthesweetsmelloflube.

“Wait,”shesaid.“Idon’tthinkI’mreadyforthat.”

Justin leaned down until his face was close to hers. She liked him so close, his sandpaper whiskers

beckoninghertouch.“Youareready,Deanna.Youreallyare.”

Heheldtheplugwhereshecouldseeit,whilehisbigfingersdeftlycoateditwithlube.Hetouchedthe

plugtoherlips.“Kissitforluck.”

She should arrest him. Deanna should rip open her bonds, jump from this bed, and arrest him for

makinghersoexcited.

Gingerly,shekissedthetipoftheplug.

“Nice.”

Justin slid his hand between her buttocks and gently rubbed her. He kept on rubbing, touching his

fingertiptoheropening,whichDeannafeltwideningandrelaxingwhethershetoldittoornot.

“Thereyougo,sweetheart,”Justinsaidinalowvoice.“Theplugissmallerthanmyfinger.Itwon’t

hurt.”

Deannahadnoideawhethertobelievehim.Thewarmthofhisfingertipwentawaytobereplacedbut

themuchcoolerandstiffertipoftheplug.

She tightened, but Justin shushed her, heating her skin with his breath. When he touched with the tip

again,Deannaunclenchedherhands,forcingherselftorelax.

“That’sit.”Justinpushedtheplugalittlebitinsideher.“Now,we’llsee.You’lleitherloveit,oryou

won’t.”

Thesmallthingfeltstrangeinsideher,whereshe’dneverthoughttoputanythingbefore.Justindidn’t

thrustitinorwriggleitbuthelditandlethergetusedtoit.

Deannaclosedhereyes,openedherbody,andsuddenly,thesmallplugwentallthewayinside.“Oh.”

Shegasped.“NowIunderstandwhyyoulikethis.”

“Yousee?Ididn’tevenpushitin.Youdidthatyourself.”Heleaneddowntoher.“Now,doyoulove

it?Orhateit?”

“Iloveit.”Thebabbledwordscameoutofhermouthbeforeshecouldstopthem.“Justin,Iloveit.”

“Good.We’lldomorethen,whenyou’reready.I’llteachyoutotakebiggerones,andthenme.”

“Yes.Yes.”

Justinhadoncetoldherthattheplugwouldmakeherfeelfullandneedy.Anditdid.Itfulfilledherand

atthesametimemadeherwantmore.

Justinlaydownnexttoherandslidhisarmunderneathher.“Comeonoverontopofme.I’llmakeyou

feeldoublygood.”

Beforeshecouldaskhow,Justinpulledherthighoverhimandpositionedheragainsthisalreadyhard-

againcock.Heeasedherallthewayupright,theplugnevermoving,untilhefitsmoothlyagainsthervery
wetpussy.

Andthenhewasinside.Longandhard,pressinghighintoherasshestraddledhim,whilethelittleplug

filledherfrombehind.

Theorgasmtoppedeverythingshe’dhadwithhimuntilnow.Deannacameapart,twistingonhim,every

coherentthoughtgone,exceptherneedtopullhimdeeper.

Justin,Iloveyou!

She’dcriedoutthewordsbefore,nowshewhisperedtheminhermind.Toherself,tokeepthemapart

ofher.

Darknessrippledthroughher,heronlypointofconsciousnessJustinandhishardnessinsideher,and

thebrilliantblueofhiseyes.Sheletherselfdrown.

*********

Justincameoutofapitofsleeptofindhiscombeepingnexttohishead.Deannawasnexttohim,her

headonhispillow,onelegoverhis.

Justindidn’twanttoanswerthecom,butitkeptbeeping.Ifhedidn’tshutitoff,itwouldwakeher.

Hereachedoverandtappeditsbutton.“What?”

“Is something wrong with your console?” came the voice of Elisa n’Arell. “I can’t see you. There’s

onlyaudio.”

“Youaskthat,inaShareemhouse?Whatisit?Didyoufindsomething?”

“Of course I did. Talan and me and Brianne.” He heard the smile fill Elisa’s voice. “We found her,

Justin.”

ChapterSixteen

Ofcourse,itcouldn’tbethatsimple.

“She’sintheWayoftheSun,themostsecludedoftheorders,”Elisasaid.“Imanagedtogetpermission

to go to the house, but only because Brianne d’Aroth still has a lot of power. I can go, and Talan, and
thoughtheysaidyoucouldtravelouttherewithus,Justin,there’snoguaranteethey’llletyousetfooton
thegroundsoreventalktoLillian.”

Deannawasuponherelbow,wideawake.“It’sworthatry,”shewhispered.

“Yeah,thanks,Elisa.Ireallyappreciatethis.Let’sseewhathappens.”

“Doesthatmeanyes?”

“Itmeans,I’llbeatBraden’sinafew,andwe’lldiscussit.”Justinclearedhisthroatagain,tryingto

getholdofhisemotions.“Itmeans,you’reapeach,andIoweyoubigtime.”

“Wehaven’tseenheryet,”Elisasaid.“Thismightbeallfornothing.”

“You’vestilldonealot,Elisa.I’llbethere.”

Justin snapped off the com and lay down again, to find Deanna staring at him. “What?” he asked

irritably.

“Youshouldbejumpingup,rushingofftoseeher.Happyforthechance,anychance.”

“Iamhappy.Iwasworriedashellabouther.I’mgladshe’sallright.”

“But...”

“Nobuts.It’sjust...”Justinrubbedhishandoverhisfaceandfounditbristlywithnewbeard.“When

all doors are closed, and suddenly they open, it’s hard to get used to.” He brushed his hand across her
barehip.Theroomwastheperfecttemperature,becausethecoolerhadfinallykickedin,buthewantedto
curluparoundthewarmthofher.“Willyoucomewithme?”

Thewordscameoutmorewistfullythanheintendedthemto.

“Of course,” Deanna said. “I’m a patroller. I have the authority to make them let you see her if the

situationisdireenough.”

Justin looked into her eyes and found her looking back at him with openness and determination. She

wantedtodothisforhim.Forhim.

ForaShareemwho’dfuckedupherlife.

Iloveyou,Justin.

Shewastearinghimapart.

*********

DeannawatchedJustinallthewayouttothemountainsthenextmorning,wherethemeditationcenter

fortheWayoftheSunlay,andwonderedwhatwaswrongwithhim.

They rode in a private car on a hovertrain, courtesy of Talan d’Urvey. The car was the ultimate in

luxury and privacy, with a living room, bedroom, bathroom, and small kitchen in which servants could
preparethetraveleranymealshewanted.

Thecarwasalsocrowded,becauseitwasmeantforoneveryprivilegedwoman,notfourwomenand

theirShareem.

Elisa, Talan d’Urvey, and Brianne d’Aroth accompanied Justin, and they each were followed by a

possessiveandwatchfulShareem—inBrianne’scase,twoofthem.

Deanna had met only Justin, though she’d seen—and carded—Shareem during her patrols. Braden,

black-haired and easy to laughter, was with Elisa. Brianne was with Aiden, who immediately took
possession of the sofa, and Ky, who kept quiet and made it clear he didn’t trust patrollers. Deanna
remembered seeing Aiden and Ky in the open door of the bar the day Justin had given her the veil and
takenhertohisapartment.

TheShareemwhounnervedherthemostwasRees,aShareemshe’dneverheardof,letaloneseen.He

wasalittletallerthantheothersandstayednearTalan,thesmallredhead.Thoughhetalkedreadilywith
everyoneinthecar,DeannasensedthathekepthimselfalittledistancedfromallexceptTalan,whowas
neverfarfromthecircleofhisarm.

Deanna studied the women as she sat on a loveseat slap against Justin—Elisa tapping her handheld

withBraden’sarmfirmlyacrosshershoulders,TalanbaskinginRees’sattention,andBrianneseemingly
comfortableonKy’slapwithAidenreachingouttolayhisbighandonherthigh.

Theseladieswerehighborn,andeachhadgivenupbighouses,cushyjobs,andsocialstandingtobe

withtheirShareem.Theywerestillrich,stillwithsomepowerbecauseofwhotheirfamilieswere,but
theywerenolongeracceptedinthecirclesofhighersociety.

Andlookingatthem,theyhadnoregrets.

“Youknow,”Aidensaidfromthecouch,wherehelaysupine.“Onetraincar,fiveShareem,fourpretty

ladies...anyoneelsethinkingorgy?”

Bradenchuckled.“Howdoyouputupwithhim,Bree?”

“Shehassexwithme,”Aidenanswered.“Calmsmedown,everytime.”

“Oneoftheladieshereisapatroller,”Kygrowled.

Therestofthemwentquiet,nonoisebuttherushofthetrainastheyrocketedacrossglaringdesert.

When Justin and Deanna had arrived at the station, Justin had openly held her hand, daring with his

gazefortheotherstosayanything.ElisahadwelcomedDeannawithouthesitation,andtheotherladies
hadfollowedElisa’slead.

“She’s my patroller,” Justin said, putting his arm protectively around Deanna. “I’m the only one she

getstocuff.Anddon’tthinkshehasn’t.”

HisbanteringtonemadeBradenlaughandAidensmile,butKydidn’tsoften.“Yeah,whenshearrested

you.Wasitthatexciting?”

“Actually,itwas,”Justinsaid.Hecoveredherhandwithhisfreeone,squeezingitalittle,reassuring

her.“Shehadmedownontheground,withherhotanklesrightinfrontofmyface,makingmewanttolick
allthewayupherlegs.Goodtimes,friends.”

“Leveltwos,”Bradensaid,shakinghishead.“Theythinkbondageisonebigjoke.Theymakecrappy

Doms.”

“Betme,”Justinsaid.“Wejustknowhowtoplay.We’lltakeanysituationandmakeitbetter.”

“Likeapatrollerarrestingyouformindingyourownbusiness,”Kysaid.Hewasangry,radiatedit.

“ShearrestedmeforgoingwhereIwasn’tsupposedto,”Justinsaid.“Shewasdoingherjob.”

“Andforthat,youwanttogodownonher?”

“Soundsgoodtome,”Aidensaid.

“Shutup,Aiden,”Kygrowled.

“Deanna’s with me,” Justin said, cutting through their words. “We’re together, we’re having sex like

I’ve never had before, and she looks hot in nothing but my handcuffs. And if she wants me in the cuffs
onceinawhile,Idon’thaveaproblem.”

Deanna’sfacewenthot,andElisasentherasympatheticsmile.“Yougetusedtoit.It’stheirwayof

explainingtoeachotherthattheylikeus.”

JustinpulledDeannaclose.“Andourwayofsayingdon’ttouchher,orI’llbeatthecrapoutofyou.”

Deanna noted that Justin didn’t look at Ky while he said this last—he looked at Rees, who hadn’t

joinedtheargumentatall.

ReesandJustinsharedalonglook,andReesgaveanod.“She’swithhim,”hesaid.

The other Shareem went quiet a moment, then shrugged and went back to paying attention to their

ladies.AsthoughRees’swordwasfinal,thediscussionceased.

DeannalongedtoaskwhyRees’sdeclarationsilencedthemall.AndwhoReeswas.She’dneverseen

him in the databases, not that she’d looked specifically, but she’d have remembered coming across a
Shareemlikehim.

But there was no privacy here, nowhere she could whisper questions to Justin without Rees

overhearing.ReesgaveJustinanod,thenhegatheredTalantohimandkissedherhair.

Justinhadwonsomething,butDeannawasn’tsurewhat.

*********

The priestess in charge of the Way of the Sun’s meditation house was elderly but smooth-faced, and

quiet,butinthewayamountainwasquiet.Amountaindidn’tmovemuchormakemuchnoise,butjusttry
toshiftit.

ThepriestesscamethroughthegateinthelargewallsurroundingtheWay’spropertyandtalkedonlyto

Elisa,ignoringDeannaandJustinstandingwithher.SisterOrianna,onceknownasLillianPassan,wasin
deepestseclusion,thepriestesssaid,andforhertohavevisitorswasbeyondthought.

“However,” the elder said, never looking at Justin. “Sister Orianna has expressed a wish to speak

brieflywiththispersonfromherpast.Ihavegrantedherthiswish,onconditionthatthemaledoesnot
enterthegroundsbelongingtotheWay.Ihavearrangedameetingintheretreatcenterinthetown.You
willwaitforherthere.IfSisterOriannachangeshermind,youaretoleaveandnotseekheragain.”

Deannawantedtoargue,butElisacrossedherhandsoverherchestandbowedtothepriestess.“Yes,

elder.Ihavegratitudeforyourkindness.”

The priestess nodded as though taking her due, then she turned around and walked back through the

gate.Thegate,asolidwoodendoor,slammedbehindher,shuttingthemout.

“That’sit?”Deannaaskedhotly.“Gobacktothatwidespotinthedeserttheycallatownandwaitfor

hertomaybecomeouttoseeJustin?”

“TheWaysarefamousforbeingantisocial,”Elisasaid.“Ishouldknow.Theyteachunbindingthemind

fromemotionsandlivingforpureintellect.”Sheshrugged.“Itworksforsome.I’msorryJustin.”

“That’sallright.”Justinsoundedmoreirritatedthanangry.“We’llwait.We’vecomethisfar.”

“Thefactthattheelderspoketousatallisagoodsign,”Elisasaid.

She sounded hopeful, but Deanna couldn’t conjure much optimism. As a patroller, she’d dealt with

membersoftheWays—someofthemcametothecityonbusinessfortheirorders.

The Ways held themselves above all laws and social rules, and patrollers hated dealing with them.

Patrollers were charged to protect their members specially, but the women of the orders thought they
could stroll around anywhere they liked, including the most dangerous of the off-world docks, without
worry,plustheyassumedalltrafficwouldstopforthemandthatallmarketvendorswouldgivethemtheir
waresforfree.

Maybeinancienttimes,theworldhadbentoverbackwardstoservethewomenoftheWays,buttimes

hadchanged.Ifnotforpatrollers,whoseserviceswereneveracknowledged,theladieswouldneverlive
toseetheirmeditationgardensagain.

Justin was strangely silent as they entered the town’s retreat center and settled in to wait in a small,

shielded garden. He held Deanna’s hand as they sat on a wooden bench under a golden-flowered tree,
rubbinghisthumboverherpalmandfingers,notlettinggoastheywaited.

Deannasqueezedhishandinreturn.I’mhereforyou,shewantedtosay.

ShewasinlovewithaShareem.Howdidherlifebecomethisinsane?

“Elisan’Arell?”

Thelightvoicesoundedacrossthegardenroom,andJustinjumpedtohisfeet.Hedidn’tdropDeanna’s

hand,though,andshescrambledupbesidehim.

“SisterOrianna?”Elisaasked.

Thewomandidn’tanswer.Shewasswathedfromheadtofootinrobes,herfaceconcealedbylight-

coloredveils.Thewaytherobesfither,thewaythefabricwhispered,Deannaguessedthattherobeshad
beentailoredforherfromthemostluxurioussilksknown.Strangethattheseladieswrappedthemselves
inopulencebuttheirbeliefsforbadethemtoenjoyit.

Justinsaid,“Lillian?”

Thewomandrewabreath.“IusedtobecalledLillian.”Shehesitatedamomentlonger,thenshelifted

theveilsfromherface.

Theladyinsidewasnolongertheprettyworking-classgirlfromtheholopics,herfacenowlinedby

yearsofhardwork.Herbrowneyesweresoft,however,asshefixedhergazeonJustin.

“Justin,”shesaid,hervoicebarelyabreath.“Icouldn’tbelieveitwhentheytoldmeyouwantedtosee

me. After all these years.” She walked down the flagstone path to them, her robes rippling, until she
stoppedafootfromJustin.Shelookedupintohisfacebutdidn’ttrytoreachforhim.“Itreallyisyou.My
dear,dearfriend.”

*********

Justinlookedintolightbrowneyesthathe’dfirstseenregardinghimintrepidationwhenhe’dwalked

intotheexperimentlabatDNAmo.DNAmohadn’talwaysbeenclearaboutwhatthehigh-payingjobsfor
working-classgirlsactuallywere,untiltheworkerwasthrowninwithherfirstShareem.

HehadreassuredLillianthatfirstday,andthey’dquicklybecomefriends,andthenmorethanfriends.

They’dhadadaughtertogether.Andnow?

Now Lillian was hidden behind layers and layers of silk and a new name, while Deanna Surrell, a

patroller in a drab coverall, had become Justin’s lady-love. And Justin knew that the right things had
happened.

HefeltDeannatrytodrawback,togivehimprivacy,butJustingrippedherhand,keepingherathis

side.

“Whathappenedtoyou?”JustinaskedLillian.

Lilliansmiledthewarm,deepsmileheremembered.“WhydidIbecomeacelibateinasecludedWay?

Don’tworry,Justin.I’mnotherebecauseofanythingthathappenedwithyouorbecauseIgavemybody
forexperimentsatDNAmo.OnethingIlearnedfastaboutShareem—theyhaveinflatedegos.”

BothElisaandDeannanodded,thenallthreewomenlaughed.

Justindidn’tsmile.“Whyareyouhere,then?”

“Theworldgottoomuchforme,totellthetruth.Watchingmyfatherandmotherdie,whentheycould

havebeensavedifwe’dhadmoremoney,andhavingtogiveupmychildtoprotecther...Italltookthe
heartoutofme.”Lillianshookherhead.“IsupposeIcouldhavelefttheplanet,butIdidn’twanttobe
thatfarawayfromthem.Ican’tseeanyofthem,butatleastIcanknowthey’reacrossthedesertinPas
City,evenifmyfatherandmotherareonlyrememberedbyamarker.”

“Itsurewasdamnhardtofindyou,”Justinsaid.

Lillianraisedherchin,thedefiantlookheremembered.“Ididn’tknowyouwerelooking,didI?You’d

gottenfreeofBorNarga.Whydidyoucomeback?Areyouinsane?”

Yes.“IcametotellyouIfoundSybellie.Ourdaughter.”

Lillianstilled.“You’veseenher?”

Justinreachedforherhand.Screwtherules.Theybothneededthis.“Yes,”hesaid.“She’sbeautiful.”

Lillianwrappedherwork-hardenedfingersaroundhis.“Shemustbeallgrownupnow.”

“She’stwenty-four.Goestograduateschoolattheuniversity.”

Foramoment,neitherofthemspoke.TearsspilleddownLillian’scheeks,andJustin’svisionblurred.

HewasacutelyawareofDeannawarmathisside,herpresencegivinghimstrength.

“Itbrokemetogiveherup,Justin,”Lillianwassaying.“Ineverwantedto.”

Justinsqueezedherhand.“Iknowwhyyoudid.You’dworkedatDNAmo;youwereasex-worker.If

anyoneputtogetherthataShareemwasthefather...”

LillianshotanervousglanceatDeanna,butJustinshookhishead.

“Deannaknows.She’llkeepthesecret,andsowillElisa.Theybothwereinstrumentalinhelpingme

findyou.”

“Andwhydidyoufindme?Totellmeourdaughterisbeautifulandbreakmyheartalloveragain?”

“I want to set up a meeting with her,” Justin said. “You have the right to do that as her biological

mother,nowthatshe’sofage,withoutrevealingyouridentityifyoudon’twantto.AndifIcanbethere,
withoutanyoneknowingbuther—Lillian,Icanfinallymeether,tellher...”

HestoppedasLillianbeganshakingherhead.“Idon’twanttoseeher.”

“Whynot?Isureashelldo.”

“BecausegivingherupwasthehardestthingIeverdidinmylife,”Lilliansaidinahardvoice.“Iput

itallbehindme.Idon’twanttoberemindedofwhatIwaseveragain.”

“Noneofwhatyoudidwasyourfault.YougaveupSybellietoprotecther.”

Again,Lillianshookherhead.“ItookthejobatDNAmoforthemoney.Ihelpedpeopledoexperiments

on you, for the gods’ sakes. They told me you couldn’t form an emotional connection with anyone, but
whenIfoundoutyouweredevelopingfeelingsforme,Iletmyselfbelieveitwasallbecauseofme.I’d
broken through to you. I was arrogant, and I didn’t bother to hide the fact that I was proud a Shareem
wantedarealrelationshipwithme.”Shedrewabreath.“Thenthewrongpeoplefoundout,andyoupaid
theprice.SodidSybellie.AnotherreasonI’mhereisthatmyignoranceandarrogancehaveruinedthree
people’slives.BetterthatI’minseclusionsoIcan’tdothatagain.”

LilliandroppedJustin’shandandsteppedback,asthoughagainseveringherselffromherformerlife.

“Youwereyoung,andtheirruleswereasinine,”Justinsaid.

“Doesn’t matter. I was careless, and I hurt you, and her. Our daughter is still in danger of someone

discovering you are her father, and if they learn it because I try to contact her and meet her . . .” She
trailedoff.“No,Justin.Iwon’tbecarelessagain.Notevenforyou.”

Justinwentsilent,theemotionshewasn’tsupposedtohavewhirlingthroughhimsoswiftlytheyleft

himnumb.Theoneemotionhedidn’tfeelwassurprise.

“IthinkIknewyouwouldn’twanttoseeher,”Justinsaidslowly.“Ifyouhad,you’dhavebeenableto

findawaybeforethis.”

“I took my vows and retreated for a reason, Justin. I don’t like the real world. It was never good to

me.”

“AndtheWayoftheSunis?”

Lillian’ssmilereturned,andwithitcameaserenelook.“Yes.”

Justinexhaled,apartofhimthathadn’trelaxedinalongtimeunclenching.

Hereachedforherhandagain,tuggedhertohim,andkissedherforehead.“Bewell,Lillian.”

“Youtoo,Justin.I’msorry.”

“Don’tbe.Thanksforseeingme.It...helped.”

Thevisithadclosedadoorthathadneededtobeclosedforawhile.NowJustincouldmoveon.

Givinghimonefinalsmile,Lillianwithdrewherhandfromhisgraspandtuggedherveilsbackover

herface.Sheturnedaroundandwalkedoutofthegardenroomwithoutsayinggood-byetoanyofthem.

Justin blew out his breath. “Thanks, Elisa. Deanna.” He squeezed Deanna’s hand, which he’d never

released.He’dheldherlikealifelinethewholetime.“Howaboutwegohome?”

Deannagavehimanincredulouslook.“Waitaminute,”shesaidangrily.“That’sit?”

ChapterSeventeen

Justin’sbluegazefixedonher,hisfaceshowingnoemotionatall.“Whatelseisthere?”

“Justin, you searched for her for months, you came all this way, and she won’t even help set up a

meetingwithSybellie.Andallyoucansayishowaboutwegohome?”

JustinputwarmhandsonDeanna’sshoulders.“It’sdone,love.”Hekissedherforehead.“Thankyou.”

DeannalookedpasthimatElisa,whoshookherheadandshrugged.

Justinsaidnothingastheymadetheirwayoutthroughthestreetsofthesmalltown.Sinceitwasatown

under supervision of the Way, the streets had heat shielding and trees growing in stone tubs along the
curbs.Theywalkedincomforttothetrain,wheretheotherswerewaiting,buttheywalkedinawkward
silence.

JustinkeptquietallthewaybacktoPasCity,buthesatclosetoDeannaandcradledherhandinhis.

TheotherShareemandladiesweresubdued,evenAidennotjokingverymuch.

When they reached Pas City and its glaring end-of-day heat, and Deanna said good-bye to all, Justin

finallycameoutofhisstupor.

“Whereareyougoing?”heaskedinasharpvoice.

“Ihavethingstotakecareof,”Deannasaid.“I’msorrythingsdidn’tworkoutwithLillian.”

Justin’s eyes narrowed, but at least he wasn’t wearing that dead look anymore. “I thought you were

cominghomewithme.Iwantyouthere.”

Deannawantedtobetheretoo,butshedidhavethingstodothatshecouldnotdofromJustin’sbed—

aspleasantasitmightbetostaythere.

“I’llseeyoulater.”Shecouldn’tkissJustininapublictrainstationwithoutgettinghimarrested,but

shesenthimalookthatshehopedhe’dtakeascaressing.

Justinseizedherwrist,holdingtheirhandsdownsothey’dbeconcealedbytheirsunblockingrobes.

Helookedatherforalongtime,hisneedpouringthroughhistouch.

Finally,hereleasedher,scowling,andletherwalkaway.

*********

“Elisatoldmewhathappened,”Reessaid,asthetwoofthementeredRees’sapartment.“Didyouget

theclosureyouwanted?”

“Yes,”Justinsaid.

Talanandtheothertwoladieshaddecidedtogoshopping.TheotherShareemhadheadedforJudith’s

bar,butJustinandRees,bymutualagreement,hadmadetheirwaytoRees’sapartmentalone.

Justindidn’tlikethechurningemptinessthathadhithimwhenhe’dwatchedDeannawalkawayfrom

himatthetrainstation.Heneverwantedtofeelthatagain.

She’dbeenangrywithhimfornotbeingmoreupsetaboutthevisittoLillian.ButonceJustinhadseen

Lillian he hadn’t been very surprised that Lillian wouldn’t want to help him with Sybellie. Lillian had
suffered and was working through her guilt. She’d chosen to retreat, while Justin still wanted to face
thingsheadon.

Justin also realized that he’d lost any desire to pull Lillian back into his life. Even if he hadn’t met

Deannaheknewhe’dfeelthesame—whathe’dsharedwithLillianhadbeenoverlongago.Lillianhad
madeagoodlifeforherself,andJustinwashappytoletherliveit.

Rees dispensed an ale from his refrigerator and offered it to Justin. Justin drank, thirsty after the hot

walk.

“I’mgladLillianfoundaplacewhereshe’shappy,”Justinsaid.“Shedeservesit.”

“Sodoyou.”Reesgavehimapointedlook.“Sodotherestofus.Andnowthatyourquestisover,are

youreadytogetustoSirius?”

“No.” The word jolted out of him. He could leave Lillian behind without worry, but there was the

questionofSybellie,nottomentionDeanna.

Pure,savagerageflashedinRees’seyes,arawemotionJustinhadneverseenintheman—oranyman

—before.Theangerwassodeep,emotionsoprimalthatJustinregrettedhedidn’thaveDeanna’sstungun
handy.Heknewwithoutdoubtthatrightnow,Reeswantedtokillhim.

ReesswungawayfromJustinandstoodstill,fistsclenched,backrigid,skinshiningwithsweat.

“Youallright?”Justinaskedafterthesilencehadstretched.Hekepthisvoicecalm,ashe’dlearnedto

handlingthemoredangerousoff-worldersonSirius.

Reesturnedaroundslowly.Hiseyeslookedmorenormal,butheheldhimselfcarefully,asthoughonly

greatforceofwillkepthimfromtearingtheroomapart.

“Sorry,” he said. “You’re looking at the results of a Shareem experiment by the top scientists of

DNAmo.TheywantedtheultimateShareem,andtheygotabeastwhocanripdownwalls.”Hesmiled,
butitwasstrained.“Talanknowshowtokeepmecalm.”

“Maybeyoushouldcallher,then,becauseyoudon’tlookcalm,myfriend.”

“I’llbeallright.I’velearnedhowtohandleit.Mostly.Youweresaying?”

“Ihadn’tsaidanythingyet,butyou’rehelpingmakemypoint.Letmeaskyou—wouldyouraceoffBor

NargaandleaveTalanbehindforever?”

“YouknowdamnwellIwouldn’t.Butifyou’resayingyoudon’twanttoleaveDeanna,bringherwith

you.Bythelooksofthings,shewouldn’tmind.”

Justin shook his head. “I don’t think she’d come. Her mother is ill—a radiation accident. Actually,

that’swhatIwantedtotalktoyouabout.Ineedtopryintosomedeep,darksecrets.”

“I’mawalkingdeep,darksecret,”Reessaid.“Waitasec.”Hetookalongdrinkofaleandsankdown

onthebedbuiltintothewall.“Okay.Fire.”

Justintookaseat,heldhisaleglasslooselyinhishands,andstartedtalking.

*********

Deanna’sleaveofabsenceendedthenextday.Shereturnedtoherstation,tryingtoignorethecurious

staresofherfellowpatrollers,tofindoutwhethershe’dbeallowedtostay.

Her captain called her in for a major chewing out, which Deanna had expected, and which included

instructionsforhercontinuedgoodbehavior.

Surething,Deannahadthoughtwhileshe’dmouthed,“Yes,ma’am.”Noarrestingpeoplevouchedfor

by the ruling family, no matter what they’ve done. Wouldn’t want my captain to be embarrassed, or

anything.

Andthenshewasbackatwork.Theyneededpatrollers,hercaptainsaid,butDeannawasnolongeron

trackforpromotion.Thatwouldtakeanotheryearofhardwork,keepinghernoseclean,andstayingthe
hellawayfromShareem.

Thelastpartwouldbeaproblem,Deannaknew.

ShealsoknewthatJustinwouldnotbeabletokeephimselffromtheVistara.Hehadn’tseenSybellie

intwodays,andhemustbeitchingtogo.Deannahaddeliberatelycheckedinearlytogetherreprimand
outofthewaysoshecouldbesuretogetuptotheVistarabeforeJustindid.

When she walked into the coffeehouse on the wide avenue, Sybellie was alone. Not a coincidence,

because Deanna had caused a few streets to be closed to keep the girl’s friends from reaching the
coffeehouseattheirusualtime.

“Oh,hello,”Sybelliesaid.ShesmiledasDeannastoppedatSybellie’stable.“Thanksagainforhelping

metheotherday.Wouldyoulikemetogetyouacoffee?”

“No,thanks.ButcanItalktoyou?”

“Sure.I’mwaitingforsomefriends,butcomeandsitdown.They’realittlelate,asamatteroffact.”

“Probablystuckintraffic,”Deannasaid,takingtheseatoppositeher.“Somestreetsareclosed.Leakof

somekind.”

“The streets were fine the way I come. I guess I got lucky.” Sybellie took a sip of coffee and licked

creamfromherlip.“Whatdoyouwanttotalktomeabout?Themanwhoaccostedme?”

“No.He’slefttheplanet.Imadesure.Areyouallrightabouthim?”

Sybelliegrinned.“Ifyoumean,doIhavebaddreamsandposttraumaticstressdisorder,thenno.He

wasawful,butI’mprettytough.”

LikeJustin.Sybelliehadhiseyesandhiseasy-goingtemperament.

“WhatIwantedtotalktoyouaboutwasyourfather,”Deannasaid.

Sybellielookedconfused,thenalarmed.“Dad?Hehasn’tdoneanythingwrong,hashe?He’sthemost

honest,law-abidingpersonI’veevermet,Isweartoyou.”

Andshelovedhim.Deannasawthatinherface,heardtheaffectioninhervoice.

“Notyouradoptedfather.Imeanyourrealfather.”

Sybellie went still, brown eyes fixed on Deanna. The two sat in silence for a moment, and a waiter

deferentiallypausedtorefillSybellie’scup.

Whenthewaiterglidedaway,Sybelliespoke,hervoiceholdingangerbutcalm.“Anyonecanfindout

I’madoptedbylookingitup.ButI’dliketoknowwhyyoulookeditup.”

“Whatdoyouknowaboutyourbiologicalfather?”

Sybellie shook her head. “Nothing. I tried to find out who he was, once. I hired some very good

researchersandpaidthemquitealot,buttheyfoundnothing.Why?Isheacriminal?Orhassomething
happenedtohim?”

“No,no,”Deannasaidquickly.“He’sfine.”Sheleanedtotheyoungwoman,keepinghervoicedown.

“Wouldyouliketomeethim?”

“Meet him?” Sybellie asked in a stunned whisper. “You mean you know who he is?” She stared at

Deannaanothermoment,thenhereyesnarrowed.“Youaren’tB.S.ingme,areyou?Orscammingmeor
conningme?You’reapatroller,butmydad’srich,andyou’reonlyhuman.”

“It’snotascamoracon,Sybellie.Ireallydoknowwhoyourdadis,andIreallycantakeyoutohim.

Butyoucan’ttellanyoneabouthim,notyouradoptedparents,notyourfriends.Noone.Noteventhatyou
methim.Youhavetosweartomeyoursilence,orIcan’ttakeyouatall.”

“You’renotinstillingmuchconfidence.Whyisitsuchasecret?”

“Ican’ttellyou,andyou’llhavetotrustme.ButIknowhewantstoseeyou.Icansafelysayit’sthe

onethinginhislifehetrulywants.”

“Is it?” Sybellie flushed. “Then where has he been the last twenty-four years? I’ve been here. Why

hasn’thetriedtoseemebeforethis?”

“Hewasoffplanet,andittookhimawhiletofindyou,”Deannasaid.“Andthen...Again,Ican’ttell

youeverything.Butheneedsyou.”

“Why?Whysuddenlycometomenow?”

“I’lllethimtellyouthat,ifhewantsto.”Deannaroseasthecoffeehousedooropened,andSybellie’s

friendscamein,breathlessfromtheirbriskwalk.DeannapassedSybellieatinycomdevice,pressingit
underthegirl’shandsotheotherswouldn’tsee.“Takesometimetothinkaboutit,thengivemeacall.But
don’ttaketoolong,becausehemightbegoneagain.”

SybellieonlystaredatDeanna,butshewassensibleenoughtoslidethecomunderherrobesbefore

herfriendssawit.

Theotheryoungwomenapproached,andDeannaturnedawaywithoutaword.

“Hey,Syb,”oneofthemsaid.“Sorrywe’relate.It’samessoutthere.Whywasthatpatrollertalkingto

you?Whatdidyoudothistime?”Thethreeofthemlaughed.

“Oh, it was about that guy who was harassing me the other day,” Sybellie said, giving them a sunny

smile.“Nobig.Iorderedforyouall.Sitdown—itshouldbereadyanysecond.”

*********

DeannaspenttherestofherdaywonderingwhethersheshouldtellJustinwhatshe’ddone.Howangry

wouldhebe?OrwouldhebegladDeannahadmadetheapproach?

She’d certainly take precautions. The com she’d given Sybellie was secure, linked to Deanna’s

personalcomanditalone.Nopatrollerwouldbreakintoit,becauseDeannaknewhowtokeepthemout.

She also wouldn’t tell Sybellie anything about Justin, until she was certain Sybellie wouldn’t run

straighttoheradoptedparentswiththenews.Deannawouldcontroltheinformationfloweverystepof
theway.

Deannafinallywentoffduty,saidgoodnighttohercolleagues—who’ddecidedthatnowshe’dbeen

letoffprobation,itwouldn’thurtthemtotalktoheragain—andwalkedoutsidetogoodoldPasCity.

HerfeetwantedtotakehertoJustin’s,butDeannamadeherselfturninsteadforhome.

As soon as she opened the front door, Deanna knew something was up. The air inside felt different,

charged.

Shesawwhywhenshewalkedintothefrontroom.Redawassittinginthecornerbytheholographic

window,staringnotquitecomfortablyatthetableauonsofa.

Deanna’smotherreclinedonthecouch,athrowaroundhershoulders.Shewaswatching,andactually

listening, to Justin, who was seated beside her, Justin talking to Deanna’s mother as though she could
understandeveryword.

ChapterEighteen

WhenDeannaenteredtheapartment,Justinfelthisentirebeingrelax.

I’mneverlettingherwalkawayfrommeagain.

“Justin,whatareyoudoing?”Deannademanded.

She again wore her form-fitting coverall, her dark hair tamed into its severe bun. Back to being the

tight-assedpatroller.

“I’mtalkingtoyourmother,”Justinsaid.“Shewastellingmeaboutheraccident.”

DeannaglancedinsurpriseatReda,whopressedherlipstogetherandnodded.Deannaapproachedthe

sofawithcarefulsteps,assomeonemightaninjuredanimal.

“Mom?”

Kayla turned her head. The movement was slow and unpracticed, but she looked at Deanna fully.

“Hello,Deanna.Backfromwork,areyou?”

TearsfloodedDeanna’seyes,andsheputherfingerstohermouth.

“Iwastellingyourfriendwhathappenedtome,”Kaylasaid.Shespokeslowly,thewordsnotformed

quitecorrectly,syllablesslurred.“Sohe’dunderstandwhatapainintheassitis.”Shestopped,andher
lipsmovedintoasmile.“He’squitehandsome,Deanna.Whereishefrom?”

“Sirius,”JustinsaidbeforeDeannacouldspeak.

Hermotherlookedhimover,againhermovementsdeliberate,asthoughshehadtorememberhowto

performthem.“IwenttoSiriusonce,whenIwasyounger.Noonetherelookedlikeyou.”

“He’sShareem,”Deannasaidinastrangledvoice.

Kaylalookedpuzzled,asthoughtryingtoremembertheword,thenherbrowcleared.“Deanna. Bad,

bad.Nowonderhe’shot.”

Justingrinned.“So’syourdaughter.”

“Shelivesforherwork.”Hermothersoundeddisapproving.

“NotifIcanhelpit.”

“Justin,”Deannasaid.“CanItalktoyou?”

“Andnowshe’smadatme.”JustinwinkedatKayla,tookherhandgentlybetweenhis,andsqueezedit.

“I’llberightback.”

Hermothernodded.JustinrosetofollowDeanna.Assoonastheywereacrosstheroom,hermother

slumpedslowlybackagainstthecushions,closinghereyes.

DeannatookJustintoherbedroom.Yep,ashemightguess,herprivateroomwasneaterthanneat.Her

bedwastightlymade,theroombareofeverythingbutabed,asmallnightstand,aconsole,andachair.He
wassurprisedDeannaallowedthechair,butshelikelydidn’tbelieveinsittingonthebedtoworkonher
computer.

Thecrimsonsilkveilhe’dboughtherrestedonherbesidetable.

Deannashutthedoorbehindthem.Shedrewalongbreath,butinsteadofshouting,ordemanding,or

scolding,DeannaflungherselfatJustinandthrewherarmsaroundhim.

Justincaughthertohim,holdinghercloseasshestartedtoshudder.

As always, even touching Deanna in comfort aroused him. It had been too long—almost two whole

days—sincehe’dhadher.Hekissedherhair,strokingherback,makingsoothingnoises.

Hewantedthis.Forever.Notjustsexwithher,notjustpleasure.ButholdingDeanna,comfortingher,

talkingtoher—beingwithher.

Therestofitdidn’tmatter.NotRees’splans,orthelawsagainstShareem,ortheproblemofleaving

BorNarga.AslongasJustincouldbewithDeanna,noneofitmattered.

Deanna’sfacewaswetwithtears.Justinbrushedoneawayandkissedher.

Hermouthwaswarm.Deanna’slipsansweredhis,herkissashungryashisown.Whenhepulledback,

shesoughthimagain,asthoughdesperatetoremainintheoblivionofthekiss.

“Deanna,”hewhispered.“It’sallright.”

“No, it’s not all right,” she said brokenly. “I’m happy whenever I see her like that—which doesn’t

happenveryoftenanymore—butIknowitwon’tlast.Thegooddaysneverdo.”

“She’snothavingagoodday.”

Deannapulledbackandwipedhereyes.“Thisiswhatagooddayforheris.Shelookedatme.She

knewme,knewI’dgonetoworkthismorning.Andshewastalkingtoyou—coherently.”

“She wasn’t when I got here.” Justin released Deanna and reached for the hypo in the pocket of his

tunic.“Igaveherthis.”

Deannastaredatthehypoinsurpriseandthenoutrage.“Andwhatthehellisthat?”

“Aconcoctionadoctorgaveme.Sheaskedmetotellherhowitworked—thedoctor,Imean.Ithink

it’sdoingallright,butIalsothinkmyShareempheromonesareboostingit.”

“Whatconcoction?Whatdoctor?Andwhythehelldidn’tyoutellmeyouweregoingtobargeinhere

andexperimentonmymother?”

Deannaknockedthehypooutofhishand,butthethingwasmadeoftoughplasticandonlyclatteredon

thefloor.

“You weren’t home,” Justin said in reasonable tones. “It’s working, Deanna. Once I tell my doctor

friend, she can put together enough of it so that your mother can get to Ariel and the treatment center
there.”

“Treatmentcenter.”Deannanearlyspitthewords.“OnAriel.Thebestintheknownuniverse.Sure,I’d

lovetosendherthere,butIcan’taffordthetreatmentcenteronAriel,letalonegethertoAriel.Youknow
that.”

“ButIcan.”

Sheblinked.“What?”

“I made a lot of money on Sirius. I had my own offloading company, and it was very lucrative. The

money from it is in accounts even Bor Narga can’t stop me from accessing. My doctor friend said she
might be able to treat your mother herself, but she’s in hiding, and she thinks the Ariel facility will be
morecomfortableforher.”

“Inhiding?Whatdoyoumeanshe’sinhiding?”

“Longstory.”

Dr. Laas, the brilliant researcher from DNAmo, who still had a price on her head for inventing the

Shareem,hadneverleftBorNarga.Shelivedinanundergroundcomplex,hiddenfromtheworld,served
byanannoyingcomputercalledBaine.

Dr.Laaswasagenius.She’dsavedCalderfromcertaindeathatDNAmo,whentheotherscientistshad

beenreadytoflushtheplasma-burnedCalderasaloss.She’dhelpedKywhenhe’drecentlysufferedthe
aftereffectsofanexperiment,andshe’dhelpedRioandNellahideoutandgettoAriel.Dr.Laaswouldn’t
leaveBorNarga,shesaid,becausethepriceonherheadextendedtoeveryknowngalaxy.Andbesides,
she’dadd,shedidn’twanttoleaveallherShareem.

ReeshadagreedtocontactDr.LaasandtellheraboutDeanna’smother’sproblem.Katarina,Calder’s

lady,hadgonetovisitDr.Laas,andthetwoofthemhadresearchedhercase—Bainewasgoodathacking
intorecords.They’dcomeupwiththislittlehypo,whichKatarinahadgiventoJustin.

Apparently the concoction would help her mother’s brain temporarily connect neurons or something.

KatarinahadexplainedittoJustininmedic-ese,untilJustinhadgrabbedthehypoandsaid,“Whatever.I
stickitagainstherneckandclick.Gotit.”

“Justin.”Deannapressedherhandstoherface.“Thisiscrazy.Ican’tgethertoAriel.Youcan’t even

leavetheplanet...”

“ButKatarinacan,andBrianneandTalancan,andReeshasacoupleoffriendsonAriel—onehappens

tobelongtotherulingfamilythere.We’llwrapupyourmom,stickheronatransport,andyouandthe
ladieswilltakeherthehelltoAriel.Whenshe’sbetter,you’llallcomeback.”Heforcedagrin.“Unless
youfallinlovewiththeweirdnessofArielandwanttostaythere.”

“I won’t if you’re back here.” Deanna snapped her mouth shut after the words, as though she’d not

meanttosaythem.

Justin’sheartfloodedwithhope.“Deanna,you’rekillingme.”

“You’rekillingme.Whywouldyoudothis?”

“Becauseyouneedit.”

Theylookedateachother,theroomquiet,theredofthefoldedveiltheonlyvividcolorinit.

“Idon’tknowwhattodo,”Deannamurmured.

“It’ssimple.Takeyourmom,getonatransporttoAriel,andcheckherintothefacility.Whileshe’sin

treatment,gotoaspaorshoppingorwhateverwomenliketodo.Ihearthere’slotsofthatstuffonAriel.
Enjoyyourself.”

Deanna shook her head. “I can’t let you pay for it. I arrested you. If you pay for something for me,

especiallyasomethingascostlyasatreatmentcenter,forthegods’sakes,itwillbeviewedascorruption.
Icouldbearrested,transported,orimprisoned.Ishouldn’thaveevenletyougivemetheveil.”

Justinstared.“Youarekiddingme.”

“Notkidding.Thepatrollerstakecorruptionveryseriously.”

“Thisisyourmother’slife,Deanna.”

“Iknow!”Hershoutrangthroughtheroom.“Iknowthat.Waymoreimportantthantherulesofthedamn

patrollers.”

Shescrubbedhandsthroughherhair,breakingthebondthathelditback.Herhairtumbleddown,loose

andbeautiful,thewayJustinlikedit.

“Pleaseletmethinkaboutit,”shesaid.“Ihavealottoprocessrightnow.”

“Thinkaboutitallyouwant.Theofferstandsforaslongasyouneedit.I’mnotgoinganywhere.”

Hewasn’t.HelpingDeanna,makingsuresheandSybelliewereallright,wasmoreimportanttohim

rightnowthanbreakingfreeofBorNarga.Onethingatatime.

Justinwenttoherandgatheredhertohim,andtheystoodtogetherforsometime,holdingeachother,

sharingcomfort.ThenJustingaveDeannaonelast,lingeringkiss,andleftheralone.

*********

DeannasatwithhermotherforalongtimeafterJustinleft.Theapartmentseemedemptierwithouthim.

When she’d walked in tonight and seen him, she’d been struck by how well he’d filled up the room.
Justin’s big body had taken up half the sofa, his muscular arm stretched across its back, his long legs
extended,Justinrelaxedandcomfortable.

Somasculineagainstthefragilefemininityintheapartment,andyet,hefitthere.HermotherandReda

had watched him in surprise, not fear. He was a lion amidst lionesses and cubs, protecting, not
threatening.

Andnowtheapartmentwantedhimback.

Kayla remained mostly coherent and talkative for the rest of the evening, wanting to know all about

Justin. Where had Deanna met him? What was their relationship? Why had Deanna been keeping him a
secret?Unkindofherdaughter,tonotshareshe’dbecomefriendswithsuchabeautifulman.

Hermotherseemedalmostnormal,exceptforherslowmovementsandherstruggletokeepherspeech

fromslurring.

As the night wore on, though, the drug wore off, and her mother relapsed to silence, but not an

exhausted one. Kayla decided, of her own accord, to go to bed, where she fell quickly into a peaceful
sleep.

TherewasnowayDeannacoulddenyhermothertreatmentthatwouldbringherbacktoheroldself.

Nomatterwhatthecost.

DeannabelievedJustinwhenhesaidhecouldpayforit.HestillownedthehouseonSirius,andshe

knew that businesses on Sirius could be prosperous. Siriuns believed in hard work and lots of it, and
wereperfectlyhappytoreaptherewardsofthatwork.

As a patroller, Deanna had been trained to be suspicious of even the most helpful person—what did

they hope to gain? But she could only sit still and be grateful to Justin. He was a Shareem—a factory-
madepleasureslavesupposedlyexistingtosatehisclients.

ToDeanna,hewasawarmheartedmanwholovedhisdaughterandwasgeneroustohisfriends.

Shelovedhim.

Deannaknewwhatshehadtodo—allofit.Thechoicesweretough,butsheknewthatwhenmadefor

therightreasons,they’dbetheeasiestchoicesintheuniverse.

Butthoughshewenttobedresolved,Deannawasuneasyaboutonething.Sybelliehadnevercalled.

ChapterNineteen

Justinstumbledawakethenextmorningtoanswerhisdoorthatwasinsistentlychiming.IfBradenwas

behindit,upearlyandchipper,Justinwouldhavetokillhim.

ThedoorshotopentorevealDeannasilhouettedagainsthotBorNargansunlight.“Hello,Justin.”

Muchbetterthanoneofhisannoyingfriends,butshewasdefinitelychipper.

“CanIcomein?”sheasked.

Justinblinked,rubbedoneeyewiththeheelofhishand,andmovedaside.“You’rebeingpolite?Not

barginginusingyourpatrollercodes?Notthatitwaseverabadthingforme.”

“I don’t have the override key anymore.” Deanna walked inside past him and waited for the door to

closebehindher.“Iturneditin,alongwithmystungunandmybadge.”

Justin removed his hand from his eye to look at her fully. Deanna smiled back at him, appearing

perfectlysane.Sheworeablack,kindofloosebodysuittoday,herhairupasusual.

No,notasusual.Insteadoftheseverebunshealwayswore,she’dbraidedherhairandwounditintoa

coil.Thestylewassoft,morefeminine.She’dalsoknottedtheredveilhe’dboughtheraroundherneck
likeascarftoaccenttheblackcoverall.

Justinfoundhisvoice.“Youlookhot.”

Shewentpink.“Youlookasleep.”

“Iamasleep.Idreamedyouwalkedinhereandsaidyouturnedinyourstungunandbadge.”

“I did say that. I resigned.” She looked happy she’d just quit the job she’d once confessed was her

entire life’s purpose. “As I am no longer a patroller, I can take my mother to Ariel without conflict of
interest.Mycaptainassuredmethatthiswastrue,whenItoldherwhatIwantedtodoandwhy.”

Justin’seyeswidened.“Whatexactlydidyoutellher?”

“Nothing about you or your private accounts. I said a friend was helping me pay for my mother’s

treatment,andthatIwasquittingfirstsoIwouldn’tbeaccusedofcorruption.Sheagreeditwasthebest
thingtodo.”

Justin’smouthwasdry.“Butwhatareyougoingtodo?Youwanttobeapatroller.Youlovearresting

people,andstunningthem,andcuffingthem.It’syourlife.”

“Veryfunny.ThepeopleIlovearemoreimportantthanmycareer.Icanalwaysstartanothercareer.I’ll

setupmyownbodyguardservice,maybe,oraninvestigationcompany.”Deannaletoutherbreath.“You
handedmesomethingIdesperatelyneeded,Justin.Itwasano-brainer.”

Herfaceglowed,andhermouthwouldn’tstopsmiling.Shewasrelaxed,forthefirsttimesinceJustin

hadmether,nottenseaboutanything.She’dmadeherdecision,andithadgivenherwings.

“You’reanamazingwoman,DeannaSurrell.”

“Notsoamazing.Ialsodidsomethingthatmightmakeyouangry.”Shebitherlip.

Didsheknowhowsexyshewaswhenshedidthat?“Whatdidyoudo,Ex-patroller?”

“I told Sybellie I knew where her real father was and that I’d take her to meet him. If she wanted. I

gavehermynumber.”Deannanibbledherlipagain.“Shehasn’tcalledback.”

SomethingcoldandsharpcutthroughJustin’sbody.“You...toldher.”

“Shedeservestoknow.”

“Whatdidyoutellher?”

“Nothingspecific,notevenyourname.OnlythatIcouldarrangeameetingwithyou.I’mnotsureshe

believedme.”

The world tilted under Justin’s feet. “Deanna if she goes to her adopted mother or some higher-up

patroller,evenwithwhatyou’vealreadytoldher,youcouldbehauledinandquestioneduntilyouspill
whatyouknow.AndthatwillbeitforSybellie.”

Deannashookherhead.“Ithinkshe’llwaituntilshehasallthefactsbeforeshedecideswhattodo.

Sybelliestruckmeashavingalotofsense.”

“Thatdoesn’tmeanshetrustsyou.Whyshouldshe?”

Deanna gave him a patient look. “If Sybellie were the kind of young woman who ran to mama about

everything,I’dhavebeenhauledinwithinthehour.AndevenifIamquestioned,Iknowhowtokeepmy
mouthshut.Iwon’tbetrayyou,orher.”

“How are you going to do that? I know about the patrollers. They have drugs, they have coercion

techniques...”

“Which I have the training to resist. If I thought I’d be putting Sybellie in danger, I wouldn’t have

approachedheratall.”

“Damnit,Deanna.”

“Whatareyouafraidof?Thatshe’llbefoundout,orthatyou’llgettomeether?AsherfatherImean,

notasthetongue-tiedpassengerinmycar.”

Justinfoldedhisarms,thechillnotleavinghim.

ThethoughtofSybelliebeingharmedkepthimawakeatnight.Heneededtoprotectheratallcosts.

Butthethoughtoffacingherandfindingoutwhatshe’dthinkofhavinghimasafather,madehisblood

icecold.

At the same time, the possibility of getting to see her made Justin want to whirl in the middle of the

roomandlaugh.

“Whythehellareyoumuckingaroundinmylife?”heaskedsoftly.“Makingmecrazy?”

“Whyareyoumuckingaroundinmine?”

Easyanswer.Justincuppedhershoulders,rubbingthumbsalonghercollarbonethroughthecoverall.“I

can’tstayawayfromyou,that’swhy,”hesaid.“Ineedyoutobeallright.”

“Ineedyoutobeallrighttoo.”

Justinlethistouchturncaressing.“Iguesswe’restuckwithitthen.”

Deannamovedcloser,risingonhertiptoes,eyeshalf-closing.“Guessso.”

Justinleanedtomeether,completingthekiss.

Herelaxedintoit,herlipssweetandpillow-soft.Theyhadn’tdonethisverymuch—simplekissing.

There’dbeensomuchheatbetweenthem.

HisheartbeatfasterwhenDeannabrokethekissandlickedhisthroat.Apparentlyshewantedmoreof

theheat.Justinclosedhiseyesandletherseekit,enjoyingthesensationofherlipsandtongueonhisskin.

Deannadidn’tstopatthat.Shestoopedandpressedakisstohischest,findinghismalenipplethrough

histunic.Sheteasedthenippletoapointwithherteeth,whileJustin’scockjoinedtherestofhisbodyin
becominghardandtight.

Shetookherkissesdownhisabdomentohisnavelbeneaththetightfabric,thenshesanktoherknees

and lifted the thigh-length tunic to expose his cock, dark and hard. Justin had pulled the tunic over his
naked limbs to answer the door, so now there was nothing between him and the world, or Deanna’s
mouth.

Shekissedthetipofhiscock.Justinjerked,thebreathgoingoutofhim.Hesearchedforbreathagain

whenDeannapartedherlipsandtookhiscockintohermouth.

His dreams were coming true. Deanna looked up at him, her brown eyes soft, her red lips wrapped

aroundhim.

Justinclenchedhishands,slowingthethrusthewantedtotake.Shewasn’tusedtothis.Heneededto

begentle.

He’dtaughtherwell,though.Shestartedtosuckle,pullinghardenoughtomakehimtightwithneed,but

not so hard to have him coming too soon. She tapping the underside of his cock with her tongue, teeth
scrapingsoftly,fingerscominguptostrokehisballs.

Justinforcedhimselftostandstillandtakeit.Thefrontroomwashot,hiscoolerstillnotworkingright.

Outsidethedoor,streettrafficcreakedby,theapartmentnotsoundproof.

Inthequietwarmthinside,Deanna’stonguedancedandflickeredoverhiscock,hermouthmakinglittle

wetnoises.TheonlyothersoundsweretheswallowedgroansinJustin’sthroat.

Justindraggedonehandthroughherhair,breakingthetiethatheldherbraid,whichfelllikeasilken

rope into his palm. He opened his fingers and unwove the braid, holding her hair while she went on
suckinghim.

Hertouchmovedtohisass,sherememberinghowtowarmhimandopenhim.

Deargodshelovedthiswoman.

“I’mgoingtocome,sweetlady,”hesaid,hisvoicebarelyworking.“AndIwantyoutoswallowme

down.”

Hergazeflickeduptohim,herbrowneyessteady.

“Youdon’thaveto,”hewhispered.

Deannaclosedhereyesagain.Shemovedbothhandstohisassandheldontight.

Justinthrewbackhishead,jerkedhiships,andspilledhisseedintohermouth.Onejolt,thentwo,then

madspasmsashethrust,andthrustagain.

Hishandwasinherhair,hersweetfingersonhisass,whileJustinrockedhiships,cominginsideher

mouthuntilhe’dgivenallhecouldgive.

Deannaeasedbackonherheels,wipedthelastdropsofhiscomefromherlips,andsmiledathim.

Iloveyou!Justinscreamedinsidehishead.Gods,howmuchIloveyou.

Hesanktohiskneesandgatheredherintohisarms,whileheloosenedhercoveralltoshowherjust

howmuch.

*********

OneofthehardestthingsJustineverdidwassaygood-byetoDeannabeforesheandKatarinaleftwith

Deanna’smotherandRedaforthetransporttoAriel.

HeandCaldersaidtheirfarewellstotheminsideDeanna’sapartment,knowingthatShareemwouldn’t

beallowednearthepassengerdockattheArielliner.WhileRedawatched,ratherdisapprovingly,Justin
pulledDeannaintohisarmsandkissedher,longandlovingly.

Again Deanna’s mother seemed to perk up with Justin around. Katarina had continued giving her the

dosesofherconcoction—whateveritwas—intheweekpriortothetrip.KatarinatheorizedthatShareem
pheromoneshadacalmingeffectonthenerves,whichenhancedthereactiontothedrug.

Itworked.ThatwasallJustinneededtoknow.

Deanna’sarmstightenedaroundhiminonelasthug,andshewhispered,“Thankyou,Justin.”

She pulled away, but Justin kept hold of her hand as they left the apartment building, not releasing it

untilsheclimbedintothehovercarthatwouldtakethemtothepassengerdocks.Shecouldn’tkisshimout
here,buthersmilewasnearlyasgoodas.

CalderwashavingthesamedifficultylettinggoofKatarina.Hisfaceworeahardscowlasshefinally

peeledhisfingersfromherssothedrivercouldclosethedoor.

Thehovercarshotoff,raisingacloudofdustthatsettledbackoverJustinandCalder.Caldercoughed.

“IftheydecidetostayonAriel,”Caldersaid.“I’llkillyou.”

“Katarina’scomingback,”Justinsaid.“She’ssomadlyinlovewithyouit’ssickening.”

Calderdidn’tlookconvinced.Butthen,CalderhadbeenhorriblyburnedatDNAmo,evennowbearing

lingeringscarsofit,andhecouldn’tbelievehisluckatwinningKatarina’sheart.Whilestilldisfigured,
he’d run a pleasure dungeon for ladies who wanted to be with the scarred “Beast,” until Katarina had
comeintohislifeandsavedhim.

Calderturnedandstartedwalkingaway,thetaciturnmanrarelytellinganyonewhathewasdoing,or

thinking...oranything.

“Whereareyouoffto?”Justinsaid,fallingintostepwithhim.

“Togetdrunk.That’stheonlythingthat’sgoingtotakemymindoffbeingwithoutKatarina.”

“Shareemdon’tstaydrunklong.You’regoingtohavetotryprettyhard.”

“WhosaysIwon’t?”Caldershothimadarklook.“I’mgoingtobesodamnhorny,myhandwillget

blisters.I’mnotlikeyou.Idon’tgetoffonwatching.”

“I’m not really interested in watching anyone else anymore,” Justin said. “But that reminds me of

something I wanted to ask you. You still have that warehouse, don’t you? With the dungeon hidden
inside?”

“Itburned,”Caldersaidtersely.Henceafewofthenewerscars.

“Iheardfromareliablesource—Katarina,infact—thatitdidn’tburncompletely.Shesaysthatyouand

she have fixed it up again. I want to borrow it. I have a surprise in mind for Deanna when she comes
home.”

“Iftheycomehome.”

“Katarina’scomingback,asshole.Thinkofthistimeasanopportunitytofigureoutwaystoshowher

howmuchyoumissedher.”

Calderdidn’texactlydoadanceinthestreet,buthisscowllessenedashethoughtaboutthat.

Justinlaughed.“Thereyougo.Nowlet’sgofixupyourdungeon.”

They walked away, Justin’s heart heavy, despite his laughter. He had far more reason than Calder to

believehisladymightprefertoremainonAriel.Shenolongerhadajobhere,andhermotherwouldbe
wellandhappy...

AndinthesevendaysbetweenthetimethatKatarinahadarrangedaplaceatthetreatmentcenterand

berthsonthelinertogetthere,SybelliehadneveroncetriedtocontactDeanna.

*********

BythesecondweekofDeanna’sdeparture,Justinwasprettymuchinsane.Deannacontactedhimevery

daytoreporthermother’sprogress,whichwasallgood.Thecenteranticipatedafullrecovery.

ThetearsinDeanna’seyeswhenshesaiditmadetheirseparationworthit.

Almost. Justin also enjoyed the new game he’d invented for them—he’d instruct Deanna on ways in

whichtopleasureherself,andDeannawoulddoitinfrontoftheconsoleinherbedroom.

Oneeveningwhentheytalked,Deannasaid,“I’mwearingthem.”

“Yeah?Wearingwhat?”

“Theballs.IputtwointhismorningbeforeIwentshoppingwithKatarina.”

Justin’s blood went hot, and he felt his eyes start to change. “And you’ve been walking around with

theminsideyourpussy?”

“Yes.”Hercolorrose.

“Howdotheyfeel?”

“Good.”Deannasmiled,herbreathcomingfaster.“WheneverIthinkofyou,it’sevenbetter.”

“You’reasweetie.”Hishandwenttohisleggings,untyingthemsohecoulddipinsideandsoothehis

alreadytinglingcock.

“Justin.” Deanna ran her tongue around her lips, and his cock took another leap. “I want you to do

somethingforme.”

“Nameit,baby.”

“Insteadofyouwatchingmedosomething,Iwanttowatchyou.”

Hisheartbeatspedup.“Finebyme,Angel.What?”

Shetoldhim.

*********

It really wasn’t fair she was so far from home, Deanna thought, as Justin darkened his screen to

prepare.OrthatShareemweren’tallowedtotraveloffplanet.

The two little balls she’d lubed and worn inside herself, under the silken leggings she’d bought on

Arielhadfeltoddbutsatisfying.IfsheimaginedJustin’sfingersrubbingheratthesametime,itmadeher
nearlyorgasmic.

WhenJustinbroughthisscreentolifeagain,shethoughttheorgasmswouldcommence.

He’d seated himself on a chair, naked, his torso gleaming with oil. He’d somehow wrapped ropes

aroundhisbody,endingwithcordingthemaroundhiswrists.

He leaned back a little, the pleasing plane of his hard body one long line from ankles to chin. In the

middle,hiscockstoodupright,unhinderedbytheropes.

“Isthiswhatyouwanted?”heasked,hisvoicelow.

Deannacouldbarelybreathe.“Yes.”

“Good.”Justinleanedbackalittlemore,chestmovingasheadjustedtheropes.“Thencommandme.”

ChapterTwenty

“Wait.”DeannatappedabuttononherconsoletotakeastillshotofthebeautifulJustin,tiedupforher

delectation.“Now,um...touchyourself.Likeyoutellmetotouchmyself.Makeitexciting.”

Heshotheralook,andDeannashiveredinpleasure.

Justin had fixed the ropes so they’d be loose enough for movement while appearing to be tied. He

placedhisboundhandsunderhiscockandranhisthumbuptheunderside.Asmallshudderwentthrough
himwhenhetouchedthesensitiveplacebelowthetip.

Hereacheddownagainandcuppedhisballs,thenslidhisclosedhandupthecock.Thetipgrewdark

redinthecircleofhisthumbandfingers,theheadengorgedwithwanting.

“More,”shesaid.

Justin moved his hands to his chest, brushing carefully over his skin, before he plucked one of his

nipplesbetweentwofingers.Whenitwasdarkandtight,hemovedtotheother.

Once he’d brought that to a point, he reached into the box he’d placed at his side and took out

somethinghiddenbyhishands.

A nipple clamp, she saw when he clipped it onto one of his hardened nipples. He groaned a little,

lettingherknowhefeltit.

Nextcameacockring,whichheslippedeasilyontohisstiffcock,makingthecockstandalittlemore

upright.Finally,toanotherrippleofanticipationinDeanna,Justinlubedupalittlebuttplug,leveraged
himselfoffthechair,andclosedhiseyeswhilehesliditinside.

Heeasedhimselfbackdown,rockinghisfeetuptohisconsoledeskandplacedthemoneithersideof

themonitor.Deannacouldseetheplugbetweenhispartedlegs,thering,andhiscockstandingstraightup.

His hands, still tied, stroked their way up his cock. The tip squeezed through his fingers, Justin

breathingfasterasheworked.

Hewasbeautiful,ahard-bodiedmanlayingbeforeherwithhislegsspread,thathugecockpointedto

theceilingwhilehestrokedit.Deannarememberedthetasteofitonhertongue,wishedshecouldlean
forwardandlickitfrombasetohead.

Justin’sfingerslickeditforher.Hisbroadfingertipsrubbedfromhisballsupward,thetipjumpingas

hereactedtothepressure.Thecockringwasstrangelyerotic,circlinghimatthebase,makingtheshaft
evendarker.

“Iwishyouwerewithme,baby,”hesaid.“Thiswouldbeyourhandonme,youstrokingmeoff.”

Yes,itwouldbe.Deannarememberedwhenshe’drushedintohisapartmenttofindhimleaningagainst

thewall,doinghimself,howherbloodhadtingled,howshe’ditchedtotouchhim.

“Iwantyouheresuckingme,”hesaid.“Iwanttoseemycockgoingintoyourprettylittlemouth,you

closingyourlipsoverme.”

Withoutnoticingshedidit,Deannaliftedherfirsttwofingersandslidthemintohermouth.

Justinflushed.“Yeah,likethat,sweetheart.Suckmenow.”

Deannastartedtosuckle,mouthworking,herfingerswet,whileJustinsqueezedhiscockinhisfist.

“You’resobeautifulwithsomethingbiginyourmouth,”hesaidsoftly.“Didyouknowthat,Deanna?

You’dbeevenmorebeautifulifyouplayedwithyourclitatthesametime.Willyou?Prettyplease?”

Deanna removed her fingers from her mouth with a little popping sound. “I’m supposed to be

commandingyou.”

“Iknow.Ican’thelpit.Shareemliketocontrol.”

“Nokidding.”

Deanna had abandoned drab coveralls and sunblocking robes on mild Ariel, buying herself colorful

silk tunics, leggings, and sheaths. They were wisps of almost nothing, and amazingly cheap. She and
Katarinahadgonealittlecrazy.

Sheuntiedthetunicandletitfallopentorevealherunfetteredbreaststhenunfastenedtheleggingsand

letthemdrop.Thebrushofsilkasitsliddownherlegswassensualityitself.

“Oh,yeah,”Justinwhispered.“You’dbetterbringsomeofthosehomeandwearthemforme.”

“Iwill.”

Hestilledhishand.“Youarecominghome,Deanna.”

Itwasn’taquestion,butsheheardtheuneasinessinhisvoice.“Ofcourse,Iam.”

“Ifyoudon’t,I’llhavetospankyourass.”

Herskintingled,rememberinghiswarmhandslappingdownonherbackside.“WhataboutifIdo?”

Justinsmiled,slowanddark.“I’llspankyouevenharder.Forrightnow,though,Iwanttowatchyou,

whileyouwatchme.”

Deannadippedherfingertoherclit,bringingitbackuptoshowhimhowitglistenedwithherneed.

Justin’seyesfilledevenmorewithblueassheraisedherfingertohermouthandlickeditclean.

Hismoandriftedthroughthespeaker.“Youarewonderful,Patroller.”

Deannaslidherhandbackdowntoherverywetpussy.Withtheballsstillinside,hernipplesastight

ascouldbe,sherockedonherfingers,closetocoming.

ShefeastedonthevisionofJustin,thighsparted,cockhuge,hiseyesonherashestrokedhimself.

Deanna rubbed herself faster in response. Justin did likewise, until they were both panting, making

littlenoisesoflonging.

“Awdamn,”Justinsaid,hisboundhandsmovingswiftly.“I’mgonnablow,baby.Oh...gods.”

He kept pumping, his body moving on the chair, it creaking under his weight. A stream of white

suddenlyfountainedupfromhiscock,fallingbackdownoverhishands,hisballs,thecockitself.

Justinwasright,watchingwaswonderful—aslongasshewaswatchinghim.Deanna’spussyclenched

overherfingers,ecstasyspiralingthroughher.

Everything went dark except the beautiful image on her monitor—her hot, naked Shareem, bringing

himselfoffforher.

“Justin!”shesaid,thenhercryofreleaserangacrossthestars.

*********

“Imissyou,”shewhisperedawhilelater.

Deanna had removed the little balls and dropped them into her sterilizer. Justin was still bound, his

hands unmoving now as he caught his breath, but the ring remained around the base of his cock. He
grinnedather,eyeslosingthewildblue,buthewasstillhot,stillaroused.

“Imissyoutoo,baby.”

Shelikedthis,smilingwithhimwhiletheybothcalmed.Deannawishedshecouldbeintheroomwith

him,lyingonhisnakedbodyandfeelinghimgatherherclose.

“But I’m glad I came,” Deanna said, settling back into her chair. She didn’t resume the tunic. Why

shouldshe?Herloverlikedlookingather,andhemadeherfeelthatherbodywasbeautiful.“Mymom’s
somuchbetter,”shewenton.“Ican’ttellyouhowgratefulIamforyouandKatarina,andwhatyou’ve
done.I’llpayyouback...”

“Shh,”Justinsaid.“Nopayingback.I’mgladIfoundagoodthingtospendmymoneyon.”

Shelethersmilegrowsinful.“I’llfindsomewaytoshowyouhowgratefulIam.”

Justinlaughed,brushinghishairfromhiseyeswithhisboundwrists.“I’mlookingforwardtoit.”

Theywerequietagain,nevermindtheastronomicalcostoftheplanet-to-planetinterface.

“Ineedtotellyou,”Deannasaidsoftlyafteratime.“Sybelliestillhasn’ttriedtogetintouchwithme.

I’msorry.”

“That’sallright.Itdoesn’tmatter.”

Deannaknewitdamnwelldidmattertohim.“I’lltrytocontactheragain.”

“Thatmightnotdoanygood.Sheandherfriendsaren’tmeetingatthatcoffeehouseanymore.Idon’t

knowwhereshegoesnow.”

Alarmflittedthroughherafterglow.“Justin,youaren’tstillgoinguptotheVistara,areyou?”

Justinavoidedhergaze.“Discreetly.”

“You know that your pardon was only good for the one time. If you’re arrested again, even Brianne

mightnotbeabletofreeyou.”

“Isaiddiscreetly,asin,nooneseesme.”

“Justdon’t.Please.Stopgoing.WhenIgetback,we’llfigurethiswholethingout.”

Justin didn’t answer. Deanna seethed in frustration about the light years between them. She couldn’t

changehiskeycodesandlockhimintohishousefromthedistanceofAriel.

Ofcourse,she’dquitherpatrollerjob,soshewouldn’tbeabletodoitevenonBorNarga.Butatleast

onBorNargashe’dbeabletostandnexttohimandyellathim.

“Justin.”

“Yeah?”Helookedupfromwhateverdistractedplacehe’dgoneto.

“Remember,whenItoldyouIlovedyou?”

“Yeah.”Hisworrylefthim,andhisfacesoftenedwithhissmile.“Iremember.Why?Wanttotakeit

back?”

“No,”Deannasaid.“Iwantedtotellyou,Imeantit.”

*********

Discreetly, Justin had said. That meant he wore plenty of clothing and sunblocking robes and took a

tinted-windowed car up to the Vistara. He had Elisa hire him a different one every day—Shareem
couldn’thirecarsthemselves—sonoonewouldreportthesamevehiclelingeringonthestreets.

Justin looked every day for Sybellie, but he never spotted her. Not at the coffeehouse, not on the

campus,notintheshopsaroundit.Heknewwhereherhousewas,thankstoElisa’sinformation,butshe
mustbestayingwithafriend,becauseshedidn’tgohome.Or,SybelliemighthavegonehomewhenJustin
wasbackinPasCity—Justincouldn’taffordtostaytoolongeachday.

Deannawasright,though.Heneededtobecareful.Hehadsomethingtokeephimselffreefornow.

Andthen,thedayafterhedidhisself-bondagesessionforDeanna,JustinfoundSybellie.

Hisdaughterwalkedalongthestreetontheedgeoftheuniversity’scampus,alittlepackathersidefor

herhandheldandwhateverotherdevicesshecarried.Shewasalone,herfriendsnowhereinsight.

Justin couldn’t stand it. He turned off the car, unsealed the door, got out, and walked quickly to the

campus.

He was covered from head to foot, sunblocking material over his nose and mouth. As soon as he

steppedontothecampus,hefelttheaircool,theprotectiveshieldingshuttingouttheworstofthesun’s
heat.

Sybelliestrolledalong,herheaddown,mindonwherevershewasgoing.

Justinsteppedinfrontofher,andshestopped.”Excuseme,”shesaidpolitely.

Sybelliestartedaroundhim,andJustinsteppedinfrontofheragain.

NowSybellielookedupinalarm,mouthopentocallforhelp.Justinunwrappedthematerialfromhis

faceandsaid,“Sybellie.”

“Oh.”Shelookedrelievedbutpuzzled.“Mr.Justin,right?You’refriendswiththatpatroller.”

“Yes.”

Hedidn’tmove,andSybelliefrowned.“It’snicetoseeyouMr.Justin,butIhaveaclass.”

“Canyoutalktomeforjust...”Justinswallowed,hisvoicenotworking.“Justaminute.”

Please,please,justaminutetoletmelookatyou.

“DidDeannasendyoutopersuademetocallher?”Sybellieasked.“CanyoutellherIhaven’tmadeup

mymindyet?Istillhavetothinkaboutit.”

“No.”Justinclenchedhishandsathissides.“Deannadidn’tsendme.”

“Ishouldn’tbetalkingtoyouaboutitthen.”

Sheturnedslightly,andJustinsteppedinfrontofheragain.

“Sybellie.”Helovedthesoundofhername.“Deannadidn’tsendme.”

“You’vejustsaidthat.”

“She’ll want to kick my ass when she finds out.” Justin couldn’t stop himself putting his hand on

Sybellie’sslimshoulder.“ButIcouldn’twaitanymore.Ihadtoseeyou.”

Sybelliefrowned,hermouthformingthewhofWhy?

Thenshestopped,hermouthgoingslack.Shelookedathim,reallylookedathim,andtookastepback.

“It’syou,”shewhispered.“It’syou,isn’tit?”

Justincouldonlynod,histhroatclosedtoohardforhimtospeak.

“How can it be?” Sybellie asked. “Who are you? I don’t even know your name. Your entire name, I

mean.”

Justinsmiledalittle.“It’sjustJustin.”

“But...”Hereyesfilledwithsuddentears,andsheshookherhead.“Thisisn’tfair.Ihaveaclass.But

Ihavetotalktoyou,Ihavetoaskyou...everything.”

Justinsqueezedhershoulder,wishinghedaredpullherclose,buttoomanypeoplewalkedacrossthe

busycampus.“I’llwait.I’llwaithereforyou,andwe’lltalk.I’vebeenwaitingtwenty-fiveyears.”

“Oh,gods,thisissonotwhatIthoughtitwouldbelike.”Sybelliewipedhereyes.“Damnit,Ihavea

class.”

Justinstartedtolaugh,buthislaughterwasdrownedbyasuddenandsharp-pitchedsiren.Sybellie’s

eyeswidened.“Sandstorm!”

SothenicepeopleontheVistaragotawarningsiren,didthey?InPasCity,thewindsimplyhowled

throughthestreets,andthepeopledoveforthenearestshelter.

Sybelliefumbledforherbreathmask.“Somuchforclass.Andtheshelterisallthewayoverthere.”

Shepointeddowntheartificialgreenofthecampus.

“Thecampusisshielded,isn’tit?”Justinlookedupattheskythroughtheshield,wherenotevenastray

speckofdustyetmarredtheblue.

“Againstthesun.Notsandstorms.Crap,wewon’tmakeit.”

Justinsawitnow,awallofdirtpouringdownthewideavenuestowardthem.Thefarbuildingsonthe

campuswerealreadyengulfed.

“Mycar,”hesaid.“Run!”

“Yourcar’sshieldedfromsandstorms?”

Justingrabbedherhandandpropelledherintothestreet.Theheatandwindstruckthemwithforceas

soonastheylefttheprotectedcampus.

Justinunlockedthedoorandshovedherinside,sprintingaroundtothedriver’sside.Nowtoseeifhe

couldstartupandgetthehelloutoftherebeforethesandstormflippedthecaroverandgroundittoapile
ofmetal.

The doors sealed, shutting out the smell of dirt. Warning, the car’s computer told him as soon as he

broughtittolife.Approachingsandstorm.

“Noshit,”Justinsaid.

Nearestshelteratseventeendegrees.

“Fine.”

Justinhitthe“Accept”button,whichwouldletthecarcalculatewhereverthehellseventeendegrees

from their position was. The car obediently started to move, but too slowly for Justin’s peace of mind.
He’djustfoundhisdaughterandhaddraggedherintothepathofakillersandstorm...

Shesatnexttohim,eyeswideasshewatchedthestormcome,herhandgrippingthehandholds.Her

breathcamequickly,butshewasn’tscreaminginpanicorscreechingathimtodosomething.She seems
tohavealotofsense,Deannahadsaid.Hewassoproudofthat.

The shelter was a low building about a block away, whose doors started to slide back into concrete

andsteelwallswhentheyreachedit,again,tooslowlyforhiscomfort.

Thesandstormhitthem.Onemoment,Justinwaslookingatthesteeldoorsinwhitewalls,thenext,he

couldn’tseethematall.

“Fuck,fuck,fuck.”

Hehittheaccelerator,screwwaitingforthecartocalmlydriveitselfintotheshelter.

The car leapt forward, brushing the still-moving doors with a metallic shriek. A blast of sand-laden

windpickeduptherearofthecarandslammeditforward,spinningthecararound.

Justinsawthediminteriorofasmall,single-carshelterwhirlingbeforethem,thenthesandpouringin

atthem,thentheautomatedshelterdoorsastheymetandclosed.

Thedoorssealed.Thesandthathadblowninsmasheditselfagainstthecarandthewallsoftheshelter,

thendroppedharmlesslytotheground.

JustinshutoffthecarandtwistedtofaceSybellie.“Youallright?”

Sybellie pulled off her silk veils, flapping sand out of them. Her hair glistened in the car’s weak

interiorlight,brownstreakedwithgold.

“I’mfine.Justdirty.Doyoualwaysswearinfrontofwomen?”

Justingrinned.“Yeah.Yeah,Ido.”

Sybelliegrabbedherhandheld.“LetmetellmyparentsI’mokay.”

“Sure.”

Sybelliequicklytypedamessage,thentossedherhandheld,herpack,andherveilsintothebackseat

andletoutalongbreath.

“Well,”shesaid.“Iguesswehavetimetotalknow.”

ChapterTwenty-One

Justin’sfingersshookashesetthecar’sinternalaircontrols.“Iguesswedo.”

“Allrightthen.Whoareyou,whoismymother,whydidyouhaveme,whydidyougivemeup,and

whydidittaketwenty-fouryearsformetobeabletoaskyouthesequestions?”

“Shit.”Justinraisedhishands.“Givemeasec.”

“You’vehadtwenty-fouryears.”

“Iknow.It’scomplicated.WhatdidDeannatellyou?”

“Thatyouwereoffplanet,thatIcouldn’ttellanyoneaboutyou,notevenmyadoptedparents.Tellme

why.”

Shewasgoingtomakehimspilleverything.Not,you’remydad,that’sgreat,let’sgoforicecream.

Sybelliewantedtoknowwhohewas.Whathewas.

Justinclearedhisthroatanddecidedtogetitoverwith.

“I’mShareem.”

Sybellie’sexpressiondidn’tchange.“What’sShareem?Whatplanetisthatfrom?”

“AShareemisfromBorNarga,andhe’samanwholookslikeme.”Justin’seyesnarrowed.“And,by

theway,ifyoueverseeaShareemwho’snotme,youstayawayfromhim.Don’ttalktohim,don’tsmile
athim,don’tevenlethimknowyounoticedhim.Promiseme.”Ifanyofthemtouchedhisdaughter,Justin
wouldexplainhowmuchhedidn’tlikethatbycuttingoffthepartthatShareemhelddearest.

Sybelliefixedhimwithasteelylook.“Youstillhaven’ttoldmewhataShareemis.”

“Youknow,I’mgladyoudon’tknow.”ButSybelliedeservedthetruth,andifshedespisedJustinforit,

thenshedid.“Shareemwerecreatedinafactory.MadebyacompanycalledDNAmo,alongtimeago.
MostBorNargansdon’tthinkwe’reevenhuman.Butweare.”Talanhadonceproved,bymakingaDNA
examination,thattheywere.

“DNAmo.”Shelookedthoughtful.“I’veheardofthem.Didn’ttheymanufacturetheperfectservants,or

something?Thentheywereshutdown.”

“They were shut down because of Shareem. They did make the perfect servants—majordomos and

butlersandmaids—thentheywentontocreatingslaves.Likeme.”

Sybellie’seyeswidened.“Youcan’tbeaslave.Slavery’sillegal.”

“Wasaslave.Or—Idon’tknowiftheyevermanagedtomakeustrulyobedient.We’reallprettygood

atdoingwhatwewant.”Justincurledhisfingersintohispalms.“Wewerepleasureslaves.”

“Oh.”

Wasthatan“Oh”ofdisgust?Surprise?Outrage?

Notsomethingamanwantedtotellhisdaughter—Iwasbornandbredforfucking,tobethebestat

sexingwomenwhopaidDNAmoforthepleasure.

“Sorry,”hesaid.

“Forwhat?”Sybellie’svoicewasquiet.

Heriskedalookather.Shewasstudyinghim,butwithintenseinterest,notderision.“Fornotbeinga

princeorsomethingequallyimpressive.Forhavingbeencreatedinavatfullofchemicals,forbeinga

slavewhoendedupasadockworkeronanotherplanet.AndnowI’mbackhere,whereI’mthelowestof
thelow.Ibetthisisnotwhatyoualwaysdreamedyourfatherwouldbe.”

“Ididn’tdreamaboutitmuch,tobehonest.Iwascurious,yes,butIrealizedhowluckyIwastobe

whereIam,withparentswholoveme.”

“Good,”Justinsaidfervently.“I’mgladtheydo.”

“Andmyrealmother?Whereisshe?”

“HernamewasLillian.ShewasagirlfromPasCitywhosignedontobeaguineapigatDNAmo,to

takepartinexperimentswithShareem.Iwon’ttellyouwhatkindofexperiments,butyoucanprobably
guess. When she found out she would have you, she quit, and I was shipped off planet. Now she’s a
celibateintheWayoftheSun.”Hesmiledshakily.“Yourcrazyparents.”

“Soyouwereneverlifemates?”

Justinshookhishead.“Neverhadthechance.Theysentmeoff,andIneversawheragain.”

“And you’re sure, one hundred percent sure, that the baby she had was me? And that you are the

father?”

“IfyouwantaDNAtest,wecandothat.Iknowamedic...she’soffplanetrightnow,butshe’llbe

backsoon.Butevenifyoudotakethetest—youcan’ttellanyone.It’stoodangerous.Mymedicfriendis
theonlyonewecantrusttokeeptheresultssecret.”

“I’dliketheDNAtest,”Sybelliesaid.“Butonlysobothofuscanbecertain.”Shereachedoverand

putherhandonhisarm.“ButIbelieveyou.”

Reliefflowedthroughhim,andanelationthatdroveawayeverymomentofdespairandheartacheof

thelasttwentyandmoreyears.HewishedDeannacouldbeheretosharethemomentwithhim,butshe’d
beback.She’dbeback,andJustinwouldneverlethergoagain.

“Nowtellmewhyit’stoodangerousforanyonetoknowyou’remyrealfather,”Sybelliesaid.

“BecauseShareemaren’tsupposedtobedads.Theycreatedustobesterile.Guessitdidn’twork,at

leastnotonme.”

“AndsoifpeopleknewIwashalfShareem...”

Justin’sworryreturned.“Ihavenoideawhatthey’ddotoyou.Testyou,sequesteryou,openyouup

and have a look inside. At best, they’d classify you as Shareem, and then no more graduate degree, no
morenicehouseontheVistara,nomorefriends.Nomoreanything.Ican’tdothattoyou.”

“You mean they’d say I wasn’t human. Or not completely.” Sybellie looked somber but not afraid.

Deannahadsaidshewassmart.“AndonBorNarga,non-humansdon’thavethesamerightsashumans.”

“We are human,” Justin said. “My friends have proved that—ladies of other Shareem. But the Bor

Narganswon’tadmitit.”

“Whynot?”

“Idon’tknow.IguessbecauseShareemrepresentatimebeforesexualinhibition,whenthingsaround

herewerealittlecrazy.”

“We all study that in history. Bor Narga was once a barbarian culture, with women little better than

slaves.Butthatwasalongtimeago.Noonewouldwantthatagain.”

Justin shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. I think people believe that if Shareem are allowed to run amok,

societywilldegeneratebacktobarbariantimes.”

“Ridiculous.”

“Trytellingthattotherulingfamily.Theylikeruling.Anythingtheyseeasathreattothat,theystomp.”

Justinopenedhishands.“That’sthewayitis.”

“NotifIhaveanythingtosayaboutit.”

“Sybellie,no,”Justinsaidquickly.“Keepyourmouthshut.Youdon’tknowaboutShareem,youdon’t

knowI’mone,andyouhavenothingtodowithme.Iwon’tseeyouagain.Ijustwantedtotoday.Atleast
once.”

Shegavehimanotherpatientlook.“IcanhelpShareemwithoutrevealingIamone.Noonewillknow

withoutcheckingmyDNAagainstyours,right?”

“Ithinkso.Mymedicfriendknowsallaboutthatshit.”

“ThenIwon’ttakethetest,ifitmakesyoufeelbetter.”Sybellieliftedherchin,astubbornlittletiltthat

madehisheartburn.

“Butyouwanttobesure,”Justinsaid.

“Notifitendangersus.Whatifsomeoneelsesawtheresults?”

“Katarinawoulddestroytheresultsbeforethatcouldhappen.”

“It’sstillrisky.Ifyou’vebeenlookingformeallthistime,havebeenfollowingmearoundwantingto

talktome...thenyoumustbesure.”

“But...”

Sybellieshothimanexasperated.“NowIknowyou’remydad.You’redrivingmecrazy.”

Justinstartedlaughing.Happinesstorethroughhim,andhisheartbroke.

Hereachedforher,elationfillinghimwhenshedidn’tshrinkaway.

Hegatheredherintohisarms.Sybellieseemedshyatfirst,butthensheputherarmsaroundhim,her

bodyfeather-light,andJustinhadthejoy,forthefirsttime,ofholdinghisdaughterclose.

*********

JustinsworethatthesandstormwastheshortestinBorNarganhistory.HeandSybelliespentittalking

about everything—her life, her studies, her hopes and ambitions. He learned that she was very good at
soccer and met her soccer companions every day after practice for a little snack before midmorning
classes—theotherthreeyoungladiesinthecoffeehouse.

Shewasn’tasgoodatpoetryandmusic,sheconfessed,butnotbadatfinance.Hermotherlikedthat—

heradoptedmother—whohalf-ownedabank.Sybelliewouldprobablyendupworkingthere,hencewhy
shewasgoingforahigherdegreeintechno-finance.

Justinletherrattleon,happytositbackandlistentoher.Sybellieaskedabouthim,andhegavehera

truncatedversionofhislifeonSirius,buthequicklyswitchedthetopicbacktoher.

Alltoosoon,thesafesirensoundedandtheshelter’sdoorsslidback,revealingthestreetcoatedwith

sand,thesunshineasstrongandclearasever.

“IguessI’llhavetogotoclassafterall,”Sybelliesaid.“Theydon’tcancelforsandstorms—theyjust

pushbacktheschedulefortherestoftheday.”

Justinmadenomovetostartthecaranddriveout.Hefeastedhisgazeonhisdaughter’ssun-streaked

hair,herfresh,roundface,hersmile.

Hecouldn’tletthisbethelasttimehetalkedtoher.Hewantedtoknowmoreandmore,totalkaway

theemptyyears.

“Sybellie,when—”

Sybelliegasped,herfacepalingasshelookedatsomethingbehindhim.Justinjumpedaroundtosee

fivepatrollersinfrontofthecar,pointinggunsathim.

Whatthefuck?Justinpoppedthedoortoaskthequestion.

Fivestunpistolstrainedonhisface,andtwopairsofhandshauledhimoutofthecar.Hefoundhimself

shovedface-firstagainstitsside,astungundiggingintohisribs.

“What,shelteringfromsandstormsisillegalnow?”hegroundoutagainstthecar.

“Whatareyoudoing?”Sybelliecried,havingclimbedouttheotherside.

Thepatrollersignoredher,whichmadeJustinrelaxalittle.Theyhadn’tcomeforher.

“Threewitnesseswatchedyouabductthiswoman,”oneofthepatrollerssaid.“AndIknowwe’vehad

troublewithyoubefore.You’refinished,Shareem.”

CuffsbitintoJustin’swrists,butheclampedhismouthshut.Letthemthinkwhattheywanted,letnoone

mentionSybellie’sname.

ButSybelliewasn’tagirlwhosatquietlywithfoldedhands.“Whatareyoudoing?”sherepeated.“He

washelpingme.”

“He’saShareem,andanuisance,ma’am,”apatrollersaid.

“Hegotmetosafety.Youleavehimalone.”

“Ifhebroughtyouinhere,itwasn’tforsafety.Didhetouchyou,ma’am?IfsoIcanterminatehimright

here.”

“Terminatehim?”

“It’sthedeathpenaltyforaShareemtotouchawomanwithoutpermission,”thepatrollersaid.Shewas

a big, muscular woman, with none of Deanna’s softness. “This one’s already wanted for violating
restrictions.Youcanfileyourreportagainsthimdownatthestation,orfromhome.It’suptoyou.”

“Filemyreport...”

JustinliftedhisheadandglaredatSybellie.“Getoutofhere.Go.Getawayfromme—”

Thepatrollersbangedhisfaceintothecar.Justingrunted,tastingblood.

“Stopthat!”Sybellieshouted.“Doyouknowwhomymotheris?”

They didn’t care. Patrollers were ruled by the whims of the rich, but not when they were arresting

someonewhosoobviously—tothem—deservedtobearrested.

“Getthehelloutofhere!”Justinyelledather.Shecouldn’tlethernamebeassociatedwithhis,notfor

asecond.

Heheardthethrumofstunguns,thenheatslicedthroughhisside.Asblacknessswamathim,heheard

hisownvoicestillbeggingSybellietogo.Hesawherreachforhim,andhesmiledather,hisdaughter,
sobeautiful.

“Good-bye,”hesaidsoftlybeforehefeltthebiteofasecondstunburst.

*********

Deanna gazed through the thick plasti-glass of the cell at Justin, who was sprawled facedown on the

floor.They’dtakenhisclothes,andonlyathinclotharoundhiswaistprotectedhisprivates.Ithadfallen
forwardashelay,baringhisfirm,smoothass.

“Oh,Justin.”

Deanna put her hand on the glass, as she’d done when she’d first seen him in a cell, when he’d

regardedherwithShareem-blueeyesfullofanger.

He’dbeenworriedsickthatshe’dfindoutabouthisdaughter.Sheunderstoodthatnow.Fromthelook

ofthings,he’dbeenworriedsickaboutSybelliethistimetoo,whichwaswhythey’dkickedandstunned
him.

“Ican’tbelieveyou’revouchingforhim,Deanna.”

One of the arresting patrollers, a large woman called Vrina, stopped outside the cell, folding her

musculararms.

DeannaandVrinahadneverhadanyconflict,butthey’dneverbeenfriends,either.Vrinalikedtowalk

aroundthedocksharassingoff-worldersinhersparetime,whileDeannapreferredtogohomeandread
bookstohermother.

Deanna shrugged, not explaining. Keeping Justin from termination had been tricky, and had needed

Deanna’sofficialwordthattheShareemworkedexclusivelyforhernow,withabackupstatementfrom
Brianneverifyingthis.

Katarina, the medic, told the patrollers that she’d shot Justin full of so many neutralizing drugs—at

Deanna’srequest—thathecouldn’tpossiblyhavegottenhiscockuptodoanythingtotheyoungwomanin
thecar.Katarinahadevenprovideddocumentation.

ThethreewomenwerecarefultonotmentionSybellie’sname,andDeannahadforbiddenhertocome

downtothepatrolstation.

DeannahadwantedtokissKatarinaandBrianne.Katarinahaddummiedupdocumentsonthefly,and

Briannehadserenelyexplainedtothejudgethatshe’dsentJustintotheVistaraonanerrand,thinkingthat
sinceJustinhadbeenreleasedlasttimeatherrequest,shehadtherighttodothat.

Justinhadbeengrantedastayofexecution,butforthelasttime,thejudgehadsaidseverelytothethree

women.“KeepyourpetShareemathomewherehebelongs,”she’dfinishedandthrownthemoutofthe
courtroomindisgust.

VrinalookedatJustinonthefloorandshrugged.“Idon’tknowwhatyouseeinhim.He’stoohefty.I

likemymentobesmallerthanme.”

Soshecouldbullythem,shemeant.Deannakeptherselffromrollinghereyesandsaid,“Ilikehimthe

wayheis.”

“Whatever.”Vrinapushedsomebuttonsonherhandheld.“Takehimoutofhere.Ifsomeonefindshim

ontheVistaraagain,though,he’llbeterminatedonsight.”

Asquareinthecellwallslidback,andDeannawalkedinandfelltoherkneesbesideJustin.

JustinwokefromawonderfuldreamofbeingwrappedaroundDeannatofindherhere,nexttohim,her

pheromonestouchinghim.Hewasonthefloor,mostlynaked,andshehadherarmsaroundhim.

Nice.

Hejumpedallthewayawake,andgroaned.Wakingbroughtpain.

“Deanna?Whatthefuckareyoudoinghere?”

“It’s nice to see you too. I came back when Brianne sent word you were in trouble again. Now I’m

takingyouhome.”

“Shit.”

“Youcanstayinhereifyouwant,”shesaid.

“Bite me.” Justin couldn’t help grinning at her, despite his fears. “But in a good place.” She looked

beautifulinwhatevercomplicatedsilkgarmentshewaswearing,herlovelyfaceframedbygauzyveils.

“Shutup,Justin.Canyouwalk?”

“Outofthisplace?Idamnwellcan.”

Hehadtoleanonher,though,asDeannatookhimoutthroughthedooranddownthecellblock.

They’d confiscated his clothes, but Deanna had brought a tunic and sunblocking robe for him, sweet

thing.Hepulledthemon,groaningathissoremuscles,butsoremuscleswouldbeasmallpricetopay.
HewasleavingthedetentionblockwithDeanna,insteadofbeingmarchedtotheterminationchamber.

Not until they were checked out of the facility and back on the scalding street did Justin voice his

worry.

“Sybellie?”heaskedsoftly.

“Isfine.”Deannasqueezedhisarm.“Youidiot.Wekeptheroutofit,butshewantstoseeyou.”

“Whereisshe?”Justinasked.

“She’swaitingatmyhouse.”

Justinstopped.“No.Shit.Idon’twanthertoseemelikethis,notwhenI’vebeeninacageforthree

dayslikesomeanimal.”

“Wecanstopatyourplaceandletyoucleanup.”Deannasqueezedhisarmagain.“Gods,Justin,Iwas

soscared.Whydidyou—?”

“Longstory.”

“Iwanttoheareverywordofit.”

Justin smiled down at her. He was exhausted, hurting, and still worried, but his happiness at seeing

Deannawasrenderingallthatirrelevant.

“Yourmom?”

“Is fine.” Deanna stopped on the street, a quiet turning that would take them to Justin’s apartment.

“She’sreallyfine.She’sstillonArielwithReda,butshe’sgoingshoppingandouttodinner...”Deanna
trailedoff,tearswettinghercheeks.

Justinwipedawayoneofthetears,kissingitfromhisfingertip.“I’mglad.”

“Thankyou.Thankyou,Justin.”

“Anytime,sweetheart.”JustingatheredDeannatohim,despitethembeinginthestreet,andpresseda

kisstothetopofherhead.“I’ddoanythingforyou,Deanna.Anything.AndthenI’ddoitalloveragain.”

*********

SybellielookedhorrifiedwhenJustinwalkedintoDeanna’sapartment,Justinwithhisfacebruisedand

lined with weariness. But, Deanna saw with satisfaction, Sybellie’s horror was concern for Justin, not
disgustthatherfatherhadbeentakeninlikeacriminal.

The three of them talked for a long time, Deanna telling them about her mother’s treatment on Ariel,

SybellieandJustinfillingherinonhowJustinhadfinallyapproachedSybellieonthecampus.

“I’m glad he did,” Sybellie said, resting an affectionate hand on Justin’s arm. “I feel silly now that I

wasafraidtomeethim.”

“Itwasabigstep,”Deannasaid.

“Itwas.”Sybelliedrewabreath.“ButI’vetakenit.NowIwanttomeetmymother.”

Deannanodded.“I’llarrangeit.”

Justinshotheralookofsurprise,thennoddedinunderstanding.Lillianhadstatedthatshedidn’twant

toseeherdaughter,butDeannahadthefeelingthatifLillianmetSybellie,she’dfallinlovewiththegirl
andbegladshe’dmether.Itwasworthashot.

Theytalkedmore,Deanna’sheartgrowingwarmerastimeworeon.Thethreeofthemweregettingto

know each other, sharing lives. When Deanna’s mother got back, they’d share more. Kayla would like
Justin—shealreadydid.

Deanna’s only fear now was that Justin, having found Lillian and met Sybellie, would want to leave

BorNarga.Therewasnothingtokeephimhere,andhehadenoughmoneytopayatransportcaptainto
sneakhimoffplanetwithoutanyonebeingthewiser.Sybelliecouldtraveltoseehimanytimeshewished
—therewerenooff-planetrestrictionsonher.

WhenSybelliedecidedshe’dbettergohome,Justinstoodwithherandpulledherintohisarms.

“Youaresobeautiful,Syb.Thankyou.”

“Forwhat?Deannagotyououtofjail.”

“Forwantingtoseeme.”

Sybelliehuggedhiminreturn.“Whyshouldn’tIwanttoseeyou?You’remydad.”Andshewasgone,

offinherprivatetransportbacktohercushyhomeontheVistara.

Justinwatchedherhovercardisappearedintothestreets,astrange,intenselookonhisface.Heswung

aroundtofaceDeanna,handscurlingtofists.“Deanna...”

“Justin?”

He grabbed her by the shoulders and propelled her back inside, pushing her through the apartment

blockandintoheremptyflat.

Asthedoorclosedonthem,Deannaswungaround.“Justin?Areyouallright?”

He growled and came at her. The silks she’d bought on Ariel tore from her body, and then Justin’s

mouthwasonherskin.Hekissedherthroat,neck,breasts—frantically,asthoughfearinghe’dneverhave
thechanceagain.Thenheraisedhishead,hiseyesasblueasAriel’sshimmeringlakes.

Justinswepther,naked,intohisarmsandnearlyranwithherintoherbedroom.Ittookhimlessthanten

secondstoripoffhistunicandleggings,andthenhecamedowntothebedwithher,readyforherassoon
astheybothhitthemattress.

“Imissedyou,”hesaid.Nowhispering,noteasing,justaclearstatementinaplainvoice.“I’llnever

letyouleavewithoutmeagain,Deanna.Never.”

“I’llstay,”shesaidbreathlessly.“I’llstay.Imissedyousomuch.”

“Deanna...”

Justin closed his eyes, his body taking over. No level-two games, no laughing play—only Justin and

Deanna,manandwoman,meetingbodytobody.

Deannaopenedherselftohim,Justin’slargecockfindingallthespacesinsideherandfillingthemup.

Butherorgasmwascoming,toosoon,toosoon.

“Iloveyou,Justin!”HervisionnarrowedtonothingbutJustin’sface,hishotblueeyes,hissun-dark

skin,hisbeautifulmouth.“Iloveyou.”

“Deanna.”Justinskimmedhisfingersoverherface,hisgazefixedonherandheralone.“Iloveyou.I

loveyou,mybeautiful,sweet,wickedlittlepatroller.Ilooovvve...”

Theworddraggedoutthenwaslostinthesoundsofhiscoming.

“Iloveyou,”hewhisperedashewounddown,thenhewaskissingher,thewarmkissesofafter-loving.

“Iloveyou.”

Deannatouchedhisface,herheartfull,andpulledhimdownforalong,andwonderfulkiss.

ChapterTwenty-Two

“So,”ReessaidtoJustininJudith’sbarthenextday.“Readytostartagain?”

“I’mnotinabighurry.”JustinlookedacrosstheroomtowhereDeannaandKatarinawerediscussing

indetailwithBrianne,Talan,andElisaeverythingthey’ddoneonAriel.“Butyeah.AslongasIcantake
Deannawithme,aslongasSybelliecanvisit,I’mgoodwithwhereveryouwanttogo.”

“Good.”Reessippedalewithanairofrelief.“I’mgladforyou,actually.Youweremessedup.Now

allweneedisMitch.”

“Whoiswhere?”

Reesshrugged.“Whothehellknows?Hecomesandgoes.Judithdoesn’tknowwherehewent,which

ispissingheroff.”

They both glanced at Judith, who was wiping the top of her bar and scowling at it. When Braden

thunkedhiselbowsonthecounterandgaveherawink,sheswattedhimwiththeclothandsnappedathim
togethisdamnarmsoffhercleanbar.

“Hopeshedoesn’timplode,”Justinsaid.

“Used to be, she’d relieve her loneliness and horniness with Shareem,” Rees said. “Now she’s

promisedtobeexclusivetoMitch,andhedoesn’tkeepherintheloop.That’sgoingtobeinteresting.”

“One way of putting it.” Justin’s body relaxed of its own accord, which told him that Deanna was

comingtohim.Hecouldalwayssensehernow.

“Walkmehome?”Deannaasked.“Iwanttofixuptheplacebeforemymomgetsback.Iboughtsome

newpicturesandacouplepiecesoffurnitureonAriel.Thatis,Katarinaboughtthemformeandwouldn’t
takenoforananswer.She’sverygenerous.”

“AlltheShareem’sladiesaregenerous,”Reessaid,openinghisarmtoscoopinTalan,who’dwalked

overwithDeanna.

“Wehavetobe,”Talansaid.“Toputupwithyou.”

ReesrumbledsomethingandthenceasedtobeinterestedinJustin.

JustingotoutofhisseatandtookDeanna’shand,steeringherawayfromthetable.“Ihavesomethingto

showyoubeforewegotoyourapartment.Tocelebrateusbecominglifemates.”

Deannablinked.“Lifemates?Whendidyouaskmetobeyourlifemate?”

Justin looked around at his friends, who’d heard, and who were now watching with interest. “I’m

askingyounow.Willyoube?”

Deanna’s lips were parted, pink moisture behind them. Justin could lean down and take that open

mouth,buthewantedheranswer.

Shesmiledsuddenly,andthecoldinsidehimfled.“Yes.”

“Hot damn!” Braden said from the bar, and the others cheered or applauded. “Better get more beer,

Judith.”

“Sure thing.” Judith grinned, her sour look gone. “I’ll put it on your tab, Braden. Congratulations,

Justin.YourbeerandDeanna’sisonme.”

“Can’t stop. Have something we need to do.” Justin laced his arm around Deanna, pulling her to his

side.“Seeyouall.”

“What?”DeannaaskedasJustinhalf-draggedheroutthedoorwithhim.“Whycan’twestop?”

“Ihavetoshowyoumysurprise.”

Justinwantedtorundownthestreet,maybewithafewbackflipstoshowhishappiness,buthemade

himselfwalkcalmly.Theydidn’tneedtheattentionofthepatrollersrightnow.

Buthewantedtoshouttotheworldthathewasinlove,thatthewomanbyhissidehadagreedtobehis

lifemate. The roasting Bor Nargan sun had never seemed so gentle, the dusty streets never so dazzling
withcolor.

Deanna was a little dizzy with happiness herself. The sun glaring down didn’t help, so she felt

lightheadedbythetimetheystoppedonabackstreetinfrontofadingywarehousedoor.

“Whatarewedoinghere?”sheasked.

Justintookoutakeycard,openedthedoor,andguidedDeannainside.Thedoorshutbehindthem,and

heledherdownadim,sand-grittyhalltoadooratthefarend,whichopenedathiscommand.

“Oh,”Deannasaidasshewalkedthrough.

Another world opened before her. She found herself inside a lush green maze filled with heady-

smellingflowers,fountains,andhiddenwaterfalls,theplantsstirredbybreezesunderthemist-disguised
ceiling.

“Whatisthisplace?”sheaskedinwonder.

“Calder’sdungeon.”

Dungeon?JustinledherthroughtooquicklyforDeannatopauseforthebeautyshefoundaroundevery

corner,butthisdidn’tlooklikeadungeontoher.Calderhadcreatedagardenparadise.

Attheendofthemaze,anotherdoorledintoahuge,darkenedroom,inthemiddleofwhichreposeda

bedonaplatform.Thebedwasdressedinscarletsatin,andasingleredrosewaitedinitsexactcenter.

“Justin,thisislovely.You’dneverknowallthiswasinhere.”

“Calder is the master of the secretive. I convinced him to let us use it to enjoy ourselves a while. I

thoughtitwouldbemorecomfortablethanmypint-sizedbedroom.”

“Ormine.”Deannaopenedherarmsandspunaround.Thewallsweredark,theairfreshlyscented,the

ceilingshimmeringwithpinpricklightslikestars.“It’sgorgeous.”

Justinwatchedherquietly,makingnomovetostartundressingherorbringouttoys.Hesimplylether

dancearound,enjoyingherself.

“RememberwhenItalkedtoyouaboutwatching?”heasked.“HowstimulatingIsaiditcouldbe?”

Deannacametorestagainstthebed.“Yes?”Shestillwasn’tsureshewouldlikethat.

“Ithought,togiveyouatasteofwhatit’slike,youcouldwatch...us.”

Heclickedahandheldshehadn’tnoticedhimpickingup,andthewallsblossomedscreens.Theywere

blank,blackwindowstonothing.

“Calderhascamerasinamazingplaces.Hecanfocusthemanywhere.”Justincametoher.“HeandI

spentaweekfiguringouttherightangles.Youcanwatchanythingwedo,whilewedoit.Suchas...”

Hecuppedherfacewithonehandandatthesametime,clickedthehandheld.Oneofthelargescreens

cameupwithanimageofthetwoofthem,herfaceandhis,closetogether.

Justinlickedherlips,andshesawitallbehindhim,histonguetracinghermouth,thenhiseyeshalf-

closingashemovedhishandtothenapeofherneckandkissedher.

Another screen came on to show the back of her, and Justin undoing her coverall. The coverall

crumpledtothefloor,Justin’slargehandmovingdowntocoverhersilk-cladbuttocks.

Thenextscreenglowedtolifeashecontinuedundressingher.Deannawatchedhimkisshiswaydown

her torso as he slid her sheath and leggings from her. He leaned in to lick her bared clit, and a screen
blossomedtoshowDeanna’spussy,hismouthclosingonit,herfingerscurling,Justin’stongueflickering
onherclit.

WhenJustinundressed,shegottoseeclose-upsofhisbody,especiallyhistight,fineass.Whenhelaid

heronthebed,theremainingscreenscameon,showingthathe’driggedonetodisplaywheretheyjoined.
Shewatchedinfascinationashisdarkandrigidcockslidintoher,penetratingher.

Shegottowatchhisassmoveasheworkedintoher,sawhismouthfindherbreast,hiseyesclosingin

concentration.AnotherscreenshowedDeanna’sfingersthreadhisdarkhair,herlegscominguptowrap
aroundhim.

Thensheforgotaboutthecameras,andlaybacktoenjoythefeelingofJustin’sweightonherbody,his

heatonherskin,thepowerofhiminsideher.Thislovewashot,raw,sensual.

ShewhimperedwhenJustinwithdrew,butherexcitementspedagainwhenheturnedherover,pulling

herbackonherhandsandknees.

ScreensatDeanna’seyelevellitwithimagesofJustin’slargecock,shiningwithlubeandhercome,

poised to drive back inside her. She saw her own face, relaxed in pleasure, half-smiling at the
anticipationofwhatwastocome.

They showed Justin, his big hands on her hips, face intent with need, and his cock, slick, hard, and

impossiblylarge,slidingsmoothlyintoher.

Whenshefelthimmoveallthewayin,sheclosedhereyes,notcaringaboutanythingbutthefeelingof

Justinramrodhardinsideher,thegentleslapofhisballsonherass,thecontrastofhishot,hardbodywith
thecoolsatinbeneathherhandsandknees.

The feelings took her over the top just as Justin groaned with them. She felt the rapid pulses of his

coming,hisseedscaldingintoher.

Perhapsthatseedwouldgivethembothanotherjoy.Deannahopeditwithallherheart.

They fell together onto the bed, Justin still inside her, Deanna laughing. The screens showed her

smiling,Justinnaked,hisbronzedbodybeautifulasitcoveredhers.

Theroomstartedtodim,andDeannarealizedthatthescreenswereflickingoff,onebyone,astheir

excitement spun down. Finally, only one remained, showing Deanna and Justin twined together, he
spoonedbehindher,hersmallbodyfittingintothecurveofhismuchlargerone.

“Wow,”Deannasaid.

Hisbreathwaswarminherear.“Youlikedthat?”

“Maybeweshouldredoyourplacewithcameras.”

Justinchuckled.“Maybeweshould.”

More silence as they wound into the comfort of the bed. Deanna was perfectly warm, the room’s

temperatureexactlyregulatedforaspentwomanwithaShareemcurledaroundher.

“You’regoingtoleaveBorNarga,aren’tyou?”Deannaaskedafteratime.

Shefelthislittlestart,butheonlysaid,“Hmm?”

“Youcan’twanttostayhere,andnow,youdon’tneedto.You’vedonewhatyoucameheretodo.”

“That’strue.”Justindrewhisthumbnailbeneathoneofhernipples.“ButwhenIgo,you’recomingwith

me.We’relifematesnow.”

Deanna’sheartbeatfaster,happinessthreateningtodrownher.“Justtryandstopme.”

“Mmm,thatmightbefun.Icouldtieyoudownandleaveyouhere,thencomebacktolickyouallover,

thencomebackagaintofuckyou...”

Deannalaughed.“Youaresuchaleveltwo.”

Hiseyesnarrowed.“Howwouldyouknow?”

“KatarinaandItalkedalotonourtrip.Shegavemedetailsaboutallthelevels—she’slearnedmuch,

beingmedictotheShareem.AndBriannehassomeinterestingtalesaboutwhatit’slikewithalevelone
versusalevelthree.”

“Theladieshavenaughtymouths.”

“About Shareem, yes.” Deanna touched her abdomen and lost her smile. “You had Sybellie. Do you

thinkit’spossibleformetoo?”

“Tohavemychild?”Justinslidhishandoverherswhereitrestedonherbelly.“Ihopeso.We’llsee,

won’twe?ItoldKatarinatostopgivingmethesterilityinoculations.”

“Good.”Herheartwarmed.Justinhadgivenherenoughofhisseedtodaythatsomethingmightcomeof

it.

“Wecanalwaysmakesure,”Justinsaid.

Shefelthersmilereturn.“I’mexhausted.Canwerestafewmoreminutes?”

“Sure.Whatwedidwasrecorded,ifyouwanttowatchitagain.”

She jumped. “Recorded?” Her face heated. “I’m not sure I want to see that. I probably looked

ridiculous.”

Justin’seyeswentsoft.“Youwerebeautiful.”

“Thoughitwouldn’tbebadtoseeyouagain.Especiallythatcock.”

“NotwhatI’llbelookingat.”Justinreachedforthehandheldonthebedsidetableandclickedafew

buttons.“Herewego.Liebackandenjoy.”

Thescreenslitwithimages.ShegottoagainwatchJustinundresshimself,thecamerasshowingevery

detailofhisbody,fromstrongfingerstowidechest,totightbackside,tolong,thickcock.

Hewasrightaboutwatching—seeingJustintakeher,Deannalookingupathim,hereyesheavy,made

herwarmandexcited.

“See?”Justintossedasidethehandheld.“Itcanbealotoffun.Now,let’sshowthosepeopleonthe

screenhowmuchbetterwecandoit.”

HerolledDeannaintothemattress,handspinningherwrists.Deannarosetomeethim,laughingashe

laughed.

“Iloveyou,Justin.”

Henuzzledher.“Iloveyoutoo,sweetDeanna,”hesaid.“Thankyouforsettingmefree.”

Hersmilewidened.“ButIarrestedyou.”

“And as soon as you clicked those cuffs around me, you in that sexy coverall, I knew you were the

womanforme.”

“Oh,bullshit.”

“Absolutelytrue.Ifyoudon’tbelieveme,youcanputmeinthecuffsagain.”

Deannalaughed.“Iloveyou.”

“Iloveyou,sweetheart.”Heclosedhiseyesasheslidinsideher.“Deanna,myworld.”

Deannaheldhimclose,andthenlovingtookover,andthen,bliss.

End

Readonforanexcerpt

ofBookOneof

TalesoftheShareem

Rees

(ReesandTalan'sstory)

TalesoftheShareem:Rees

byAllysonJames

ChapterOne

AShareemmale.

EasytotellhewasShareem,firstbecausehewastall,morethansixandahalffeet.Second,becauseof

the slim black chain on his left biceps. Third, because he was naked, except for a loincloth around his
waist.

Fromtheothersideoftheairywhitehall,TalanwatchedtheShareempauseinfrontofthedoortoa

holo-block.

TheShareemhadlonghair,darkblondandpulledintoatailthathungbetweenhisshoulderblades.His

backmusclesweresculptedtoperfection,taperingtoasmallwaistandmuscularthighs.

Theloinclothlefthisbacksidebare.Talanhadneverseenaman’sbacksidebefore.Itwasenoughto

dryhermouthandstartherjuicesflowing.

ReadingaboutShareemwasonething.Researchinginadustylibrarywasonething.SeeingaShareem

inthefleshwassomethingcompletelydifferent.

Sheknewnowwhywomenhadoncegonecrazytryingtogetthem.

Shareem. Genetically enhanced males, grown and bred for the pleasure of females. A craze twenty

yearsago,veryillegalthesedays.

DespitethecoolingsysteminsideTalan’srobes,sweattrickleddownherback.

Hepaidfortheholo-blockwithacreditstrip,andthebigdoorslidopen.Beyond,Talanglimpsedan

ocean,palmtreesandabeach.Goodchoice.

TheShareementeredtheroom.Thedoorstartedtoclose.

Talan had never broken a rule in her life. Talan d’Urvey would never, ever sneak into a holo-block

rentedforonlyoneperson.Thatwouldbewrong.

Butshe’dfollowedhimthisfar,andshecouldnotlingerforhourswaitingforhimtocomeout.

Thedoorhadnearlyclosed.Talanflungherselfacrossthehallandintotheholo-roomjustbeforethe

doorboomedshutbehindher.

*********

Reesgazedoutacrosstheblue-greenwavesofthetropicalocean,sankhistoesintothewarmsand,and

thoughtaboutthewomanfollowinghim.

Rees liked oceans. The desert world of Bor Narga had no oceans, except for a dried-up one in the

middleoftheplanet.

He liked the soothing cool of the water and the tropical air touching his ass, kissing his skin like a

woman’slips.ItwasaperfectplacetopondertheproblemRiohadbroughttohimandtothinkaboutthe
woman.

She’dbeenfollowinghimallmorning,eversincehe’dleftthebazaar.Atfirsthe’dthoughtshewasa

patroller,oneofthatfinebodyofwomenwhoenjoyedharassingthenow-freeShareem.

A closer glance told him no. Her robes placed her as upper-class. The patterns and colors on them

indicatedshewasunmarried,educated,andcelibate.

AcelibateyoungwomanfollowingaShareem.

Hewantedtolaugh.Naughtygirl.

She’dfollowedhimintotheholo-blockthendivedforcoverbehindthebroad-leafedplantsandstayed

there.

Maybe he should give her a show. He could stretch out on the sand, place his hand on his thigh and

bracehiscocksoitwouldpointstraighttothesky.He’dspreadhislegsalittle,showherthathisballs
weretightandliftingforher.

The DNAmo programmers had designed Shareem to respond to even subtle stimulation. Just being

watchedbyaninterestedwomancouldmakehiscockrise.

Besides,shewascute.

Heimaginedhercomingoutfromherhidingplace,kneelingandtakinghiminhermouth.

Mmm,hewantedthat.

Acelibatewouldn’tknowwhattodo.He’dhavetoshowher.Hiscocktingledinanticipation.

Shemustnotknowwhathewas,orshe’dhaverunawayasfastasherhigh-heeledbootswouldlether.

SheshouldhavepickedaleveloneShareemtofollow.Leveloneswereprettyharmless.Evenlevel

twoscouldbefun,ifaladyenjoyed,say,alittlespanking.

Levelthreescouldgetevenmorecreative.

Reeswasalevelallbyhimself.

Even ladies used to Shareem said Rees was dangerous. They said it with an excited tremor in their

voices.

ReeswasoneofthereasonsShareemweretaboonow.He’dbeenanexperiment,arisk,asteptoofar,

somesaid.

One day he’d heard the scientists say that they needed to terminate the experiment. He’d been pretty

surehowtheyweregoingtodothat.

He’dgottenaway,andthenextweekthecompanywentbankrupt.DNAmo,who’dthrivedforahundred

yearsbreedingtheperfectservantsandthentheperfectmales,disappeared.

PeoplehadlookedforReesatfirst,thenhadforgottenabouthim.TheybelievedtheDNAmoscientists

hadfledwithhim.Nooneevenknewwhathelookedlike.

Rioknew.Reesknew.Afewwomenthoughttheyknew,butcouldn’tbesure.

Andherehewas.

Hecouldtastethelady’spheromonesontheair.Shewaswetandwantinghim.

Well,she’dgetwhatshecamefor.Sheshouldlearnnottoplaywithfire.

Heturnedaroundandmadeforherhidingplaceinthegreenery.He’dgiveherachancetoleave.That

wasonlyfair.

Hestoppedrightinfrontofher.Betweenthebroad,flatleavesbehindwhichshecrouched,herfire-

coloredhairandtransparentveilnestledlikeaflower.

“Comeonout,”hesaid.

Thefiguredidn’tmove.

“You’renotreallyhiding,”Reessaid,tryingnottolaugh.“Iseeyou.”

Shequiveredasecond,thenslowlystoodup.

Reestookastunnedstepback.Didhesaycute?Shewasgorgeous.

Red hair framed the round face of a woman in her early twenties. Thick, black lashes enhanced the

bluesteyeshe’deverseen.Heimaginedherflutteringthoselashesoverhislips,overhisballs...

Herrobesmostlyhidher,buthecouldseetheswellofbreastsandtheroundofherhipsandbackside.

Helikedimaginingwhatshelookedlikeunderallthatfabric.He’dliketotakeoffthoserobes,layerby
slowlayer.

“Well?”hesaid.

“Well,what?”Shewastryingtobesnooty,butshewastoonervous.

“Whyareyoufollowingme?”

Shegotmorenervous.“Ithoughtthisroomwasempty.”

Liar.Helaughed.“No,youdidn’t.”

Anotherthing enhanced ona Shareem washis voice. He couldsoothe a womanjust by saying hello,

makehershiverbysayinghername.

Thewomanlookedanythingbutsoothed.“Ithought—Ididnotmeanto—It’sallright,I’llleave.”

Sheswungaround,robeswhirlinginthetropicalbreeze.Hecaughtherarm.Sheturned,startled,then

sheglaredathim.

AShareemnevertouchedanupper-classwomanwithoutherpermission.Itwasn’tdone.

HisfriendRio,alevelthreeandnotashamedofit,diditallthetime.

“I’mjust a badass,”Rio would say.Rio would have alreadylifted this lady’sskirts and showed her

whatalevelthreecoulddo.

Reeswasalittlekinder.

“IcanthinkofonlyonereasonacelibatewomanwouldfollowaShareem,”Reessaid.

Sheblinked.“Oh?Why?”

Heloweredhisvoice,madeitstillmoreseductive.“Becauseshewantsherfirstfuck.Whyelse?”

Shelookedathiminamazement,andherfaceturnedbrightred.“Ofcoursenot.”

“Youdidn’tfollowmetoplayhideandseek.You’recelibate.Youwantmetomakeyouun-celibate.”

“No,no,”shesaid.“Iwillgotoaclinicforthat.”

Upper-classwomenhadclinicsforsexualhealthandfordonatingDNAtomakechildren.Noneofthem

hadanythingtodowithsex.

Notswollencockinhot,slipperypussykindofsexanyway.

“Thenwhat?”

Sheblushed.“IjustwantedtoseeaShareem.”

Hespreadhisarms.“HereIam.”

Shemadenopretenseofnotlooking.Thoseblueeyesmovedassheexaminedhimfromhisblondhair

allthewaydownhismuscledchestandflatstomach,histhighsandcalvesandbarefeet.

Hergazeroseagain,lingeredontheloincloth,whichwasbulging,andlandedontheblackchainonhis

biceps.

“Doyoumindbeingaslave?”sheasked.

“Shareemaren’tslaves,”hesaid.“Wedowhatwewant.”Mostly.

“Butyouweremadeinafactory.”

“Growninavat,yeah.Buthereweare.”

Shelookedhimupanddownonemoretime,fascinated.“You’renotwhatIexpected.”

“Whatdidyouexpect?”

“You’rehuman,”shesaid,inwonder.“Ididn’tthinkyou’dbesohuman.”

That stunned him. Most women looked no farther than his huge cock and didn’t much care about

anythingelse.

Hewasn’tconsideredhuman.Humanoid,maybe.

Somethinginhisheartwarmedatinybit.Heshouldbekindtoher.Lethergetaway.

No.Huntherthroughthebrushandoutintothewaves—

Hestoppedthethought.“Youshouldn’thavefollowedme.Alevelone,maybe.Butnotme.”

Herbrowsrose.“Whynot?”

“BecauseI’mRees.”

Herlooktoldhimshe’dneverheardofhim.“WhatisaRees?”

Shemadehimlaugh,luckyforher.Therestofhisbodyscreamedathimtothrowherdownandfuck

herandgetitoverwith.

“That’smyname.”

Hercheeksgotredagain.“Oh.”

Helaughedoutloud.“Don’tworryaboutit,babe.Comeandswimwithme,”hesuggested,pitchinghis

voicetoseduce.“Thewater’snice.”

“No,Ican’t.Thankyouforasking,butI’mnotready.”

Shebreathedfast,pushingherdelectablebreastsupanddown.

“Notreadyforwhat?”

“Forswimming.Oranythingelse.Myresearchisn’tcomplete.”

“Research?”

“OnShareem.”

Hestaredather.“You’redoingresearchonShareem?Whatistheretoresearch?”

“Oh,many,manythings.”

Hewantedtolaughagain.

Hewouldn’tmindhelpingwithalittleresearch.He’dpulloffhisloincloth,layheronthesand,lace

hisfingersthroughherwarm,redhair.Thenspreadherlegs,thrusthistongueinsideherfinepussy.Yes,
anyresearchwasfinewithhim.

Shestammered,“Iwonderedifyouwould—ah—”

Heleanedcloser.Shehadasweetscentoverlaidwithatangofexcitedwoman.

Whatdoyouwantmetodo,love?hethought.Fuckyou?Lickyou?Fillyourmouth?

Bindherhands,partherlegs.Take...

Again,hestoppedhisthoughts.Shewascelibateandclueless.Shehadnoideawhathecoulddo,what

Shareemcoulddo,whatReescoulddo.

Thewomandrewabreath.“Iwonderifyou’dgivemeasampleofyourDNA.”

Rees stared at her. “Okay, I’ve had bizarre requests before, but . . . What do you want to do? Grow

yourownShareem?That’sillegal,darling.”

“No,no.Ionlywanttolookatit.Toseewhat’sdifferentaboutyou.”

“What’sdifferentisIdon’thaveparents.Or,maybeIhavemultipleparents.Orscientistswithnothing

bettertodo.”

Shefrowned,likeshedidn’tknowwhathewastalkingabout.

“What’syourname?”heasked.

Shewetherlips.“Talan.”

“Pretty name for a lady researcher. Okay, Talan, you can have my DNA. Mind if I think of some fun

waysofgivingittoyou?”

“That’sallright,I’lljusttakecellsfromyourfinger.”Shereachedintoherrobe,pullingoutsomething

thatlookedlikeasharpknifewithatubeattachedtoit.

Reestookaninstinctivestepback.Clinicsandtubesandknivesalwaysbotheredhim.

“Ready?”sheasked.

Hemadehimselfholduphisfinger.Theholo-blocksunlightglitteredonhistannedskinandtheblack

chain.

Asthoughshesawnothingbuthisfinger,Talanscrapedalittleoftheskinfromhisfingertip.Sheclosed

thetubeovertheknifeandputitbackintoherpocket.Shelookedsatisfied.

“Isthatit?”heasked.

“Yes,thankyou.Thankyouverymuch.”

“You’rewelcome.”

He should not touch her, he knew that, and not just because it was taboo. She stirred him up, and

stirringupReeswasdangerous.

Buthewantedtotouchher.Hereachedoutandbrushedastrandofhairfromherforehead.

Shestaredathim,mesmerized.Histouch,hisvoice,hisgaze,wereallmadetomeltawoman.

“You’reputtingaspellonme,”shewhispered.“Ireadaboutthat.”

Hegrinned.“Iknow.Ican’thelpit.”

“Ihavetogo.”

“Soyoukeepsaying.”

Hewithdrewhistouch.Shedrewasharpbreath,asthoughreleasedfromatrap.Shewhirledaround

again,makingforthedoor.

“Sureyoudon’twanttostay?”heasked.

Sheshookherhead.“Iamalreadyverylate.IfIhavetoexplain...”

Ifherfriendsweretheupper-classelite—womenwho’ddecidedthatgoodold-fashionedscrewing

wasbad,womenwho’dmadelawsrestrictingShareem—shewouldbeinforit,allright.

“Tellthemyouwereresearching,”hecalled.

“Goodidea.Goodbye,Mr.Rees.Andthankyou.”

She turned again, running straight at the wall. Triggered, the door materialized in front of her and

opened.Sheranthrough,thedraftswirlingherrobesaboveapairoflegsthatmadehisbloodsing.Then
thedoorwhooshedshut.

Hestoodthereforaminutewhilethetropicalaircaressedhimandthepalmtreeswhisperedandthe

oceanslitheredupthebeach.

Thenherippedoffhisloinclothandranacrossthebeachandintothewaves.

Hisbloodpoundedandeverycellinhisbodyburned.Hewaslikealavaflowinthewater.Hewas

surprisedtheholo-seadidn’tstartboiling.

Itwasallhecoulddonottorunafterher,haulherbackin,lockthedoor.He’dlayherdown,thrusthis

cockinsideher,keeppoundinguntilhecame.Andshecame.Andhecameagain.

Buthedidn’t.

She’dsaidthankyou.

Fuck,fuck,fuck!

Hiscock,enhancedliketherestofhim,stoodoutstraight,eveninthecoolwater.

Thank gods he’d decided to do an ocean. If he’d picked the garden with the fountain, he’d be dead,

becausenowayalittletricklingfountainwouldcoolhimdown.

Heplungedunderwater,lettingthewavesslitheroverhisnakedbody.Ithelped—some.Hepictured

thewoman,Talan,comingbackin,throwingoffherrobes,swimmingouttohim,twiningherarmsaround
hisneck.

He’dlowerhisheadandkissherlips.

Thatwasn’thelping.

When he surfaced, blood still pounding, the pheromone levels in the room had decreased slightly —

probablysavinghimfromanearlydeath.Hisheartbeatfinallysettleddown.

Ittookhiscocklongertodeflate,butdisappointmenthelped.

Hefloatedonhisback,thinking.

He’drememberherface.He’dseeheragain.

Oncehe’dfinishedhelpingRio,he’dseekherout.Anupper-classwomancalledTalanwouldn’tbetoo

hardtofind.

Andwhenhedid,he’dremindherofthelostopportunitythey’dhadhereonthetropicalbeach.

Thefuckingwouldbegood,hethought,hiscockthrobbingagain.Itwouldbeverygood.Heknewitin

hisbones.

EndofExcerpt

AbouttheAuthor

Award-winning author Allyson James is a pen name of New York Times bestselling author Jennifer

Ashley.Allysonhaswrittenmorethan35publishednovelsandnovellasinromance,urbanfantasy,and
mystery under the names Jennifer Ashley, Allyson James, and Ashley Gardner. Her books have been
nominated for and won Romance Writers of America's RITA (given for the best romance novels and
novellasoftheyear),severalRTBookReviewsReviewersChoiceawards(includingBestUrbanFantasy,
Best Shapeshifter Romance, and Career Achievement in Historical Romance), Prism awards for her
paranormalromances,andPassionatePlumeandCAPAawardsforhereroticromances.

MoreaboutAllyson'sbookscanbefoundatthewebsite

www.allysonjames.com

OremailAllysonat

allysonjames@cox.net

BooksintheShareemseries
Rees
Maia&Rylan(shortstory)
Rio
Aiden&Ky
Calder
Braden
Justin

BooksintheStormwalkerseries
Stormwalker
Firewalker
ShadowWalker
Nightwalker(forthcoming)
Andmoretocome!

TableofContents

ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen
ChapterFourteen
ChapterFifteen
ChapterSixteen
ChapterSeventeen
ChapterEighteen
ChapterNineteen
ChapterTwenty
ChapterTwenty-One
ChapterTwenty-Two
TalesoftheShareem:Rees
AbouttheAuthor

Document Outline

Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Tales of the Shareem: Rees
About the Author

Allyson James 6 Justin (Tales of the Shareem)

Document Outline