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Rio

ISBN#1-4199-0566-X

ALLRIGHTSRESERVED.

RioCopyright©2006AllysonJames

EditedbyHeatherOsborn.

CoverartbySyneca

ElectronicbookPublication:March2006

Thisbookmaynotbereproducedorusedinwholeorinpartbyanymeansexistingwithoutwritten
permissionfromthepublisher,Ellora’sCavePublishing,Inc.®1056HomeAvenue,AkronOH44310-
3502.

Thisbookisaworkoffictionandanyresemblancetopersons,livingordead,orplaces,eventsor
localesispurelycoincidental.Thecharactersareproductionsoftheauthors’imaginationandused
fictitiously.

Warning:

Thefollowingmaterialcontainsgraphicsexualcontentmeantformaturereaders.Thisstoryhasbeen
ratedE–roticbyaminimumofthreeindependentreviewers.

Ellora’sCavePublishingoffersthreelevelsofRomantica™readingentertainment:S(S-ensuous),E
(Erotic),andX(X-treme).

S-ensuouslovescenesareexplicitandleavenothingtotheimagination.

E-roticlovescenesareexplicit,leavenothingtotheimagination,andarehighinvolumepertheoverall
wordcount.Inaddition,someE-ratedtitlesmightcontainfantasymaterialthatsomereadersfind
objectionable,suchasbondage,submission,samesexencounters,forcedseductions,andsoforth.E-rated
titlesarethemostgraphictitleswecarry;itiscommon,forinstance,foranauthortousewordssuchas

“fucking”,“cock”,“pussy”,andsuchwithintheirworkofliterature.

X-tremetitlesdifferfromE-ratedtitlesonlyinplotpremiseandstorylineexecution.UnlikeE-rated
titles,storiesdesignatedwiththeletterXtendtocontaincontroversialsubjectmatternotforthefaintof
heart.

TALESOFTHESHAREEM:

RIO

AllysonJames

AllysonJames

ChapterOne

Rescue

Hewasanunlikelyrescuer,morethansixandahalffeettall,blackhairtohiswaist,blackleather
coveringahuge,muscledbody,andeyessoblueNellasworetheyweretryingtosuckherintohim.

Hestoodbetweenherandthehoveringballoftheassassinbot,closeenoughtoherhidingplacethatshe
couldsmellleatherandhissharp,malescent.

Hisblackhairhunginashiningmasstohistaut,leather-cladbackside,andforsomestrangereason,
Nellawantedtowrapherselfaroundhismassivethighsandhangon.

Themandidn’tknowthatNellahunkeredbehindadry-rottedcrateinchesawayfromhim.Hisattention
wasfixedonthefootandahalfroundsphereoftheassassinbot,whichhadattackedhimwhenhe’d
walkedinnocentlyintothealley.

Itwouldn’ttrytokillhim—Nellaknewitwasprogrammedtokillonlyher—butitwouldhurthimifhe
gotinitsway.

Thebothummedlikeanangrymosquitoandsmackeditselfagainstthetallman’schest.Anormalman
wouldhavebeenflattenedbyitspowerfulstrike,butherrescueronlyeyedtheshiningsphereinirritation.

“Getoutofmyway,yougods-fuckedmachine.”

ThewordstranslatedharshlyintheimplantinNella’sbrain,butthevoicethatspokethemwassmoothas
satin,warmandrich.Hisvoicemadeherwanttostopandlisten,asscaredasshewas.

Thebotstartedtobackaway,thenmadeasuddendartaroundthemantowardNella’shidingplace.

Themanswunghishugefist,andthebotspuncrazilyintoawallwithaloudboing.

Thebotbouncedback,wobblingalittle.

Timetorun,Nellathought.Butshecrouchedinplace,tornbetweenhidingandfleeing.Ifherrescuer
realizedthebotwasafterher,wouldhestepasideandletithaveher?

Assassinbotswereprogrammedbypeoplewhodidn’twantmurdertracedtotheirdoorsteps.Afterthe
botshotitskillingdartintoNella’sbody,itwoulddisintegrate,leavingnoevidenceofwhereitcame
fromandwhosentit.Linginianknewhowtocoverhistracks.

Thebotwouldn’thurtthemanunlesshetriedtoohardtogetinitsway.Nellaknewsheendangeredhim,
butthen,shemightbeabletogetawaywhilehekeptthe4

Rio

botbusy.Ifsheleaptontoatransportshipandgotoutofhere,she’dbesafe.Thebotcouldnottravel
throughspacetofindher.

Thatwouldn’tstopLinginianfromtryingagain,ofcourse.

Thebotstrucktheblack-leather-cladmanagain.Growling,hecaughtthesphereinhishands,butthebot
crackledwithelectricity,coveringtheman’sfingersandwristsinawaveringbluefield.

“Fuck!”hecriedandletgo.

Thebot’shumincreased.Botshadnofeelings,notevenacomputerbrainlikeandroids.Theysoughtand
destroyed,thatwasall.

ButNellasworethisbotwasannoyed.Itwantedtoteachthemanalessonbeforeitgotdowntothe
businessofkillingNella.

Themanglaredatit,thenagleamenteredhiseye,andhetappedhischestwithhisfist.“Allright,you
hunkofjunk,comegetme.”Hesoundedirritated,butatthesametime,elated,likehewashavingfun.

Amanwhohadfunfightinganassassinbot?

Heledthebotbackward,stepbystep.Itfollowedhim,andhelaughed,oneofthefinestsoundsNellahad
everheardinherlife.Agirlcouldfallinlovewiththatlaugh.

Butanymomentnow,he’dfalloverNella’shidingplace,andthebotwouldgetthemboth.Sheheldher
breath.

Atthelastminute,themansteppedthroughanarrowdoorwayintoanemptywarehouse.Thebotskittered
intotheshadowedopening,thenitstopped,asthoughconfused.

Themanduckedoutandslappedhishandagainstthewall.Ahugemetaldoorslammeddown,carrying
thestartledbotwithit.Theheavyslabofmetalsmashedthebotintothefloor.

Plasticandmetalandgoldbitsfleweverywhichway,clatteringagainsttherustingwalls.Thenwithhiss
andapop,thepiecesdisintegrated.Themanchuckled.“There.

Seehowyoulikeit.”

Butthebotwasprogrammedtokill,nomatterwhat.Atthelastmoment,oneofitsdartsreleased,
lightningfast,straightatNella,programmedtoseekandfindherDNAsignature.

Shefeltthestinginherbareleg.Thepoisonwasfast-acting,andhervisioninstantlyblurred.

Throughafog,shesawthebigmanstandingoverher,concerninthebluesteyesshe’deverseen.Hehad
thedartclenchedinhisfist,whichhe’dpulledoutofheralmosttheinstantitwentin.

Sheheardhimsay,“Areyouall—?”andthen,therewasnothing.

*****

5

AllysonJames

“Rio?”Dr.Laascameoutofherlaboratoryandstaredattheunconsciousyoungwomaninhisarms.“Who
isthat?Whathappened?”

“Noidea.”Riocarriedthegirlpasttheprofessorandintothesoftlylitroom.“Somefloatingballwas
chasingme,anditshother.Isnatchedthedartout,butitmightbetoolate.Ican’twakeherup.”

Dr.LaaswasoneoftheoriginalinventorsofShareem,mencreatedinthelaboratoriesofDNAmotobe
tall,tight-assedandlong-cocked,andknoweverywaytobringawomantoecstasyandkeepherthere.
Fordays.

Dr.Laas,ageniusattwenty,hadbeeninthethickoftheexperiments.Sheandherfellowscientistshad
minedgenesfromtheverybeststockofmanyworlds,combiningthemtocreateShareem.

AngelicaLaashadbeenbeautifulattwenty,andatfifty,shewasstillvoluptuousandpretty.Because
Shareemagedslowly,Riodidn’tlookallthatmuchdifferentfromthedayhe’dleftDNAmowithher,
twentyyearsago.

WhenDNAmoshutdown,andtheparanoidgovernmentofBorNargaoutlawedShareem,anyrelated
researchandthescientistswho’dmadethem,Dr.Laashadgoneunderground—literally.Shenowexisted
inacompoundbuiltunderthewarehousedistrictofPasCity,hiddenandsecret.Onlyaprivilegedfew
knewhowtoenterit.

TheShareemthemselveshadbeenallowedtolive—aclosevoteintheSenatewhenmanypeoplehad
clamoredtoterminatethem.

Shareemcouldlive,theSenatedecided,aslongastheydidn’tleavetheplanet,procreateandspreadtheir
outlawedgenes,orhaveanythingtodowiththesex-lovingscientistswho’dcreatedtheminthefirst
place.TheywouldberegulatedandcontrolledbytheMinistryofNon-HumanLifeForms,andkeptunder
strictsurveillanceandcontrol.

Riohadlongagobrokenrulethreeandwasabouttobreakruleone.Ruletwohe’dkeptonlybecausehe
wasforcedonceeverysixmonthstotakeinoculationsagainstsexualdiseasesandimpregnatingwomen.
Hecouldbeasexualmachine,butneverafather.

Shareemhadbeencleanedofalldiseaseswhenthey’dbeenmade,buttheMinistrytrustednothing.Rio
andeveryotherShareemweresubjectedtoaseriesofpainfulinoculationseverysixmonths.Thepenalty
fornotreportinginandtakingthem—

termination.

Riohadbeenonhiswaytodaytobreakruleone,toboardatransporttoStation657.

HisfriendRees,anotherShareem,hadsetitupforhim,usinghisconnectionstogethimaberth.Rees’
newlifemate,Talan—sweet,beautifullady—hadpaidforitasagift.

RiohadacontactonStation657,anotherShareemwhowouldhelphimfindaworldwherepeople
couldn’tcarelesswhetheramanwasaShareemorahumanorasix-armedVenusian.Somewherea

Shareemcouldlaybackandenjoylife,maybeevenhaveafamily.

6

Rio

Riohadstartedtowantthatbad,especiallynowthathe’dseenRees—Rees,forthegods’sakes—fallin
loveandcleavehimselftoonewoman.Rees,anexperimentalShareemwho’dbeenputthroughhellat
DNAmo,wasnowrelaxedandatpeacewithhimself.

Talan,theprettywomanforwhomhe’dfallen,hadbroughthimthatpeace.

PlentyofladieswantedRio—hewasalevelthreeShareemafterall,whichmeantbondage,domination
anddangerousgames,inwhichRiowasalwaysmaster.Hismottowas,havewhip,willuseit,anytime,
justaskme,sweetheart.

WomengrewinstantlywetsimplylookingatRio.Theybeggedforhimtodowhateverhewanted—tie
themup,spankthem,fuckthem,forcethemtopleasurehim.

NotthatRiodidn’tenjoybeingaDom,becausehedid.Itwaswhathewas.Butmaybeoutthereinthe
stars,hecouldfindsomethingmore.

RioquicklylaidtheyoungwomanonthetableDr.Laasindicated.

“Whoisshe?”Dr.Laasaskedagain.

“HellifIknow.Shewashidinginanalley.”

Theylookedtheyoungwomanover.Shehadaflowerlikefacesurroundedbyflame-redhair.Thehair
wastangledanddirty,butwhenshecleanedup,Riothought,itwouldflowlikelivingfire.

Sheworeonlyatight,translucenttunic,tornanddirty,thatcoveredherfromnecktothigh,thegarbofa
servant.Herbarelegsweresweetlyrounded,theshoesonherfeet,toobig.

Thetunicshapeditselftoalushbody—fullbreasts,roundhips,abellysheprobablythoughtwastoo
ample.Asweet,lickablewomanwho’dlookgoodnaked,kneeling,herhandsboundbehindher.

Rightnow,herfacewaspastywhite,herbreathshallowandherlimbsice-cold.

Dr.Laas,everpractical,asked,“Whatwassheshotwith?”Riotookthedartfromhisbag.He’dwrapped
itinclothtokeepsafefromthepoint.

“Careful.”

Dr.Laastookittothecomputersacrosstheroom,whereshehadaterminalbuiltintoaroundtable.Rio
didn’tknowoneendofacomputerfromtheother,butheknewDr.Laaswasageniuswiththem.She
touchedthemandpurredtothem,andtheydidanythingshewanted.

Whensheunwrappedthedart,hereyeswidenedinalarm.Sheeyedthefine-pointedneedleamoment,

thenscrapeditagainstaplasticslide.Shedroppedtheslideintoaslotonthetable,thenpickedupher
lightwandandtouchedafewpads.“Mmm.

Notgood.”

Riotookthegirl’shandinhis.Herfingerswerecoldbutherpalmswereslickwithsweat.“What?”

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AllysonJames

ThecomputervoicethatDr.LaascalledBaineansweredthequestion.“Analkaloidpoison.Old-
fashioned,buteffective.Itkillsbyasphyxia.”

“That’swhyshecan’tbreathe,”Riosaid.

Dr.Laasnodded.Shetouchedmorelightpads,mutteredtoherselfandfinallystoodup.“Berightback.”

Shesteppedtothelifttubeattheendoftheroomanddisappearedintoit.

Riolookeddownattheyoungwoman.“Hangon.”Hecircledhisthumboverthebacksofherfingers.“I
don’twantyoudyingbecauseofme.”Heflickedhisgazealongherfine-curvedbody,whichlaylimpand
unresponsive.“You’rewaytoocutetodie.”Shareem,thetheorywent,wereprogrammedtonothave
strongemotions—hate,rage,fear,desperation,joy,love.

That’sbullshit.

Riodesperatelywantedthiswomantolive.Hedidn’tknowwhyhecaredsomuch.

Hedidn’tknowher—she’dneverevensaidawordtohim.Buthefeltapulltoher,aninvisiblebondthat
wentbeyondcompassion.

Hewantedhertoopenhereyesandlookathim,tosmileathim,toliveandwalkandtalk.Hewantedto
havesexwithher.Hewantedtoknoweverythingabouther.

Whyhewantedthissobad,hehadnofreakingclue.

Theliftwhirredopen.Dr.Laasscuttledacrossthefloor,theslitinhercoverallshowingashapelyleg
fromankletohip.

Shehadasyringeinonehand.Shetappedit,thenplungeditintothecurveofthegirl’sarm.“Thatshould
doit.”

Thegirlgaveafewraggedgasps,thensuddenlyherbodyrelaxed.Shedrewalong,deepbreathandwent
limpintoanatural-lookingsleep.

Rioalsodrewabreath,relieved,surprisedtofindhimselfshakingallover.Shewouldlive.

Hekissedherwarmingfingersandlaidherhandatherside.

8

Rio

ChapterTwo

IntheLairofDr.Laas

Nellaopenedhereyesandrealizedshewasnaked.

Itwasarelieftobeoutofthedirty,sour-smellingtunicshe’dstolen,butabitunnervingtowonderwho’d
takenitoff.Akindstranger?Adoctorinahospital?OrLinginian?

Nellaassessedhersurroundings.Shelayinasmallroomwithnowindows,litwithsoft,artificiallight.
Thebedwastheonlypieceoffurnitureinthesparseroom,andtoherright,anopendoorledtowhat
lookedlikeabathroom.

Therecirculatedaircarriedafaintscent,awarm,spicysmell.Asheetcoveredhernakedbody,andthere
wasnosignofherclothes.

Itdidnotlooklikeahospitalroom,whichwouldhaverowsofblinkingcomputerstomonitorthepatient.
Atleast,theydidonAriel.ShehadnoideawhathospitalroomslookedlikeonBorNarga.

Ifshewereacaptive,hercaptorswerebeinggentlewithher.Orperhapshopingshe’drelaxandtrust
them.

HadLinginiansucceededincapturingheragain,afterall?Hadshebeentakenbacktohisluxuryliner,or
eventohishugehouseonthesoutherncontinentofAriel?

Aftershe’descapedhimandhispretensethatthetwoofthemhadrunofftogether,he’ddonehisbestto
killher.IfNellaweredead,shecouldnottelloneandallthathe’dkidnappedherandtriedtoformthe
Bondbyartificialmeans.

But,ifLinginianhadher,whywouldheputherinthispleasantroomwithscentedairandasoftbed?

Shehadnoidea.Herbrainwasfilledwithconfusedimages,andherbladderwasfull,makingthe
bathroominviting.

Nellahoppedoffthebedandstretched.Shefeltwellandrested,betterthanshehadindays.Thiscould
notbeLinginian’swork—hehaddeniedherallcomfortswhensherefusedhim,hopingtobreakher.But
Nellawasmadeofsternerstuffthanthat.

Sherelievedherselfinthebathroom,thenlookedattheshowerthatlinedthewall.

Itwasawatershower,withfivejetspositionedoveralongbench.Apersoncouldliethere,naked,and
letwaterfallalloverthem.

Thesensualityofitmadeherskintingle.Mostpeoplethesedaysusedsterilizerstogetclean.Thisshower
wasforsomeonewholikedthefeelingofhotwatertricklingagainstnakedskin.

Thebenchwaswideenoughthattwopeoplecouldliedownveryclosetogether.Orontopofoneanother.

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AllysonJames

Shedraggedinabreath.Itwasawickedidea,oneshewassurprisedshe’dthoughtof,butforsome
reason,shelikedit.

Nellacouldn’tresist—shewasunwashed,herhairinnastytangles.Shestudiedthecontrolsattheendof
theshowerandadjustedforwatertemperatureandpressure.

Theshowersjettedtolife.Shewalkedunderthem,pullingherhairbacktoscrapethewonderfulwater
throughit.

Sheglancedatthebench.Shecouldjustsoapherselfdownandturnoffthewater,but—whynot?Ifher
captorswantedhertoenjoyhershower,thenshewould.Eveniftheykilledherlater,she’dbecleanand
comfortable.Shewastiredofbeingotherwise.

Nellalaydownonthebench,faceup,closinghereyes.

Theshowerpoureddownonherlikeawarmwaterfall,likebeingcaughtinasummerrainasachild.
Exceptnowshedidwhatshe’dalwayswantedtodo,spreadhernakedarmsandlegsandletthewater
flowoverher.

Theshowerbeatsoftlyonherskin,tinglingonherbreasts.Hernipplesroseinresponsetothegentle
massage.

Shespreadherlegsalittlemore,wantingthesamemassagebetweenthem.Itfeltgood.Shehadnever
beenwithaman—shewouldnotuntilshefoundherBond-mate—

butshe’dtouchedherselfexperimentally.Thisfeltmuchbetter.

Thewatertappedherclitandfloweddownthefoldsofherquim.Shewonderedifaman’stonguewould
feellikethat.Shegroanedalittle,thinkingofit.

Shesuddenlyrememberedthetallmanfightingtheassassinbotinthealley,andherheartbeatsped.That
hadn’tbeenadream.He’dbeenreal,andhe’dsmashedthebot.Shecouldn’trememberanythingafter
that.

Hadhecarriedherhere?

Andwhy?

Toletherlieunderthewaterandwishhistonguelappedher?Becausehewouldbetheexactmanshe’d
want.He’dlookatherwiththosestrangeblueeyes,laughthatsilkenlaughandrunhistonguethroughher
foldsuntilshescreamedwithjoy.

Nellaraisedherhips,wantingthewater.Shewonderediftheshowerhadbeenprogrammedtorainonher
injustthatplacewithjustenoughpressuretomakeherwild.

Itworked.Shecriedoutinpleasure,thenbitherlipasthesoundechoedthroughthebathroom.She
wriggledherhips,feelingthesoftjoyofthewaterslidingthroughherpussy.

Ifthedark-hairedmanwerewithhernow,he’dliebesideher,hishairslickwithwater,dropletsonhis
lashesandcheekbones.He’dlieonhissideandtrailhishandthroughthepetalsofherquim,teasing
wherethewaterdid.

Shehadnoideawhothemanwas.Hecouldbeanenemy—butthenwhyhadhestoppedtheassassinbot?
OrhecouldwantNellaforhisownpurposes,andneedheralive.

10

Rio

Whateverhewanted,shewashavingthemosteroticfantasyabouthim.Sheimaginedhimmovinghis
fingeraroundherclit,strokingandtouching,tracingthepathofthehairaroundherquim.He’dteasethe
buttonofhernub,movingitshoodbackandforth,backandforth.

Thewaterpatteredexactlywheresheimaginedhisfingers.Fasterandfasteritmoved,asthoughadjusting
itselftoherrisingexcitement.

Shecuppedherownhandoverhergroinassheliftedherhipshigh,andcame.

Creampouredoverherfingers,mixingwiththewater.Shepressedherselfhard,closinghereyestothe
warmfeeling,wishingitwashislargehandstrokingher.

Nellalayquietlyforawhile,lettingthewatercradleherassheslidherhandfromherquimandrelaxed
fromherclimax.Ifthemanwerebesideher,he’dgiveherawarmsmile,nuzzlehercheekandkissher
lips.

Whowashe,andwasthishishouse?Sheshivered.Whatkindofmanhadashowerthissensual,and
engenderedsuchvividfantasies?

Shewishedsheknewwhetherhewereenemyorfriend.EvenifhehadnothingtodowithLinginian,she
hadbetterplayalongthatshewasnobody,untilsheknewwhethershecouldtrusthim.Sheblewouther
breath,hatingallthisintrigue.

Shegotupfromthebenchandturnedoffthewater.

Notowels.

Naked,shestoodbeneaththedryingunitontheotherwall,lettingwaftsofairgentlydryherskinandkeep
herwarmatthesametime.

Allright,nowshewasclean,dryandrested,butshestillhadnoclothes.

Shewalkedbackintothebedroom.Herbedroomathomehadcabinetsbuiltintothewalls,hiddensothat
thewalllookedlikeasmoothsurface.Sheskimmedherfingersoverthepanelsasshewalkedbythem.
Ah,acatch.Shepressedit.

Shesmiledasthewallrolledback,meldingperfectlyintothepanelnexttoit.

Inside,shefounddrawersandhooksforclothes,butallwereempty.

Shesearchedtheroomforothercabinets,butfoundnone.Shehadthebed,thisemptyclosetandthe
fabulousbathroom.

Nellarestedherhipsonthebedandlookedatthedooroppositetheonethatledtothebathroom.Itwould
belocked,ifshewereacaptive.

Shewalkedtothedoor.Aslightdepressionindentedthewallnexttoit,deepenoughforafinger.She
touchedit,andthedoorslidopen.

Nellasteppedbackinsurprise.Beyondlayasoftlylithall,theairscentedlikeitwasinthebedroom.
Twomoredoorsopenedoffthishall,andattheendwasalift.

So,notacaptive—atleast,shehadn’tbeenconfinedtothisroom.Beforesheexplored,though,she
neededclothes.

Nellasteppedintothehall,thesoftfloorcoveringticklingherbaretoes.Itfeltpleasant.No—morethan
pleasant,sensual.

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AllysonJames

Thatwasit,thisentireplacehadbeenmadewithsensualityinmind.OnAriel,Nella’spalaceprovided
almosteverycomfort,butthishouse,whereveritwas,promisedpure,temptingsensualityateveryturn.

Shecouldnotopentheotherdoors,sotheywerenohelp.Sheretreatedintothebedroom,snatchingthe
sheetfromthebed.Tuckingitsecurelyaroundherplumpbodyandcarryingtheendoverherarm,she
walkeddownthehalltowardthelift.

Tohersurprise,itpolitelyopeneditsdoorsforher.Inside,soft,coolairruffledherhair,andthescent
changed,takingonthesubtlehintofflowers.

Shewassearchingforfingercontrolswhenamalevoicesaidimpatiently,“Well?

Wheredoyouwanttogo?”

Shejumped,thenrealizedthevoicecamefromaspeaker,anditwaselectronic,nothuman.

Nellahadbeengivenanimplantwhensheturnedfourteenthatallowedherbraintomasterlanguages
whensheneededto.Whenshe’darrivedonBorNarga,ithadactivatedtospeed-teachherthatlanguage,
thoughshestillhadanaccent.

“Up?”shesuggested.

“Couldyoubemorespecific?”

Shethought.“Whereisthemanwhobroughtmehere?Ishestillhere?”

“Ah,youmeanRio.Areyousure?Icantakeyoutothekitchenonlevelfiveandgetyouanicebowlof
soup.”

“No,Iwanttotalktohim.”

Thecomputersighed.“Well,there’snoaccountingfortaste.”Thedoorsslidclosed.Thelifthesitateda
moment,thenbeganasmooth,swiftjourneyupward.

HowevermanylevelsNellaascended,shedidn’tknow.Shesuspectedsevenoreight,butthelifthadno
indicator.

Theliftslowedagainandthedoorsopened,spillingherintoawideroom,softlylitandpaintedaquiet
peachcolor.Afaint,harp-likemusicwaftedthroughtheairattheverytheedgeofherhearing.

Adoorattheendoftheroomopenedontoaroommorebrightlylit.Sheheardvoicescomingfromit,and
sheslowedhersteps,haltingjustwheretheshadowofherroommetthelightofthenext.

Shepeeredinside,thenhereyeswidenedandherbreathingstopped.

Thewallsoftheroomwerecoveredwithmirrors.Standingbeforethem,reflectedbackahundredtimes,
wasNella’srescuer,tallandblack-haired,hisfacehardandhandsome.

He’dremovedhisleathertunicandstoodcladinonlyleatherleggingsthathuggedpowerfulthighsanda
tightbackside.Hischestandshouldersbulgedwithmuscle,andhehadaslimblackchainfittedaround
themassivebicepsonhisrightarm.

12

Rio

Hewasnotalone.Inthecenterstoodabed—oratleastacushionedplatformstrewnwithpillows.A
womanhadpositionedherselfonthis,naked,onhandsandknees,sothatherbacksidehungovertheedge.
She’dtwistedherredhairintoaknot,leavingherneckfreeforthecollarshewore.Asilverchainhung
fromthecollarandswungbetweenherbarebreasts.

Behindherstoodanotherman,astallandmuscledasNella’srescuer.Hehadblondhairpulledbackfrom
hisfaceandcaughtinatail,boundonceathisnape,andagainhalfwaydownhisback.

He,likethewoman,wasnaked.Hisbacksidewastightunderataperedwaist,hishipsfirm,hisarms
cordedwithmuscle.Hiscock,mirroredadozentimes,stoodstiffanderectfromround,heavyballs.He
heldashortwhipinhislefthand,andhealsoworeaslimblackchainonhisrightarm.

“Rees,”thewomangroaned.“Please.”

“Itoldyounottobeg,Talan,”themanwiththewhipsaidsoftly.Heflickedthelashlightlyoverherback,
andsheflinched.

“I’msorry.”

“Openyourlegs.”

Thewomanobeyed,showingherfoldswetandready.Nellaheldherbreath.Themansteppedforward,
positionedhimselfagainstherquim,andinonestroke,slidhismassivecockinsideher.

Theyoungwomanscreamed,thenherfacerelaxedintoanexpressionofpureecstasy.Shemoaned,
rockingherhipstotakehiscockfartherandfarther.ShelookedupatNella’sblack-hairedrescuer,who
stoodinfrontoftheplatform,watchingthem.

“Rio,”shewhispered.

Theblack-hairedmanskimmedhisfingersacrossherface.Sheclosedherlipsaroundhisforefinger,
sucking.

Helether,watchingherintently.HiseyesweresobluethatNellacouldseethemallthewayacrossthe
room.

Thescentofthelovemakingreachedher,alongwithsomethingelsethatmadehersensestingle.
Somehow,shecouldalmostfeelwhatthewomanfelt—well,notexactly—

butshecouldvividlyimaginetheblondmanslammingintoher,andfeeltherushofjoy,therelease.

Nellamovedherhandtoherbreast.Thenipplepushedhardatthesheet,pebblingbeneathherfingers.She
pinchedit,enjoyingthetingleandthesmallpain.

Herskingrewhotandflushed.Shehadtheburningdesiretoripoffhersheet,runintotheroom,kneelin
frontofherblack-hairedmanandbeghimtotouchhertoo.

She’dnever,everhadsuchfeelingsbefore.Nomanhadmadeherdesirehim,nomanhadmadeherwant
tobebareinfrontofhim.

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AllysonJames

Thewomangaspedandgroaned.Themanbehindherslidinandout,inandout,hiscockglisteningwith
herwetness.Hetappedherwiththewhip,andshecriedout,jerkingherhips.

“That’sit,Talan,”themanwhispered,hisvoiceragged.“Squeezeme.”Nella’sownhipsjerked,andshe
snakedherhanddowntoherthighs.Thesheetblockedher,butshepressedbetweenherlegs,theheelof
herhandmassaginghermound.“Yes,”shesaidunderherbreath.“Likethat.”Shewassofocusedonthe
heatofherbodyandherachingpussy,thatshedidnotnoticethattheblack-hairedmanhadgone.

Thatis,notuntilheslidhishandsaroundherwaistfrombehindandeasedheragainsthisbare,hard
chest.

“Likeit?”hemurmured.

Hisblackhairhungpasthisfaceinalongwave,andhiseyeswerecompletelyblue—theiriseswidening
untilthewhitenearlydisappeared.Hisskinwashot,hotterthanahuman’sshouldbe.Theblackchainon
hisarmstoodoutonhisbrownskin.

“Whoareyou?”sheasked,staringupathim.

“I’mRio,”hesaid.“Whoareyou?”

Hisvoice,softandseductive,withahintofhiddenwickedness,willedhertotellhim.Withdifficulty,she
clampedherlipsshut.Shecouldnotrevealhertruename,yet,notuntilshewascertainwhohewasand
whoheworkedfor.

“I’m…”Shestopped,hermouthtryingtoformtherightnameanyway.Herbrainfeltthick,asthoughafog
woveperfumedtendrilsthroughit.

“I’m—yours,”shesaid.

Hiseyesflared,thebluewideningstillfurther.“That’sdangerous,beautiful.Verydangerous.”

Shedidn’tcare.Shesuddenlywantedeveryinchofdangerhecouldgiveher.

Rioslidhishandsupwardtolifttheweightofherbreasts.Insidethebrightroom,thewomancalledTalan
moanedherpleasure.Theblondmanpumpedharder,hisbodytightlycontrolled,thewhipbrushingher
back.

“Please,”Talangroaned.“Please,now.”

Nella’smouthmovedwithhers.“Please.”

Shedidnotknowwhatshebeggedfor.Herthoughtsseemednotherown,asthoughsomeoneelse
suggestedshefeelwhatTalanfelt,wantwhatTalanwanted.

Wastheman,Rio,doingthis?Washeatelepath?Butshe’dmettelepathsbefore,andthiswasnotquite
thesame.

Hotneedspikedthroughher.Rioloweredhisheadandtracedhershouldertoherneckwithonestrokeof
histongue.

“Youfeelit,”hemurmured.

Shecouldonlymakeastranglednoise.

14

Rio

“Youfeelherwantinghim.Icanfeelyoufeelingit.”Hechuckled.“Youcanfeelmefeelingyoufeelit.”

Hisleggingsstretchedoverhiscock,hugeandstiff,theincrediblelengthofitpressingherbackside.

“Youwantmethere,”hesaid.

“Yes.”

“Youdon’tknowwhy,andyouarenotreadytotakeme.I’dhurtyouifItookyounow.”

Nelladraggedinabreath.Histonguemovedtoherear,tracingtheshellofit.Hisbreathburned.

“Itwouldhurt,”hemurmured.“Andyou’dloveit.I’mShareem.Icouldmakeyouloveit.”

“Yes,”shegasped.

“ButIwon’t.”Heteasedthenubsofherbreastwithslowfingertips.“I’llneverhurtyou.I’llgiveyou
onlythegoodkindofhurt.”

“Thegoodkind?”sheasked,confused.

“Watchthem.”

Thewoman,Talan,wasgoingcrazyundertheman’spounding.Shewrithedandcried,andoncemore
startedtobeg.

“Please,Rees,now!”

“Itoldyounottobegme,”theblondmansaid.Hisvoicewastightlycontrolled,butcontainedanedgeof
wildness.“ItoldyouI’dpunishyou.”

“I’msorry.”

“Toolate,sweetheart.”

Hewhippedher.Slapafterslaplandedonherthighsandherbuttocks.Nellaflinched,asthoughshecould
feeleverysting.Butitwasnotpain,itwas…

“Release,”Riowhisperedinherear.“Beautifulrelease.”Inthemirroredroom,Talanscreamed.She
came,herbodyjerkingandarching.

Behindher,Reeslether,rubbinghernowwiththewhipinsteadofslappingher.Hegroundintoher,
pumpinghard,hisfaceset.

Thenhecriedhername,hisheadfallingback,hisvoicedeepandbroken.

Hewrenchedhiscockoutofher,stillerectandincrediblybig.Talanwhimpered.

Hescoopedherupandlaidherdownonherback.Thenhecoveredherwithhisbigbodyandenteredher
again.Theirhipsmetandmetagain,bothshudderingwithneedandrelease.

RioreachedpastNellaandtouchedacontrolonthewall.Thedoorwentdark,silentlyblockingoutthe
coupleinthemirroredroom.

15

AllysonJames

ChapterThree

DamselinDistress

ThewomansaggedbackagainstRio,asthoughreleasedbystrings,herpheromonesswampinghim.

Mmm,yes.

She’dcleanedupwell,likeRiohadknownshewould.Herhair,gloriouslyred,wasslickedbackfroma
roundfaceandlaywarmagainsthischest.Brown-goldeyeswithflecksofgold,framedwiththick,red-
brownlashes,turneduptohimintrepidation.

Sheheldthesheetwithpretty,plumparms,tryingtohideherbody,butintruth,thesheetonlyemphasized
hercurves.WhenDr.Laashadundressedherinthebedroom,Riohadrakedhisgazeovereveryinchof
herflesh,unabletostophimself.

He’dwantedtodevourher.

Dr.Laas,withherknowingsmile,hadadvisedRiothatheshouldlettheyoungwomanrestfirst.

Herlipswerelush,full,thelowerlipabitplumperthantheupper.Partednow,theygavehimaglimpse
ofhertonguetouchingherlowerteeth.Hewantedtodiphistonguebehindherlipandtastetheripenessof
her.

ShewasbreathinghardfromwitnessingtheveryeroticscenebetweenReesandTalan.Thosetwocould
setfiretoafireretardant.

Rio’sownneedthreatenedtoburnhimfromtheinsideout.Anyotherday,he’dhaveaskedReestolet
Talantakehiscockinhermouthandgivehimrelease,buthehadn’twantedthattoday.He’dseenhisred-
hairedwomanintheshadows,felthercuriosityandwonder.

He’dwantedtoholdherwhileshecaughttheswampingwaveofShareempheromones,sohe’dslipped
outoftheroomthroughanotherdoorandcomeupbehindherwhileherattentionhadbeenfixedonRees
andTalan.

Nowshelookedupathim,startled,tryingtocontrolherlongingandnotunderstandinganyofit.

“Whatareyou?”shebreathed.

Shehadadeliciousaccent,therslightlyrolled,thevowelselongated.

“AShareem,”hesaid.

“WhatisaShareem?”

“Me.Iam.AndRees,inthere.”Hegesturedatthedoor.Shefollowedhisgaze,eventhoughthedoorwas
closed,andherpheromonesincreased,ticklinghisskin.

“Youlikedwatchinghimfuckher,”hesaidsoftly.

16

Rio

Sheflushed,whichmadehercheeksanenticingpink.“Idon’t—Idon’tknowanythingaboutit.”

Somethingwarmflowedthroughhim,andhesmiled.Aninnocent.

TalanhadbeenaninnocentbeforeReeshadgivenherlessons.Talanhadfalleninlovewithherteacher,
andReeswithhissoeagerpupil.

Maybe,justmaybe…

RiohadalreadymissedthetransportReeshadsetupforhimbyrescuingthiswoman.Maybehecould
enjoyhimselfwithherwhilewaitingforthenextone.Maybehecouldtastetheladyandlapherup.

Whydidhekeepthinkingofherintermsofsomethingtoeat?Mmm,therewasanothergoodidea.

HisShareemhormoneskickedin,inabigway.Forweekshe’dthoughtaboutnothingbutmeetingthe
transportandgettingoff-planet.SincehisreturnfromCanyonRoble,wherehisShareemfriendsMaiaand
Rylanhadsetuphousekeeping,heandReesandTalanhaddiscussednothingelse.

Oneprettywomanindistress,andhe’dthrownitallaway.

Well,shit,washesupposedtoleavehertodie?Thefloatingmachinemusthavebeensentbypatrollersto
stophimleavingtheplanet.She’dgottenhurt,anditwasallhisfault.

Theonlyreasonthepatrollershadn’tfollowedupandarrestedhimwasbecausehe’dgonetogroundin
Dr.Laas’hiddenlair.

Butthen…

Incongruitiesbrokethroughthethoughtsinhisboiling,hornybrain.

“Waitaminute,whatwereyoudoinginthatalley?”Hereyeswidened,thegoldsparking,andhergaze
flickedawayfromhis.Shewastryingtothinkofagoodlie.Hecouldtasteitintheshiftofherbody
scent.

Heleanedtoher.Hesmelledherbreath,sweet-spice,sensedherheartbeatquickening.“Ithoughtthe
attackwasforme,”hesaid.“ButnowI’mthinkingitwasforyou.”

“Forme?”sheasked,asthoughsurprised.

“WhatIcan’tfigureoutiswhy.Besidesbeingsexyashell,youdon’tlooklikeyoucouldhurtanyone.”

“Sexy?”Shestared.

Hesmiled,feralandhard.“Sexy.Youknowthemeaningoftheword?You’renotfromBorNarga.Doyou
understandme?”

“Yes,Ihavehadalanguageimplant.”

“Youcanaffordalanguageimplant,butnotdecentclothes?”

“No,”shestammered.“Mymoney,itwasstolen.”

17

AllysonJames

“Uhhuh.”Hesmoothedherhairfromherface,drawinghisfingersthroughthecurls.“Idon’tbelieve
you.”

Panic,now.Hisnostrilsflared,takinginherscent.

“Don’tbeafraid,”hegentledhisvoice.“Youcantrustme.”HisShareemvoicehadbeencreatedtocalm
women.AwomanhadtobecalmtotakeaShareem,especiallyonelikeRio.Calmandhappy.

Thepulseinherthroatslowedsomewhat,butshewatchedhimwarily,asthoughsuspectinghewasdoing
somethingtoheremotions.

Toprovehecould,hesteppedaway,lettinghergo.

Man,thatwashard.Openinghisarmsandlettingherscrambleawayfromhimtookdiscipline.He
wantedtograbheragain,haulhertohimandhangon.

Wanther,hissensesscreamed.Wantherbad.

Shesteppedonthetrailingsheet,anditcamelooseandnearlyfell.Sheclampedittoherchestintime,but
theflashoflovelypinkfleshsentRio’stemperaturesoaring.

Oneshapelyhipcurvedfrombehindthesheet,beckoninghim.

Hefoldedhisarms,fistsballed,hiscocksotightithurt.Eroticthoughtaftereroticthoughtpouredthrough
hisbrain,startingwithhimgoingtoherandyankingthesheetallthewayoff.

Whatjoyitwouldbetoputhismouthalloverher.She’dbekneelinginasubmissiveposture,headbent,
gloriouseyesdowncast.He’dseethegleamofhergazeasshewatchedhimsideways,herhands
decorouslybehindherback,onlyhereyesshowingherdefiance.

Hiscockroseevenharder,pressingthestiflingleather.“So,didyoulikeDr.Laas’

shower?”

Anotherblush,thisonespillingdownhernecktohercollarbone.“Yes.”

“Thoughtyoumight.”

Theblushincreased.Riowishedhecouldhavewatchedherlyingunderthejets,whilewaterspilledover
herlushbody.Dr.Laashadprogrammedallhershowerstoseekandfinderogenouspressurepoints.
Fromthelady’sembarrassment,she’dobviouslyexperiencedafewofthosepressurepoints.

Shetriedtochangethesubject.“WhoisDr.Laas?”

“Thisisherhouse.She—likesherwork.”

“Wasthather?”Sheglancedatthecloseddoor.

“ThatwasTaland’Urveyandherlifemate,Rees.Friendsofmine.”Hereyesflickered.“Theymustbe
verygoodfriends.”

“Youcouldsaythat.IfI’dknownyouwereup,Iwouldhaveaskedyoutojoinus.”Shegaped.“Join?”

“Whynot?”Heloweredhisvoice.“Wemighthavewatchedthemwithmeinsideyou.Orletthemwatch
youkneeltomeandtakemycockinyourmouth.”18

Rio

Herfacewentevenredder.“Idonot—Idonotunderstandsuchthings.”

“No,butyouenjoyedwatchingfromtheshadows.Maybeyoulikethatbetter?”

“Ilikenothing,”hermouthsaid.Herscreamingpheromonestoldhimotherwise.“Ineedtoleavehere.
UnlessIamaprisoner.”

“Whyshouldyoubeaprisoner?”Hereachedouttotheburningredofherhair.

“Youcanbeoneifyouwanttobe.IcouldwrapyouinchainsandpromisetoletyougoafterI’ve
pleasuredyoucountlesstimes.Andthemoreyoubeggedmetoreleaseyou,thelongerI’dkeepyou
bound.”

Hereyeswerewide,caughtbetweenpanicanddesire.Herbreathsmelledgood,spicyandsalty.She
probablytastedjustasgood.

Heleaneddownandgentlybrushedhistongueacrossherlowerlip.

Shegaspedandjerkedback,andhesensedherbodysendingherconflictingmessages.Beafraidofthis
man,itscreamed.And,gotothisman.Youwanthiminsideyou,youwanthimtochainyou,youwant
himtodowhattheotheronedidtothewomancalledTalan.

Shewantedit,anddidn’twanttowantit.

“Rio,”Dr.Laas’wryvoicecamefromacrosstheroom.“Thepoorwomanjustgotoveralkaloid
poisoning.Shewon’tbereadyforyouforalongtime.”Theyoungwomantriedtoturnawaysoshewould
notexposeherbacksidetoDr.

Laas,butthemovementonlyexposedhertoRio.

Hesawround,prettyhips,thecleftofherbuttocksandsweethollowsatthesmallofherback,beforeshe
grabbedtheloosenedfoldsandhidherselfagain.

Riomadeanoiseofsatisfaction.He’dseenenough.

“Alkaloidpoisoning?”theyoungwomanaskedhurriedly.

Dr.Laasnodded.She’dexchangedhercoverallsforaform-huggingdressofgoldsilk,andwoventhin
goldchainsthroughherhair.“You’dbeenshotwithapoisondart.

Riocarriedyouhere.Theantidotewassimpletoconcoct,butifmorethanadropofthepoisonhadgotten
insideyou,Icouldn’thavesavedyou.Riograbbedthatdartoutofyoujustintime.”

TheyoungwomanturnedbacktoRio,hereyesenormous.“Thankyou.Bothofyou.Youdidn’thaveto
helpme.”

Dr.Laassmiled.“Itwasapleasure.Riowasrighttobringyouhere.”

“Youareamedicalhealer?”thewomanasked.Riofounditinterestingthattheimplantdidnottranslate
doctorquiteright.

“Iamaresearchprofessor.ImadetheShareem.”

“LikeIsaid,”Rioputin.“Sheenjoysherwork.”

“Youmadethem?”

“IandafewfellowscientistscameupwiththedesignforShareem.RioandReesweresomeofourvery
best.”

19

AllysonJames

Thewoman’sstartledgazeflickedbacktoRio.“Aretheyandroids,then?Notrealmen?”

“Oh,I’mreal,darlin’,”Riosaidsoftly.“Very,veryreal.Ithinkyousawhowreal.”Shedrewabreath,
raisingthesheetinanintoxicatingway.“IthinkIdonotunderstand.”

Dr.Laasshrugged.“TheShareemmighthavebeenamistake.Maybewegotcarriedawayplayinggods.”
Hersmileturnedsly.“Butoh,whatworkmanship.”

“Thankyou,”Riosaiddryly.

“Now,”Dr.Laascontinued,“whatcanwedoforyou,mydear?Riofeelsbadthatyougothurtfrom
someonechasinghim,sowhatcanwedotomakeituptoyou?”ThewomanglancedquicklyatRio.Ever-
soslightly,heshookhishead.LetDr.LaasthinkwhatRiohadthoughtfornow.

ShetookRio’scue.“Icoulddowithsomeclothes.”

“Baineissearchingforsome,”Dr.Laasanswered.“TalanandReeshavegonedownstairstowaitfor
you.”

Riochuckled.“Cantheystillwalk?”

“They’reabitshaky.”

“We’dbettergodownthere,then,”hesaid,“beforetheygettiredofwaitingandstartagain.”

Dr.LaasandRiosharedalaugh,buttheyoungwomanlookedmorebaffledthanbefore.

Riogesturedtothelift.“Afteryou.”

Thewomanscowledathim.Sheknewdamnwellhewantedtogetbehindherincasethesheetfellagain.
Hell,hewassohorny,hemightgrabitoffherandlookhisfill.

WatchingTalangetfuckedhadmadehimhard,andwatchingthiswomanwatchthemhadonlymadeit
worse.Hisskinwasburningandheneededrelease.Shareemneededrelease,orelsetheirchemistry
churnedthemupinside,overloadingtheirbodies,andtheycoulddie.

Thewomanhewantedreleasewithscurriedtotheliftinfrontofhim,thesheetswayingagainsther
luxuriousbody.

Riowantedherwithsomethingprimalandpossessive.Maybesavingherhadstirreduptheprimitive
protectivenesswithinhim.Hisentirebodycriedout,Mine.

HelovedTalaninafriendlyway,andneversaidnowhensheandReesinvitedhimtomakeita
threesome.HejoinedinpleasuringTalanbecausehelikedher,andalsobecauseitpleasuredhim.

ReesandTalanlovedeachothermadly—Riowasjustthetoy.Hedidn’tmindbeingthetoy.Heliked
beingtakenoutandplayedwith.Buthisfeelingsforthiswoman,whoeverthehellshewas,were
completelydifferent.

Mine.Tohaveandtohold.

20

Rio

Thewordsoftheancientweddingceremonyweren’tfaroffthemark.Hewantedtoholdherinhisarms,
tohaveherineveryway,and—becausehewasalevelthreeShareem—totrainhertothewhiptoobey
hiseverycommand.

HesawDr.Laaseyingthesheetspeculatively,andhefrownedather.Dr.Laasenjoyedwomenalmostas
muchasshedidmen—anythinginthepursuitofsensualpleasure.

Dr.Laasraisedherbrowsinsurprise,thenshesmiled,understanding.

Notthistime.ThewomanwasRio’s.Notforsharing,andnotforjustonce.Heagainfeltthetenuousbond
he’dsensedwhenhe’dlookeddownatheronDr.Laas’

examtable.

Mine.

Everyoneofhissex-madfriendshadbettergetusedtothat.

*****

Downstairsinanotherlounge,theyfoundtheblondShareemmaleandhiswife,Talan.

Thetwowereclothednow,heinabody-huggingtunic,sheinlong,flowingrobesofsomesumptuous
material.She’dre-dressedherhairinabraidedcoil,astrandofglitteringstonescirclingit.Everything
aboutheroutfitcriedexpensive.

TherobestoldNellathatTaland’Urveywasoneofthehighbornwomenofthisplanet.BorNargan
womenoftheupperclassessometimesvisitedfashionableAriel,andsomeofthehighestborngotinvited
tothepalacetomeettheroyalfamily.

BorNarganwomenworerobesofvaryingshadesandlovelygeometricdesigns.

Thedesignsallmeantsomething,whetherthewomanfollowedacertainreligiousorder,whethershewas
marriedoracelibate,orwhethersheoccupiedacertainpoliticalniche—sometimesacombinationof
these.Nella’sprotocolofficershadalwayssorteditoutandtoldherwhatsheneededtoknow.

Shehadnoideawhatthedesignsonthiswoman’srobesmeant.Also,shecouldn’tseethemwell,because
thewomansatonthelapofherShareem,shamelesslykissinghim.

Rioloudlyclearedhisthroat,thenchuckledasthetwosprangapart.Talanblushed,herfacescarlet,but
theman,Rees,onlylookedannoyedthatthey’dbeeninterrupted.

Reesstoodup,gentlysettingTalanonherfeet.Themanwashuge.HematchedRioinheight,andwhile
Riowasslightlylargerinbulk,Rees’chestwasplentybroad,hisshouldersstretchingthetunictight.The
chainonhisbicepswasablackstreakonhisbronze-coloredskin.

ReeshadblueeyesincommonwithRio,enoughalikeinshapeandcolorthattheycouldhavebeen
brothers.

21

AllysonJames

Nellawonderedwhy,withallherstudiesonotherworldculturesandherknowledgeofBorNarga,she’d
neverrunacrossanymentionofShareem.

“AreShareemslaves?”sheasked,shocked.SlaveryhadbeenoutlawedformillenniaonAriel,butshe
knewthatsomeplanetarysystemsstillpracticedit.

“No,”Talansaidquickly.

“Well,”Riodrawled.“Wecanbeifyouwant.”

NellahadthesuddenflashofRio,inhisleatherleggings,kneelingwiththighsspread,hishandsbehind
him,hisbrawnywristsencircledbywidecuffswithachainbetweenthem.

Rio’sgazelockedtohers,hiseyesnearlyfillingwithblue,asthoughheknewwhatwasinherhead.

ThenshenoticedRees.He’dstilled,hisirisesalsowidening.HislargehandmovedtocupTalan’swaist
andpullhertowardhim.Thetunicdidnothidethefactthathiscockwasstiffeningandlengthening.

“Betterstopwithwhateveryouareimagining,”Dr.LaassaidtoNella,amusementinhervoice.“You
havetwoShareemmaleserectandrandyrightinfrontofyou,andyou’reonlywearingasheet.Who
knowswhattheconsequenceswillbe?”Nellaswallowed.“Cantheyreadmymind?”

“No,”Reessaid,hisvoicerumblingandlow.“Yourpheromones.”

“Theypouroveruslikewater,sweetheart,”Riosaid.“Whenyourbodyiscravingus,wegetallhotand
bothered.Wecan’thelpit.”Hemovedtoher.“Later,I’llmakeyoutellmewhatyouwerethinkingabout.”

Badidea,Nellathought.Avery,verybadidea.

Talanseemedtheonlyoneabletotakethesituationinstride.ShebrokeawayfromReesandcameto
Nella.“Youpoordear.Iimagineyouarequiteconfused.Comeandsit.”SheglaredatRio.“Couldn’tyou
findheranyclothes?”Riodidnotlookabashed.“Ilikeherthewaysheis.”Talangavehiman
exasperatedlookandledNellatoalowsofa.Whentheysat,thesofamovedbeneaththem,adjustingtofit
theirbodies.

“Baineisworkingonclothes,”Dr.Laassaid.“NothingIhavewillfither,andsheistallerthanyou,
Talan.”

“Baine,”Talansaidtotheair.“Doyouhaveclothesforourguest,yet?”Thesoftmalevoicethathad
spokentoherintheelevatorfloatedouttothem.“Iamattemptingtolocateashopthatwillaccept
computer-to-computerinteractionwithoutahumaninterface.Alas,somanystoresthesedayshave
goneovertothefadofhuman-to-humanservice,asthoughcomputersarenotasgoodas,nay,better
than,humans.

“Basedonconversationsbetweenyoufiveandaroughinterpretationofevents,coupledwith
extrapolationsfromnewsservices,Iconcludedthatitisnotdesirableforanyonetoknowthe22

Rio

whereaboutsofthisyoungwomanatpresent,andsoImustpurchaseclothesforherandhavethem
deliveredwithnohumanrealizingtheeventhastakenplace.”

“Inotherwords,”Dr.Laasbrokein,“no.”

“Precisely.”

“WhoisBaine?”Nellaasked.

“Mycomputer,”Dr.Laassaid.“AmanIhadanaffairwithprogrammedthevoiceinbeforeheleft.Itold
himtogo,yousee,andthiswashisrevenge.Bainesoundsjustlikehim.”

“Donotinsultme,”Baineanswered.“Iamathousandtimessuperiortoyourfly-by-nightlover.Heis
nowinjailonStation1217,bytheway,forindecentexposure.”

“Really?”Dr.Laasbrightened.“Howdelightful.”

RiocrouchedbesideNella’sleftknee,leatherstretchingoverhisthighs.Herestedhishandonherleg.
“Youdon’tneedtobeafraidofus.”Hishandwaslargeandwarm.Aneedtorelaxflowedthroughher,a
needtotrust,toputherfateinhisso-stronghands.

“Yes,shedoes,”Reessaidsoftly.

“Paynoattentiontothemanwiththelargehard-on.You’vebeenafraidforawhile,haven’tyou?”Rio
strokedherthigh,massagingwithexpertfingers.“Yourmusclestellmethat,andsodoesyourbreathing.
It’sbeenalongtimesinceyoucouldrelax.”Onherotherside,Talantookherhand.“Tellusyourname,”
shesaid,hervoiceasgentleasRio’stouch.“We’llhelpyou,Ipromise.”Nellaswallowed.Asmuchas
shewantedtotrustthesepeople,asmuchasshewasgratefultoRioandDr.Laasforsavingherlife,
knowingwhoshetrulywaswouldbedangerous—notonlyforher,butforthem.Riocouldfightone
assassinbot,butnotahordeofthem.

“Lita,”shesaid,lightingonthenameofoneofhermother’schildhoodfriends,whohadpassedawaya
fewyearsago.Litahadalwaysbeenasunnyperson.“YoucancallmeLita.”

Rio’sfingersmoved,strokingherthigh,skin-on-skin.“Abeautifulname.”Bainesnorted.“Areyouall
stupid?She’sonlybeenoneverynewsdigitalforthepastfiveyears,ordoyoupaynoattentiontothe
off-worldchannels?She’sbeenthemostpopularwomanonArielsinceshecameofage,andthere’s
nowabighullabaloobecausesheseemstobemissing.”

Nellafroze.Rio’sfingersstilled.Rees,TalanandDr.Laasstaredather.

Talanunderstoodfirst.Shegaped.“Ithoughtshelookedlikeher,butIneverdreamed—”

“Enlightenme,”Riosaid,hisvoicequiet.

Bainescoffed.“HumansandShareemaresoobtuse.SheisnoneotherthanPrincessNellaEllerina
NataliaVascianofAriel.Sheandherfamilyarefigureheadrulersoftheplanet,meant23

AllysonJames

toinspireandunifytheirpeople.Theprincessisunilaterallyadored.Sheapparentlyranoffwithher
supposedlover,amancalledLinginian,buthehasbeenunabletoproduceher,whichhasmany
worriedaboutherwhereaboutsandsafety.”BainefellsilentwhiletheotherfourstaredatNella.

“Bythegods,”Dr.Laasbreathed.ReesandTalansaidnothing.

Riocontinuedtostrokeherthighwhilehelookedatherwitheyesdarkblueandunreadable.

“Damn,”hesaidsoftly.“Didyouhearthat?Mygirl’saprincess.”24

Rio

ChapterFour

FirstLesson

Theprincesstriedtorun.Riorosesinuouslytohisfeetandgatheredherbackagainsthim.Shestruggled,
hernearlybarebacksiderubbinghiscock.

“Staywithme,”hesaid,sendingoutendorphinstocalmher.“Itoldyou,wewon’thurtyou.”

“ThatwasbeforeyouknewwhoIwas.”

“Doesn’tmatter.You’rewithme,now.”

Shestoppedstruggling,butherheartbeatrapidly.Riodrewhishandsacrossherbelly,sensingtheterror
thatrushedthroughherlikecoldwater.

“Peoplewouldpayyoumuchmoneyforknowledgeofmywhereabouts,”shesaid.

“Thatchangesthings.”

Heraccentwassweet.Helikeditsomuch.

“Wedon’tcare.Talanisfilthyrichalready,Dr.Laaslikeshidingoutwithhercomputers,andReesandI
areShareem.Aslongaswecomefivetimesadaysowedon’texpire,we’rehappy.Allthemoneyinthe
universecan’tchangethat—andhell,who’dwantitto?”

“We’llnotbetrayyou,”Talanputin.“YoucantrustDr.LaasandReesandRio.”Rioleaneddownand
kissedthecornerofhereye,findingherlasheswetwithtears.

Hewasgettinghot,wantingtolickherandkissheruntilshecalmeddown.Andthenuntilshewoundup
again.Hehadn’tbeenjokingwhenhe’dsaidhehadtocomefivetimesaday.

“IthoughtIcouldtrustbefore,”Nellawassaying.Hereyeswerefixed,asthoughshelookedatsomething
Riocouldn’tsee.“PeopleIthoughtweremyfriendsbetrayedmeasthoughitwerenothing.”

“Shh,”Riosoothed.Heclosedhiseyes,willingherbodytorelax.“That’sallover.

Youcantrustme.”

“Ican’t.”Hervoicewasragged,asthoughshetriedtocatchherbreath.

“Youcan.Iwillteachyoutotrustagain,Nella.I’manexpertatit.”Sheshookherhead,buthistouchand
hisShareemvoicewasworking.Shesankintohim,herbodyresponding.

Heslidonehanduptocupherbreastthroughthesheet.Hernipplewashardandtight,reachingintohis
palm.“Feelbetter?”hemurmured.

Hereyesdriftedclosed.“Itisdangerousforyou.”

“Wearedangerous,Nella.Anyonewhomesseswithyouhastomesswithusfirst.”25

AllysonJames

Sheleanedagainsthim,herbodywarming,reactingtohis.

“Ah,”Baineinterrupted.“Success.Ihaveprocuredasetofnondescriptclothingfortheprincess.They
aredowninthelab.”

“Savethemforlater,”Riosaid.

HeliftedtheunresistingNellaintohisarmsandwalkedtothelift.Theotherslethimgowithoutaword.

*****

NellafeltslightlybetterbythetimeRiocarriedherintoherroomagain.Thesparse,paleroomwas
somehowcomforting,somehowsafe.Eventhespicyscentoftheairencouragedhertorelax.

Sheknewthefeelingwasfalse.DecoratorsonArielusedchemicalsintheairandeveninpaintonthe
wallstocalmaroom’sinhabitants.Somerestaurantsdidthatsothedinerscouldleavethestressofthe
daybehindandbetterenjoytheirfood.

“Ihavetoleave,”shetoldRio.

Hislipscurvedtoasmilethatnearlyknockedherover.“Notinthatsheet.”

“IntheclothesthatBaine—thatthecomputerfound.”

“Later.Maybe.”

Shefoldedherarms,huggingthesheetclose.“Iamaprisonerhere,then?”

“No.”Hiseyesdarkened,andheclosedthespacebetweenthem.“Unlessyouwanttobe.I’llbetBaine
couldfixusaholo-roomwhereIcouldchainyoutothewall,andwecouldplaysomefinegames.”

Shestaredathim,unabletoimaginewhatkindofgameshewastalkingabout.Hewassoclosetoherthat
shecouldnottellwherehisbodyheatleftoffandhersbegan.

Whenheslidhisstronghandoverherbacksideshewantedtojumpaway,butatthesametime,shecraved
histouch.

“Ihavetogo,”sherepeated,buthervoicehadweakened.

“Whereto?”Rioasked.Hecaressedthehollowofherhipwithhiswarmpalm.

“Outtobechasedbyassassinbotsagain?”

Shefellsilent.Shehadnowheretogo,andsheknewit.ArielhadnoembassyonBorNarga,thetwo
planetsbeingtenstationsremotefromeachother.Shehadn’tevenbeenabletosendamessagetothe

consulonthenextstationinline,657,becauseLinginianhadpaidmentomakesureshecouldnotgetnear
acallterminal.

“Yousee?”Riosaid,asthoughhecouldreadherthoughts.“Thiscompoundishidden.Nooneknows
aboutitbutShareem.It’sagoodplacetohide.Considerusfriends.”

Shewantedtosinkintohiswarmthandlayherheadonhisshoulder.Shefoundherbodydoingjustthat,
eventhoughshetolditnotto.

26

Rio

“Myfriendsbetrayedme,”shesaid.“Theysoldmeouttoamanwhowantedtomakemehisslave.”

“Theydon’tsoundlikeverygoodfriends,then,”hesaidinareasonabletone.

“Andyouare?”

“I’mthebestfriendyou’lleverhave,sweetheart.”Hisvoiceslidoverherlikeawarmblanket,andhis
bodyurgedherbodytorelent,tomelt,tosubmit.

Thelastthoughtcaughtherbysurprise.Neverinherlifehadshethoughtofsubmittingtoanyone.

Shelookedupathim.Hisblueeyeswerewatchful,hissmilejustthissideofdangerous.

“Areyouanempath?”sheasked.“Areyouputtingthoughtsinmyhead?”

“No.I’mShareem.”

“Youkeepsayingthat.Whatdoesthatmean,exactly?”Hetracedthehollowinthesmallofherback.“It
meansIcanmakeyoufeelbetter.

ItmeansIknowhowtopleasureyouintheexactwayyouneed,evenwhenyoudon’tknowyourself.It
meansIcanteachyoutowantpleasure,andcraveit,andbefullysatisfiedbyit.ItmeansIcanteachyou
totrust,deeply,withoutfear.”

“Trust?”Sheshookherhead.“Iwilltrustnooneeveragain.Onlymyself.”

“Andme.”Hisvoicewassoftinherear.“Youwilltrustme.”

“Iamgratefultoyouforhelpingmewhenyoudidn’thaveto.Butthecautious—

no,theveryfrightenedpartofme—remindsmethatyoudidnotknowwhoIwasatthetime.”

Somethingflickeredinhiseyes,notanger,butsomethingdarker.“So,youthinkI’lltakeyououtandleave
youfortheassassinbots,nowthatIknowyou’reaprincess?Noway.I’lltakecareofyou,butyouhave
totrustme.Youhavetogiveyourselftome.”

“Ihavetosubmittoyou?”

Hegrinned,thedarknessgone.“Exactly.Tookthewordsrightoutofmymouth.”

“Rio.”Shesteppedawayfromhim,facinghimonshakylegs.“Youwantmetosubmittoyou?”

“It’swhatyouneedrightnow,toputyourselfinsomeoneelse’shands.Admitit.”Perhapshewasright.
Perhapsitwouldbesoothingtohandoverhertroublestosomeoneelse,evenforalittlewhile.

“Whatexactlydoyoumeanwhenyousaysubmit?”sheasked.

“Oh,Imeanagoodmanythings.”Hesoundedascasualasiftheywerediscussingwhattheyhadfor
breakfast.“You’llkneeltomewhenIsay,you’llletmebindyourhands,you’llobeymyeverycommand.
I’lltrainyoutothewhip,andyou’llrespondtome,wheneverandwhereverIwant.”

27

AllysonJames

Shedrewasharpbreath,herlungssuddenlyneedingair.“YouthinkIwilldothat?”

“Iknowyouwill.”Hisvoicewassodeepandsensualthatshefeltherkneesbendingalready.“Youwill
wantto.”

Herwordscameoutacroak.“IthinkwedonothavesuchthingsonAriel.”

“Ibetyoudo,love,youjustdon’tknowaboutthem.”Shethoughtsuddenlyofthewhispersofherladies-
in-waitingaboutthemenofthecourt,howthey’dbreakoffandblushwhensheenteredtheroom,and
how,annoyingly,they’dnevertellherwhattheyweretalkingabout.

SheimaginedRioinhercourthall,intheglassandcrystalpalacethatnearlysangwithlight,thefloors
spiralmosaicslikecolorsofthegods.Riowouldstrideintotheeleganthallinhisleathertunicandtight
leggings,andalltheladieswouldfaint.

Nellaalonewouldstandbeforehim,whilesharplightfellonhisblackhairandgoldenskinandblue,
blueeyes.He’dgesturewithhisstrapofleatherforhertokneel,hisfacehard,andshewouldliftherchin
anddefyhim.

Hervisionsuddenlychangedtoherdroppingtoherkneesinfrontofhim.He’dlaytheleatherstraponher
shoulderwhileopeninghisleggings,lettinghiscockfallfromitsconfinement.He’dbehuge—shealready
knewhewas,hiscockfullandfirmandreachingtowardher.

Shesawherselfleaningforward,closinghermoutharoundhim,lickingandsucklingandfeelingsovery
happy.

Witheffort,sheshovedthevisionaside.“Never.”Shedrewherselfup.“IamaprincessofAriel.Iwould
never—”

“Yes,youwould.Youwill.ButI’mgladtohearyougetmadatme.Thatmeanswhoeverischasingyou,

whoeveristryingtomakeyouhisslavedidn’tbreakyou.

You’rewholeandstrong.”

“Thenwhydoyouwanttobreakme?”

“Idon’t.”Hesteppedclosertoher.“Iwantyoutosubmittome.”

“Whatisthedifference?”

“Oh,thereisabigdifference,”hesaidsoftly.“Submissioniscompletetrust.It’sgivingyourselfandyour
pleasuretothehandsofyourlover.You’llfreeyourself,andgiveyourselfentirelytome.”

“Ifitissofreeing,whydoyounotsubmityourself?”Helaughed,asoundfilledwithtruemirththatmade
herwanttosmilealong.“Tellyouwhat,beautiful.Yousubmitwhollyandcompletelytome—letmetrain
youtobemysub—thenI’llsubmittoyou.”

Shegavehimasuspiciouslook.“Idonotbelieveyouwilldoit.”28

Rio

“Inevergobackonmyword,sweetheart.We’llgetReestohelpoutifyoudon’tbelieveme.He’dbe
happytochainmeup,althoughnotforthesamereasons.HethinksI’mapainintheass.”

Nellastartedtosmile.Maybe,but…Sherememberedwhenhe’dfacedtheassassinbot,snarlingcursesat
itanddaringittocomeafterhim.She’dwantedtowrapherselfaroundhimandnotletgo.

Shefeltthesamewaynow.Shewantedtoholdontohimandlethisstrengthleachintoher.

Hewantedtomakeherhissubmissive.Andmaybethatwasn’tsuchabadthing,hereandnow.As
princess,shealwayshadtobestrong,alwayshadtosmilenomatterhowshefelt,keepgoingintheface
ofexhaustionandholdherheaduptoinspirepeopletoholduptheirs.

Shehadtobestrongnow,tostayaliveandgetbacktoherplanet.She’dbeenrunningforweekssince
she’descapedLinginian,fleeingwherevershecouldwithnomoneyorresourcesoranywaytocontact
thosewhomightbetryingtofindher.

Howheavenlytolayasideherpanicandfear,tototallygiveherselftowhateverhewanted,whichwould
freeherinwaysshecouldn’tfathom.

Allshehadtodowasagree,trust,submit…

“Youhavethemostbeautifulsmile,”hesaid.Hiseyeshadgonedeeplyblue,hisirisesspreadingtoblot
outthewhite.

“Youareputtingthoughtsinmyheadagain.”

“No,darlin’.You’reputtingthemthereallbyyourself.”

“Youaremakingmewanttoobeyyou.”

“Maybegivingyoualittlenudge.”

Shewetherlips,whichweresodryforsomereason.“What—whatexactlywouldyouwantmetodo?”

Hecamecloser,andshecouldsmelltheleatherofhisclothes,themuskofhisbody,feeltheheatofhis
fingersbeforeheeventouchedher.“AnythingIcanthinkoftomakeyoudo.”

Histemperatureseemedhigherthanthatofanormalhuman.HumanswereactuallyalittlecooleronBor
Narga,she’dlearned—anadaptationagainstlivinginanextremedesertclimate—butShareemskinwas
hot.EspeciallyRio’s,especiallynow.

“AndifIrefusetoobey?You—punishme?”

“Maybe.I’mnotlikesomeDoms,whoreachforthewhipeverytimetheirladiesdisobey.”Heleanedto
her,hisvoicevelvetsmooth,hisbreathhotspice.“Punishmentissomuchsweeterwhenit’sbeggedfor.”

Nellatriedtodrawanormalbreathandcouldn’t.Shehadn’tfeltnormalsinceshewokeuphere.“Iwould
neverasktobepunished.”29

AllysonJames

“Beg,Isaid.Andyouwill.”Hetouchedtheswirlofhairaboveherear.“Youwill,sweetdarling.I
guaranteeit.”

Shesawherselfagainonherknees,herhandsbehindherbackwhilehestoodoverher,leatherstretching
hardagainsthisbulgingcock.Please,Rio,she’dbabble.Pleasepunishme.Ineedyouto.

“Howaboutit,darlin’?”heasked,breakinghervision.Henuzzledhertemple,hisbreathscorching.“Are
yougoingtotellmetomakeyouobey?”Confusionwashedthroughher.Perhapshertranslationchip
didn’tworkcorrectly.

“Youwishmetocommandyoutobegincommandingme?”

“That’sright.Yougotit.”

Hisanswerdidn’thelp.“Ithoughtyouwouldsimplystart.”Hechuckled,arumblingsound.“Thethingis,
love,beingShareem,Ihaverulestofollow.It’sinmyprogramming.”Heslidhisarmaroundheragain,
tracingacircleatthebaseofherspine.“Icandothis,butonlyifyouaskmeto.Sohowaboutit,babe?

Letmeteachyoutotrustme?”

Herhearthammered.Neverinherlifehadshebeenthisclosetoaman,especiallynotthiskindofman.
Wheneverayoungmanhadbeenallowedtoescorthertoanevent,he’dbeenhandpickedbyhercastellan.
They’dbeennervous,oroverlyproud,andusuallythesonsofotherrulers.Mostofthem,unfortunately,
neverhadmuchinthewayofchins.

AndnowRio.

Hewasdefinitelydifferentfromwhatshewasusedto.Hewaspowerfullybuilt,fromhisstrong
shoulderstohishard,taperedwaist,tothighsthatthreatenedtosplittheleatheranymoment.

Hewasalmostanimal-likeinhisabilitytoreadhermoods,totellwhethershewasarousedornot,andto
arouseherjustbylookingather.

Histouchonherskinmadeherwanttoscreamthatshe’dsubmittohim,andplease,pleasebegentle.But
nottoogentle.

Hesmelledofmasculinity,andhisbodyheldwarmththatflowedsoeasilyoverhers.Shewantedtopress
hernakednessagainsthim,tofeelthecoolleatherthatcoveredhisskin,topeepupwardandseehiseyes,
sodarkandblue,watchingher.

Hewaseverythingshe’deverdreamedof,deepinthenightwhennoonesawher,andlikenooneshe’d
evermetinherlife.

Buthehadthisonevulnerability.Shecouldsendhimawaywithoneword,andhe’dhavetoobey.

Forthismoment,shehadthepower,nothim.Whenshedecided,whenshetoldhimyes,shewould
relinquishthepowertohim,butfornow,sheheldit.

“Why?”sheasked,hervoicelow.“WhyshouldyoustopbecauseIsayno?”

“BecauseIamShareem.”Hegaveherthemaddeningexplanation.“Wearedangerous,madeforsexual
satisfactionandnothingelse.Sotheresearchersputinan30

Rio

off-switch.Westartonlyatthelady’spleasure.”Heslantedherawickedsmile.“Nomatterhowhorny
weare.”

“Anoffswitch?”

Hisfingersdriftedslowlyupherspine.“SomeShareemwereprogrammedwithoutone,tomakethem
moredangerous.ThatwasoneofthereasonsDMAmo’sworkwasoutlawed.”

Sheshivered.WhatwoulditbeliketobewithoneoftheShareemwhoseducedwithoutaskingfirst?“I
amnotlikelytomeetanyofthose,amI?”

“Youalreadymetone,”Riosaid.“Rees.”

Shejumped.“Reesdoesn’thave—anoffswitch?”

“No.Heknowsit,andthat’swhyhe’salwayssodamnpolite.Hekeepshardcontrolofhimselfallthe
time.TheonlywomanwhoevermadehimloseitisTalan.Butheloveshersomuchthathekeepsholdof
himself.”

“Whatwouldmakeyoukeepholdofyourself?”

Hisvoicewentsoft.“Idon’tknow.Whydon’twefindout?”Hemovedhisfingertipstoherearlobe,
playinggently.“Tellme,love.Youwanttoswitchmeoff,orswitchmeon?”

Sheclosedhereyes.Shethoughtalongmoment,weighingwhatsheneededtodoagainstwhatshewanted
todo.Shecouldbarelybreathe,butshesomehowknewthatifshesaidyes,she’dhavealltheoxygenshe
couldwant.

Sheopenedhereyes,drewaraggedbreath,andsaid,“On.”31

AllysonJames

ChapterFive

TheSweetnessofTrust

Ohgods.Ohyes.Ohperfect.

Rio’shormoneswereraging,buthetoldhimselftotakeiteasy.Shewasinnocent.

She’dnevermetanythinglikeaShareem,andshehadnosexualexperience.Hehadtogoslow.

Riohadnevergoneslowinhislife.ThewomenwhowantedRioknewwhattheyweregettingthemselves
into.NowomanpickedalevelthreeShareemwithoutalreadyknowingaboutsex—mostofthemwere
boredwithsex,andwantedsomethingmore.

Theywantedasexualridethatputthemoverthetop,thatwouldmaketheirbodieshumanddance.They
wantedRiotowhipthem,tocommandthem,tomakethemdothingsthey’dneverdreamedofdoing.

ThewomenwhowantedRiowanteditrough,andtheycouldtakeit.Herememberedonehighbornwoman
who’dcometohimeverydayfortwentydays,insecret.Sheaskedhimtowhipher,andnothingelse.She
neverclimaxed,sheonlytookitwithheadbowedandtinytearscomingfromthecornersofhereyes,but
shealwaysleftwitharelievedsmile.Oneday,shesaidshe’dhadenough,thankedhimgraciouslyfor
helpingher,anddeparted.He’dneverseenheragain.

WhatthisgirlreallyneededwasaleveloneShareem.Sexwithleveloneswasnolessintense,butlevel
oneswereallaboutsensuality.Theycouldmakeawomancomejustbytouchingherhand.

Riowentstraighttobondageanddidn’tlookback.Hedidn’tknowmuchaboutbeinglevelone.Heknew
obedienceandfucking,notmassagingandcaressing.

Butthatgavehimanidea.Hesmiledtohimself.Hesaidhe’dteachhertotrusthim,andhewould,ina
bigway.She’dhavetotrusteverythinghedid,andhe’dmakesureshedidn’tregretit.

Hebackedawayfromher,farenoughthathecouldlookatherwithouttouching.

Deprivationwasasarousingforhimasitwouldbeforher.

“Takeoffthesheet,”hesaid.

Shejumped,fingerstighteningonthecloth.“What?”

“Takeoffthesheetandletmeseeyou.”

Foramoment,hethoughtshe’ddisobey.Hehopedso.Hewantedherobedienttohim,butontheother
hand,hewantedhertodefyhimsohecouldpunishher.Eitherwaywasgoodwithhim.

Shelookedhimupanddown,hereyeshot.Shemustbeimaginingonehellofafantasyfromthe
pheromonespouringoffher.

32

Rio

Shehesitatedonemoremoment,thenslowlyletthesafefoldsofthesheetslithertotheground.Alush,
beautiful,nakedwomancameintoview.

“Oh,darlin’,”hebreathed.

Themoundsofherbreastswerefullandfirm,perfectforhishands.He’dfeltthemwhileshewatched
ReesandTalanenjoyeachother,heavyandsmooth,thenippleshardlittlebuds.

Hernippleswereevenhardernow,thetipsdarkbrown.Heimaginedthemunderhistongue,roughand
tight.

Herwaistwasroundedandplump,andherhipswereround,leadingtostrongthighsandcalves.The
swirlofhairbetweenherlegswasred,brightred.

“Ilikeit,”hesaid.

Sheblushed.“What?”

“Yourpussy.”

Hercolorincreased.“Oh.”

“Doyoulikeit?”

Hereachedintotheinnerpocketofhistunicandwithdrewthethinleatherstrapthathealwayskepton
hand.

Shebitherlip,hergazegoingtothestrap.“Ineverthoughtaboutit.”

“Touchit,”hesaid.

“What?”

“Touchyourpussy.”Heunfoldedthestrap,thenrefoldeditonce,halvingitslength.

Reeshadwhipsmadeofwovencloth—effective,andtheywouldneverleaveamark.Riopreferred
leather,thoughheusedwovenonesonmoretimidladies,oroneswhohadtovisitShareemincomplete
secrecy.

SlowlyNella’sgazemetRio’s,andequallyasslowly,herfingersmoveddownherbodytorestonthe
swirlofhairatherquim.

“Gettoknowit.”Riostrolledcloser,holdinghiswhipinbothhands.Sheglancedatit.

“Iwon’thurtyou,”hesaid.“Notnow.Doyoubelieveme?”

“Yes.”

“Youdon’t.I’mscaringyou.Butyoushouldn’tbescared,Nella.”Hestoppedbehindher,leanedoverand
spokeintoherear.“Neverbeafraidofme,love.Strokeyourpussyalittle.”

Themusclesofherrightarmmovedasshecomplied.Alittlewhimperescapedherthroat.

“Doyouevertouchyourself?”heasked.

“Ihave.Onceortwice.Itwasn’t…”

33

AllysonJames

“It’sneverasmuchfunaswhensomeoneelsedoesitforyou.Believeme,Iknow.”

“Doyou?”sheasked.“Touchyourself?”

“Ihaveto,sometimes,forrelease.I’llletyouwatchifyou’renice.”Hemovedinfrontofher,walkinga
closecirclearoundher.“Touchyourclit.Rockyourfingerbackandforthonit,that’stheway.”Shemade
anothersmallnoise,hereyestakingonaslightlydesperatelook.

“Keepdoingthat,”hesaid.

Hemovedbehindheragain,stoppingthistime.Heliftedthewhipanddrewthefoldunderherhair.She
gasped,andherhandliftedaway.

“Ididn’ttellyoutostop,”hesaid,loweringhisvoicetoagrowl.

Quickly,sheputherhandtoherquimagain.Hetracedhershoulderblades,thendrewthewhipdownher
spine,lettingthecoolleatherslidebetweenherbuttocks.Shegaspedagain,butthistimedidnotstopher
playing.

Thewhipcircledeachcheekofherass,thenhetookitdownthebackofherrightlegtoherheel.He
playedthereamoment,thenmovedtoherleftheelandupthebackofthatleg.

Hedrewthewhipthelengthofherleftarm,fromthecupofhershoulderdownthelineofhertriceps,
circlingherelbow,andmovingsoftlytoherfingers.

Heletthewhipplayinherhandthathungatherside,nudgingtheleatherthroughherfingersasthough
daringhertocatchit.

Hetracedherrightarm,followingherforearmaroundtothehandthatstrokedherpussy.Herestedthe
leatheronherfingers,andsteppedagainsther,hernakedbacktohisfront,movingthewhipwithher
strokes,asthoughguidingher.

“Keepplaying,”hewhispered.

Shenodded,closinghereyes.Herbodywarmed,needfillingherfromhertoestotherootsofherhair.He
feltherbloodpoundingfasterthroughherbody,herskindampeningwithperspiration.

Heinhaledalongbreathofher.She’dobviouslyusedoneofDr.Laas’sensual-smellingsoapswhenshe
showered,butlayeredoverthatwasherownscentandthemuskofawomanaroused.

Hedippedthewhipbetweenherlegs,rubbingheropening.Shemadealittlenoiseinherthroat,herbrow
furrowingasthoughtroubled.

“That’sit,love.Feelit.Feelwhatyoucando.”Heplayedforafewmoments,thenmovedawayfromher,
takingthewhipwithhim.

Hereyesflewopen,andshecriedoutindisappointment.

“Don’tstop,”hecommanded.

Obediently,sherubbedfaster.

34

Rio

Hecircledher,movinglikeapredator.Hetracedthewhipoverherbodyinthefront,drawingitacross
hercollarboneandaroundeachofherbreasts,playingalittlewitheachnipple.

“Rio,”shewhispered.

“Yes,love?”

“Willyoutouchme?”

“Iamtouchingyou,”hesaid.

Shetookabreath.“Imeanwithyourhands.”

Heshookhishead.“Notthistime.”

“Please?”

“No,darlin’.”

Shewhimpered.Hisownbloodstirred,hiscocksohardhewassureitcouldholdupthebuilding.

Itkilledhimnottotouchher,butshehadtolearntotrust.Ifhetouchedhernow,he’dlayherdownand
fuckher,thenpullhertoherkneesandwhipherformakinghimlosecontrol.

Bettertojustnottouchher.

Thewhipmovedfromsidetosideacrossherbelly,andhesmiledplayfullyashepokedhernavel.She
madeasoundthatwashalfalaugh,untilhescowledather,andthesmileleftherface.

Heplayedthewhipacrossherrighthip,circlingthehipbone,anddownherthighandlegtotickleher
toes.Heskimmedacrossherleftfoot,thenbroughttheleatherupherlegandbacktoherclit.

“Almostthere,sweetheart.”

Sherubbedfaster,thedesperationinhereyesdeepening.Hecarefullyslidhiswhipbetweenherlegsand
gentlypartedherfolds.

“Ohgods,”shemoaned.

Hemovedthefoldedtipbackandforth,dippingitatinywayinside,gentlyfuckingherwithit.Herhead
droppedback,fire-redhairspillingallthewaydownherbacktobrushherass.

Sheraiseduponhertiptoes,alookofbeatificreleasecomingoverherface.Quickly,Riotookawaythe
whip,thefoldedtipwetwithhercream.

Shecriedoutinprotestandstilledherhand.

“Don’tstop,”hesaidharshly.

Shebeganrubbingherselfagain,herreleaselost,hermouthdroopingindisappointment.

Hemovedbehindher,watchingherrockbackandforthonherfeetasshesoughtthefleetingmoment
she’dnearlyachieved.

35

AllysonJames

Whenhejudgedthetimetobeexactlyright,hesteppedbackandslappedtheleatherhard—crack!—
acrossherass.

Shescreamed.Heslappedhertwicemore,andthenshecame.

Shecriedmeaninglesssoundsandsanktoherknees,tearsflowingfromherclosedeyes.Hekneltbehind
her,enclosingherbodybetweenhislegs,hisarmsgoingaroundher.

Hepressedhishandoverhersatherpussy,strokingandrubbing,showingherhowtodrawtheclimaxout
asfarasitcouldgo.

“That’sit,baby.Feeleverysecondofit.”

Shemoanedandwrithed,herheadrestingonhisshoulder,hereyesclosed.Herfacewaswetwithtears,
andhekissedthemaway.

Theyrodeittogether,Nellaslidingagainsthiscockuntilhethoughthe’ddie.Overandovertheyrocked,
whilehercreamcoveredhishand.

Afteralongtime,shedrewadeep,shudderingbreath,andhercriesdiedaway.

Riokeptonstrokingher,knowingshe’dlovethewarm,tightfeelingagainstherswollenpussy,evenas
herclimaxebbed.Shewaswetandopen,andhisfingersslideasilyinsideher.

“Nella,”hesaidintoherear.“Youaresodamnbeautiful.”Sheopenedhereyes,tearspouringfromthem.
Shewepton—not,herealized,injoy,butingrief.“Whatdidhedotome?”sheasked.

“Who,sweetheart?”

“HetriedtostealtheBond,andithurtsomuch.Hetriedtotakeitawayfromme.

Hetriedtotakemeawayfromme.”

Riostrokedherbelly,drawingherbackagainsthim,willinghisShareemtouchtosootheher.

Hedidnotreallyunderstandwhatshewastalkingabout,butangershotthroughhimforwhoeverhewas
who’dhurther.IfRioevercameacrossthebastard,he’dmakehimpay.Shareemhadbeenprogrammed
nottobeviolent,butRiodecidedtomakeanexception.

“Nella,sweetheart,”hesaid,“you’rewithme,now,andyou’resafe.That’sallthatmatters.”

Shestartedtoquiet,buttearsstillleakedfromhereyes.Hedrewhishandfromthehotpocketofhercunt
andputonefingerinhismouth.

“Mmm.Ithoughtyou’dtastefine.Thisiswhatyouare,Nella.Saltyandspicyandsharp.”

Shelookedupathim,brown-goldeyeswet.Hesensedthestrongemotionsthatwashedthroughher,
emotionsshemusthavebeenbottlingforagoodwhile.

36

Rio

Anddamnedifhedidn’twanttohelpher.Hewasn’tsupposedtowantthat.Hegavephysicalpleasure
andtookpleasure,andwalkedaway.It’swhathewasfor.Theblackchainhugginghisbicepsreminded
himwhathewaseveryday.

Screwthat.

“Taste.”Heslidhismiddlefinger,slickwithhercream,tohermouthandgentlypartedherlips.

Shestaredathiminconfusion,heremotionsinturmoil.Thenhertonguemoved,andshelightlylickedthe
tipofhisfinger.

“Suckitoff,”hecommanded.

Sheclosedhereyes,closedherlipsoverhisfinger,andtimidlysucked.

“That’syou,Nella.It’showyoutaste.It’swhatyouare.It’swhatItastewhenItasteyou.”

Hertonguemovedalittlemorefirmly,lickinguptheunfamiliar-tastingjuicesfromhisfinger.

Thensomethinginherrelaxed—hefelthermusclesslack—andshebegantosuckleinearnest.Shesucked
hisfingerlikesheneededit,likehewasfeedingherlife-givingnectar.

Shesuckledforalongtime,whileheheldher,softlykissingherhair.

Whenshefinallyopenedhereyesagain,thefeverandfearhadgone.Shereleasedhisfingerandleaned
againsthim.Hefelthercalm,sensedthelooseningofmusclesbeneathherskinandthetensioninher
easing.

“Thankyou,”shesaidquietly.

Hesentherasmile.“We’realongwayfromdone,sweetheart.Butyouneedtosleepnow.Storeupyour
energyforlater.”

Heunfoldedhimselffromthefloor,thoughthesensualcarpetseemedtobeghimtostay,andliftedher
nakedbodyinhisarms.Hecarriedhertothebedandlaidherdown.

Hisbodyscreamedathimtotakehernow.Itwouldbesoeasy,shewassorelaxed.

Hecouldstripoff,partherlegsandhaveherbeforeshefeltanyfearorpain.Andthenitwouldbeover,
andfearandpainwouldbegone.

Notyet,hismindanswered.Itwouldbegoodnow,butsomuchbetterwhenshe’sbegging.

Ofcourse,ifhedidn’treleasesoon,Riowouldbetheonebegging.Andcrawlingandneeding.

Shelaythere,herexpressioncalm.Nottrusting,notyet,butsomethingnearit.Fornow,shewassimply
exhausted.

Riofetchedthesheetfromthefloor,shookitout,anddrapeditoverher.Sheclosedhereyes,her
breathingquiet.

Rioleaneddownandkissedhercheek.“Sleeptight,”hesaid.“Dreamofme.”37

AllysonJames

Shemurmuredsomethingthathedidn’tcatch.Hetouchedapanelabovethebedthatdimmedthelights,
andlightlykissedherlips.She’dhadahellofaday.

Itwashardtoleaveher,buthemadehimselfdoit.Theonetasteofhercreamonlymadehimcravemore.
Hecraveditwithamadnessabouttochokehim.

“Goodnight,princess,”hesaidatthedoor,thenforcedhisfeettomoveoutoftheroom.

Baine’svoicegreetedhiminthelift.“Acoldshower,Ithink?”

“Shutupandtakemeupalevel,”Riogrowled.

Whenhehithisownbathroom,theshowerwasalreadypulsingfullstrength,thefrigidaircomingoffit
palpable.

Riothrewoffhistunicandleggingsandloincloth.Inthemirrorthatcoveredonewallofthebathroom,he
sawhiscock,erectandswollen,andtheflushonhisskinthatmeanthewasdangerouslyhot.Hiseyes
weresolidlyblue,hislongblackhairmussedfromhisanticswithNella.

Heplungedundertheshowerjetswithoutthought.Steamrolledfromhisoverlyhotskinasthecoldwater
envelopedhim.

Helaydownonthebench—allDr.Laas’showershadbenches—asthewaterpulsedoverhim.Heclosed
hishandonhisneedycock,strokingfirmlyupward,histhumbexpertlyapplyingtherightamountof
pressure.

HethoughtofNellaandthetasteofherandthesmellofhercream,theweightofherbreastsagainsthis
handandthecurveofherbeautifulbody.Hishandmovedfaster,strokinghardfromballstotip,pinching
theundersideofhiscock.

Gods,shewasbeautiful.Andallhis.Inthepast,hewouldhavesharedherwithRees,orshemighthave
fallenforReesfirst.ButReesonlyhadeyesforTalannow,andsothismorselwashis.

Riowouldhelpherandhe’dfuckher,andhe’dmakeherhissub.Hepicturedhiscollararoundherneck,
thechainhangingbetweenherprettybreasts,hergazeeagerlyfollowinghimtoseehownextshecould
pleasehim.She’dwanttopleasehim,andhe’dteachherhowtofeeltruepleasureherself.

Itwouldbefun.

Hethoughtofthesatisfyingnoisehiswhiphadmadewhenslappedacrossherrear.

Helikedthatnoise—snap!—followedbyhermoanofpleasure.Therewasnothinglikeitinthe
universe.

Heslidhislefthandbetweenhislegs,squeezingtheskinbehindhisscrotum,thenheliftedhishipsand
easedhismiddlefingerbetweenhisbuttocks.Hefoundhisanalstarandpushedthetipofhisfinger
inside.

Thepressureofhisfingerinhisass,thesqueezeofhishandaroundhiscock,andthethoughtofthe
beautifulsoundhiswhipmadeonNella’sbacksidebroughthisclimax.

Finally.

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Rio

HegroanedNella’snameashiscumshotupwardtobeswallowedbytheunrelentingwaterfallofthe
shower.

Hestrokedandstroked,worminghisfingerintohisassholeandpretendingshewaswrigglingaplugin

thereforhim.He’dteachherthattoo.

“I’llteachyoueverything,sweetheart.”Andthenhe’dhelphergetoff-planetwheresheneededtogo,and
walkaway—andthatwouldbethat.

Somevoicedeepinsidehim,inaplacehehadn’tgoneinalong,longtime,begantolaugh.Surecock-
brain.You’lljustwalkaway.

“Iwill,”Riosaidoutloud.

Youshouldhavewalkedawaytheminuteyoulaideyesonher.Toolatenow,asshole.

“Oh,shutup,”Riogrowled,thenhereachedupandslappedthecontroltoturnoffthewater.

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AllysonJames

ChapterSix

AlternatePlans

“Youmissedyourtransport,”Reessaid.

“Noshit.”

ReesandRiosatinabarcalledJudith’s,whileJudith,ared-haired,fierylady,dispenseddrinkstoher
usualcustomers.

They’dtakenatableinthefarcorner,onewithoutairslitsorwindowsorintercoms,wheretheyknew
theywouldn’tbeoverheard.Judithkeptthecornerspy-freejustforthem.Shewasagoodfriend,someone
totrust.

Trust.Rio’sthoughtswentbacktoNellastandingstarknakedandscaredshitlessbeforehimwhilehetold
herwhathewantedhertodo.Shecouldtrusthim—shejustdidn’tknowityet.

“Why?”Reesprompted.

“Whydoeseveryonekeepaskingmethat?Thegirlwasattackedanddying.Icouldn’tleaveherinthe
street.”

Rees’expressiondidnotchange.“WhatImeantisyoucouldhavetakenhertoDr.

Laas,handedherover,andstillcaughtthetransport.Theymighthavewaitedfiveminutes.”

Riotookaswigofhisale,likingthewarm,spicybiteofit.Judithcouldbrewlikenooneelse.

“IfI’dleft,Iwouldn’tknowifshelivedordied.”

“Mmm,”Reessaid,anddrankhisale.

Rioeyedhisfriendsuspiciously.Reeswasalwayshardtoread,thedamnedShareemexperimentwho’d
learnedhowtokeephisemotionsdeepinsidewherenoonecouldseethem.Theonlyonewhocould
drawhimoutwasTalan.EventoRio,hisbestfriendforhalfalifetime,Reesneveropenedup.

“What’s‘mmm’supposedtomean?”Rioasked.

Reesregardedhimquietly.“Justthatyoumissedyourchancetoleavethisrocktolookafteragirlyou
didn’tknowandwhoyoucouldn’theal.Dr.Laasisthedoctor,notyou.”

Rioshrugged.“IfiguredImissedthetransport,sowhybotherrunningmyasstothedocktofinditempty?
ThepatrollerswouldwonderwhatthehellIwasdoing,andIdidn’twanttositinadetentioncellall
night.Dr.Laas’bedsaremuchmorecomfortable.I’llpayTalanback.”

40

Rio

TalanhadpaidthetransportcaptainasmallfortunetogetRiooff-planet,noquestionsasked.Ofcourse,
thecaptainhadtakenoffwiththemoneywhenRiohadn’tshownup.

“Noyouwon’t,”Reessaid.“Shewon’tletyou.We’llfindyouanothertransport.”

“Fine.”

Theydrankinsilenceafewminutes.RiowouldpaybackTalanallthemoneyshe’dspenttryingtohelp
him.He’dfindworklikearealpersononcehegottoStation657,earnmoneyandsenditback.

OnBorNarga,Shareemweren’tallowedtoholdjobs,althoughsome“worked”inbarsorinresortsfor
therich,thoughtheywerepaidunderthetableandheldnoofficialpositions.

“She’sgorgeous,bytheway,”Reessaidcasually.

“Who?Nella?Well,yeah,Ihaveeyes.Andacock.”

“Youwereintherealongtimewithher.”

Rioclickedhisemptyglasstothetable.“Hey,doIaskyouforablow-by-blowofwhatyoudowhen
you’rewithawoman?”

“Sometimes.”

Riorelaxedintoagrin.“Allright,sometimes.Butthisisdifferent.”

“Ithoughtitwas.”

Rioeyedhimnarrowly.“Whatexactlyareyoutryingtosay?She’sabeautifulwoman.She’slostand
aloneandindanger.Icouldn’tfantasizeanythingbetterthanthis.”

“IwasjustrememberingSerena.”

Riostopped.Serenad’AtorehadbeenRio’sladytenyearsago.She’sbeenlovelyandsexyandmorethan
asexualpartner.She’dbeenafriend,agoodfriend—atleast,Riohadthoughtso.Rio,stupidly,hadfallen
inlovewithher.

TherewasareasontheresearchersatDNAmohadtriedtoprogramemotionsoutofShareem.Emotions
weredamninconvenient,gettinginthewayofeverydaylifeandpursuitofagoodfuck.

“Serenawasamistake—oneI’mnotmakingagain,”Riosaidinahardvoice.

Hethoughtthatwouldbetheendofit,butReesonlylookedathimthoughtfullyanddrankhisale.

*****

Nella,awake,showered,anddressedinthecleanshort-sleevedtunicshe’dfoundwaitinginher

bedroom,ascendedthroughthehousetoasoft-coloreddiningroomwhereTalanandDr.Laasweretaking
ameal.Bainehaddirectedherhere,soundingdisdainfulthatshe’dsuccumbed,ifonlytemporarily,to
Rio’scharms.

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AllysonJames

Whensheenteredthediningroom,TalanlookedaroundfromanearnestconversationwithDr.Laasand
smiled.

Talanwasabeautifulwoman,Nelladecided,withherredhair,brightblueeyesandcurvingfigure.She
alsohadalookofserenityabouther,asthoughshe’dstruggledwithinnerturmoilforalongtimethen
finallyfoundpeace.

Shewasinlove,Nellarealized.Shewasinlovewiththathuge,gorgeousmancalledRees.Theone
withoutanoff-switch.

RiohadshakenloosesomepartofNellathathadbeenlonghidden,tightdownwherenoonecouldfindit,
notevenherself.Herdreamshadbeenbothtroublingandsoothing—soothingbecauseshe’drelivedRio’s
Shareemtouchandthewayhe’dheldherwhenshe’dwept,troublingbecauseshe’drespondedsoreadily
tohim.

Sherememberedhiswhisper,dreamofme,beforehe’dgone.She’dobeyedhimwithaneasethatstartled
her.

“Goodmorning,”Talansaid,risingfromherchair.ShecametoNella,tookheruncertainhandsandled
hertoaplaceatthetable.

“Isitmorning?”Nellaaskedasshesatdown.

Thechairadjusteditselftobeatitsmostcomfortable.Thewallswereasoft,comfortingyellow,and
lightingglowedfromrecessesintheceiling,soothingtotheeyes.Theairwasscentedwithsomething
hardtoidentify,aflowerysmellthatwassubtlebutfilledNellawithease.

Onewallcontainedalivingmural,depictingamountainmeadow,brightsunlight,wavinggrassesand
blackvolcanicslopes.ItlookedrealenoughthatNellafeltshecouldstepintothepictureandbethere.
Airwaftedfromthemural,carryingwithitthesweetscentofsummergrass.

Italsolookedsolikehomethattearswelledinhereyes.Infact,itwashome—itdepictedaremotearea
intheBaldaneprovinceonAriel,withitsemeraldgreenmeadowsgrowingoveroldlavafields.

“Ohdear,”Dr.Laassaid.“Bainethoughtyou’dliketoseeyourownplanet.Butperhapsitistoo
distressing?”

“No,it’s…”Nellastrovetokeepheremotionsincheck.She’dbeentrainedallherlifetoappearcalm,no
matterwhatthesituation.“I’dliketoseewhatit’slikeoutside.

I’mabitdisoriented.”

“Ofcourse.Baine,showthestreet.”

ThebeautifulmeadowshiftedandthedustystreetsofBorNarga’sPasCitycameintoview.Theylooked
downonit,althoughsheknewthatDr.Laas’compoundwasdeepunderground.

Theywereinawarehousearea.Oncewhitestonewallswerescrapedrawwheresandstormsbattered
them,thestreetslitteredwithpebblesanddust.Womenandmeninsand-coloredcoverallsmaneuvered
floatingpalletsthroughthenarrowalleys,whilemulti-armedrobotsfloatedbehindthem.

42

Rio

Bothwomenandmenhadtheirheadswrappedinsun-protectiveclothsandworedarkgoggles,a
necessityforthosewhoworkedoutdoorsforlongperiodsoftime.

Thosemerelystrollingfromoneplacetoanotherwentbareheaded,butallworebreathmasksontheir
belts.Theskyabovethetallwarehouseswasdeep,brilliantblue.

Therewasabeautyofasortinit,theharshglareofthesunonthesand-washedstone,theeasyand
athleticwaythewomenandmenhandledtheirloads,talkingandlaughingwiththegesturesofpeoplenot
tooworriedaboutanything.Itwasanalienplace,butnotfrightening.

AtrayoffoodmaterializedinfrontofNella,thesteaminggreensandgoldenfruitsofAriel.Shestaredat
it,nearlycryingagain.She’dbeenlivingondriedmeatandanythingshecouldgetherhandson.

“Wheredidyougetthis?”sheasked.

“Ihavemanytalentsandmanyconnections,”Dr.Laassaidcomplacently.

Nellahadnotbeenhungrysincethetransportonwhichshe’dstowedawayhadslidintoitsberthinBor
Narga,butsuddenlyherstomachrumbled.Sheliftedthetwo-tinedforkandtuckedin,eatingheartilyuntil
everybitwasgone.

Bythetimeshesetdownherforkanddabbedherlipswithanapkin,herstomachwassated.“Thatwas—
likeheaven.”

“You’rewelcome,”Dr.Laassaid,pleased.“Iamhappytoseeyou’verecoveredfromyourordeal—
poisoning,dehydration,malnutrition,infection—younameit,youhadit.”

“Infection?”

“Alow-gradefever.ItookcareofitwhenIadministeredyourantidote.IthoughtImightaswellcureyou
alltheway.”

“Youarekind.”

“Maybe.Orbored.IusedtowakeupwithmymindspinningwithwhatexperimentsI’ddothatday.Today
Ilookedforwardtoorderingexoticfruitswithoutgettingcaught.”

“Riosaidyouwereoutlawed,”Nellabegan,curiousabouther.“Why?”Dr.Laasheavedalongsigh.“I
wasageniusatgeneticresearch.Stillam.IwasthemastermindbehindcreatingtheShareem.Thinkofit,
araceofmengeneticallyenhancedforthegreatestsexualpleasureofwomen.Whowouldnotwantthat?”
BothTalanandNellanoddedinferventagreement.

“ButDNAmowentcrazywithmyideas,”Dr.Laassaid.“TheycreatedtheShareemallright,thentreated
themlikelabanimals.Didexperimentsonthem,putthemthroughteststoseehowthey’dreact.Itwas
hardtowatch.”Nellalickedherfork,savoringthelastofthejuices.“Youcouldnotstopit?”

“Sadly,no.Iwasyoungandbrilliantbutnotverysmart,ifyouknowwhatImean.Iwasthrilledthat
DNAmowantedtousemydesigns,butIhadnoideawhatIwas43

AllysonJames

doingwhenIsignedawayeverythingtothem.Ionlysawthatthey’dgivemeafortuneandmakeme
famous.Butreally,Ilosteverything.”

“Thatisterrible.”

Dr.Laasnodded.“BasicallyDNAmostoleallmyresearchandsetmeuptotakethefallwhenthestiff-
neckedgovernmentdecidedthatDNAmohadtogo.Myideas,thus,myfault.Iwasinituptomyneck.I
wasonlytwentyyearsoldwhenIstarted,aprodigywithnoclueabouttherealitiesoflife.”

“Didtheyarrestyou?”Nellaasked.Talanalsolistened,interested.

“No,becausefortunately,theShareemthemselveswereratherfondofme.AndeveryoneatDNAmowas
outlawed—theShareem,theresearchers,eventhepeoplewholeasedthebuildingstothem.Mostofthe
researchscientistsfledtheplanet,butIhadnowheretogo,andasIsaid,Iwasratherfoolishaboutreal
life.ButDr.Ralston,hehidmeandseveralShareem,andthenwefoundthisplace.Itwasanancient
catacombfromcenturiesago,whenthewarnearlywipedouteveryoneonBorNarga.Theysurvivedby
livinginplaceslikethis,deepunderground.Ofcourse,Ifixeditupalittle.”Shelookedfondlyatthe
walls,whichseguedtoasoothingshadeofmintgreen.

“HowlongdidDNAmomakeShareem?”Nellaasked.

“Fifteenyears.”

Nellagaveherapuzzledlook.

Talanalsolookedperplexed;shemustnothaveknownthiseither.“ButReeswasamanwhenheleft,not
afifteen-year-oldboy.Theyallwere.”Dr.Laasnodded.“Acceleratedgrowth.Theywentthroughthe
phasesofchildhoodandadolescenceinhalfthetimeasanormalhuman.Andthentheirmetabolismwas
slowedradically,sotheyageonlyaboutamonthforeveryBorNarganyear.Itseemedlikeagoodideaat
thetime—menforeveryoungandvirile.Buttheresearchersdidn’tthinkwhatthatwouldbelikeforthe
Shareem.”

NellafeltitatthesametimeTalanspoke.“Lonely.”

“Yes,”Dr.Laasagreed.“Ontheotherhand,theyweremanipulatedtoberobustandhealthyandfreeof

disease,nottomentionincredibleatsex.Irememberonewomanproudlytellingmeshe’dsuccessfully
removedtheircapacitytofindloveandtruehappiness,asthoughthiswassomethingtoboastabout.”

“Theywerewrong,”Talansaidsoftly.

“Ofcourse.TheShareemfelteverything,experiencedeveryemotion,evenwhentheywerebeingused
likelabrobots.Theywerejustwiseenoughtohideit,tosittight,andthenwhenDNAmowentdown,they
allescapedintotheblue.Ilookedforthem,andsodidDr.Ralston,butexceptforthefewthathidwith
him,they’ddisappeared.

They’dlearned,ifnothingelse,tobecunningandself-reliant.”

“Whathappenedtothem?”Nellaasked.

“Theystayedhiddenuntilthegovernmentliftedthedeathsentenceonthem,thensuddenly,they
reappeared,someofthemonmydoorstep,grinningandreadytolive.

44

Rio

Buttheyarestillsecond-classcitizens,havingtoupdatetheiridentcardsandgetinoculationswiththe
MinistryofNon-HumanLifeFormseverysixmonths.”

“WhydotheShareemnotleaveBorNarga?”Nellaasked,distressedandpuzzled.

“TheywouldneverbetreatedsoonAriel,simplybecausetheybeganlifeasgeneticexperiments.That
isn’ttheirfault.”

Dr.Laassnorted.“ThesillyministrythinkstheShareemwilldieoffeventually,endofproblem.Sothey
aren’tallowedtobreed,orgooff-planet,wheretheymightbreed.

Thewomenofthegovernmentaresoafraidofrevertingtothesubmissivemodetheyhadcenturiesago
thatsexualpleasureisallbutbannedonBorNarga.Andiftheministrycouldfindawaytomakesureno
womanhadsexualpleasureatall,they’ddoit.”

“Iamsurprisedtheydonotfightback,then,”Nellasaid.“TheShareem,Imean.

Thattheydonotprotest,orbandtogether.Theyareverystrong.”

“Yes,well,thethingis,theyareShareem,”Dr.Laasanswered,asthoughthatexplainedeverything.
“Therearenotthatmanyofthem,maybefiftyinall,andsomeofthemhavemanagedtoleaveBorNarga.
Andweprogrammedthemnottobedangerous.”

Talanlookedamazed.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?Ithinktheyareexceedinglydangerous.”Dr.Laas
gaveheraknowingsmile,andTalanblushed.

“Theyarenotdangerouscollectively,”Dr.Laassaid.“Theylovewomenandsexandarenotviolentor
drivenbyhateorrage.Theywintheirbattles,buttheydoittheirownway.”

NellathoughtofRio’sblueeyes,andhiswickedsmilethattoldhershe’dendupdoingeverythinghe
wanted,intime.Sheshivered.“Theyhavepower.”

“Ofcoursetheydo.ThatiswhytheMinistryofNon-HumanLifeFormskeepssuchastricteyeonthem.”

“Rioistryingtoleavetheplanet,”Talansaidquietly.

Dr.Laasshotheraquicklook.

“It’sallright,”Nellasaid.“Iwouldneverdreamofstoppinghim.”Shethoughtamoment.“Isthatwhyhe
thoughttheassassinbotwasafterhim?”

“Probably,”Dr.Laassaid.“Hedidnottellmethewholestoryofhowhefoundyou.”

“Iwasbeinghunted.”Nellaswallowedassherememberedtheterrorofrunningthroughthestreets,
pursuedbytherelentlesssilverball.AndthenRiohadbeenthere,tallandstrong,swearingattheassassin
botanddestroyingit.

MaybeShareemweren’tcollectivelydangerous,likeawolfpack.Theyweremorelikelonepredators,
likethewildcatsonArielwhohuntedalone.Thecatsneverattackedhumansettlements,butyouwould
notwanttocomeupononealoneinthewoods.

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AllysonJames

Riohaddestroyedthatbotwithaneasethatstartledher.Thenhe’dturnedtoher,knowingexactlywhere
shewashiding,hisShareemeyeshoninginonher.

Shecouldhidefromtheassassinbot,butshecouldnothidefromhim.

Nellarelatedthetalebriefly,thenfinished,“Riosmashedthebottobits,butthehypostillhitme.That’s
allIknow.”

“Hebroughtyoustraighttome.Thatwassmart.Ahospitalcouldnothavehelpedyouintime,and
someonewouldhaverecognizedyou.”Nellarealizedsomething.“Hemissedhiswaytogetoff-worldby
helpingme,didn’the?”

“Yes,”Talansaid.

“Oh.”

“Itwashischoice,”Talansaidgently.

“IwishIwasinapositiontohelphim,”Nellasaid.“Sixmonthsago,Iwouldhavebeen.”

“I’dlovetohearyourstory,mydear,”Dr.Lassbegan,butTalaninterruptedher.

“They’recomingback.”

Nellaglancedatthemuralwall.Onthestreet,ReesandRiowalkedsidebyside,Reesinatunicand
leggingswithasun-blockingcloakwrappedaroundhisupperbody.

Riostrodebesidehiminleathertunicandleggings,hisblackhairshininginthesun.

Reesworehishairtamedinaqueue,foldedoveronitself.Rio’shairwascaughtonceatthenapeofhis
neckbuthungfreeandwilddownhisback.Reessaidsomething,andRiotiltedhisheadbackandroared
withlaughter.

Nellacouldnothearthesoundofthelaugh,buthismerrimentandsmilepiercedherallthewaythrough
thewallsofthecompound.

Talanheavedalittlesigh.Nellaglancedather.ThelovelywomanwasstaringhardatRees,drawntohim
asthoughaninvisiblethreadconnectedthetwoofthem.

Sheloveshimdesperately,Nellarealized.Andsheislovedinreturn.

Herparentshadsuchalove,sharingatrueBond.Theysnuggledwhentheythoughtnoonesaw,smiling
intoeachother’sfaces.Nellalikedfindingthemlikethat,stealingkisses,thelovepouringfromthemto
surroundher.

NellahadneverfelttheBond,notyet.AsshewatchedRionow,shewonderedwhatitwouldbeliketo
shareitwithsomeonelikehim,tobeabletoreachoutherhandtosomeonesostrong,andhavehimthere
totakeit.

ReesandRiodisappearedfromviewastheynearedthecompound.Talanturnedfromthescreenwith
regret,thenblushedwhenshesawbothNellaandDr.Laaswatchingher.

“Ican’thelpit,”shesaidwithalittlesmile.“He’sabeautifulman.”

“Iknow,”Dr.Laassaid.“Butit’sfuntoteaseyou.”

“They’veentered,”Bainesaidabovethem.“I’msendingthemdownnow.”46

Rio

NellaknewwhenReesandRionearedthediningroom.Eventhroughthewalls,shecouldfeeltheir
presence,thestrengthandsexualitythatradiatedfromthemandfilledthespacearoundthem.

Whenthedooropened,sheturnedinherchairtowatchthetwomenentertheroom,hardmasculinityina
chamberdesignedforfemininecomfort.Reeshaddiscardedhiscloak,andhistunicbaredthehuge
musclesofhisarmsandtheblackchainaroundhisbiceps.

ReesputhisarmsaroundTalanfrombehind,tiltedherheadbackandkissedher.

Nellalookedaway,butDr.Laaswatchedthemwithanindulgentsmile.Thewomanwasglad,Nella
realized,thatoneofherShareemhadfoundhappiness.ThinkingofDr.

Laasasabenevolentmotherstretchedtheimagination,butshedidseemtohavegenuineconcernand

affectionforhercreations.

NellasensedRiobehindher.Hisbodywarmthcoveredher,hispresencesuddenlyblockingallother
thoughtsfromhermind.ShemustbeweakfromwhatevermedicinesDr.Laasgaveher,becauseshe
couldn’tfighthim—andshedidn’treallywantto.

Heplacedhishandsonhershoulders,anon-sexualmove,butshefeltherselfrespondingatoncetothe
incrediblewarmththatbledthroughhertunic.

“WewereabouttohearNella’sstory,”Dr.Laassaid.

Rio’shandsmovedonhershoulders,kneadingalittle,asthoughremindingherwhatshe’dtrustedhim
withthepreviousevening.“Tellus,”hesaidinhisrich,Shareemvoice.

“Iwaskidnapped.”Thewordspouredfromhermouthbeforeshecouldstopthem,butshefeltasudden
relief,asthoughtellingthetruthgaveherrelease.

Baine’svoicecutinoverhead.“ThestoryonArielisthattheprincessdisappeared,probablyfora
liaisonwithherintended.”

“Butthat’snotthetruth,isit?”Rioaskedsoftly.

Nellashookherhead.“AmannamedLinginianwantedtobemyBond-mate,sohekidnappedme.”She
drewabreath,notwantingtorememberthesomewhathandsomebutarrogantLinginian,howhe’dbribed
trustedstaffinthepalacetogiveherasleepdrugandspiritheraway.

“WhatisaBond-mate?”Rioasked.“Youmentionedityesterday,saidsomeonetriedtostealtheBond.”

“WhenawomanofArielwishestomarry,shefindsthemanwithwhomshefeelstheBond,”Nellasaid.
“Itisdifficulttoexplaintoanon-Arielian.WeknowtheBondwhenwefeelit—itisabiochemical
reaction,Isuppose.”

“SimilartothewayaShareemcanmakeawomandowhathewants,”Dr.Laasputin.

“Oh,wewouldnevercoerce,”Riosaid,hisvoiceinnocent.“Wouldwe,Rees?”

“Never,”Reesanswered,straight-faced.

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AllysonJames

“LinginiancameupwithdrugsthathethoughtcouldartificiallyinducetheBond.Iwouldclaimthathe
andIwereBond-mates,andhecouldmarrymeandgainmuchmoneyandpower.”

“Butitdidn’twork,”Riostated.

“No.Italmostkilledme.Linginianthreatenedthelivesofmyfamilytoforcemetotelleveryonethatthe
Bondhadformedanyway.Irefused,andhehadmebeatenandconfined.”

Rio’shandstightenedonhershoulders.“Bastard.”Thequietwordspokevolumes.IfRioeverfound
Linginian,Linginianwouldbeintrouble.Nellalikedtheidea.

Dr.Laasgaveheralookofconcern.“Didherapeyou,Nella?”Nellashookherhead.“Notinthesexual
sense.ButtryingtoforcetheBondisaworseviolationthanrape.Hetriedtochangemyentireself,my
emotions,mythoughts,mybodilyreactions.Itwaslikehetriedtoreshapemefromtheinsideout.”Rio
leaneddownandpressedakisstothecrownofherhead.“That’swhyyousaidhetriedtotakeyouaway
fromyou.”

“Yes.”

Shefeltlassitudeseepingthroughheragitation,hisShareemtouchcalmingher.

“Butyougotawayfromhim,”Talansaid,hereyesanxious.

“Imanagedtosneakontoatransportleavinghisestate,whichtookmetoStation573.Butofcourse,once
herealizedI’dgottenontoit,hecontactedmenonthestationtosnatchmeagain.Hehasmoneyand
friendseverywhere.ImanagedtoescapeontoanothertransporttoStation289.Again,hehadfriends
lookingformewhenIarrived,andIcouldn’tevengettoacallconsole.Isimplykeptrunning,stowing
awayontransportaftertransport.Ibecamerathergoodatit.”Shelaughedalittle.

“AndeventuallyyougottoBorNarga,”Dr.Laassaid.

“Yes.Sometimealongtheway,Linginianchangedfromtellinghisfriendstocaptureme,toinstructing
themtokillme.IfIreachhomeandtellmystory,yousee,heisfinished.”

“Sohelinedupassassinbotstogoafteryou,”Riosaid.

Shelookedupathim.“Andyougotinone’sway.”

“I’mdamngladIdid.”Hesmiledalittle,ahintofwickednessinhiseyes.“Ineverwouldhavegottento
seeyourultra-gorgeousbody,otherwise.”Nellaflushed.Nooneelseintheroomseemedtothinkhis
speechwasoutrageous.

TheywereusedtoShareem—theywereusedtoRio.

Talanreachedoverandtouchedherhand.“We’llhelpyougetbackhome.”

“Youarekind.”

“Weknowwhatit’sliketobehunted,”Dr.Laassaid.

“ExceptTalan,”Rioputin.“She’sarichgirl.Shegetseverythingshewants.”48

Rio

Talanstuckhertongueoutathim,butsheblushed.

“IcanrelayamessageasfarasStation657,”Bainebrokeinabovethem.“Theconsultherecanrelay

itacrossstationsallthewaytoAriel.Themessagewillbeuntraceable,whichmeansyourfriendswill
notbeabletocontactyouhere,butthen,neitherwillyourenemies.”

“Ormine,”Dr.Laasputin.

Nellahesitated.“Iwouldhatetojeopardizeyoursafety.”

“Youwillnot,”Bainesaid,soundingoffended.“Noonewillevertraceatransmissiontothis
compound.Iamthemostsophisticatedcomputerevermade.”

“Withanegotomatch,”Reesobservedquietly.

“Thatisrich,comingfromaShareem.”

“Preparethemessage,Baine,”Dr.Laasadmonished.“Whatdoyouwanttosay,Nella?”

“JustthatIamsafeandthatLinginianshouldbearrestedandquestioned,andthathetriedtousedrugsto
inducetheBond.”Sheshuddered.“Itwasthemosthorrifyingthinghecouldhavedone.”

“WillthepeopleonArielbelievethemessageisfromNella?”Talanasked.“Theywon’tthinkitatrick,
orahoax?”

“Theywillhavevisual,voiceprint,andDNAmatch,”Bainesaid,somewhathuffily.“Iwilldirectthe
rescueefforttoStation657.WewillgetNellathere,andallwillbewell.Noonewillneedtocome
nearthecompound,oreventoBorNarga.IfancythatPrincessNellawouldbehappytoleave‘this
rock’asRiosopoeticallycallsit.”

“Yes,indeed,”Nellasaidfervently.“NotthatIdonotappreciatewhatyouallhavedone…”

ShebrokeoffasRiolaughed.“You’renotoffendingmewantingtogetoutofthisplace.”Heleaneddown
andnuzzledherneck.Warmsensationtrickleddownherspine.“Ofcourse,thatmeanswewon’thave
muchtimetogettoknoweachother.

We’dbetterdoitfast.”

“I’llfindyoupassageonanothertransport,”Reesannounced.“Riowillgowithyou.”

“No.”Nellapushedbackherchairandstoodup.Theotherslookedatherinsurprise.

“Tiredofmealready,beautiful?”Rioasked.Hisblueeyeswerewatchfulbehindtheteasingtwinkle.

“Idonotwanttheassassinbotsafteryou.Putmeonatransport—Iwilldotherest.”

Thisnoblespeechdidnotgooverwell.Riosnorted,Reeslookskeptical,Talandistressed.

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“Stilldon’ttrustus,doyou?”Riosaid.Hemovedtostandbehindherandbeganteasingthefinehairson
thenapeofherneck.Shefeltheragitationslow,herbodyrespondingwhethershelikeditornot.

“Ido,”shesaidquickly.“But—”

“Nobuts,”Reesbrokein.“Riobroughtyouhere,we’reinitnow.Riocanprotectyouuntilyoufindyour
ownpeople.”

“Thinkofit,”Riosaidinhisdeepvoice.“Youandmeonatransport,inaprivatecabin,atinyspace,for
hoursandhours.Hmm,wonderwhatwe’llthinkoftodo?”Nellatriedtostepawayfromhim,butshe
couldnotmovefromhistouchforanything.

Shefelthisincreasingbodyheatasheputhisarmsaroundherwaist,leaneddownandrestedhischeek
againsthers.“Let’sjustsaywe’resuckersforadamselindistress,”hesaid.

“Itisdangeroustogetinvolvedwithme,”shetried.“IfIamtrackedhere,thenDr.

Laaswillbeexposed.Idonotwantthattohappen.”Shestaredinsurpriseatthesmilesthatsurrounded
her.“Youwon’tbetrackedhere,”Dr.Laassaid.“I’manexpertathiding.”

“Buttheyareexpertsattracking,”Nellaargued.

“Yes,thoseassassinbots.”Dr.Laasmadeadismissivegesture.“They’reprogrammedtotrackyouand
onlyyou,correct?Theyignoreeveryoneelsebuttheirtarget?”

“Unlesssomeonegetsintheirway,”Nellasaid,glancingsidewaysatRio.

“Wecoulddisguiseher,”Riosaid.“Hmm,wecoulddressherasmysub,collararoundherneck,asarong
thatdoesn’tcovertoomuch.Dyeherhair,maybe,thoughthatwouldbeashame.It’snicethewayitis.”
Heranhisfingerslightlyovertheknotofhairgatheredatherneck,hisShareemtouchscaldinghotwith
hisgrowingarousal.

Dr.Laaschuckled.“Nicetry,Rio.Thebotslookforageneticmatch,notavisual,sothere’snomistake.
Youcoulddressherupanddyeherhairandgiveherdropstochangehereyecolor,butthey’dstillfind
her.”Nellanodded.“Sothereisnoescapingthem.”

“Ah,butyou’reassumingyouwererescuedbyeveryday,ordinaryBorNargans,”Dr.Laassaid.“Instead,
youwererescuedbyageniusofgeneticresearch.Myworkwaslaudedthroughoutsevensystems.Ifthe
botscantrackyouthroughyourgeneticsignature,we’lljustchangeyourgeneticsignature.”Nellastared
ather.“Thatisn’tpossible.”

“Yes,itis.”

“Ithoughtgeneticmanipulationcouldonlyhappenwhileapersonwasstilldeveloping—beforethey’re
born.”

50

Rio

“Oh,yes.Usually.Youcanoptoutinheriteddiseasesandgeneticdisordersandmanipulatehaircolorand
whetheryou’llhaveyourgreat-grandfather’snose.It’seasier,ofcourse,whenthepersonisdeveloping.
ButIcanstilldoit.IhavethebloodsamplesItookwhenIanalyzedthepoisonyou’dbeengiven.I’ll
thinkaboutitanddoalittlecreativegeneticsculptingtofoolthebots.”

Thewomansmiled,hergazefarawayassheimaginedthefunshecouldhaveinherlab.

“Howmuchwillyouchange?”Nellaaskedinalarm.

“Oh,nottoomuch.Enoughsothatyoursignaturewon’tmatchthebots’

programming.Outwardly,you’llneverknowthedifference.Unless,ofcourse,you’dlikemetomake
somemodifications.”SheranaeyeupanddownNella,likeadressdesignertryingtodecidewhereto
putmorepleatsorfrills.

Rio’sarmstightenedaroundNella.“Don’tchangeathing.She’sperfectthewaysheis.”

Nellablushed.“Notreally.”

“Youdon’tbelieveme?”Riosaid,hisvoicetakingonadangerousnote.

“You’reveryflattering,”shesaidquickly.

Hisplayfulnessvanished.“Flattering?YoumeanI’mlying?”

“Ididnotsaythat.I—”

Heconfusedher.Allherlifeshe’dbeentaughttobebanallypolite,tohavethecorrectremarkforthe
correctpersonatthecorrecttime.EverythingshesaidtoRioseemedtoprovokeareactionoppositeof
whatsheexpected.

Butthen,Riowasnothinglikeanymale—anyhumanbeing—she’devermetbefore.

Hedidnothingexpected.Maybethatwaspartofhisattraction—hisunpredictability.

Thisflashedthroughherheadjustbeforehespunheraround,bentandquicklyliftedheroverhisshoulder.
Shehungupsidedown,toostartledtodoanythingbutstareathisleather-cladbuttocks.

“You’restillhavingaproblemwithtrust,”hesaid,verysoftly.“OneI’mgoingtohavetocure.”

Plantinghishandonherbackside,hehauledheroutoftheroom,completelyignoringhersqueakof
protest.

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AllysonJames

ChapterSeven

FurtherLessonsinTrust

Riotookhertotheroomwiththemirrors,theoneinwhichshe’dfirstseenTalanandReesandRio
together.Themirrorscoveredallfourwalls,andthereflectionscurvedoffinalldirections,outofsightto
infinity.

Riosetheronherfeetwithathump,andthedoorclosedquietlybehindthem.

“Baine,”hesaidtotheair.“Takeahike.”

“Dr.Laasdoesnotliketoleaveanyofherroomsunmonitored,”Bainerepliedinastuffyvoice.

“Toobad.Ifyoudon’tturnoffthemonitors,I’llpullthewiring,andshe’llhavetodoallkindsofrepairs.
Betteryoujustgo.”

Baineheavedasigh,whichsoundedmorelikestaticthananythingelse.“Verywell.”Somethingclicked,
thenthefainthumofwhatevermonitorswerebuiltintotheceilingwentoff.

“Rio,”Nellasaid.“Werethemonitorsonyesterday,inmyroom?”

“Yes.”Hesmiled,aslow,wickedsmile.“Bainestoresalltheimages.Ihadfunreplayingthemlastnight
whenIwenttobed.”

Shestaredinhorror.“Youwatchedwhatwedid?”

“Whynot?”Rioslidhistunicoverhisheadandtossedittothefloor.Historsowasbareunderneath,and
themirrorsreflectedhishardandbeautifulbodythousandsoftimes.“Itwasn’tasgoodasbeingthere,but
youwereso,sobeautiful.”Nellagulped,rememberinghowshe’dwillinglyrubbedherselfwhilehe
tracedherentirebodywithhiswhip.

“Couldanyoneelsereplaythem?”

“Iftheybotheredto.ReesandTalanaresowrappedupineachotherthatthey’reprobablynotinterested.”

“WhataboutDr.Laas?”

“Don’tthinkso.Ifyou’dbeentherebyyourself,maybe,butshedoesn’twatchorhavesexwithShareem.
Someofherowngeneticmaterialwentintocreatingthefirstones,andshesaysthatwouldjustbeweird.
Shehasherownlover—Dr.Ralston.HewasanotherDNAmoscientist,almostassmartasher.Ithink
theyfuckandtalkaboutgeneticsatthesametime.”

Shesmiledatthewrynoteinhisvoice,whilesheinvoluntarilylethergazerunupanddownhisbody.
Hisblackchaincircledthetannedskinofhisrightbiceps,the52

Rio

musclecurvingaroundhisarmtofirmtriceps.Hisforearmswerestrong,wristslarge,handsbroadand
sinewy.

Nellahadneverseenamanthisperfect,thissexual,inherlife.WhileRio’sfacedidnothavethemodel-
likebeautymenofArielseemedtowant,itwassquareandstrong,hisjawfirmandhard.Hiseyes,the
blueirisesalreadywidening,werealmond-shapedandframedwiththick,blacklashes.

Hismouthwaswideandsensual,andrightnowthatmouthcurvedinasmilethatmadeherwanttorunfor
cover.

Buttherewasnowheretorun,onlyRioandthismirroredroomandthebed.

“Ithinkit’stimetocontinueyourtraining,”hesaid,“intrust.”Hermouthwentdryatthesametimeher
quimgrewwet.“Idotrustyou,”shebabbled.“IfyouwereworkingwithLinginian,youwouldhave
alreadyturnedmeovertohim.”

Rioshookhishead.“No,love,Idon’tthinkyouknowthefirstthingabouttrust.”

“ButIamgratefultoyouandDr.Laasfortryingtohelpme.”Hecuppedherchininonehand,brushing
herlipswithhisthumb.“Sweetheart,youhavesomuchtolearn.Areyouwilling?”

Hewasdoingitagain,sendinghisShareempheromonesoverher,lacingthemwithendorphinstoquiet
her.Shedidn’tunderstandhowhedidit,butsheknewonething—

itworked.

Shefeltherlimbsgoslack,hereyesheavy,evenasshewarmedinanticipation.

Whatwouldhemakeherdothistime?

“That’sbetter,”Riosaidinanearwhisper.“NomatterwhatIaskofyou,itwillfreeyou,Nella.Doyou
understand?”

“Notreally.”

“Itdoesn’tmatter.”Heglancedbackatthedarkeneddoor.“Rees.Comein.”Thefloor-to-ceilingdoor
slidsoftlybackonitself,andReescamethrough,leadingTalanbythehand.Talanwasblushing,buther
eyelidsdrooped,andNellasensedthesamecalmfromherthatshefeltherself.

Rees,stilldressedinhistunic,handedRioaleatherwhipashewalkedby.Thedoorclosedquietly
behindhim.

Riofoldedthewhipinhishand,ashehadthestrapthenightbefore.

Nellarememberedthesudden,sharpstingofthestraponherbackside.Ratherthanhurting,thestrange
painhadreleasedher,spillingoutallheremotionsandworriesinone,ecstaticclimax.

Still,sheeyedthewhipnervously,andTalanandReesmorenervouslystill.Whatonearthdidheexpect
hertodo?

“Strip,”hesaid,asthoughreadinghermind.

“What?”

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AllysonJames

“Taketheclothesfromyourbody,”herepeated,eachwordsuccinct.

“Now?”Nellagulped,glancingatReesandTalan.“But—”Riosnappedthewhipintheair.“Now.”

“Icannot.Notinfrontof—”

Riosnappedthewhipagain,hiseyesglittering.“Youcantrustallofusinthisroom.Wewillneverhurt
youorbetrayyou.Iwillshowyouthatbeingnakeddoesnotmeanbeingvulnerable.Doyouunderstand?”

Sheshookherhead.“No.”

“Youwill,onceyouobey.Strip,Nella.”

Reessaid,“Iwouldobeyhim.”HisquietvoiceforsomereasonchilledhermorethanRio’swhip.

Andyet,shesensedthatneitherofthemwouldhurther.Talantrustedthem.Thelovelywomannodded
whenNellalookedather.“It’sallright,”shesaidsoftly.

SlowlyNellaunlacedhertunic,handsshaking.Threepairsofeyesrivetedtoher,twosetsShareem-blue
andaroused.

Nellawasusedtoattention,havinghadreporterbotsfollowheraroundmostofherlife,butthiswas
different.ReportersandfansonArielwatchedtheprincess,theirsymbolofeleganceandstability.The
princesscouldbeanyone—thesedays,ithappenedtobeNella.

Here,inthisroom,farfromAriel,RioandTalanandReeswatchedher,Nellatheperson.

Sheatlastgotthetunicunlacedandpulleditoffoverherhead.Underneath,sheworeathingarment
againstherskin,alayertokeephercoolinBorNarga’smercilessheat.Inthemirrors,shesawthather
hardeningnippleswereraisedpointsagainstthefabric.

Sheleftthegarmentinplacefornowandbeganlooseningthetiesoftheleggings.

Riowatchedherintently,hisdarkgazefollowinghereverymove.

SlowlyNellapulleddowntheleggingsandsteppedoutofthem.Underneaththesewasanotherthin
garment,whiteandtranslucent,likethetop.Theredhairatherquimcouldeasilybeseenthroughit.

“Keepgoing,”Riosaidwhenshehesitated.

Quickly,Nellaskimmedtheundertunicoverherheadandsteppedoutofthesilkytrousersasthey

watched.

There.Shewasnaked.

Coolairtouchedherskin,seemingtolingeronhernipplesandtrickleitswayintoherquim.Shesaw
ReestightenhisholdonTalan,onethumbstrokingherside,upanddown,upanddown.Riodidnot
move,buttheblueinhiseyeswidenedevenmore.

Nellainstinctivelyfoldedherarmsoverherchest,hidingherbreasts.Riogrowledandsnappedthewhip.

54

Rio

“Standthereandletuslookatyou.”

Slowly,sheloweredherarms.Riofocusedhisgazeonherbreasts,tracingthecurveofeach,lingeringon
thedarkenedtips.

Reesmovedhishandstocuphiswife’sbreasts,andTalanleanedbackagainsthim,adreamylookonher
face.

“Putyourhandsbehindyourback,”RiosaidtoNella.

Nellahesitated.Suchaposturewouldliftherchestandthrustherhipsforward.

Rioleaneddownandputhislipsclosetoherear.“Doit.”Trustme.

Hedidnotsaythewords,butsheheardtheminherhead,echoesfromthenightbefore.Slowlyshefolded
herarmsbehindherback.

“Thankyou.”

Hesteppedbehindher,andshefeltametalcuffencloseherrightwrist.Beforeshecouldjumpaway,
anotherenclosedherleftwrist.Manacles?Wherehadhegottenmanacles?

Whereverhe’dstashedthem,theywereclaspedtohernow.Coolmetalhuggedherwrists,thebands
aboutthreeincheswide.Anarrowmetalchainstretchedbetweenthem,holdingherhandsinplace.

“Youbelongtome,now,”Riosaid.“Meandmealone.”Shelookedupathim,curlsofredhairfallingin
hereyes.“Why?”

“Why?BecauseIsaidso.”

“Imean,whydoyouwantmetobelongtoyou?”

Hebroughtupthewhipandtouchedhercheekwithit.“Becauseyou’rebeautiful.

BecauseIwantyou.Becauseyouneedme.”

Shedidnotunderstand,butshedidnotargue.WhyRiohaddiscardedachancetogetawayfromthe
planetthatrestrictedhiminordertohelpher,shedidnotknow.Shewashappyhehad,becausetruthto
tell,she’dneverfeltmoresafeinherlifethanstandingbound,naked,infrontofRioandhisfriends.

Sheunderstoodnowthatmuchofthisfeelingofsafetywasthepheromoneshecastoverher,andtheway
hecouldmakeherownendorphinsrelaxher.

SheglancedatTalan,who’drelaxedinherhusband’sarms,hereyesclosed.Reeswasworkinghisspell
onher,shuttingoutallthingsbutthepleasureofbeingwithhim.

Thedifferencewas,TalanandReeshadbecomelifemates.Intheend,Nellawouldgohomealone,and
RiowouldpursuehisdreamoffleeingBorNargaforever.Shesuddenlyhatedthethoughtofneverseeing
himagain.

Rioputthewhipunderherchinandturnedherfaceuptohis.“Areyouavirgin,Nella?”

“Yes.”Thatatleastshedidknow.

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AllysonJames

“Iwilldomanythingstoyou,”hesaidinhislowvoice.“Iwilldomanythingswithyou.Butyoucan
remainavirgin,ifyouwant.”

Whydidthatnewsdistressher?Sheshouldbehappythatshe’dreturnhomeuntouched,abletogotoher
Bond-matewhenshefoundhim.

Hesmiledalittle.“Technically,atleast.Doyoubelieveme?”

“Ithinkso.”

Hiseyesnarrowed.“Isaid,doyoubelieveme?”Shegasped,“Yes.”

“No,youdon’t.Iseeitinyoureyes.I’lljusthavetoproveI’mamanofmyword.”Hecaressedherlips
withthewhip.“Iwon’ttakeyourvirginity,unlessyouaskmeto.

Doyouunderstand?”

“Yes.”

“Good.”Hemovedaway,takingthewhipwithhim.Theabsenceofhistouch,evenoftheleatheronher
skin,madeherfeelsuddenlyempty.

“Icannotaskyouthat,”sheblurted.

Hestopped.“What?”

“Icannotaskyouto—tocouplewithme.ThemanIfirstcouplewithwillbemyBond-mate.”

“Iknowthat,”hesaidhisvoicecalm.“ThatiswhyIwillnotfuckyoufully.Sowhenyourhusband
crawlsintobedwithyou,you’llstillbeavirgin.”

“It’stheotherwayaround,actually.”

Riogaveheranoddlook.“Ithinkyourtranslationimplantismalfunctioning.Thatdidn’tmakesense.”

“Yes,itdid.OnAriel,awomanisnotavirginwhenshemarries,andamandoesnotexpectavirginwife.
OnceIfindthemanwhoismyBond-mate,Iaskhimtocouplewithme.Ifheaccepts,thenwemarry.
Afterwecoupleforthefirsttime,ofcourse.”

“Whathappensifthemancoupleswithyouthenrunsforit?”Sheregardedhiminsomesurprise.“Noman
would.Hewouldbeshamedandhumiliated,andhe’dneverBondwithanyoneagain.Heeitherrefuses,
breakingtheBond,orhemarriesher.”

Riostaredather.“Whathappenswhenhejustwantssex?Hehastogetmarried?

Youmusthaveaplanetfullofhornymen.”

Shewantedtolaugh.“SomewomenneverfindtheirBond-mates,andtakeloversinstead.Andthereare
widows,whoseBondsarebroken,whodonotdemandmarriageinreturnforcoupling.Butmostmen
wanttomarryandBond.MarriagesonArielareveryloving.”

“Soundslikeparadise.”

Shefelttearsriseinhereyes.“Itistome.”

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Rio

“ProbablywouldhavenoplaceforShareem,then.Ilivetopleasurewomen,buttheyalwaysmarry
someoneelse.”

Nellathoughthehadanoteofbitternessinhisvoice,butshecouldnotbesure.“Iamcertainwomen
wouldvietomarryyou,ortotakeyouasalover.Youwouldhavehundredsofproposalsthemomentyou
madeplanetfall.”Rioliftedhisbrowsindisbelief,thenstartedtolaugh.“Ihaveyounakedandchained
beforeme,andyouaregoingonaboutmarriagecustoms.Idon’tthinkthishaseverhappenedtome
before.”

“It’safirst,”Reesmurmured.HiskissedTalan’shair,hishandsmovingbeneathherrobes.

“Great,”Riosaid,“Nowyou’vegotReesmakingfunofme.I’llhavetodosomethingaboutthat.”

Nellaswallowed,hertrepidationreturning.“Punishment?”

“Yes,”Reessaidinadarkvoice.HebitTalan’scheek.“Punishher.”Rioglancedathim.“Myfriend
Reesisabarbarian.Heenjoyspunishment.Givingitandwatchingit.”

TheotherShareem’seyeswerefullyblue,hisskinflushed.Nellasensedhismountinglustevensixfeet
awayfromhim.Reeshadnooff-switch,Riohadsaid,andtherewasnotellingwhathe’ddo.

Andyet,NellaknewthatReeshadnolongingforher.Hewantedthewomaninhisarms,Talan,wanted
herstrippedandboundandbeggingforhim.AndthewayTalanwasrubbingherselfagainstRees’body,
shewantedittoo.

Riosnappedhiswhipagain,andNellajerkedherattentionbacktohim.“Doyouwantmetopunishyou,
Nella?”

“Notreally.”

“Andyet,youdon’ttrustme,youdon’tbelieveme.”Helightlytracedhercheek.

“WhatamIgoingtodowithyou?”

“Idonotknow.”

“Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”

“Idonotknow,”shesaid,hervoicegrowingdesperate.

Hesteppedclosetoher,thevibrantscentofleatherandmuskfillingher.“Youdoknow,Nella.Lookdeep
insideyou.Youknowwhatyouwant,andyoumusttellme.”Thedamphollowofhisthroatwasathereye
level.Shetiltedherheadtolookupintohisstrong,verymasculineface.“Itruly—”

Shebrokeoffasheseizedherchininhishand,hisfingersbiting.“ThetruthisexactlywhatIwantfrom
you.Youhavedesires.Youtellmewhatisinsideofyou,orIwillhavenomercy.”

Shetriedtolookinsideherself,likehetoldher,buthermindwastoopanicked.Allthathadhappened,
andthencominguponRio—itwastoomuchforher.

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AllysonJames

“Whatdoyoumean,nomercy?”sheaskednervously.

Hekeptholdofherface,hisgripfirmsoshecouldnotlookaway.“Iwanttogiveyouwhatyouwant.You
havetotellme,soIcangiveittoyou.Ifyoudonot,wewilldowhatIwant.IamalevelthreeShareem,
Nella.WhatIwantcanbe—complicated.”Bycomplicatedsheknewhemeantdangerousandexciting
andexhilaratingandfrightening.Buthewasgivingherachancetobypassthegreatestpartofthedanger,
tochoosewhatshewanted.

Shedrewasharpbreath,closedhereyes,andtriedtofocus.Whatdidshewant?

Tobehome,tobesafe,tobewiththepeoplesheloved.Tohaveherlifeback.

DimlyshefeltRio’sfingerssoftenonherface.Shewantedtotellhimwhatitmeanttoherthathe’dsaved

her,thathe’dbroughthertothisundergroundplacewiththesealienpeoplewhowerekindtoher.She’d
saidthankyouandI’mgrateful,butthewordsseemedinadequateandthin.

Shewantedtotellhimwhatitmeantthathe’dgivenupwhathewantedmostofall—hisfreedom—tohelp
her.

“Iwant…”shebegan.

“Yes?”heasked,hisvoiceveryquiet.“Whatdoyouwant,Nella?”

“Iwantyou.”

Hewentsilent,andsheopenedhereyes.Hewaswatchingherintently,hisgazeunreadable.

“Youwantmetowhat?”heasked.

Hedidnotunderstand.Shewantedhim,allofhim,histouchandhiswhipandhisShareem-blueeyes.

Buthewasusedtowomenbeggingforsexualfavors.Hewantedhertotellhimwhattodo,andhewould
notbelieveherifshesaidshewantednothing.

Becauseshewould,infact,belying.Shewantedhimtotouchherallover,tomakelovetoher,tomake
hercomelikehehadlastnight.Shewantedthestingofleatheronherbackside,followedbyhishandto
soothethesting.

Asayingshe’dlearnedwhenveryyoungcamebacktoher—ifyouwanttoreceivesomething,give
somethingfirst.

Nellacarefullysanktoherknees.Thelastinchorsowasmoreofafall,andherkneeshitthefloor,but
Dr.Laas’programmedcarpetingabsorbedtheshockandcushionedher.

Riowatchedher,eyesintense.“Isthiswhatyouwant?”

“Yes.”

Thebulgeinhisleatherpantshunginfrontofher.Sweetgods,hemustbehuge.

Sheleanedforwardandkissedit,tastingwarmleather.

Theleggingswereoffbeforeshefiguredouthowhe’drippedhimselfoutofthem.

Heworealoinclothbeneath,apieceofclothheldwithathinstripofleatherslunglow58

Rio

onhiships,baringalmostallofhimself.Ifshe’dseenhimlikethisinthealley,she’dhavefaintedfrom
lackofoxygen.

Riountiedonesideoftheloinclothanddrewitoff.

Oh,gods.

Hewasbiggerthanshecouldhaveimagined.Hiscockstoodatfullerection,astandardfootlongandas
thickasherfist.Thetipstretchedtowardher,thesmallslitinitbeckoninghertongue.Coarseblackhair
adornedthecock’sbaseandcurledaroundhisscrotum.

“Teachme,”shewhispered.

Thecockmovedslightlyatherwords,hisheartbeatechoingthere.

“Lickit,”hesaid,soundingstrangelygentle.“Getitwet.”Shedrewhertongueovertheheadandaround
theflange,notsurewhattodo.Hertonguefoundasoftplacebeneaththetip,andsheworkeditatlittle,
rubbingbackandforth.

Hisfingersbitdownonhershoulders.“Likethat.”ShenolongerthoughtaboutReesandTalanwatching.
SheonlythoughtofthetasteofRio,darkandspicyandexciting,andthefeelofhimunderhertongue.

Softliketherichestvelvet,hewas,andyetstrongandhard.Shesankbackonherheels,loweringher
headtolicktheundersideofthecock,wettingitallthewaytothebase.

“Gods,”hemurmured.

Shelickeddowntothecurlsathisscrotum,thencircledhertongueovereachofhisverytightballs.

“Enough,”hesaid.Hebackedalittle,slidingawayfromhertongue.“Takemeinyourmouth.”

Shereachedoutwithhertongueagainandtouchedunderneathhisflange,knowinghe’djumpatthe
sensation.Satisfied,shedrewhiscockbetweenherlipsandmovedherwholemouthoverit.

Shehadnoideawhattodonext,soshesimplygotusedtothefeelingofitinhermouthandherlips
stretchingaroundhim.Sheimaginedthatherteethwouldhurthim,soshesoftenedherlips,tryingtokeep
fromscrapinghim.

“Suck,”hesaid.

Shedid,alonggulp,andalmostchoked.

“Gently,”hesaid,soundingamused.Heputhishandonherhair.“Useyourtongue.”

Shegentledthemovement,andbegantosuckle.

Hedidnotneedtotellhershewasdoingitright.Shecouldtellbythewayhestood,legsrigid,onehand
looseningherhair,theotherclenchedaroundhiswhip.

“Harder.”

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AllysonJames

Sheconcentratedonkeepingthesamemovement,butpullingalittleharder.Herewardedherwitha
groan.

Shehadthoughtitwouldonlybeexcitingwhenhetouchedher.Buttouchinghimwithherlipsandtongue
wasoneofthemostexcitingthingsshe’deverdone.Shewantedtorubherfaceonhiscock,kisshimall
thewaydowntohisballs,lickthereandevenfartherback,towardhisass.Shehadnoideaifhe’dlike
that,butshewantedtotryit.

Shefelttheleatherofhiswhipslidearoundherback.Hedidnotstrikeher,heeaseditaroundher
shouldersandheldherwithit.

Shelovedit.Herockedslightlyonhisheels,drivingthelongcockintohermouth,fuckingherwithit.

Nellatookitoutofhermouthanddidwhatshepictured,kissingherwaydownthebottomofthecockto
hisscrotum.Hepartedhislegs,andshenuzzledhisballs,smilingatthewayhishairtickledherskin.

Sheslidhertonguebehindhisballstothehotindentthereandplayed,growingbolderbytheminute.

“Fuck,”hesaid.

Shewantedtolickhisass.Shewanted,forsomereason,todiphertonguebetweenhischeeksandtaste
hisanalstar.Shewasn’tquitecertainhowtodothisandkeepherbalanceandcontinuetopleasurehim,
butitwaswhatshewanted.Whenheaskedheragain,shewouldknowwhattotellhim.

Justtoexperiment,sheflickedhertongueupwardandeaseditbetweenhisbuttocks.

“Ohgods,”hesaid,faraboveher.“I’mgoingtocome.”Hepulledheroutfrombetweenhislegsand
positionedherinfrontofhiscock.Sheknewwhathewantedbeforehesaidit.Sheopenedhermouthand
tookhiminside.

60

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ChapterEight

ALittleHelpfromFriends

Thisiswhatparadiseislike,RiothoughtasNellasuckedhimeagerlyintohermouthagain.

Hertonguestrokedandlickedanddrovehiminsane.Thepheromonespouringfromherweremakinghim
crazy,too.Hisbloodwasflaming,hisbodytemperaturewayup.

ReesandTalanweren’thelping.Reeswasnakednow.He’dplunkedhimselfonanarmlesschairthatwas
perfectforsex—allthefurnitureinDr.Laas’housewasdesignedforsex—anddraggedTalanontopof
him.

Herskirtswereaboveherhips,andReesrockedheronhim,fuckingher,totallyoblivioustoRioand
Nella.Rees’ShareempheromonesaddedtothewildmixofRio’sown,andNella’sandTalan’s.Too
muchdamnsexinthisroom,andthey’dbarelystarted.

WhenNella’stongueflickedbetweenhisbuttocks,Riohadthoughthe’ddie.Sweetinnocent,goingon
instinctalone—andlikingit,hecouldtellbythesmileonherface.

Themanacleskeptherwristspinnedbehindher.Herthrust-forwardbreastsmovedintimewithher
sucking.

Nowhewasoverthetop.Hegroanedhardastheseedpouredoutofhimandintohermouth.

Shejumped,startledatthenewtaste,but,wonderfullady,shekepthermoutharoundhimanddidn’tback
away.

Hishipsjerked,andhepulledhercloserwiththestrapofleather.Hislevelthreesenseswantedtoturn
heroverandswatherbottom,tohearthestraponherfleshandhearhersoundsofpleasure.

Somethinginthebackofhismindtoldhimhecouldnotgoall-outlevelthreeonher,notforawhile.She
wasinnocentanduncertain,andthisfairlytamepleasuringwasallshe’deverdoneinherlife.

Hespilledthelastofhisseedintohermouth.Sheclosedhereyes,swallowedhim,thensmiled.

Hedraggedhertoherfeetandheldherclose.Thechainclinkedbehindher.Hetumbledherhairunderhis
handsandkissedherface.

“Mine,”hesaid.“You’reallmine,Nella.”

Shenoddedonceashefeatheredkissesacrosshercheeks.“It’swhatIwanted,”shewhispered.“WhatI
trulywanted.”

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AllysonJames

Shesoundedproudthatshe’dfigureditout.

Gentlyhereleasedthechainthatboundherhandstogether,buthedidnotremovethecuffs.Heliftedher
intohisarms,andwithoutbotheringtodressorletherdress,hecarriedheroutoftheroom.Therestof
thiswasgoingtobedoneinprivate.

OnethingtobesaidforBainewasthathecouldn’tcarelesswhetherthepeopleinhiselevatorwere
clothedorunclothed,soRiowassparedthecomputer’ssnidecomments.

Bainedidknowaboutsex,though.AsRiocarriedNellaoutofthelift,Bainemuttered,“Computer
interfaceissomucheasier.”

“Whatdidhesay?”NellaaskedasRiosethergentlyonherbed.

“Badmachine-languagejoke.Ignorehim.”

Nellalookedupathim,hereyesheavyfromtheShareemchemicalsshe’dabsorbed.

Shewasopenenoughandreceptiveenoughinbodyandmindforhimtogoaheadandfuckher,butRio
heldhimselfback.

Hisfriendswouldlaughathim,especiallyBradon,anotherlevelthreewhodidwhateverhepleasedand
charmedhisladiesintosubmission.Riolovedsex,butBradonlovednothingbutsex.

Rioheldback,becauserightatthismoment,Nellatrustedhim.He’dcommandedhertrust,andhe’d
showeredherwithpheromonestomakeiteasierforhertotrust,buthoweverithadhappened,ithad.

Ifhetookadvantageofhernow,thelessonwouldbewasted,andshe’dnevertrusthimagain.Shewasnot
awomanofBorNarga,withanunderlyingknowledgethatshewasincharge,nomatterwhat.Nellawas
fromAriel,aplanethedidn’tknow—andwhoknewhowthewomenofthatplanetthought?

Rioknewonething—iftheladiesofArielwereasgorgeousasNella,hewantedtogothere.

“Openyourlegs,darling,”hesaid.

Obediently,andwithasmile,Nelladid.

Abeautifulpussy,coveredwithredhairanddampwithcream,layreadyforhim.

Rioleanedoverher,breathingintheheadyscentofawomanwantinghim.Heraisedherarmsaboveher
head.

“Whatareyougoingtodo?”sheasked.

“Youpleasuredme,”hesaid.“Now,I’mgoingtopleasureyou.”

“Oh.”Shesoundedhappy.ShewasfargoneunderhisShareemspell,andwouldprobablydoanything—
absolutelyanything—hetoldherto.

Damn,itsuckstobeagentleman.

Hestartedatherneck.Helickedhiswayoverthehollowofherthroat,thendownbetweenherbreasts.
Herbodyheatwaswayup,herskinnearlyburninghistongue.

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Hetastedherbreasts,playingwiththesoftnessofthem.Hetracedoneareolewiththetipofhistongue,
tastingwarm,salty,darkflavor.

Heflickedhistonguedownherabdomentohernavel,pokingitandmakingherlaugh.

Thendowntotheslightswellbeneathhernavel.Heteasedhimself,andher,bylickingjustabovewhere
thehairbegantogrowinaswirl.Herskinwassoftthere,aplaceseldomtouched.

Shesmelledgood,thejuicesofherpussywarmingherthighsandsendingherwoman-scentoverhim.He
teasedthetinyhairsuntilsheliftedherhips,herbodywantinghiminside.

Hepressedalongkissjustabovehermons,whereherquimcurvedbetweenherlegs.Shearchedtohim,
lettingoutafrustratedsqueak.

Helaughedagainstherskin,knowinghishotbreathwouldfrustratehermore.“Bepatient,love.”

Hepickeduphiswhipfromwherehe’dtosseditonthebed,andlightlywriggleditoverherpussyeven
ashekissedit.

“Rio,”shemoaned.

“Gladyouhaven’tforgottenmyname,sweetheart.”

“WhywouldI?”

Hechuckled.Shewastooprecious.

Atlonglast,heletherhavewhatshewanted.Hebenttoherpussyandlickedfromherclitalltheway
downacrossherhot,wetopening,tothebeginningofherass.

Shegroanedandjumped,justlikeheknewshewould.Hechuckledagain.

Helickedherallover,lettinghistongueplaywithherclit,dipintohercuntandtastehercream,and
flickeronherass.Shewriggledandsquealed,fargoneinpleasure.

Goingwithhisinstincts,Rioclimbeduponthebedandpositionedhimselfonhandsandkneesinthe
sixty-nineposition.Heloweredhiscocktobrushherlipsatthesametimehebenthisheadandlickedher
pussy.

Hefelthertakehimintohermouth.Thefactthatshetookhimupsidedownspreadnewexcitement

throughhim.Hertonguelavedhimfrombasetotip,drivinghistemperaturehigherandhisheartbeatto
lightningspeed.

Helickedherandtastedherandsuckledherclit.Heputhistonguetothewallsofhercunt,pressinga
little,encouragingthecreamtoflow.

Shesquealedandgiggledatthesametimeshetoyedwithhiscock,thenallofasudden,shesuckedithard
intohermouth.

Riostifledagroan,lovingthetasteofherflowingintohim.Hematchedherpleasuring—everysuckshe
gavehim,hegaveher,soitwaslikeshepleasuredherself.

Shebroughtdownherhandsandrestedthemagainsthisbuttocks,squeezingandpressingthem,themetal
cuffscoolonhisburningskin.

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AllysonJames

Hewouldteachhersoonhowtoslipherlubedfingerintohisasswhiletheysuckedeachother.Butfor
nowthispleasuringwasjustfinewithhim.

Hethrusthistongueinsideher,lickingallaroundheropeningfromtheinside,andsuddenly,shecame.
Hercreampouredoverhimandintohismouth,andshelostholdofhiscockasshescreamed.

Hekeptonsuckling,drinkingher,lovinghertaste.Andthenhermouthfoundhiscockagain,andshe
suckedsohard,hethoughthe’dpassout.

Love,hegroanedinside,andthenhecame.

*****

Nellalayback,spent.Rioclimbeddownfromherandbroughtthembothtowelsfromthebathroom.He
wipedhisfaceandthenhers,smilingallthewhile,hiseyessobluetheyheldalightoftheirown.

“Thatwassweet,baby,”hesaid.

Shefeltdrained,andatthesametime,completelylooseandpliant.She’dneverfeltanythinglikehis
mouthonherquim,andshe’dnevertastedanythinglikethewild,hotspiceofhiscome.Shelikedit,and
shewouldn’tmindhavingmore.

Heapproachedthebed,dabbedtheremainingcreamfromherlegs,andthelasttracesofhimselffromher
lips.

“That’swhatyouwanted?”heasked.

“Yes.”

Shewantedmore,actually.Shewantedhimtolieonherandholdherandtouchher.Shewantedhimto

makelovetoherfully,wantedthehuge,hardcockinsideher,alltheway.

Shewouldaskhim.Shewouldtellhimwhatshereallywanted.

Beforeshecouldspeak,heunlockedthemanaclesfromaroundherwristsandtookthemaway.

Acutedisappointmentbither.“Whydidyoudothat?”

“You’vehadenoughfortoday,love.”

“NoIhaven’t.”

Hesmiled,buthiseyeswerecooling,recedingtothenormalblue.“I’malevelthreeShareem,honey.You
don’tknowwhatyou’reasking.”

“Willyoutellme?”

“Don’tsoundsoeager.”Heleaneddownandkissedherforehead.“IfItookyounow,I’dhurtyou.Some
ladieslikethat,butyou’renotreadyforit.”

“Iamready.”Shecaughthishand,halfsittingup.“Iamready,Rio,Ifeelit.”

“No,you’renot.I’mnotgoingtohurtyounowandundoeverythingI’vedone.

Besides,Ithoughtwe’dhavetogetengagedifIdid.”64

Rio

Someofherhappinessbegantofade.“True,ifIgobacktoAriel.”

“Whichiswhatyouneedtodo.I’dlovetokeepyouhereasmysub—damn,youdon’tknowhowmuch
I’dlovethat.Butyouneedtogetbacktoprincessing.”

“Yes.”Herworriescamedriftingtoheroncemore.ShetriedtoclingtothesanctuaryRiohadgivenher,
butknewitwoulddisappearbeforelong.Shetouchedhisarm,herfingerslandingjustbelowthechainon
hisbiceps.“Thankyou.”Hedangledthemanaclesfromonehand,shoulderedthewhipwiththeother,and
gaveherahot,bad-boysmile.“You’rewelcome.Anytime.”Keepingthesmileinplace,heturnedand
saunteredawayfromher,stillstarknaked,pausingasplitsecondforthedoortoopenforhim.

Nellathoughtshehadneverseenanythingmorebeautifulinherlifethanthetanned,tightformofRio’s
ass.

*****

ReesandTalan,BainetoldRioashepulledonhisblackleathertunicandleggingsinthenow-deserted
mirroredroom,hadretiredtotheirchamber.Riohadlittledoubtaboutwhattheyweredoing.

Dr.Laas,Bainewenton,wasinherlab,deepinresearch,anddidnotwanttobedisturbed.Dr.Ralston,
hesaiddryly,wasonhermonitorrightnow,andthetwowereconfabbing.

ThatwasfinewithRio.Hedidn’twanttoseeanyone;hewantedtogethimselfasfarawayfromNellaas
hecouldbeforehethrewhiscontroltothewindandfuckedher.

GoingslowwasaconceptRiodidn’tunderstand.WhenaladygaveRiothenodtoproceed,Riodidn’t
stop.Thatwaswhyladiessoughthimout,becausetheyknewhewouldn’tstop,andtheydidn’twanthim
to.

Riohadsevendifferentkindsofwhipsandfloggers,adozendifferentmanacles,andseveralstylesof
collars.Eachmanacleandcollarandwhipdidessentiallythesamething,ofcourse,buttheslightvariety
thatcouldbeexciting.

AcollaronNellawouldlookjustperfect.Asuppleleatherone,unadorned,withaslimsilverchain
hangingbetweenherbreasts.

Hewishedhehadthemoneytobuyheragoldcollarstuddedwithdiamondsthatwouldbefitfora
princess.Shewouldbehisprincess,histocommand,histopleasure.

Shecouldwearathinblackleathernumber,onethatjustcoveredherbreastsandhersweetass.Better
still,shecouldbenaked,onlyallowedtodonclotheswhenhesaid.

Hewashardagain.Riotightenedtheclaspsofhisleggings,tellinghiscocktobehaveitself.“Howthe
helldolevelonesdoit?”hemuttered.

Theideahe’dhadbeforedriftedintohisheadagain.Heleftthemirroredroom,hiscockstillinflatedand
hisimaginationstillspinning,foundaconsoleinablueandyellowsittingroom,andmadeacall.

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AllysonJames

*****

“Thisisafirst,”Aiden,aleveloneShareem,saidasheslidintotheseatnexttoRioinJudith’sbarhalf
anhourlater.

Judithbroughthimanale,hergazerakingAiden’sbody.Herpheromonesdancedintheair,butshewasn’t
directingthematRio.HereyestodaywereonlyforAiden.

EvenRiohadtoadmitthatAidenwassomethingtolookat,evenifhewasameaslylevelone.Blondand
blue-eyed,Aidenhadbeenface-sculptedatDNAmo,anexperimentthathadn’tbeenextendedtoall
Shareem.WhileRioandReeslookedlikenaturallygorgeousmenwhoworkedoutandtookcareoftheir
bodies,Aidenhadbeenbredtoout-handsomeeverymanonthestreet.

Hisbrow,nose,chinandcheekbonesweresculptedinperfectproportions.Hisjawwassquare,hiseyes
aperfectalmondshape,hishairgoldenandthickandsweptbackfromhisforehead.Hedressedina
whitesleevelesstunic,thekindReeslikedtowear,whichshowedoffhiswell-muscledbody.

Judith’ssmileassheapproachedsaidsheappreciatedeverymoleculeofhim.“Onthehouse,”shesaid,
settingaself-coolingglassofaleinfrontofAiden.

Aidensmiledback,adelighttosee—ifyouwereawoman.

“Hey,”Riosaid,pretendingtobehurt.“Youmademehandovermycreditslip.”Judithflashedhima
smirk.“I’vegivenyousomanyfreedrinks,Rio,I’msurprisedI’mstillinbusiness.”

“Becausewe’refriends,”Riosaid.

“Biteme.”JudithgrinnedatRio,thensentAidenasultrylook.“Thatinvitationisopentoyoutoo.”

Aidenchuckled,hisShareemvoicelowandsexy.“Tellyouwhat.I’llbuyRio’sandmynextround.”

Judithrubbedhisbrawnyshoulderbeforeturningaroundtoswayaway.“See,Rio,”shesaid.“That’s
whatit’sliketobesweet.”

“Sweet,”Riomuttered.“WhatI’vealwaysdreamedofbeing,sweet.”Aidenlaughedandraisedhisglass.
“Tofriends,”hesaid.

“Friends.”Rioliftedhisglassinreturnandtookaswig.“Whatdidyoumeanthiswasafirst?”

“Alevelthreeaskingaleveloneforadvice?Whathappened?Didyourwhipmalfunction?”

“Stopit,I’mlaughingsohard.”Riosetdownhisaleglass,lickingthespicyalefromhislipsin
appreciation.“Here’sthething.I’msexyashell,Ihavewomencrawlingatmyfeet,beggingmetowhip
them.Icanmakethemorgasmjustbylookingatthemandtellingthemtheywantto.WhatIdon’tknow
howtodois—touchthem.”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?Youtouchthemallthetime.”66

Rio

Rioshookhishead.“No,Ifuckthem.Iteasethem.Ispankthem.Idon’ttouchthem.”

Aidengavehimanod.“IthinkIseewhatyoumean.Who’sthewoman?”

“Agorgeous,redheadedvirgin.”Hebrokeoff.“Idon’tknowwhy,butshe’smadememoreturnedonthan
I’veeverbeeninmylife.”No,hedidknowwhy.Shewasbeautifulandsweetandlickableandhewanted
tofuckherandfuckheruntilhecouldn’ttakeanymore.

“Uh-oh,”Aidensaid.

“Whatuh-oh?Andwipethatgrinoffyourface.”

“Soundsserious.”

“Itdoesn’tmatterwhatitsoundslike.I’mShareem.She’snot.She’snewtothis,andI’mtoolevelthree
forher.Sheneedslevelone,andIcan’tbethat.”Aidendrewathoughtfulfingeraroundtherimofhis
glass.“Sodoyouwantmetotakeover?”

AdartofjealousypulsedthroughRiobeforehecouldstopit.ButthethoughtofAidengoingtoNellaand

pleasuringherslowlymadehisveinsburn.

“No,”hesaid,moreemphaticallythanhemeantto.

Aidencouldhavesaidsomethingsnide,buthedidn’t.Hesimplytookadrinkofale,hisperfectthroat
movinginaswallow.

“WhatIwantisforyoutoshowmehowtobelevelone,”Riosaid.

Aidenlookedsurprised.“Idon’tknowifIcan.We’rebredtoourlevels—wecan’tchange.”

“Iknowthat.Butyoucanatleastteachmehowtotouchherlikealevelonemight.

MaybeIcouldholdbackmylevelthreetendencies,andleaveherwhentheyflareup.”Aidenstudiedhis
aleglass,hisdarklashesshieldinghiseyes.“Youmustreallycareaboutthislady.”

“She’sbeenthroughalot.Sheneedssoothing.”

Aiden’sgazeflickedtohim.Aidenwasusuallyawisecrackingpainintheass,buttodayheseemedcalm
andthoughtful.“Icanshowyouhowtomassageher.You’reShareem,yourfingerswouldbeassoothing
asmine.”Thebarhademptied,thelastcustomerswayingaway.ThedoorclankedloudlyasJudithletit
down.Itwasthehottestpartoftheday,whenpeopledriftedhomeandbusinessesclosedtowaitout
temperaturesthatcouldsoartoahundredandthirtydegrees.

“Youwantustoleave?”Aidencalled.

“Areyoukidding?Stayaslongasyoulike.”

JudithlikedShareem.ShewastheonlybartenderinPasCitywhodid.MostwomenonBorNarga
shunnedtheforbiddenShareem,atleastinpublic.Judith,ontheotherhand,likedShareem,likedsexwith
Shareem,anddidn’tmuchcarewhoknewit.She67

AllysonJames

andDr.LaasandTalanweretheonlywomenheknewwhotreatedShareemlikehumanbeings.

Judithbeganherleisurelytaskofcleaningofftables,notinanyhurry.

“There’sreallynotmuchtoit,”Aidenbegan.“Startwithherfacedown,naked,onabedwideenoughfor
youtositorkneelnexttoher.Haveherplaceherarmstohersides,herlegsalittleapart.Thenyou
simplystarttomassageher.Makesureyouuseplentyofoilsoyourhandsglideanddon’tburnherskin.”

“Startwhere?”Rioasked.HepicturedNellalyingspread-eagledonthebed,facedown,hersweetass
beckoninghim.He’dstartbetweenherthighs,thumbskneadingherflesh,beforehemovedthemfarther
apartandloweredhistonguetostrokebetweenhercheeks.

“Herfeet.”

“What?”Riojerkedhimselffromhiscock-liftingfantasy.“Herfeet?”

“Itrelaxesher,makesherpliable.Womenlovehavingtheirfeetrubbed.”

“Mostwomenbegmetorubsomewhereelsethantheirfeet.”

“Theyliketheirtoesnibbled,”Aidensaid.“Andsuckled.”

“Rubfeet,suckletoes.Gotit.”

“Doitslow,thestrokessteady.Thenmoveupherlegs.Usehermusclesasaguide.

Nothardstrokes,youwanttosoothe,notpress.”

“HowlongbeforeIcanmassageherpussy?”

Aidenchuckled.“Gods,levelthreesareimpatient.Thetrickistogoslow.Bythetimeyou’vereachedher
ass,she’ssighingwithpleasure,butyoudon’tstopthere.Youdoherentirebackandarmswhileshe’s
longingforyoutogettoherpussy.Makeherwait.”

“NowthatIcangetinto.Holdingback,makingherbeg.”HesawNellaagain,squirmingonthesheets,her
redhairtangledonthepillow,herhipsliftingtowardhim.“Please,Rio,”she’dsay.

“Notyet,baby,”he’drespond.“IwantyougoodandwetbeforeIgetthere.”She’dwhimperwith
disappointment,thenhe’dlifthisstrapandsmackhersweetlittlebackside.

No,wait.Notthat,notyet.

Hemadetheimagedissolve.“Massage.Slow.I’mnotsuremygeneswillletme.”

“Likethis.”

Aidenmovedhisaleglassandpressedhishandtothetable,thumbandlasttwofingersonthesurface,the
othertwofingersheldloosely.“Glideacrossherskin,pressingalittle.Longstrokes,followingthecurve
ofherleg.”Hemovedhishandacrossthetable,slowlyandsensually,hisowneyesbecomingbluer,as
thoughhepicturedabeautifulwomanunderhishand.

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Riocopiedhismovements,tryingtoshapehishandthesameway,tryingpressalittle,butnottoomuch.It
feltawkward.

“Igottasay,massagingthistabledoesnothingforme.”

“Don’tworry,it’salotbetteronflesh.Here,rollupyoursleeve.”Riopushedhisleathersleeveabove
hiselbowandlaidhisarmonthetable,wonderingwhatAidenwoulddo.

AidenplacedhishandonRio’s,thenslidmassagingfingersfromRio’swristallthewayuptheunderside
ofhisarm,glidingandsoothing.

Hewasamaster,Riohadtogivehimthat.Histouchwasexactlyright,perfect,sensual,nottoohard.

“Likethat,”Aidensaid.Hestrokedagain.“Itloosenshermuscles,makesherrelaxedandveryhappy.
Here,tryitonme.”

Aidenrestedhisbare,brawnyarmonthetable,tannedskincontrastingthescarredwhitetabletop.

RioputtentativefingersontheotherShareem’sskin.Aiden’sarmfeltnothinglikeawoman’s,toohard
andtoobroad,thegoldenhairthatcurledaroundittoowiry.RiomovedhishandfromAiden’swristto
hiselbow,tryingtocopywhathe’dfelt.

Aidenshookhishead.“Toohard.”HeputhishandoverRio’s,guidinghisfingerstotherightform,
pullinghimbackwhenRiotriedtoindenthisskin.“Abouthalfthepressureyou’reusing.Letherown
musclesguideyou,andwhetherthewomanissmallorlarge,andhowmuchsheindicatesshecantake.”
AidenguidedRio’shandatimeortwomore,thenletgo.Rio,moresurewhatAidenwanted,slidhis
fingersuptheotherman’sarm,feelingthesinewsrelaxbeneathAiden’sbronzedskin.

“That’sit,”Aidensaid,hisvoicelow.“Useherbodytotellyouhowmuchpressureyouneed.”

“Hum,”Riosaid.Hekeptmassaging,feelingtheshapeofAiden’sarmbeneathhisfingers,learningto
sensewhereAidenrelaxedunderhistouch.HisShareemwarmthhelped,andsodidAiden’s,asensation
thatwasassoothingtothemassagerastothemassaged.

Itwasmesmerizing,really.Rioaddedhismiddlefingertothestroke,likehemightdotoNella’spussy,
andAidenrespondedwithasoftnoise.

“Yougotit,”hesaid,hisShareemvoicerich.

Rioliftedhishandawayandpickeduphisale,pleasedwiththelesson.“Thanks.

Thatwillcomeinhandy.”

Heheardasoftnoiseclosebyandturnedhishead.Judithwasstandingnumblyinfrontofthenexttable,a
trayinherhands,staringatthem,lipsparted.

“What’swrongwithyou?”Rioasked.

Aidengrinnedatherandgaveheraslowwink.

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AllysonJames

Judithblinked,unfroze,andmovedwoodenlybacktothebar.“Nothing,”shesaid.

“Nothingatall.”

RioturnedbacktoAiden.“Allright,sonowIknowhowtomassage.Whatelse?”

“Haveherturnoverontoherback,andthendothesamethingagain.Bythistime,she’llbecompletely
happyandreadyforanythingyouwant.Anothergoodthingistoholdherheadinyourlapandmassage
herface.Thatyouhavetodoverygently.”Riosetdownhisglass.“Showme.”

Aidenliftedhishandstohisownface.“Useyourthumbsandfingertips.Dothecheekbones,thetemples
—pulsepoints—andjawline.Gently.Here.”HetouchedRio’sface,hisShareemskinwarm.Rio
flinched.

“Relaxandcloseyoureyes.”

Aiden’sfingertipswerebluntbutfeatherlightonRio’sskin.Rio,wantingthelesson,lethiseyesdrift
closed.

AidentracedRio’scheekboneswithhisthumbs,pressingalittle,makingRiorelaxinspiteofhimself.He
feltAiden’sShareemtouchbegintoflowoverhim,makinghimcompliant,muchashisowntouchmight
workonawoman.

“Youcandothiswhenyou’reface-to-face,likewearenow,”Aidensaid,rubbinglittlecirclesoverRio’s
temples,“whenthingsstartgettingmoreintimate.Moveatrandom,don’tmassageinanyparticularorder.
Youwanthertowonderwhatyou’lldonext.”

“Mmm,”Riosaid,gettingintoit.MaybehecouldteachNellahowtomassagehim.

Mutualmassagingcouldbefun.

AidenmovedhisthumbsandfingertipsdownRio’scheeks,gentlypinchinghisjawbone,thenhischin.He
movedtoRio’slips,pressinglightlyallthewayacross,histouchsoothing.

“You’llwantherlipsrelaxedandyielding,”Aidensaid,hiswarmbreathtouchingRio’smouth.“She’ll
havenoworry,atthispoint,onlypleasure.She’llwantyou,butshe’llwaitforyoutodowhatyoulike.”

Riofelthisshoulderssag,Aiden’stechniqueandShareemtouchlacinghismindwithrelaxation.Henever
thoughthe’dfeelcomfortablehavinganothermaletouchhim,butAidenknewwhathewasdoing.

AidenslidonefingeracrossRio’ssoftenedlips,partingthem.ThenextthingRiofeltwassomething
softerthanfingers,somethingsmoothandcushioningthatcontinuedthemassageacrosshismouth.

Hisownlipsrespondedbeforetheconnectionreachedhisbrain.Hereturnedthegentlepressure,
completingthekiss,thenhiseyespoppedopentoseeAiden’sbeautifulfacehanginganinchfromhis
own.

Rioscootedbackfromthetable.“Didyoujustkissme?”Aidenpickeduphisale,smiling,hisShareem
eyesfilledwithblue.“Yes.What’syourproblem?”

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“Myproblemisyoujustkissedme.”Rioswipedhisarmoverhismouth.

Aidensattherelookingamused.“Iwasdemonstratingwhatyoushoulddo.”

“Warnmenexttime.”

“Getoverit,Rio.Ididn’thurtyou.”

“Youcouldhave.”Hetouchedhislipsgingerly,asthoughmakingsuretheywereallright,whileAiden
laughedathim.

“ItlookedfinefromwhereI’mstanding.”Judithwasleaningonthebar,aforgottenragdrippinginher
hand.HerrushingpheromonestouchedRioallthewayacrosstheroom.

Hestudiedher,hismindcalming.“Youknow,thatturnedheron,”hesaidtoAiden.

Aidennodded.“I’vehadmorethanonewomantellmeshefantasizesaboutwatchingtwoShareemmake
outinfrontofher.”

“Really?”Rio’sheartbeatslowed,hisShareemgenesfightingtheabruptemotionofalarm.“I’venever
heardthat.Ofcourse,thewomenI’mwithdon’thavemuchtimetotalk.”

“That’spartofbeinglevelone.Sharingfantasies.”Riotookathoughtfulsipofale.“That’sreallya
woman’sfantasy?”

“Yep.”

“Haveyoueverfulfilledit?”

“No.Notyet.”

“It’sforbidden,anyway,”Riosaidautomatically.Heturnedhisaleglassaround.Itwasnearlyempty,but
Judithseemedincapableofmovement,sohedidn’tsignalforarefill.“Wewereprogrammedtowant
womenonly.”

Aidengavehimawrylook.“Forbidden.Right.Howmanyotherthingsthatareforbiddendoyoudo
anyway?”

Rioconcededthis.“Youhaveapoint.”

“It’snotyouI’dfulfillthefantasywith,sodon’tworry.”Nowthathisinitialshockwasover,Riostarted
togetcurious.“Whothen?WhatShareemdoyouthinkisbeautifulenoughtogotobedwith?”

“He’snotbeautiful,”Aidensaid.“Buthe’sfuckingsexy.AndI’mnotgoingtotellyouwho.”

“IsitRees?”Rioasked.

HeknewthatBorNarganhumanmensometimestookothermenaslovers,andwithwomensouptight
aboutsex,whocouldblamethem?Buthe’dneverheardofaBorNarganmanbeingwithaShareem,ora
ShareemonaShareem.Itwasforbidden,andtruthtotell,Riohadneverreallythoughtaboutit.

He’ddoneplentyoftwoShareemmenononewoman,afewtimeseventhreeonone,butheandtheother
Shareemhadbeenbusypleasuringthewoman,noteach71

AllysonJames

other.OnceawomanhadaskedRioandReestoletherlickboththeircocksatonce.Shewantedthemto
standfacingeachother,tipstouching,whileshelickedherwayfromoneendtotheother.

They’ddoneit,butRiohadbeentoofargoneinpleasuretonoticeRees’handsonhisshouldersandthe
tipofRees’longcockrubbingagainsthis.He’dnothadanydesiretotakeReesasideandkisshim,or
anything.

Aidenshookhishead.“NotRees.Don’ttrytopryitoutofme,becausethelastthingIwantishim
jumpingonahovertrainoutofPasCitynevertobeseenagain.”Riohelduphishand.“Allright.I’llletit
go.Iwasgoingtoaskyoutocomeoverandhelpmelearnleveloneonmylady,butifyou’dratherhump
aShareem…”Heshrugged.

“I’dbehappyto,”Aidensaid.“You’llprobablygetitwronganyway.”HeturnedtowhereJudithwasstill
staringatthemwithadazedexpression.“Judith,anychanceofanotherale?”

“Sure,”Judithsaid.Sheautomaticallyfilledtwomoreself-cooledcontainersandbroughtthemover,her
gazerivetedtoAiden.“Onthehouse,”shesaid.“Forbothofyou.”

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Rio

ChapterNine

TheStoryofRio

WhenNellawentbackdowntothemainsittingroom,aftershoweringandresting,shesawatallman
breezingthroughit.Sointentwasheonmakingtheliftthathenearlyranintoher.

Atthelastmoment,hestopped,thenhebeamedadazzlingsmileonher.HewasdefinitelyolderthanRees
andRio,andhewasnoShareem,buthewashandsomeoffaceandhadawell-built,muscularbody.His
hairwasirongray,thick,andpulledbackintoalongtail,similartothewaytheShareemworetheirs.

Also,unlikeShareem,hiseyeswerebrown,butjustaswideandwarm,andwell,sexy.Whenever
Shareemgotaroundtoaging,theymightlookmuchlikehim.

“Hello,”hesaid.“I’mDr.Ralston.Youmustbethespecimen—ImeanNella.”Nelladidn’tquiteknow
howtorespondtothis,soshesettledforpoliteness.“Howdoyoudo?”

“Excellentlywell.ThisproblemhaschallengedmeinwaysIhaven’tbeenchallengedinalongtime.
Frankly,Iwasgettingboredfiguringouthowtomakecave-rootbatsbetteratfertilizingunderground
vegetables.”Nellahadtosmile.“Doyouworkforyourplanet’sagricultureministry?”

“Goodgods,no.IandmyworkwereoutlawedwhenDNAmoclosed.Foolish,youknow,because
everyoneneedsagoodgeneticist.Butno,Iworkinsecret,andfurnishpeoplewithresearchandideas.
Otherpeoplegetthecredit,unfortunately,butIdon’treallymind.It’stheworkIlove.”

Hebrightened.“AndIgettoworkwithDr.Laas,whoisatruegenius.Iamgood—

Iamoneofthebestgeneticistseverborn—butnoonecantouchDr.Laas.Ikeeptryingtogethertorun
offwithme,butsheenjoysbeingburieddownhere,workingonhermachines,arguingwithBaine.And,
truthtotell,she’dneverleaveherShareem.Shelikeslookingoutforthem.”

Heendedthisspeechonlybecauseheranoutofbreath.BeforeNellacouldrespond,heturnedawayand
movedtowardthelift.“Comedowntothelabwithme.

Whatshe’sdoingnowisabsolutelymarvelous.I’veneverseenanythinglikeit.”Theliftdoorsopened.
Nellahesitated,butDr.Ralstonseizedherbythearmanddraggedherintothelift.“I’vegottoshowyou,”
hesaid.“You’llloveit.”Nellaopenedhermouthtopointoutthatshelikelywouldhavenounderstanding
ofwhatDr.Laaswasdoing,butDr.Ralstonstartedupamonologueonwhycave-rootbatsweredifficult
littlebuggerstogrowfromageneticvat,anddidnotstoptalkingallthewaydowntothelab.EvenBaine
couldnotinterrupthim.

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AllysonJames

Theliftspilledthemoutinthelowestlevelofthecompound.Thelabwaslittlemorethanalarge,
comfortableroomwithanarrangementofsofas,chairsandoccasionaltablespositionedbeforeamoving
muralofatropicalbeach.Attheoppositeendoftheroomabankofcomputerswithblankfaceslinedthe

walls,flankedbyaconsoletableoverwhichDr.Laasbent.

Dr.Ralstonjoinedher,slidinghisarmaroundherandkissingthetopofherhead.

Dr.Laasreturnedthekissabsently,thentheybothbentovertheconsole,headsandelbowstouching,
completelyforgettingaboutNella.

Nellasmiledtoherselfandwanderedbackacrosstheroom,drawnbythetropicalmural.Themuralnot
onlylookedlikeabeach,itsmelledlikeone,andasoftbreezewaftedfromit.

ShewonderedwhereRiowas,andifhehadfinishedteachinghertotrust.Shehopednot.

Perhapssheshouldpretendthatshestilldidnottrusthim,toseewhathewoulddo.Sheshivered,
imagininghiseyesgoingstill,andthedangeroustoneenteringhisvoicewhenhetoldhertostripandbe
punished.

Havinghiminhermouthhadbeenaheadyexperience.Sherememberedtheexactshapeandtasteofhis
cockagainsthertongue,andthesmoothflavorofhisseed.Shehadhappilylappeditup,likingitand
wantingmore.

Baine’svoicesoundedsoftlynearherhead,andshejumped,blushingatherownthoughts.

“Wouldyoulikerefreshment?”Baineasked.“Icanofferyousevenkindsofwineorfivevarietiesof
sparklingwine,orwouldyousimplypreferagingermint?”Nellaexhaled,tryingtopushasidethe
visionofRiostraddlingheronthebedwhileshesuckedhiscockandhelickedherpussy.“Justwater,if
youhaveit.”

“Oh.”Bainesoundeddisappointed.“Sparklingorstill?Flavoredwithlemon,lime,strawberry,
goolberry,diamondberryormango?”Nellatriednottolaugh.“Stillwater,noflavor.”Bainesighed.
“Verywell.”

Asmallpanelslidbackinthewallnearthemural,revealingacrystalglassofpurewater.“Thankyou,”
shetoldthepanel.

“You’rewelcome,”Bainesaid.

WhenNellaturnedaround,glassinhand,Reeswasstandingnearthesofa.

Shejumpedandnearlyspilledthewater.She’dneverheardhimenter,neverevenheardtheliftdoors.

Thebreezefromthemuralstirredhishair,whichhe’dpulledbackintoatail.Heworeasleevelesswhite
tunicthatstrainedoverchestmusclesandendedatmid-thigh,andnothingelsebuthisShareemchain.He
wasbarefoot.

Shecranedtolookbehindhim,butnoonehadenteredtheroomwithhim,notRio,notTalan.

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Rio

“Nella,”hesaid.HeglancedatDr.LaasandDr.Ralston,stillbentovertheconsole,lostintheirown
world.“MayIspeaktoyou?”

“Ofcourse,”shesaidpolitely.

Reesmotionedhertoachair,thensatontheedgeofasofafacingher,restinghisforearmsonhisknees.

Nellasankintothechairheindicatedandtookasipofthewater.Itwascleanandclearandverygood.

“WhereisRio?”sheasked.“AndTalan?”

“Riowentout.Hedidn’tsaywhere.Talanisasleep.Sheneededtorest.”Nellastoppedherselffrom
saying,Iwagershedid.Thensheblushed,rememberinghowshe’dobedientlystrippedwhileReeshad
watchedherandtouchedhiswife.

Reeslookedather,eyescalm.“NothingaboutsexembarrassesShareem,Nella.Weseenoshameinit.”

Nellawaspleasedtohearit,butshewasstillembarrassedatthewayshe’dsoeagerlyfallenatRio’s
feet.

Reeswenton,“ThatiswhyRiohadyouobeyhiminfrontofTalanandme.Toridyouoffear.”

“Isthatwhy?”sheasked.“Ithadnothingtodowithgettingexcitedhimself?”Reesgrinnedsuddenly,
warmandsensual.“Well,maybethattoo.Anditdidn’thurtmeandTalan.”

“No,youseemedagreeable.”

Thesmilecrinkledthecornersofhiseyes,makinghimdevastatinglyhandsome,thenhegrewserious
again.“IwanttotalktoyouaboutRio.”ThechairwastryingitsbesttocaressNella’sshape.She
squirmedagainstit,notreallyapprovingofthefurnituretryingtoturnheron.Itgottheideaafterafew
shoves,gaveherbuttonemorestroke,andsettleddown.

“WhataboutRio?”Nellaasked.

“He’sShareem.Levelthree.Doyouunderstandwhatthatmeans?”Shenodded.“Helikesbondage.He
likestobemaster.”Shethoughtofthewayhe’denclosedherhandsinthemetalcuffs,howshe’deasily
submittedtohim,howmuchshe’dwantedtosubmittohim.

“Beinglevelthreemeansthatwomendesirehim,”Reessaid.“Almosteverywomanhelooksatwants
him—alot.It’sinhisnaturetoobligethem.Hecan’thelpit.”Sheturnedtheglassinherhands.“Youare
sayingIshouldnotdevelopfeelingsforhim,nomatterwhathe’sdoneforme.BecausehisShareem
geneticsmakemewanthim,andhelooksatmethesameashewouldanyotherwoman.”

“No,”Reessaidslowly.“Becausehe’slookingatyouinawaydifferentfromthewayhelooksatother
woman.Shareemweremanipulatedtoremoveallstrong75

AllysonJames

emotion,including,andespecially,love.It’sacrock,becausetheremovalofemotiondidn’twork.We

pretenditdid,andourbodiestrytoadjusttoit,butit’snotgone.”HisShareemeyeswerecooland
neutral.Ifshe’dnotseenthewayhelookedatTalan,shewouldbelievehimtobeuntroubledbyany
emotion.

Shesettheglassofwateraside.“ThenIdonotreallyunderstandwhatyouwanttoexplain.”

“Abouttenyearsago,Riofellinlove.Hesayshedidn’t,butIknowhedid.Theladywasanupper-class
womannamedSerena,andshelikedShareem.Riowasspecialtoher.Shehadawildstreak,andtheydid
alottogether,triedallkindsofthings.Heneversaidanything,butIknowheassumedthey’dalwaysbe
together.Shehadhimlivewithherinherhouse,somethingnohighbornwomanwoulddreamofdoing,but
shedidn’tcare.Hethoughtthisstateofthingswouldgoon.”

“Butitdidnot,”Nellafinished.“Obviously.”

“No,itdidn’t.Shedidn’teventellhimgoodbye.Oneday,hewenttoherhouseandcouldn’tgetin.”His
lookturnedgrim.“She’dchangedthepalmlocktoshuthimout,andherservantswouldn’topenthedoor.
Hefoundoutlater,bywatchingadigitalfeed,thatshe’dgottenmarriedandleftBorNargawithhernew
husband.”

“Oh.”Nellawasindignant.“Thatwaslow.”

Reesnodded.“Ithoughtsotoo.Rioneversaidanythingaboutit.Later,hegotavoicemessagefromher,
whichheletmehear.Init,shesaidthatshe’ddecidedtomarrysoshecouldsettledownandhave
childrenandcarryonherfamilyname,etcetera,etcetera.She’dpickedoutahusbandwhocamefroma
goodfamilyandhadsomemoneytocombinewithherownriches.They’dchosentoliveinahouseoff
BorNargatoraisetheirfamily.ShehaddecidedthebestwaytoletRiogowasacleanbreak.Ithadbeen
fun,andsheknewhe’dunderstand.”

Nellastared,openmouthed.“PoorRio.Howcruel.”

“Rioshruggeditoff.Shareemdon’tlove,hesaid,andshewasjustanotherwoman.

Hesaidthattherewereplentymorewhereshecamefrom,andhedidn’tmentionheragainfortenyears.”

“Buthedidloveher,”Nellasaid,compassioninherheart.“Thatmusthavehurthimterribly.”

“Shareemdon’thurt.”

“Ohyes,theydo.Howcanyousayotherwise,whenyouloveTalansomuch?”Hisseverelookrelaxed,
andhesmiled.“Doesitshow?”

“Everytimeyoulookather.Andinherwhenevershelooksatyou.”Herobservationgaveheralonely
feeling.

“Iwaslucky,”Reessaid.“WhenTalanfirstmetme,shesawaman,notaShareem.

Ittookheralongtimetoconvincemeofthat,butIfinallylether.”HewatchedNellaclosely.“Whatdid
youseewhenyoufirstsawRio?”76

Rio

Nellathoughtbacktothealley,tastingagainthepanicasshecrouchedbehindtheabandonedcrates,
knowingthebotwouldfindhernomatterwhat.SherememberedwhenRiohadcomestridingthrough,
gettingbetweenherandthebot.

“Tall,”shesaid.

Reesgaveashortlaugh.“True.Whatelse?”

“Strong,”Nellamused.“Iwasterrified,andIfeltlikehecouldprotectme,evenwhenIdidn’tknowhim.
Andthenhefoughtofftheassassinbot.”Shesmiledatthememory.“Heoutsmarteditandcrusheditto
bits.I’dliketothinkhediditforme,butIrealizehedidn’tknowIwasthere.”

“Hemighthaveknown.Shareemcanseemuchwithoutseemingto.”

“Ididn’tknowhewasShareematthetime.I’dneverheardofShareem.”

“YoumusthavebeenshelteredonAriel.IthoughteveryoneknewaboutShareem.

DNAmoevenexportedafewoff-planetforhugeamountsofmoneybeforetheywereshutdown.”

“Exportedafew,”sherepeatedthephrase,marvelingthathecouldsayitinsuchacalmtone.“Youmean
slaves.”

“Shareemaren’tslaves.DNAmodidn’tforcethemtogoandevengavetheShareemapercentageofthe
money.”

“It’sstillhumantrafficking,”Nellasaid.OnAriel,itwouldneverbetolerated.

“ButShareemaren’thuman.”AglintofhumorenteredRees’eyes.“WhenIsaythattoTalan,shegetsput
outwithme.SometimesIsayitjusttorileherup,becauseshe’sprettywhenshe’sriled.”

“Iamcertainshe’dbehappytohearthat,”Nellasaid,pleasedthatthemuscularandunpredictableRees
enjoyedgentlyteasinghiswife.“WhenDNAmowasforcedtoleave,didtheystartproductionagainon
anotherplanet?”

“Iftheydid,Ineverheardofit.Theymighthavechangedtheirname,buttheyprobablynevermademore
Shareem.Theylostalotofmoneyandmostoftheirresearchnotes.Thebestscientists,likeDr.Laasand
Dr.Ralston,stayedhere.DNAmoscrewedthemoveralmostasmuchastheydidtheShareem.”

“WhathappenedtoalltheShareem?”Nellaasked.“Whenyouweresuddenlyfree,whatdidyoudo?”

“Weweren’tallthatfree,”Reessaid.“ThegovernmentofBorNargatalkedaboutterminatingthe
experiments,permanently,whentheywalkedintoDNAmo.TheShareemheardaboutitprettyquickand
gottheirassesoutofthere.IactuallyescapedbeforeDNAmowasshutdown,butnotlongbefore.I
helpedShareemgotoground—

wewerecreatedtobeimaginativeandresourceful,soweputthattousehidinginsteadofthinkingup

sexualgames.Well,westillthoughtupsexualgames,butfirstwehidandsurvived.”

“YouhelpedRio.”

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AllysonJames

“Iknewhowtoliveinthecitywithoutanyonenoticingme,andIkindofshowedhimaround.Hefigured
outwhoIwas,theexperimentalShareemontheloose,buthenevertoldanyone.He’sapaininthe
backside,buthe’sagoodfriend.”

“Youaretellingmeallthis,becauseyouareafraidIcanhurthim,”Nellasaid.“Ithinkyouarewrong.
Maybe,becauseI’mnotBorNargan,Iintriguehimalittle,butheknowsI’llgobacktoArielandwe’ll
befinished.”Tearsfilledhereyesasshespoke.Shebrushedthemaway,thinkingshemustsimplybetired
andworried.ShewantedtogobacktoArielwithallherheart—whycouldshenotbehappywiththat?

ShecouldofferRiosanctuaryonAriel,wherehecouldliveequaltoanyotherbeing,butshewouldnot
obligatehimtogoonseeingher.SheimaginedthatwhenhefoundhimselffreeofBorNarga’s
restrictions,he’dlivelifetothefullest,andthatlifewouldlikelynotincludeher.

Reeswatchedherclosely.Nellawipedawayhertearswithherthumbandgavehimafeeblesmile.“Iam
overlytired.Ithasbeenanordeal.”

“Ithas.”Rees’eyesgaveawaynothing,butNellasensedthathesawmuch.“I’mworkingongettingyoua
transportbacktoAriel.Youwon’ttravelinstyle,butyou’llgetthere.”

“Iamgrateful.Ikeepbleatingthat,Iknow,butyou’vedonesomuchforme.Ican’teverexpresswhatit
meanstome.”

Reesshrugged,rose,andhelpedhertoherfeet.“Giveusatourofyourpalace,orsomething,whenyou’re
backtobeingaprincessagain.That’swhatfriendsarefor.”Heledheroutoftheroom,tellingherhe’d
takehertothekitchenswhileDrs.LaasandRalstonwerebusymakinglovetotheircomputerdata.

Asshefollowedhim,Nellafeltawarmswellinginherheart.Shehadfriends.Theywereoddand
unexpected,butforthefirsttimeinalongtime,sherelaxedalittle.Shewasnotalone.

*****

Riowasn’taloneeither,butnotinthewayhewantedtobe.Hecameoutofashopwherehewasbuying
presentsforNellawhensixpatrollerssurroundedhim.

Patrollerswerealwayswomen,tallandblank-faced,withhairscrapedback,wearingnondescriptgray
coveralls.Theycarriedstunrodsandvariousequipmentonabelt,alldesignedtointimidate.

“Identcard,”theleadersaidtohim.

Thewomenweretall,butRiotoppedthetallestbyagoodhalffoot.Shedidnotlikethat,andnarrowed
heralreadyflintyeyes.

“Myhandsarefull,”Riosaid.

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Rio

Theleaderglaredatthreeofhersubordinates.TheyquicklytookawayRio’spackages,andhegrinned
andletthem.Hewithdrewhisidentstripfromhispocket.

“I’mRio.We’vemet.”

Theleaderimpatientlyheldoutasmallcomputer.Riopushedtheidentstripintoitsslot.“Anddon’ttell
memyinoculationsaren’tuptodate,becauseI’mgoodforanotherfivemonths.”

Thepatrolcaptainstudiedthedataandlookedsour,becausesheknewshecouldn’tcallhimonit.Riohad
madedamnsurehecouldn’tbearrestedonsomestupidtechnicalitythatwouldendangerhisplantoleave
BorNarga.

“Youhaven’tbeenhomeinawhile,”theleaderobserved,givinghimbackthestrip.

“Ihavealady.She’skeepingmebusy.”

Thepatrollergavehimalookofdisgust.“Hername?”

“Noneofyourbusiness.”

“Whereareyoustaying?”‘

Riogrinned,thoughhisheartbeatalittlefaster.“Noneofyourbusiness.”

“You’dbettertellme,Rio.”

“Ican’tdivulgethat.”Hefoldedhisarms,nottakingbackthepackagestheotherwomenheldgingerly.

Heknewgoodandwellshecouldnotforcehimtorevealthenameofhislady.Thewomenwhohired
Shareemwereoftenhighbornandverytouchyaboutotherpeopleknowingwhattheywereupto.An
embarrassedupper-classladywaspowerfulenoughtomakeapatroller’slifehell.

Thecaptainswitchedtactics.“Iheardthatyouhadatransportlineduptotakeyouoff-world.”

Riogaveheraboredlook.“Ifthatweretrue,wouldIbestandingheretalkingtoyou?”

“Iheard,”shewenton,herlipstight,“thatyoumisseditbecauseyouwereskulkingaroundtheback
streets.”

“Youhearalotofcrazythingsifyoulisten.Iheardthatagardenerinthemiddleofthedryseaswearshe
cangrowseashells.Saystheypushupoutofthedirtifyougivethemenoughwater.”

Thepatrolcaptainscowled.“Iheardyou’vearrangedanothertransport.”

“That’snewstome.”IfReeshadfoundhimone,hehadn’tmentionedityet.

“Youhaven’tbeenhome,you’vebeenarrangingtransports,you’vebeenwanderingthebackstreets,and
nowyou’vebeenpurchasingsupplies.That’swhat’sinthepackages,isn’tit?Suppliesfortravelingoff-
world?”Rioshrugged.“Seeforyourself.”

Thecaptaingaveherpatrollersacurtnod.Theybrokethesealsofthepackagesandrolledbackthesun-
shieldingplastic.

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AllysonJames

“Oh,”onesaid.Shewasholdingacollarofsuppleleatherwithfinely-tooleddesignsonit.Itwasclearly
woman-sized.Thepatrollernexttoherunwrappedasilverchain,andthethirdheldupaleathergarment
thatwasverysmall.

Thefirsttwolookedrepulsed,butthethirdpatrollertouchedthesoftblackleatherasthoughfascinated.
Riowinkedather,andsheblushed.

“They’reformylady.”Rioretrievedthepackagesandsealedthemupagain.“LikeIsaid.”

“That’sdisgusting,”thepatrolcaptainsneered.“Anddegrading.Andhorrible.”Thepatrollerwho’d
handedhimbacktheleatherdresslookedthoughtful,likeshewantedtofindoutwhethersuchthingswere
disgustinganddegradingandhorrible,andthoughtmaybetheyweren’t.

Riogaveheraknowinggrin.He’dsendoneofhisShareemfriendstofindherandshowherafewthings.
MaybeBraden,whohadagoodsenseofhumorandlikedtoteach.

“We’rewatchingyou,Shareem,”thepatrolcaptainsaid.

Riotuckedthepackagesunderhisarm.“Ofcourseyouare.You’realwayswatchingme,sweetheart.”He
lethispheromonestoucheveryoneofthem,smilingastheireyesandlipssoftened,reactingtohim
withoutknowingit.“NowwatchthisassasIwalkaway.”

Heturnedandsauntereddownthestreet,makingsurehisbuttwasinfullviewtheentiretime.Heheard
silencebehindhim,butheknewtheywerestaringathimandfeelingstirringsoflust.

He’dbemoreamusedbytheencounterifitdidn’tworryhimsomuch.Thepatrollerknewaboutthe
transportandhowhe’dmissedit,andpossiblyRees’

involvement.TheyprobablydidnotknowaboutNella,ortheywouldhavesaidsomethinglike“So,
who’stheredhead?”

They’ddowhattheysaid,watchhiseverymove,andtheywerelikelyfollowinghimnow.Hesureashell
couldn’tleadthemstraightbacktoDr.Laas’compoundandNella,soheturnedhisstepstohisownsmall
apartmentind’EnelaStreet.

Despiteitsfancyname,thestreetwasshort,withsand-scouredshopsandnarrowapartmentblocks.

Childrenranunhinderedinthedust,playingaballgamethatRiohadneverlearned,whichapparently
involvedsomekickingandmucharguing.

Awomansatonabenchoutsideafruitshop,dozinginthesun,thestormdoorsopenandherwares
brighteningthediminteriorwithyellow,orangeandred.

“Rio,”shebelloweddelightedlywhenhestoppedinfrontofher.Herartificialteeth,brightsilver,flashed
inagrin.“Abouttimeyougotback.Whereyoubeen?”

“Kamile.”Riobentdownandkissedthewoman’stimeworncheek.“Ifoundmeadeliciouslady.”

“You’vealwaysfoundyoualady.Whoisitthistime?”80

Rio

“Nooneyouknow.”Heploppeddownonthebenchjusttoannoyanyfollowingpatrollers.“Ireallylike
her.IfIweren’tShareem,I’dsayshe’stheone.”Kamile’sdarkeyeswidenedwithinterest.“Ooh,I’ve
neverhearyousaythatbefore.”Sheglancedathimnarrowly.“It’snotthatSerenawomanagain,isit?I
toldyoushewastrouble,andIwasgladwhensheranoff.Shewasn’tgoodforyou.”

“Serenawasalongtimeago,”Riosaid.“I’moverit.”

“Good.Who’sthiswoman,then?”

“She’sbeautiful.Neverseenanythinglikeher.”

“Goingtoaskhertobeyourlifemate,areyou?”

Riostudiedthedustystreetandtheratherbatteredwallsandstormdoors,andthepatrollerseveralshops
downwhowasbadatbeingcovert.

Noonetookmuchtroublewiththeoutsidesoftheirhouses,becausethesandstormswouldruin
everything,sowhybother?Richerneighborhoodshadshieldsoverthestreetstominimizethedamage,but
d’EnelaStreetwasn’tsolucky.

“Iwanttomeether,”Kamilesaid,withforce.

“Maybesomeday.”Rioknewthatdaywouldnevercome,buthewasgoodatpretending.“CanIuseyour
console,Kamile?I’vegotthecredit.”

“What’swrongwithyourownconsole?”

“It’sactingfunny,”Riolied.“Can’tseeforstatic.Havetogetitfixed.”

“Goaheadthen.Haveapeach,onme.”Shechuckled,silverteethwinking.

“Thanks.”Hesetdownhispackages,askinghertolookafterthem,andduckedintothediminterior.

Theshopsmelledlikebrightfruit—Kamilestockedallkinds,fromprosaicapplestozoolberries,which

wereonlygrowninonetinyareaofBorNarga.Shealsostockedillegalfruitliketheinigo,which
simulatedafter-sexeuphoria.

Whereshegotthemall,Riodidn’tknow,butpeoplecameherefromallpartsoftheplanettobuy
Kamile’sfruit.Shemadeenoughmoneythatshecouldhaveopenedastoreinawealthierpartofthecity,
butshedidnotwantto.Hercustomerswouldn’tcome,shesaid,ifshemadetheshoprespectable.Being
disreputablewaspartofitscharm.

Kamile’sconsolestoodinanicheintheback.LiketheconsoleatJudith’sitwasapublicterminal,and
Rioshovedhiscreditslipintotheslenderslotinthefront.

Themachinesuckedinhisslip,andagentlevoicetoldhimtoplacehiscall.

RioproceededtocalleverypersonheknewinPasCityandsomeoutinthedesertcommunitiesofRil
andStrama.Hechattedtothembrieflyaboutanythingthatcameintohishead.

Heknewthatthepatrollerswouldmonitorthesecallsandcheckouteachpersonincasetheywerehis
contactforatransport.HecalledwomenandmenandotherShareem,everyonebutReesandDr.Laas.
Thatshouldkeepthingsbusyforawhile.

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Inthemiddleoftheflurryofcommunications,hecalledAiden.“Imightbelate,”hesaidtoAiden’s
beautifulimage.“Giveheramessage.”Aidenlookedcurious,butonlysaid,“Allright.”Theytalked
briefly,thenRiofinishedtherestofhiscallsandretrievedhiscreditslip,quiteabitdepleted.

“Thanks,Kamile.”Hepickeduphispackages,kissedhercheekagain,andstrolledbacktowardhisown
apartment.

“Sandstorm’scoming,”Kamilesaid.“Bettersealyourselfin.”

“Youheardareport?”Bainehadn’tmentioninganythingwhenRiohadleftthecompound.Baineloved
weatherreports,themoredirethebetter.

“Ifeelitinmybones.”Kamileheavedherselfup,totteredinsideandproceededtocloseallherstorm
doors.

“JustwhatIneed,”Riosaid,thenhereachedhisapartmentblock,walkedintohisflatandsealedallhis
windows.Kamile’sboneswereneverwrong.

*****

WhileNellawanderedaboutthehouse,examiningDr.Laas’strange,sensuousroomsandwishingRio
wereheretoexplorethemwithher,Baineannouncedtwothings.

Thefirstwas,“AnotherShareemhasarrived.HesaysRiosenthimtoseeyou.Iputhiminthemural
diningroom.”

“AnotherShareem?”

“Yes.AlevelonecalledAiden.Donotworry,Dr.Laasclearedhimforthecompoundalongtimeago
andhe’sbeensworntosecrecyconcerningyouridentity.Heistrustworthy,evenifheisan
acquaintanceofRio’s.”

“Rioisnotwithhim?”

“No,yourhighness,”Baineanswered.“Iwouldhavesaidso.”Worried,Nellahurriedtothenearestlift.
“Takemetothemuraldiningroom.”

“Asyouwish.”

AsBaineopenedthedoorsontheappropriatelevel,hemadeanotherannouncement,thisonepiped
throughallthehallsandrooms.

“Sandstorm,”hesaid.

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ChapterTen

RidingOuttheStorm

Nellaheardandfeltnothingtoindicatethatasandstormragedinthecityabovethem,butBaineassured
heritdid.

“ACode9,”hesaid.“NottheworstI’veeverseen,butfairlybad.MostareCode6—veryfewreach
Code7andup.Thisisunusual.”Nellawalkedthroughthesoftlylithallslinedwithpicturesoftranquil
landscapesonherwaytothediningroom.Dr.Laas’compound,sofarunderground,wouldknownothing
ofthestorms.ShewonderedhowDr.Laas’powerwassupplied,andifthesandstormwouldaffectit.

ShehadthefeelingthatDr.LaasandBainehadfiguredallthisoutlongago.Thecompoundwastoo
orderlyandtoowellhiddenforthemtohavebeenanythingbutcareful.

Sheenteredthediningroomandstopped.Themuralonthewallshowedapleasantgardenoftrellisesand
climbingroses,withafountaininitscenter.Thepicturewassosharp,thesoundofthefountainso
entrancing,andtheslightlydampscentofrosessorealthatNellathoughtshecouldwalkrightthroughthe
wallandfindherselfinthegardenitself.

Buthoweverlovelythemural,itwasnotwhathadmadeherpullup.AShareemrosefromachairwhen
sheentered,onesoincrediblyhandsomethatshecouldonlystareinshock.

Hishairwasblond,likeRees’,butalightershade,pulledbackintoatailthathungallthewaytohiships.
Heworeasleevelesstunicandsandals,againlikeRees,thoughhewasafewinchesshorterthanRees.
HisbrawnyarmssportedShareemmuscleandablackchain,andhisshouldersandchestwereplenty
broad.

Hisfacewaschiseledperfection.Anartistsculptingtheultimateinmalebeautycouldusethismanasa
model,buttheresultwouldnevermatchhisnaturalhandsomeness.

TheShareemsmiledather,makinghimevenmoreseductivelybeautiful.“Iwasfacesculpted,”he
explained,smilingatherscrutiny.“Theepitomeofgeneticart.”Heextendedhishand.“Riosentme.I’m
Aiden.”

Nellapolitelyputherhandinhis,thenbackedawaywhenshefeltShareempheromonesfloodher.She
hadthesuddenurgetotearoffherclothesandbegthismantotouchherallover,butshewasveryaware
thathe’dputtheurgeintoherhead.

WithRio,shefeltmorelikeshebeggedhimbecauseshewantedto.PerhapsthatmeantRiowasamore
practicedShareem.

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Butmaybe—

Shefeltit,tenuousandweblike,thepulltoRio.

No.

Somethingjoyfulinsideherresponded,Whynot?

“WhereisRio?Ishehere?”

Shesomehowknewhewasn’t.TheentirecomplexfeltdifferentwhenRiowasinit.

“Hesaidhehadsomeerrandsandthathe’dmeetmehere.”

“Oh.”Shechewedherlipandpressedthebriefsensationaway.Ifshewasmistaken,shewouldnotbe
abletobearit.“Perhapsthesandstormhasslowedhimdown.Itmustmakewalkingdifficult.”

Aidengaveheranoddlook.“Slowedhimdown?HaveyoueverseenaBorNargansandstorm?”

“No.”

Aidenglancedup.“Baine,showwhat’soutside,willyou?”Baineemittedacomputercough.“Why?The
gardenismuchmorepleasant.”

“Iknow,butNellaneedstosee.”

Bainesighed.“Toeachhisown.”Thecomputerfadedoutthegardenscene,leavingayellow-brown
blankwall.

Nellarealizedafteramoment,thatshewasnotlookingatawallbutaviewofthestreetoutside,thesame
sceneBainehadshowedherearlier.Onlynowthestreetwascompletelyobliteratedbysand.

“Beautiful,isn’tit?”Aidensaid.“Noonetravelsinasandstorm.Westayinsideandsealthedoors.Iwas
luckythatIgotherebeforeithit.”Ifshelookedclosely,Nellacouldjustseethecornersofbuildings
fadinginandoutundertheblanketofscouringsand.Shealsonoticedthat,unlikewiththegardenorother
scenes,Bainehadnotaddedsound,scentorfeelingtothisimage.

“Howcananyoneevenbreatheoutthere?”sheasked.

Aidencameupbehindher,hiswarmthtouchingherlikeablanket.“Noonecan.

Thatiswhywecarrybreathmasks.Noonetoldyouwhenyouarrived?”Nellashookherhead.“Isaw
thateveryonecarriedone,butIdidnotknowwhy.

WasRiocaughtinit,doyouthink?”

“No.Rio’ssmartenoughtostayoutofasandstorm.Whereverhewas,heduckedinsideandissitting
tight,waitingforittosubside.”

“Ihopeso.”

“Iknowso.ShareemhavelivedthroughBorNargansandstormsfordecades,andnoneofushavebeen
lostinthem.”

Sherelaxedalittle.“That’sgood.”

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“Putbackthegarden,Baine,”Aidensaid.“We’vehadenoughofthisdepressingview.”

“Ithoughtyou’dneverask,”Bainesaid.

Instantly,themuraltransformedtothegardenscene.Nelladrewabreathofrelief,inhalingthescentof
sweetrosesandthegreenodorofearth.

AidenputhishandsonNella’sshoulders,warmthradiatingfromhispalms.Shesensedhispheromones
spillingoverheragain.

“I’mRio’s,”shesaidquickly.

“Iknow.Hetoldmetogiveyouamessage.”

Sheturned,unnervedwhenhedidn’tbackaway.Hischestandshoulderswereeverybitasbroadas
Rio’s,hisblueeyesjustasunnerving.“Whatmessage?”Aidensmiled.“Twowords.Trustme.”

NellathoughtofRio’s“lessons”intrust,andwonderedwhathemeanttodonow.

Alittleshiverbeganatthebottomofherspine.

“Ialsobroughtsomethingforyou.”Aidenturnedaway,liftedametalboxfromthefloorandsetinonthe
flatsurfaceofthetable.Heopenedittorevealacloth-linedinteriorinwhichrestedtworowsof
varicoloredbottles.

Nellamovedtothetable,curiousinspiteofherself.“Whatarethey?”

“Scentedoils.We’llgothroughthem,andyou’llchoosetheoneyoulike.Ormorethanone,whateveryou
want.”

Shelookedthemover,intrigued.WhileshesometimesworelightperfumeonAriel,she’dneverallowed
herselfanythingasexoticasscentedoil.Oilwasmeanttoglideovertheskinundertrainedfingers…

ShehadthesuddenvisionofthismanoilingherfromheadtofootwhileRiowatchednearby,whipin
hand,awickedlookinhisdarkblueeyes.

Sheswallowedhard.“Riowantedmetohavethis?”Aiden’sperfecteyescrinkledwithhissmile.“Don’t
beafraid,Nella.It’sjustoil.”Nellacalmedherselfandsatdownatthetable.Hepluckedthefirstbottle
fromtheslot,workedoutitsairtightsealandhandedittoher.

“What’sthisone?”sheasked,takingit.

“Roseandtulawood.Ithinkyou’lllikeit.”

Itsscent,nottoostrong,hintedoftherosesinthegardenbehindher,lacedwiththesmokysmellofwood.
AsNellaslowlyinhaled,afeelingofwellbeingandpeacestoleoverher.

Mystified,sheresealedthebottle,setitaside,andreachedforthenextone.

Thenextoilgaveoffthesharpsmellofcrushedherbslacedwithlavender.Nellafeltsuddenlyenergetic,
asthoughshewantedtothrowAidentothefloorsoshecouldjumpontopofhim.

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Lettingoutashakybreath,shequicklysealedit.“Theyarestirringupmypheromones,aren’tthey?”

“Yes.”Heliftedtheherboneshe’dsetdownandlookedatitreverently.“Imakeuptheformulasandhave
themcreatedtoorder.”

“ByDr.Laas?”Nellaasked,realizing.

“Whoelse?There’snothingthatwomandoesn’tknowaboutsensualityandbiochemistry.”

“Sheisanunusualwoman,”Nellasaid.

Hewinked.“Welikeher.Trythisone.”

Thethirdoilsmelledofwarmspice,amberandpatchouli,adarkscentthatremindedherofRio.

AtthethoughtofRio,hercreamsuddenlybegantoflowthickandhot.Dreamily,sheputherfingers
betweenherlegsandpressed.

“Youlikethatone,”Aidensaidsoftly.

Nellawriggledagainstherfingers,andthen,incredibly,shecame.Itwasnottheover-the-top,screaming
sensationshehadwithRio,butawicked,warmfeeling.Shemoanedasitfloodedher.

“I’dsayyoudefinitelylikethatone.”Aidentookthebottlefromherandresealedit.

Shesawthathiseyeshadgonefullyblue,andhisbodyheathadrisen.

Oncethebottlewascorked,thescenteasedawayandNellablushed.

Aidengrinnedather.“NeverbeembarrassedinfrontofShareem,sweetheart.

That’swhatwe’refor,youknow,toteachthatsexualityisawonderfulthing.”

“Reessaidsomethinglikethat.”

“Andhe’sright.Menandwomenweremeanttohavesexwitheachother.It’spartofcreation—oratleast
itwasuntilwemadecreationallaboutgeneticmanipulation.

Kindofironic,isn’tit,thatShareem,theultimategeneticexperiments,onlywanttoshowthatcreationthe
old-fashionedwayisagoodthing?”Nellalistenedtohiminakindofdaze,notquiterecoveredfromthe
lastbottleofscent.“Ineverthoughtofitthatway.”

“Joiningisagloriousthing.Satisfyingyourpartnerismostgloriousofall.AndShareemlivetosatisfy.
We’renothappy—Imean,reallynothappy—ifwedon’tgivepleasure.”

“Ididn’tknowthat.”

“It’sprogrammedintous.Wecan’tgoagainstourinstincts.”

“WehavesomethingsimilaronAriel,”Nellasaid,findingherselfrelaxed.“It’scalledtheBond.”

Helookedinterested.“TheBond?”

“It’slikefallinginlove,onlymoreso.It’smorethansex—it’sacompletejoiningofmanandwoman.”
Nellalacedherfingerstoillustrate.“Nooneiscertainifit’sa86

Rio

chemicalthing,orpsychic,orwhoknows?Maybeevenmagic.Weonlyknowthatwhenwefeelit,weact
onit.MostpeoplefindaBond-mateonlyonceintheirlives.

Somegiveupandmarrynon-Bond-mates,butitcanbebadifeitherpartnerfindstheirtrueBond-mate.So
mostpeoplewaitforit.”

“HaveyoufoundyourBond-mate?”Aidenasked,watchingher.

Shehesitatedbeforesheshookherhead.“Notyet.”

“Andwhathappenswhenyoufindhim?”Aidenasked.

“Iaskhimtomatewithme,andthenwemarry.IfhewishestoacknowledgetheBond,thatis.”

Aidentoyedwiththestopperonthenextbottle.“Isitalwaysman-woman?CouldyourBond-matebe
anotherwoman?”

“Oh,yes.Wehavemale-maleandfemale-femalecouplesonAriel,althoughitisnotascommon.And
interspeciestoo.Arielhastwelvedifferentsentientbeings,andtheBonddoesnotseemtoconfineitself
toone.ScientiststhinkthattheBondevolvedearlyinourancestrytoencouragegeneticdiversity.”

Aidengrinned.“Evernoticehowscientistsliketomakesexsocoldandclinical?”

“ExceptDr.Laas,”Nellasaid.

“ExceptDr.Laasandhersidekick,Dr.Ralston.”

Theysharedasmile,liketheywereoldfriends.

NelladimlyunderstoodthathewasusinghisShareemabilitiestoremoveherinhibitions.Bainehadtold
herhewasinonthesecret—AidenwastryingtomakeherascomfortablewithhimasshewaswithRees,
orevenRio.

Trustme,wasRio’smessage.

“DidRiotellyoutomakemeopenuptoyou?”sheasked.

Aidensnortedandshookhishead.“No.Heonlytoldmetocomehereandletyoupickouttheoilyou
want.Whatheactuallysaidwas,Justgivehertheoilanddon’ttouchheruntilIgetthere.”

Nellawantedtolaugh.ThatsoundedlikeRioallright.“Wasthereadangerthatyou’dtouchme?”

Hissmilevanished,andsuddenlyNellarealizedhowveryaloneshewaswiththisman.Bainehoveredin
thebackgroundasalways,butshewonderedhowmuchhe’dinterfereifAidentriedtoseduceher.

“Letmeputitthisway,”Aidensaid,leaningtowardher.“IfIdidn’tknowyouwereRio’s,I’dhavehad
youonthetablebynow,withmyhandsalloveryou,spreadingoilonyourprettybody.Andsoonafter
that,I’dhaveyourpussylubedandI’dsliderightintoyou.”

Sexualityoozedfromhim,fillingtheroom.Nellahadnodoubtherownpheromonesfilleditaswell,
feedinghishunger.

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Thenhestraightened,andthetemperaturedroppedadegreeortwo.“ButIknowyouareRio’s.Question
is,doyouwanttobe?”

Aiden’seyeswereshrewd.HeknewRiofarbetterthanshedid,andheseemedtoknowexactlywhatthe
situationwashere.

“IlikeRio,”shesaid.“Itisonlytemporary.Heknowsthat.”

“Notveryromanticofyou.”

“Imeanhewouldn’twantittobemorethantemporary.Whywouldhe?I’llgohomeand—”sheliftedher
handsinahelplessgesture.“Thatwillbethat.”

“Youmakeitsoundeasy.”

“Isitnot?EveryShareemI’vemetsofarhastoldmetheyareallaboutpleasure.

Well,sometimesthepleasurehastoend.”

Hefeignedshock.“Gods,no.”

“Imean,wedonothaveachoice.Wehavetofacethingsthathavenothingtodowithpleasure.Wedon’t
wantto,butwefindwehavenochoice.”Shefaltered.Shelongedtogohome,butherhomecomingwould
notbeeasy.ShewouldhavetomakesurethatLinginianwasproperlydealtwith,she’dhavetofaceher
familyandtellthemwhathadhappenedtoher.Aftertheinitialrejoicing,therewouldbepain.

ShechosenottodiscussthefainttendrilsofwhatmightbetheBondbetweenherandRio.Shemightbe
mistaken,andifshewas,bettertocutthefeelingandgoon,nomatterhowmuchithurtatfirst.

Aidenwatchedherclosely,butaskednoquestions.

“Wellthen,Iguesswebetterenjoyallthepleasurewecanrightnow.”Heliftedthenextbottleoutofthe
box.“Ithinkyou’lllikethisone.Smellslikejasmine,butwithalittlekicktoit.”

*****

TheentrancetoDr.Laas’compound—herlair,someoftheShareemlikedtocallit—washiddeninan
abandonedwarehouseonDekatoStreet.Tothecasualobserver,cuttingthroughthewarehouselookedlike
aquickwayacrossthedistrict,andmanypeopleuseditassuch.

Sand-scouredalleyscrisscrossedthisneighborhood,filledwithdisreputabletraderswhocutandrunat
thefirsthintofsandstormorpatrollers.Thissoonafterastorm,thestreetsweredeserted,whichsuited
Rio.

Hestrolledthroughthedoorsinthewarehouse,whichhadlongsincerustedopen,layersofsandcoatinga
plasti-concretefloor.

Theentrancetotheundergroundcomplexwasadoorstandingrightinthemiddleofthewarehouse,
hiddenbyholo-illusions.Whenyouapproached,Bainedecidedwhetheryouwereadmissible.Ifhe
thoughtso,thedoorwouldopen,you’dwalk88

Rio

through,andimmediatelystepintoagrav-controlleddroptube,whichfloatedyoudowntothenextlevel.

IfBainedecidedthevisitorshouldnotbeallowed,hewouldgenerateanotherholo-illusion,inwhichthe
personwouldgrowdisorientedandwalkaroundthedoorwithoutknowingitornoticingitspresence.

Thesecuritywassimpleandeffective.IfBaine,whoconstantlyscannedthearea,sawanyonefollowing
orspyingonthevisitor,herefusedtoopenthedoor,andthevisitorwanderedaroundthewarehouse,
forgettingwhyhe’dcome,untilhewalkedaway.

ThewarehousewasdryandemptywhenRioenteredit.Knowingthepatrollershadalsogonetoground
duringthestorm,heheadeddeterminedlyforthedoor.

Bainequietlysliditopen.Riosteppedintothedroptube,hisstomachturningoverasthegravunit
loweredhimalevel.Hehateddroptubes.

Oncehisfeettouchedsolidfloor,heletoutabreathofreliefandwaitedforthenextdoortoopen.This
oneledintoawell-decoratedhallwiththeliftattheend.

“Whereto,Shareem?”Baineasked.

“WhereverNellais.”

“Diningroom,”Baineansweredlaconically,andtheliftdropped,zoomingRiodownfifteenlevels.

“Thanksfortheride,”Riogrowled.

Hewaitedforhisstomachtocalm,thenheexitedtheliftandwalkeddownthehalltothediningroom.On
thethreshold,hestopped,hisShareemsensesoninstantalert.

Aidenloungedinasoftdiningchair,hiseyesintenselyblue.Bottlesofhisscentedoilwerescattered
acrossthetablenexttotheemptycase.Nellahadabottletohernoseandadreamylookonherface.She
leanedback,relaxedandloose,herhairtricklingoveroneshouldertopoolinherlap.

ThescentsofAiden’ssensualoils—spice,exoticfruitsandflowers—wereoverlaidwiththesharptang
ofsex.Thescentsandthepheromones,bothAiden’sandNella’s,arousedhim,sendinghisShareem
temperatureskyward.

“Damn,whatdidImiss?”hedemanded.

Nellaleapttoherfeet,asmileofjoyonherface.“Rio!”Sherantohimandflungherarmsaroundhis
neck.“You’resafe,”shebreathed.“Iwasworried.”Rioheldher,inhalingherscent,whichwasway
moreheadythananyofAiden’soils.“I’mhere,baby.”

Nellaletgoofhimandsteppedback,alookofembarrassmentonherface.

“Becauseofthesandstorm.Iwasafraidyou’dbecaughtinit.”Awarmthbeganinhisheartandstartedto
swellthroughhisbody.Nowomanhadeverlookedathimwithsuchconcernandreliefinhereyes.

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HewasRio,levelthreeShareem,madeforsexandtheultimatesensualexperience.

Womenweresupposedtobeghimtodominatethem—theydidn’tworryabouthim.

Thatmightimplyshecared.

“Igotmyselfinside,”hesaid.“CaughtuponreadingwhileIrodeitout.”

“BondageToday?”Aidenmurmured.

Rioignoredhim.HebrokethecontactwithNellaandlaidthepackagesonthetable.“Ibroughtyousome
presents.”

Nellacameforward.“Forme?”

Rioopenedthefirstoneandheldupthecollar.“Foryou.”Shestaredatit.Thecollarwasasuppleblack
leatherwithfinelytooleddesignsofflowersandleaves.Sincesofewflowersandleavesgrewnaturally
inthedesertsofBorNarga,artistslovedtoputthemeverywhere,evenoncollarsmadeforsubs.

Nellatookthecollarinherhandsandexamineditinwonder.“Youboughtthisatashop?”

“Ashopwithabackroom,wheretheymakespecialthingsforme.”Sheranherfingertipsoverthesoft
leather.“It’sbeautiful.”

“Yeah,they’reartists.”Riogentlytookthecollarfromherandsliditaroundherneck.Histemperature
roseashefastenedit.“Youlookgorgeousinit.”Theblackleatheroffsetherredhairandpaleskin,
makinghermorelovelyanddesirablethanever.HenoticedAiden’sappreciativelook.EvenifAiden
wasfantasizingaboutanothermaleShareem,hecertainlyhadn’tlosthisinterestinfemales.

“Itgoeswiththis.”Rioopenedthelargerpackageanddrewouttheskimpyblackleatherdress.

Nella’seyesgotbig.Shetooktheleatherclothinherhandsandagainstudieditasthoughshe’dnever
seenanythinglikeitbefore.

Ithadnotbeendifficulttotelltheartistwhatsizetomakethedress,becauseRio’shandsknewtheexact
sizeandshapeofNella’sbody.ItwaspartofhisShareem-ness,hefigured,thoughnoonehadever
confirmedthis,thathisbodyretainedanimprintofeverydetailoftheladyhemadeloveto.

“Youwantmetowearthis?”sheasked,nibblingherlowerlip.

“Trustme,”Riosaidinaquietvoice.“Putiton.”SheglancedatAideninsometrepidation.

“Goahead,”Aidensaid.“Idon’tmind.”

Riowatchedher,foldinghisarmstightoverhischest.“Youcangotoyourroomifyoureallywantto.”

Aidensaidnothing.Nellalookedattheleather,lookedatAiden,andthenatRioagain.

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Thepulseinherthroatbeatquickly,asshetriedtodecidewhattodo.SheknewRiowouldbe
disappointedifsheretreatedtoherroomtochangeinprivate.Perhapshe’devenpunishher.

Riogrewarousedwatchingherdebatewithherself.Ifshestayed,Aidenwouldwatch.Aidendidnot
offertoleavetheroom,becausehewasShareem.Hewantedtoseenakedness.

NakednesstoNellameantvulnerabilityandsexandsurrender.

Slowly,almostasifshedidn’trealizewhatshedid,Nellaloosenedherbaggytunicandpulleditoffover
herhead.Sheunfastenedtheleggingsandtookthoseoffaswell,thendiscardedtheundergarments.

Aidenstirred,aroused.Yes,hedefinitelystilllikedfemales.

NellatookuptheleatherdressandlookedatRio.“Willyouhelpmeputiton?”Obligingly,Riowrapped
theleatheraroundhertorsoandfasteneditintheback.Itwasshort,baringherthighsandhuggingher
breasts,pushingthemhigh.Thegarmenthadnosleevesorcollar—itwasjustasimplewidthofleather
coveringhertorso.

“Youlookbeautiful,”hesaid.Thedresshuggedher,showingherhipsandbreaststoperfection.Itwasa
hellofalotbetterthanthesecondhandgray-whitethingBainehadfoundforher.

“Onelastthing,”Riosaid.Hetookoutthechainhe’dboughtandlinkedtheslender,silverlengthtothe
ringinthefrontofhercollar.Thechaindangledbetweenherbreasts.

“Perfect,”Aidensaid.Hisbeautiful,sculptedfaceworealookofintensesatisfaction.Levelonescould
getoffjustlookingatawoman.

Socouldlevelthrees,butitwasmorefuntoplaywiththem.

“Didshepickoutheroil?”Rioasked.

Aidennoddedandliftedabottle.“Shelikesthisonebest.”

“Itremindsmeofyou,”Nellasaid.

Rio’sheartbeatfaster.“Good.”

Aidengottohisfeet.RiosensedAiden’spheromonesshootingallovertheplace,readyinghimforwhat
wastocome.“Shallwestart?”heasked.

“Surething.”

RioliftedthechainandtuggedNellatohim.

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ChapterEleven

SlowLove

Nella’sheartraced,andcreambegantotricklebetweenhersweat-dampenedthighs.Rioheldthechain
securely,hiseyeshotandblue.

“Whatareyougoingtodo?”sheasked,morecuriousthanworried.

“Aidenisgoingtoteachmehowtoloveyouslowly.Doyouwanttolearnwithme?”

“I’malwayswillingtolearn,”shesaid.

Riogrowledandtuggedhertohim.Shelandedagainsthisleather-cladbody,andhekissedher,lipshard
onhers.

“Youwantedtokeepittolevelone,”Aidensaid,hisShareemvoicegrowingevenmoredeepand
soothing.

Nellabegantorelax,hermindslightlyfuzzyasRio’stouchandthevoicesoftwoShareemmalessoftened
herresistance.

Resistingwasthefarthestthingfromhermind.Neverinherlifewouldshehavetheopportunitytobein
closeproximitywithtwomenlikethis,onewithwhomshewasfallinginlove.

“Whatdoyouwantmetodo?”shewhisperedagainstRio’slips.

“Obeyme.”

“Yes.”Noresistancethere.

“Whileyouareinthishouse,youwillwearthedressandcollarandcometomewheneverIwish.”

“Allright.”

Heslidhislarge,hothandtoherback.“Anythingyouwishmetodotoyou,youaskme,rightwhenyou
thinkofit.”

“Yes.”

“Wewillgotoyourbedroomnow,andAidenwillshowmehowtotouchyou.AndanythingAidenandI
wishtodo,youwillaskustodo.”

“Ofcourse.”Shefeltlooseandpliableandhappy.SherestedherhandsonRio’sbiceps,herfingers
pressingtheleather.“Iwill.”Riochuckled.“Levelthreesliketobetalkedbacktonowandagain.”She
lookedupathim,likingthehardlinesofhisface,preferringhisrough,rawsexualitytoAiden’sabsolute
beauty.“Why?”

“Sowehaveanexcusetopunishyou.That’spartofthefun.”92

Rio

“Allright,”shesaiddreamily.“Tellmewhenyouwantmetodisobey,andIwill.”Aidenlaughedsoftly.
“Ithinkwe’veoverdoneit.”

“No.”RiocuppedNella’sbacksideandscoopedhertohim.“Ithinkshe’sjustright.”

“Shallwego,then?”Aidenasked.

Rioshothimanamusedglance.“Youtalksohoity-toity,Aiden.Shallwego.Weshallgetourassesdown
toNella’sbedroom,yes.”

Nellasmiled.NoothermaninherlifehadmadeherlaughlikeRiodid.

*****

BainewassilentastheyrodethelifttothelevelwhereNella’schamberlay.Thehallwascalmandquiet,
theairsoothinglyscented,thewallsapleasingshadeofyellow.

Herbedroom,whileplain,hadbeengivenlightsofwarmplumandcoolblue,whichblendedtojustthe
rightshade.

Nellawasn’tcertainwhotidiedtherooms,orwhetherBainecontrolledasupplyofcleaningrobots,but
herbedwasanunwrinkledslab,andtheblanketsshe’dscatteredaboutwhilesleepinghadbeenfolded
andsetaside.

Shetookinthestateoftheroomdistractedly,notparticularlycaring.ShewasawareonlyofRioleading
herbyherchain,andAidenbehindher,hisbodyheatlikeathermalblanket.

Rio’sholdonherchainwasmorethanaphysicallinkbetweenthem.Sheseemedtofeelhisenergy
comingupthelengthofsilvertoherthroat,asthoughthechainwasaconductoroftheBond.

Shelikedthefeeling.Ibelongtohim,andhimtome.

Rioledhertothebed.Aidensetdownthebottleofoilhe’dbroughtwithhimandstrippedoffhistunic,
whileRiotoldhertoliefacedownonherbed.

Nellaobeyed,settlingthechaintoonesideofher,likingthecoolfeelingagainstherarm.Fromher
vantagepoint,shesawRioslowlyremovehisclothes,slidingtheleatherfromhisbodyuntilhestoodin
onlyaloincloth.

Hesnakedhishandthroughherloosehair,turnedherheadandleaneddowntokissher.Thekisswas
possessiveandhot,asthoughsheneededremindingthatshewashis.

SomewhereaboveherAidensaidclinically,“We’llneedtoputherhairup,outoftheway.”

AsRiosteppedawayfromthebed,presumablytolookforahairclip,Aidengatheredherhairinhis

broadhandsandbegantobraidit.

Itwasamostsensualfeeling,havingthismancombhisfingersthroughherhair,thengentlyplaititintoa
tail.Sheclosedhereyes,enjoyingit.

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SheknewRio’stouchwithoutopeninghereyes.Itwasdifferentsomehow,hisfingersrough,histouch
firmerandmoreaggressive.HewoundthebraidAidenhadmadeintoacoilonthebackofherheadand
pinneditinplace.

Aiden’sfingershadsoothedher,almostmakingherdrowsy.Rio’stouchwokeherupandarousedher.

“That’swhylevelthreesthinkthey’rebetterthantheaverageShareem,”Aidensaid,asthoughhe’dread
herreaction.

“That’swhywearebetterthantheaverageShareem,”Riosaid.“ButI’malwayswillingtotrysomething
new.”

“Thiswillbenew,”Aidenassuredhim.

Nellafeltfingersonthefasteningofherleatherdress—Aiden’s,shecouldtellnow.

Heundidthecatchesandletthedressfall,baringherbackandbackside.

ShefeltRio’stouchonherass,thumbslidingbetweenthecheeks.

“Notyet,”Aidensaid.

Rio’stouchwithdrew.“Oh,right.Feetfirst.”Hesoundeddisbelieving.

Shewonderedwhatonearthfeetfirstmeant,butwastoodrowsytoask.Sheheardtheclinkofthe
stopperinthebottleofoil,thensmelledthepatchouliandspicescentshe’dpickedout.

Sheclosedhereyes,drowsinginthesensualityofthesmellandoflyingnakedandfacedowninfrontof
twobeautifulmen.

Theblatantsexualresponseshe’dhadtotheoilinthediningroomwasmutednowtheoilwasn’tright
underhernose,butwhenAidenfirstrubbedabitonthesoleofherleftfoot,shesquirmedwiththe
beginningsofwanting.

Aiden’sfingerstickledalittle,makingherwanttogiggle,butRio’stouchdidnot.

Riosmoothedtheoiloverthebottomofherfootwithafirmhand,soothing,butstrongenoughtomakeher
wanthishandsalloverher.

“Heels,”Aidensaid,cuppingherleftoneinhiswarmpalm.“Gettoknowherwholefoot.”

Rio’shandslidoverherrightheel,rubbingtheroughskinacquiredbyrunningthroughBorNarganstreets
inbrokenshoes.Sherememberedhowherblistershadachedasshetriedtofindhelpwithoutattracting
attention.

Sinceshe’dcometoDr.Laas’compound,theblistershadbeguntoease,andnowunderAiden’sand
Rio’ssoothingmassage,thehurtwentawaycompletely.

“Youhavecutefeet,”Riosaid.

Aidenliftedherfoot,cradlingitagainsthisbareabdomenasheexpertlyrubbedfromheeltotheballof
herfootandaroundtothetopandhertoes.

Riocopiedthemovement.“Andadorabletoes.”Shefeltthesharpscrapeofhisteethonthemashe
nibbled.Shelaughed,turninghercheektothepillowandlookingdownthelengthofthebedathim.He
winkedather.

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Rio

“Slowly.”Aidensoundedamused.Hemassagedherfootalittlelonger,thenreplenishedtheoilandslid
hislargehanduphershin.

Riodidlikewise,hismassagedeeperandfirmerthanAiden’sfeatherlighttouch.

“Reallyfeelher,”Aidensaid,hisvoicesoftening.Heliftedherleghigher,pressingitagainsthiswarm
torso,cuppingherknee.Shefeltthemusclesofhisabdomenwithhertoes,andwriggledthemagainstit.

Riosetherrightfootagainsthischest,spreadingherlegsalittle,skimminghishanduphershin.“Ilike
theview,”hesaid.

“Oh,yes,”Aidenagreed.“There’snothinglikeanticipation.”Nothingatalllikeit.Airtouchedherpussy,
theirmovementsmakingherquimrubalittleonthemattressbeneathher.Umm.

“Thighsnext?”Rioasked.

“No.Hands.”

“Youhaveaweirdwayofhavingsex.”

Aiden’stalentedfingerspressedallaroundherkneeandacrossthebackofit,looseningmuscles.“Slow
build.Slowburnuntilsheisdyingforyou,andyouforher.”

“I’mlevelthree.Webuildfast.I’malreadydyingforher.”

“Iswearyou’reawalkinghard-on,Rio.”

“Iseeyouhaveonetoo,”RiosaidtoAiden.

“Abeautifulwomanundermyhands,scentedpheromoneoilandaturned-onShareemnexttome,how
couldInothaveahard-on?”NellawaitedforRiotomakeaquipback,butafterathoughtfulsilence,he
merelysaid,“Hmm.”

AidenlaughedlikeRiohadmadeajoke.Shefelthischestrumblebeneaththesoleofherfoot.

Muchtoherregret,Aidengaveherlegonelastcaressandloweredherfoot.Riofollowedsuit,butdrew
hisnailsgentlydownhercalf,scratchinglightly.

Thesensationexcitedher.Hewastellingherhecouldbegentle,butwithapromisehemightberough
later.

Theystartedonherhands,AidenonherleftandRioonherright,doingmuchthesameasthey’ddoneto
herfeet.Aidenmassagedherpalmslowly;Riocircleditwithastrongtouch,thenlickedeachofher
fingersfrombasetotip.

Nellaclosedhereyesastheyworkedtheirwayupherarmstohershoulders.

Aiden’stouchwascompletelydifferentfromRio’s,sodistinctthatwhentheirfourhandsmovedat
randomdownherbareback,shewasabletotellwhichwaswhich.

Themassagebothrelaxedherandexcitedher.Herbreastsweretight,nipplespressedintothesheet
beneathher.Herquimwaswet,andsheknewthesheetwouldbedampwithhercreamwhenshefinally
turnedover.

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Theydrewtheirhandsdownherspine,oilingherallover,dippingtohersides,massagingthesmallof
herback,nearly,butnotquite,touchingherbuttocks.

Shekepthereyesclosedandreveledinherothersenses—thescentoftheoilandRio’sandAiden’sskin,
hotwithwanting.Thewhisperoftheirhandsagainsther,thequietsoundoftheirbreathing,theoccasional
noiseinRio’sthroatashiswantinggrew.

Bestofall,thefeeloffourhandsstroking,swirling,kneadingherflesh.

Shewantedonemoresensation—taste.ShewantedhertongueagainstRio’sskin,tastingthesaltofhis
sweat.Evenmore,shewantedthespiceofhismouth,thedarkflavorofhiscockandthesmooth,mellow
tasteofhiscum.

“Makeherwait,”Aidenmurmured.

Theystrokedherthighs,switchingsidessothatRiowasnowonherleft.Andthenatlast,Aidenletthem
movetoherbuttocks.

Aidendrizzledoiloverherrightbuttcheek,thenslowlysmootheditoverher,kneadingalittleharderthan
hehadonherbackandlegs.

Rioslidtheoiloverherleftbuttock,thengaveitaslap,nothard,butshemovedindelight.

ShemovedindelightagainwhenAiden’sfingersdippedbetweenherlegs.Shemovedherthighsapart
withoutrealizingshedidit,wantingthemtotouchher.Theirfingersmoved,slowandsweet,inthecrease
betweenherthighsandherquim.

“She’ssowet,”Aidenmurmured.

“Sothisisslowburn,”Riosaid.“IthinkIlikeit.”Rio’sfingersslidalongheropening,scoopingupher
cream.Sheturnedherheadtowatchhimlifthisfingerstohismouthandlickthemclean.

Aidencontinuedtostroke,tracingherquim,hisbodytemperaturerising.“Rio,howfardoyouwantmeto
go?”

“Alittlefarther.”RiolaidhishandonNella’sbacksidebutdidn’tcaressit.“Helpmeprepareher.”

“Allright.”

Nellalayinsilence,toofardazedbytheircombinedShareempresencetoaskpreparemeforwhat?

“Nella,”Riosaidsoftly.“Doyouwantmeinsideyou?”

“Yes!”Thewordjerkedfromher,andatthesametime,herhipsliftedoftheirownaccord.

“Butyoucan’t,canyou?It’sthecustomonyourworldthatyoucan’t.Isn’tthatwhatyoutoldme?”

“Yes,”Nellasaidmournfully.IfshewaswrongabouttheBond,andsheletRiotakeher,thingscouldgo
badlyforher.

“There’sanotherwayyoucanhaveme,onethatwillleaveyoustillintact.”Hopeleaptwithinher.
“How?”

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Rioslippedhisfingersbetweenherbuttocksandtouchedheranalstarwithhisforefinger.“Inhere.”

“Damn,”Aidenmurmured,voicedark.

“Doyouwantthat,Nella?”

“Yes.”

Shewanteditwithallhermight,thoughshedidnotreallyknowwhatitwouldbelike.Sheremembered
thefeelofhistonguethere,andknewthathiscockwouldbemuchbetter.

SomewhereunderherShareem-inducedlassitude,shefeltatouchoffear.Rio’stonguewasonething—
hiscockwasenormous.

“Ifshe’sneverdoneit,itwon’tbeeasyforher,”Aidensaid.

“That’swhyIwantyoutohelpme.Makemegoslow.”

“Allright.”

RioleaneddownandkissedNella’stemple.“I’llmakeitnothurt,sweetheart.I’llmakeitgood.Doyou
believeme?”

Shehesitatedbeforeshesaid,“Yes.”

Riodidn’tmissthehesitation.“Hmm.Ithinkyou’vejustearnedaspanking.ButI’llpunishyoulater.
Rightnow,it’sallaboutpleasure.”

“Yes,”Nellasaid.

“Isitwhatyoutrulywant?”Riosaid,hisbreathwarminherear.“Makesure.”Sherememberedherfirst
sexualencounterwithhim,hereinthisroom,whenhe’dtoldherthatShareemhadtobeaskedtodothe
lady’spleasure,thattheycouldbeswitchedonoroff.

“On,”shesaid,givinghimtheanswershe’dgivenhimthen.

Hesmiledintoherskin.“Thankyou,love.Youwon’tregretit.”

“No,”shebreathed.

“IneedAidentohelpmakeitgood.Isthatallright?”SheglancedonceatAiden.“Yes,”shesaid.

Theatmosphereintheroomchangedassoonasshemadeherdecision.Shecouldalmostfeelthe
anticipationlikeanelectriccurrent.

Riotoldhertostaywhereshewas,facedownonthebed.Hetookoffhisloinclothandsetitaside,now
nakedandbeautiful.Herexcitementflowedfaster,andshethoughtshe’dcomethemomenthetouchedher.

Aidendivestedhimselfofhisloincloth,aswell.Naked,hepouredoilontohishandsandrubbedthem
together,slatheringtheoiloverhisfingers.

Insteadofrubbingitonherbackorbuttocks,asshe’dexpected.Hecametotheheadofthebedandsat
cross-leggedonit,hisbacktothewall,hisfullyerectcockpointingstraightather.

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“Getuponyourhandsandknees,”Riosaid.

Hisvoicewasnolongersoothingandcalm,likeAiden’s.He’dreturnedtohislevelthreenature,hisobey
me-and-you-won’t-regret-itvoice.

Shakily,shegottoherhandsandknees.Riorestedhishandsonherbackside,cuppingandpartingher
cheeks,massagingthemalittle.Hisvoicemightbecommanding,buthishandswereasgentleatthat
momentasAiden’s.

Aidenlightlypresseddownonherback,coaxingheruntilherbreastsrestedonthemattress,herrearin
theair.Hetrickledhisoiledfingersoverhershouldersandneck,wordlesslyurginghertocalm,torelax.

Herheartbeatthuddedinherears,butAiden’stouchonherneckandRio’sonherbacksidemadeherbody
unclenchalittleatatime.

“Breathein,”Aidensaid,hisvoiceanearwhisper.“Takeanicelongbreath,thenexhaleslowly.”

Nellaobeyed.Shetookadeepbreath,lettingthespiceoftheoilandAidenfillher.

Thebreathwarmedherinside,andsherelaxedevenmoreasshebreathedout.

Rioclimbedontothebedinonemovement,hisdarkbrownlegsencompassingNella’swhiteones.He
lickedthebaseofherspine,usingtheactiontoglidehiswarmbreathoverher.

“Breathein,”Aidensaidagain,hisfingerslightonher.

AsNellatookanotherslowinhale,Riopressedhisfingersaroundtherimofheranalhole,strokingand
massaging,hisfingersdrenchedinoil.

Heseemedinnohurry.Hemassagedandkneaded,hismovementssoothing,andshefeltherbodygrow
warmerandmoreopen.Hereyelidsdrooped,histouchandAiden’smakingherdrowsy.

“LookatAiden,”Riosaid,hisvoicelow.

Nellaraisedhereyes.Aidenhadshiftedsohestraddledthebed,hislegstoeitherside.Theonlythingshe
couldseebeforehergazewashiselongated,erectcockandtheblondhairsclingingtohisballs.

“That’swhat’sbackhere,goinginyou,”Riocontinued.“You’llfeelmycock,anditlooksjustlikethat.
Onlymuchbigger.”

Aidenrumbledwithlaughter.“Inyourdreams.”

Nelladidnotlaugh.ShekepthereyesfastenedonAiden’sdarkshaft,stiffandready.Thetipwas
engorged,clearmoisturewellingfromthetinyslitinthemiddle.

Shefeltheranalholesqueezeonceandopen,withoutherconsciouslydoingit.

“That’sgood,”Riosaid,approvalinhisvoice.

Forsomereason,shewantedhisapproval.Shewantedtopleasehim,thenwantedtosquirmandbedis
pleasingsohe’dspankher.

Wherethethoughtscamefrom,shehadnoidea,buttheyfloodedhermind.Shewantedhimtomanacleher
hands,likehehadinfrontofReesandTalan,andtellher98

Rio

sheneededtobepunished.Shewantedtofeelthestingofhisstraponherbacksideandheartheslap.

She’dneverknownthesethoughtswerepossible.Riohadtaughtthemtoher.He’dtaughthertobeplayful
andnotashamedofwantingwhatshedid,openingupwholenewvistasofpleasuringandreceiving
pleasure.

Monthsago,she’dneverhavedreamedofrelaxing,naked,infrontofonemanwhileanotherpreparedto
fuckherintheass.

Andshe’dneverhavesaidthewordsfuckandasseventoherself,inanylanguage.

Rioleanedover,hisbodywarmthalloverher.Nella’scuntwasfullofcream,themoisturehotonher
legs.

“Whatdoyouwant,Nella?”Rioasked.Heliftedtheslenderchain,stillaffixedtohercollar,and
wrappeditlooselyaroundhishand.“Tellme.”

“Iwant—”

Sheinhaled,barelyhavinganybreathforspeaking.

Riodraggedthecoolchainacrossherback.“Whatdoyouwant?”Hisvoicewasalittleharder.

“IwanttolickAiden.”

Aiden,withoutspeaking,inchedcloser,puttinghiscockrightunderhermouth.Hesmelleddifferentfrom
Rio,acrisper,cleanerscent,whereRiosmelledmuskyandwarm.

“Anythingelse?”Rioasked.

Nellalickedherlips.Itwasstilldifficulttosayoutloudwhathewantedhertosay.

“Doyouwantthelash?”heasked.

“Yes.Please.”

Amomentlater,shefeltthestingofleatheracrossherbuttocks.Sheflinched,butreleasedamoanof
pleasure.Itfeltsogood.“Thankyou.”

“Whatelse?”Riosetthewhipaside,hisvoicelowagain.“Whatdoyouwant,baby?”

“Iwantyou.”Sheswallowed.“Iwantyoutofuckme.”

“Mmm,interesting.Youwantmetofuckyouwhere?”

“Myass.”Shetookanotherdeepbreathandsaiditinarush.

“Iwantyoutofuckmeintheass.”

“Ohdarlin,Ithoughtyou’dneverask.”

Shesupposedhe’dclimbdown,gethisleatherstrapandspankherwithitfirst.

Instead,hegentlyspreadherbacksideandpressedhiscockbetweenthecheeks,justbumpingherhole.

“Iwon’tletithurt,”hesaid.

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Shebelievedhim.Ifhetoldhertheskyhadturnedbrightsilveranditwasrainingorchids,she’dbelieve
himrightnow.

Herestedhishandsonthesmallofherback,rubbingitalittle.Aidenstrokedherhair,histhumbsonher
temples.Shereachedoutwithhertongueandtookalonglickofhiscock.

Atthesametime,Riopushedhistipintoheropenandrelaxedhole.

Shefroze.Thisfeltdifferentfromhisfingerpressingandmassaging.Hiscockwaslarge,openingherup,
stretchingherasshe’dneverbeenstretchedbefore.

Elationstruckher.Riowasinsideher.Notfar,buthewasinher,fillingher,makinghermorecomplete
thanshe’deverbeeninherlife.

Shewriggledandsquealed.Rioshushedher.He’dslatheredhiscockwithoil,andherhole,too,andhe
slidinanotherinchwithoutmucheffort.

Shesmiled,deliriouslyhappy.Aiden’stouchonherchanged,becomingmoreerotic,lesscalming.She
lickedhislargecock,andthenshesuckedhistipintohermouth.

Aidenmadeanoiseofpleasureandliftedhiships,encouraginghertotakemore.

Atthesametime,Riopushedhimselfinalittlefarther.

Ohgods,yes.Ihaveenteredheaven.

ThefullnessofRioinsideherwaspurehappiness.ThetasteofAidenmadeherhappy,too,thoughshe
knewshedidn’tloveAiden.ShelikedhimandwasgratefultohimforhelpinghertakeRio,butshedid
notlovehim.

ThishadbeenRio’sreasonforbringingAiden,sohecouldreadyhertoacceptthisincredible,incredible
sensation.They’ddoneitforher,togiveherpleasure.

Well,notentirelyforher.Riogroaned,andsheimaginedhiscock,stiffandhard,halfburiedinherass,
theshaftendinginblackhairagainstRio’sswarthyskin.

Thethoughtexcitedher.Shewishedtheroomhadamirror,soshecouldwatchhimfuckingher.

Shewantedthefeelingtogoonforever.Thepleasurewasincredible.WoulditfeelthiswaywhenRio
tookherfully,vaginally,whenshemadehimhersandhersalone?

Ifitwasevenbetterthanthis,shewanteditwithallhermight.

Aidenleanedforward.Hisskinwashot,hisShareembloodpounding.Theyneededrelease,Riohadsaid,
sotheywouldnotdie.Aidenwasclosetorelease,hiscockmovingslightlywiththehardbeatingofhis
heart.

Shelickedhistipthensuckledit,hard.Riosuddenlymovedhishandsaroundherhipsuntilhetouchedher
clit.

Nellajerked,themusclesofherasscontracting.Riogroanedoutloudasshepulledhimdeeperinside
her.

“Suck,”Aidenmurmured,voicehoarse.“Suckme,please.”

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Nellasucked.Shecouldnotstopherself.Sheslidhermouthalloverhiscock,imaginingitwasRio’s,
wishingshecouldbothsuckhiscockandhaveitpleasureheratthesametime.

“Gods.”Aidenheldhisshafthardatthebase,strokingalittlewithhisfingersandthumb.“Rio,youhave
mesoturnedon.”

Hestrokedalittlelonger,Nellalickinghim,thenhecame.

HissemenflowedoverNella’slips,someofitmissinghermouth.Hemoaned,hipsworkingashecame
andcame.

Nellarockedwithherownclimax,lickingAiden’scockandsqueezingRio’s,lovingthefeelofRio’s
fingersonherclit,hiscocksolongandhardinherass.Herthroatwasraw,andshedidn’tknowwhy,
untilsherealizedthatthesoundssheheardintheroomwereherownscreams.

“You’resotight,”Riosaid,hisdeepvoiceminglingwithhercriesandAiden’shoarsebreathing.“Baby,
sweetlove,you’resotightforme.Fuck,yes.”Shefelthimcomeinsideher,hotseedfillingherand
gratingagainstherskin.Aidenleanedbackagainstthewall,spent,whileNellasobbedandcurledher
handsinhercontinuedclimax.

Riofelldownontopofher,enclosingherwithhisbody,holdingheragainsthisdampchest.“Nella,”he
said,kissingherhair.“Youdidfine,sweetdarling.I—”Hebrokeoff,butNelladidnotnotice.Shewas
exhaustedandhappyfromherclimaxandthechemicalsthatpouredthroughherbody,courtesyofAiden
andRio.

Sheloweredherselftothebed,andRiofollowedherdown,stillholdingher,hiscockslidinggentlyfrom
herass.

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ChapterTwelve

NewDestination

Alongtimelater,theywerestilllyingonthebed,RioontopofNella,Aidenrelaxingagainstthewall,
idlymovinghisbarefootupanddownoneofNella’sexposedlegs.

Shedriftedinandoutofsleep,tired,happyandserene.Iwantthismaninmylife.

Thewordsslidthroughherhead,andshewasn’tterriblysurprisedtofindthemthere.

Shedidnotwanthimsimplybecausehe’dgivenherthispleasure.He’dtaughtherthatgivingherselfto
anotherpersondidnotmakeherweak.He’dtaughtherthattrust,ifanything,madeherstronger.

Iwantyouinmylife,Rio.

Sheknewwhatthatmeantandwhatshehadtodo.Shehadtohandhimhergreatestvulnerability,takeher
courageintoherhandsandtry.ShehadnoideaifhewantedNellainhislife,butshewasnotgoingto
taketheriskoflosinghimforeverbecauseshewasafraidtotry.

Shesmiledalittle,likinghisheavyweightonher.Hewasbeinggentle,becausethoughhedrowsed,he
tookcaretosupporthimselfandnotcrushher.Hewaskind,thismanwholikedtoflickhiswhipand
promisetospankaladygoodandhardifshedidnotobey.

Hehadtaughthertotrusthim.Now,Riowasgoingtohavetolearntotrusther.

“Mmm,”Riosaid.Helazilylickedherear.“You’vebeenbad,Nella.”Sheheardhimasthoughthrougha
haze.HerheadrestedonAiden’smuscledthigh,andshesmelledhissexandsweataswellasRio’s.

“Hasshe?”Aidenanswered.

“No,”Nellamurmured.

Riochuckled.“Don’targue,love.Youmademecomewaytoofast.”Aiden’sfootcaressedherleg,the
touchofhistoessensual.“Areyougoingtopunishher?”

“DoyouthinkIshould?”Riosaid,hisbreathticklingher.

Nelladidnotanswer,contentthewayeverythingwas.ShepressedakisstoAiden’sthigh,thenturnedher
headandmetRio’slips.

Thekisswassweet,slowandprofound.Riotastedherwholemouth,histonguehardandinsistent.She
feltAidenstrokeherhair,andrealizedhestrokedRio’satthesametime.

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Riobrokethekiss,androsetohisknees.Nella’sstomachfluttered,somewheredownunderherhazeof
feeling.

Aidenwatchedthemboth,hisbeautifuleyesheavy,cheekbonesflushed.

RiolookedatNella,hisdarkhairhangingdownlikeacurtain.“WhenIaskedifyoutrustedmebefore,
youweren’tsure,wereyou?”Shethoughtamoment.“No.”

“Ilikethatyoudon’tlie,”hesaidsoftly.“Imightgoeasieronyou.ButIwillhavetospankyou.”

“Yes,”Aidensmiled.Hiscockwasalreadyelongating.“Punishher.”

“See?Aiden’sreadyforit.”

Nellagroaned.Shefeltgoodandsated,andalittleexcited,butoh,sotired.

Riopattedherrump.“Comeon,baby.Handsandknees.”

“Ican’t.”

“Yes,youcan.Aiden.”

Aidenslidhisstronghandsunderherarms,pullingherup.ShefeltRio’scoolleatherstraponherback,
andthedarkbiteofcreamonherlegs.

“Let’ssee,”Riosaid,“fornottrustingme,Ithinktenswatswilldoit.”Heleaneddown,coveringNella’s
bodywithhiswarmone.“Whatdoyouthink,Nella?Ten?”

“Yes.”

“Yes,what?”

Sheswiveledhergazetohim,soclose,hisdarkfacenearlyagainstherown,hisskinwarmwithspice
andthesmellofherowncream.“Yes,Rio?”Asmileflickeredonhismouth.“Howaboutyes,sire.”
Nellastartedtogiggle.Athissternlook,shetriedtostop,butcouldnot.“Sire?”

“Whatissofunny?You’reaprincess,youshouldbeusedtotheword.”Shegiggledsomemore—itfeltso
goodtolaugh.“Noonesayssireanymore.”Hislipstwitchedasthoughhewereteasingher,buthiseyes
weredarkblueandsteady.“Howaboutmylordandmaster.”

Nella’sgigglesincreased.AboveherAidensaid,“Sheissocute.”

“Cuteornot,she’sjustearnedmorepunishment,”Riogrowled.“IthinkI’llhaveAidenlickyouwhileI
giveyouyourspanking.”

“Aidenwouldbehappyto,”hesaid.

Riodidn’twaitforNella’sconsent.Heroseonthebed,liftingherwithhim,thenAidenswungaround
andlaydown,headtowardthefootofthebed,andcrossedhisfeetcomfortablyonthewall.

RioloweredNellatostraddleAiden’storso,herkneesspreadoneithersideofhishead.Aidenflickered
histongueoverherclit,stirringexcitement.

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Toomuchexcitement.WhenRio’slashcamedownacrossherbuttocks,shescreamed.

“Twentyofthem,”hesaid.“Countthem,sweetheart.Thatwasone.”

“One,”Nellasaidweakly.

Slap.“Two,”hegrowled.

“Two.”

“Three…”

Hewenton,theslapsonherbacksideregulatedandslow,thetimebetweenstrokesexact.Aiden’stongue
underneathherstrokedandteased,flickeringoverherclitinhot,wetmadness.

Shesquirmedandsquealed,lovingtheheatofAiden’sbreathandthegratingofhistonguejuxtaposed
withthestinginglashesofthestrap.Shelostcountofthestrokes,hermindwhirlingindarkfrenzy.

Thenextlashwasharder.“Eleven,”Riosnarled.

“Eleven,”shegasped.

“Twelve…”

Itwenton.Nella’sbuttocksstungandhurt,herclitwasfullandwet,andAiden’stonguescoopedthrough
herquim.

BythetimeRiosaid,“Nineteen,”shewascomingandscreaming,andsheejaculatedintoAiden’s
welcomingmouth.

“Nineteen,”shemoaned,then“Twenty,”withRio.

Hetossedasidethewhip,puthishandsonhersmartingbuttocksandpartedthem.

Shefelthistippressheranalstaragain,andheldherbreath.

Whenhepushedhimselfinside,shecried“Yes!”joyously.Hestartedthrusting,hiscocklongandhard
andoh,sobig.Sheheardherselfshoutingthingslike,Ohgods,Rio,please,faster,harder,please!

Aidenkeptupthemiracleofhistongue.SheleaneddownandlickedAiden’shard,longcock,frombase
totip,earningamuffledgroan.Shelickedandteasedhim,muchashelickedher,allthewhilefeelingthe
joyofRioinherass.

Riopumpedandpumpedher,hishandsonherbuttocks,faintgruntsissuingfromhisthroat.

“Fuckyou,”hesaid,hisvoicesoft,thenheshoutedit,“Fuckyou!”andcame.

Hekeptridingher,shootingeverybitofcomeintoher,andAidenlickedandlickedandlicked.

Justasherclimaxpeaked,justasshethoughtshe’ddieofpleasure,Riopulledout,claspedNellaaround
thewaistandheldontight,buryinghisfaceinherback,breathinghard.BeneathNella’sfingers,Aiden
releasedhisseed,hishipsgrindingonthebed.

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Aidengothimselfoutfromunderthem,andRioandNellacollapsed,Riostillholdingher.Shesmiledas
blessedlassituderolledoverher,alongwiththenear-scaldingheatofRio’sbody.

Aidenlaydownonherotherside,cocooningherbetweentwowarmmales.Aidenkissedhercheek,then
restedhisarmaroundRio’sback.

Beforeshecouldputanametotheheadysensationsdriftingthroughher,shecrashedintoadeep,hard
slumber,anddreamednothing.

*****

Riowenttosleepaftertheothertwo,andwokeupbeforetheydid.Nellalayunderhimlikeshebelonged
tohim,hereyesclosed,apeacefullookonherface.Aidensleptonhisback,notsnoringatall,hiscock
halfinflated,oneleghangingoffthebed.

RiopressedalightkisstoNella’shair.Thisiswhatitfeelslike,herealized.ItwaswhatReesandTalan
had,acontentedness,butanarousingknowledgethattheycouldblazehotintwosecondsflatiftheyreally
wantedto.

Damn,herasshadbeentightaroundhiscock,andshe’dwriggledandsquirmedandsquealeduntilhe’d
notbeenabletocontrolhiscoming.Rioalwayscontrolledhiscoming.

Notthistime,andnotwithher.

HeneededtotalktoheraboutthisBondthing,too.She’dtoldhimandtheothersaboutityesterday,and
beforeAidenhaddriftedtosleep,hementionedthatheandNellahadtalkedaboutitalittle.

RiowonderedifwomenofArielcouldhavetheBondwithmennotofAriel.Riohadbeenfeeling
somethingbetweenthem,likeathreadconnectingthem,sincehe’dcarriedherintoDr.Laas’labandlaid
heronthetable.

MaybetheconnectionwasthisBond,andnothiswishfulthinkingorhorniness.

Wishfulthinkingwasmostlikely.Riohadneverhadanythingoranyoneofhisown,andNella—was
different.

Youjustwanther,hiscynicismsneered.TalanlovesReesandnowyouwantsomeonetoloveyou.

Wouldyoushutup?

Lifewashardenoughwithouthimtalkingbacktohimself.No,hecouldn’thaveeverythinghewanted.No
onecould.ProbablywomenofArielcouldonlyformtheBondwithanotherArielian.Whyshouldshe
formitwithaShareemofBorNargawhojustwantedtogetlaid?

ThebestthinghecoulddowassavorNellarightnow,soakupeverythinghecouldwhilehehadthe
chance.

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AllysonJames

HegentlymovedalockofhairfromNella’stempleandkissedher.Shestirredinhersleep,butdidnot
awaken.He’dtiredherout,poordarling,butdamn,ithadbeenfun.Whensherestedandhealed,he
wantedtodoitagain.

Alowvoiceoverheadbrokeinsoftly,returningRiotoreality,aplacehedidnotwanttogo.

“Isohatetointerrupt,”Bainesaid,inatonethatindicatedhewasgoingtointerruptwhetherRiolikedit
ornot.

“Whatisit?”Rioaskedirritably.“Fuckingmachine.”

“ReesandTalanhavereturnedfromtheirouting.Theybelievetheyhaveatransportarranged—allyou
havetodoisgettoit.Andalso,I’vespiedsomeofthoseassassinbotshoveringnearby.Nothoningin
onanyonething,butsearching.They’regettingcloserbytheminute,unfortunately.Perhapsnow
wouldbeagoodtimetoformulateaplanofaction?”

*****

ThethreeofthemwashedoffinNella’sshowerbeforetheyjoinedtheothers.AidenandRiosoaped
downNella,havingsomuchfunthatBainehadtocallthemagainandremindthemoftheproblem.

Laughing,Rioturnedoffthewater,thenheandNellahadstoodunderthedryingheat,himholdingand
kissingher.

Aidenwatchedthemappreciatively,andRionoticedtheman’seyeslingeringnotonlyonNella’scurves,
butalsoonRio’sbutt.

Whatever.

TheyfoundeveryoneinDr.Laas’laboratory,ReesandTalanunusuallyserious,Dr.

Laassmug,andthesmilingDr.Ralstonlookinglikeacompleteidiotasalways.Hardtobelievehewas
oneofthemostbrilliantmeninthegalaxy.

“I’vegotatransport,”Reessaidwithoutpreliminarywhentheyentered.“Atrustworthyone,butwe’ve
gottogettoit.”

“Gettoitwhere?”Rioasked.

Aidensatdownonasofa,claspinghishandsandlookingutterlyrelaxed.Themanwasawalkingwallof
calm.IfAidengotintoaDom-subrelationshipwithanotherShareem,RiowassureAidenwouldbethe
Dom,evenifhewaslevelone.Aidenneverlosthiscontrol.

“Acrossthedesert,”Reessaid.“ThetransportwillbeleavingfromCanyonRobleinthreedays.Weget
there,NellaandyougetonitandyoutakehertoStation657,whereshecangetintouchwithherpeople.”

NellalookedupatRio.“Thenwherewillyougo?”Riodrapedhisarmaroundher,likeallthiswas
casualandnotgoingtochangehislife.“Anywhere.OnceIgetoffBorNarga,I’mfree.Patrollers’
jurisdictiondoesn’treachStation657.Sothere,I’mfreetogowhereIwantanddowhatIwant.Gotta
loveit.”106

Rio

“Whatdoyouwant?”Nellaaskedhim.Therewasasparkinhereyesthathecouldn’tdecipher.“Whatdo
youwant,Rio?”

“TodowhatIdamnwellplease.”

Itwasn’tananswer,andshewasn’tsatisfiedwithit.Butwhatdiditmatter?Acoupledaysandshe’dbe
gone.

Hisheartburned,slowandhard,thepulltoNellagettingstronger.Iwasnevergoingtoletthishappen
again.Never,ever.Damn.

“SowepackitupandgotoCanyonRoble,”hesaid.“Rylanlivesoutthere.Itwillbegoodtoseehim
again.”

“Rylan?”Nellaasked.“IsheanotherShareem?”

“Aleveltwo.Funandgames.Butthemaniswrappedupinhislady,Maia.Can’tblamehim,she’s
beautiful.”

HeranhishandupNella’shalf-barespineashespoke,feelingthesoftblackleatherofherdress,thenher
silkysmoothskin,thenthefirmerleatherofthecollar.

Giventhechoiceaftertheshower,she’dpickeduptheleatherdressandcollarandaskedhimtohelpher
putthemonagain.AidenhadfastenedthecollararoundherneckwhileRiolingeredovertheclaspsofthe
dress.

Thefactthatshewantedtowearhisgiftsmadehimhotterstill.

Iamsoscrewed,hethought.Thisladyhasscrewedmeover,andIletherdoit.

Hepulledhismindbacktotheirpresentproblems.“Sowhatdowedoabouttheassassinbotsoutthere?”

Dr.Laascameforward,Dr.Ralstonfollowingherlikealovesickpuppy.Dr.Laasheldahypo,needle
pointingupward.“IthinkIhavethisright.ThisshouldalterherDNAsothebotscan’ttraceher.”

“Youthinkyouhaveitright?”Riodemanded.

“Nothingiseveronehundredpercent,”Dr.Laassaidpatiently.“I’mninety-ninepointnine,nine,nine,
nine,ninepercentsureit’sright.”

“Lethertry,”Nellasaid.Shegaveashakylaugh.“Growingathirdarmisbetterthanbeingtracedby
Linginian’sassassinbots.IknowseverallovelypeopleonArielwiththreearms.”

“Itisabsolutelybrilliant,”Dr.Ralstonprattled.“Iwatchedherputittogether.

Unbelievable.”

Dr.Laasgavehimatightsmile.“IfeveryoneatDNAmohadbeenlikeyou,Iwouldstillhaveacareer.
Allright,Nella,thiswon’thurtabit.”Dr.LaasstuckthehypointoNella’sarm.Ahiss,andtheplunger
wasempty.

Nellawaited,staringatherarmasthoughfearingitwouldsproutanotherone,butnothinghappened.Then
shelookedupatRio.

Hestared.“Damn.”Hetouchedherface.“Hereyeschangedcolor.”107

AllysonJames

WhereNella’seyeshadbeenbrown-greenbefore,theywerenowperfectlyemerald.

Beautiful.

Startled,NelladuckedawayfromRio’stouchandpaddedquicklytoamirror.

“Howdidyou—?”

Dr.Laaslookedsmug.“Easyifyouknowhow.Isimplyalteredthecodeforeyecolor.”

“AndthatchangesherDNAenoughtofooltheassassinbots?”Rioasked.Hefoldedhisarms,leather
stretching,hisbodyalreadyfeelingemptywithouthernexttohim.

“Yes,”Dr.Laassaid.“Ialsodidsomethingelse.”

“What?”Nellaasked.

“Oh,nothingtobeafraidof.YourfamilyhasagenetictendencytowardProtkinsdisease,anarthritic
condition.Itookthataway.”Nellalookedimpressed.“It’sveryrareinourfamily—mostofusdon’thave
it.

Howdidyoufindit?”

“Ilooked.Youwillnotpassittoyourchildren,shouldyoueverhaveany.”Baineinterjected,“Dr.Laas
isproudofherabilities.”

“Sheoughttobe,”Nellasaid.“Sotheassassinbotswon’tfindme?”

“No.Theylookforanexactmatch.Ididitsubtlybutenoughsothatevenifthebotshavebeenadjusted
foraclosematch,theystillwon’tfindyou.”

“She’sagenius,”Dr.Ralstonbreathed.

“I’vealwayssaidthat,”Riotoldhim,tryingtosoundoffhand.

“No,whatyousayis,whydoyoualwayshaveyournoseinthatboringcomputer?Butthankyou.Iwon
theFlemingAwardformygeneticengineeringresearchandpioneering.”Shelookedsad.“BeforeIwas
outlawed,thatis.”

“Whynotleavetheplanetthen?”Nellaasked.“Comewithus.YoucanworkonAriel.”

Dr.Laassighed.“Mydear,myentirelifeandallmyresearchissaturatedinthiscompound.Itwouldtake
alifetimetodigitalloutanduploaditsomewhereelse.No,I’llstay.I’vemademyselfquite
comfortable.”ShelookedoveratDr.Ralston,andherfacesoftened.“Besides,I’vemadefriends.”

Dr.Ralstontriedtolookmodest.

“So,”Riosaid,interruptingthedoctors’mutualadmiration.“Wego,then.”Talanlookedworried.“But
arewesureitwillwork?Theassassinbotswillleaveheralone?”

Nellaturnedfromthemirror.Withthecollarandherflame-coloredhairandherblackdressandhernew
greeneyes,shelookedhotandsexyandgoodenoughtoeat.

“Ihatetosaythis,”Nellasaid,answeringTalan.“Butthere’sreallyonlyonewaytofindout.”

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*****

ReesandTalanwouldaccompanyRioandNella,soReescouldconnectwiththetransportpilotand
ensureallwentwell.TheyalsohadtomakeplansforthefactthatanypatrollerwhosawRiohightailing
itoutofPasCitymightfollowhimtoseewhathewasupto.

Aidencameupwiththesolution.“Noproblem.I’llgetKyandwe’llmakesometrouble.Attractthe
patrollers’attentionwhileyouslipaway.”Hisblueeyesglintedwithhumorandanticipation.

“Hey,”Riosaid.“Don’tgetyourselfterminatedoranything.”

“Notthatmuchtrouble.Justenoughtoirritatethem.Kywilldoit.He’sbored.”KywasAiden’s
roommate,alevelthreeShareemwithsun-streakeddarkbrownhair.He’dnotbeenface-sculptedlike
Aiden,andsomemightevencallhimhomely,buthehadapowerfulbodythatmadewomenwilt
wheneverhewalkedbythem.

KywasatrueDom,lovingnothingbetterthantoattachnippleringstoaladyandmakeherhiswilling
slave.Womenwoulddoanythingforhim.

Astheywerepreparedtoleavethecompound,RiotookAidenaside.“ThanksforyourhelpwithNella.”

Aidenraisedhisperfectbrows.“Ibetthatwashardforyoutosay.”

“Maybe.Don’trubitin.”

“She’sabeautifulwoman,Rio.Yougethertotrustyoualltheway,andyou’llmakeafinepair.”

“Yeah,thatwouldbespecial,wouldn’tit?”Hetriedtosoundoffhand,butAiden’seyessharpened.

“Don’tgiveuponit,Rio.Yougetoff-planet,whereyou’renotregulatedtodeath,anditwillbe
different.”

“Maybe,butI’llstillbeShareem,won’tI?”

Aidengavehimlook.“Andthisisabadthing?”

“I’llalwaysbedrivenbymycock.Greatforawomanwantingsex,butwhataboutforawomanwanting
morethanthat?”

“Don’tsellyourselfshort.I’veseenhowshelooksatyou.”

“Womenalwayslookatmelikethat,”Riosaid.“Hell,Isawyoulookingatmelikethat.”

“Iwaslookingatyourass.She’slookingatthewholeyou,insideandout.”Riokepthisemotionsin
check,havingbeendowntheroadofhopebefore.“Myfriend,Nella’saprincess.Whenshegetshome
she’llmarrysomeprince,andRiothesextoywillbeputaway.Maybewearen’tslaveslegally,butthat’s
whatweare.Bornandbred.That’swhywewearthesedamnchains.”

“ReesfoundTalan,”Aidenpointedout.

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AllysonJames

“Reeswasfuckinglucky.AndRylanfoundMaia,butshewasalreadyShareem,andtheyweremakingit
backinDNAmo.Therestofus…”Hemadeavaguegesture,thendroppedthesubject.Hewastiredof
gettingmaudlinaboutbeinglonely.

“Yeah,therestofushavetomakedowithsex,”Aidensaid,hiseyesglintingwithamusement.

Riotookastepclosertohim,hisShareemgenesquicklyrelievinghismorosemood.

“Justbetweenyouandme,sinceI’llneverseeyouagain—whatShareemareyoufantasizingabout?Isit
Ky?”

“Ofcourseit’sKy,”Aidenanswered.“Whoelse?”

Riothoughtaboutthegruff,good-naturedKy,thedrinksthey’dsharedatJudith’sbar,thejokes,andthe
ladiesthey’dpleasuredtogether.“Sorry,Ijustdon’tseehimthatway.”

“You’reblindthen.He’sdamnsexy,andhedoesn’tevenknowit.”Aidenpaused,astrangelightinhis
eyes.“Ifyoutellhim,Rio,I’llbreakallyourfingers.”

“I’mleaving,remember?Sohedoesn’tknowwhatyou’rethinking?”

“No.Idon’twanthimtoknow.”

“Huh.”Riotriedtowraphismindaroundthisnewidea.HecouldunderstandwhywomenwouldthinkKy
sexy,butRio’sowncockhadneverleaptatthesightofhim.

“YouwanttobehisDom?”Hecouldn’timaginecalm,collectedAidenbeinganythingbutdominating,
evenifhewasn’tlevelthree.

“Hell,no.Areyoukidding?I’dgiveanythingtobehissub.”Riofoldedhisarms,amazedhecouldtalk
aboutthissocomfortably.“Youdon’tseemthesubtype.”

“IwouldbewithKy.Itwouldberefreshingnottohavetothink,justtoobeyhim.

Tohavethemanaclesonmewhilehetoldmetogetreadyforhiscock.”Riohelduphishand.“Stop.
Don’ttellmeanymore.Justsaygoodbyetohimforme,willyou?I’vegottogo.”

Aidengrinned,asthoughhe’ddeliberatelybeentryingtobotherRioandwashappyhe’dsucceeded.
“Goodluck,Rio.”

Aidenshookhishandandclappedhimontheshoulder.Rioclaspedhishandhard,grateful.Whatever
weirdnessAidenhadinhishead,themanhadbeenagoodfriend.

Helefthimandjoinedtheothers,whowaitedforhimnearthelift.

*****

Nellahaddonnedthesun-blocking,ankle-lengthrobesTalanhadboughtforher,butunderneath,shestill
woretheleatherdressandcollar.ShewantedtofeellikeshebelongedtoRio,ifonlyfortheshorttime
theyhadlefttogether.

Herthroatwentdryastheyexitedthecompoundintowhatseemedtobeadesertedwarehouse.Theheat
ofBorNargahitheragainastheyemergedthroughthe110

Rio

hiddendoor,eventhroughtheprotectiverobes.Shehadforgotten,inDr.Laas’climate-controlled,every-
need-metcompound,howharshtheweatherofBorNargacouldbe.

Thefirstthingshesawastheyemergedfromthewarehousewasashiningsilverglobeofanassassinbot.

SheshrankbackagainstRio,andheputhisarmaroundher.“Dr.Laasisagenius,”hesaid,hisShareem
voicereassuring.“Itwillbeallright.”TalanflashedNellaanervousglance,obviouslynotassanguine
aboutDr.Laas’

talentasRio.

Reesledthemout,hishandinTalan’s,strollingasthoughtheyweretakingashortcutfromonebusystreet
tothenext.

Theassassinbotfloatedsilentlyalongthestreet,whichwasbusyandcolorfultoday.Vendorslinedthe
alleythathadbeendesertedyesterdayafterthesandstorm,settingupwaresforaweeklymarket.The
assassinbotfloatedbehindthebooths,movingdiscreetly,searching.

Nella’slimbstingled,urginghertorun.Rioseemedtosenseherpanic,becauseheleaneddowntoher.“If
werun,itwillchaseustoseewhy.Ifwewalk,itwilljustlookatusandmoveon.”

“Howdoyouknowsomuchaboutassassinbots?”Nellaaskedhim.

“Dr.Laastoldme.Sheknowsaboutalotofthings.Let’swalk.”Theymovedtowardthelineofvendors’
booths,temporarystructuresthatcouldbepulledupquicklyincaseofasandstormorpatrollerswith
meanlooksintheireyes.

Nellawassoonassaultedbysmellsofspices,fruits,flowers,machineoil,warmingplasticandmetal
roboticpartsslowlybakingunderthesun.Overallthiswasthesmellofhumanitythatallthetechnology,
geneticengineeringandchemicalproductscouldneverquiteerase.

Theassassinbotnotedtheirapproachandslidgentlyovertothem.Thepeopleonthestreetseemedto
ignorethebot—eithertheyassumeditwasaholocameraforanewsfeedortheydidnotseeithovering
justabovethenormallineofsight.

Nellawasveryawareofit,andstrainedhermusclestosimplynotlook.HerhandinRio’sgrewslick
withsweat.

Thebotmovedalittlelower,asthoughassessingeachofthem.ItpassedoverRees,thenTalan,thenRio
andfinallyNella.

Wasitherimagination,ordidthebothesitateasthoughthinkingithadfoundamatch?Hadtheybeen
programmedthistimewithvisualrecognition,eventhoughthehoodofthesunrobepartiallyblockedher
face?

Rio’shandtightenedonhers,andshefelthispulsethroughhisfingers,alreadyhigherthananormal
human’s.Shewilledherselftocalm,wonderingwhetherthebotcoulddetectfear.

Thebotswunglower,asifdebating.Thensuddenly,itpoppedupagainanddriftedaway,losinginterest.

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Nellaletoutherbreath,herlimbsshaking.Rioshotherasmile,squeezingherhandreassuringly,letting
hisShareemchemicalsrelaxher.

Rees,withoutchangingexpression,ledthemataleisurelypacethroughthemarket.

Nellastillwantedtorun,butsheforcedherselftowalkbehindhimandTalan,stiflingherimpatience
whenoneorbothofthemwouldstopandpretendtolookatwares.

ReesboughtTalanacolorfulscarf,andRiostoppedtopurchaseaprettybraidofleather,whichwas
meanttotiebackhair.HewinkedatNellaandslippeditintohispocket,daringhertoguesswhathe’d
useitfor.

Atlast,atlast,theyleftthebazaarandsteppedaboardaslow-movinghovertransportthattookthemtothe
nearestcity-to-cityshuttlestation.Talanpurchasedfourticketsonacraftthatwouldtakethemtotheother
sideofthesandsea,andratherhaughtilyrequestedaprivatewaitingroom,asbefittedherrank.

Thestationmaster,awoman,gavetheShareemastartledglance,thenaslightlydisdainfulexpression
crossedherfeaturesasshelookedatTalanandNella—highbornwomenobviouslynobetterthanthey
oughttobe.Butshedirectedthemtothecooled,tiled,pleasantlydecoratedwaitingroomforupper-class
women,andleftthemalone.

Theyweretheonlyfourintheroom.Nellasatdown,heavingarelievedsigh,andloosenedherrobes.

“Onehurdlenavigated,”Riosaid.“Nowlet’shopeAidenandKydistractthepatrollersbeforethey
decidetoinvestigatewhichShareemhavebeenreportedtakingatriptotheothersideoftheplanet.”

“You’vevisitedRylanbefore,”Reespointedout.

“Yes.ButnotafterI’dbeenfingeredbypatrollersaspossiblytryingtoleaveBorNarga.AndIdon’tlike
thewaythestationmasterlookedatme.Theymighthaveputoutawatchforme.”

Nellaglancedathim.“I’llnotletthemtakeyou.”

“Youmightnothaveachoice,darling.”

Nellareachedforhishand,andhesatdownnexttoher,hisleather-cladthightouchingherrobes.“I’llnot
letthemtakeyou,”sherepeated.Thenshesmiled.“Trustme.”

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ChapterThirteen

TheCavernPool

ThewayAidenandKyhaddecidedtodistractthepatrollers,eventhoughRiodidn’thearaboutituntila
longtimelater,wasathingofbeauty.

ThetwoShareem,leveloneandlevelthree,respectively,specializedinthetwo-on-onescenario.They
hadhadbuiltupadevotedfollowingofladies,highbornandlow,whowoulddoanythingforthem.These
ladies,apparently,werehappytoassistthemintheirscheme.

WhatAidendecidedtodowasputonacollarandhaveKypretendtosellhimatanimpromptuauctionin
themiddleofthestreetnearJudith’sbar.

Theladieswholikedthesetwomenturnedupindroves,eagertobidonAiden.

Judithwatchedfromthedoorwayofherbar,amused.Thecommotionofthewomenandthetitillatingsight
oftheShareem,onestandingonaboxwearingnothingbutacollarandaloincloth,theotherinleather,
holdingAiden’schain,wasnothinglessthansensational.

WhenthepatrollerscametoarresttheShareem,thewomenbegantoriot.Passersbyonthestreetjoined
in,enjoyingtheopportunitytothrowthingsandtauntpatrollers,nomatterwhatthecause.

TheresultwasthateverypatrollerinthecitywascalledtohaulintheShareemforcreatingadisturbance
andbreakingtherulesaboutbeingdiscreet.AtransportcarryingtwoShareemacrossthesandseawas
nevernoticed.

AidenandKydidgetthemselvesarrested,butadozenwealthywomenhappilypaidtheirfinesandpulled
infavorswithintheMinistryofNon-HumanLifeFormstohavethemreleased.AidenandKyspentalong
timerepayingthisdebttotheirfemalefriends,andenjoyedeveryminuteofit.

*****

Ontheothersideofthesandsea,RioledNellafromthetransportwithhisarmaroundher.Asthoughthey
weredoingnothingmorethanvisitingfriends,theytookasmallhovercraftfromthetinyshuttledockto
thehousethatRylanhadbuiltforhislifemate,Maia.

ThelandscapeofCanyonRoblewasdifferentfromtheareaaroundtheflatcapitalcitythey’dleftbehind.
Jaggedmountains,redwithironore,roseinbluntcliffsfromthedesertfloor,andariver,swiftand
shallow,poureddownthemountainstoformcanyonsandarroyos.Pungent,twistingpinesandbright
wildflowersclungtothecanyonwalls.

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ToNella,usedtothelushmeadowsandforestsofAriel,theredcanyons,darkgreentrees,softbluesky
andcrimsonandvioletflowerswereapaletteofstarkbeauty.

RylanandMaia’shomeincorporatedsomeofthatbeauty.Itwasbuiltintoacreviceinacanyon,
shadowedbytreesandgivingaviewoftheburblingriverandthetowninthevalley.Floor-to-ceiling
windows,madeofglassthatwouldprotectfromthesun,linedeveryfrontroom,renderingthelandscape
partofthedecor.

Rylanhaddecorateditsimply,withlowcouches,fewtables,matfloorsandoneortwopiecesofartwork
thatcomplementedthenaturalpictureoutsidethewindows.

AfterDr.Laas’overlysensualcompound,NellafoundRylan’shomerefreshingandcalm.

RylanhadaShareembodyandwheat-brownhair,andlikeAiden,he’dbeenface-sculpted.Hewasnotan
exactcopyofAiden,however,hisfacebeingslightlyheavierandmoresquare.Also,Rylan’sown
personalityhadbeenstampedontohisfeatures.

Rylanwasleveltwo,gamesandwickedfun,whichcouldmeananythingfromticklingtospankingto
bondage.

Nellareadmorethanthatinhim,though.Shesawamanwho’dbeenthroughgrief,buthadfinallyfound
happinesswithhislifemate,Maia.

Maia,theonlyfemaleShareemevercreated,wasabeautiful,lushwomanwithblackhairandroundblue
eyes.She’dbeenanexperiment,aprototype,lostforyearsafterDNAmo’sclosure,beforeRylan—who
wasobviouslyinsanelyinlovewithher—

foundher.

MaiagreetedTalanandNellawithaslightawkwardness,althoughTalantriedtoputheratherease.Maia
seemedperfectlycomfortablewithReesandRio,whomshehuggedtightlyandexchangedbanterwith,but
seemedatalosswiththewomen.

Shetoldthem,later,whenRio,RylanandReeshadgonetoseeaboutfinalarrangementsforthetransport,
thatshe’dneverhadawomanfriendbefore.

ShetookTalanandNellatoRylan’sworkshoponthesecondfloor,whichalsohadfloor-to-ceiling
windows,toshowthemthesingingspheresRylancraftedfromrawmountaincrystals.

“Mostwomendonotliketobearoundme,”shesaidshyly,touchingoneoftheruby-coloredcrystalsthat
satonRylan’sworktable.

“Theyarejealousbecauseyouaresobeautiful,”Talansaidwithconviction.

Maiashookherhead.“ItisbecauseIamShareem.Ican’thelpreleasingmypheromones,yousee.Men
reacttoit,andtheirwomendon’tlikeit.Idon’tmuchlikeitmyself.”

“Well,IknowyouloveRylan,”Talansaid.“Andhelovesyou.Soeverythingisallright.”

Maiadidnotlookconvinced,butsheseemedalittlemorecheerfulassheshowedthemthesinging
spheres.“Rylanmakesthem,”shesaidproudly.“Ihelp,butheisthetrueartist.”

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Thespheresrangedinsizefromafewinchesindiametertoaslargeasafootacross,andweremainly
ruby-coloredorclearglass.Thecrystals,whenharvested,Maiaexplained,wereeitherbloodredor
opaquewhite,withafewrarerainbow-coloredones.

Theonerainbowsphereintheworkshop,unfinished,dancedwithlight,thecolorsmeshingandchanging
seeminglyontheirown.

Maiabrushedherhandoveroneofthefinishedspheres.Immediately,ashimmeringmusicalnotewafted
fromit,growinglouderasthetonebuilt,thensofterasitdispersedintheroom.

“Howbeautiful,”Nellabreathed.

“Wouldyouliketohaveit?”

“Oh.”Nellastudiedthespherecradledinawroughtsilverstand.“Itmustbeveryvaluable.Youand
Rylanwillwanttosellit.”

Maiashookherhead.“Wecanmakemore.Please,takeit.”Sheflushed.“I’veneverhadafriendbefore.”

Nellarealizedshecouldnothurttheyoungwomanbyrefusing.“Thankyou.Itisawonderfulgift.Imight
havetoleaveithere,andsendforitlater.”

“That’sallright.We’llkeepitforyou.”

Maiasmiled,happy.Nellasensedsomeofthewoman’spheromonesintheair,probablybecauseshewas
pleased,buttheycarriednosexualovertones.

Riowasnothingbutsexualovertones.NellarememberedagainthefullnessinsideherwhenRiohadslid
intoherass,makinglovetohertheonlywayhecould.Hecouldhavehurther,orrushedher,buthe
hadn’t.

He’dtaughtherthatbeingwithalevelthreewasnotnecessarilyaboutreceivingpain.Itwasabout
acceptingpleasure,andabouthimteachinghertosurrendertoit.Shefeltprofoundgratitudetohimfor
that.

Maiatookthemalloverthehouse,whichRylanhadbuiltwithherinmind,puttingineverythingheknew
she’dlove.Sheevenshowedthemtheirbedroomattheverytopofthehouse,withawindowedwalland
alarge,lowbedthattookupmostoftheroom.

Shareemlovers,Nellathought.Theymustneedspecialcoolingunitstokeeptheairfromoverheating.

Afewtoyswerestrewncasuallyaboutthebedroom,apairofmanacleswithachainbetweenthem
hangingfromabedpost,along,polisheddildoinavelvet-linedcaseonthetablenextthebed,andastand
fullofwhipsinacorner.Talanblushedwhenshesaweverything,butMaiabehavedasthoughtheywere
nothingoutoftheordinary.

Maiaworeonlyathinsarongthatbaredmostofherbody,butsheseemedcomfortablewithhernudity,
justasthethreeShareemmaleswerecomfortablewiththeirs.

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Last,Maiatookthemallthewaytothebottomofthehouse,underground,whereanaturalcavernwas
etchedintotherock.Apool,fedbyatrickleofastream,shimmeredundersoft,computer-powered
lanterns.

“Comeandswim,”Maiasaid.“Youmustbehotanddustyfromthejourney.”Shestrippedoffhersarong,
tossedittoalatticedbenchnearthepool,anddeftlydoveintothewater.

Nellawashot,andquitetiredafterthetrip.SheremovedtherobesTalanhadlentherandlaidthem
carefullyacrossthebench.Shetookoffthecollarandtheleatherdressandfoldedthemjustascarefully,
thenslidintothewater.

Maiasurfacedandstoodwiththewaterlappingherbreasts.“AreyouusingRio?”sheaskedNella.

Nellastarted.“Usinghim?”

Maianoddedasthoughshe’dsaidnothingstrange.“Yes,topleasureyou.”Talanhadtakenoffherclothes
andnowjoinedthem,althoughshehidherbodyfromthemuntilshewasfullyinthewater.Thisamused
Nella,assherememberedthatshe’dfirstseenTalanstarknakedonherhandsandkneeswhileReestook
herfrombehind.

“No,”Nellasaid.“Notusinghim.I—he—he’steachingme.That’stheonlywayIknowhowtoexplain
it.”

“Youdonothavetobeembarrassed,Nella,”Maiasaid.“WomenuseShareemallthetime.Itiswhatthey
weremadefor.”

“Yes,but—”Nellacouldnotexplain,andshenoticedthatTalanwatchedherclosely.“Iamnotwithhim
becauseheisShareem.IamwithhimbecauseheisRio.”Talanrelaxed,asthoughNellahadsaidthe
rightthing.

“Youlikehim,then?”Maiasaid.

“Yes,verymuch.”

“Doyoulovehim?”Talanasked.

ThequestionleftNellaspeechless.Lovehim?

Youdo,cameavoiceinsideher.YoufeeltheBond.You’vedenieditandtriedtomakeitgoaway,but
it’sthere.

“Itshouldnotbedifficulttoanswer,”Talansaid,sternnessinherblueeyes.

“Yes,itis.”

“I’mfondofRio,”Talanwenton.“HehelpedmeandRees,Reesespecially,whenweneededit.”

“I’mfondofhimtoo,”Maiasaid.“Hemademelaughwhenwegrewuptogether,andhehelpedRylan
savemylife.”

“Heisgoodathelping,then?”Nellasanktoherneckinthecool,soothingwater,whiletheothertwo
facedherlikeinterrogators.

“Verygoodatit,”Maiasaid.“Hedeservessomeonetohelphim.”116

Rio

“AndyouthinkIcan?”Nellafeltherpanicrise.“Verywell,Idocareforhim,butheisShareem.That
meansheviewsmeassimplyanotherwomanwhowantshim.”Tearsstunghereyes.“Iamhardlyunique
tohim,amI?”MaiaglancedatTalan.“Perhapswearebeingunfair.Wewanthimtobehappybecausewe
knowhewashurt.”

Nellanodded.“ReestoldmethestoryofSerena.Donotworry,Iwouldneverdothattohim.”

“Yes,butI’veseenhowhelooksatyou,”Talansaid.“HewillnotbehappywhenyougobacktoAriel.”

Nellabitherlip,butitwasnouse.Thetearslefthereyesandfloweddownhercheeks.“Riowillnotbe
theonlyonewhohurtswhenitisover.”Sheputherhandtoherfaceandletherselfcry.Shewantedtogo
home,butthethoughtofleavingRioforever,ofneverseeinghimagain,wasmorethanshecouldstand.

Sheheardarushofwater,andthenTalanandMaiawerenexttoher.“Oh,youpoorthing,”Talansaid,
strokingherhair.MaiaenvelopedNellainherplumparms.

Itfeltgoodtoletitout,allherangeratLinginianfortearingherfromherhomeandterrorizingher,her
fearthatshe’dneverseeherfamilyagain,heramazementonmeetingRio,hergratitudeatRioandhis
friendsforhelpingher,theburninglustRiohadawokenandhergrowingloveforhim.

Toomanyemotions,fartoofast.Shareemwerenotsupposedtohavestrongemotion,andforthefirst
time,Nellawonderedifthatwouldnotbeamorecomfortablewaytoexist.

“Oh,Ihavetolikethis,”Rio’svoicerangfromtheedgeofthepool.

Thethreewomenturnedtoseehimstandingintheshadows,armsfoldedoverhisleather-cladchest,
staringappreciativelyatthem.

“Threelovelyladiesinapool,”hesaid,hisShareemvoicelow,“andalltheirclothesoutsideit.”

Talan’seyeswidened,andshesankuntilonlyherheadshowed.“WhereareReesandRylan?”

“Upstairs,waitingwhileIlookforyou.”Hesmiled,wickedandslow.“Theirloss.”Heundressed
casually,takinghistime.Hedidnotstopwhenhewasdowntojusthisloincloth—heunfasteneditandlet
itfall.Hewasalreadyhard,hiscockstandinginaninety-degreeanglefromhisstronglegs.

“Wanttoplay,ladies?”heasked.

“NotwithoutRees,”Talansaidquickly.

“IfIstaywithoutRylan,”Maiasaid,stillwithanarmaroundNella,“he’llpunishme.Rylan’svery
jealous.”

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Nellasensedthewoman’sincreasingpheromonesasshethoughtaboutwhatRylanmightdo.Herblue
iriseswidened,justlikeRio’sdid,asshegrewmorearoused.

“PerhapsweshouldgoseewhatRylanandReesareupto,”Talansuggested.Sheglancedmeaningfullyat
Maia,herintentionplain.

“Yes,”Maiaanswered,hervoiceapurr.“IwouldliketoseeRylan.”Shebegantoswimfortheedge,ina
hurrytogo,butprobablynotforthereasonTalanhadinmind.Maia’sthoughtsseemedtohaveswitched
insharpfocustoRylanandonlyRylan,andwhatevergamehemightwanttoplay.

Maiapulledherselfoutofthepool,nakedinfrontofRio.Shesnatcheduphersarongandabsentlypulled
itaroundherselfassheheadedforthelift.Talanbehavedslightlymoreself-consciously,andRiogrinned
atherasshewalkedby,holdingherrobesoverherdrippingbody.

WhenTalandisappearedintothelifttube,Rioraisedhisarmsabovehisheadandexecutedaperfectdive
intothedeeppartofthepool.

Nellawatchedthesurfaceofthewater,tryingtopeerintotheshadowydepthstoseehimswimming,but
nothingmoved.Thewaterwasstill,andsilent.

Suddenly,averystronghandclosedaroundherankleandpulledherunder.Waterclosedoverherhead,
coolandsoothing,thenRioliftedherinhisarms.

Shesurfaced,spluttering.“Youmighthavewarnedme.”

“Why?Itwouldn’thavebeenasmuchfun.”

Hishair,sleekandblack,sweptbackfromhiswetface,emphasizinghishighcheekbonesanddeepeyes.
Hegrinnedather.“YoushouldseeMaiaandRylanwhentheycomedownheretogether.Iswearthewater
startstoboil.”

“You’vebeenwiththem,”Nellasaid.

“Yes.OtherwiseIwouldn’thaveseenthewaterboil.”

“Imeansexually.Asathreesome.”

Helosthisperpetualsmile.“Yes.”

“AndwithReesandTalan.”

“They’regoodfriends.”

“Youmusthavebeenwithmanypeople.”

“Ihave.”Rioslidhisarmsaroundherhips,restinghislargehandsonherbackside.

“I’mwithyou,now.”

“Butitwillnotalwaysbeso.IwillreturntoAriel,andthiswillbeover.”Somethingflickeredinhis
eyes.“Let’sdon’ttalkaboutit.Weenjoythehelloutofwhatwehavenow,worryaboutlater,later.”

Sherestedherpalmonhischeek,fingerstouchingthewethairathistemple.“Rio,Iwant—”

Thetearsthathadgoneawayreturnednow.Hefrownedwhenhesawthem.“Stop.

Iwantustohavefun,reallygoforit,noregrets,allright?”118

Rio

Hedidnotunderstand.Sheliftedherhead.“Yes,allright.”

“Youknow,wecouldfetchRylanandReesandtheirtwoladiesandallgouptothatbigbedoftheirs.
You’dgetaleveltwoShareemandalevelthree,andaladyShareem,and—whateverReesis.Wecan
haveallkindsofsexandanykindofsex,oryoucanjustwatch.Ibetnootherwomanyouknowwillever
havethiskindofopportunity.”

“Allofus?”Nellaasked,astonishmentstoppinghertears.“Together?”Helaughed.“Sure,whynot?”

Shelacedherhandsbehindhisneck.“Rightnow,Ijustwantyou.”Hekissedher,asweet,warmkissthat
hadapromiseofsinbehindit.Hisbodyagainsthers,hissmell,hispheromones,spuntheirmagicover
heragain.Heflickedhistonguedeepintohermouth,thenoutandacrossherlips.

“Good,‘causeIjustwantyou,”hemurmured.

“Youweretheonewhosuggested—”

“Iwaslying.Iwantyoualone,Nella.Nosharing.”

“Whendoesthetransportleave?”

“Tomorrow.Thepilotisinahurry.Wehavetogetthereatfirstlight.”Shepulledhimclose.“Sosoon?”

“It’swhatyouwant.You’llbeabletogethome.”

“Iknow.IwanttogobacktoArielandmyfamilyandnodesertorsandstormsorcomputerswithnames.”

Herumbledwithlaughter.“Yeah,Bainecanbearealpainintheass.”

“ButonAriel,thereisnoTalanandRees,andnosingingspheres.”Shetouchedhisface.“AndnoRio.”

Hiseyeswentdarkagain.“LikeIsaid,sweetheart,wejusthavetomakethebestuseofwhattimewe’ve
got.”Heforcedagrin.“Hey,rememberwhenIpromisedyouthatifyousubbedtome,I’dsubtoyou?”

“Ithinkso.”HermindhadbeenfoggedthateveningwithhisShareemchemicalsandherexcitementof
whathewasabouttodo.

“HowaboutIdothatnow?”heoffered.

Herpulsespeeded.“Iwouldn’tknowwhattodo.”

“Oh,Ithinkyouwill.Comehere.”

Hetookherhandandledhertotheshallowwaterattheendofthepool.Hereachedtothebenchand
rummagedinhisleathertunic.“Ibroughtsomethingforyou.”

“What?”

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Riopulledoutapairofmanacles,man-sizedmanacleswithcuffsthatwouldreachfromaman’swristto
mid-forearm.Athickchaindangledbetweenthem.“Here,darlin’.”

Hedroppedthemanaclesintoherwethands,thenstoodup,thewateronlyreachinghisthighs,hiswet
backsideexposed.Hishairlayinalongtail,drippingatrickleofwaterbetweenhisbuttocks.

Heclaspedhishandsbehindhisback,hismusculararmsplaying.“Putthemonme.”

Nella’sheartbangedandpoundedinherchest.Couldshedothis,bindhimandplaywithhimashe’d
playedwithher?

Reallygoforit,noregrets,he’dsaid.

GentlysheencasedRio’ssinewywristsinthemanacles,clickingthemclosed.Theywereheldbya
simplecatch,buttheblackchainbetweenthemanacleswasfairlyshort,givingRioonlyalittle
movement.

Heturnedaroundandlookedather,andshenearlyslidbonelesslyunderthewater.Hestoodbeforeher,
fullyerect,herbeautifulShareem,waitingforherinchains.

“Whatdoyouwantmetodo,Nella?”heasked.

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ChapterFourteen

Bond-mate

NellaknewrightthenthatRiocouldbeboundandchained,buthewasstillincharge.Shecouldbarely
breathefromexcitement,herthighsalreadywetwithwanting,andhe’donlyslantedherasmile.

“There’sawhipcoiledintheotherpocket,”hesaid,hisvoiceasdarkastheshadowsinthecavern.“If
youwanttouseit.”

Nellashookherhead.She’donlydropthethinginthewater,andhe’dlaughather.

“Thenwhatdoyouwant?”heasked.

Hermouthwassodry,shecouldn’tspeak.Sheputherhandsonhisshoulders,pushinghimtowarddeeper
water,positioninghimsothathestoodalittlelowerinthepoolthanshedid.

Shedrewhimtoherforakiss,strokinghisshoulderblades,lettinghernailssinkintohisskin.Hekissed
herhard,hismouthstrong,tonguemovingfirmlyinsideher.

Nellaknewexactlywhatshewantedofhim,butaskingitwasvery,veryhard.

Shebrokethekiss,herlipsstillagainsthis.“Makelovetome,Rio.”No,thatwasn’tenough.“Fuckme.”

“Intheass?”

“No.”

Heshotheranoddlook.“Ithoughtladiesinyourcultureonlyaskedthatofmentheywanttomarry.”

“Theydo.”

Hestopped,waitingafewheartbeats.“We’renotonAriel.”

“No.ButIamofAriel,andmustanswerfortheconsequencesofwhatIdo.”Riowentsilent,theonly
soundinthecavernthesofttrickleofwaterfeedingthepool.

“Letmegetthisstraight,Nella.”Hisvoicewasveryquiet.“Areyouaskingmetomarryyou?”

“Yes.”

Hetriedtomovehishandstotouchher,butthechainbroughthimupshort.

“Fuck.”

“Youcansayno.”Shekneadedhisshoulders,somehowafraidtostoptouchinghim.“Youcantakemein
theassinstead,andwecanhaveasmuchpleasureaswecanrightnow,likeyousaid,beforewehaveto
part.”121

AllysonJames

“Darlin’,I’mShareem.”

Hiseyesweredark,pupilswide.

“Everyonekeepsremindingmeofthat.Includingyou.”Sheheldhisfaceandlookedintohiseyes.“Ido
notcare.”

“Youwanttobescandalous,likeTalan?”

“IdonotwanttobelikeTalan.Iwantyoutocomehomewithmeandbewithme.”

“AprincessandaShareem?Noonewillgoforthat.”Sheshookherheadimpatiently.“Youunderstand
nothing.OnAriel,youwillnotbedifferentandshunned,becausewedothattonoone.Therearetwelve
sentientspeciesonAriel,manyofwhomarefarfromhuman-shaped,buttheyputupwithusallthesame.
IamfreetochoosemyhusbandfromanyspeciesIlike.Manywomenmarryacrossspecies.”

Riokepthisvoicelight,buthewasfrowninghard.“Theirchildrenmustlookweird.”

“Themotherandfatherdecidewhichspeciesthechildwillbe,andreproduceinvitro.Mostpeoplehave
someofeach.”

“Butaren’tyousupposedtomarryaprinceoraking,orsomething?”

“ImarrywhomIplease.”Shestartedtoglareathim.“Itismychoicealone,notmyfamily’s,notthe
people’s.Theytrustmetomakethebestchoicepossible.ThatiswhatLinginiandidnotunderstand.”

AgainRiotriedtomovehishands.“AShareemisn’tthebestchoicepossible.”

“Yes,youare.Rio,youarekindandcompassionateandyoureallycare.Youtaughtmehowtotrustyou,
whenIdidn’twanttotrustanyone—whenIcouldn’ttrustanyone.

Youtaughtmemoreaboutmyselfthananyoneinmylifehasdone.I’dloveyouforthat,iffornothing
else.”

“Holdit.Love?”

Shenodded.“Iloveyou,Rio.”

Hischestrosewithalongbreath.“Fuck,”hesaidagain.

“Youcanrefuse,”Nellasaid,tearsstinginghereyes.“Youdonothavetoseemeeveragain,ifyoudecide
nottomakelovetome.Ipromise.”Hewentsilent,everytraceofhumorgonefromhiseyes.Shecould
notreadhisface,itwassohardandforbidding,veryunlikethesmiling,wickedvisageheusuallywore.

“Nella,”hesaidafteratime.Hisvoicewasharsh,hislevelthreevoice,theonethattoldherhewould
havenomercywithher.“Getoutofthewater.”Hewastheoneinchains,butshemovedtoobeyhim
withoutquestion.Heclimbedoutbehindher,gracefulforsomeonewithhishandsboundbehindhisback,

andkneltonthemattingthatcoveredthegroundnearthebench.

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Rio

Hespreadhisthighs.Theposture,coupledwithhishandsbehindhim,thrusthiscockstifflyoutward.

“Comehere,”hesaid.“Andletmemakelovetoyou.”

“Intheass?”sheasked,hervoicefaint.

“Yourchoice,Nella,”hesaid.“WhateverchoiceyoumakeistheoneI’llfollow.Youshowmewhatitis
youtrulywant.”

*****

RioheldhisbreathwhileNellastoodbythepool,starknaked,herfingertoherlips.

Washecrazy,orwhat?Thissweet,redheadedwoman,herbreastsfullandround,hernippleslikedark
berries,hadjustaskedhimtheultimatequestion.

Willyoumarryme?

HeshouldgrabherwithbothhandsandrunoffwithhertothisArielplaceandsnatchsomehappilyever
after,whichwouldinvolvefuckinghereverychancehegot.

Butheknew,deepinhisheart,thathedidn’tgetahappilyeverafter.ItwasrareforaShareem,Rylanand
Reesnotwithstanding.Reeswasdifferent,evenfromtheShareem,andRylanhadcheated.He’dbeenin
lovewithMaiasincetheywerebothtenyearsold,andhehadn’tletanyoneelsehaveachancewithher.

Riowasabadassbadboythatnosanemotherwouldletmarryherdaughter.

Nellamightthinkshewantedtomarryhim,butwhatifshewasjustunderhisShareemspell?They’dgo
backtoAriel,andthensomewimpyprincewouldconvincehertodumpherShareempretty-boyandhave
arealmarriage.

Screwhim.

OrNellamight,righthere,rightnow,decidetotakebackherhastyoffer.She’dplaywithhimalittleand
walkaway,orjustwalkaway,period.He’dhavetowaitdownhere,hishandsbound,untilsomeone
camelookingforhim,probablyRylan,who’dlaughhisassoff.

Whilehisthoughtswhirled,Nellaapproachedhimslowly.Shehadthelushestlegs,allplumpandready
fornibbling,hercalvesroundandlickable.Allwet,shewasthesexiestwomanhe’deverseen,hands-
down.

Herredhair,darkwithwater,wassleekagainstherhead,emphasizingtheshapeofherfaceandneck.
Waterdrippedbetweenherbreastsandshimmeredonherbelly.Thetwistoflovelyredhairbetweenher

legswasdampandbeadedwithmoisture,andnotallofitwaswater.

Riowantedtotasteherthere,shovehistongueintohercurlsandlickupherfinecream.Maybeshe’d
walkoverhereandplantherfeetoneithersideofhisknees,spreadingherselfsothathecouldeasilyget
toher.

Shestoppedrightinfrontofhim,butherlegsremainedclosed,herpussyoutofreach.

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“Rio.”Shetouchedhisface,fingersscrapingoverhisunshavenjaw.“I’vealreadymademychoice.”

Heswallowed,buthekepthisgazeavertedfromhers,soshewouldn’tseethepleadinglookthatwas
probablyinthem.

I’malevelthreeShareem,aDom.Imakewomendothingsthey’dneverdreamofdoing.Imakethem
begforthingstheyneverknewtheywanted.

Ispankthemwhenthey’rebadandpleasurethemwhenthey’regood.Iwhipthem‘tiltheycome,thenI
kissawaythehurt.

WhatIdon’tdoissay,“Please,sweetheart,tellmeyoureallydolovemeandaren’tjustatease.”

Sheesh,howpatheticcanIget?

Nellaputherhandsonhisshouldersandloweredherselftostraddlehim,herkneesoutsidehis.She
graspedhiscockinonehand,fingersslidingalloveritlikehe’dtaughther.

Hebitbackagroan.Hewassohardandturnedonthathecouldcomerightnow,andshe’donlystroked
himonce.

“Stop,”hesaid.

Shemisunderstoodhim.“Idonotwishtostop.Iwishtostart.”

“Thenstart,sweetheart.Dowhatyougotta.”

Slowlysheraisedup,herbreastsbrushinghischest.Damnthathe’dvolunteeredtomanaclehimself.He
couldn’tholdherorguideherorcaressher,hecouldonlycrave,whichmadeeverythingthatmuchmore
erotic.

Nellaslidherhandtoherclit,fingersbetweenherselfandhim.Hefeltherguidethetipofhiscockright
tothefoldsofhercunt.

“Sweetdarling,”hesaid,hisShareemhormonesswampinghim,pheromonespouringoverherandmaking
hersmile.

Shewriggledalittle,openingherselfwider,andfinally,histipslidinsideher.

Oh,gods.Shewashotandtightandsofuckingwet.Alittlemore,letmehavealittlemore.Please!

Nellamoveddownonhim,easingontohimatinybitatatime,hereyeswideningwitheachinch.

“Youaresotight,”hemoaned.“Baby,Iloveyou.”Shewriggledsomemore,steadyingherselfonhis
shoulders,hergazeseriousandintent.Herbreastspressedintohischest,andhewantedsobadtohold
her.Hewantedtostrokeherback,grabthenapeofherneckandcrushherlipstohis.

Damnchain.Hetuggedathisbonds,butRylanhadprobablyhadthemanaclesspeciallymadetoresist
Shareemstrength.

Nellaloweredherselfevenfarther,untilatlast,hisballswererestingrightagainsther.

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Herheaddroppedback,allowinghimtoskimhistongueupherthroat,tastingsweatandwaterandher.
Shegroaned,closinghereyes,theunfamiliartightnessandhisShareemmagicmakinghermindless.

Heknewitdidn’thurt,evenifitwasherfirsttime,becausehewasmakingitnothurther.His
biochemistrykickedinandsentsoothingchemicalsoverherandinher,relaxingher,turninghermind
frompain.Hecouldgiveherthatgift,ifnothingelse.

Shestartedtorock,movingherhipsinarhythmthatthebodyknewinstinctively.

Riomovedhisownhips,acombinationofinstinctandexperience,impalingherevendeeper.Healmost
passedoutrighttherefromherwallspressinghimsotight.

Hefelthercontractingandsqueezing,herclimaxnearlyonher.Ifhishandswerefree,hecouldstrokeher
clitandmakethecomingmoreintense.Ofcourse…

“Nella,”hecommanded,“putyourhandonyourpussy.”Sheopenedhereyes,hergazelanguidand
uncomprehending.

“Putyourhandwherewe’rejoined.Feelit.”

Hewonderedifshecouldunderstandhim,thensheslowlymovedherhandbetweenthepressoftheir
bodiesandfoundtheplacewherehisthickstempushedintoher.

Shetouchedhisballs,nearlysendingoffarocketofcomerightthere.Thenshefoundherclit.Heknew
thatfromthewayshegasped,heremeraldeyesflyingopen.

Hereyesweresobeautiful.They’dbeengorgeousbefore,butnowtheywereintenseandgreenwith
flecksoftheoriginalgold-browninthem.

Nellarubbedherhandoverherclit,anddowntothehollowwhereheshovedintoher.Hernails

scratchedhiscock,andslidoverhercunt,drippingwithcum.

“That’sit,baby,”herasped.“Now,fuckme.”

Theirhipsmovedtogether,shewriggledupanddownonhiscock,herfingersmovingandscrapingand
rubbing.Shemadesoftlittlenoises,andshesmelledsodamngood,allsexandcumandsweatandher
ownprettyscent.

Hisheadfellback,hiswethairbrushinghisass,thewater-soakedtailslidingbetweenhisbuttocks.A
trickleofwaterslidintohisasshole,whichwasopenandrelaxed.Heimaginedhertonguewipingaway
thedripofwater,andthendippinginfarther,wetandhot.

Heclosedhiseyes,thrustingupintoher.Sensationaftersensationpouredoverhim,intense—likenothing
hadeverbeenbefore.

Andthiswasstraightfucking,forthegods’sake.Heightened,yes,bybeingwetandhishandsbound
behindhisback,buttheywerenotdoinganythingunusual.Hedidnothaveherbentoverthatso-
convenientbenchbytheedgeofthepoolwhilehefuckedherwithadildoinhercuntandhiscockinher
ass.Ortheotherwayaround.

Hedidn’thaveherwithherhipsup,herfeetonhisshoulderswhileheorderedhertoinsertthewandinto
herselfandthenlickitclean.

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No,thiswasstraightforward,womanonman,upanddown,lovingeachother,inandout,hot,wet,
frenzied,incrediblyturned-onsex.

“Rio,”shegaspedout.

“No,notyet.”

“Ineedtocome.Iwanttocome.”Shepressedherfingersharder.Heslammedhisbodytohers,trapping
herfingers.

“No.”

“Please,Rio.”

“Notyet,darlin’.I’mgoingtofuckyouuntilyou’remine.”Shewasscreaming.She’dworkedthroughhis
calmingtouchonhermindandenteredthefrenzy.“Gods,Iloveit.Iloveyourhuge,hard,deliciouscock
fuckingme.”Shewasontheedgeofrelease,notquitethere,thewildnessstillbuilding.Hetiltedhishead
backagainandthrustandthrust,atthesametimejerkingandpullingathisbonds.

Hernaughtyfingersfoundhisballs,wormingthroughthetightspacebetweentheirjoinedbodies,and
squeezed.

“Fuck,”hesaidhoarsely,andthenhecame.Hisseedshothighintoher,andshescreamedherown
release,tearspouringfromhereyes.Shewrithedonhim,andhiscumflowedlikeitwouldneverstop.

Hegaveonehardjerkonhismanacles,andthechainsnapped,breakingfrombothmanaclesatthesame
time.Heheardthetinyclinkofthechainonthemattingbehindhim.

HebroughthisarmsaroundNellaandheldherhard,pushingherdownonhiscockasitpulsedand
dancedwithhiscoming.

Sheheldhim,kissinghimroughly,toofrenziedtoreallyfocusontheirlipsmeeting.

Hescrapedherhairbackfromherfaceandbitandkissedherneck,suckinghersweet,saltyskinintohis
mouth.

Heeasedhimselfbackward,stillinsideher,spreadinghislegsashemovedhisweighttohisbackand
butt.Hestillfuckedher,hiscockhardanddesperate,despitehisrelease.

Hisbodyheatwaswayabovenormal,hisShareemskinscalding.He’dneverfeltthisoutofcontrol
before.Herememberedmonthsago,whenicy-calmReeshadfinallylosthiscontrolwithTalan,howthe
man’sbloodhadnearlyburnedinsidehim,howhisblackchainhadsteamedagainsthisroastingskin.

Nowheknewwhatthatfeltlike,awomansointensethateventheShareemsafetyvalveofreleasewasn’t
working.Heneededmore.

“Nella,”hewhispered.Hisvoicewassobrokenhebarelyrecognizedit.

“Mmm?”shesaidagainsthischest.Hernipplesweretightnubs,hardagainsthim,hersweetcuntstill
encasinghisrock-hardpenis.

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“Ineedyoutodosomethingforme.”

Sheraiseduponherelbows,spent,herfacerelaxedanddreamy.“Anythingyouwant.”

Muchagainsthiswill,heliftedheroffhim,hisneedycockpracticallywhimperingwhenitcameoutof
hernice,warmnest.

Shewatchedinsurpriseashefoundthechainthathadheldthemanacles.Hebentthelinkssothey’dfit
backintotheholesandboundhimselfagain,thistimewithhishandsinfront.

Hewalkedovertohisclothes,hiscockstilloutlikeaflagpole,andretrievedhiscoiledstrap.Helaidthe
strapinherhands.“Whipme,”hesaid.

Shestaredupathim,startled.“Why?”

“Ineedyouto.”

“Rio,Ican’thurtyou.”

“Itwon’thurtme,sweetdarling.Itwillhelpme.Ineedmorerelease,andIneeditnow.”

Hewalkedawayfromher,overtothewall,lookinguntilhefoundasuitablejuttingrockoftheright
height.Heliftedhisarmsanddangledthechainovertherock.

Nellarosetoherfeetandcametohim,holdingthewhipgingerly.“Howcanthishelpyou?”

“Trustme,baby.WhipyourShareem.”

Heheardherintakeofbreath,sawhernipplestightenasthesuggestionmadehermoreexcitedthanshe
wantedtoadmit.

Sheheftedthestrap,squeezedhereyesshut,andstruck.Thewhiplandedacrossthebacksofhisknees
withaheavysting.

“Ouch!”heshouted.

Sheopenedhereyeswithagasp.“IknewI’dhurtyou.”

“Justaimformyass,sweetheart,anditwillbefine.”

“Doyouexpectmetodothiswhenwe’remarried?”Hisheartleapt.Shewasstilltalkingaboutmarriage,
blesshercutelittlebutt.

“Itwillbeoursecret.Now,goforit.Hurry,beforeIburnup.”Nellabitherlipanddrewbackthestrap,
thistimekeepinghereyesopen.Itstruckhisbuttockswitharesoundingcrack.

“Ahhh,”hesaid.“That’sit.”

Sheslappedhimacoupleoftimes,thelashstinginggood,butshestilllookedworried.

“You’redoingfine,baby.More,please.Alittleharder.”127

AllysonJames

Hecouldn’tfindthewordstoexplainthatthepainandtheexcitementmingleduntilitbecameoneintense
experienceofpleasuresogreatthattheonlywayoutwasrelease.

Allhecouldsaywas,“Harder,baby.”

Shecomplied.Hefeltthesweetstingonhisass,overandover.Hisanalstaropenedandrelaxedwithhis
pleasure.Afewofherslapsslidrightbetweenhischeeks,bumpingtheholeandmakinghimgroan.

Sensationsswirledaroundhim,clenchinghislungsandheartandcockandass,asthestingingslapswent
onandon.

Somethingbrokeinhim,likehewasastringstretchedtighterandtighteruntil,snap,itwasover.

Herippedthechainfromtherockwall,andsentbothhimselfandNellatumblingdowntothematting,the
whipflyingfromherhand.Hecouldbarelysee,blindwithhisrelease,buthecouldsmellherandfeelher
andtasteherandhearher.

Hecame,pumpinghisseedalloverherbellyandbetweenherbreasts,thehotcummixingwithwaterand
sweatandsealingthemtogether.

Hismouthfoundhers,tonguestabbingintoher,whilehefelthergatherhimintoherarms.

Loveyou,loveyou,loveyou.

Heheardthewordsfromhisownthroat,echoingaroundtheroom.Hecameandcame,wettingherall
over,whileshewatched,hereyeswide,herhandgoingtoherpussy,needingherownrelease.

Grinning,andstillhot,hehauledhertoherfeetanddraggedherwithhimtothepool.Hejumpedinwith
her,thecoolwaterbitingintotheweltsonhisass,soothingthem.

Nellaclungtohim,hersupplebodyagainsthis,legswrappingaroundhim.Sheneededtocome,bad,oh
yesshedid,andhewasgoingtotakehertheresomanytimes.

Heheldontoherandkissedherwetcheek.He’dmadehisdecision.“Allright,love,I’llcomewithyouto
Ariel,”hesaid.“Andwe’llseewhathappens.”128

Rio

ChapterFifteen

Choices

AfterRiomadehisdeclaration,histendernessvanished.HekissedNellahardonthemouth,histongue
assaultingher,asthoughhewasgoingtomakeherpayformakinghimfallinloveandagreetomarryher.

Nelladidn’tcarehowroughhegotbecausesheknew,deepinherheart,thathewouldneverhurther.
He’dearnedhertrust,andhehadit.

Shecouldtellthathewouldn’thurther,becauseaslargeashewas,asstrongashewas,shecouldsee
himclenchhismuscleswhenheheldherorstrokedherorevenfuckedher,holdinghimselfbacksohe
wouldn’tharmher.

Hecalledhimselfabadass,buthewasn’tcruel.Hewasdangerous,true,butonlybecausealadycouldn’t
getenoughofhimandwoulddoanythingtokeephavinghim.

WhathedidtoNellaexhaustedandelatedher,excitedandfrightenedher.Inthewater,hepressedhis
thumbstoheropening,massagingandworkinguntilshereleased.

Whileshewiltedinhisarms,hecarriedheroutofthepool,satdownonthebench,turnedheroverhis
knee,andslappedherbuttwiththewhip.Hethrewherintothepoolagainrightafterthat,sothecool
watercouldsoothethetinglingpain.Thenhepulledheroutanddiditalloveragain.

Hemadeherliefacedownonthebenchwhilehespreadherbuttocksandlavedandlickedheranalstar,
thenfuckeditwithhistongue.Onceshewassquealingandrubbingherselfonthebench,heturnedher
overandthrusthimselfintoherquimuntiltheybothfoundrelease.

Theycleanedofffromthatwithanotherswim,thenhelayfacedownonthebench,whilehehadherput
hertongueinhishole.

Theytradedroleswiththemanacles,sometimeshim,sometimesher.Nellawasn’tcertainshecouldthink
ofthingsexcitingenoughwhenshetookcontrol,butheseemedtofindwhatshecameupwithamusingand
fun.

Shetoldhimtokneelandstrokehimselfuntilhecamewhileshewatched,shehadhimlickherpussy
whilehishandswereboundbehindhisback,shelethimteachherhowtobumpthewhipbetweenhislegs
tostimulateassandcockatthesametime.

Nowthatherpussywasnotout-of-bounds,hehadfuntellinghertoputherownfingersinside,ortotake
his.Once,hewashedoffthehandleofhiswhip,lubeditwithoilthattheyfoundasupplyofinacupboard
nearthelift,andgentlyeaseditintoherpussy.

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Hiseyeswentinstantlybluewhenhedidthis,sweatpoolingonhisburningskin.

“Fuckyourselfwithit,”hesaid.“Enjoyit,mybadsweetheart.”Sheneverinherlifewouldhavethought
ofsuchathing.Butwhilehewatched,kneelingnexttoher,hiscockhugeanderect,shepushedtheslick
handleintoherself,squeezingherthighsaroundit,lovingthefeelingofsomethingsostiffandunyielding
insideher.

Itdidn’ttakehermuchtimetocome,clampingherhandsandthighsaroundthewhiphandle.Hegently
easeditoutofher,thentookher,hard,hisfacetightwithneed.

Whentheywerecompletelyexhausted,Rioheldherintheshallowwaterofthepool,sittingonabench
thathadbeencarvedintotherock.Shelayagainsthischest,listeningtotheslowbeatofhisheart.

“IlikebeingyourDom,”hesaidsoftly.

“Ilikeittoo.”

Hechuckled.Thewaterseemedtobetheexacttemperaturetocalmandsoothethem.“ArethereDoms
andsubsonAriel?”

Sheblinkedupathim.“Ireallyhavenoidea.Idonotthinkwehavedoneasurvey.”

“Asurvey?”Hestartedtolaugh,thenrealizedshewasperfectlyserious.“SoyoumighthaveDomsand
subs?”

Nellashrugged.“Whatpeopledoforsexinprivateisnoone’sbusinessbuttheirs.

Aslongasitisconsensualandnooneisforcedoranythinglikethat,peoplecanhavewhateverkindof
sextheywant.”

Rioconsideredthis.“IthinkI’mgoingtolikeAriel.YoumeanyouandIcanhaveasmuchsexaswe
pleaseanytime,anywhere?”

“Yes.Aslongaswedon’tdisturbanyone.”

“Wellthen,Ithinkwe’dbettergetsomesoundproofroomsinyourpalace.”Nellalookedthoughtful.“I
believeIcanarrangethat.”Hekissedher.“You’repriceless,myprincess.Absolutelypriceless.”Nella
wasn’tcertainwhetherthatwasgoodorbad,butsheenjoyedthekissandthecaressesthatfollowed.

*****

Theyweretiredandsorewhentheyfinallycleanedthemselvesforthelasttime,dressed,andwentupto
haveamealwiththeotherfour.Nellawincedwhenshesatdownonthesoftdiningchair,andTalanand
Maiaexchangedknowingsmiles.They’dbeenthroughplentywiththeirownShareem.

Thatnight,sheandRioslepttogether—truesleep—forthefirsttime.

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NellarelaxedagainstRio’shugebody,likingthesoftsnoresthatrumbledhisframe.

Shethoughtshecoulddothisfortherestofherlife,sleepinawidebedsnuggledagainstRio.

Hewassostrongandsexyandprotective.Onethingshehadn’tunderstoodaboutalevelthreeShareem
wasthatwhiletheypersuadedaladytoabsolutesubmission,theyalsoprotectedherfromharmandfrom
allothers.Shewashis,andshealwayswouldbe.

Shethoughtofwalkingintoherparents’elegantdrawingroomandpresentingRio.

“I’mhomeandsafe,andhereistheShareemwhogotmehere.IhaveexperiencedtheBondwithhim,and
willmarryhim.”

They’dfalloutoftheirantiquedesignerchairs.Butnomatter.WhentheycametoknowRio,they’dlike
him.NoonecouldhelpbutlikeRio.

Well,maybeitwouldnotbethateasy.ButNellawaswillingtotry.

Riostirredandmadealittlenoiseinhissleep.Nellasnuggleddownbesidehim,andhedrapedhisstrong
armoverher.Hedrewherbackintothecurveofhisnakedbody,thensettleddownagain.

Shewasprotectedandsafeandinlove.Rightnow,therewasnotomorrow…

Notomorrowwasaromanticthought,butmorningcameallthesame,theblazingsunrisingquicklyinto
thesky,paintingthecanyonsdramaticblueandpurple.

Riowascheerfulastheyatebreakfast—fruitsfromMaia’ssun-protectedgardenandyeastybreadbaked
inthetown.Primitivefare,buttastyandsomehowcomforting.

“Thesoonerwegetthere,thebetter,”Reessaid.“IwillgowithyouandNella,butnooneelse.We’ll
drawlessattentionthatway.”Rionodded.“It’sabouttimeIgotoffthisrock.”Heflickedhisgazearound
thetable.“I’llmissyouall,butyoucancomevisitmeinmypalace.”Hisgrinofbravadofalteredfora
moment,andhestoodup.“Hell,let’sgobeforeIgetmaudlin.”NellahuggedTalanandMaiaandthanked
themforalltheirhelp.Withoutthem,she’dhavebeenafraidandalone—nowshehadfriends.

Riohuggedthemaswell,longandhard.Nellarealizedhelovedthem,perhapsnotinthemarriagesortof
way,buttheywerehisfriends,truefriends.

ShethankedRylanalso,regrettingthatshehadn’thadmuchchancetogettoknowhim.“Whenyoucome
back,”hesaid,aglintinhisblueeyes,“we’llshowyousomerealgames.”

Nellanodded,buthesitantly.Rylanlaughedandwinkedather,andshewenttofindRioandRees,who
weretalkingquietlytogethernearthefrontdoor.

“You’resureyouwanttodothis?”Reeswassaying.“Iknowyouwantoutofhere,butyou’llbeleaving
behindeverythingyou’veknownyourwholelife.”

“EverythingI’veknownhasbeencrap,”Rioanswered.“Youshouldknow—

DNAmowasmuchworsetoyouthantheyeverweretome.”

“Iheldmyown,”Reessaid.

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“Yeah,Iheardaboutsomeofthethingsyoudidtothem.I’msurprisedanyofthoseresearcherscouldstill
walkwhenyouweredone.”Reeschuckled.“Itwasn’tpretty.”Hesobered.“You’vebeenadamngood
friendtome,Rio,especiallywhenIneededit.”HeglancedatTalanacrosstheroom.

“Iknow,I’masweetheart.”RiosawNellaapproaching,andheldouthishandforher.“Whenwesettle
downinourpalace,we’llgetyouandTalanthere.Right,darlin’?”

“Ofcourse,”Nellaagreed.“YouandTalanarewelcomeanytime.Iwillevensendapersonaltransport
foryou.”

Reesnodded,buthelookedskeptical,likelywonderingifNellawouldgothroughwithmarryingRioand
stayingwithhim.Shedidn’tblamehim.Riohadbeentreatedpoorlybefore—whyshouldNellabeany
different?

“Iwill,”sherepeated.“Ipromise.”

Reessimplynoddedagain.“We’dbettergo.Idon’twantthepilotgettingantsyandtakingoffwithout
you.”

*****

ThetransportareaforCanyonRoblewassmall,holdingonlytwoshipsatatime,withawide,flatarea
carvedoutofthedeserttotheeastofit,incasetheyneededtohouseathirdship.

Athirdshipsatontheflatlotnow,anoldmodelpowerfulenoughtorunfromplanettonearestspace
station,butnofartherwithoutarestandrefueling.TheseXR

classsmallfreighterswerefarfromtheelegantprivatelinersNellatookwhentransportingbetween
stations,butatthemomentthetinyshiplookedbetterthanthemostfabulousyacht.

Nellawasgoinghome.

OratleasttoStation657whereArielhadaconsulate.Theywouldarrangepassageonalinertotakeher
totheStation348,whichwasnearestAriel.

Interspacelinersandfreighterstraveledfromstationtostation—spacestationsalonehavingthe
technologytohurtleshipshundredsoflight-years.Breakingfreefromaplanet’sgravitationalpull
demandedsomuchenergythatashipwasalreadyspentonceitreachedanareawhereitcouldjumpto
lightspeed.

Spacestationshadbeensetupoutsideeachinhabitedplanet’sgravitywell,sotheinterstellarshipscould

simplystartthere.Spacestationshadlightspeed“gates”whichpropelledtheshiptothenextstation,and
passengersthenusedsublightshuttlestomovefromstationstoplanets.

Nellahadtraveledalloverthegalaxyalready,althoughthiswasherfirstvisittoBorNarga,alongway
fromAriel.Shewashappytobeonherwayhome.

Riostrolledalongbesideher,Reesbringinguptherear.Theywalkedcasuallylikepeopleoutforastroll.
Forappearance’ssake,they’dshoppedalittleinthemarket,in132

Rio

themiddleofthevillagesquare,thenwanderedthroughthelanesthatwouldtakethemtowardthe
transports.

Reeshadsaidthethreeofthemalonewouldattractlessattention,buttwobigShareem,evenswathedin
robes,couldnothelpbutattractattention.Nella,too,wascoveredbyrobes,ahooddrawnupoverher
beacon-redhair.Thetownspeoplenodoubtspeculatedabouther,wonderingwhatkindofwomanwould
walkaroundopenlywithShareem.

Nelladidnotcare,aslongasnoonestoppedthemgettingaboardthetransport.

Astheymadetheirwaythroughacrowded,narrowarteryofastreet,crammedbetweencanyonwalls,
someonesteppedinfrontofNellaandyankedthehoodfromherhead.ItwasLinginian.

Nellastaredathiminshock,andhestaredbackinalmostasmuchshock.

Dimlysherememberedthathereyeshadchangedcolor.Helookedthesameasalways,blackhairclose-
cropped,darkeyesnarrowinapale,narrowface.

“Ifoundyou,”heannounced.

RiosteppedbetweenhimandNella.Atthesametime,thestreetsuddenlyemptiedoftownspeopleand
filledagainwithpatrollersindesert-coloredcoveralls,joiningLinginian’smen,whowereingray.

“Shareem,”saidthetallleaderofthepatrollers.“Tellme,whatisyourinterestinthetransportships?”

Riosaidnothing.HerestedahandonNella’sshoulder,andshefelthiscalmingShareemtouchslide
throughherpanic.

Thepatrolcaptain’seyesnarrowed.“Answerme,Shareem.OrIhavepermissiontoterminateyouright
here.”

Nellafoundhervoice.“Youwouldkillhimforwalkingthroughastreet?”

“Iwouldkillhimforbreakingtherulesandtryingtoleavetheplanet.He’sShareem.He’sonlyallowed
toliveifheproveshe’snotathreat.”Nellabristled.SheknewthiswasnotimetotalkaboutBorNargan
politics,butthewoman’streatmentofRioannoyedher.“Heisnothreattoyou.Ortoanyone.”

“Hey,don’truinmyreputationforbeingdangerous,baby,”Riosaid,voicetight.

“Thismanshouldbearrested,inanycase,”Linginiansaid,“forkidnapping.”

“Hedidnotkidnapme,”Nellasaid.“Thatwasyou.”

“WewereBonded.Iwasonlytakingwhatwasrightfullymine.”

“TheBondnevermanifested,nomatterhowmuchyoutried,”Nellasnapped.“MyBond-mateisstanding
nexttome.”SheputherhandonRio’s,whereitlayonhershoulder,feelingtheshimmerofwhatwas
betweenthem.

“Yeah,sobackoff,”Riogrowled.“There’snothingintherulesaboutaShareemtakingastrollthroughthe
marketwithhisBond-mate.”

“Youareforbiddentomarry,”thepatrollersaidautomatically.

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“Andaren’tyoujustgratefulaboutthat?”Rioasked.

Nellawonderedwhyhewasactingsononchalantandbadass,thensherealizedthatReeshad
disappeared.He’dslidawayassoonasthestreetfilledwithpatrollers.

RiowasbuyingtimeforReestodowhateverhewoulddo.

RiolookedLinginianoverfromheadtotoe.TheShareemeasilytoweredovereverypersoninthecrowd,
includingthetallpatrollersandLinginian’smen.“HethoughthewasgoodenoughtobeyourBond-
mate?”HepokedLinginianinthechest.“Hefeelswimpytome.”

Linginian’smeninstantlytrainedweaponsonRio.

Thepatrolcaptainglaredatthem,outraged.“NofirearmsallowedinpublicplacesonBorNarga.”

Thestone-facedguardsdidnothing,butLinginianmadeaplacatinggesture.“Let’sfollowthelady’srules.
Noonelookslikemuchofathreathere.”Rio’slipstwitched,listeningtoLinginianinsultBorNargan’s
patrollers,whoallcarriedstunrodsanddidnotlookonebithappy.Linginian’smenatleastputaway
theirweapons.

“Youshouldarresthimforbeingstupid,”Riocommented.“Now,canwebeonourway?Ourfriendsare
expectingushomeforlunch.”

“Nellaiscomingwithme,”Linginiansaidcoolly.

Riochangedfromquietannoyancetoanimalisticstrengthinaninstant.HehadLinginian’sthroatinhis
handbeforethepatrollersorLinginian’smencouldreact.

“She’snotgoinganywherewiththemanwhotriedtoforceherandthenkillher.”Whateverthepatrol
captainfeltaboutopenweapons,shehatedaggressiveShareemevenmore.Sheraisedherstunrod.“Get

awayfromhim.”Therodcamedown.RiospunLinginianinhisgrip,lettingLinginiancatchthestunrod
fullagainsthisback.

Thesmallermanscreamed,hisbodyjerkingwiththeelectricshock.Hismendrewweaponsagain.Rio
tossedLinginianattheleadpatroller,grabbedNella’shand,dovethroughanopeninginthestartled
patrollersandran.

HishandwaslikeabandaroundNella’s,hisstrengthpullingherfasterthanshe’dhavebeenabletorun
herself.Sheheardpursuitbehindthem,patrollersshouting,Linginian’smenpoundingalongthestreet.

RiodraggedNellaaroundacorner,throughthecrowdedmarket,andoutthroughanotherstreet,thisone
quietanddeserted.Itfedintotheopenareawherethethirdshipwaited.

Reeswaitedaswell.Theship’sengineshadstarted,fillingtheairwitharoaringsoundandthesmellof
burningfuel.

“Igothimtowait,buthe’sinabighurry,”Reessaidastheynearedhim.“Hedidn’tlikethepatrollers
suddenlyappearing.”

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“Hedidn’tlikeit?”Riosaid.“HowdoeshethinkIfeel?”HesoftenedhisgriponNella’shandbutdid
notletgo.TheyfollowedReesquicklytowardthetransport.

Threelightboltsandtwometalbulletsflewpastthem,strikingthedirtaroundthemandsendinguplittle
rivuletsofdust.“Fuck,”Riosnarledandranfaster.

Shotscameagain,thistimestrikingtheship.Behindher,Reesgrunted,andNellaturnedintimetoseehim
clasphisshoulder,redleakingbetweenhisfingers.

“Rees!”

“Goon!”Reesshouted.

Riodraggedheronward,hisfaceset.Heranbehindtheshipjustasabarrageofshotpeltedit.Becauseof
theship’sspaceworthyhull,thebulletsdidnothingmorethanflakeoffbitsofpaint.

Thentheboomofapulsecannonsounded,andtheshipshudderedandshook.Ahissofairexplodedfrom
aplatethatspiraledoutandlandedwithametallicclang.

Thepilot,alankymanwhowasnotBorNargan,appearedinthehatch,swearingandlookingaround
wildly.HespottedLinginian’smen,alltenofthem,windingupthecannonforanothershot.

“Shit,”thepilotsaid.“Areyouthecargo?”

“That’sus,”Riosaid.“Isuggestwego,fast.”

“Onlyoneofyou,now.Thatshotblewouttheoxygensystem.We’llhavetouseenviro-suitsandthere’s
onlyonespare.”

“ThenwehavetogogetReesandgetbacktoRylan’s,”Nellapanted,herlegsshaking.

“No,”Riosaid.“Yougetonthetransportandgo.”Sheshookherhead.“Notwithoutyou.”

“Youhaveto.Icandealwiththepatrollers.Youneedtobesafe.”Sheclungtohisrobes,feelinghisfirm
bodybeneaththem.“Butthey’llarrestyou.

You’llnevergetoffBorNarga.”

“Thereisn’ttimetoargue,”hesaid,hisfaceharsh.“Go.I’llbefine.”Rioscoopedheragainsthimand
kissedher,hard.Sheletherlipsclingtohis,wantinghim,hungryforhim,theBondscreamingtonotlet
himgo.Sheknewhefeltittoo,becausepainflaredinhiseyes.

Hesetheronherfeetandswattedherbackside.“Getonthattransport,princess.”TheBondcriedout,
pullingher.“Rio.”

“Youhavetodothis,Nella.It’syouronlychancetobesafe.”Sheknewhewasright.Ifshewentbackto
Rylan’s,Linginianwouldfindthem.ShecouldtelltheBorNarganpatrollerswhoshewas,butshehadno
proofofheridentity,andthey’dlikelyarguethatshewouldbebetteroffwithLinginianthanaShareem,in
anycase.

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ButleavingRiobehindscaredher.Notonlywassheleavingapartofherself,Riomightnotescapethe
wrathofthepatrollers.ItwouldtaketimeforhertogetbacktoArielandarrangehelpforhim.Andby
thattime…

“Iloveyou,”shesaid.

“Iloveyoutoo,sweetheart.Nowgo.”Heheldhergazewithhishot,intenseeyes.

“Trustme.”

Nellasmiledweakly,touchedherfingerstohislips,thenspunaroundandranforthehatchofthe
transport.

Itsnappedshutassoonasshewasinside,closingofftheheat,BorNarga,Rio’sface—andthetearsinhis
Shareem-blueeyes.

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ChapterSixteen

TheGalleryofLight

“Don’tmove,Shareem,”thepatrolcaptainsaid.

Rioignoredher.HewatchedthesmallshipclimbupandupthroughBorNarga’sperfect,blue,cloudless
sky.TheBondbetweenhimselfandNellapulledathim,hurtinglikenothingelseeverhad.

ThecaptainandherpatrollerssurroundedRio.Attheedgeofthefield,theoutragedLinginianwatchedas
hismenwerearrestedforcarryingweaponsinapublicplace.Notonlythat,butforshootingatpeople—
evenShareem—andatransportship.

BorNarganstooktheirweaponslawsveryseriously.

“Goon,arrestme,”Riosaid,lookingatthepatrolcaptain’sflat,angryface.“Ireallydon’tcare.”

*****

ThepatrollersdidarrestRio,andhespentthenightinatinycellwithasurprisinglycomfortablebed,
freshpaintonthewalls,cool,well-circulatedairandacomputerslotthatprovidedexactlyonemeal.

Riosatonthebed,leaninghisbackagainstthewallanddidnoteat.Hewasn’thungry,andhe’dnotlied
tothepatroller.Hetrulydidnotcare.

Hestayedinthecellonlyonenightandwasreleasedthenextday,whilereporterbotscircledthesmall
trialhouse.ItseemedthatthepatrollerscouldnotproduceoneshredofevidencethatRiohadbeen
planningtotakethetransportoff-world.HehadbeenescortingNellatothetransport,thatwasall,and
Nella,asanon-Shareem,couldcomeandgoasshepleased.

Thejudge,athinwomanwithalongnose,hadfoundoutallaboutLinginian,includingthebulletinfrom
ArielthathewaswantedforkidnappingPrincessNella.

Alarmed,shemaderecommendationsforhimtobeexpeditedtoArielforthemtodealwith.Plusshe
chargedhimanenormousfineforinstructinghismentofireweaponsinthequiettownofCanyonRoble.

Riowasn’tsurehowReesandTalanhadcoveredthingstomakeitlooklikeRiowasn’tgoinganywhere,
buttheyhad.HewalkedbackwiththemfromthetrialhousetoRylan’s,knowingheshouldbegrateful,but
feelingonlynumb.

InRylan’slivingroom,hestoodstaringoutthehugeglasswindows,wonderingwhetherNellaandthe
transporthadmadeittoStation657,andwonderingifshe’dsendwordtohimwhenshedid.

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Rees,RylanandMaialefthimalone.Rioknowthatpainradiatedfromhim,andbeingShareem,they

wouldbesensitivetohisemotion,feelingittoo.Notthatheminded.Hereallywantedtobealone.

Talan,however,didnotletanythingstopher.Sheenteredthesittingroombehindhim,thesoftscentofher
perfumeandherlightstepalertinghimtoherpresence.

“Ifyoucametofeelsorryforme,don’tbother,”hesaid,keepinghisvoiceascalmashecould.That’sall
heneeded,toturnintoawhiningfool.

“Idofeelsorryforyou.”

Talancamearoundhim,blockinghisviewofthecanyon,herblueeyesfilledwithsorrow.Sheputher
armsaroundhisneckandhuggedhim,hard.

Levelthreesdon’thug,hewantedtosay.

Instead,hewrappedhisarmsaroundherandburiedhisfaceinhershoulder.Therewasnothingsexual
aboutthiscaress,itwasfriendshipalone.

“Youloveher,”Talansaid.

“Yeah.Damnitall.”

Talanreleasedhim,keepingherhandsonhisshoulders.“Shelovesyou.She’llcomebackforyou.”

“Maybe.”

“OryoucangotoAriel.I’mperfectlyhappytopayforanothertransportforyou.

Reescanarrangeit.”

Riogentlyremovedherhandsfromhisshoulders.“Notforawhile,hecan’t.Thepatrollerswillbe
watchingmeextraclose,becausetheyknowIwasuptosomething.

They’llwatchyouandReestoo.Idon’tneedhimgettingterminatedforhelpingme.”

“Reesknowshowtoworkitsohewon’tgetcaught—”

“No.”Riogaveheranemphaticlook.“Weneedtolaylowforawhile.Ineedtothinkaboutthings.”

Talannodded,thoughheknewshehadnotdroppedtheidea.“You’llseeheragain,Rio,”Talansaid.

“Surething.”Hetriedtosoundlikehebelievedit.

“Youwill.”Shepattedhisarm,thenturnedtoleavetheroom.“Trustme.”

*****

Dayslengthenedtoweeks,andNellamadenocontactwithBorNarga.Rioknewshehadreturnedto
Ariel,becausedaysafterherdeparture,anewsdigitalshowedher,garbedinafilmygoldengownthat
clungtohercurves,wavingfromabalconywithtwoolderpeoplewhomustbeherparents.

Atinnyvoicefromthedigitalfeedsaid,Afterthreeharrowingmonths,PrincessNellaofArielhasat
lastreturnedsafelytoherfamilyinherhomecityofAdrina.Shehadapparently138

Rio

beenkidnappedandheldhostagebyamancalledLordLinginian,whohasbeenarrestedand
transportedtoanincarcerationsatellitetoawaittrial.PrincessNellaescaped,unharmed,andusing
onlytheresourcesofhercourageandintelligence,fledassassinbotstoarrivesafelyonherhome
planet,tothereliefandjoyofherfamily.

Riorecordedthedigitalfeedandplayeditoverandoveragain,mutingtheinanevoiceandwatching
Nella.Inthepicture,sheemergedontoabalconybetweenherparents,herbeautifulfaceserene,hereyes
emeraldgreenandtearingwithemotion.

Sheliftedherplumphandandwavedatthepeoplegatheredtocheerher,lookingsodamnbeautifulthat
hisShareemcockhardened.

Fromwatchingarecordingofherlight-yearsaway,forthegods’sakes.

AtleastRiodidnothavetoworryforhersafety.Shewashomeinherbigpalacewithherfamilyandall
herguards.She’dbegoingtoparties,thenewspeoplesaid,heldinherhonor.Theyspeculatedthat
there’dbeplentyofmenatthoseparties,andweddingbellsmightringsoonfortheheroicandbeautiful
PrincessNella.

“Meanwhile,”Riosaid,wavinghishandtodissolvetheholo-picture,“herShareemformerlovergets
drunkandsappythinkingaboutwhatmighthavebeen.”Riohadcomehometod’EnelaStreetand
Kamile’sshopandhisownsmallflatclutteredwithbondageparaphernalia.Notthathefeltmuchlike
usinganyofit.

ButShareemhadtohavesex,oratleastrelease,ortheyburnedupfromtheinsideout.

SixweeksafterNella’sdeparture,Rioshoweredhimself,thenstoodnakedinfrontofaslimmirrorinhis
frontroom.Hewasstilltall,stillmuscular,andstillhungliketheBorNargangodofloveandsex.Only
bigger.

“I’mRio,”hetoldhimself.“Therearedozensofwomenouttherewho’dgiveanythingtosuckthiscock.
Threeofthematatime,even.”Hiscockwassupposedtoleapatthethoughtofthreebeautifulwomenon
theirkneeslickinghim—maybetwoinfrontandonebehind.Butnotuntiloneofthemsmiledathimwith
Nella’ssmileandlookedathimwithNella’senhancedgreeneyesdiditstarttolift.

“Damn,”hesaid,anddeflatedagain.

“Ineedtofinishthis,”hetoldhisreflection.“Nomorenightswithjustmeandabuttplug.It’sjustsad.”

Hisreflectionnoddedbackathim.“Andwhat’sevensadder,”heobserved,“ismestandinghere,naked,
talkingtoamirror.”

Heturnedaway,dressedinhisusualleather,tuckedwhatheneededintohispockets,hunghisbreatheron
hisbeltandwenttoJudith’s.

AidenandKywerethere.Riosatdownwiththem,gladhecouldatleastspendtheeveningwithfriends.
Ofcourse,AidenknewNella,andthemankeptshootingRiosympatheticglances,whichdidn’thelp.

139

AllysonJames

AidenandKywerestillfullofthemselvesoverhowthey’ddivertedthepatrollers’

attentionsoRiocouldgettoCanyonRoblewithoutfuss.Riodidn’tblamethemforthepatrollerscatching
uptohim—thathadbeenLinginian’sfault.

ThethreeShareemtalkedanddrankforatime.Kygotupandapproachedthebarformoreale,histight
leather-cladassattractingtheattentionofeverywomanintheroom.

“Youtellhimyet?”RioaskedAiden.

Aiden’sfaceremainedneutral,butRiodetectedaflickerofunhappiness.“No.Andyou’renotgoingto.”

Rioliftedhishands.“Hey,Icankeepasecret.”

“Idon’twanthimtobeuncomfortablearoundme.IfIcan’thaveanythingmore,thenIatleastwantthings
tostayastheyare.”

“I’mnotuncomfortabletalkingtoyou,andIknowaboutyourlongings,”Riosaid.

“ButI’mnotlustingafteryou.”

“Youhaveapoint.”

Aidenturnedhisaleglassabsently.“Ontheotherhand,KyandIwerethinkingaboutgivingJuditha
birthdaypresent.Adouble-Shareempresent.”

“Isitherbirthday?”

“Idon’tknow.Whocares?Whydon’tyoujoinus?She’dloveit—shereallylikesyou.”

“ThreeonJudith?”Riowaited.Nope,thecockdidn’tmove.Crap.“EverytimeIdoanythingwithJudith,
sheyellsatmeforweeksabouthowsoresheis.”Aidengrinned,hisperfectfaceslidingintoitusual,
handsomelines.“Noticeshenevercomplainsduringtheactivitiesthatmakehersore?”Riochuckled.
“Yeah,Inoticedthat.”

“What’ssofunny?”Kythunkedthreeglassesonthetablewithhisbrawnyhandsashesatdown.

“UsonJudith,”Aidensaid.

Kyflashedasmile,showingwhiteteethinhisswarthyface.RiosupposedKywassexy,notthathe’dever
thoughtaboutit.Kyhadanunpredictablequality—aladyneverknewwhetherhewasgoingtocaressher
orgoforhiswhip.

“I’vebeenhankeringforagoodménage,”Kysaid.“Youwithus,Rio?”

“Sure.”Riodranktheale,lettingthestrongalcoholtinglehistongue.Hewascertainhiscockwouldstart
workingbetteroncehegotintoaShareem-filledroomwiththewillingJudithspreadandwetbefore
them.

Ithadbetterstartworking,anyway.He’ddieiftheothertwothoughthecouldn’tgetitupbecausehewas
whiningaboutawoman.

Seewhathappenswhenyou’renotcareful?hisinnervoicetoldhim.Alovebond.Right.

Shejustwantedtogetintoyourpants,cock-brain.

140

Rio

Oh,shutup.

HehadfeltwhatshetermedtheBondwithher.Whenhe’denteredherfullyforthefirsttime,ithad
wrappeditselfaroundhim,bindinghimtoherassureasanymanaclesorchains.

Hethoughthecouldstillfeelitnow,andifanything,sinceshe’dbeengone,ithadincreased.

“Rio.”

HelookeduptoseeReesstandinginfrontofhim.Rees’facewascalm,buthiseyesglitteredwith
suppressedemotion.“Followmeanddon’tsayanything,”Reessaid.

Riogottohisfeetinoneswiftmove,slidinghisaleglassbacktothetable.Aidenseemedtoknowwhat
wasup,becausehesaid,“Takecareofyourself,Rio.”Kynoddedathim,hiseyessteady.

ReesledRiotothealcovethathousedJudith’scallconsoleandthebathrooms.AstheypassedJudith,
ReessnakedhishandaroundJudith’swristandpulledheralongwiththem.Anyoneinthebarwouldthink
thatthetwoShareemandJudithweregoinginthebackforalittlefun.

Downadusty,narrowhallwasJudith’sbackdoor,andsheunlockeditforthem.

ShesuddenlyflungherarmsaroundRio’sneckandkissedhimonthemouth.“I’llmissyou,Rio.”

Shehuggedhimagain,hard,thenwaiteduntilthetwohadslippedintothealleybeforelockingthedoor
behindhim.

Rio’sheartbeatfast,buthedidnotsayaword.HeandReesmovedquicklyandquietlythroughalleys
shadowedbythesettingsun,butnotsodarktheycouldn’tseewheretheyweregoing.

Theywentallthewaytothedocklandsinsilence,thenReesmotionedRiointoarundownlandingbay.A
smallshipstoodinthecenterofit,itsbodydwarfedbyengineshugeenoughtoboostitoutoftheplanet’s
gravity.

Reesclappedhimontheshoulders.“Youpacked?”

Riotookasmallbagfromhisleathertunicthatheldallthemoneyhehad,hiswhip,andhismanacles.
“Alltheessentials.”

“Good.Thecontact’swaitingonStation657.Nowgetthehelloutofhere.”Riotuckedthebagawayand
claspedRees’hand.“You’reagoodfriend,Rees.”

“Iknow.”

“TellTalangoodbyeforme.Giveheragreat,big—”

“Kiss?”Rees’eyessparked.

“Smackontheass.Inalovingway.”HesqueezedRees’handagain,wonderingifthiswouldbethelast
timehesawthebighunkofgeneticexperiment.

“Goon,getoutofhere,”Reessaid.

141

AllysonJames

Rioglancedattheship,thethingthatwouldlifthimoffBorNargaforever.“Hey,whatifitturnsoutI’m
afraidtofly?”

“Toughshit.”Reesshovedhimgently.“Shareemcan’tfeelfear.Goodthing,right?”

“Yeah,justgreat.”

Asheeyedthetransportintrepidation,thedooropenedandhesawsomethingthatwipedoutallhis
worries.Awomanstoodinthedoorway,cloakedandhoodedintheBorNarganstyle,butRioknewevery
inchoftheformunderneathandhisShareemhormonessatupandstartedraging.

“Damn,”hewhispered.

Reesclaspedhisshoulder.“ShecontactedTalanafewnightsago,andtheyarrangedthisbetweenthem.
She’sgotArielreadytowelcomeyouwithopenarms—

whichtooksomedoing,shesaid.Theydon’tletjustanyonein.”RiostaredatthetransportandNella,and
backtohisfriend,whohadagrinonhishardShareemface.“Youarrangedallthiswithoutlettingmein
onit?”Rees’gringrewintoawidesmile.“Wewantedtosurpriseyou.”

“Youasshole.”

“Yep.”ReesplantedhisfistgentlyonRio’sback.“Nowgetoutofherebeforesomepatrollerfiguresit
outandshootsyou.”

“Right.”Riostartedwalkingforward,drawntoNellalikehewastetheredtoher,butaftertwosteps

turnedback.“Thankyou.”

Reesshrugged.“Theladiesdidit.I’mjustthemessenger.”

“Sure.KissTalanforme.”Hegrinnedandwinked.“I’lltakecareofNella.”Reeslaughed.Suddenlylight
ofheart,Riopivotedandrantowardthetransport.

HewasgoingtomissRees,buthispulltoNellacouldn’tbedenied.MaybeNellacouldbullythe
governmentintolettingReesandTalan—heck,allhisShareemfriends—movetoAriel.

Firstthingsfirst.AsRiocrossedthelandingbay,nopatrollerssprangoutofnowheretoarresthim,
terminatehimorhanguphisbodyasanexampletootherShareem.TherewasjustNella,waitingforhim
inthedoorway.

Hecaughtherinhisarmsandpushedherinside,closinghiseyesashepulledherbodyagainsthis,her
scentfillinghim.Herhoodfellback,revealingherbrilliantredhair,whichglistenedinthestrongsunlight
ofBorNargabeforethedoorshutonthemboth.

Rioheldherclose,hisheartthumpingwithjoyandexcitementandrelief.Shewascrying,tearsstreaking
silentlydownherbeautifulfacefromherbrightgreeneyes.

Hewipedawaythemoisturewithhisthumb.“Hey,baby,”hesaid,hislipsgrazinghers.Shetastedso
damngood.“Missme?”142

Rio

Theycouldn’tkissasmuchasRiowanted,becausethecaptain,asmall,ratherwizenedman,instructed
themtositdowninthetinycabinandreadythemselvesfortakeoff.NellashowedRiohowtosecure
himselftoachairwithprotectivewebbing,herhandsandloosehairbrushinghisbodyassheclaspedthe
strapsaroundhim.Nothingwrongwithhiscocknow.Itwashardandstiff,risingfirmlyagainstthe
leather.

Buthecouldn’tdoanythingaboutitrightthisminute.Theshipshudderedsuddenly,likeitwashavingan
orgasm,thenRiofeltthepressofthefloorintohisfeetastheshipliftedswiftlyfromthetransportbay.

“Areyouallright?”Nellaaskedhimfromherseat.Heraccentwasassexyasever,herBorNargannot
quiteright,butoh-socharming.

“Sure,I’mfine.”Riogrippedthearmsofthechair,hopinghisterrordidn’tshowonhisface,andshe
laughedathim.

Theplanetdroppedawayalarminglyintheviewscreen,givinghimvertigo.ThejaggededgesofBor
Narga,wherehe’dlivedallhislife,smoothedout,becominglessthreateningandharsh.Hecouldseethe
grayishblobthatwasPasCity,andthenthecutofcanyonsfaracrossthedesertinwhichlayRylan’s
home.

Blackstartedtoswallowtheblueofthedesertsky,andstarsprickedthrough.Theywereleavingthe
atmosphere,leavingBorNarga’spull.

“Free,”Riomurmured.Thewordtastedstrange.Freetofollowhisdreamsandthenebulouspullofa
Bondthatledtothewomanbesidehim.

“What?”Nellaaskedhimovertheroarofengines,smilingherbeautifulsmile.

“Nothing,”Rioanswered.“Justtalkingtomyself.”

*****

ItwasanotherbeautifuldayinAdrina,onAriel.TheGalleryofLight,anancienthallatthebackofthe
palace,swirledwithcolor,sunshiningthroughwindowsofblue,yellow,greenandcrimsonglass.

TwodaysafterherreturntoArielwithRio,Nellaenteredtheroom,happytostealafewminutesaway
fromreporters,andgazedoutatthevast,bloominggardensbehindthepalace.

Assoonasthey’dtoucheddowninAriel,thepalacemedicshaddescendedonRioandhauledhimoffto
checkhimoverforoff-planetdiseasesorotherodditiesthatmightaffectthepopulation.Everyperson
whowantedcitizenshiponArielhadtogothroughtheprocess,butNella,awareofwhatpeoplehaddone
toRioatDNAmo,worried.

WouldhegrowangryandwanttoleaveAriel,togoanywheretheywouldn’tpokeneedlesintohim?Now
thathewasfreeofBorNarga,maybehe’dwanttoexplorethevastuniverseandallitswonders.Women
ofeveryplanetwouldwelcomehimwithopenarms.

143

AllysonJames

Ifhewantedtogo,shethought,forcingherselftobebrave,she’dlethim.He’dtaughtherabouttrustand
friendshipandevenlove,andinreturn,shewouldgivehimthegiftoffreedom,whetherornothewanted
toshareitwithher.

Whenshediscussedtheirfuture,she’dbecoolandneutral,notclingingandemotional.They’dbeensome
timeapart,andhisfeelingsforhermighthavechanged.

Shewouldnotobligatehimtoher—shewouldevenreleasehimfromtheBondifhewished.Hecoulddo
ashepleased,gowhereheliked.Itwastheleastshecoulddo.

“Hey,Ilikethisroom,”adeepvoicesoundedbehindher.“Niceandbig.”Nellawhirled.Riostoodinthe
middleofthefloorinhisshiningblackleather,thesunthroughtheglassbathinghiminrainbowcolors.
Hisblackhairwasscrapedbackfromhisface,andheworeasmileaswarmassin,hisShareem-blue
eyesglinting.

NellafelttheBond,sureandstrong,stretchingbetweenherandhim,allthewayacrosstheroom.She
dashedacrossthemarbletilesandhurledherarmsaroundhisneck.Coolandneutral?avoiceinsideher
snickered.

Hecaughtherinhisstrongarms,andspunaroundwithher,theblueofhisiriseswidening.

“Areyouallright?”shebabbled.“Ididn’twantthemtopesteryou,butthemedicshaverules,andI
worried…”

“Shh.”Heslidhishandsoverherform-hugginggoldtunicandleggingsandunerringlyfoundthe
fastenings.“I’musedtobeingpokedandprodded.”Hertunicloosenedandbegantoslidedownherbody.
“Ididitforyou,sweetheart.Afterall,you’retheprincess,andI’mtheShareem.Youtellmewhatyou
want—anythingyouwant—andI’lldoit.”Hiseyesheldawickedgleam.

“Iwantyoutostaywithme.”Shekissedhim.“Andmarryme.”Hepretendedtogaveheracasuallook,
buthewasshaking.“Ialreadysaidyestothat.Whatelsedoyouwant?”

“Iwantyoutoteachme,andfuckme,andkissme,andtrainmetobeyours.”Helaughed.“Onethingata
time,beautiful.”

Hecoveredhermouthwithabrutalkisswhilehishandspulledhergarmentswiftlyfromher.Hecaught
herbreastsinhishands,whilesheclutchedhim,returninghisfrenziedkisseswithherown.

Herleggingscameoff,andheshovedhisowndownwithonehand,exposinghishuge,randycock.They
wentdownontothecoldmarble,heraisingherhipshigh,positioninghimselfwithspeedandease.

“Getready,sweetheart,”hesaid,thenheenteredher.

Hugeandfull,hewentinsideher,anditwasasweet,sweetstretching.Withonehandhestrokedher
pussy,alreadyfullofcream,untilshebuckedandsqueezedaroundhim,kneadinghiscockandgrippingit
tight.

Hepumpedintoher,bothofthemtooneedytotakeitslow.Slowwouldbelater,whenhe’dbraidherhair
outoftheway,thenmanacleherhandsandfeedherhiscock.

144

Rio

She’dgladlybendoverthebedforhimwhilehetookhisstraptoherass,thenhe’dmassageheruntilshe
waslooseenoughtotakehiscockthere.

Butfornow,itwashard,fastsex,bothofthemwantingandneedingsobad.Toofast,waytoofast,Nella
came,screaming,hernailsfindingpurchaseinhisflesh.Notmanysecondslater,hegroanedhisown
coming,andhisseedshothotinsideher.

“Iloveyou,Rio,”shewhisperedhoarsely.

“Loveyoutoo,baby,”hesaid,hisvoiceasbrokenashers.“I’veknownthatalongtime.”Hegrinned.
“YouknowwhatIdidn’tknow?Ireallyhatespacetravel.”Shelaughed,nakedunderhim,themarble
floorcoolingherhotskin.Hewastrulyhers,growlingandsnarkyandlaughingandhers.

“Sowhendowegetmarried?”Rioasked,nuzzlinghercheek.“ThisBondthingistellingmetohurryup.”

“Rightaway.Tomorrow,ifyouwant.”

“Good.We’lldoitfast,thenbreakittoyourmotherandfatherthatyouBondedwithaShareem.”

“Theywillalreadyknow,”Nellasaid,laughing.“EverythingthathappensintheGalleryofLightis
broadcastthroughoutthepalace.Itwillprobablybealloverthenewsfeedsbymorning.”

“Shit,”Riosaid,thenhegrinned.“GoodthingI’vegotagreatass.”

“It’sbeautiful.”

“Gladyoulikeit.Now,istheresomewherealittlemoreprivatewecangotofucksomemore?”

“Mybedroom.”

Herose,sinuousasacat,andunembarrassed,pulleduphisleggingsandhelpedhertoherfeet.“Sounds
goodtome,princess,”hesaid.“Let’sgo.”

*****

Muchlater,whenthepalacewasbathedindarkness,RioandNellalaynakedonherbedandgazedup
throughthetransparentceilingtothenightsky.Starsprickedtheblackness,thicklikeaswirlofjewels.

“It’sbeautiful,”hemurmured.

“Iloveit.”

“Youmademefree,Nella,”hesaid.“Thankyou.”

“Itwon’tbeeasy,”shebegan.

Hetouchedherlips.“Likeanythinginmylifeuptonowhasbeeneasy.We’retogether,andwe’restaying
thatway.”

“ThatisonecommandIdonotmindobeying.”

145

AllysonJames

Heraiseduponhiselbow,hiswickedeyesdarkening.“Oh?Whatwereyouplanningtodisobey?”

Nellafeltawarmflutterinherabdomen.Thesexthey’dhadsincethey’dcomeupstairshadbeenfrantic,
butithadbeenstraightforward,nolevelthreeShareemgames.

“Idonotknowyet,”shesaid.

Hesmiled,slowandhot.“Ileftmostofmyaccoutrementsbehind,butI’veseenthingsinthesequarters
thatIcanuse—likethattableintheouterroomwiththeballsandtherings.”

“Youaresupposedtoknockasmanyballsofyourcolorthroughtheringsasyoucan.”

“Hmm,Icanthinkoflotsofwaysthatgamecouldbeplayed.I’mhopingwecangetplentyoflubefrom
somewheretoo.”

“IboughtsomeoilswhenIgothome,”Nellasaid.“NothinglikeAiden’s,though.”Rioslidhishand
acrossherbreasts.“Goodenough.Andasalways,Ihavemanacles,andofcourse,mywhip.Maybewe
canpretendthatIamawickedspacepirateandyouaremyprincesscaptive.”

Shesmiledupathishard,handsomeface,herheartbeatingfaster.“Ithoughtleveltwowasgamesand
play.”

“Well,Icanborrowideas.IthinkI’llmakemycaptivedoallkindsofthings,includingclimaxwhenIsay,
butonlywhenIsay.Andifshe’sbad,anddisobeys…”

“What?”Nellaasked,herexcitementescalating.“Whathappens?”Herolledoverher,pinningherstrong
bodywithhis.“Shebaresherprettyassandgetsspanked.Andmaybefucked—ifIwantto.Butyou’d
alwaysobeyme,wouldn’tyou?”

Hewassmiling,hiseyesashotandblueasever.Shemightlovehim,shemightbeBondedwithhim,she
mightmakehimamanofAriel,buthewasstillRio.

“Well,”shesaid,puttingafingertoherlips.“Maybe.”Hegrowled.“Let’sfindout,sweetheart.”He
leanedoverthesideofthebed,rummaginginhisclothes,andpulledouthisthinmanacles.

Sheshiveredasthecoolmetaltouchedherwrists,thecatchesclickingclosed.Hetouchedhisfolded
leatherstraptoherlips.

“Doyouwantthis,Nella?”Hisbreathwashot,smellingofspice,hiseyesfillingwithdarkblue.“You
havetotellme.It’syourchoice.On,oroff?”Nellagazedupathim,herheartreadytoburstwith
happinessandexcitement.Hewashers,andhewantedher,andhewasabouttomakehercompletelyand
wonderfullyhis.

“On,”shesaid,thensquealedindelightashehauledhertohimandbegantokissher.

146

AbouttheAuthor

AllysonJamesisyetonemorenameforawomanwhohasrackedupfourpseudonymsinthefirsttwo
yearsofhercareer.Sheoftencannotrememberwhatherrealnameisandhastobetappedontheshoulder
whenspokento.

Allysonbeganwritingatageeight(afive-pagestorythatactuallycontainedgoal,motivation,and
conflict).Shelearnedthetrickofstandinghermathbookuponherdesksoshecouldwritestoriesbehind
it.Shewrotelovestoriesbeforesheknewwhatromanceswere,dreamingofthedaywhenherbooks
wouldappearatlibrariesandbookstores.Atagethirty,shedecidedtostopdreaminganddoitforreal.
Shepublishedthefirstshortstorysheeversubmittedinanationalprintmagazine,whichgaveherthe
falseillusionthatgettingpublishedwaseasy.

Afteralongstruggleandinevitablerejections,sheatlastsoldaromancenovel,then,tohersurprise,sold

severalmysterynovels,moreromances,andthenRomantica™toEllora’sCave.Shehasbeennominated
fortwoRomanticTimesReviewer’sChoiceawardsandhashadstarredreviewsinBooklistandTop
PickreviewsinRomanticTimes.

Allysonmethersoulmateinfencingclass(thekindwithswords,notposts-and-rails).Shelookeddown
thelengthofhislong,throbbingrapierandfellmadlyinlove.

Allysonwelcomesmailfromreaders.Youcanwritetoherc/oEllora’sCavePublishingat1056Home
Avenue,Akron,OH44310-3502.

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onthewebatwww.ellorascave.comforaneroticreadingexperiencethatwillleaveyoubreathless.

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