“You asked me how you could care for me knowing me only a short time. If a pairing is right, the connection can happen in an instant. Eyes touch, they silently speak,” he said, then taking a breath, he murmured, “as ours did, as ours do now.”
Abby swallowed hard.
He was right.
She could feel him inside her soul.
“Zaroff,” she said softly, “you just described love at first sight.”
“I did no such thing.”
“Yes, you did, you just don’t know it, or you don’t want to accept it. We’re falling in love. No, we are in love. Whether you want to admit it or not, that’s the truth. You’ve just told me I light a fire in you, that you care for me way more than you expected you would.”
“I do. I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t.”
“At some point you’ll have to come to terms with this, just as I’ve had to come to terms with all the crap—sorry—everything you’ve thrown at me.”
“Believe what you will, but this is distracting. I must address the matter at hand.”
“Which is?”
“Your temper tantrum, of course.”
“Please don’t be angry with me.”
“Your emotional displays are—”
“Human,” she declared, cutting him off. “It seems to me Ratheons are over-controlled. You talk about self-discipline, but not being able to speak your mind is wrong. Releasing emotion is a good thing, not a bad thing. If you don’t speak your mind you end up with ulcers and all kinds of stress-related problems. You might not like my outbursts, but it’s better than keeping everything bottled up.”
“I have already told you we encourage free thinking and free speech, but it must be considerate and restrained. If too much is said in anger, situations escalate and become harmful, even dangerous. Yes, Abby, you’re right, unchecked emotional displays are human, and that’s one of the reasons Earth has struggled throughout its history with wars and violence. If you wish to stay here, you will have to learn how to moderate your responses.”
“Um... I’ve never thought about it like that,” she said softly, “but you’re right. Yelling can get out of hand. It happens all the time. Okay... I’m going to tell you calmly and without emotion exactly where I stand, though I’ve already told you over and over again. Present me to the ruler if you must, but I will refuse. I want to stay here, but with you. For how long I don’t know, but I do. Please, will you forgive me for shouting at you? I’m sorry. I am. I’ll do better.”
“Yes, Abby, I forgive you,” he said with a heavy sigh, “but you must be punished. You won’t learn if your behavior is left uncorrected. Do you accept this?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Master.”
“I’m back to calling you Master now?”
“You most certainly are. Remove your clothing from the waist down, place it on the bed for the furrbit, then lie over the arm of the couch by the fireplace. I’ll be back in a moment.”
“Yes, Master,” she replied meekly. “May I ask you something?”
“Always a question.”
“Is that a yes?”
“Go on.”
“You said you knew I explored BDSM. Is that significant? Is it common on Rathe? Does it have something to do with the gene?”
“We believe it does. On Earth BDSM is considered an aberration, but for those who carry the gene it is common practice. Females are subject to the discipline of their partners, and pleasurable sex involves bondage, blindfolds, and other forms of titillation. A Ratheon with the gene could never be happy without this in their life. Those who don’t carry the gene appear to be satisfied with simple coupling. Anything else?”
“No, Master. Thank you.”
“Do as I instructed. I’ll return momentarily.”
“Yes, Master.”
As he turned and walked across the room to an opening near the fireplace, she picked up Cosmo and cuddled him.
“I hope this isn’t upsetting you, sweet boy. You’re humming, so apparently not,” she murmured as she carried him to the bed. “You are such a treasure. You need to stay on the bed for a few minutes.”
Quickly taking off everything except her shirt, she laid the garments on the coverlet, and he immediately curled up and closed his eyes.
“You take your nap after your busy morning,” she said softly, then hurried across to the grouping of furniture and bent herself over the arm of the sofa. The material touching her skin was warm and soft, and settling into position, she turned her head and glanced at the wall where Zaroff had disappeared.
Her heart began to race.
The unknown was sending her butterflies into a fluttering dance. She assumed he would spank her, but with what, and for how long? The opening appeared, and as he entered she caught her breath. In one hand he carried something she didn’t recognize, but in the other a black leather square paddle.
“Six swats,” he declared, tossing the unidentified implement on a nearby chair as he approached. “Do you wish to accept the punishment?”
“Yes, Master.”
“Repeat after each swat, I am sorry I lost my temper and was disrespectful, Master. Please spank me harder.”
“Yes, Master.”
“One swat counts as one swat on each cheek,” he said, tapping the paddle on the center of her backside. “Keep your legs closed, do not yell loudly, and keep track of the smacks. Understood?”
“Yes, Master.”
The first blows immediately landed with a hot, biting sting.
“Ooh, ow! I am sorry I lost my temper and was disrespectful, Master. Please spank me harder.”
There was no precursor to the second, delivered to the same spot on each cheek.
“Ow! Ow! I am sorry I lost my temper and was disrespectful, Master. Please spank me harder.”
Dispatching the third just below the second, the additional force made her gasp and wriggle.
“Oh, Master, that hurts.”
“Don’t add additional punishment by speaking out of turn.”
“I am sorry I lost my temper and was disrespectful, Master. Please spank me harder.”
The implement carried a fierce sting, and as he slid the paddle lower, she took a deep breath and squeezed her eyes shut.
It struck.
She threw back her head as the hot prickling pain rippled through her seat.
“I am sorry I lost my temper and was disrespectful, Master. Please spank me harder.”
“How many is that, Abby?”
“Uh, four, Master.”
“How many left?”
“Two, Master.”
“Say the following after each swat. If I lose my temper again, I will expect the discipline to be more severe, Master.”
“Yes, Master.”
He tapped the paddle on her sit spot.
It would hurt!
Really hurt!
She braced herself.
“Such bad behavior from a disrespectful girl,” he scolded, then landed the fiery smacks.
Though she couldn’t suppress a wail, she managed to regain her composure and stammer out the phrase.
“If I lose my t-temper again, I will expect the d-discipline to be more severe, Master.”
“Spread your legs.”
The command took her by surprise. Not sure what to expect, she shuffled her feet apart. He touched her sex, and in spite of her bottom’s keen burn she let out a soft moan.
“Drenched,” he muttered, sliding his finger into her channel. “Wouldn’t you just love a cock right now?”
“Yes, Master, very much, but only yours, Master.”
“You’re such a naughty girl,” he said huskily, thrusting his finger in and out. “Tell me what you want, Abby, but lewdly, tell me lewdly.”
“To be fucked, Master,” she bleated, squirming against his hand. “I do, Master. I want you to fuck me so badly.”
“Do bad-tempered girls deserve to be fucked?”
“No, Master.”
/>
“What a shame. Something you need to keep in mind. Close your legs.”
Whimpering with an aching need, she brought her feet together, and as the final swats landed, she clenched her teeth and hissed in the air.
“If I lose my temper again, I expect the discipline to be more severe, Master.”
“What else do you have to say?”
“Thank you for correcting me, Master.”
“Raise yourself up. I’m placing you in a gag. This is an old-fashioned method of training, but it can be very effective. You spoke out of turn, so you will not speak at all. Do you accept the punishment?”
“Yes, Master.”
“This is not severe,” he declared as he picked up the implement, “but if you lose your temper and are disrespectful again you can count on something far less pleasant. Open your mouth.”
After she accepted the small, soft ball between her lips, he wrapped the leather straps around her head. Though it wasn’t horribly uncomfortable, it wasn’t something she wanted to endure for very long.
“Buckles, they’re so cumbersome,” he muttered, “but there’s something pleasing about them. Since you’re probably wondering and you’re unable to ask, yes, this was purchased on Earth, as are many of our training implements. Bend over the arm again and spread your legs. I will be close by watching you,” he continued as she lowered herself down. “If you suffer any kind of panic or cannot breathe, you may stand up and I’ll come right away. You are to think about your outburst, and consider how you could have expressed yourself with dignity and without such blatant disrespect.” Smoothing his hand over her crimson cheeks, he slipped his fingers back into her sex. “You have such a lovely pussy.”
He had muttered the words, and pulling himself away, he moved into a small room near the bed. Rippling the wall and bringing her into view, he pushed down his leggings and grabbed his bursting cock, urgently stroking himself into a powerful climax.
“How is it you’ve affected me this way?” he murmured, gazing at her reddened backside and drooling sex. “Are you right? Is this overwhelming feeling I have for you being in love? It’s certainly disturbing and unfamiliar, but it also borders on elation. One thing I do know, regardless of what happens or where you might be, you will always be extremely important to me, and I will be available to guide, to correct, and to care for you. That, Abby, is a solemn promise.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Zaroff had left Abby to ponder for only a short time. Not only was the discipline new to her and not to be overdone, he needed to return to the command center. Removing the gag, he brought her into his arms, and as he hugged her tenderly he closed his eyes and breathed in her fragrance. He’d never imagined a female could affect him so profoundly.
“Tell me how you’re feeling and what’s on your mind,” he murmured, feeling his heart swell and aching to stretch out next to her on the big, luxurious bed.
“I thought about what you said, and I understand why you needed to keep tabs on me. I’ll try very hard to control myself in the future, but it’s not easy.”
“The more you do it, the easier it will become,” he said softly, pulling back and staring down at her. “Get dressed and collect Cosmo. I need to take you back.”
“Yes, Master, though I wish we could lie down together and snuggle for a really long time.”
“That would be nice,” he replied, amazed she’d parroted his thoughts. “Unfortunately duty calls and I must return.”
The ruler’s quarters offered its own pod, and they were soon being whisked to a private drop off opening directly into the command center. Her backside still prickling and hot, Abby followed him inside with Cosmo trotting along beside her, but she stopped short the moment she entered.
Glossy screens with three-dimensional images surrounded her, some displaying planets, others diagrams she couldn’t begin to understand. As Zaroff moved to a glass-top table, she quickly realized it wasn’t glass, but a transparent screen with a row of strange symbols running down both sides.
“Abby, come here. I want to show you the headquarters of the Universal Alliance.”
Stepping forward, she watched a 3-D image of a magnificent structure come into view.
“It looks like a group of skyscrapers joined together floating in space,” she remarked. “It’s spectacular.”
“The seven member planets, soon to be eight with Fay, have many citizens living there.”
“Does the ruler have a home there too?”
“He does. A very beautiful home. He distributes his time between there, Rathe, and this ship,” Zaroff said, touching the screen and changing the view to come from a different angle. “The members of the alliance share a desire to keep peace in the universe. If other races don’t wish to join us, that’s fine, but it means we have to keep track of their weaponry and activities, though don’t misunderstand, declining our invitation doesn’t mean they wish us harm.”
“Why would they say no?”
“Joining the alliance encompasses many obligations.”
“Like what?”
“There are laws they must follow, and among other concerns are trade agreements, a commitment to help defend other member planets if they fall under attack, and all members are required to send aid if a member suffers through a famine or some other disaster. Now, Abby, it’s time for you to—”
“Zaroff, excuse me for interrupting,” Abby said, lifting her eyes from the screen to look at him, “but the ruler, what does he do exactly?”
“He presides over the alliance, oversees the actions of its members, and takes the lead in times of crisis.”
“Is it a lifetime job?”
“Not necessarily. If he falls too ill to perform his duty, another is chosen, but if he no longer wishes to continue he can resign.”
“You said he,” Abby persisted. “Is the ruler always a male?”
“Why so many questions, Abby?”
“I can’t help it. I’m a researcher, remember?”
“I have work to do,” he said, his voice tinged with impatience, “and you must return to the chamber.”
“Please, Zaroff, is the ruler always male and a Ratheon? I won’t ask anything else.”
“The last question?”
“Yes, the last—for now.”
“For now, but of course,” he muttered. “The ruler is usually male, but only because females find it difficult committing to such a demanding position and simultaneously giving their children the nurturing they require. Ratheons are popular as leaders, but occasionally another planet will produce a suitable candidate.”
“That comment about the female not being able to do the job because she has to care for her children sounds backward.”
“Sometimes what is seen as progress isn’t, and can be counterproductive. There have been two female rulers. They were excellent, but they both stepped away to devote their lives to their families. The love of a mother is unique, Abby.”
“I assume each of the planets have someone in charge besides the ruler.”
“You said no more questions!”
“That wasn’t a question,” she said with a mischievous grin.
“Are you looking to make your sore bottom even more tender?”
“Oh, Zaroff, can’t you take a joke?”
“Of course, but I will always land my hand on the bottom of a cheeky girl who likes to push her luck.”
“Do you promise?”
“You are unbelievable!” he exclaimed with a grin, then suddenly pinched her nipples.
“Ouch.”
“You are also very distracting, and I have matters that need my attention. Minerva will be here in a moment to take you back. When we arrive at the headquarters you’ll be moved into a suite of rooms in the ruler’s quarters, but you don’t have to worry. Minerva and the keeper will stay with you. The keeper will continue to prepare your food and make sure you’re not disturbed, and Minerva will help you prepare for the presentation, but when the time com
es, only you and I and the ruler will be present.”
“I thought it took place in front of an audience.”
“What gave you that idea?”
“I’m not sure. That’s a relief. I didn’t like the idea of walking onto a stage.”
“No, Abby, no stage, no audience. Ah, good, here’s Minerva. When you’re ready for the pleasure zone testing I’ll join you. You must take a bath in the blue crystals, then lie on the bench naked.”
“The bench again,” she murmured, thinking back to the last time she’d been on it and feeling her stomach roll.
“Sir, everything is ready,” Minerva declared. “The tub is filled and waiting.”
“Excellent. Thank you, Minerva. Off you go, Abby. I’ll see you in a little while.”
“Come on, Cosmo. Tell me about these crystals, Minerva. What do they do? Do they smell good? How long will I have to soak?”
Though Abby’s interrogation was no surprise, he still found himself shaking his head as he watched her leave.
“Sir, Commander Sinjin needs to speak with you,” Keon said, snatching his attention. “He needs to discuss the supplies for the Faylins.”
“Thank you, Keon. Open the channel,” he ordered, and forcing the precocious, beautiful woman to the back of his mind, he turned his attention to the pressing matters at hand.
* * *
The crystals had turned the bathwater a foamy powder blue. Minerva had told Abby they would slough her skin of dead cells and any impurities, then turn clear when the job was done.
“You should drain the water as soon as that happens, and it won’t take long,” Minerva had instructed as she’d left. “Your skin will feel dry, but it’s temporary.”
Sinking into the warm, tingling bubbles, Abby closed her eyes and recalled the luxurious bedroom suite and the sting of Zaroff’s paddle. He was strict, but she loved his authority.
“I’ve been in control of every relationship I’ve ever had,” she muttered, the realization hitting her as she opened her eyes. “No wonder I was always so annoyed, and Charlie, why did he have to try so hard? Oh, shit, the water’s clear.”
Touching the button that would drain the bath, she climbed out, dried herself off, and donned the robe.
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