by Lynnea Lee
“There is an easy fix for that. Just take her and fuck her good a few times. She'll lose her fear of you fast after screaming around your cock for a few days.” Ulrek smirked at him. “That is, unless you don’t know how to please a female.”
“You know that's not how I work.”
Unlike Kean, Ulrek had gotten used to the special concessions the Dominion had given him. The Dominion had spoiled him, giving him anything he wanted. Now, Ulrek took what he often wanted without asking, females included. It was a habit Ulrek needed to break.
Kean had very strict rules inside his compound. He kept those living here safe, especially the females. On a planet like Vosthea, where the strongest ruled, females lived in fear unless they had someone powerful to protect them. The females inside Kean’s compound had his protection. They were safe, and everyone living and working here knew the rules. The rules held tight, even for close friends like Ulrek. They held even for Kean himself.
The thought of forcing Sarah to release her fear of him was very tempting. With the way her body reacted to his, it wouldn’t be difficult. But the image of her hiding the stolen knife behind her back while at Gadrek’s flashed in his head, and Kean thought better of it. He didn’t want to risk waking up to a knife in his back.
Sarah was having no problems keeping him on his toes. But when Kean finally got to have a taste of her, it would be because she begged him for it.
He focused his attention back on Ulrek. “We’ve left Gadrek’s stronghold intact. It’s yours. The males there are used to working for a Dominion rep; they’ll see you either as an upgrade or a traitor.”
“I’m not worried. I can deal with any troublemakers. I’ll head over after your big event tomorrow evening.”
“And I will announce you as my representative in the area then as well.” Kean was sure not everyone would be happy at the announcement. But even those who hated Ulrek had respect for his reputation.
They ended their comm, and Kean was left to think about the dilemma he had with the little female. He wondered how she was going to react when she saw him later today.
Sarah sat at the edge of the bridge, dangling her legs into the cool, calm water of the stream. This was paradise. The sun shone brightly above, a cool breeze blew through the trees, and everything felt right in the world, except that she was hiding from the murderous man of the house.
For the past few days, Sarah had been leaving her room bright and early in the morning to roam the premises. She knew Kean was usually busy in the morning and wouldn't have the time to look for her. She made sure that by lunchtime, she was far away from her room.
She met a lot of new people living and working in the compound. Many of the guards were friendly, though they were not very talkative. She had better luck talking with the maids and servants. Most loved working and living here.
Sarah went back to visit the cook, who had given her meat and vegetable-filled pastries for the past two days and a sweet cream-filled one today.
She also visited the creche daily. The females running the nursery were all mothers of their own. She’d help them out for a few hours, and they’d offered her a job, but Sara declined. She knew she wouldn't have the patience to last even one day.
Sarah had also found this little piece of paradise. It was a small pathway that crossed the stream and led to a grove of mature trees. The bridge over the stream was quaint, as if taken right out of a storybook. How a scene on Vosthea could look so much like a setting for an Earth-style fairytale was beyond her, and she was in love. Of all the places in the compound, this was her favorite.
“There you are, Sarah,” the familiar voice said. It was Zake.
No matter where Sarah went, Zake always found her. It was most likely because he could track her down by scent.
“Kean dropped by your room today and left a package. It’s your dress for tomorrow's event. You should probably try it on in case changes need to be made.”
Dress? What dress? Not to mention, what event?
Zake must have seen the confused look on her face because he replied, “Kean is throwing a big party tomorrow to celebrate the unification of Vosthea under his rule. It's tomorrow evening. It’s really just a big show of power and wealth and a way for Kean to meet and judge all the major players. You must look your best.”
“Why do I need to look my best?”
“Because you'll be going with him as his companion for the event.”
So this was how it was going to be. Sarah had decorated Gadrek’s arm for important events, especially at the beginning of her captivity, before she’d lost her sister. Kean planned to use her for the same purpose. That was fine. She could handle that. Decorating Kean’s arms, or even lap, might even be enjoyable. At least this time, she didn't want to kill the man she was decorating, despite him being a killer himself.
“Let’s get you back to your room so you can try it on.”
Zake offered her a hand. Sarah took it, and he lifted her up to her feet. Then he ushered her towards her living quarters.
The dress was beautiful, unlike the gaudy, tasteless numbers Gadrek had her wear. Sarah almost felt bad that she would make the dress look worse by being in it. She was too thin and didn’t have the necessary padding to fill it out. It was a gorgeous emerald green, the same color as Kean’s eyes. Unlike some of the other Tallean-styled party dresses she had seen, this dress actually covered her body.
Curious to see what it would look like on her, she quickly stripped off the girly pink dress she was wearing. Picking the elegant dress up gingerly by the straps, she stepped into it, pulling the straps up onto her shoulders. The chest was padded so that it gave her extra shape, and the skirt flared out at the hips to give the illusion of an hourglass figure. The flaring skirt had a high slit up the front of her left thigh; it offered just enough of a glimpse of flesh to be sexy without being trashy.
The back opened into a deep V with criss-cross lacing. Most of the lacing was permanently done but the last little bit needed to be fastened manually. Unable to fully put on her dress, she held the rest in place and stood in front of the mirror.
A knock sounded from her door. It opened a moment later, and Kean walked in. Sarah whipped around and gasped, despite knowing that he would walk in on her. The dress had been a ploy for him to finally catch her. She had known it but fell for it anyway.
Kean walked towards her, a look of appreciation on his face.
“Ravishing,” he growled. “I knew this would be beautiful on you.”
The look of appreciation deepened, changed, morphed into something else: hunger.
Sarah backed away, suddenly aware of how close he was. This man was dangerous, she reminded herself. She couldn't, wouldn't fall for his charms. She willed her body not to react, trying to recall the fear on his victim's face. But her body betrayed her and warmed at his closeness.
Damn him! And damn her body for being so easily swayed by him. Her body recognized Kean as safe, no matter what Sarah tried to tell it.
“Calm, Sarah. I’ll never hurt you.” Kean leaned over, grabbed her arm, and turned her around to face the mirror. He looked at her through the mirror. “Let me help you lace up.”
His fingers were gentle, and despite her reservations, Sarah relaxed.
Chapter 6
When Kean saw Sarah in that dress, he had to pick his jaw back up from the floor. Sarah was mesmerizing. The dressmaker was a true artist, but Sarah was his main focus. He knew she’d been avoiding him since the day she’d seen him working. Even now, as he approached, the scent of fear emanated from her. Despite giving her time, she still feared him. Maybe it was time to prove to her he would never hurt her.
Catching her arm before she could back away further, he turned Sarah to face the mirror. He held her firmly but with light fingers, careful not to bruise her tender skin.
“Calm, Sarah. I won’t hurt you.” He kept his hands on her shoulders and met her eyes through the mirror
. “You weren’t supposed to witness what you saw the other day. I wanted to protect you from it. There are things I must do that I’m not proud of. But I promise you I’ll never willingly cause you harm. You might not believe me now, and I understand your hesitation. But will prove it to you.”
Sarah broke free of his gaze and looked to the ground. Kean tamped down the disappointment. It would take time for her to trust him. He would have to learn patience.
“Let me help you lace up.”
With deft fingers, he did up the remainder of the laces. Each time the tips of his fingers touched her skin, he let them linger for a moment longer than necessary. By the time Kean had laced up the back of the tight-fitting bodice, Sarah was relaxed.
One look in the mirror and Sarah's face brightened, and a glimpse of her former beauty shone through. She was beautiful now, but she must have been a slice of the stars before she was forced to endure a life with Gadrek. The padding and shape of the dress gave the illusion of a little extra meat, but Kean knew that with a little care and good food, Sarah would fill out again.
Kean vowed to bring her back to health. She was his, and he would care for her. Sarah would shine bright again with him.
“Wow, it's a perfect fit.” She smiled at her reflection in the mirror. “It’s a little long, but perfect, otherwise. How did you know my size?”
“The first day you were here, we scanned you on the med bed. The med bed took your measurements, and I sent those measurements to the dressmaker. He added a little extra ease so you can still wear it once you’ve filled out. The length will be fixed once you put on your shoes.”
Sarah turned from side to side, admiring the way the dress looked on her. “This dress makes me look almost normal again. All I need now is my long hair.” Her face dropped at the mention of her hair.
Kean ruffled her long pixie cut affectionately before brushing the messy strands out of her face. “Hair will grow back. You’re beautiful the way you are. Perfect.” Kean pulled her back against his body, and she didn't push him away, a small victory that made him stand a little taller.
Kean led her to sit on the vanity chair. He picked up the crystal-studded shoes he had left earlier by the bed.
Tallean footwear had openings at the front for their clawed toes and thick platforms to keep their claws off the ground. This pair was designed similarly but for Sarah’s human feet. It had an opening for her toes, crisscrossing straps up the front mimicking the back of the dress, and thick platforms. The platform had a slight wedge shape so that when she stood, it would show off her calves. It also served to make her look a little taller.
Sarah was small, even for a human female. Next to Kean, she was almost childlike. Kean wanted the public to see her as a female worthy as a companion, not the broken slave Gadrek had paraded her around as. He knew how important it was to sway public opinion. He also knew how easy it was; most were easily convinced with elegant clothes and fancy jewels.
Kean picked up one little foot. She didn't pull away, so he gave her foot a quick rub. She hummed, the sound barely perceptible. He looked up and saw her eyes were closed, a soft smile on her face.
He spoke to her while he strapped on her shoes. “This party is critical to my success in running Vosthea. I'm forcing all the smaller and medium-sized players on Vosthea to come to me. I need to know who are my allies and who are my foes. Those I know are loyal to me will go among the guests to gather information. And my security cameras will record every face that walks in and who they spend time with so I will have a sense of who is who on Vosthea. I know many of the major players already, but Gadrek’s area is new to me.
“Aside from gathering intelligence, this event is also a show of wealth and power.”
“And you wish for me to sit at your feet? Gadrek had me do that.” A look of disdain crossed her face. “Though by the end, I was such a mess, I doubt I added any value.”
“No. Not by my feet. I want you to sit by my side.”
She paused, her brows furrowing together. “At your side? But—”
“You will be perfect, little one. And if you do not wish to sit by my side, you can always sit in my lap.” Kean smirked at her from his kneeling position by her feet.
She blushed, looking flustered.
“I am not like Gadrek. You are correct. A broken slave does nothing to raise my image. I prefer the public to see you as a strong female, as my companion.”
Kean stood her up and walked her to the mirror again to see the whole effect of the dress and shoes together.
“Wow! I look almost regal. I would never have guessed the female in the mirror was five foot flat and like, ninety pounds soaking wet.” She turned and twirled in the dress.
A tightness formed in Kean’s chest, and he swallowed hard, unable to look away from his female.
“But I should take the dress off before I dirty it. It must cost a fortune.” She reached back but was unable to undo the laces.
Kean had requested the dressmaker design a dress that would need help getting into and out of. It was a little underhanded, but it gave him an excuse to spend time with Sarah, to touch her. “I will help you.”
Kean took his time undoing the laces, using every opportunity to stroke his hand across her skin. He stood close so she would feel the heat from his body. It worked. She closed her eyes, and slowly, a hint of lust reached his nose. He growled by her ear, and the lust blossomed.
He dragged the straps off her shoulders and slowly peeled the dress off of her body before letting it drop to the ground. She stood naked before him. One hand came up to cover her breasts, but she didn't move, and the scent of arousal didn't fade. He continued smoothing his fingers over her soft skin.
She closed her eyes and fisted her hands at her side as if trying to control her own reactions. Keen leaned close, breathing in her scent. A rumble started in his chest.
“Beautiful,” he growled.
But before Kean could take this further, his comm buzzed in his pocket.
Fuck! Kean regretted booking that meeting now. He didn't want to leave, but he knew he was already late.
He turned Sarah to face him before gripping her chin and tilting her face to look up at his. “I can't wait to peel this off you tomorrow night.” Another surge of lust perfumed the air.
Then he turned stiffly and forced himself out of the room.
Chapter 7
Sarah leaned forward to help Nouma tighten the laces at the back of her dress. She had been appreciative when Nouma had shown up to get her ready for the party instead of Kean. She wasn't sure she was strong enough to handle a repeat of yesterday. Despite knowing he was a monster, Sarah’s body still reacted to his. It was unacceptable. It didn't help that he acted like such a gentleman when they were alone.
“This dress is gorgeous on you!” Nouma exclaimed.
Over the past few days, Sarah had heard plenty of stories of how the people living here had met Kean. But she still didn’t know how Nouma ended up at the compound. Curious, she asked, “How did you meet Kean?”
The smile Nouma sent her way was full of warmth. “I've known Kean for a very long time. I was here when this compound was just one small building. My daughter was pregnant then, and we were both running from the male who got her that way; he was a hitter. Kean took us in. When the thug came knocking, Kean hid us in the basement before inviting him in. Kean was just starting to produce Euphora at the time, and he recruited the male to test his wares. He never even suspected we were in the same building. I've been here ever since.
“I did my best to run his household, and as the compound grew, I trained the staff for him. And so here we are.”
“Where is your daughter now?” Nouma had shared her granddaughter's old clothes with Sarah, which meant this had happened many years ago. Kean must be older than he looked.
“She met her mate!” Nouma beamed at her.
Sarah knew about mates and the mating bond. When Talleans sp
end time with the right person, they form a mating bond. It was a “’til death do us part” sort of deal. Talleans who were mated could not physically cheat, and their mates meant everything to them.
She’d heard rumors that Talleans were able to form mating bonds with humans. Some of the Earth women she’d met in Kean’s library during the attack on the compound had referred to themselves as mates. But Sarah wasn’t sure if they were truly mates, or if they only used that term to make things easier, like when men referred to their girlfriends as “the wife” back on Earth. She wondered if she would ever be so lucky.
“You must be so happy for her.”
“They are a happy family now, and my granddaughter is just entering the last phase of her schooling. They live on New Rhea. They asked me to go with them, but my life is here, helping Kean. This is a sanctuary on a harsh planet, and I wish to do my part to keep it running.”
Nouma sat her down by the vanity and took a pouch of cosmetic products out of her satchel. “This is a special occasion, so let's get you all pretty.”
She evened out Sarah’s complexion with a cream-like product before defining her eyes with a thick, dark liner. On her cheekbone, Nouma drew a pretty swirl design; it was a common detail for Tallean women. A little bit of color on her lips and cheeks, and she was done. Sarah looked in the mirror. The light touch of cosmetics made a huge difference. Gone were the sunken cheeks and the sallow complexion. Instead, she looked almost radiant.
There was a knock at the door, and Kean walked in.
“I'm here to pick up my beautiful companion for today's party.” He grinned at her through the mirror, and the smile was so contagious that Sarah had to smile back.
“You two have fun tonight.”
Kean laughed. “Nouma, you know how much I hate these events. I only go to keep up appearances.”
“You are also the host,” Nouma reminded him. “So, you have no choice.”
“That too.”