While he spoke, Ryker observed his mistress drop to her knees between his spread thighs and unfasten his pants. She gently pulled his limp manhood into sight and spread kisses over its head. Her eagerness and excitement during this and other erotic actions never failed to amaze him, or to sate his outre urges, of which she was ignorant. He grinned and relaxed, allowing her to.succeed with her sly test. As he grew hard and large and hot within her hands and mouth, her pleasure and feverish labors increased; for she always viewed his hasty response as proof of her erotic skills, and as proof of her power to arouse and to potently satisfy her deviant master.
As always after one of Canissia’s visits, Precious tried to make certain the flaming-haired woman had become no threat to her position, or to make sure Canissia had not become a temptation to him for any reason. Little did his loving and pliant mistress know that her skills and sacrifices were nothing more to him than physical releases or sadistic thrills. Except for Canissia, his mistress feared no feminine rival, which was foolish; for he would never be tempted to make love to that ex-whore of Varian’s! The ravishing blonde called “Precious” fretted each time Canissia returned to Darkar to see him. Ryker would laugh and tease Precious about her jealousy over the redhead, but he would cunningly let the exotic blonde retain her one insecurity which held her under control. As for Canissia, he would tolerate her a while longer, for she could present perilous obstacles to his plans if she vindictively revealed any of his secrets. Later, he would have no further use for either Canissia or Precious…
His mistress stood, removed her silky garment, and let it slide to the floor. “Think of more pleasant things, my love,” she coaxed as she caressed her body and writhed seductively before him.
Ryker’s impervious gaze moved up and down her naked body several times. In truth, she was very beautiful. But it was his twisted urges which had kept her around for years, for she unknowingly fed them. She was his property to use as he pleased, even if it did not please him as she imagined. For no physical pleasure was greater to him than feasting on his power over this greedy whore, than being able to take his hatred for women out on her and having her willingly submit to any and every perversion he ordered. The trusting bitch actually believed he loved her body and soul, beyond measure, loved her enough to keep her locked away from any foe who might try to capture her and use her to harm or destroy him. He could never allow Precious to leave this imprisoning complex for even a moment…
When she tried to straddle his lap to encase his erect manhood, he shook his head. “Not yet, Precious, I still crave the stimulation of your sweet mouth. If Cass had only half your beauty and talent, I would be enjoying two mistresses. Show me how much you appreciate my rejecting her again,” he commanded. “Down on your knees, Precious, and let me see the delight and hunger in your eyes.”
His mistress complied instantly and skillfully. Ryker smiled as he witnessed his control over her. She would not halt her task until he changed his last command. He relished her blind obedience and this subservient position on her knees. He could tell when the flames of passion were scorching her body so urgently that he would be able to sate her quickly and easily. As he liked to degrade her, he ordered her to lie over a large and round barrel while he took her fiercely from behind like the demonic beast he was and the savage bitch he considered her to be.
Chapter Four
Jana was awakened the next morning by a series of brief, shrill buzzes. Startled, she struggled to a sitting position. She was not in her bedroom, and that was not a smoke detector or burglar alarm issuing a warning. She recalled this golden suite and her ominous predicament. The remainder of yesterday had passed slowly, with her time consumed by closer study of her “quarters.” Neither of the two males had come to see her, nor had the “We’ll tell you everything later” meeting taken place yet. She had been sent a delicious dinner through the servo unit; and before going to bed, she had received curious orders about today’s business.
The monitor light came on and an unfamiliar voice instructed in a pleasing tone: “At the signal each morning, you will arise, bathe, dress, and eat. After sufficient time for these tasks, your door will open. You will be shown to a room where you will receive your daily instructions. Any questions will be answered at that time. Tardiness, absence, and defiance will not be permitted. Anyone practicing them will be dealt with severely. You will begin your tasks immediately. There will be a signal of three buzzes shortly before your door opens.”
Jana was reminded of school bells, rules, teachers, and classes. Perhaps this routine was typical for prison or military life. A female had made the announcement, adding another person to this crime list. “Daily instructions, tardiness, absence…” sounded as if she would be performing a task. Despite trepidation, Jana was anxious to obtain clues. She quelled her anger and an urge for defiance which might prevent answers to her questions, as her captor had promised. She must solve this mystery: No ransom, rescue; or release…Aliens…Another galaxy…His captive…Starships…Forever…Could these claims be true?
Jana bathed and dressed. She brushed her hair until it glowed with a gold and silvery sheen. She applied a light touch of makeup and a hint of fragrance. She was determined to look calm and attractive at this critical revelation of her fate. When she entered the other room, her meal was ready. All of the dishes were tasty, but again unfamiliar to her. That eerie feeling of uncanny reality touched her once more. She trembled visibly. She gently rubbed her hands up and down her arms to warm their sudden chill.
“Cold, Jana?” the now familiar masculine voice asked.
Jana half turned and gazed up at the camera. She shook her head. “I’m just anxious to get this over with,” she replied in a cautious tone.
“Over?” Varian ruefully echoed. “It’s just beginning,” he corrected.
“Or so you claim,” she bravely retorted. “I’ll believe you when you’ve adequately proven your words. A scientist requires indisputable data.”
“Have it your way. But don’t say I didn’t prepare you with the truth.”
He was like an unknown chemical in a vital formula. She must test him gingerly and respectfully. To challenge him could prove a harmful error. Once she obtained all the information she could, she would evaluate it and come up with a method to neutralize him. Soon, they would meet. She didn’t want him to think he had a timid, dull-witted coward on his hands. She must stand her ground bravely, but exercise caution. “Prepare me for your criminal character, or your ridiculous explanation?” she sparred.
“Oh, I’m certain you won’t find my explanation ridiculous or boring. We’ll see…”
“I’ll await your proof with bated breath.” She hoped her brave façade would make him think again before baiting her.
Her words drew a chuckle. “I’m afraid you might expire first. The meeting has been rescheduled for later today,” he informed her.
“I suppose more stalling to increase my nervousness?” she taunted.
“I suppose,” he agreed in a wickedly teasing tone.
Momentarily, the female’s voice gave the announcement of the canceled meeting. The order came to relax until notification of a new time.
More tricks! I’ve got to know the truth. Damn that camera! If I could only get out of this room and check out the rest of this place…
Jana recalled how she had escaped that thug in Andrea’s drive, giving her a risky idea. Jana stood and leisurely strolled around the room. She wanted to make certain she had her specter’s attention. She halted near the bed and swayed slightly. Touching her fingers to her forehead, she gave a soft moan and gingerly collapsed to the floor.
A voice called out immediately, “Miss Greyson, are you all right?”
Jana remained still. If she failed to carry off this scheme, they would punish her greatly, or so they had threatened. Within minutes someone arrived. Opening her eyes very slightly, she could see the door remain open behind the black knee boots approaching her. She fought to master her
rising fear, because she was terrified even though committed to her dangerous ruse. She closed her eyes and waited, dreading to learn if aliens existed.
A hand gently shook her shoulder as a strange masculine voice questioned, “Miss, are you sick or injured?” Jana moaned and stirred, as she decided this was the third male from her abduction. “Do you require medical assistance?” he inquired.
She asked in a small voice if he could assist her to the bed. He gripped her forearms and helped her to stand. She swayed against his chest and moaned. He released his grip on her arms to catch her sagging body.
Without delay, she forcefully kneed him in the groin. He doubled over and groaned in pain. Jana fled toward the door, slamming into a hard chest. She found herself imprisoned in the iron grip of another man whose entrance she had failed to notice. She struggled vainly to pull free. He gradually backed her up to the first man.
“Ferris, are you all right? It seems my little Earthling is bent on defiance and hostility,” he stated. “I had believed her too smart for such conduct. Foolish and unnecessary, my rash alien,” he scolded her. Her open rebellion and attack on Ferris Laus—his weapons chief and a security control officer under Kyle—caused Varian’s concern over Jana’s health to shift to anger.
Jana recognized the voice of the man who held her and had foiled her escape. Disheveled tawny hair settled wildly around her flushed face and shoulders. His face was hidden behind a reflective vizard; but she guessed his identity from his virile physique, rich voice, a painlessly firm grip and his stirring smell. Her multicolored eyes displayed an array of warring emotions, whose mirrored image provoked recklessness.
“You beast!” she screamed at him. “Release me this instant! You have no right to keep me here!” She squirmed futilely in his strong grip, but did persuade him to shift his confining hands from her forearms to her wrists.
“Behave yourself, Jana. This conduct is silly and dangerous. Don’t act like a spoiled brat!” He gently shook her like some naughty child. “Where is all that aristocratic breeding and intelligence I observed when I was watching you? Have you forgotten all of your manners in less than two days?”
As Jana struggled with Varian, she screamed at him, “You blasted animal! You vile demon! I will not become a docile prisoner or follow your stupid orders! And I will not be insulted or abused by perverted animals!” She rashly bit his hand to break its hold and to steal his attention from an action which she hoped would obtain her freedom instantly: she tried to knee him in the groin with all of her strength.
Commander Varian Saar was well trained and experienced, but Jana’s surprise attack took him off guard. A combination of eye-blurring reactions took place swiftly, unthinking, instinctively: he agilely blocked her knee jab with his right thigh, he yanked his injured hand from her mouth as he yelled aloud in pain, and his highly developed reflexes sent Jana spinning from a stunning back-handed blow across her jawline.
She helplessly toppled and fell. Her scream silenced the heavy thud her forehead made upon impact with the bedside table. Dazed by the sharp blow, she could not make out his following words over the humming inside her ears. Her senses were reeling as she fought against the blackness which threatened to engulf her. Jana touched her throbbing temple. In hazy confusion, she gazed at the red liquid on her fingertips, as tousled hair shielded her face and the bloody injury from the two men. She could feel a warm, sticky substance slowly making a path down her right cheek and she sensed an urgent need to lie down. She gradually pulled herself up and reached for the bedpost for support, swaying slightly, but noticeably.
As Varian was not a man to strike a woman, this behavior shocked both men because it was natural for a captive to attempt escape!
Varian felt remorse and shame as he watched her struggle to rise. He reached to aid her as he spoke her name tenderly. “Jana…”
She jerked her arm free. “Don’t touch me! You animal—” She collapsed on her stomach on the bed, crying into her pillow.
“Are you all right, Ferris?” Varian asked his security guard to cover his anxiety. He didn’t like to lose control, physically or emotionally, and he was distressed over his unintentionally violent response to her attack.
Ferris grinned sheepishly and nodded. “I guess she took me by surprise, sir. I’ll be fine in a few minutes. You all right, sir?” he queried, noticing his commander’s dismay and realizing the blow was unintentional.
Varian frowned, then nodded. He tried to lighten the mood by saying, “You better let Tris check you. Jana wields a mean right knee. I’ve seen it in action before.” His comment was lost on Jana, as was his following apology: “I’m sorry, Jana. You caught me off guard. Please don’t attempt similar stunts in the future.” When she failed to respond, Varian accredited her silence to stubbornness and let it pass for now. Baffled by it all, he turned and hastily departed. What did he know about such assignments and females?
The bleeding continued and saturated her pillow. The laceration turned an angry red. As time passed, a bluish bruise began to form and swell. Jana was unable to hear the buzzer or announcement for lunch.
Ferris observed her on the monitor, then called out, “Miss Greyson, it’s time to eat. No more games or defiance.” Ferris was tempted to suspect trickery again, but he suddenly realized she had not moved or made any sound since her fall this morning.
“Miss Greyson, can you hear me? It’s dangerous to persist in this rebellion. Will you answer me?” he asked, his concern and uncertainty growing.
This time, Ferris Laus approached her with caution. On entering her room, he coaxed, “No more tricks. The commander will be upset with both of us. We’re not going to harm you. Don’t you understand you provoked his anger. He didn’t mean to hit you.” But his words brought no response. Ferris gently shook her and called her name. He leaned over and pulled her long hair away from her face. He inhaled sharply as he saw the injury on her temple and her blood-soaked pillow.
Ferris put his ear to her back and sighed aloud in relief. There was a steady heartbeat. He shouted to his relief officer in security control, “You’d better alert Dr. Zarcoff and the commander. She’s really hurt…and bad from the looks of it.”
Tristan and Varian were rapidly at her bedside. As Tristan checked Jana, Varian said regretfully, “I didn’t realize she was hurt. How is she?”
“Mild concussion with a large contusion. Sixteen-millimeter laceration,” Tristan muttered as he examined her following Varian’s dismissal of Ferris.
“Isn’t that too much bleeding for a small cut? She’s awfully pale.”
“She burst a small vein on impact. It’s clotted and sealed off now.”
“But why has she been unconscious for so long?” Varian anxiously asked. “Why didn’t she say anything to me at the time?”
“Pride. Shock from the blow. Surely you can imagine what she must have thought? You’ve studied her psychological profile.”
Varian considered Tristan’s theory for a minute. “She probably thinks she’s in the hands of a brutal barbarian. How long will this state of shock last?”
Before Tristan could answer, a stretcher arrived and Jana was taken to sick bay where Tristan sedated her lightly during treatment. He cleaned the wound thoroughly and infused Clinitroid, a drug to reduce swelling an to extirpate fluid and blood from the surrounding damaged tissues. Tristan would seal the laceration after the medication had done its job.
While he waited, Tristan wondered at Varian’s unusual cruelty to this woman. What had she done to provoke him so violently? Perhaps she would drop a clue when she awoke later. Tristan was infusing three more units of Clinitroid into Jana’s wound when Varian entered the room.
Varian covered the short distance in a couple of long, easy strides. “How is our little patient doing, Tris? Any change?”
“Some,” Tristan answered. Five hundred women aboard, and Varian could keep his distance and thoughts from all except Jana. Interesting…
Varian leaned forw
ard to glance over Tristan’s shoulder. He noted the steady decrease in swelling and discoloration in the surrounding area. He grinned and sighed loud with obvious relief.
As Tristan touched the tender area, Jana groaned and tried to brush away his hand. Tristan said, “Go to the other side and hold her still. We certainly don’t want to risk further damage from interfering hands.”
Tristan grinned slyly as he observed the gentle way Varian handled her. As he continued to attempt to soothe her, Jana arched her back and tried to pull her hands free in unknowing protest to his ministrations.
Tristan knew the area was still too swollen to effect a scarless sealing of the laceration. As he pushed on the two jagged sides to promote the body’s natural effort at self-healing, she struggled weakly and cried out, “No-o-o…” The injury was still too sensitive to work with under this light sedation, and he could not risk a stronger narcotic with her concussion.
Varian held her hands firmly. Jana struggled for consciousness. Her eyelids fluttered as she tried to open them and focus on the dark form towering over her. For a brief period they cleared. She stared up into the face of the handsome and breathtaking man of her dreams who had come to save her from danger and pain. Feeling safe, she relaxed.
A soul-tingling voice tenderly commanded, “Relax, Jana. Everything’s fine.” When her dreamy gaze locked on his face, a charming smile settled on his mouth. He was warmed by the way she seemed mesmerized by him.
Tristan completed his work and turned to put away his instruments. He reflected on Jana’s skills and training. With his regular staff on leave…Tristan glanced at Jana and smiled secretly. Varian wanted her happy and calm, didn’t he? What better way to distract and relax her, to win her loyalty?
Varian released Jana’s hands. He leaned forward, bringing their faces close. His blue gaze was tender. He stroked her hair and murmured softly, “That’s all, Jana. Close those beautiful eyes and sleep.”
Jana’s left hand reached out to touch his sensual lips. Her fingers traced the cleft in his chin and the smile creases near his mouth. She stared into his cobalt-blue eyes for a moment. Grasping his head between her hands, she pulled it down to join her lips to his. Jana relished the flavor and skill of his mouth as it responded to hers. She murmured, “I’ve waited for you all of my life.” Her gaze melted into his as she fought the sedative. Her eyes closed and she lost her battle for consciousness.
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