“More?”
“Goddess, yes.” The strain in his voice made her feel powerful, desirable. He wanted her and she wanted to bring him pleasure. She closed her mouth around the swollen crown, just holding it and enjoying the feel of him inside her mouth. She made a slow circle with her tongue, flicking underneath, and he gasped and surged further into her mouth. His hands cupped her head as he worked his way deeper. He was so big it was overwhelming but she wanted as much of him as she could get. She fisted the base of his cock, unable to close her hand completely but holding him as tightly as she could as she took him deeper. Her lips met her fingers just as he reached her throat. She choked and he immediately pulled back, but she tightened her mouth and sucked hard as he withdrew. When only his head remained in the close embrace of her mouth, she slid back down his shaft, swirling her tongue.
Her other hand was gently caressing his balls. Remembering the way he had touched her, she slid one finger deeper, exploring the sensitive flesh behind them. His body jerked as she reached the tight pucker. She swirled her finger around the opening, gradually pressing deeper as she increased the speed of her mouth, sucking harder and faster. His hands were clamped around her head, not hurting her but encouraging her, and she took him deeper, worked him faster. She felt the muscles in his legs tighten, felt his balls draw close. She pushed her finger deep inside his body and he came with a roar. His seed flooded her mouth and she swallowed greedily, relishing the torrent of hot liquid.
His hands gentled and he leaned over to draw her to her feet as she released him.
“That was amazing.” His voice was still ragged and satisfaction filled her.
“I thought so, too.” She smiled up at him and he kissed her, stroking his tongue deep into her mouth. Her nipples rubbed against his hard chest and she suddenly realized how aroused she was by what she had done to him. Her pussy ached and her cleft was swollen and wet. She moaned into his mouth, sucking on his tongue, and rubbed harder against his chest. His cock was hardening again, and she rubbed against it as well.
“Do you want something, little one?” Dragar teased. He gripped her hips and held her further away from his body. She pushed back impatiently but he kept her suspended as he looked around the shower. Sitting on the marble bench that formed part of the shower, he pulled her closer but when she tried to climb into his arms, he turned her around so that her back was to his chest. Then he lifted her over his lap, dropping her down until she felt the head of his massive cock nudging her swollen entrance. She tried to push down but he laughed and lowered her slowly. She gasped as he spread her open. The tight channel was still sore but he felt so good she didn’t mind the slight sting.
He responded to the tension in her body and kept her suspended with one big hand while the other circled around to tease her engorged clit. Each flick of his fingers made her shiver. Her pussy opened as her excitement built and more fluid released from her body. She sank deeper until he filled her completely, head pressing against her cervix. Still teasing the sensitive bundle of nerves at the top of her cleft, his other hand plucked her nipples, rolling them until she gasped, and then soothing them with gentle caresses. She reached up and locked her hands around his neck, pushing her breasts further into his hands.
Impatient to move, she tried to lift up but she had little leverage in this position. His hand moved from between her legs and a gentle spray of water whipped across her engorged clit. She wiggled and the spray returned, harder this time. She looked down to see that he was using a control to manipulate the spray. Her legs were spread open over his lap, her labia parted around the pink inner flesh. Another squirt of water. This one didn’t let up but pulsed against her swollen nub. She quivered with each pulse. His cock filled her and she felt the resistance each time her pussy tightened. The water pressure increased, pulsing harder and harder against her clit, the sensations overwhelming her. She tried to squirm away but there was no escape. Desperately she clung to his neck as the pressure and pleasure increased until she came with a scream.
As soon as she did, Dragar moved, gripping her hips and thrusting her up and down his cock as her channel convulsed around him. Each time he forced her down he hit her cervix and each time she convulsed again. Her climax never seemed to end and she was lost in a daze of pleasure. With a final massive thrust, he swelled and came, more hot liquid jetting deep inside her pussy. He swept his hand over the swollen oversensitive nub, it was too much but she screamed and came a final time, shattering in his arms.
They clung to each other, breathless and spent. Beth’s heart finally slowed and she unwound her hands from Dragar’s neck. He lifted her free and then turned her so that she was cuddled in his lap.
“You’re killing me,” she teased. For once he didn’t look worried or concerned, just laughed and nuzzled her neck.
“The feeling is quite mutual.”
“If you don’t get down to the training room, someone is certainly going to die. But I don’t think it will be from pleasure,” Kievan’s cold voice interrupted. Beth gasped and looked up. Kievan was standing in the entrance to the bathroom. Despite his words, his eyes were appreciative as he surveyed her all too naked body. Her cheeks flamed as she flung an arm across her breasts.
Dragar growled and pulled Beth closer. “Get out.”
“Only if you promise to follow immediately. You have one minute.” He disappeared but left the door open. Dragar swore but pulled Beth to her feet. He ran a cleansing cloth quickly over their bodies and then wrapped her in a large towel. He didn’t seem concerned with his own nudity as he strode back out into the bedroom, keeping her behind him.
Kievan spoke before Dragar could say anything. “The fights start in an hour. I let you have last night, but it’s time to honor our agreement.”
Beth stepped forward. “I’m going with him.”
“No, you’re not,” Dragar objected.
“I am not going to sit in that room and wonder what is happening. I can’t stand it. I want to be with you.”
“You can’t come near the fighters. It’s too dangerous.”
She lifted her chin. “Then I’ll sit in the audience.”
“No. It’s still too dangerous.”
“She can sit with me,” Kievan said. Startled, they both turned to face him. He shrugged. “I’m going to watch the fight from my private box. No one will bother her there.”
Dragar’s jaw clenched. She reached out and grabbed his hand.
“Please. I need to see. I need to know you are alright.”
“I don’t like the idea of you seeing me fight.”
“I’ve already seen you fight, remember? You were wonderful. You saved my life. I know you’re going to win, but I still need to be there.”
“Very well,” he agreed reluctantly. She threw her arms around him but as she did her towel started to slip. Growling he yanked it back up and glared at Kievan.
Kievan smiled. “I’ll arrange for more appropriate attire.” He left the room. Since Beth wasn’t about to put on the silver chain outfit again, she left the towel wrapped around her while she curled up in a chair and watched as Dragar dressed quickly. Worry was gnawing a hole in her stomach but when he strode over to her, clad in leather, he looked so big and imposing that she felt reassured.
“Don’t worry, little one.” He kissed her gently. She kissed him back, gulping back a sob. He ran his hand down her cheek and left the room. As soon as the door closed, the tears started to flow. They were still flowing when Kievan returned with a box under his arm.
“I’m not going to take you anywhere while you’re crying. You have ten minutes to stop that nonsense and get dressed.” He dropped the box and turned to go, but he stopped at the doorway. Back to her, he spoke quietly. “I bet on him—and I never lose.”
He was gone before she could respond but his words comforted her. She pulled herself together, washing her face with cold water. Her hair was still wet so she pulled it up into a high twist and opened the box.
Once dressed, she stopped for a quick survey. The gown was silver, accenting her mating cuffs, with a halter neck and a hem that dropped to the ground in the back but only reached her thighs in the front. The neckline was cut very low but only revealed the inside swell of her small breasts. She looked beautiful and elegant, sexy but not blatant. The man really did have excellent taste. She slipped on the black heels and went to join Kievan. He looked equally elegant, dressed in his usual white but with heavy bands of silver embroidery down the sides of the long open vest, obviously chosen to coordinate with her dress. Stopping in front of him, she waited while he ran his eyes slowly up and down her body.
“Excellent.” His approval was obvious and she couldn’t help a pleased blush. “Remove the shoes.”
“What?”
“Don’t make me repeat myself.”
Swallowing hard, she slipped the shoes off. The difference in height and the sight of her bare feet made her feel suddenly vulnerable.
“Before we go, there is something you need to understand, my pet.” Kievan’s voice turned cold and her stomach twisted.
“I often have female accompaniment at the fights. The females are for my pleasure. In order to avoid drawing undue notice, you will act that role.”
Her mouth was so dry she could hardly get the words out. “What does that mean?”
“It means you will be quiet, respectful and subservient. You will walk one pace behind me unless I call you forward. You will be seated at my feet. You will act pleased if I touch you. You will not speak unless I speak to you.”
She scowled at him, and he was in front of her so quickly she didn’t see him move. He grasped her chin and lifted her face until she was staring into the burning gold of his eyes. “And that expression will never cross your face.”
Beth nodded and he released her chin and stepped back. “Very well.”
He picked up a matching silver cloak from a nearby chair and started to place it around her shoulders, stopping abruptly as he saw the clan mark.
“What is this?” He sounded…odd, but she couldn’t read the note in his voice.
“You know what it is—it’s my clan mark. Rianen did it yesterday.”
“She marked you by hand?” Still that unusual note.
His fingers traced the design, so lightly she could barely feel them, but her skin shivered beneath his touch. The icy force of his presence, enhanced by the physical contact, softened for the briefest instance. Then his hand was gone and the cloak was around her shoulders. He led the way out of his apartments without another word. She followed, one step behind.
Chapter Sixteen
By the time they reached the fight pits, Beth was shaking. The walk through the corridors had been unexpectedly difficult. Without Dragar’s comforting presence, the emotions around her pressed harder. An undercurrent of excitement filled the air, especially as they neared the entrance to the fight pit. A huge arch, looking like it was carved from primordial stone, led to the pit. She brushed it curiously with her fingers as they passed beneath it, but it felt exactly like it looked.
Once inside, Kievan led her to one side and they circled up a seemingly endless spiral. Corridors disappeared off to each side of the ramp and the crowd diminished as they climbed. At the top of the spiral, a curved corridor led off in both directions. Directly in front of them were two massive guards and a shimmering red curtain. Kievan nodded to the guards and passed through the curtain, Beth following in his wake. As in his apartments, the veil was not fabric, and it parted around her in cool rush. A large antechamber held a bar and comfortable seats, but Kievan moved straight across the room and out through another curtain, this one of gold fabric, and out onto a balcony. Beth followed obediently, then stopped and swayed as the impact of the crowd reached her.
Kievan caught her as her knees weakened and she clung gratefully to his arm. “Bow your head,” he ordered. She obeyed, only too glad to close her eyes and lean on him. The dominant emotions pressing on her were excitement and cruelty, making her shudder as she tried to calm her breathing. Kievan waited patiently as she tried to get herself under control. As her breathing slowed, she realized that he had posed them on purpose so that he stood tall and arrogant while she cowered against him. She wanted to rebel at the image but even if she had the strength to push him away, she remembered his commands.
Keeping her head down, she glanced around the balcony. A row of large chairs curved across the front of the space, their ornate gold frames cushioned with white fabric. Gold silk curtains like the ones they had passed through covered the walls at the back of the box, and the floor was covered with thick, white carpet. At first she thought the balcony simply dropped off into space but a glint of glass reassured her. Beyond the glass railing, she could see tiers of other boxes, leading down into rows of seats. They were at the highest point of the vast arena and her stomach dropped as she saw the sand covered floor far below. Figures were moving back and forth, raking the sand smooth, and her throat dried as she realized they were also covering patches of blood.
Kievan’s fingers tightened on her arm and he moved them forward, stopping in front of the largest chair. A white, silk cushion was placed on the ground in front of the chair. Slanting a quick glance to each side, Beth realized that each chair had a similar cushion.
“I am going to remove your cloak, my pet. Stand still and let them look, then kneel on the cushion. Do not turn your back to the crowd.” Kievan’s voice was low and stern. She nodded.
He removed the cloak and there was a roar from the crowd. Beth trembled at the increased excitement and the rising lust but she locked her knees and held still. When Kievan pressed down on her shoulder, she knelt gratefully. He sat in chair behind her and pulled her back against his legs. The warmth of his body was shocking against the naked skin of her back but she kept herself from flinching.
“Very good, pet.” He stroked her hair. The gesture was curiously relaxing but her body still trembled from the press of emotions. “Look at me.”
When Beth didn’t immediately respond, hard fingers grasped her chin and forced her face up. She knew her mouth was trembling and her face was white. He frowned.
“J’Ssett.”
She jumped as the small alien appeared from behind one of the curtains.
“Bring me a Bliss stone.”
“Yess, masster.”
Kievan looked at her puzzled face and smiled, his fingers stroking her chin. “I think this will help you to relax.”
Before she could ask any questions, J’Ssett returned. He was carrying a pendant with a pink ball suspended from a fine chain. Kievan took it and dropped it into her hand. As her fingers closed over it, the ball changed from solid pink into ripples of light and dark shades that swirled across the surface of the ball. It was heavy and warm in her hand and she started to relax, feeling a sense of comfort and warmth spread through her veins.
“That’s better,” Kievan said. He picked up the chain and she reluctantly released her fingers long enough for him to drop it over her head. The ball nestled between her breasts and she immediately covered it with her hand, letting the warmth seep into her. As she held it against her skin, the warmth increased until a pleasant flush covered her skin. Dreamily she leant back against Kievan’s legs, enjoying the heat of his body and the solid strength of his legs. Her nipples peaked and a slow ache started between her legs. She wound tighter around his legs, reveling in the sensuous feel of the smooth leather against the swollen points of her bare nipples. Bare nipples? With a gasp she pulled back, blushing furiously as she realized that she had parted the top of her gown so that she could get closer to him. Even as she blushed, she wanted to move back.
“What…what is happening?” The words had a hard time making it past the thickness in her throat. Soft pink clouds filled her mind, making it hard to think.
“Just relax.” Kievan’s voice was low and soothing, compelling her obedience. The pink haze increased and the ache in her pussy increased. As
she relaxed toward him, his hand slipped past her hair and on to her bare back. His fingers brushed the clan mark and a spark went through her, clearing her mind enough to realize that something was wrong. With a hoarse cry she found the strength to rip the pendant off her neck and drop it to the carpet. As soon as she lost contact with the pink ball, her mind cleared.
“What the hell are you trying to do to me?”
His fingers clamped on her shoulder as she tried to scramble away. “Remember where you are, pet. Do not fight me.”
“I’m not letting you put that thing back on me.”
“Very well.” He hesitated. “Believe it or not, I really only thought to calm you. I didn’t realize that you would have such an…interesting reaction. The Bliss stones affect different races in different ways.”
“Does it affect you?” She narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
“Not at all. Which is probably just as well—I have enough vices already.” He couldn’t conceal the bitter edge to his voice. “Most species receive a sense of comfort and many of them also get an increased level of arousal; although, it is unusual for it to hit that fast and that hard.”
“I don’t like it.”
“Then you are the exception. It is a very popular—and profitable—business on Sigrast.” He studied her flushed face. “And you do look better.”
Beth started to protest and then realized that he was right. Even though she was no longer touching the stone, the crowd’s emotions were more distant, muted by the lingering after effects. For the first time, she was able to look around the arena. The domed roof sent a constant flow of bright light washing down on the crowd and the ring at the bottom. The boxes on their level were occupied by only a few richly dressed people but the crowd increased as the rows of seats neared the arena. The final level was packed with standing aliens. Even as she watched, a fight broke out in the crowd below and she flinched as a spray of blood gushed into the air. Dragging her eyes away, she noticed the glow of Bliss stones sprinkled throughout the crowd. The flickers of pink drew her attention and she had a sudden longing to pick up the pendant lying at her feet.
Beth and the Barbarian Page 13