Julius nodded. “Most of them are so scared they probably won’t go further than the bathroom.”
They sat up at the sound of rapping on the door. “Apparently they’re willing to wander as far as our room.” Devon gave Julius a rueful smile. “Then again, they did get the four rooms on the other side of ours. And ours is across from the bathroom.”
Julius rolled his eyes as he opened the door. “Hello, Styx. None of ours are already causing trouble, are they?”
“No.” Styx offered him a small smile. “Captain Lucy Verr asks that the two of you join her in her personal quarters.”
Julius chewed his lip. “Can it wait? The mess hall is going to be serving dinner in about ten minutes. We’ll need to be certain our crew gets a meal.”
“You will be dining with the captain.” Styx gestured at the rooms with their new guests. “The lady who served aboard your ship as a cook has been helping in the kitchens. She’s already…coerced some of my own crew into taking meals she prepared straight to the cabins of your shipmates.”
Julius chuckled softly. “She would do that. Well then, let’s be off, shall we?”
****
Lucy adjusted her dress, looking in the mirror of her bathroom for the fifth, or was it seventh, time in a row. She’d never cared much about her appearance in a feminine sense before. But tonight, tonight she’d be having dinner with Devon and Julius. They weren’t slaves that had bartered for their lives anymore. Tonight they had…had what?
Become equals.
She nodded as the thought took hold. That was it in a nutshell. Watching Julius’ face as he had passionately manipulated her for the sake of his crew—she respected that. She understood what Styx had been telling her on the deck. The crew cared about her because they knew she would do the same for them.
Lucy ran her fingers through her hair one more time, admiring the way it curled. She applied some light eye shadow, an iridescent silver that highlighted her orange eyes. Her dress was silver too—a slinky strapless affair that clung to her like a second skin.
She heard the knock on her bedroom door and smiled at herself in the mirror. Everything was set. The table had been supplied with two extra chairs, the dishes covered and ready at each place setting and the ceiling lights were on dim to give the room a soft glow. Tonight she would enjoy the rewards of her actions, in Devon’s hands. Maybe in both their hands, if she was lucky.
“Enter,” she called as she exited the bathroom.
The door opened and Styx ushered the men in. His eyes fastened on her, and he gave Lucy Verr an approving nod. “Anything else you need, Captain?”
She shook her head, the soft curls caressing her face. “No, that will be all. Go get your share at the mess hall, Styx. I’m sure once our evening is finished, the gentlemen can find their own way back to their cabin.”
Styx closed the door with a soft click. Devon, his hands clasped behind his back, strode over to the big bay windows, his gaze riveted on the stars. Julius stared at her, the hungry gaze from last night reflected once more in his eyes. She could almost see him replaying the previous night’s events. His eyes took on a lustful gaze, and she felt her own pulse quicken in response. He had been a more than satisfactory lover, but tonight…tonight Lucy planned on sampling what Devon had to offer.
“If you would care to join me, gentlemen, dinner is ready.” She gestured towards the table.
Devon glanced over his shoulder before turning to look at her full on. His eyes roved over her, much like Julius’ had, except different. Where Julius had looked at her with lust and a desire to bury himself in her again, Devon’s look was more predatory. He looked at Lucy with hunger, possession, and a disposition that demanded he be in charge. So very unlike how Julius had been. Sex with Julius, she’d found, was a give and take, a partnership of sorts. Lucy knew, without a doubt, there would be no partnership with Devon.
Devon pulled a chair out, waiting for her to seat herself. She felt a flush of pleasure at the gesture. Fancy her being treated like a lady. Lucy had never desired to be a lady, being a pirate didn’t allow for such thoughts. Besides, she never had any qualms with being a pirate. It made for an interesting, and exotic, life. One with thrills, daring, and true respect.
Seating herself, she offered him a nod of appreciation before turning herself to watch Julius. “Do either of you have any idea who would wish you two dead?”
The subject seemed to ease the tension in the room like a soothing wind. The formality, though still present, seemed a little less intense. Julius shrugged, lifting the lid from Lucy’s dinner while Devon poured drinks from a wine bottle.
“It’s not the two of us that somebody wants dead,” Devon said as he seated himself. “It’s only me. Those reasons are still a mystery to me, but I plan to get the truth out of Leon tomorrow.”
Julius paused as he reached for his glass, his brow furrowed. “What makes you think it’s just you? I was left on that planet just as much as you were.”
“Ah, but you wouldn’t have let them leave without me, would you have?” Devon began cutting his steak with slow precision. “I’ve been thinking about this. You were a last minute pick up; a decision I’d made after I’d already laid plans for this trip. Leon wasn’t very pleased with my desire to include you but couldn’t protest too loudly for obvious reasons.”
Lucy swirled her drink, pursing her lips as she thought about it. She didn’t know much about the politics of higher society, but she knew only people who had something to gain would try to commit crimes like this. “Where were you headed on the merchant ship? What was the purpose of your trip?” she asked before taking a sip.
“To open a trade route on Hope with Dremes,” Julius supplied. He smiled wryly. “Clever bastard. The goods on the merchant ship were supposed to buy them off before a competitive corporation that was also en route got there. It seems the goods we thought we were carrying to barter with were quite different from what Leon had in mind.”
Lucy ate her dinner quietly, letting them mull it all over. She was glad her ship was free of this kind of intrigue. If one of the boys had a problem, they brought it straight to her. Often it was things she could remedy with ease by pulling into a dock to let someone procure something they needed. If it was a personality issue, then a little rearranging in jobs was performed and all was well.
Granted, everyone ate together in the mess hall, regardless of personality conflicts, but there was absolutely no fighting, ever. The rules of fighting on her ship were simple—anyone caught brawling was subject to a thorough, and very public, beating by both Chiron and Styx. The embarrassment of being subjected to that treatment made skirmishes non-existent.
Devon and Julius continued their discussion. Lucy, feeling left out, decided to have a little fun. She slipped off one of the silver high heels that adorned her foot, leaving it bare. With subtle movements, she brought her foot up and let it slide along Julius’ thigh. A smile teased the edge of her lips as she watched his throat work.
Devon also noticed his friend’s expression. “You alright?” he asked.
“Just forgot to chew before I swallowed.” Julius gave them both a sheepish grin. “The steak is delicious.”
Lucy used a napkin to stifle her snicker. She pressed firmly against his crotch, delighted to feel his dick growing hard. She spent the rest of the dinner skimming her foot across his length, back and forth. Lucy Verr had to give him credit, after the initial touch of her foot, Julius managed to keep a straight face.
When dinner was over, she slipped her high heels back on and stood. “Gentlemen, as per our agreement, one of you will be staying with me for a little while longer. I believe I shall be spending tonight with Devon.”
Devon stood as well, giving her a wicked smile. “As the captain wishes.”
Julius rose from the table, setting his napkin on the plate. “I suppose I’ll be finding the door then. Devon.” He gave the darker man a brief nod before catching Lucy’s hand and kissing her finger
tips. “Perhaps tomorrow you’ll need my assistance in forgetting this brute.”
She laughed as Devon shoved him across the room and out the door. When he closed it with a loud thud behind Julius, Devon turned and gave her a wolfish grin. Lucy Verr grew tense, and found herself wondering if maybe she’d have been safer with Julius. She licked her lips, watching as he closed the distance between them. His approach was lazy, hands in his pant pockets, as if they had all the time in the world.
She was tempted to back up as far as she could go, but refused to let him unnerve her. Lucy schooled her features, letting her demeanor grow more and more challenging as Devon closed the gap between them. When he was a breath away, she reached out, running her hand across the front of his jeans in a blatant invitation.
Devon sucked in a breath, then grabbed her hips and dragged her against him. “You are a vixen.” His voice was almost a growl.
Lucy tilted her head back to look up at him, a smirk playing on her lips. “I’ve been called worse.”
He bent his head, his mouth hovering just above hers. She waited for the pressure of his lips, even wiggling a bit in his grasp, yet Devon stayed just out of reach. With a growl of frustration, she raised up on tiptoe, forcing their mouths to connect. His hands draped around her, a hand clamping possessively over her ass. His teeth teased her, sucking her bottom lip into his mouth with surprising gentleness before nibbling on it.
“I’m going to take you so hard you won’t be able to walk when I’m done,” he growled against her skin.
Lucy's pussy clenching at those words. “You can try,” she challenged.
He let his hands run down until he touched the skin below the hem of her dress, then ran them back up under the fabric. Strong male hands cupped her bare ass, digging fingernails in. She shuddered in pleasure.
“No panties,” Devon observed.
“Didn’t see a point.” Lucy yanked at the edge of his shirt, lifting it free of his jeans to expose sculpted abs. “Somebody likes the gym,” she said with an appreciative purr.
He captured her mouth again. Devon’s hands dropped away from her ass and he stepped away from her. Confused, she remained silent, watching him. With quick motions, he pulled his shirt off. Oh gods!!! This man is buff! Lucy was most happy to drink in the view of him.
His finger caressed her mouth for a moment. “Get on your knees.” His voice was calm, commanding. “I want to see how much of my dick you can fit in your mouth.”
Lucy Verr was on her knees before she could think. She gave herself a mental shake of surprise. What was she doing? She never yielded to a man, ever. Yet here she was, kneeling in front of this man at his single command. Lucy started to rise, but his hand went to her shoulder, stopping her.
“You look sexy down there.” Devon unbuttoned his pants, slipping his shaft through the slit of his boxers.
She watched him in fascination, feeling a thrill go through her at how hard he was. A drop of pre-cum that shined at the tip made her yearn to do exactly as he had commanded. She leaned forward, letting her tongue flick the tip, capturing the drop in a light caress.
Devon let out a shuddering breath. “Don’t stop, Lucy. I want to watch you deep throat me.”
Enticed by his words, she placed her hands on his hips and ran her tongue up the length of him, starting at his balls and ending at the thick head. She swirled her tongue around it, pulled it into her mouth, and took it inch by slow inch. Devon’s wasn’t the longest cock she’d seen, but it was by far one of the thickest. The girth was enough that she had to keep her jaw slack as she worked her way down.
The taste of him in her throat was erotic. The heat that coursed from his skin and onto her tongue made her pussy tighten with anticipation. Lucy couldn’t wait to feel him slamming into her, filling her to her limits. Eagerness overcame her reserve at his dominance, and soon she was bobbing up and down, her throat systematically constricting around him. Her fingers dug into his jeans. At one point, Devon’s hand curled in her hair, keeping her in rhythm.
When she felt him begin to throb, Lucy felt disappointment course through her. Instead of coming though, he jammed deeper in to her throat, before suddenly pulling out of her mouth. He dragged her to her feet and steadied her for a moment, his gaze scanning around the room. When it settled on her desk, he whisked her into his arms, one around her shoulders, the other under her knees.
“Has anyone ever bent you over that desk, Lucy?” His tone was almost conversational.
She shook her head, raising an eyebrow. “Usually my sex life involves a bed, shower, or the red light district.”
“Well, sounds like we need to add some variety to that.” Devon’s voice was dark, full of promise.
He carried her over to the desk, sitting her on the edge gently. He stood back, admiring her for a moment, before spreading her legs open with his knee and stepping between them. He nibbled on her ear tip, skimmed down her neck, circled up her throat, and settled on her mouth.
Lucy ran her fingers over Devon’s chest, admiring the light dusting of hair that trailed between his pecs and down to his waistband. His hands tugged at her dress, lifting it to her hips. The desk was cold and solid against her skin. He stepped forward and the head of his cock rubbed against her exposed pussy. She gasped, arching against him, craving more contact.
“Do you want me in you?” He murmured the question against her lips.
“Yes,” she whispered.
Devon stepped back and the sensation against her pussy disappeared. “Tell me what you want, Lucy.”
She curled her hands into fists at her sides, frustrated. “I want you to fuck me,” she growled, angry that he was manipulating her. Angry at herself that she liked it.
He laughed, the sound deep and masculine. Taking another step back, Devon’s hands grasped her hips, pulling her off the desk and onto her feet. With quick precision, he twirled her so her back was against his chest. Using his body, he leaned her forward until her hips met the edge of the desk. A hand at the back of her neck pressed her down.
Lucy allowed him to bend her over, concentrating only on the feel of his hard shaft rubbed against the bare skin of her bottom. A finger traced her spine, just above her tailbone.
“I’m not surprised you have a tattoo,” Devon said. “A comet with a woman’s face? It suits you.”
She felt her cheeks flush at his thorough inspection of her. Lucy rocked back against his hips impatiently, needing to feel him buried in her. His chuckled, then used his foot to push her legs wider. She heard a rustling and looked over her shoulder, watching as he put a condom on. How could she have forgotten that? Fortunately for her, Devon had apparently been prepared and was using common sense.
When the condom was on, she felt the head of his dick tease her southern lips. She tilted her hips, giving him better access. With a sudden thrust, he entered her, fast and hard. Lucy came up on her tiptoes from the force, surprised and zinging with pleasure.
Devon slid out, his movements slow and deliberate, before thrusting into her with a quick stroke. The soft and hard rhythm caused a pain-pleasure sensation like she’d never experienced before. A moan issued from her lips every time he pulled out, a scream every time he’d thrust. The next half hour became a symphony of her voice as he brought her to the edge over and over. When her legs were shaking so bad they threatened to give out, he pulled all the way out of her.
“Don’t,” Lucy whimpered.
He grunted as he stepped back. “I’ve always hated condoms. I love the way a woman’s wetness feels on my bare skin. Since I can’t have your pussy like that, I want to finish in your mouth.”
She dropped to her knees, feeling grateful she could get off her shaky legs. Devon slid the condom off, tossing it into the trash bin beside her desk. Lucy wrapped her hands around him with her thumbs rubbing down the underside of his shaft. He let out a soft groan.
Within moments she was sucking him, greedy for his taste. She was still a shaking mess, but hearing Devon’s
moan of pleasure as she worked him with her tongue only drove her higher towards another climax of her own. It didn’t take long before his hand was on the back of her head again, wrapped in her hair and dictating the pace.
“You suck cock good, Lucy.”
She pumped her hand in counterpoint with her mouth, the other rising to fondle his balls. He thickened further in her mouth and, with a roar, thrust as deep as he could into her mouth. She let her throat convulse around him as she swallowed, taking in every drop, milking him with her tongue.
When he caught his breath, Devon pulled away and adjusted his cock back into his pants. After he zipped his pants, he picked up her trembling body and carried her to her bed. For a moment she felt angry that he didn’t seem as exhausted and shaky as she.
“I told you I’d fuck you until you couldn’t walk. Goodnight, Captain.”
She smiled to herself as she watched him cross the room. “Goodnight, Devon.” She called out, her voice soft and sleepy, just before he closed the door.
Chapter Six
After breakfast Devon checked on his crew. He was pleased to see them smiling, their previous fear seemed abated by the continued fair treatment they were receiving. Afterwards, Devon sought out Styx, asking to be taken to Leon. As he followed Styx to the holding, every step he took made him more and more angry. The man had left him for dead. He’d deliberately brought Devon and Julius to the planet of Hope with the intentions of being rid of them. Devon knew that as much as he wanted to, beating the hell out of Leon wouldn’t get him any answers, and even less satisfaction.
Devon stood in front of Leon Krautz’s holding cell and tried to regain his composure. His sleep, or what little he’d gotten between the tossing and turning, had been riddled with thoughts of the conversation at dinner. So many questions begged to be answered. Every answer he assumed only set his aggression sky rocketing.
Who had something to gain from his disappearance or death? Who wanted him dead, but couldn’t care less about Julius? He knew if he could get Leon to talk, most of his questions would be put to rest. The trouble was that he and Advisor Krautz and never been on the best of terms, and Devon highly doubted the man would be willing to tell him why they’d been left for dead.
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