“What is the gauntlet arena really like?” Nodding over one shoulder at the group of aliens gathered at the front of the room, Daisy added, “They make it sound very romantic.”
She snorted. “You want the truth?”
“Of course. We’re best friends now and the complete truth is required at all times.”
Valerie liked Daisy. Checking to make sure the aliens couldn’t overhear her, Valerie whispered, “It’s scary. They crowd you and grab at you. But once you make your selection, they all back off.”
“Are you afraid of the men you’ll be with?”
“Not yet, but I’ve only met one so far.” Valerie shrugged. “After this illuminating orientation I’ll go to meet the other four.”
Daisy lowered her voice. “I must be a slut, because the truth is I find the idea exciting and a little arousing.”
Valerie tilted her head and smiled. Leaning in confidentially, she whispered, “I can’t remember if I’m the type to kiss and tell, but the first time Hauser kissed me, I nearly climaxed.”
A giggle escaped from Daisy’s lips and she slapped one hand over her mouth. She spared a glance over one shoulder, but the aliens didn’t look at them.
“The trick is to find a man beforehand and make a deal,” Valerie said. “I don’t think it’s allowed, but there’s a reason I’m labeled a troublemaker.”
“Where did you find him?”
“I was wandering in a hallway that I wasn’t supposed to be in.”
Daisy sent another quick glance at the aliens before turning back to whisper, “Will you distract them so that I can escape to search for my Mr. Right?”
“Sure. After the next orientation lecture, I’ll cause a scene so you can search for your own Prince Charming…if you tell me the eight rules again. I missed half of them while day-dreaming.”
* * * *
Valerie trotted along the endless maze of hallways, again trying to keep up with the fast pace Blue set with his angry strides. It was quite possible that he was justifiably livid this time.
“You engineered that little stunt, didn’t you?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Valerie fought the smile trying to erupt. Daisy had slipped out of the room during the loud and distracting scene Valerie had enacted by asking all sorts of foolish questions about fashion accessories.
Ten minutes later, Daisy returned to the room in the arms of the man Hauser had been walking with when Valerie had met him. She had given Daisy a surreptitious thumbs-up regarding her choice.
“How did she know what would happen when she kissed another human male if you didn’t tell her?”
Valerie shrugged. Daisy had apparently wanted an almost orgasmic experience too and had locked lips with her now-future mate, Brandon, seconds after finding him. “I told her what happened to me. How was I supposed to know she’d want to do it too?”
“Because the two of you are exactly alike: Trouble.”
“Then send us back to Earth.”
He increased his strides and Valerie had to run to keep up. “You know that isn’t possible.”
“As a matter of fact, I don’t know what is or isn’t possible. The reason for my presence aboard this vessel has never been fully explained to my satisfaction.”
Blue stopped so suddenly, Valerie slammed into his back. Her hands shot up to deflect her body from plowing into him. His skin was cool, soft and moist to the touch. Almost as if the paint he’d been dipped in hadn’t quite dried.
He whirled about and stepped out of her reach. “Hands to yourself. You may not touch me.” His expression probably mirrored hers. Icky. She drew her arms back, hands level with her ears.
“It was an accident!”
“Regardless. Take care where you put your limbs in the future.”
Hands still in the air, she snapped, “Whatever.”
Blue continued forward down the hallway and she kept her distance so that she wouldn’t accidentally touch him again.
Valerie had changed into what she considered a very sexy pink dress. She couldn’t wait to see what Hauser thought of it. And truth be told, she hoped the other men she was about to meet appreciated the effort.
Daisy’s opinion regarding the arousing idea of being with five different men was only an echo of Valerie’s own deep desires.
Chapter 4
Valerie was brought to the advanced gauntlet arena lounge where Hauser waited. His face was pensive; she smiled in an effort to reassure him.
“Wow. You look great.” He stood from his chair and reached out a hand to grab hers. “How was orientation?”
She took his hand, threading her fingers through his. Thankfully, Daisy had given her a cryptic overview of the eight rules governing this place. “Illuminating, but I don’t want to talk about it. So what’s next?”
“Since we bypassed the initial meeting with the entire group, we’ll continue forward in the process and head for the individual meeting area. They have our palm prints, but the documentation needs to be finalized with our DNA link as well.”
“I thought the palm prints sealed us.”
“It sealed us from further negotiations of others,” Hauser explained. “After the kiss, we were supposed to go meet the others in my group. Once they all agree you’re the one, then all of us will physically sign the document to make our union binding.”
“Did you call them, let them know about me?”
“I did. They’re all very excited to meet you.”
“Because they need sex.”
Hauser sobered. “And because they want to get to know you.”
Valerie took a deep breath and with it came his scent. Even though the quality of her experience felt like a dream, there were times when it seemed more vivid. Spending time in Hauser’s personal space made her vividly aware she was a woman. A woman with needs. She turned and stared at his mouth, wondering if they had time for another kiss.
His eyes crinkled at the corners and he asked, “You okay?”
“Will you kiss me again?”
“Sure.” Hauser pulled her to his chest, lowered his mouth and kissed her like he was making love to her lips. A climax started building in the center of her body, but the sensation was now slightly subdued, not as vibrant and urgent as before. He released her after several lip-licking moments. “Better?”
She managed a smile. “Yes. Thanks.”
Hauser squeezed her once. Resting his forehead against hers, he asked, “Ready to sign some alien papers and get mated?”
“Okay. But I bet I wouldn’t be as anxious to sign up for five men on Earth as I am here.”
“I bet I wouldn’t be as willing to share you with my friends on Earth as I am here.”
“Really? Makes me wish we could meet on Earth. I bet a guy that looks like you would probably never be interested in a plus-sized girl like me back there.”
“Plus-sized?” His eyes scanned her body quickly and ended focused on her face. “You don’t even qualify and besides you’d lose that bet. I prefer curvy women.” His wolfish grin validated his claim.
“Oh yeah? Why is that?”
“Because I hate picking bones out of my dick after I screw skinny women.”
She laughed out loud and threw her arms around his waist. “I think we’ll get along just fine here.”
“I think so too.”
They filled out the paperwork required─one document stating that she would allow each man in Hauser’s group to have sex with her twice a month for a total of ten occurrences each month.
Across from the document signing room was a hallway. They entered it and along each side were several doors. Hauser led her to a door towards the end of the hall. “The others are probably waiting inside.”
She paused and stared at the door, but couldn’t quite take the step needed to open it.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“I’m a little nervous. What if they don’t share your interest in me? What if they prefer…a different
kind of woman?”
“They won’t. I was selected to find the best choice for us. And I did. You have nothing to worry about.”
Hauser opened the door and ushered her across the threshold. Inside was a small living room-like space with a sofa and loveseat, but the space was empty.
“Where is everyone?”
“I guess they’re down the hall. They probably didn’t want to overwhelm you. I’ll send them in one at a time once you’re settled.”
Valerie turned and flew into his arms, burying her face in his neck. Now that it was about to happen, she was horrified by this situation. If this were not a dream, as she was coming to believe, she was about to meet her entourage of lovers. Strangers she’d agreed to have sex with.
A tremor ran down her spine. These were the men she was required to satisfy for the next three years. Oh, God. Valerie held onto Hauser for dear life. He didn’t speak. He simply held her and stroked her back.
Kissing her forehead tenderly, he asked, “Are you okay?”
“No. I need a minute.” Valerie hated to cry. She hated that she was so inexperienced with men. At least, that was her impression from her fading memory. Even in her dreams she paled at the thought of sex with one man, let alone five.
“This is just a first meeting. A kiss is required, but no one is allowed to attack you. There are stringent rules in place to keep us in line.”
“The idea that you need anything to keep you in line doesn’t make me feel better.”
His deep sigh didn’t give her comfort. “Women are more revered here than you realize.”
“But not revered enough to only share themselves with one man versus several men. And for three years. What if I decided mid-way that I can’t do it?”
“You understand our predicament and you’re aware of what happens when we go without.” She nodded, but couldn’t look him in the face. What happened to men here was cruel and unusual punishment when they went without sex. The video she’d watched during the second orientation was disturbing. A man with sunken cheeks, as if he’d been starved, was strapped by his ankles and wrists to a hospital bed. Screaming and writhing in obvious agony from lack of sex, his selfish mate had refused to relieve his sexual needs and abandoned him to a fate worst than death. A voice over on the film explained that if he were allowed to escape, the delirious man would even endure the blazing pain associated with forced sex to end his excruciating pain. At the end of the movie, the man disappeared from the screen all of a sudden. At that point the lights had snapped back on obscuring the rest of the final scene. Valerie wondered if he’d died, faded into oblivion or something much worse. She vowed not to let it happen in her household.
“While the five of us aren’t exactly angels, none of us would intentionally hurt you, regardless. Okay?” He put a finger on her chin and tilted her head to stare deeply into her teary eyes. Tenderly, he brushed some residual moisture away from her cheek with his thumb.
Valerie nodded again. “Okay. Send them in. I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. What are their names, by the way? I should know that at the very least.”
Hauser kissed her forehead once more, and then surprised her with another gentle chaste kiss to her lips before answering, “First will be Johnny, then Frasier, then Mark and finally Dominick. I’ll come back after you’ve met everyone.” He released her, and winked before departing.
After several nerve-wrenching minutes of waiting, Johnny came into the room for his introduction. He was, in a word, gorgeous. Slightly shorter than Hauser, he had dark brown hair, hazel eyes and a big toothy grin. Scanning her from head to toes, he remarked, “You’re as lovely as Hauser said you were.”
“Am I?”
He nodded and approached her stealthily. “Do you like playing games?”
“Games?” Valerie shrugged. “Sure. I like games.” She was worried that they’d only be interested in sex. Not other pastimes. She guessed it wasn’t always all about carnal knowledge and three years was a long time. She inwardly calmed down a notch.
Johnny moved almost close enough to touch her, but at the last moment he skirted around until he stood behind her. He grabbed a lock of her hair and leaned close enough to take a long sniff. Releasing an appreciative-sounding breath that fluttered against her ear, inciting a tingle, he dropped the length of hair.
Heart now pounding in her chest, Valerie didn’t move as he rested his chin on one of her shoulders. “Marvelous. And did I understand correctly that you’ve agreed to spend two nights a month with each of us while we’re here?” His fingertips grazed her waist and she jumped at the unexpected thrill of having another man’s hands on her body. She was barely used to Hauser. So far, two out of the five men in this group were sinfully sexy.
Seriously, I have to be dreaming.
Valerie pretended his casual touch wouldn’t end too soon and leaned back into his chest with a murmured, “Yes.”
He kissed a sensitive spot below her ear, but before she could melt further backwards, he quickly darted around to face her. Fingers gripping her shoulders lightly as he pulled her into his chest, Johnny asked seductively, “May I kiss you now, lovie? Your lips are a delectable sight for sore eyes.”
Lifting her chin, she nodded and fairly quivered in suspense. He pressed his lips to hers and the rush of excitement she experienced was almost too much to bear. He traced her lips with his tongue gently and Valerie sagged in his arms as another wash of exquisite passion flowed over her sensitive skin.
“Exceptionally responsive. Very nice,” Johnny whispered along her mouth and kissed her chastely once more. “I’d love to stay all night with you, lovie, but I fear the others wouldn’t like it.” He winked and drew away.
When she faltered, he steadied her with hands still clamped to her shoulders. She wanted to slither to the floor. Pulling herself together, Valerie placed her hands on his forearms and took a deep breath.
“Wow.”
“Ah, lovie, we’re going to have such fun together.” He squeezed her shoulders again and released her. “See you soon.”
He glided to the door and exited after one more salacious look over his shoulder. Valerie shook her head once and placed a hand over her chest trying to calm her riotous heart beat.
Johnny was hot.
The next man to enter the room, Frasier, was the tallest so far. His brown hair was highlighted in golden blond and his wide smile displayed very straight, white teeth. But it was his eyes that had her entranced. They were a vivid blue and focused directly on her. Frasier’s rugged good looks made him look like an adventurer. He’d probably traveled the seven seas and explored his way across every continent on the globe.
She also wondered if he were the strong silent type when he didn’t speak. After several minutes of smiling at each other, he quietly uttered a, “Hi.”
“Hi, yourself.” Was he really shy? How sweet.
He cleared his throat. and sent his gaze at every other place in the room except for her. “This is sort of an embarrassing situation to be in, isn’t it?”
“I guess so.” Valerie got the distinct impression that he was the one who was uncomfortable. She pressed her hands together in front of her like a schoolteacher about to deliver a lecture. “So. Do you have any questions for me?”
He focused his wandering stare to her face. “I’ll be straight with you, Valerie. I’m a fairly uncomplicated guy. I appreciate that you’re willing to give each of us your time twice a month, but I don’t want you to worry about it. Not with me.”
Valerie widened her eyes. “Why would I worry about it, with any of you?”
He stuck his hands in his back pockets and approached her hesitantly. “I only mean that you shouldn’t be apprehensive about spending time with me. I hate to admit this, but I’m not a very daring type. I’m fairly straight-laced and I don’t want to disappoint you or make you angry.”
“Telling me the truth won’t ever make me angry.” She smiled encouragingly. “Is there something you do like?”
/>
“The truth is, I’m a numbers guy. That’s my passion. I don’t want you to think I’m ungrateful, but I’m fairly tame in the sack. Will that be a problem for you?”
Valerie shook her head. “I’m sure we can work something out. I don’t want you to suffer. So we’ll just go slow and take it one day at a time. Okay?”
“That would be great. Thanks, Valerie.” He turned to leave.
“Don’t you have to kiss me before you go?”
Frasier turned back. “Right. You’re absolutely right.” He nodded and slowly crossed the room to stand before her.
When he grabbed her face between his large hands, Valerie braced herself for a quick peck on the lips. Frasier laid a kiss on her that she was so not expecting. It was filled with passion and longing and lots of clever tongue movements that she could barely keep up with. Valerie leaned into him, slipping her hands around his waist to clench him closer.
He stopped kissing her abruptly and she almost cried out loud. Panting and trying to catch her breath, Valerie managed, “Wow. That was an amazing kiss for a guy who considers himself tame in bed.”
A small laugh escaped. “You took me off guard. Maybe it’s your scent, but you awaken something in me.” His sudden frown was unexpected. “I hope I wasn’t too forward.”
“No.” Her sigh filled the room. “It was wonderful.” She put a hand to his chest, mostly to steady herself. “I think you’re teasing me. Once you get me in bed, you’ll rock my world, won’t you?”
“I hope so. I look forward to seeing you again, Valerie.” Frasier brought her hand from his chest to his lips, kissed the tips of her fingers and then promptly left the room.
Mark came into the room next. In overall looks, he reminded her slightly of Johnny, but he wasn’t as forward. Nor was he as visceral as Johnny. He had the friendly, approachable aura of someone she could confide in. Until he smiled. He watched her from across the room with a wicked grin playing around his sensual mouth.
Short, dark brown hair, chocolate-brown eyes, and a body that was whipcord lean, Mark suddenly reminded her of a bad boy heartthrob from teen magazines. Girls likely chased him, so he didn’t have to put forth much effort in the area of romance or sex. His expressive eyes were certainly intended to entice and seduce.
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