by Anna Hackett
Security was also the heaviest she’d ever seen it. Uniformed guards ringed the room, and floating security bots flew close to the ceiling, almost looking like decorations.
She hoped that with the death of the two sandsuckers who’d been planning to attack the party, the threat had ended. Surely if anyone else was involved, they’d have left Kor Magna fast.
But Mina’s gut was churning. Somehow, she didn’t think they were going to be that lucky.
Dayna frowned at her. “Mina, your nose.”
Mina felt a rush of wet and brushed her nose. Bright red blood coated her fingers. “Drak.” She yanked a napkin off a table and pressed it to her face. “I keep getting these nosebleeds. So annoying.”
“You should get it checked.”
Yeah, right after she’d saved to get her own apartment, bought more clothes, and about five hundred other things. Unlike Dayna, she wasn’t the love of one of the wealthiest men on Carthago.
“What are you doing here?” The gruff voice sounded behind her and Mina froze.
Dayna’s eyes widened and she looked like she was trying not to laugh.
Uh-oh. Mina turned to face Tannon.
He looked impossibly handsome in his suit. He still looked tough under the elegance, like he should be striding onto a battlefield rather than into a fancy party. His diamond gaze dropped to the blood-soaked cloth in her hand and his gaze narrowed.
“I was bored,” Mina said. “I’m feeling fine—”
“I said no work today.”
She tried to control the spike of annoyance at his overbearing tone. “You’re not the boss of me.”
He just stared at her.
“I promise, I’m fine.”
He grabbed her hand, turned, then started dragging her toward elevators.
“Bye, Mina,” Dayna called.
“Tannon,” Mina hissed.
He didn’t slow down. The workers parted for them, all watching with undisguised interest. They passed a wide-eyed Briella.
As they reached the elevators, two servers carrying trays were just stepping inside. Tannon paused in the door.
“Get out.”
The pair of servers didn’t stick around to argue. They hurried out as Tannon yanked her in. As soon as they were alone, he slapped his palm to the control panel.
Well. Mina huffed out a breath, then tugged on the hem of her skirt. She so wasn’t digging this alpha-male routine. “You think you can just drag me around the place? Boss me around—”
A second later, she found herself pinned to the elevator wall by a hard body. Her pulse jumped like crazy. She felt the tension throbbing off him and she clamped her hands on his shoulders.
“You were hurt.”
His words were whispered with a harsh edge. Unconsciously, she stroked his shoulder, and his big body quivered.
Her anger drained away. He was worried. “I’m feeling fine,” she said softly.
She cupped his face, her fingers running over the faint stubble on his hard jaw. “I’m fine.” She rubbed her thumb across his lips, and he sucked it into his mouth. She gasped.
“I still see the bruises,” he muttered.
They were much better today. “Barely.”
“Drak it.” His mouth came down on hers.
The kiss was a slow, sexy exploration. Mina felt his hands clamp on her hips and she pressed closer. She moaned into his mouth. “I want you. I need you, Tannon.”
He pulled back, just a fraction, their harsh breaths mingling. “Cameras.”
Right. She really did not want to put on a show for the security team. The doors opened, and Tannon tugged her out.
Seconds later, they were in his suite. He walked her backward and Mina tried to control her thrumming heart. His eyes glittered, completely focused on her. She felt like she was being hunted.
And she really, really wanted to get caught.
Then they were in Tannon’s bedroom. His hand clenched in her short skirt and he tore it off her.
She gasped. “I have to pay for that.”
“I’ll get you a new uniform.”
She pushed his jacket off his shoulders and it fell to the floor. Then he ripped her shirt down the middle.
Oh. Stars. She was wet between her legs, desire pumping in time with her heart. She gripped his shirt and yanked. The move was nowhere as smooth as his, but buttons popped, flying everywhere. She tore the shirt off him.
“The bed is too far,” he growled.
He dragged her to the floor. Need pumped off him and she loved it. No one had ever wanted her the way this man did.
He worked fast, divesting her of her bra and panties. Once she was naked, he slid a hand between her legs. With a cry, she arched up.
“I’ve dreamed of your taste,” he said. “For weeks.”
He pushed her back, one big palm pressed to her belly. He lowered his head, and used his shoulders to shove her thighs wider apart.
Then his mouth was on her, his tongue spearing inside her.
Her eyes shot open. Sensations crashed over her. It felt so good, but wasn’t quite enough to tip her over. He licked her harder, his hands cupping the curves of her ass and lifting her up to his hungry mouth.
“Tannon!” She thrashed against him, bright splotches of light filling her vision.
Then she felt him slide a finger inside her, while his mouth kept licking and sucking. A second finger stretched her.
Mina was vividly aware of her body—her aching breasts, her straining thighs, the hot desire burning low in her belly.
Tannon groaned, the sound vibrating through her oversensitive body. She came hard, screaming and shuddering. Tannon’s name was torn from her lips.
Vicious need pumped through Tannon and he could barely think through it. The intoxicating taste of Mina was on his lips, in his mouth. Looking at her limp, well-pleasured body shot savage satisfaction through his gut.
Mine. His to care for, pleasure, protect. He rose up on his knees, sliding his arms beneath her body. He lifted her, and as soon as he brought her close to his chest, she curled into him. Her lips hit his neck, making his cock jump. It felt like a steel bar in his trousers. Her kisses moved upward, then she nipped his ear lobe.
He dropped her on the bed. He needed skin, he needed to feel her body wrapped around his. He tore his trousers open, freeing his cock. Mina’s eyes flared with blatant hunger, and he felt like a clamp had locked on the base of his spine.
Mina was naked on his bed. Finally. He felt something inside him click into place. The tempting witch lay back, pushing her breasts toward him.
His chest was heaving, need gnawing at his gut. Her gaze dropped to his cock.
“Oh, drak.” She licked her lips.
He pressed one knee to the bed, taking his cock in his hand. He nudged her slim legs apart and ran his cock through her slick folds.
She cried out, pushing against him. “Fuck me, Tannon. I feel like I’ve been waiting forever.”
With a growl, he covered her. He ran his cock through her folds again. “So wet for me.”
“Yes.”
“My Mina. Mine.” The words came from the deepest part of him. An order, a plea, a promise.
He hitched one of her legs around his hip and sank his cock into her.
She cried out, her hands clamping on his biceps, her nails digging into his skin.
His paper-thin control was shredded and he started pumping into her. She felt perfect. She was warmth, strength, beauty.
“Yes!” she cried out. “Don’t stop.”
Tannon had no intention of stopping. His conscious thoughts scattered, and all that existed was Mina. He thrust fast—each plunge deep and heavy.
“Tannon,” she sobbed. “God, Tannon.”
Sensation poured through him like he’d never felt before. It was too much and not enough. He pulled out of her, instantly missing her warmth.
She reared up. “No—”
He turned her over, and shoved her onto her hands and
knees. She made a hungry sound and he pressed up against the backs of her thighs. He plunged back in.
“Oh.” Her head flew back.
He drove inside her, and she took every one of his thrusts.
She shoved her ass back against him. “More.”
That was his Mina—never backing down, always demanding more. He banded an arm under her breasts and lifted her upright.
“Look,” he growled.
Her gaze flew up to the reflective windows. No one could see in, but the coating made it almost like a mirror. It showed their reflection. His big body dominating hers, her breasts bobbing with each thrust.
She was chanting now. “Yes. Yes. Yes.”
He slid a hand down her belly and in between her legs. He touched where she was stretched tight around his cock and groaned. As he moved his fingers, he felt the small nub at the top of her sex. He frowned, but as he brushed over it again, her body jerked wildly.
“Yes, Tannon!”
Her body rippled on his cock. He took them both back to the bed, increasing the speed of his thrusts. She shuddered through her orgasm and he couldn’t hold his back much longer. The sound of their skin slapping together, the feel of her tight body. It was the most mind-blowing thing he’d experienced.
“Come, Tannon. Come, please.”
Mina took his thrusts, accepting him. All of him. This woman had seen the best and worst of him, and she still wanted him.
With a grunt, he drove deep, her sweet body milking him. Tannon leaned forward and sank his teeth into her shoulder. His body shuddered as he came inside her.
Chapter Seven
Sauntering out of the bathroom after a lovely, hot shower, Mina snatched up Tannon’s discarded shirt. Surreptitiously, she sniffed the fabric, pulling in his masculine scent. It made her belly clench. Stars, how could she still feel this hungry need for him after spending the afternoon doing some very dark, delicious things with the man?
She slipped the shirt on, taking a second to touch her face. Thankfully, her bruises had faded even more thanks to the med gel. As she fastened the buttons, she walked into the living room. She heard his voice. He was talking into a communicator and ordering them some food.
He was only wearing a pair of loose, black trousers, the broad expanse of his back bare. She drank in the bronze skin and sleek muscles. Once again, she thought he should be out on a battlefield. Or at least playing professional sports for his adoring fans. Maybe football.
Football? Mina frowned. She knew that was an Earth sport. She shook her head. She must have heard Dayna talking about it.
Tannon turned, his gaze locking on her. “Food is on the way.”
She smiled. “Good, because I am starving.” She smiled. “We worked up quite an appetite.”
He held out a hand and she moved toward him. He pulled her down onto the couch and she snuggled into him.
“Mina.” His grim tone made her look at him.
“Uh oh, this sounds serious.” Suddenly, her throat felt tight. Maybe he wasn’t feeling the same bliss she was. “Didn’t you, um, enjoy what we did this afternoon?” Drak, what if now that he’d had her, he was done?
He gave a violent shake of his head. “No, that’s not it. Being with you…it was amazing. Every second of it.” His fingers ran along her jaw, stark possession in his eyes.
Relief and heat filled her and she pushed her face into his hand.
“What I was going to say is that, where you find your pleasure…” He paused his brow creasing as he tried to find his words. “Your clitoris—”
She laughed. “Are we going to have an anatomy lesson?”
“It’s not… In the usual location for your species.”
Her mouth went dry. “What?” Was there something wrong with her?
“For most females, it’s internal. The only women I’ve heard of that have it in a similar location to yours are the human women from Earth.”
Mina held her arms out. “I’m not human, Tannon.” She touched the pattern at her temples. “I’m Olshan. I grew up on Carthago.”
He nodded. “There must be some other explanation.”
She licked her lips. “Does it…bother you?”
“What? No.” He pulled her close, pressing kisses over her face. “You’re gorgeous, sexy.” More kisses. “I can’t get enough of you.”
She knew Tannon didn’t show affection like this easily, and she soaked it in. Then his mouth was on hers, hot and heavy, his tongue thrusting to meet hers. She kissed him, pouring all her feelings into it.
There was a knock at the door and Tannon pulled back. He blew out a breath. “The food.”
She nodded. “And we both have a big party to be at shortly.” She narrowed her gaze. “My bruises are almost gone. I’m working tonight.”
A raised brow. “I suspect I won’t be able to change your mind?”
“Smart man.” She leaned forward and nipped his lips. “Later? You and me?”
“Later.” His deep voice was laced with promise.
They ate their food, and soon they both dressed for the party. Mina’s uniform tonight was a tiny skirt and slinky top all made of shimmering black fabric, shot through with a nebula-colored sheen. She loved the way the light caught the multicolored sparkles. It reminded her of the diamond glint of Tannon’s eyes.
He eyed her short skirt with an unconcealed frown. “Someone forgot to finish making your skirt.”
She stepped into the elevator and snorted. “Take it up with Dayliss.”
He touched the elevator controls. “Maybe I will.”
Mina grinned, imagining all the female servers clad in severe long pants and long sleeves.
But as the elevator descended, the humor faded. She sensed tension creeping back into Tannon’s body. His face turned into its usual serious mask.
Her lover was gone for now, and the head of the Dark Nebula’s security was back.
She felt the insane need to mess him up a little. Tannon needed someone to remind him to have a little fun. The elevator stopped at another floor and several people got on.
Tannon nodded at them, moving himself and Mina back to make room. She stepped in front of him, brushing up against his body. That naughty little voice whispered in her ear and she smiled. She moved her hand, brushing it up his hard thigh. She could practically feel his gaze boring into the back of her head. She cupped his thickening cock and squeezed.
She heard his soft groan, and that lovely cock flexed under her fingers.
His hands locked on her hips. “Troublemaker.” It was the softest whisper in her ear.
She glanced back and shot him a grin. “Your troublemaker.”
The satisfaction in his eyes made her insides gooey. Suddenly, the elevator doors opened and an influx of sound hit them. The party was beginning.
The people in front of them stepped off the elevator and Mina followed. She looked back at Tannon and shot him a saucy wink.
He looked like he wanted to grab her, but several members of the security team spotted him and were heading in their direction. She waved and was soon swept up into a whirlwind of preparation.
“Mina.” Her supervisor, Dayliss, appeared and handed her a tray. “The guests are starting to arrive.”
An army of servers were loading their trays with food and drinks. Other supervisors stood nearby, barking out orders.
“I’m on it.”
Then the doors opened and the guests of honor started to arrive.
Wow. The House of Galen came first, and they sure knew how to make an entrance. Imperator Galen walked at the head of the group, an attractive, athletic woman by his side. He was an imposing man, with a black cloak falling off broad shoulders and a black eye patch over one eye. Mina guessed that he was a little older than most of his gladiators, but was still in fighting-fit form.
His woman was tall, her brown hair threaded with gold, and warm, golden skin. Her toned body was clad in a tight black dress that left one shoulder bare. That would be Sam Sant
os. The woman who’d survived her abduction and become the Champion of the lawless Zaabha Arena before she’d helped Galen bring it down.
Sam was scanning the crowd like she was assessing it for security threats. Her gaze met Mina’s, and they stared at each other for an electric second. Heart beating hard for some strange reason, Mina stepped back into the crowd of servers.
More big, muscled gladiators entered—most wearing leather trousers, with their chests bare. Beside them were their mates, women of all shapes and sizes, wearing glittering, sleek dresses. They were all smiling.
Clutching her tray to her chest, Mina found herself fascinated by the humans. She saw another athletic brunette laughing with a smaller woman who had vibrant, red hair. Dayna had made her way to the group, hugging a small blonde woman with her hair cut short. Mina recognized the woman. She had a beautiful voice and had sung at the Dark Nebula before.
With a small smile, Mina moved back to the bar to fill her tray. They were all so happy. Those people had been through the worst, most horrible situations, and now, here they were—happy. They deserved it.
She prayed the evening went off without a hitch. Her stomach tightened. She hoped any plots to target the party had died with those attackers. Besides, she wanted the party to be over sooner rather than later, so she could get rid of her drakking heels and be back in Tannon’s arms as soon as she could.
But as Mina balanced her tray and smiled at a guest, she felt her skin itching.
Tannon scanned the busy crowd. He hadn’t seen Mina for a while, and like an addict, he needed his fix.
He was on edge. He felt like he was waiting for a sword to fall. He lifted his communicator. “Report?”
His security team all checked in. Everything was running smoothly. He had security bots circling overhead. He should feel relieved, but he didn’t.
Rillian waved him over. Dayna stood by his side, a long column of black and gold Fildan silk looking amazing on her. When she’d first come to the Dark Nebula, Tannon hadn’t trusted her. He’d seen her as a risk to Rillian.