by Various
Khalim stood still, his penetrating gaze holding hers for a long moment, and then he nodded. “He was a fool.”
With a nonchalant shrug, she turned, intent on ending the conversation.
Again his hand stopped her—this time, his fingers spread over her belly and he pulled her flush with his body. “If you don’t care, why do you sleep in this narrow bunk rather than the larger bed down the corridor?”
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She swallowed past the lump in her throat. “I don’t care about him. But I hate to think about how foolish I was to believe he wanted me.”
“I would never leave you,” he said softly. His hand rose to her breast and cupped it.
“And I wouldn’t use your love to steal from you. I would cherish you.”
Her hand rose and she pried his fingers from her breast. “Well, I’ll never know that for sure, will I? Because I’m not going to love you.” She whirled away from his embrace. “And I won’t let you steal my ship.”
His hands fisted at his sides directing her gaze downward.
“I’m getting you some clothes as soon as I check our coordinates.” She ignored the look of masculine pride that curved his lips and stomped from the room.
Unfortunately, she couldn’t stalk far enough to vent her anger. The end of the corridor opened onto the bridge.
She stepped down metal rungs to the captain’s deck below and slid into her chair, extending the right arm of her chair to expose the controls.
Khalim eased into the seat beside her.
With the press of a button, the large bioluminescent screen in front of them flickered into life. A living recreation of the stars in their path glimmered against the blue-black screen. “Add vector,” Andromeda said.
Instantly, a glowing red line stretched before them, disappearing into the hazy, spiraling cloud of the distant Milky Way galaxy. “Compute arrival time,” she said.
[04 days; 03 hours; 24 minutes] appeared at the edge of the screen.
Andromeda blew out a breath. She’d slept longer than she’d thought. Her gaze slanted toward Khalim.
He stared back at her, his expression impassive. Only days away from imprisonment, perhaps for life, yet he betrayed not a single emotion.
Except that his cock remained rigid, rising from his lap.
Andromeda licked her lips. If Khalim had been persistent before—in her dreams—
he’d be relentless now. He had maybe a day to gain her password and make his escape.
Lord, how would she resist, when her body already softened and oozed with her own arousal?
“I should get us food…” Her voice trailed off.
The flair of his nostrils as he caught the scent of her arousal made her squirm in her seat. His gaze grew predatory and slipped from her eyes to her breasts, and lower to her thighs, which she pressed tightly together.
Khalim turned his chair from the screen, never taking his gaze from hers and spread his legs. His invitation was crudely made, but Andromeda had no trouble understanding. He was hers to do with as she pleased.
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Liquid gushed from her vagina and wet the seat beneath her. Her nipples puckered, drawing into tightly engorged points. Her hands started to lift to cover them, but he already knew how strong was her desire and she let them fall back to her lap.
She turned her chair and rose. Then she took a step toward him, and another, until she stood between his outspread knees, uncertainty and a touch of fear tethering her.
He sat so still, she wondered if he drew breath, while her chest rose and fell more quickly. Did she have the courage to take what she wanted? No, needed.
Her body answered for her, and flowering warmth seeped down her legs. With her hands on his knees, she knelt before him and leaned close to rub her cheek along his erection. His cock was hot and velvety smooth against her skin. She inhaled deeply, savoring the musky scent of his arousal, so familiar and yet so new, her body shivered with excitement.
Then she nuzzled him higher, gliding toward the swollen head with her chin and cheek, never taking her gaze from his. His hands clenched the armrests. His head fell back against the headrest and his chest expanded, but still he didn’t move to take her.
Andromeda opened her mouth wide and closed her lips around the crown of his cock and sucked.
“Ha’abib! ” His hips rose and his cock slid into her mouth, caressing her tongue and butting against the back of her throat.
Gratified she could hold him in thrall with her seduction, Andromeda slid her hands along his thighs until she reached the crisp hairs at his groin. One hand sought the sac below and she cupped him there, enjoying his shiver of delight. The other hand encircled the base of his cock, lifting it from his belly to give her better control of his penetration. She lifted her mouth from him and trailed her open lips along his length, lubricating the shaft. Her hand followed, gliding moistly up and down his cock before her lips returned to chew delicately on the turgid head.
His fingers threaded through her hair, and he pushed her down his length.
Opening her jaw wide she accepted his guidance and let him surge deep into her throat, again and again, until she needed air and raised her head.
His gaze was still upon her. Perspiration gleamed on his forehead and heaving chest. “Come to me.”
Determined to prove her power, Andromeda kept her gaze locked with his and opened wide to once again take him deep inside the warm cavern of her mouth. She moaned and the sound vibrated along his cock.
His hands tightened in her hair and pushed her down.
She tightened his lips around him and sucked, gliding up and down, her hand shadowing her movements to increase the friction, gently squeezing his erection.
Khalim’s thighs quivered, his stomach grew rigid, and his chest expanded as he sucked air through his open mouth. “Enough!” he said, his voice harsh and grinding.
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Not nearly enough! Andromeda stood and pushed the armrests up. With his hands at her waist to assist her, she straddled his lap, her knees sliding alongside his hips, until her pussy poised above his straining cock. Her inner thighs quivered and she no longer cared who led, who followed. She needed him inside her.
He leaned toward her and captured a breast with his mouth, tugging at the distended tip, and then flicking it with the point of his tongue before returning to his desperate rooting, nudging, pulling…
Her back arched. She’d never known how painfully sensitive her breasts could be.
Unable to hold back a moment longer, Andromeda braced her hands against his broad shoulders and slowly lowered her body. Her wet, swollen labia pressed against the head of his cock until it slipped inside her. She sank, her thighs trembling, unable to control the depth of his piercing erection. Emitting a whimper, her breath caught.
His hands slipped down to her buttocks and gripped a cheek with each hand, and he lifted her.
Then down she pressed again, taking him deeper this time.
His mouth switched breasts and his teeth bit the nipple, causing her to cry out. Her hands moved from his shoulders to his head and she clutched him, begging him with her action to continue his tender torture.
He murmured deep within his throat, and his hands squeezed her ass tighter, lifting her, pushing her down—farther each time, until she was seated, her hips flush with his, his cock deeper than any other man had ever reached.
A coil of sensual desire wound inside her, curling, twisting. She needed more. She wanted his powerful thrusts.
Dragging his head away from her breast, she leaned down to kiss his lips. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders. Her hips undulated, a jerking spasmodic movement.
She was beyond grace, beyond thought. His cock stretched her, melting her core until she was ready to burst like super-heated lava. She gasped and threw her head back.
“Please, Khalim, pleeeease!”
&
nbsp; In a single surging movement, Khalim lifted her from his lap and pushed her to the floor on her belly. Andromeda had only a moment to wonder at his purpose, before he pulled her hips up and slammed into her cunt.
“Yes!” she shouted, coming up on her hands, rearing back to meet his thrust.
With his fingers digging into the flesh of her buttocks in a bruising grip, he delivered a rapid burst of quick, deep lunges.
Andromeda’s thighs and arms threatened to buckle beneath his sensual onslaught.
Still he pumped his hips faster and faster…deeper…harder…
His hips pounded at her cunt, the sweat-slick skin of his belly smacking her ass, loud as her whimpers and moans. Her vagina adjusted to the girth and length of his cock, his movements eased by successive washes of her body’s liquid excitement.
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Suddenly her orgasm burst around her like a brilliant, burning supernova and she screamed. Khalim’s hoarse cry soon followed and together they melted to the floor.
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Chapter Four
Khalim watched Andromeda stomp around the small galley, mumbling beneath her breath and slamming cupboard doors. Her actions, coupled with the stiff set of her shoulders and her closed expression, hinted loudly at her displeasure.
Feeling very relaxed himself, he leaned his hip against a counter and waited for the tempest to break. Like a roiling sandstorm, her thunderous frown threatened an ill wind. He guessed her conscience bothered her.
Yes, Andromeda’s defenses were crumbling. Each time her gaze strayed his way, she assiduously refrained from glancing downward. He didn’t blame her. His blatant arousal, a surprisingly constant state, had to be upsetting her. Unfortunate for her peace of mind, but extremely gratifying to his, her body recognized the perpetual, sensual cycle in which they were trapped.
She had only to gaze upon his erection and her breasts flushed with heat, drawing into exquisite, reddened points. The sight of her small breasts ripening with desire filled his loins, making his cock and balls heavy and hard. But while he relished their mutual dilemma, she resisted.
Oh, she’d fallen under the spell of her arousal while they’d sat side by side on the captain’s deck before surrendering, much to his delight. But she was far from won.
In the meantime, his body needed sustenance to continue the long, hard battle for her heart.
“Can I help you choose?” he asked, anticipating her reaction to his voice.
Her back grew rigid. “No.”
He pushed away from the counter and approached her, treading quietly.
“Dehydrated turkey is so…dry, isn’t it?”
She jumped and whirled to face him. “I love it,” she said, her chin lifting, daring him to complain.
Reaching around her, close enough the hairs on his arm dragged across her shoulder, he plucked another packet from the open cupboard.
A shiver racked her rigid frame and her lower lip trembled.
“Mmmm. Reconstituted strawberries—they’re edible.” He dropped it on the counter next to her choice. Steeling himself against the urge to lean down and kiss her sweet mouth, he murmured, “Shall we add potatoes?”
She slid past him, her belly rubbing against his cock, and they both held their breath. “If you like!” The words sounded like they strangled her throat.
He hid a smile and replied, “You have a preference for Earth cuisine?”
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“Of course. It’s where I was raised.” She placed the sealed packets in the dispenser above the oven and shut the door. A moment later, she opened the oven and their meals were ready. Fragrant steam rose from the meat and vegetable.
His belly rumbled, and he smiled ruefully at her startled expression. A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips and she turned quickly to find utensils. Khalim removed the trays, setting them on the fold-down table at the end of the counter. After she gave him a fork and knife and he poured the wine he’d retrieved from her pantry, they seated themselves on stools opposite each other. He raised his glass. “My thanks for your hospitality.”
Andromeda coughed and laid down her glass. Her gaze fell to the metal table. His lap—and cock—were entirely concealed. The relief that showed in her deep sigh and relaxing shoulders made him feel extremely smug. He’d let her enjoy a moment’s respite from his pursuit. Maybe.
She stuck a forkful of dry turkey into her mouth and proceeded to chew.
“Where’s the pepper?” he asked innocently, and rose quickly from his seat.
She coughed and reached for her glass. When he returned with the shaker, her glare should have scorched his skin, but he merely gave her a bland smile and peppered his potatoes.
He swallowed a bit of his turkey and grimaced. “This is as flavorless as a shoe. For me, there’s nothing more succulent than desert fowl in a bed of sweetgrass.”
Andromeda shrugged, “To each his own.” She took another bite and chased it with more wine.
He knew better than to mention the fact she found the need to wash the colorless meat down. Besides, the wine would likely work in his favor. He put down his fork and picked up a strawberry. He popped the berry into his mouth and closed his eyes, savoring the sweetness. When he opened his eyes, he found Andromeda staring.
She glanced away, but the color staining her chest betrayed the direction of her thoughts.
His cock pulsed. He reached for the wine bag and squeezed more of the fruity beverage into her glass.
“Thank you,” she murmured, not lifting her gaze from her plate. She cleared her throat. “I’ve wondered…”
“Yes, Ha’abib?”
She looked at him then. “You said that before, when…”
“When we made love?” How easily she blushed! He smiled. “Do you want to know what it means?”
“Never mind,” she said quickly.
“No, it’s all right. It’s an ancient term—an endearment. Roughly translated, it means ‘darling’.”
“Oh.” She shifted on her chair, and her fingers tightened around her fork.
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“Now, what were you going to ask me before?”
“Before? Oh, yes.” She blinked and took a deep breath. “Why haven’t you tried to convince me of your innocence?”
He grew still, sensing his next words would determine his fate, he replied, “Would you have believed me?”
Her troubled gaze locked with his. “Try me now.”
He took a deep breath and plunged. “I was sent to accompany the Qiharan ambassador as his aide, but I was really his bodyguard. My people have no love for the Dominion—or trust. Before our oil reserves were discovered, we were beneath their notice.”
“I was told you attacked the emissary, that you sought to disrupt the trade negotiations.”
Khalim pressed his lips tightly together to quell the curse he wished to utter. “The ambassador was my uncle. Did the governor mention that?”
Her eyebrows drew together in a frown. “No. It did seem odd they would hold negotiations on such a remote planet. But I can guess what really happened.”
Khalim nodded. “He was assassinated. It was well planned. We sat down to dinner our first evening there, and a guest at one of the lower tables stood up and opened fire.
Out of my uncle’s entire entourage, only I was left alive.”
“They needed someone to blame,” she whispered.
“I was labeled a militant who was opposed to the strengthening of our ties with the Dominion. Now, they’ve made it truth.” Tension born of frustration stiffened his neck and shoulders.
“You weren’t responsible, Khalim. How could you know—”
He shot her a look laced with irritation. How could she understand what he felt? He had been the one there—responsible for his uncle’s safety. Instead, he’d watched him die.
“And stop glaring at me. I�
�m not responsible either.”
He realized his stare upset her. “The deceit of your governing council still enrages me.”
“Thank you for telling me, just the same. It explains a lot. I wondered why the governor wanted you removed so quickly.” Andromeda canted her head to the side.
“Do they know about your special gift?”
“It was kept secret—insurance, in case it was needed.”
“Did you use it to warn your people on Qihar? Can you reach such a distance with your mind?”
“I spoke with my father before I was brought aboard your ship. He shares my gift.”
Khalim reached across the table and covered her hand. “I am thinking that perhaps, I ask too much of you. This isn’t your fight. There will likely be a war.”
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“Your world appears so primitive, at least the parts I’ve seen so far—in the dreams.
Can you win?”
“We don’t have the technology our enemies possess, but we have weapons beyond their imagination. We don’t expect to win battles, but the Dominion will not want to wage a lengthy campaign. We hope to wear down their resolution.” He cupped her cheek. “You would be better off handing me over to the authorities.”
She leaned her face into his hand. “I’m must be crazy, but I’m not afraid.” Her eyes filled. “I couldn’t bear to see you imprisoned.”
“Why? What has changed your mind about me?”
She straightened and stared at him, her gaze steady. “You’ve seduced me from the start of this voyage, trying to win my cooperation. Yet when I resisted, you never once attempted to force me to give up my password. And you could have—you’re stronger than I am.”
“I told you, I would never harm you.”
“And I believe you,” she said quietly. “You’ve been tender and gentle, even when I angered you. You’re an honorable man.”
He lifted an eyebrow.
A small smile curved her lips. “Despite our appearance, I believe that’s true. You’ve a twisted sense of humor, and this has been the oddest courtship, but I know I can take you at your word.”
“You believe this is a courtship?” He waited, willing her to have the courage to believe he was honest in his dealings with her.