Toymaker's Pet (Dark Star Doms Book 2)

by Ivy Barrett

  “You look tired.”

  She glanced up to find Iram standing in the archway, dressed in swim trunks, a towel draped around his neck. He fidgeted. His gaze met hers then darted away.

  “Grief is pulsing through this whole level,” she said softly. “I wish I could have known the man who inspired such loyalty.”

  Iram nodded. “I owe Matthias my life, and he’s slipping away. Slade put him on life support a few hours ago. It’s only a matter of time.”

  Bryce stood, meaning to wrap her arms around him, but Iram hurried down the corridor.

  She sighed and returned to her chair. As his turbulent emotions receded, she was left to contemplate her own. Her week was nearly over, and she had no idea what she was going to do. Returning to Akim without the Toymaker would damn her to a fate worse than death, but the alternative was unthinkable. She would not endanger Slade or Iram.

  Her thoughts focused on Slade, and a slow smile bowed her lips. An elemental connection sizzled between them each time she looked into his eyes. She struggled against it, tried to convince herself it was simple physical attraction. Her heart knew better.

  Tingles skittered down her spine just thinking about what they’d shared in the spa. She’d expected passion and hoped for tenderness when she reached out to him that day. The intensity of his emotions left her breathless and amazed. She’d never dreamed pleasure like that existed. The dynamics of their connection were different than any of her previous relationships. Rather than finding what pleasure she could by submitting to her Master, she willingly offered herself to Slade and he rewarded her with pleasure unlike any she’d ever known. It was a sharing, a true melding of minds and spirits.

  They needed more time together. She needed more—

  Bryce heard footsteps in the corridor. Iram hadn’t been wearing shoes. Slade strode into the lounge, his expression grim.

  “How is Matthias?” Grief wrapped around her. His? Hers? She couldn’t tell.

  “Dying.” He nodded toward the sofa situated in front of the large vidscreen. “We need to talk.” She stood and followed him across the room, reaching for his hand as they sat. “I’m not sure when or how Matthias intended to do this, but it’s irrelevant now. I have to perform the transfer soon, or it won’t be an option.”

  “What sort of transfer? Will it save his life?”

  He stroked the tops of her fingers with his thumb, his breath escaping in an audible sigh. “IR-M stands for Intuitive Robotics–Male.”

  “Iram is a robot?”

  “Not a robot. Iram is more sophisticated than any machine. He’s an integrated combination of biological and mechanical systems.”

  “But he was manufactured not born.”

  After a short pause he admitted, “Yes.”

  “Then he’s a biomech.” She narrowed her gaze on his tired face. Why did his story keep changing? Was any of it true? “People have been talking about the potential of biomechs for years, but I thought they were still theoretical.”

  “Iram is Matthias’ most ambitious project and his most important. All of his pleasure ’bots are intuitive to an extent, but Iram’s programming goes far beyond anything Matthias has attempted before.”

  “What does this have to do with Matthias’ failing health?” She tugged her hand out of his and crossed her arms over her chest.

  “After your interview, I transferred a portion of Matthias’ memory into Iram’s neuro-matrix. The only way to judge—”

  “You transferred part of Matthias into Iram?” She scooted into the corner of the sofa, her heart pounding in her breast. “I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

  “Matthias and a team of other scientists perfected the process—in theory—nine years ago. His exposure to the virus forced him to move the program forward at an accelerated pace.”

  “Without the safeguards and scientific protocols associated with this sort of research?” No wonder they wouldn’t let her off the level. This wasn’t just top secret. It was probably illegal.

  “If he doesn’t do this, he dies. And he isn’t endangering anyone but himself.” He pushed his hair off his forehead and took a deep breath. “The partial transfer appears to be successful. Have you spent any time with Iram in the past three days?”

  “Not much. I thought he was with you.”

  “He’s stopped by the lab for updates, but mainly he’s been in his room or swimming laps in the spa. What did you sense from him when you were together?”

  “Grief, confusion and frustration. His good friend is dying. I didn’t sense anything unusual.”

  “I need to be sure the partial transfer is stable before I attempt a complete transfer.”

  She pulled her legs up onto the sofa and wrapped her arms around her knees. “The Toymaker is trying to cheat death by transferring his soul into a biomech?”

  “You’ll have to debate the morality with a cleric. I’m only interested in saving my best friend.” His audiocom vibrated and chimed. He activated the link. “What do you want, Petra? I’m a little busy right now.”

  “Oh, you’ll want to hear what I have to say. Better yet, bring Matthias. He’ll want to hear this too. I won’t page you again. Come up to my office or you’ll wish you had.”

  Slade deactivated the link before he spoke again. “Iram is in the spa. Would you please go talk to him? He’s been spending a lot of time in the lap pool. See if you can figure out what that’s about.”

  “And if his emotions are still volatile?”

  He stood. “It depends how volatile. Death is a certainty without the transfer. Iram is Matthias’ only chance.”

  * * * * *

  Slade left the lounge and cut through a storeroom to the lift. If this wasn’t important, he’d throw his audiocom in Petra’s face, leaving her no contact with the lower level. Matthias had sent his wristband up with a service ’bot months before.

  He knocked on her office door and waited impatiently as the scanner identified him. Thorne pulled the door open and nodded toward the desk. Petra sat in her high-backed chair like the proverbial queen bee, her decadent hive displayed on the security grid beside her. Color-coordinated as always, her hair, eyes, clothing and fingernails all gleamed with emerald luster.

  “I’m here,” Slade snapped. “What’s so important?”

  “Don’t snarl at me. Where is Matthias?”

  “He can’t leave the lab at the moment. You’re stuck with me.”

  “How long will he be? I’m willing to wait.”

  “I’m not. You have ten seconds to dazzle me or I’m out of here.”

  Her gaze narrowed and her full lips compressed into a grim line. “If it weren’t for Matthias, I would have—”

  “Five, four, three—”

  “Fine! Dixie, Don—get your asses out here.”

  A narrow service entrance slid open and two domestic ’bots rolled into the office. Identical except for their exaggerated genitalia, the ’bots glided to a stop before Petra’s desk.

  “Do you recognize these handy little helpers?”

  Slade glowered. “Dixie is ours, and Don is yours. I’m not dazzled yet.”

  “Don, please raise your hand.” The female ’bot lifted its hand.

  “I know the parts are interchangeable. I helped Matthias design this model. Are we finished?”

  “Don has been cruising around on your level for almost a week now. Would you like to know what he’s learned?”

  Clasping his hands behind his back, Slade stared at her. Even if the ’bot had managed to record Iram, Petra would have no idea of the biomech’s significance.

  “Don served Bryce her morning coffee and brought the mug to me.”

  Slade’s heart sank into his belly. This was about Bryce. “And?”

  Petra glanced at Thorne and smiled. “Now I have his attention.”

  “I really don’t have a lot of time.”

  “You’ve got time for this. Have a seat.”

  Don held his chair while Slade sat. He s
ent the ’bot a sidelong glare.

  “Have you ever heard of the Renarrian Empire?” Slade shook his head. “I didn’t think so. Fahbit oct Renarr ruled the empire for nearly thirty years. He was feared and respected by his subjects, but about eight months ago he died.”

  “How does this pertain to Bryce?”

  “Bryce was the favorite concubine of Potentate Fahbit.”

  A wave of heat passed through his body, followed immediately by a violent chill. Bryce had been trained to pleasure a rich man, yet she’d only had one employer. Matthias had put her through a full background check. “How did you come by this information?”

  “My story has barely started, but I don’t want you distracted by that detail. I ran her DNA profile through the Interstellar Bureau of Information and got the same load of crap they sent Matthias. I then sent her profile to one of my underground connections and, voilà, a very different story. Always double-check the facts. You’re both far too trusting.”

  “How do you know which story is true?”

  “I’ll get to that.” She drummed her long, enameled nails against the desktop. “Where was I?”

  “The potentate died,” Thorne prompted.

  “Ah yes, the potentate died and his vicious little weasel of a son ascended the throne. This is not a popular happening with the Renarrian people. From all accounts, Akim is a sadistic pig.”

  “Okay, so Bryce lied about her background. She’s exactly what we need. Why should I care where she came from?”

  Petra laughed. “Don, playback spa scene.”

  A panel in Don’s chest flipped over, and Slade saw red. He stood and stepped in front of the ’bot, blocking the display.

  “I need you.” Bryce’s plaintive voice emanated from the bot. “I need this.”

  “I’ve already seen you in action, lover boy.” Petra grinned. “Very impressive. End playback, Don. Would you like to know why Bryce was so desperate for your cock? Surely you didn’t think it was your charming manner?”

  “I know more than you believe. The story she told us isn’t that different from what you’ve learned.” He braced his hands on her desk. “What do you want?”

  “To save you from your own stupidity.” Petra leaned forward, staring directly into his eyes. “Her Master, Akim oct Renarr, is in the VIP lot atop Prime Landing. Your little fuck pet is a spy. Get rid of her or I will.”

  * * * * *

  Bryce entered the spa and stopped short as the door slid closed behind her. Iram swam against the jets in the lap pool. His muscles bunched and flexed with each powerful stroke, masculine perfection, symmetry and grace. How could he be a biomech?

  Thinking Matthias had salvaged a human body with sophisticated robotics had filled her with wonder and respect. Necessity had always been the mother of invention, and Iram was no exception. But Matthias hadn’t helped a traumatized victim. He was saving his own ass.

  Iram stood and spun to face her, his hair slicked back from his striking features. Emotions slammed into her brain, making her head pound. Her legs trembled and she pressed her fists against her temples. He stalked toward her, dark eyes gleaming. Lust, anger, fear—each surge was more powerful than the last.

  His hands closed around her upper arms, dragging her to her toes. “Why have you done this to me?”

  She gasped, pain slicing through her head. “Let me help you. I can disperse this—”

  His mouth cut her off. One arm banded her legs below her butt and pulled her off the floor. He pressed her to his damp body, grinding his cock against her belly. Angling his head, he deepened the kiss, his tongue pushing between her lips.

  “Matthias is dying, and I can think of nothing but you,” he whispered. “Even the simulators can’t give me relief. You’re killing me.”

  Bryce trembled in his arms. Her breasts ached, her nipples peaked and heat pooled between her thighs. Slade’s bright gaze flashed through her memory. He’d sent her here to “talk” to Iram. Had Slade known what she’d find?

  He’s been spending a lot of time in the lap pool. See if you can figure out what that’s about.

  She’d been hired to stimulate Iram’s programming, to awaken emotional pathways. Well, he was awake now!

  “Iram, you have to calm down.” She framed his face with her hands, looking into his eyes. Matthias’ eyes! Why hadn’t she noticed it before? “I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

  He kissed her again, infusing her mind with another wave of scorching lust. Her core melted and throbbed. It was intoxicating and humbling to be so desired. She shoved against his shoulders, parting their mouths. “Not here.”

  Cradling her against his smooth chest, Iram carried her from the spa. His emotions calmed, mellowed. Anticipation took the edge off his lust. He focused on what lay ahead, releasing his desperation.

  Was Slade watching from the control center, or was he still upstairs with Petra? Iram had to be emotionally stable before Slade could attempt a complete transfer. Bryce understood her responsibilities. They had to save Matthias.

  Iram set her down on his bed and stripped off his swim trunks. He was amazing. His dark gaze moved over her. Hunger and need caressed her, making his gaze seem tangible. She crawled to the edge of the bed and sat back on her heels, hands resting on her thighs.

  “You prefer Slade, don’t you?” Uncertainty parted his lustful haze. Bryce sensed his vulnerability.

  She raised her arms, keeping her tone soft and sincere. “I think you’re extraordinary. I’m honored to be your first.”

  “You may be my first woman, but I’ve had plenty of experience.” He approached the bed, a bit of a swagger sneaking into his stride.

  Bryce reclined sideways across the bed. Draping her hair over the side, she looked up at him and smiled. “Shall we review what we did in the spa?”

  His brows rose and he moved closer. “Do you really enjoy having my cock in your mouth?”

  “Do you enjoy licking my pussy?”

  “You know I do.”

  “It’s the same for a woman. Your excitement thrills me. I enjoy the contrast of hard and soft, the heat and the slide against my tongue.” She reached for his hips. “Come here.”

  “You’re still dressed,” he pointed out.

  “That’s your problem.” She caught the tip of his cock between her lips and arched her neck, sucking him deep into her mouth.

  * * * * *

  Slade stepped off the lift and released an audible sigh. Why did life have to be so complicated? Bryce despised Akim. He saw it in her eyes whenever she spoke of “her employer’s son”. There was no way she was a spy, but Petra was right to be suspicious. Bryce had an ulterior motive. He needed to learn what had brought her here.

  Slipping into the lab, Slade checked on Matthias. His vital signs remained steady and strong. It would probably be best to give him a day or two on life-support before Slade completed the transfer. Let his body rest and stabilize.

  He moved into the control center and activated the surveillance grid. All the common rooms were empty. Where had Bryce and Iram gone? Tension knotted his gut and he closed his eyes. They were together, completing Iram’s emotional evolution.

  That’s why she’s here. You hired her to ensure this would happen.

  His blood ran cold. He never should have touched her, never should have allowed himself to see her as anything but an employee. Like a primitive automaton, he entered the code for her room into the control console.

  Her room was empty. Slade’s hand hesitated over the controls. Did he really need to see them? They had triggered Iram’s lust, and then Matthias’ crash had forced them to abandon the tests before their natural conclusion. Iram was fucking her. Slade had no doubt.

  What if Iram hurt her? He’d been agitated for days. Entering the code for Iram’s quarters, Slade braced himself as the image focused. She lay sideways across the bed. Iram arched over her body, his thick cock pumping into her mouth. Her uniform top was ripped down the center and the botto
m bunched around her ankles. Panic stabbed through Slade. Was he forcing her?

  Her hands clutched Iram’s hips and her cheeks drew in as she sucked. Slade expelled a ragged sigh. However it had begun, she was participating now.

  Iram finger-fucked her with one hand and teased her nipples with the other. Blood rushed to Slade’s cock and he groaned. They were beautiful together. Iram’s golden skin accented her ivory complexion. Her silky black hair flowed off the bed, brushing the floor while Iram’s dried in golden waves.

  Stop torturing yourself! He’s not hurting her.

  “Wait… I don’t want…to come until…” Iram’s sentence trailed away. His ass clenched, and his head dropped back on his shoulders. Bryce stayed with him, sucking and licking until Iram relaxed. He eased his cock out of her mouth. Shining with her saliva, the thick shaft still looked hard.

  She sat up and tossed the tattered uniform top aside. “I thought you’d pull it up. You’re hard on clothes.” She kicked off the uniform bottoms and smiled at Iram. “Did that take the edge off? You still look pretty interested.”

  “It’s going to take a lot more than that to get you out of my system. I want your taste in my mouth and your nipples imprinted in my palms. I want to stay inside you so long you take on the shape of my cock.”

  “I’d look rather funny walking around shaped like your cock,” she teased, but Slade spotted the flicker of fear that ignited in her eyes.

  “Sit on my face, like you did for Slade.” Resentment made Iram’s voice hoarse. “Will you do that for me?”

  “I think I might be persuaded.” Her words sounded artificial, practiced.

  Iram crawled onto the bed and stretched out on his back. After a moment’s hesitation, Bryce straddled his face, one knee on either side of his head, her movements stiff and resigned. Iram grabbed her ass and pulled her forward. She steadied herself against the wall. Each subtle sign of resistance fueled Slade’s suspicion.

  He focused on her image and concentrated his psychic energy into a thin, maneuverable stream. Unlike a true empath, he had to intentionally scan the emotions of others. He kept his touch light, counting on Iram’s hungry mouth to distract her.