It had been so long since she’d been with anyone. Gar, a Phantie she worked with at the hotel, had asked her several times to be one of his bedmates, but she’d turned him down. He didn’t understand monogamy. When she chose a partner, whether male or female, she didn’t want to share them with anyone else. Gar’s current collection of bedmates consisted of five females, each from a different planet.
She started a pot of water boiling for the pasta then opened her last bottle of Canadian Ice Wine and poured herself a glass. She had found a reason to drink it. Now, if only she could figure out a way to get Jewel to the club without making her turn green again.
***
Jewel awoke, the scent of garlic and red sauce making her stomach groan with hunger. I’m on a space station. How is that possible? During training, she’d been told to expect tasteless, replicated food. She padded to the adjoining bathroom and returned to dig out a fresh outfit from her luggage. Decorated in silver and blue, V’s guest room reminded her of any bedroom back on Earth, with a bed, dresser, closet, and armoire. Unlike the palm activated mechanisms in the public corridor, the door slid open as she approached.
Crossing the plush gray carpeting, she took in the view from the upper landing overlooking the living room, dining room, and kitchen, all open-concept and decorated for comfort and to resemble Earth. None of the floating furniture she’d marveled at in the concourse and hallways of the space station in sight. She followed the winding staircase’s graceful curves, amazed that such an elegant fixture would be found on a space station in the middle of nowhere.
V stood in front of the stove, tasting the aromatic red sauce. She’d changed from her drab uniform into black yoga pants and a pink, spaghetti-strap tank top. Jewel could only think of running her hands over the woman’s curves, of being underneath her once more.
Waking up to her, to such a domestic scene, felt so normal, so perfect. But it wouldn’t last. She’d go on her one-night stand with some alien who could be a creepy bug, return to Earth in a couple of days, and never see the beautiful woman before her again. Why is life always so unfair?
V looked up and smiled as Jewel reached the bottom of the stairs. “How are you feeling?” The last time she’d been graced with such warmth was that agonizing day in the hospital when her mother said, “I love you” before succumbing to her cancer.
“I…I’m okay.” She had to fight off the memory. She wanted to enjoy as much time with V as possible before she left, even if that meant going out in public. “What are you making? It smells delicious.”
“Spaghetti. It sounds like such a simple thing, but I haven’t had Earth food in months.” V poured a glass of wine then handed the drink to her. “Dinner’s almost ready. Come, sit down.”
The Space Service had spared no expense in the kitchen, either, furnishing the room with stainless steel appliances and cupboards. Jewel sat on a matching silver hover stool across from V. I guess she does have floating furniture.
“This club you were talking about, what’s it like?”
Chapter Five
V tapped her fingers with a steady beat on the wall outside the guest room. She couldn’t believe Jewel had agreed to go to the club with her. Now she had to wait for her to finish getting ready and she was taking forever.
They’d shared a wonderful dinner, although she’d spent more time watching Jewel savor the meal than enjoying the scrumptious pasta herself. The food and the company made her miss Earth more than ever, but she’d signed a lifetime contract. She’d never set foot on her home planet again.
“Are you ready yet?”
“Almost. I can’t decide between the two outfits I brought with my date in mind.”
“Pick the one that’s the most comfortable.” Or most revealing. Hopefully the clothes would give a better view of her body. She didn’t plan on letting her sit around and look pretty, though. She would get her up on the dance floor and keep her there, letting the music control the rest of their night. And with any luck, Jewel would cancel the date she kept talking about.
Lusting over one of her charges probably wasn’t a good idea. She often escorted guests around the space station, but Jewel was the first to stay with her. And she considered it her personal mission to prove to the woman how beautiful she found her.
She gasped as the door slid open.
Jewel emerged, her hair swept up into a loose bun, a few curly tendrils falling down the sides of her face. She wore a purple, lacey camisole, exposing a mouth-watering amount of her soft skin. A black mini-skirt hugged her shapely hips and knee-high black boots gave her added height. Very little makeup adorned her face, leaving her scars exposed. “Do I look okay?” She chewed on her bottom lip.
“Wow! Do you ever.” It was all V could do to keep from reaching out to touch her. No, there’d be plenty of time for that later, if all went well. If she even wants me….
She considered her own attire—black leggings, long silver shirt, and suede boots. She’d worn the same outfit before and had quite a number of Phanties try to pick her up, but she wasn’t after any of them. She wanted the woman in front of her.
Trying to calm her desires, she headed toward the stairs. “Let’s get going. The club should be hopping by now.”
***
Jewel raced to keep up. The woman moved so much faster than she could, having miles of long, shapely legs. She had to follow her or risk getting lost. When they reached the tube, V hit the button then wrapped her arms around her, hugging her to her trim curves.
She barely registered the suck then push of the tube, trying not to melt in V’s arms. Her cheeks flushed and warmth pooled between her thighs. If she remained in her embrace any longer, she’d be useless for the rest of the night. Her jelly legs wouldn’t take her anywhere. Why can’t she be my date?
Their landing was much smoother than the first one, with V better able to keep her steady. Then she was no longer in her arms.
“The club’s around the corner.” V took off again.
The outside walls of the nightspot vibrated in time to the heavy bass music that pounded out its open doors. Flashing lights shone through the windows and danced across the floor. Inside, floating tables and chairs lined the edges of the room. Her jaw dropped as a tray filled with beverages traveled past her, all on its own. A huge dance floor in the center of the room was crowded with a multitude of species gyrating in ways she could never have dreamed of.
“Music is a universal language. It’s probably the one thing Earth has contributed that every species appreciates.” V took her by the hand and pulled her toward a bar. “C’mon, let’s get a drink.”
Assorted creatures stood three deep awaiting service, so Jewel found an empty table and dropped into a seat while V squeezed through the crowd to place their order. A collection of hungry eyes followed V’s every move. Some elephant men left a crowd of women to pursue her. Yet, she seemed oblivious to them all. Why? Did she have someone? Had she been with those men already?
How could Jewel ever compete with the exotic figures populating the station? She was plain and damaged. The oddballs filling the dance floor held so much more appeal than her. She blinked back tears of despair. Maybe I should go. She’d only hold V back, prevent her from enjoying her night. After all, she had interrupted her hostess’s life. She slid off the chair and headed for the exit. I’ll find my way back. Somehow.
Chapter Six
V grabbed Jewel’s arm. “Where do you think you’re going?” She’d only been gone for a minute, not even time to get to the bar. What happened?
Tears trailed down Jewel’s cheeks. “Back to your apartment.”
V laughed then covered her mouth. Shit! She’ll probably think I’m making fun of her. “There’s no way you’d make it back on your own. That’s why I was asked to escort you around.”
“Well, you can escort me back to your apartment then.”
“Why?” She refused to let Jewel feel sorry for herself. Not here and not with her.
; “I see the way everyone looks at you.”
Oh no, she knew those games. “Yes, but you didn’t see everyone looking at you. You didn’t see the Phantie who followed you out, the one I had to grab and tell to go back inside.”
“Really? But I don’t want any of them.”
V lifted Jewel’s chin up and wiped away her tears. “Neither do I.”
Jewel only blinked, not seeming to understand her meaning.
V grabbed her hand and pulled her back into the club. If she’d remained where they stood, she would have ended up kissing Jewel. And she couldn’t do that. Not when she’d come to the station for a date with someone else. But who? Didn’t really matter. She’d still show her a good time, whether Jewel demonstrated any interest in her or not.
“Let’s hit the dance floor.” The drinks could wait. She wouldn’t let her guest out of her sight again.
The music thrummed, filling her to the core, preventing her from standing still. She found a spot with just enough room for the two of them. No one else mattered. With each hit of the bass, she moved her feet, her hips, her hands. She let the beat control her body and her heart.
Although others might be watching, her attention remained on Jewel. Each movement, a planned seduction. She couldn’t let her go without trying. When the next song began, Jewel finally relaxed. She moved to the music.
And V moved closer. She slid her hand from Jewel’s waist, down, then back up, swaying in front of her. Only an inch between them. She couldn’t get enough. Her Earth scent became intoxicating.
Beat after beat, song after song, she kept her hands on the sexy woman. She claimed her, telling everyone else to stay away. She wanted to savor her precious body. Maybe she could make her forget about her date.
She pulled Jewel even closer, her sensitive nipples pressed against the woman she desired. Holding her with both hands, grinding against her to the music. Her heart raced with hunger. I want to take her on the floor. Right here. Right now.
But the song changed. The beat slowed, indicating last call. The club would close soon.
Most of the patrons had left. Only those hoping to hook up remained. She stepped back. Jewel would have to make the first move. V could never force herself on anyone.
When Jewel took her hands and placed them back on her body, she couldn’t help but smile. Perhaps the evening would end the way she wanted.
Jewel pressed against her, her head resting on her shoulder, swaying to the decelerated beat. “I don’t want this night to end.”
Their dancing became deliberate, a sensuous and intimate rhythm. “It doesn’t have to.”
Jewel stopped and looked up at her. “You…you’re interested?”
“Why wouldn’t I be? You’re the most beautiful creature in the space station.” Somehow, she had to make her see. She brushed her thumb across her lips, wanting to touch more, her entire luscious body. Taking a deep breath, V steadied herself. If this were to go any further, Jewel needed to show her own intentions. As warm moisture pooled between her thighs, V schooled herself to patience.
“Are you sure you’re not my date?”
Shit! That damn date, the only wedge between them. “No, but I wish I was.”
“I wish you were, too.” Jewel stood on the tips of her toes and claimed her mouth.
V pulled her closer until the bit of space between them had been filled. Excited by the warm, curvaceous body pressed against her taut nipples, she fed from the sweetness of Jewel’s mouth, drawing out each delicious sweep. But she wanted more. She wanted all of her.
“Dat so hot!”
The moment expired with the looming presence beside them.
She held Jewel’s hand, wanting to maintain their connection, never planning to let her go. She would deal with the situation then finish what Jewel had started. “What do you want, Gar?”
“You, bootiful human and da new one, too.” The whites of his eyes glowed red and alcohol-laced sweat coated his gray skin.
“You’ve had one too many fizzers. Go away. We’re not interested.”
He pulled out his arousal.
Jewel gasped.
V had heard that Phanties were renowned throughout the universe for their immense cocks, but she had never been curious enough to find out for herself. Looked like the rumors were true.
“You see what you do to me? I want you both for bedmates.”
“I said we weren’t interested, Gar. Not now, not ever. Put your dick back in your pants before you embarrass yourself further.” She would have it out with him the next time she saw him at work, but for the moment she had other things to focus on.
“What ’bout her?”
Jewel shook her head, squeezing V’s hand.
“I watch? Never had two at same time.”
“No!” V said.
She giggled when Jewel echoed her response.
“C’mon, let’s go.” She pulled her out of the club, leaving Gar with his pants around his ankles.
“Wow, he sure was big.”
She smiled, relieved Jewel hadn’t been horrified by Gar’s bad manners…or his gigantic dick. “Yes, a fact that strokes their egos a little too much.”
“Have you ever…?”
She cringed. “No. Not exactly my type.”
“So what is your type?”
She recognized the fishing. Perhaps Gar had affected Jewel more than she’d originally thought. She stopped walking and took Jewel’s other hand, holding them together. “Well, I prefer someone who is beautiful both inside and out.” As she tried to look down, V lifted her chin to meet her gaze. “Even if she doesn’t realize how beautiful she really is, how precious, just like a jewel.”
A tear slid down the woman’s cheek, and V wiped it away. “I want you, sweetie.” She pulled Jewel against her then reclaimed her trembling, swollen lips. Jewel responded with more passion, stroking her mouth to ecstasy. We need to get back to my apartment. She reached over and pressed her palm against the screen for the tube, not breaking contact with her for the entire ride.
Chapter Seven
When they landed, Jewel felt as if she had floated to the floor, like a fairy. She didn’t remember any of the trip through the tube, just being in V’s arms, tasting her lips, everything. The woman made her believe she was beautiful, that she could find happiness with someone, with V, on a space station. Everything everyone had ever said about her melted from her mind, V’s kindness and warmth taking their place.
She pulled away and gasped for air. “We’re here already?”
V stroked the side of her face, making her feel precious. “Yes, let’s go inside.” The door slid open and she pulled her into the foyer. “Would you like something to drink?”
She shook her head. The only thing she wanted was the gorgeous woman in front of her who reminded her what it was like to be a real person again. Not a monster. Not a freak.
“Well, I need a water. I’ll be right back.”
Waiting, she took another look at the apartment. While the open-concept main level had been decorated in Earth tones, the upper floor resembled the aurora borealis with purples, blues, and greens scattered across the wall by the stairs in a beautiful display. So welcoming, so much like Earth. Yet she didn’t feel comfortable enough to wander around on her own. She still remained a guest, only meant to stay for a couple of days.
She took a deep breath as gentle hands swept her hair away from the back of her neck. Light kisses reined across her bare skin, a mouth cold from a drink of water, yet warm with passion.
“I can’t stop touching you.” V’s fingers brushed against her belly. And oh, she wanted more. She wanted her hands on her bare skin, her breasts, over her swollen mound. “Let’s go to my room.”
That soft voice made her weak in the knees. How would she make it up to the bedroom?
V tapped her butt then walked toward the stairs. “You coming?”
She found the strength and raced her up the stairs, reaching for her, but never quite catchi
ng up. Finally arriving on the second floor, she found herself once again wrapped in strong, welcoming arms. “I thought we were going to your room.”
“We are, but I couldn’t wait to touch you again.”
Jewel couldn’t wait either. She captured V’s mouth, grabbing her by the ass and pulling her hips against hers. Yet she wanted to feel the bare skin underneath the clothes. Without hesitation, she slipped her hands under V’s shirt. Touching her soft skin stoked the flames of desire already burning inside. She had to have her. Pulling away from tender, swollen lips, she lifted the shirt off and tugged her own over her head.
Never had she met anyone so perfect, all luscious curves and full, perky breasts. She unclasped V’s red, lacey bra, needing her taut nipples in her mouth. Before she could taste her, V grabbed her wrists, raising them above her head.
Backed against the wall, her hands pinned above her head, a knee between her legs—without the support of V’s body against hers, Jewel would have melted into a gooey puddle. She tingled with anticipation as if she were a teenager, but then again, she had never dated as an adult.
“Damn, you’re amazing.” V trailed her fingers down her body. She lifted Jewel’s legs around her waist.
Jewel grasped her shoulders for balance.
“Don’t worry. I won’t drop you.” V smiled at her. “And since you’re my guest, I get to pleasure you, first.”
She wrapped her arms around V’s neck. “Then take me now.”
V turned and started toward her room, carrying her. “I can’t wait.”
They arrived at the sliding door, and V set her down. Breathless, she shook off her bra, and V’s quick hands hiked her skirt up around her waist. The woman continued her exploration and moved her thong aside to allow her fingers access to her molten core.
“You’re going to take me over before we get to your room.”
V slid her fingers farther inside. “Is that a challenge?”
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