by Aubrey Ross
“You need this.” He pushed two fingers into her core, his gaze clouded, inscrutable. “You need a man who understands what it takes to please you. I can give you that, but don’t call me Master until I’ve earned the title.”
Covering her mouth with his, his tongue slid, his teeth nipped. He released the safety restraints and Danette whimpered. She didn’t want to be free! She’d accept Korbin as her lover if that was the only way he’d take her. She understood his hesitation, respected his honesty. Still, she craved the security, the devotion a Master gave his slave.
She combed her fingers through his hair, moving her tongue against his. He tasted of passion—her passion—and the need consuming them. Her nipples strained against the confining rings. She wrapped her legs around his waist, opening herself, offering.
Still kissing her, he swiveled his chair, aligning the two across the aisle. He shoved his pants to his knees and sat on the edge of the chair. His movements were nearly frantic as he freed his straining cock. She braced her feet against the chair behind him, brazenly canting her hips.
He thrust to the hilt and they cried out together. Danette arched into his lunge. He took her hard and fast, and she couldn’t get enough. His fingers dug into her hips, lifting her as he drove in again and again. She clenched her inner muscles, never wanting it to end.
Gathering her in his arms, he pulled her up against his chest. Her ringed nipples stung as his shirt teased their sensitive tips. His gaze burned with urgency and passion, so why had he stopped fucking her?
“I…” He broke off and kissed her, his tongue delving deep.
His cock jerked, the demanding rhythm driving her crazy. He caressed her back, squeezed her ass, pulled her tighter against his body.
“Danette, I—” His sentence ended in a helpless laugh.
“I love you too.” She smiled and squeezed as hard as she could.
He groaned but still didn’t move. “I’m not afraid of the word. I know I love you. The timing is just so wrong.”
Warmed by his sincerity, she traced the sensual contour of his lips. “Your timing was just fine until you stopped moving inside me.”
Framing her face between his palms, he kissed her tenderly. His mouth slid with infinite care, his tongue almost tentative. She encouraged his gentleness, enjoying the unhurried pace. Their previous encounters had been rushed and bittersweet. They touched and kissed, enjoying the intimacy of their joined bodies.
“Kneel across my lap,” he whispered against her lips.
It was a tight fit, but she managed. He traced her spine and teased the crease between her ass cheeks. Each tantalizing caress escalated her desire.
She trembled. His tenderness whetted her appetite for more. She wanted him wild and demanding, pounding into her. He lifted her hips and lunged. Danette welcomed him with a warm, wet squeeze. His fingers tightened against her hips and each thrust jarred her entire body.
Her back arched. She braced her hands on the chair behind her. Korbin held her steady while he moved with firm, steady stokes. Her pussy fluttered and her nipples tingled as the tension continued to build. Gathering from all over her body, sensations converged in her abdomen. He thrust his full length into her and the impact set off a chain reaction. She clenched, and pleasure burst, pulsing outward until her toes curled. She tossed her head, shaking helplessly. He clutched her hips, holding her still while he joined her in release.
* * * * *
Ashton and Corry were waiting when they returned to Danette’s apartment.
“We were starting to get worried.” Ashton didn’t bother with hellos. “The meeting is scheduled for six, not nine. We’re running out of time.”
“Is the ship here?” Korbin asked.
“My mother’s schooner would be a little conspicuous in this neighborhood. If you’re ready, I’ll help you with the installation and the women can meet us at my apartment.”
Korbin’s gaze lingered on Danette’s face, but he managed to make his voice sound casual. “Does that work for you?”
She smiled. “It’s fine.”
“Where’s the device?” Ashton asked.
“Locked in the shuttle’s hold.”
The men departed and Corry turned to Danette. “Are your clothes here or on the shuttle?”
“Here.” She motioned toward the bedroom. “I’ll just be a minute.”
They didn’t speak again until they were on board Ashton’s shuttle, heading for his apartment on the other side of New Shardrake.
“Did you know Pleasure Master Nine before we kidnapped you, or—”
“Somehow I doubt Korbin told you about his other occupation. So, what were you doing at the Pleasure Palace?” Danette shot Corry a challenging glance.
“I used the simulators after my father died. What attracted you to…that lifestyle?”
Danette watched the city speed by. “What difference does it make to you?”
“I’m just curious about the woman who’s captured my brother’s heart. He’s not an easy man to reach.”
That wasn’t the answer she’d expected from Korbin’s grim sister. “I’m not sure I can make you understand without sounding like a spoiled brat.”
Corry smiled. “I already think that, so change my mind.”
“My parents allowed me to do whatever I wanted as a child. My father was never around and my mother hates conflict, so that left me on my own with people hired to please me. As many teenagers do, I tried to capture my father’s attention by misbehaving.”
“But your father wasn’t easily distracted?”
“To say the least. So my behavior became more and more outlandish.”
Corry listened intently and didn’t seem to be drawing any sort of conclusion until she’d heard the entire story. “How did you end up at the Pleasure Palace?”
“I decided that expanding my sexual education was the next item on my to-do list, so I tried to seduce my bodyguard. When I wouldn’t take no for an answer, he bent me over a desk and finger-fucked me until I came. He was hoping to frighten me, but I was so turned on by his aggression he suspected I was a submissive with pain triggers.”
“Why didn’t he train you himself?”
She stumbled over the word train, which made Danette smile. Only someone who craved the process could truly revel in training. Corry’s disbelief was understandable. “One of the reasons Father hired him was because he was gay.”
“So he took you to the Pleasure Palace?”
“Yes. He decided the only way to ensure my safety while I explored my sexual needs was to control every aspect of the situation. He took me to the Pleasure Palace and offered me my choice of prescreened Masters. I chose a man named Paul.”
“How old were you?”
“Nineteen.” A dreamy smile curved her lips.
Corry fidgeted, obviously uncomfortable with the conversation she had launched. “And you enjoy being Paul’s sex slave?”
“It’s a Master’s responsibility to give his slave pleasure, to satisfy all of their needs. How many of your lovers have put your pleasure above their own?”
“Can’t you submit to a lover without becoming their slave?” Despite her discomfort, Corry couldn’t seem to stop her curiosity. “It just seems degrading.”
“Slaves are generally submissive, but not all submissives are slaves. First of all, Paul had no idea who I was, so it was the only time I’d been completely sure that a man was interested in me and not Admiral Tiptonn’s daughter. Once I learned to trust him, I gave him control of my pleasure. He owned by body, was free to do anything he wanted with it, but there was nothing degrading about it. I willingly offered my service and in exchange he took care of all of my needs, physical and emotional. It was incredibly liberating, yet utterly secure. A Master/slave relationship is almost symbiotic.”
Corry didn’t seem convinced, which was fine. Danette wasn’t trying to convert her. “What’s the connection between Paul and Korbin?”
“Korbin was Paul’
s mentor, so Korbin participated in our first few sessions. I was undeniably attracted to your brother, but I was with Paul at the time.”
“Then Paul is no longer part of your life?”
“Paul is no longer part of anyone’s life. He died several years ago.” Danette took a deep shuddering breath then pushed the events back into the past where they belonged. “That’s more than you need to know. Change the subject.”
“Have you ever…been with Ashton?”
Danette laughed and shook her head. “That’s not much of a subject change, but I can tell you’re dying to know. Ashton came home with me after a party about a month ago. We both intended to have sex, but after a few kisses, we realized there was no chemistry between us. We knew we had to end the engagement. Regardless of how badly our parents wanted the match, we couldn’t go through with it. We were just waiting for the right time to make a public announcement.”
Corry accepted the information with a silent nod, but Danette didn’t miss the sudden sparkle in her eyes.
* * * * *
Coalition headquarters was only a few minutes from Ashton’s apartment. Still, anticipation twisted Korbin’s stomach in knots. This had to work! It was likely their last chance to reach the executive council before they locked the rebels up and lost the access codes.
“We’re going to have to move fast once we arrive.” Ashton sat in the pilot’s seat. Korbin sat beside him. “This schooner has approach authorization but security will expect us to land. The council chambers are already programmed in, so we should be able to transport our guests on board and get the hell out of here before they fire on us.”
“They’ll be disoriented when they materialize,” Corry said. “But the sensation doesn’t last long.”
“Father will be armed,” Danette cautioned. “He’s always armed.”
Korbin took the statement as a cue and unfastened his safety restraints. “It’s all set. Just press hard right here.” He showed Ashton the section of the control panel to depress. Drawing his pulse pistol, Korbin stood to one side of the schooner. Palmer followed his example, positioning himself on the other side.
“Ready?” Corry had her weapon in hand as well.
“Let the fun begin.” Ashton released his safety restraints and activated the transporter.
A shimmering energy field converged in the middle of the cabin. Four separate figures formed within the field. The shapes fluctuated then silhouettes solidified.
They materialized in a seated position, confusion contorting their features. Hayford caught himself before he fell to the floor. Renata Boehme wasn’t quite so agile. She landed with a startled gasp, looking around with a mixture of anger and awe.
The other two “guests” managed to land on their feet, weapons drawn.
“Freeze!” Korbin ordered. “Hands up!” He glanced from Admiral Tiptonn to Meredith, determination forcing away all emotion. None of their intel indicated Meredith would be at the briefing this morning. So why the hell was she here?
“Now,” Palmer prompted when they didn’t immediately comply.
“What is the meaning of this?” Hayford demanded.
“They have the transporter.” Glaring all the while, Admiral Tiptonn surrendered his pulse pistol. Korbin disarmed Meredith as well and patted them both down.
Gesturing with her handgun, Corry urged Renata into an empty seat, leaving Hayford and the admiral to argue with Korbin.
“Are you being coerced or are you participating in this madness?” Hayford’s startled gaze moved between Ashton and Korbin.
Ashton stepped closer to his father and commitment deepened his tone as he said, “The rebels have my full support. This has gone on long enough.”
Korbin secured the admiral to one chair while Palmer bound Meredith to another.
Danette stood before her father, her eyes bright with conviction. “You need to listen to them. What they did may have been unconventional, but their cause is legitimate.”
He turned his face away, refusing to reply.
Hayford took a seat across from the admiral and Korbin reached for his wrist. “That won’t be necessary.” He glanced at Ashton then fastened his safety restraints.
* * * * *
Hope bubbled inside Korbin as they loaded the schooner and left Chiron for Wirtanen. It was too soon to think they’d reached these stubborn bureaucrats, yet their thoughtfulness was encouraging.
Corry’s descriptions of the crowded dormitories and the backbreaking labor expected of the inhabitants of Chiron hadn’t impressed the council members. It was only as they approached one of the harvest houses and came face-to-face with the ragged workers that their attitudes subtly changed.
Intimidated by the unexpected visitors, most of the harvesters were reluctant to complain. One mouthy woman had no such qualms. Her son had died the previous winter when the overseer ignored the boy’s claims of illness. One story led to another, and soon the granary echoed with the workers’ discontent.
Corry couldn’t have planned it better if she’d organized the visit months in advance. The only disadvantage to their lengthy stay was arriving on Wirtanen after dark. The outpost was dangerous during the day. At night, Shanty Town’s twisted warren harbored cutthroats and thieves.
“It’s probably best if we transport down,” Corry mused. “Scavengers run rampant at night.” They hovered above one of the most crime-ridden areas of the city.
“Why do you know so much about Wirtanen? I thought you lived on Borrelly.” The premier’s sharp gaze assessed Corry.
“She’s been attempting to do your job for the past five years,” Korbin sneered. “Father established the runs. Corry took them over after he was murdered.”
“What runs? What do you bring here?” Despite Korbin’s provocation, Hayford’s gaze never shifted from Corry’s face.
“Let’s transport down and you can see for yourself.”
“I’ll monitor your position.” Korbin turned back to the control panel. “Signal at the first sign of trouble and I’ll transport you back.”
“Is it really that dangerous?” Renata asked.
“It can be,” Corry replied.
“Then I alone will accompany you.” The admiral made it sound dramatic.
Corry chuckled. “That sort of defeats the purpose for bringing you here.”
The admiral glanced at Korbin. “Sounds like we’ll need our weapons and all nonessential personnel should remain on board.”
“Who do you consider nonessential?” Corry asked, and the admiral glared at her. “Everyone on the executive council is transporting down. I’m not sure why Meredith was included in the briefing, but I don’t want her to feel left out.”
“You think I don’t know what’s down there?” she snapped. “I was married to the grand crusader. I probably know more about this than you.”
“And still you’ve done nothing?” Danette grabbed Corry’s arm as she lunged toward Meredith.
“Except arrest me.” Korbin pivoted to face the others as he added the jibe.
“Why don’t you and Korbin accompany the four of us to the surface?” A cunning gleam ignited in the admiral’s eyes. “There’s no reason to endanger the others.”
“I don’t think so.” Corry opened the munitions compartment and tucked a pistol in the back of her pants. “Korbin stays on board with Danette and Palmer.” She handed a weapon to the younger VinDerley. “Ashton comes with us.”
The admiral shrugged. “Whatever you say.”
Chapter Ten
“I can babysit the comlink just as well as you can,” Palmer said with a conspirator’s wink. “We have to bring them back on board, so it’s not like they’re going to catch you in the act.”
Korbin looked at Palmer, unable to accept that the privileged frat boy had just suggested he take Danette to the aft cabin and fuck her.
“If you keep eyeing each other Admiral Tipton is likely to kick your ass,” Palmer went on. “And the only way you’re going to b
e able to stop eyeing each other is if you get back there and scratch the itch. It’s not like everyone onboard doesn’t know you’re lovers already.”
Unable, or unwilling, to argue with Palmer’s logic, Korbin took Danette by the hand and rushed her to the back of the schooner. Danette was laughing by the time he got the privacy panel secured.
“Please tell me this isn’t some sort of trick.” His voice sounded rough and needful.
“It’s no trick,” Danette assured. “Even if Palmer wanted to hurt you—which I don’t believe he does. He would never intentionally hurt me.”
He pressed her against the nearest wall and caged her there with his arms. “Why are you so certain?”
“Because he’s had a crush on me for years. He’s probably out there right now imagining himself in your place.” Danette unfastened his pants and deftly freed his cock. “Palmer might want me, but I want you. Only you. I want to touch you and taste you. I want to cry out your name while you thrust deep inside me.” She closed her fingers around his shaft and stroked him from base to tip until a drop of moisture formed on the very end.
“Offer me your mouth.”
She sank to her knees and locked her hands behind her head, looking up into his eyes. He wanted her naked, needed to see her breasts. But they had no idea how long the others would be gone. She extended her tongue and he leaned in, allowing her to lick the drop of pre-come off the tip of his cock.
“More,” she whispered. The word combined with the desire burning in her eyes just about buckled his knees. He pushed into the waiting warmth. So soft, so giving, she swirled her tongue around him and sucked on the head of his cock until tingles raced up and down his spine.
Bracing himself against the wall, he moved in her mouth, feeling only the snug heat of her lips and the velvet caress of her tongue. She tilted her head, taking him into her throat. He groaned and staggered back a step.