CodenameAutumn

by Aubrey Ross

  “The wounds were real. I took her to my quarters to heal her back.” That was how it began at least. Keeping her there all night had disregarded the same rule his men had ignored. And he’d been furious with his men. Leave it to Ethan to point out the hypocrisy of his actions.

  “Was the other woman punished for the attack? No one deserved what she gave that poor whipping girl.”

  “The situation was resolved to everyone’s satisfaction. But I have a question for you.”

  “Yes, Sir.” Ethan clasped his hands behind his back and straightened.

  “If you were so concerned about the whipping girl, why did you do nothing to stop the abuse?”

  “At first, I was like the others. I thought it was part of the show. Once I realized she was in real pain, I rushed forward and insisted the woman stop.”

  “But you ran like a frightened rabbit when I arrived. She was left bound, gagged and in agony all alone in that room.”

  Ethan’s lips thinned and his nostrils flared. “My actions were cowardly. I will accept whatever consequence you find fitting.”

  Ra’jen chuckled and motioned for the younger man to sit. “I’m glad to see you still have a conscience.” He activated the door lock and frequency jammer before he went on. “Everything worked out for the best. I’ve recruited the whipping girl as our new courier.”

  “That makes perfect sense. I see pleasure ambassadors all over the place and never pay much attention to what they’re doing.” He scooted to the edge of his seat. “Are you sure you can trust her?”

  “I’m hopeful, but I’ll start out slow, give her nonessential messages.”

  “The Governor’s Ball might be the perfect opportunity to have her circulate.” He indicated the envelope. “I know you’ve never bothered to attend, but it might be worth your time this year.”

  Ra’jen opened the envelope and pulled out the invitation. As Ethan said, it announced the annual ball hosted by Gerald Duval, governor of sector three. Several important contacts would doubtlessly attend. It would be a wonderful opportunity to establish lines of communication. He could legitimize Autumn as a member of the network without drawing undue attention to her.

  “Excellent idea, lieutenant.” He smiled at his subordinate. “I knew there was a reason I kept you around.”

  Chapter Six

  A polite knock on the office door drew Autumn’s attention away from the spreadsheet she’d been perusing for the past three hours. “Come in.”

  The door swung inward and Celinna smiled. “General Noirte is here to see you, Mistress. Shall I show him in?”

  “Of course. General Noirte is always welcome.”

  Celinna turned and motioned Ra’jen inside.

  “Thank you,” he said as he brushed past the trainer. She blushed to the roots of her platinum-blonde hair and pulled the door closed behind him.

  “If you ever touched her, she’d probably swoon.” Autumn stood and came around the desk. “Is that for me?”

  He held a large red box wrapped with a wide velvet ribbon. “Yes, but you’ll have to earn it.” He turned to the side and placed the package on a nearby table.

  Dressed in khaki pants and a solid black T-shirt, he’d never looked better. His hair was bound with a black cord at the base of his neck. The cord wrapped around the wrist-thick mass, crisscrossing as it descended, creating dramatic Xs against the light strands.

  “Can I see what you’re offering?” She moved closer, more fascinated with his striking features than the unexpected gift.

  “No.” Blocking her path to the box, he wrapped his arm around her waist and drew her against his side.

  “How do I know it’s worth earning if you won’t let me see what it is?” She pushed to the balls of her feet and lightly kissed his mouth.

  “You’ll have to trust me.” His lips returned to hers, the kiss slow and explorative. “You’ll like it, and you’ll want it. That’s all I’ll say.” He turned toward her and pulled her fully into his arms. “I like your dress.”

  “Thank you. It’s comfortable.” She’d showered and donned the simple summer dress after Celinna confirmed that Belietta and Rebecca were gone. The remaining ambassadors still looked at Autumn with a combination of amusement and suspicion. It would take time to earn their trust. Everyone on Earth had learned to be wary. Still, she was determined to use her good fortune to make all their lives better.

  Ra’jen’s fingers drifted across her upper chest, tracing her collarbone with his thumb. “Are you wearing panties?”

  Autumn laughed. “Yes.”

  “Take them off.”

  “All right.” Moving back toward her desk, she reached under her full skirt and removed her panties. “Is that all?”

  “Hardly.” He unbuttoned the front of the dress and bared her breasts. The thin straps slid down her arms, lightly restraining her. “So lovely.” He cupped her breast and bent to sample the nipple. She reached behind her, grasping the edge of her desk. His lips were warm and firm as he sucked one side and then the other. “Did you miss me?” He caught one tip between his teeth and nipped.

  “Yes.” She shivered as his mild bite sent excitement skittering through her chest.

  He lifted her to the edge of the desk and knelt in front of her. After pulling off her sandals, he said, “Lift your skirt and put your feet on my shoulders.”

  She recognized the tone, understood what he needed. Command was a part of his being. Ra’jen would never find fulfillment with a female unless she could surrender control. Looking deep into his eyes, she slowly raised her skirt and parted her legs. “Yes Sir.” She paused as his gaze descended, knowing how much the sight of her pussy excited him.

  “Now your feet.”

  Bending her knees, she scooted back as she opened her legs then rested her feet on his shoulders. He toyed with her nipples a moment longer then raked his short nails down the inside of each thigh. Then slowly, almost reverently, he traced her slit with his index finger.

  His gaze narrowed on her sex and he inhaled deeply. He leaned in and inhaled again. “Did you shower when you dressed?”

  Dread spiraled through her, threatening the heat simmering in her body. He’d said he wanted his scent on her when he returned tonight. “I thought that was for the benefit of the others. I didn’t realize you meant it literally.”

  Anger erupted in his gaze, turning his gray-blue irises black. “I mean everything I say. Never doubt it.”

  “I’m sorry, Sir. I didn’t realize…” She didn’t bother repeating the lame excuse. The truth was she’d been too caught up in her victory to consider his reaction. “It won’t happen again.”

  “Lie back.” His tone was tight, but all expression had left his face.

  Not wanting to make things worse, she slid the organizer out of the way and lay back across the desktop. He draped her legs over his shoulders as he lowered his head between her thighs. His lips brushed against her folds, gentle and caressing. This didn’t feel like punishment. Was he still angry?

  He licked her slit and sucked on her folds until heat gathered beneath his mouth. Her clit swelled against his swirling tongue and her core clenched, anxious for the fullness of his cock. She reached for his head and he growled.

  “Don’t touch me.” The words were muffled against her flesh, but she understood. He was still angry. She’d disobeyed, and no one disobeyed General Noirte without repercussions.

  He brought her right to the edge of climax then pulled back. She wasn’t sure he’d done it intentionally until he did it again. The second time, his fingers were inside her, so he had to have felt her starting to come.

  “Ra’jen, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disobey.”

  He stood and opened his pants, taking out his cock without undressing. “I asked one thing of you and one thing only. Tell me what it was.”

  “I am to obey you.”

  Hooking the bend of her knees over his forearms, he pulled her right to the edge of the desk. He found her entrance
with his cock and pushed inside. “When you disobey, the rest is moot.” He pulled back then slammed home in one forceful lunge. “You don’t respect me and you don’t bring me pleasure when you willingly disobey.”

  Her body responded to the surging rhythm of his cock, but her heart ached for the tenderness he withheld. This was so different, so cold. He fucked her now, where they’d been intimate before.

  “I’m sorry.” She covered her face with her hands, unable to bear the cold indifference in his gaze. “Please spank me or something else. Don’t use this to punish me.”

  He paused, his cock deep inside her. “Look at me.”

  She moved her hands and met his gaze. “I won’t disobey you again. I promise.”

  “You will endure another form of punishment, but you’re right. I should not take you in anger.” He stroked the side of her face and affection warmed his gaze. “Besides, it’s damn hard to stay angry when this feels so incredibly good.”

  She smiled and squeezed him with her inner muscles. “May I touch you now?”

  He stripped off his shirt then pulled her up off the desktop. Carefully maneuvering through the office with her impaled on his cock, he made it to the small sofa and sat. She settled over his lap, knees folded beneath her.

  “Ride me.”

  More than happy to obey, she grasped his shoulders and pulled her body up. With just his tip inside her, she hesitated, savoring the fullness and building anticipation. She watched his eyes, captivated by their beauty and the power so evident in his stare. Slowly, millimeter by millimeter, she took him deep again.

  His hands clasped her hips at the apex of her next stroke, and he brought her down forcefully. She gasped and shivered, understanding the urgency driving his reaction. She caressed his neck and face while their hips found a rolling motion that rubbed him against all her sweet spots.

  He bucked with sudden vigor and the pattern on his chest flared. She splayed her fingers over the entwining lines and graceful curves, absorbing their heat and delighting in the meaning. This didn’t happen with a casual lover. Regardless of the odds against them, she was his. And he was hers.

  Emboldened by the knowledge, she arched, bringing her breasts closer to his face. He bent and sucked while she eagerly rode his cock. Her strokes grew harder and faster. Pleasure tightened within her, churning, ready to release.

  “Go,” he coaxed. “Take me with you.” His hand slipped between their bodies and he rubbed her clit with his fingertip.

  Throwing back her head with a sharp cry, she came in fast, deep spasms. He pressed his face against her breasts and wrapped his arms around her back, releasing his seed as her cunt greedily squeezed him.

  “Better?” he murmured then nipped her breast.

  “So much better,” she agreed.

  He turned to the side and laid her back across the sofa as he knelt between her thighs. His body arched over hers, but he supported his weight on his elbows and knees, his cock still deeply inside her. She traced the marks on his skin, fascinated by their heat and the velvety texture.

  “When a male flares it’s an invitation,” he explained. “If the female accepts him, she touches his tellimon, like you’re doing right now.”

  “Tellimon? That’s what this is called?” She followed one especially bold line across his shoulder and down his arm.

  “Yes.” His eyelids dropped and he shivered, his pleasure unmistakable. “And each time you touch me like that our bond will grow stronger. I’ll become more protective and more demanding. And you’ll crave the fullness of my cock.”

  “What happens if I lick your tellimon?” Before he could answer, she pulled herself up and dragged her tongue across the bright blue marks.

  His cock hardened inside her and hunger blazed in his eyes. He lifted her legs to his shoulders and dragged her beneath him, bending her body in half. She spread her arms wide, reveling in his aggression, safe in the knowledge that he would never hurt her.

  With one foot on the floor and the other knee on the sofa, he filled her soft wet pussy. Each thrust was demanding and deep, yet he balanced his weight, careful not to crush her.

  “Your hair,” she gasped. “Free your hair.”

  He reached back and dragged the black cord from his hair, shaking his head to free the long strands. She drew her fingers through his hair, letting the softness caress her while his cock maintained its relentless rhythm.

  Her legs slipped off his shoulders, catching in the bend of his arms. Then he shifted his hold and freed her legs completely, lowering his body onto hers. He covered her now, chest to breasts, belly to belly, rubbing and pressing with each possessive stroke.

  She wrapped her legs around his hips and pulled his face down, needing his tongue in her mouth, and their tastes mingled. His lips sealed over hers, the kiss every bit as aggressive as the motion of his hips.

  A fiery dart drove into her mind, the sting sharp enough to make her cry out. His thrusts continued and his kiss deepened. Accept me, love. Let this link become a part of you.

  Her instincts urged her to struggle against the invasion, to force him out. Would this give him control over her mind as well as her body? Fear crashed over her and surged within her. She would be no man’s puppet!

  I will never hurt you, Autumn. To protect you, I must be able to sense when you’re in danger and find you quickly.

  Was that all there was to it?

  I can’t hold the link much longer. You must accept me into your mind.

  Reluctantly, she fought back her fear and emptied her mind of all resistance. She focused on their kiss and the steady slide of his cock in her passage. Another sharp sting anchored the link and understanding unfurled within her. She could feel the link clearly now, even see it in her mind’s eye.

  Can you hear my thoughts? She pushed the question across the link, not sure if it would work or not.

  His mouth released hers and he reared up, features contorted with pleasure and strain. He threw back his head and groaned as release shuddered through him. His cock bucked deep inside her, and his seed bathed the opening to her womb.

  She watched him come, mesmerized by the savage beauty of his face. Forming the link had disrupted her arousal, but she didn’t care. Watching him lose control filled her with warmth and tenderness and a secret sense of power.

  “I lost you at the end. Didn’t I?”

  She smiled. “I was distracted. Why didn’t you warn me about the link?”

  “I hadn’t intended to form it so soon, but you provoked me.” Her chuckle tightened her inner muscles and he groaned again. “I think you’re trying to kill me.” He slowly separated their bodies, eyes bright yet incomprehensible. “Don’t move.” He placed one of her feet on top of a high back cushion and guided the other to the floor. Then he lowered his head between her spread thighs and licked her wet slit. “This is how you should taste all the time.”

  She smiled, feeling decadent and lazy. “That will keep you rather busy, don’t you think?”

  “I’ll make time.” He licked her again and the embers of her desire sparked. She wiggled and he licked some more, delving deeper between her folds.

  He really didn’t care if she reeked of sex as long as it was his come he smelled and tasted. His tongue drove up into her passage and she bit her bottom lip to keep from moaning.

  “I will never leave you wanting,” he whispered, his breath teasing her passion-soaked folds.

  She stroked his hair, so glad he’d freed it. “It takes me forever to heat up.”

  “Oh really?” He pushed into her with two fingers and moved his mouth to her clit. “Don’t fight it and you’ll be screaming in no time.”

  His lips closed around her clit while his fingers dragged along the front wall of her passage. She gasped and shivered, amazed at how quickly her senses submitted to his will. Her pussy clung to his fingers and pleasure pulsed through her groin.

  He caught her clit between his lips and gently pulled. Bliss flowed out of her i
n a heated rush, and her body rippled around his fingers. He prolonged each spasm with his lips and his tongue until she was trembling beneath him.

  When the last wave passed, he kissed her inner thigh and withdrew his fingers. “Stay just like that.”

  “Why?” She lifted her head without lowering her legs.

  “Because I told you to.”

  “Yes Sir.” She lowered her head and tried to relax despite her immodest position. She heard his clothes rustle then a subtle clicking as he raised his zipper. He moved off the couch and messed with the gift box. She was dying to know what he was doing but didn’t dare look.

  He returned and she craned her neck long enough to see him place a bundle on the floor. “Relax. This is about sensation, not visual observation.” She closed her eyes and he sat down, easily within reach of her exposed sex. “This is not your punishment. It’s important that you understand that. I don’t want you to think of this in a negative light.”

  “Then what is my punishment?”

  “It’s very likely this will turn you on, make you restless and desperate for orgasm. From now until tomorrow night, you are not allowed to come. You must fight back the urge, and you are not allowed to masturbate. If you do, I will be very disappointed.”

  As far as punishments went, that didn’t seem daunting. Besides, he’d just given her several powerful orgasms. This should be easily endured. “I won’t. I promise.”

  “Good. Now keep your eyes closed.”

  She didn’t want to keep her eyes closed. She wanted to see what the hell he was doing. With a petulant sigh, she draped her forearm across her face. He touched her thigh, moving his fingers downward so she could track his position.

  “Can I ask what you’re about to do?”

  “You can ask.” He chuckled, and she knew he had no intention of explaining. His fingers teased her folds for a moment then circled her opening. But instead of pushing inside, he moved his hand lower, caressing her other opening.

  She bit back the flood of questions whirling through her mind. His touch was light, almost playful. Then she felt something cool and slippery speed his fingers on their way. Lubricant. That left no doubt about his destination.