by Ivy Barrett
Seeing no alternative but cooperation, Danette shuffled out into the corridor. The woman emerged, followed immediately by her guards. The door panel rolled into place and the woman motioned Danette down the hallway.
Danette studied her surroundings as she walked, searching for any clue to her location. Was she still in coalition space? Her chains jingled and her bare feet slid over the cool tiles. Tingles skittered up her spine.
“Inside,” the woman ordered, and a door on Danette’s right opened.
Danette glanced inside and shuddered. The room was identical to the one she’d just left. “I’d rather stay with the others.”
“I’m sure you would,” the woman muttered.
“We can verify the humane treatment of each other if we’re left together.” It was a warning as much as a suggestion.
“So can the surveillance feed. Go.”
Before Danette could argue, the two guards picked her up and carried her into the cell. Their hands lingered against her upper arms, the backs of their fingers brushing her breasts. She twisted out of their hold with an indignant gasp as her stomach lurched. They had no right… She had no rights. She was a prisoner of war, not Admiral Tiptonn’s daughter. The sooner she adjusted her thinking, the better her chances were of surviving this ordeal.
“How long will you keep us? What are you asking in return for our…” Her words trailed away as they left her alone in the tiny room.
The restraints fell to the floor with a noisy clatter and Danette kicked them under the bunk. She hadn’t worn the restraints long enough to chafe her skin, but it felt good to be rid of the weight.
Ashton’s father was premier of the Comet Coalition and Palmer’s mother was chief justice. As the dark-haired woman said, this was no random act. To Danette’s knowledge, the coalition had never given in to threats. Surely the rebels knew that. So what were they hoping to accomplish?
A single blanket was folded at the foot of the bunk, which was the only thing resembling furniture in the room. An open archway provided some modicum of privacy if she needed to use the toilet. Another compartment opened off the lavatory, but the door remained locked as she approached.
Even the detention centers on Halley Prime were far more hospitable than this. She sat on the edge of the bed then scooted back far enough to raise her feet off the cold alloy floor.
They expected a helpless socialite, a superficial twit, living only for pleasure. Perhaps she should give them exactly what they expected. Covering her mouth with her hand, she allowed tears to fill her eyes. Were they watching? Assessing her? She had to learn more about them and she couldn’t do that locked in this cell.
She produced a pathetic sob as tears escaped the corners of her eyes. Please let there be a man watching. If the dark-haired woman was monitoring the surveillance feed, this performance was utterly wasted.
An odd rumble vibrated the room and Danette yelped. “What is that?” She kept her tone breathless yet loud enough for a security transmitter to detect. “What’s going on? Please, someone talk to me.”
“Ms. Tiptonn, just relax. We’ll bring you something to eat in a little while.”
She slowly lowered her hand away from her mouth, making sure her lips still trembled. “Thank you.” She sniffed and inched closer to the edge of the bunk. “May I know your name?”
“I’m not even supposed to be talking to you.”
He had a faint accent, as had the woman. Danette scrambled to place the vocal inflection, but she’d never been good at outpost accents. “I’m glad you did. My stomach is really upset. Could I get some crackers or maybe—”
“Someone’s coming.” After a quick crackle, there was only silence.
* * * * *
Korbin Reah walked into the control booth later that night to find Larz cheerfully chatting with Danette Tiptonn. The younger man’s gaze was fixed on the vidscreen with a mixture of lust and awe.
“Is this your homeworld?” she asked. “You have such an interesting accent.”
Before Larz could answer the siren’s question, Korbin reached across the console and deactivated the intercom. “Have you lost your fucking mind?”
A flush crept up Larz’s neck and deepened across his cheeks. “I didn’t tell her anything. She doesn’t even know my name. She was scared to death when Corry locked her in there by herself.”
“You felt sorry for her?” He made a sharp gesture toward the vidscreen. “She’s pumping you for information and you’re too turned-on to notice. We are beneath contempt to people like her and don’t you ever forget it. Go take a cold shower and get your head screwed on straight.”
“But my shift doesn’t end for another hour.”
“Your shift ends now!”
“Yes, sir.”
Korbin turned back to the vidscreen as Larz left the booth. The manipulative little bitch. Larz might be dazzled by her beauty, but she’d find him harder to control. With an angry exhalation, Korbin reactivated the intercom.
“Hello.” She paced the holding cell, calling out to the walls. “If that question was too personal, we can talk about something else. Just don’t ignore me. I won’t cause any trouble, I promise.”
Korbin raked his fingers through his hair and closed his eyes against the temptation. He’d promised Corry she could play with the prisoners first. He’d promised himself he’d leave the pampered princess alone. There was no way in hell he’d play nicely, so it was better for everyone if he took a giant step back.
“Hello,” she tried again.
There had to be some consequence for what she’d done with Larz. She had to know her gorgeous face and perfect body weren’t going to help her here. He paused the surveillance recording and crossed his arms over his chest. This would create a lapse in their vidlog, but he was willing to take the chance.
“I’ll have to review the entire conversation before I decide what penalty is appropriate for the two of you,” he said with lazy menace.
Her sparkling blue eyes widened and her lips parted. “Please don’t be angry with…the young man. He only spoke to me because I was frightened.”
“Are you frightened now?” He hadn’t expected her to defend Larz. It was remarkably selfless for a privileged citizen of Halley Prime.
She nervously licked her lips, drawing his attention to her mouth. An odd tingle erupted in his brain. That bow-shaped mouth, those electric-blue eyes… Did he know this woman?
An image formed, distinct and shocking. She knelt before him, naked, hands bound behind her, another Master grasped the back of her hair, offering Korbin the wet heat of those scarlet-tinted lips. Had he encountered Danette at the Pleasure Palace? No, it wasn’t possible. She would have been too young.
“Should I be frightened?” she asked, lowering her gaze submissively. “Do you intend to punish me?” The sensual undertone in her words was unmistakable.
Desire spread through him, heating his blood and speeding his pulse. “Would you enjoy being punished?” The question was out before he realized what he was doing. He had fallen into the same trap as Larz!
“I…I would enjoy a hot shower and having something else to wear. This gown is a little impractical.”
“But it suits you so well, princess.”
“My name is Ms. Tiptonn.” She raised her chin, her expression a bit too haughty. “Please address me as such.”
Wrong time to flaunt her breeding. Wrong man to provoke with her arrogance. He deactivated the lights and listened to her scream. She’d never known hardship, never gone hungry. He doubted Admiral Tiptonn had ever raised his voice to his precious baby girl. Training her would be no challenge. Still, something about Danette called to Pleasure Master Nine, the part of Korbin’s nature he’d forced into hibernation when he resigned his position at the Pleasure Palace.
“I’m sorry.” Genuine fear made Danette’s tone shrill. “Please turn the lights back on.”
“Can I call you princess?”
“Yes! Call me whatever you li
ke, just turn on the lights.”
The holding cells were sealed and soundproof, the darkness absolute. “Ask me nicely.”
“Please. I already said please.” Her voice broke urgently. It wouldn’t do to have her swoon. Korbin chuckled and raised the illumination to one-tenth its normal intensity.
“T-thank you. More please.”
“Say my name.”
He activated the enhanced spectral camera, allowing him to see her despite the meager light. She stumbled forward, her arms extended. This couldn’t lead where he wanted it to lead, so why was he toying with her?
“I don’t know your name.”
“Sure you do. Think about it. What does every man really want to be called?” It wasn’t just her beauty. Korbin had a knack for spotting those who understood surrender, needed the security of submission. Those needs smoldered in Danette’s eyes.
“Sir?” she suggested tentatively.
“Close. Try again.”
“Your majesty?” Annoyance snapped through her tone.
He chuckled. “I have an altogether different relationship in mind.”
Her hands trembled as she covered her face and took a slow, deep breath, nearly spilling her breasts from the plunging neckline of her gown. Lowering her arms to her sides, she asked, “What do you want to be called? I’m tired of this game.”
“Call me Master and we’ll play a different game.”
“M-Master?” She caught her bottom lip between her teeth and pressed her hand over the upper swell of her breast. Was her heart pounding? Most women would have laughed or gasped in outrage. She only sounded unsure. Someone had introduced her to the pleasures of submission, but who would be so bold? She was Admiral Tiptonn’s daughter. “You want me to call you Master?” she sounded even more uncertain now.
He dimmed the lights.
“Please, Master, turn on the lights.” Her tone was hushed and husky, but the request came without hesitation. Even her voice seemed familiar. This was Danette Tiptonn. Her father’s over-protectiveness was common knowledge. What would she have been doing at the Pleasure Palace?
He increased the intensity to half.
“Thank you, Master.”
Possessive desire tightened his abdomen and made his cock jerk. Stars, he wanted her. Maybe he’d wait to notify her father while he… No! He shouldn’t have started this. But the game had begun and she obviously knew the rules.
“I’m not the first man you’ve called Master, am I?”
A faint smile tugged at the corners of her mouth while secrets gleamed in her eyes. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Despite her denial, her dreamy expression told another tale. She paused in front of the camera and smoothed her hands down her sides, drawing his gaze along every dip and curve of her body.
“That gown displays your figure so perfectly. I bet every man at the gala was desperate to be near you as soon as they saw you in that dress.”
“I’m shamefully vain, Master. I shouldn’t enjoy the attention, but I do.”
All hesitation had left her voice. She was either a trained submissive or ripe for training. Korbin shifted his hips in a futile attempt to alleviate the pressure in his crotch.
The gown supported her fabulous breasts and molded to her perfect ass. Knowing the impractical gown cost more than he made in a year only added to his determination to rip the offending garment off her voluptuous body.
“How badly do you want that shower?” He bumped the lights back to full and waited for her reaction.
Her brow furrowed and her lips pressed into a subtle pout. Regardless of the blatant sexuality apparent in every move she made, there was something almost innocent about his captive.
She crossed her arms just under her breasts. The position pressed the swelling mounds into greater prominence, and Korbin shook his head. An invitation?
“I won’t…sleep with you.” She fiddled with her gown. Korbin studied the distinct peaks her nipples formed beneath the clingy material. Maybe she wouldn’t sleep with him, but the thought excited her. Then panic gradually cooled the desire burning in her gaze. She crossed her arms over her breasts and averted her face. “Can I talk to your supervisor? This is illegal. There are procedures governing the treatment of prisoners.”
He smiled. Now this was more like it. Admiral Tiptonn’s daughter should be outraged that he would dare treat her with disrespect. “If I were a law-abiding citizen of Halley Prime that might interest me. And as entertaining as sleeping with you might be, that wasn’t what I meant.”
“What did you mean?” Her gaze shifted back toward the camera.
Pleasure Master Nine surged to the surface, refusing to be denied. “I can unlock the lav, but even the back room is under surveillance.”
A delightful fire lit her eyes. Oh yes, get angry. Tell me to go to hell. Resist!
“I can shower as long as I’m willing to let you watch?”
“Or you can spend the night in darkness. The choice is yours.”
“I’m not ashamed of my body.” She raised her chin and smoothed the gown over her hips. “I want fresh towels and clean clothes to put on when I’m done.”
Korbin clenched his jaw and glared at the display. The teasing little slut! The need to subdue her clawed at his gut until he groaned. She wasn’t ashamed of her body? Why would she be? She was closer to physical perfection than any woman he’d ever seen.
With a few quick commands, he triggered the door to the holding cell’s utility room. Hearing the subtle hiss, Danette spun toward the archway and rushed into the back room of the lavatory. Korbin closed the door behind her. A dangerous smile curved his lips. He could lock her inside. If she thought the holding cell was cramped…
His hand hovered over the controls. All he had to do was enter the code and the screens would display the lavatory from three angles. Her easy acceptance of his condition abraded his pride. Chasing his quarry was half the fun. How could he conquer if she didn’t resist? Who was her Master? Korbin was more convinced than ever she had been trained.
He activated the display and braced himself for the visual impact. Danette was stepping out of the gown as the video feed came into focus. She faced away from him, her long, toned legs and tight, round ass presented in naked splendor. His hand moved automatically to his crotch. All the rearranging in the world wasn’t going to help him now.
She turned to hang the gown on the hook beside the door. High and full, round and rosy, her breasts beckoned his fingers and his lips. He wanted to touch and taste, to pinch those scarlet nipples until she gasped and squirmed. He switched camera angles as she moved toward the shower. Her mound was smooth. Delicate pink folds peeked out from between her slender thighs.
The shower activated as she stepped into the stall. A soft gasp escaped her lips and her eyes widened. “Master?”
“Yes, princess.”
After a long pause she asked, “Do…do I please you?”
Her obvious need for affirmation fueled his desire. She was using him just as surely as she had pumped Larz for information. He was a fool to continue the game. Still, he couldn’t drag his gaze away.
“You’re stunning,” he said in a tight, begrudging voice. “I want to touch you but we both know I can’t.”
Water cascaded down her body, drenching her long blonde hair. Arching her back and raising her arms, she smoothed the mass back from her face. A dreamy smile revealed her pleasure at his praise. Her perfectly applied cosmetics were impervious to the spray.
“Do you have a Master?” Why was he asking? It was irrelevant. He couldn’t fuck her. There was too much at stake to risk her crying rape.
She blinked the water out of her eyes. Her lips parted as if she would speak. Instead she turned her face into the spray.
“I asked you a question.”
Sputtering, she reached for the shampoo dispenser protruding from the wall. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m Admiral Tiptonn’s daughter. That’s all you need to kno
w.”
She was right, but what had caused the sudden change in her demeanor? Was she worried he was recording their conversation? Did she not want Daddy to find out she had a Master?
As she worked the shampoo through her hair, her nipples gathered into tight red beads. Had their color been enhanced too? She skimmed her breasts with her hands, pausing to stroke her nipples. Damn her! She knew he was watching and she was punishing him.
Unfastening his pants, Korbin freed his aching cock. Stars, it had been years since he’d relieved himself like this, but there was really no other choice. Knowing she was three doors down from the control booth only heightened the tension.
She caressed her breasts. He worked his cock. She cupped her mound and Korbin’s shaft bucked within his grasp. Her slender fingers ended in long, blood-red nails. She parted her folds and rubbed her clit with her middle finger. Didn’t those nails scratch? The momentary distraction pushed back his release. He watched her fingers, wishing they were his, wishing…
“Show me,” the command came out harsh and desperate, but Korbin hadn’t even meant to speak.
After a tense pause, she leaned against the shower stall, bent her knees and spread her legs so he could see her glistening pussy.
“Yes. Now close your eyes and pretend I’m there with you, touching you, filling you, fucking you.”
“I want…” Pearly essence coated her fingers. She shuddered and turned her face away. “I need you here.” Holding herself open with one hand, she slipped two fingers right up into her core.
Korbin tightened his fist and worked himself hard and fast. A ragged groan tore from his throat as he angled his cock toward the floor. He came in violent spasms, his entire body shaking with the force of the pleasure. Panting harshly, he collapsed back in his chair and reached for some tissues, dropping several onto the mess he’d just made. He couldn’t drag his gaze away from the display. His princess leaned against the shower stall, finger-fucking herself in earnest. Her thumb rubbed her clit while her fingers slid in and out.
You can’t have her, Korbin. You can’t even touch her. But damn, it was fun to pretend.