“Why not?”
She sighed. “Never mind.”
“What do you do when you sit?”
“I never do nothing. There’s always too little time. I catch up with messages or emails, or I balance my checkbook.”
“What do you do to relax?”
“I read a book or watch a movie.”
He sat down on the plank and patted the space next to him. “Then we’ll watch a movie.”
“You’re serious?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
“It’s just… I can’t remember the last time I sat next to someone and watched a movie.”
“What do you like?”
Taking a seat close to him, she grinned. “Romantic movies.”
He grimaced. “I already don’t like the sound of it.”
At his command, the wall opened to expose a flat screen. A list of the latest movie releases showed on the screen.
“Choose something,” he said.
After she’d made her choice, he pulled her close to him, holding her at his side. Right now, there was nowhere else in the galaxy he’d rather be.
It seemed strange for the big, dangerous Krinar to cuddle with her, but Ilse reveled in his nearness and heat. Despite the situation, she started to relax. She ached for something other than his lust, something deeper. Something off-limits, because this couldn’t go further than physical. They had no future. Soon, he’d set her free, and she’d have to warn the authorities about the Krinar’s intentions, unless she could convince Drako otherwise and make him change his one-sided opinion of mankind. Thinking about it made her chest constrict painfully. She wouldn’t think about it now, not when his arm came around her and he pushed her head down on his shoulder. Not while the moment was perfect.
Halfway into the movie, she dozed off. When Drako woke her with a gentle kiss, she rubbed her eyes.
“Sorry, I must’ve been more tired than I thought.”
His gaze was concerned. “You didn’t get much sleep last night. I wouldn’t have woken you, but I have business to take care of. Why don’t you go back to bed?”
“You’re leaving?”
“I’ll be back before you know it.”
There was a warning in his voice, one she couldn’t ignore.
Not wanting to break their comfortable spell, she said, “Did you really watch the rest of the movie all by yourself?”
His expression softened. “I was watching you.”
The way he looked at her made her cheeks flush with a pleasant heat.
“Why do your human men offer their women gemstones?” he asked.
He was referring to a scene from the movie where the man gave his girlfriend a diamond ring.
“It’s a symbol of affection. If a man loves a woman, he sometimes buys her a gift to express his feelings. It works both ways. A woman will buy a man something she hopes will please him. A ring symbolizes a bond that you promise to love that person and share your life with him.”
“When you give a woman a ring, do you always make love?”
He uttered the expression carefully, as if he’d committed it to memory.
“It’s not a requirement, but the physical act is a demonstration of love.”
He seemed to ponder her words so seriously she couldn’t help but smile. “Is it different on Krina?”
“We have a life-long bond with our partners, but we don’t use jewelry as symbolism.” He got to his feet, pulling her with him. “Go rest. I’ll be back before lunch.”
He didn’t leave until she was in the bedroom. The minute he was gone, she went around the room, searching for an exit or a control to open the panel, but there was nothing. She only had access to the bathroom. Sighing in frustration, she sank down onto the bed. If only she could contact Caitlin and Mosa to make sure they were all right and to tell them not to worry about her.
Drako flew his pod to the Krinar station midway between Earth and Krina. The ship was manned with technicians, engineers, and researchers who oversaw interplanetary integration. On board was also Ehle, their expert in human behavior. Having requested an audience, Drako made his way straight to the behavioral scientist’s office.
She greeted him with a friendly smile when he entered. “It’s good to see you, Drako. I’m sorry about your recent misfortune on Earth.”
He shrugged. “I survived.”
“Still, such an experience must leave a mark.”
He lifted his arms. “As you can see, I’m as good as new.”
She came from around her desk, offering him a wise smile. “The most damaging are the marks we don’t see.”
“I’m not here to talk about the scars of my soul,” he said wryly.
She indicated two visitors’ planks facing a floating table. “If not to talk about your traumatic experience, why are you here?”
“I need information.” He took a seat opposite her.
“About what?”
“About human behavior.”
“Ah. What is it you’d like to know?”
“Can human nature change, or are characteristics and personality traits genetic?”
“Some traits are genetic, and others stem from learned behavior. Genetic ones are biologically programmed in the DNA and part and parcel of the human. To try and change such a trait would be stressful and even damaging to the human psyche. It would be like forcing an introvert to be sociable. Not only would the natural introvert find the forced situation stressful, but his psychological health could also suffer if others make him feel that his nature is unacceptable or unlikable. Such psychological stress, if prolonged, could result in detrimental physical damage, such as depression and even cardiac disease. Learned behavior can be changed, but it is a long and difficult process. Why do you ask?”
“Say for example a human is deceitful, could that change?”
“It depends on many factors, including personal motivation, role models, external factors, and mental health.”
“Could you reprogram human DNA to remove the negative trait?”
“Impossible. There are too many variables and influencing factors. Some traits may be a combination of both learned and inherited behavior. I’m afraid tampering with their DNA can’t alter human personality. Maybe before conception, but certainly not after birth.” Crossing her legs, she gave him a piercing look. “Why are you so interested in this subject? You’re an adventurer, not a psychologist.”
He looked toward the window through which the planet of Earth was visible. “I met someone, a human, and I have strong … emotions … for her, but she betrayed me.”
“I see.” Her voice filled with compassion. “I couldn’t say if she could change. Each individual is unique. There are no guarantees. Like any living creature’s, human nature is complicated.” She continued softly, “Would you trust a Krinar who betrayed you?”
“No,” he said with regret. “I could never trust a Krinar if he deceived me.”
“Then you have the answer you came for.”
“Yes.” He got to his feet, a heavy feeling settling in his heart. “I guess you’re right. I thank you for your time.”
“Go well, Drako. I hope to see you soon, again.”
Unable to speak, he nodded his greeting and made his way to the door.
“Drako?”
He turned back to face the scientist.
“We can learn to trust again if that trust is earned.”
“It’s a noble concept, but I’m not that forgiving.”
“I guess that’s your inherited nature,” she said with a smile. “Or maybe it’s a part of you that could change.”
He doubted it. This one cut too deep. It was ironic that it had to be the first woman he’d fallen in love with.
Thoughts mulled in his mind as he piloted his pod to Earth. Maybe he couldn’t trust his human doll, but he could enjoy the last few days with her. The memories would be all he’d have. If she went to Kahvissar as his charl, he’d never be able to face his friend again. It would slice his
heart open to see them together. The day he delivered her, he’d sign up for the explorations of new adventure terrains uncountable light-years away from Earth, to the farthest corners that posed the most danger. For now, though, he was on his way to Ilse. There was no point in tormenting himself with a future that would do the job all by itself.
An idea occurred to him as Johannesburg came into view. On impulse, he issued a voice command, requesting the system to show him a map of vendors in the proximity of his temporary dwelling.
Choosing the biggest one, he ventured south and landed next to a lake near the Bruma Market. Making his way through the market, he inspected the stalls that sold everything from garments to gadgets. At a jewelry stand, he paused to inspect the items on offer.
“Can I help you?” a woman asked.
She uttered a gasp when Drako looked up to meet her eyes. Pressing a hand over her heart, she exclaimed, “What in God’s name are you?”
“An alien,” he said drily. He hated that term, but it was the one all humans understood.
She stared at him for a moment, and then broke out into laughter. “Ha ha, very funny. You almost got me. You must be with the theatre group performing in the amphitheater. I have to say, you’ve got your role cut out for you. Nice contact lenses. Are you looking for something specific?”
“A gift.” He looked over the earrings and bracelets pinned to a board. “For a woman.”
“What’s your relation, if I may ask?”
He frowned. “Why? Does it matter?”
“Why, yes. You wouldn’t give your mother the same gift you’d give your girlfriend, now, would you?”
He tested the word on his tongue. “Girlfriend.”
Taking it as his answer, the woman pushed a glass case filled with rings toward him. “In that case, I’d suggest something more intimate.”
There were rings in gold and silver with every color stone in the galaxy. The choice was overwhelming. He leaned closer to inspect them. He wanted exactly the right one for Ilse.
“What is her birthstone?” the woman asked.
He gave her a puzzled look. “Birthstone?”
“You know, in which month was she born?”
Damnation. He didn’t know. “I haven’t asked.”
The woman clapped her hands. “Ooh, it’s a new relationship. There’s nothing like the first months, right? It’s all novel and exciting. What’s her favorite color?”
Zut. His annoyance climbed a notch. He should’ve known little but important things like that.
“I like this one.” He pointed at a ring with a center stone surrounded by smaller ones, shaped like a five-pointed star.
“Rubies. Good choice.” She removed it from the showcase and handed it to him. “Have a closer look.”
The sun caught the color of the stones, illuminating their depths. They were dark and rich, their beauty turbulent. Perfect.
“I’ll take this one.”
“Shall I giftwrap it for you, sir?”
“Please.”
A short while later, he was making his way back to his prisoner. He was pleased. He’d only made a short detour and delayed his return with a few minutes. The warmth in his chest as he felt the gift in his pocket made every second worthwhile. Presenting Ilse with a gift gave him more pleasure than what she could ever derive from it. He’d never thought giving could feel this good. The closer he got to the mine dumps, the more excited he got. Patience. He had to wait for the right moment. It wouldn’t do any good to rush it and spoil the experience. Yes, he’d bide his time. It would prolong the fuzzy feeling he suddenly had in his chest.
No matter how hard she tried, Ilse couldn’t sleep. She paced the room, breathing in and out to calm herself and trying hard not think about the fact that she was locked up in a small space. She was walking around the bed for the thousandth time when the wall opened and Drako barged through.
“What is your date of birth?”
She blinked at him. “What?”
“When were you born?” he asked impatiently.
“July third.”
“How old are you?”
“Twenty-eight.”
“What’s your favorite color?”
“Drako, what’s going on? Why are you asking all these questions?”
“Answer me.”
“Blue.”
“Favorite food?”
“Italian.”
“Italian?”
“Any pasta dish or pizza.”
“What’s your favorite drink?”
“Drako, please. You’re acting weird. What’s the meaning of this line of questioning?”
He closed the distance, stopping short of her. “I’m getting to know you.”
Without thinking, she touched his cheek. “Getting to know people takes time.”
“We don’t have time,” he said harshly. “I need to know everything. Now.”
“It doesn’t work like this,” she whispered.
“Why not? I’ll ask you questions, and you’ll tell me what I want to know.”
“Those are not the things that matter. Those facts are superficial. If you really want to get to know someone, you have to spend time together, see how that person behaves, and what makes them tick.”
He grabbed her to him so suddenly she cried out with a start.
“Then I’ll make the best of the time we have.” He pushed the sleeves of the dress over her shoulders. “I’ll start with getting to know your body and what makes it tick.”
Blood rushed through her veins, making her skin tingle. “I think you’ve already established that.”
“Not by a long shot. There’s a million other ways in which to have you.” He pushed the dress over her hips and released the clasp of her bra.
Cool air washed over her breasts, contracting her nipples. When his mouth closed around one, she forgot every protest she was going to make, losing herself in a man who hated her as much as he wanted her body.
14
Four Earth weeks had gone. With every passing day, Drako’s anxiety grew. Ilse wasn’t in a better state. She was listless, her spirits dwindling. Seeing nothing but the walls for days couldn’t be good for her. He opened the roof at night, showing her the stars and their constellations, but not even that helped. She made a good job of trying to hide her distress, but there wasn’t much about her state of mind or body he missed. The time the Council had granted him was coming to an end, and so was their time together.
When the morning of the day he’d agreed to take her to Kahvissar arrived, he woke her with a long and passionate kiss. As always, she reacted to him immediately, her heartbeat picking up and her pussy growing wet and swollen. The sound of her pulse and the smell of her arousal drove him insane, but he wanted to go slow today.
He moved down her body to taste her nipples, loving how they peaked in his mouth and how she arched her back when he bit down softly. His fingers tested her folds, even if his sense of smell had already told him she was ready. He was still careful of not hurting her, keeping in mind how small and fragile she was. They had grown accustomed to each other’s bodies, and her actions were confident now as she cupped her hand over his on her sex, showing him what she wanted. He parted her folds with a finger, but didn’t penetrate her. Sweet protesting sounds escaped her throat. Mercilessly, he teased her, playing with her clit until she thrashed under him.
“Take me already,” she said on a gasp.
“Not today, little doll. Today, I’m taking my time.”
He abandoned her breasts to seek out her mouth. Her lips were cool and seductive, her tongue branding him with heat. The contrast was amazing. It did wicked things to his mind, imaging those lips and tongue on his dick.
She broke the kiss, staring at him with her intoxicating blue eyes. “I want to taste you.”
Zut, yes. He pushed to his knees, straddling her stomach. She grabbed his hips and pulled him closer, until his cock nudged at her lips. Holding his gaze, she curled her tongue a
round the crest, dragging a path of fire down the underside to his balls. He clenched his ass, holding onto the last threads of his control. He wanted to give her this, to let her take the lead. She kissed her way back up his cock and folded her lips around him. Opening wide, she took him deep. Watching her take him almost made him lose it, coming down her throat before he’d even been inside her pussy. She moaned as she guided his hips, moving him in and out of the wet heat of her mouth. When he could take no more, he pulled free, inviting another protest.
His turn. He kissed his way down her body to the sweet spot between her legs, taking his time to nibble and lick.
“Drako.” She gripped his shoulders. “I want you to bite me.”
He lifted his head to look at her. “It’s too soon. I’ll love you beautifully instead.”
No more. He couldn’t wait longer. Kneeling between her legs, he parted her folds and pressed home. Her slickness eased his way, her muscles adapted to his size. He wasted no time in burying himself to the hilt. He wanted to be inside her as deep as he could go. After a few shoves, she pushed on his shoulders, indicating she wanted him to stop. He did so only by sheer willpower.
“Turn around,” she instructed.
He smiled at the command in her voice. Flipping around onto his back, he brought her with him. Crute. She was a sight to behold on her knees with her thighs spread and his cock buried inside her. As she lifted and lowered her hips, she gave him a prime view of how her pussy stretched to take him. He liked it. Very much. It took everything he had not to slam up and take back control. Gritting his teeth, he let her go at her pace. She moved faster, until sweat covered their bodies and the sound of their pants filled the room. He knew at the exact moment she was going to come. Her face distorted with pleasure a second before her pussy contracted around his cock. Her ecstatic moan was enough to make his tightly coiled control snap. Letting go, he came with violent spams, pouring his seed into her, claiming her as his, even if he knew it would never be.
Falling over him, she rested her head on his chest. He held her to him and rubbed her back, not ready to break their physical or emotional connection. When he couldn’t put it off any longer, he kissed the top of her head.
The Krinar Experiment Page 14
