by Anna Hackett
Dammit. She sagged against the bench and dragged in a deep breath. She smelled him. That stormy male scent that drove her crazy. She closed her eyes, remembering dragging her hands across his body, of taking him inside her.
She shifted, her thighs rubbing together. She was so turned on. It was all the time, every hour of the day. She thrust her hands into her hair. It was driving her crazy.
He was driving her crazy. She wanted Magnus inside her, filling the emptiness.
But he was a cyborg, and clearly emotion wasn’t easy for him. A part of her knew he’d only taken her in because it was the right thing to do. If nothing else, she knew Magnus was a protector, with a strong need to save others.
Ever stared at the shiny bench. She wanted the man to feel something for her. She wanted to know that her hands on him drove him crazy with need. Not that it was something he could easily ignore or lock away.
But none of that stopped the desire thrumming through her. Her skin felt so sensitive, her clothes heavy and irritating. And need was a throb she couldn’t ignore.
She hurried over to the lab door and flipped the lock closed. Then she blew out a breath. There was no way she could concentrate on her work like this. She couldn’t think straight.
A comfy couch sat against the far wall. On Magnus’ orders, Jax had had several gladiators manhandle it into place. A place for her to rest when she got tired.
Damn the man. She dropped onto the couch, then let her hand slide up under her dress. She pulled in a shuddering breath, the dress bunching at her waist. She slid a hand inside her panties and found where she was so wet and needy. She stroked herself. Oh, yes.
She leaned back, touching herself, imagining Magnus’ big hands were on her. Damn hormones.
Magnus stopped in the corridor, leaning against the stone wall.
When Ever had touched him, emotions had flooded him. Stronger than ever before. He hadn’t known what to do. Drak. He, who had spent his life weighing life and death situations, facing danger and fighting when needed, hadn’t been able to cope with the way one small woman made him feel.
He was an imperator. He held the lives of so many in his hands. He prided himself on keeping a cool head and making the decisions he had to make to keep everyone safe.
But anytime he was too close to Ever, anytime he was touching her, or she was touching him, he couldn’t think.
He could only feel.
He’d made her unhappy. He blew out a breath. That was unacceptable.
He had to apologize.
Pushing off from the wall, Magnus strode back down the corridor. He passed a pair of new gladiator recruits who nodded at him, eyeing him strangely. He was well aware that it wasn’t often that he could be found staring off into space while standing idly in a corridor. Actually, it had never happened before.
He reached Ever’s lab door, and realized it was locked. He frowned. Why would she lock it? His muscles tensed. Something must be wrong. Had someone snuck through his defenses without him realizing?
Heart pounding, he quickly pressed his palm to the door lock, letting his systems integrate with the electronic lock. He made short work of hacking it.
He pushed back his fear enough to enter the room quietly. No intruders showed up on his bio scans. Only Ever. He relaxed the tiniest bit. She wasn’t standing at the benches. Soft, husky sounds reached his ears and he frowned.
He skirted the benches, intent on finding her.
His gaze fell on the couch and he froze.
She was lying back on the couch, her legs spread, and the skirt of her simple dress pushed up, baring toned thighs. She was touching herself.
Her face flushed and her lips were parted. His gaze dropped to the juncture of her thighs, where she was pink and plump. His fingers curled into his palm.
She spotted him and let out a startled squeak. Her eyes went wide, and her hand slipped from between her legs.
He took a step closer. “Don’t stop.” His voice was thick, choked.
She watched him, frozen, but then, hesitantly, she touched herself again. As she stroked those appealing folds, Magnus knelt down beside the couch, his gaze glued to her. She was so soft, so pretty.
Her breathing quickened and he felt his own chest constrict.
“Magnus.” There was a husky plea buried in her voice and something snapped inside of him. His emotional dampeners were completely useless. Gone, like he’d never had them.
He moved close to her, sliding one hand up her thigh.
“Please,” she murmured. “Touch me.”
He moved his hand between her legs and stroked.
“Yes.” Her hips moved up to meet his touch. “I need you so much it hurts.”
“I’ll make it stop hurting, me-calla. I’ll give you everything you need.”
Then he lowered his head, desperate to taste her. He’d never put his mouth between a woman’s legs before.
“Yes.” Her hand slid into his hair.
She tasted so good, and he took his time lapping at her.
“A little harder,” she urged. “Yes, that’s so good.” Her fingers directed his touch until he hit the right spot. “Yes!”
Ever rocked beneath him, her taste filling his mouth. His cock was hard and throbbing. He looked up. She was flushed, tousled, her body writhing. He’d never seen anything so gorgeous. His.
“My clit,” she said in a breathy voice.
“Here?” He stroked the small, swollen nub.
She arched up off the couch. “Yes. Suck it into your mouth.”
When Magnus had left the military, he’d vowed to never follow anyone else’s orders again. But this one, he’d gladly obey.
As he sucked harder, she made hungry noises. Magnus slipped a finger inside her. She was so tight and so warm. He’d had sex before, but it had always been perfunctory and to the point. Scratching an itch. He’d never taken time for exploration and foreplay.
He fiercely wished he could remember touching her that first time in the desert, and remember being inside her.
He kept sucking and lapping at her, sliding a second finger inside her warmth. A second later, her body locked, and she came, screaming out his name.
Magnus didn’t want to give up the tastes and sensations of her. He kept lapping at her, ignoring when she half-heartedly tried to push him away. When her second orgasm hit, she let out a wild, keening cry.
He gently pushed her boneless body back on the couch, sliding her dress down.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
He reached up, rubbing his thumb over her lips. “You never have to thank me for anything. And I know you would never let me touch you, or you touch me, as payment.”
Her gaze stayed on his as she sucked his thumb inside her mouth. Magnus felt that small touch all the way to his aching cock.
There was a hard knock at the door, and it suddenly opened. They sprang apart.
“This is getting ridiculous,” Ever said.
“Agreed. I’m going to whisk you away where we’ll have no interruptions.” He turned his head. “Enter.”
Jaxer walked in, not bothering to hide his amusement when he spotted them. “Sorry to interrupt.”
Magnus straightened. “What is it?”
“Galen has news.”
Ever gasped, moving up beside Magnus. She slipped her hand into his. No one had ever given him such easy trust. He was well aware he made people nervous…but not this small woman from Earth who’d turned his world upside down.
Chapter Eight
Magnus’s office was sparse. That was the best word to describe the almost sterile space. Everything was so neat and tidy it made Ever’s teeth ache.
She shook her head, and decided she was getting him a plant to brighten the place up. Or a pet.
He sat in his huge desk chair behind his very clean desk, looking every inch the imperator. He touched something on the smooth surface, and a thin, clear screen rose up from the desk. She circled around to stand behind him.
“Galen,” Magnus said. “What have you found?”
“A possible lead. I had a call from Rillian.”
Rillian owned the Dark Nebula Casino, and he and his human lover, Dayna, had been instrumental in Ever’s rescue from Zaabha. She curled her hands around the back of Magnus’ chair. Rillian was some sort of billionaire, and he owned the casino and a bunch of other businesses in Kor Magna. Dayna was a former New York City police detective who had been on her way to Fortuna Station to join the security team when she’d been nabbed by the Thraxians.
“Some of the cleaners at the Dark Nebula found a partially destroyed invitation in an empty hotel room. It’s an invite to Zaabha. For a fight in a day’s time.”
“Coordinates?” Magnus demanded.
Galen shook his head. “The invite had been melted. The coordinates must have been in the damaged part of the invitation.”
Magnus muttered under his breath, and Ever felt a stab of disappointment.
“Who rented the room?” Magnus asked.
“Off-worlders. Some high roller.”
Magnus sat back in his chair, considering.
“There have been whispers that only off-worlders are receiving invites,” Galen added. “None of the local regulars.”
Ever clutched Magnus’ chair harder. The thought of anyone being a regular to the vicious fights made her stomach turn. “What are the Thraxians up to now?”
“I’d like to see the room and the invite,” Magnus said.
Galen nodded. “Rillian said we’re welcome at any time. He’s cordoned off the room. And I’ll let you know if I find out any more.” The screen blinked out.
Magnus sat still and straight. Ever stepped in front of his chair. “Let me get changed and we’ll go.”
He stood, towering over her. “You’re not coming.”
She stiffened. “What?”
“After the weapons market, you are not to leave the House of Rone.”
“No.” Panic spiked through her veins. This wasn’t Zaabha, but the thought of being confined, of being locked up, instilled sharp terror.
“I need you safe.” Magnus’ tone was unyielding.
Ever shook her head, trying to control the emotions churning inside her. “I need to help find Sam.”
“Ever—”
“No!” She stumbled back, bumping into his desk. “Magnus, you can’t keep me locked up. The Thraxians already did that.”
A muscle ticked in his jaw.
“Please. If I’m locked away, that isn’t living. That isn’t freedom.” She swallowed. “I may as well still be in a cell.”
Something flickered in his eyes.
She took a step forward. “Bring your gladiators with us. Besides, we’ll be in the Dark Nebula Casino, and you can’t tell me that it isn’t riddled with security. Rillian doesn’t strike me as the type to settle for the second-best of anything.”
Magnus didn’t say anything, just watched her, his eye glowing the faintest blue. She leaned forward, pressing her hands to his chest. “And you’ll be with me.”
He let out a sigh, his hand cupping her cheek. “Drak.” His voice was resigned.
Ever smiled. He was going to take her.
It was then that she realized that her cyborg couldn’t say no to her. A heady rush of emotion filled her. This powerful man who professed to feel very little couldn’t say no to her.
On entering the Dark Nebula Casino, Magnus was assaulted by noise and light.
Always vigilant, he had his scanners up and running, and his heads-up display was continuously spewing information at him. He kept Ever by his side, watching as his gladiators fanned out around them. He had two of his elite cyborgs with him—the ever-silent Acton and mountainous Mace. Magnus would do whatever he had to do to keep her safe.
There were so many people packed into the main level of the casino that sorting through the data was hard, even for his advanced systems. There was a mixture of alien species, all of them playing various games at the numerous tables.
“Wow. Just wow.” Ever stood, wide-eyed, taking in the glossy, elegant entertainment space.
Magnus stared at the wonder and interest on her face. He turned, trying to see the place through her eyes. Black walls, gaming tables covered in red, huge vases of alien flowers in various hues of purples and reds.
He saw her tip her head back, her lips parting. Even he had to admit that the ceiling of the casino was impressive. Expensive, advanced technology simulated a dark, galactic sky, glittering with stars and a multicolored nebula.
“It’s so beautiful,” Ever murmured.
His gaze stayed on her face. He wasn’t sure the ceiling could compare to her.
Suddenly, the crowd parted, and a couple approached them.
Magnus watched Rillian walk with a smooth, fluid gait, his silver eyes on them. The man was suave and polished, his suit tailored, and his dark hair brushing his shoulders. Magnus didn’t need his advanced scanners to know that Rillian was dangerous, but his heads-up display detailed the alien symbiont lying along Rillian’s spine, and the enhanced abilities it gave the man. Rillian used his charm and polish to hide just how dangerous he was.
Next, Magnus’ gaze moved to the woman at Rillian’s side. Dayna Caplan suited the casino owner. She walked confidently at her man’s side. Tall for a human woman, she had a lithe body, and glossy, brown hair pulled back from a tough face. Assessing, gold-brown eyes were locked on Magnus.
He was also aware that the human woman was the host of a symbiont, as well.
“Magnus.” Rillian’s voice was a smooth drawl and his smile was easy.
“Ever.” Dayna came forward. “I’m Dayna. It’s so good to see you.” The woman pulled Ever in for a quick hug. “How’s the baby?”
“Growing.” Ever patted her belly. “Fast.”
Dayna nodded, smiling, before her gaze shifted to Magnus. He watched as some of the pleasure drained from her eyes. The woman was no longer in law enforcement, but she still looked like she was measuring everything and everyone around her.
“And I’m Rillian.” The casino owner took Ever’s hand with a charming smile.
Magnus battled a frown. Did the man have to hold her hand so long?
“Thank you so much for what you did to free me from Zaabha,” Ever said. “I don’t have the words to tell you how much it meant to me.”
“No thanks are necessary,” Rillian said. “Come. Let’s go up and show you the room.”
The couple led them to a bank of glass-fronted elevators. Magnus noted Rillian’s security team members blending with the crowd. His scanners also pulled up all of the hidden cameras discreetly located on the walls and ceiling.
“It appears you’ve added more cameras recently.” Magnus followed Ever into the elevator.
Rillian smiled. “Dayna’s been making some additions to my security. And generally driving my head of security crazy.”
Dayna crossed her arms, a smile flirting on her lips. “Tannon loves me.”
Rillian leaned closer. “No, I love you.”
Magnus watched the pair with interest. He knew nothing of love, but although his scanners couldn’t detect anything different about the couple, even he could see the looks on their faces. Total devotion.
The elevator shot upward, and Magnus pulled up the building schematics. When the elevator slowed, he saw they were on one of the premium hotel levels.
Rillian led them down the corridor. “The room was rented by an off-worlder by the name of D’Heli. He’s been here for a week, mostly gambling in the casino, but he also took in some matches at the Kor Magna Arena. He left for the desert today.”
“Is he the type to watch a fight at Zaabha?” Ever asked.
“Yes.” Dayna’s face hardened.
Rillian pressed his palm to a lock and the large door swung open. They entered the suite, and even Magnus had to admit that it was big and luxurious. He scann
ed the room, ignoring the plush furnishings and the striking view of Kor Magna through the glass windows. Instantly, he spotted the sunken fire pit resting across from the sleek couches. Inside, a partially melted piece of metal. The invitation.
Magnus strode closer. The text was clear on the invite, with Zaabha etched at the top, and the date for the fight tomorrow.
But the bottom of the invitation was melted. No coordinates. No other information.
“So this bastard has already left for Zaabha.” Ever released a breath. “Where does that leave us?”
Magnus turned. “Are there any other off-worlders who fit the profile? Anyone else who might have received an invite?”
“My security team is looking into it,” Rillian said.
Magnus watched Ever circle the room.
“We have one possibility,” Dayna said. “But he isn’t staying here in the casino. He rented one of Rillian’s larger villas at the city’s edge.”
“He came with an entourage and demanded a larger residence.” Rillian’s tone was dry.
Dayna straightened. “The man was also bragging about going on a desert trophy hunt. He wants to hunt a desert beast and take its head home.” She grimaced. “He fits the profile of an asshole who’d watch a fight at Zaabha.”
“Have you questioned him yet?” Magnus demanded.
Dayna shook her head. “He doesn’t return from the desert hunt until late tonight.”
Magnus’ neon eye flashed. “I’d like to be there when you question him.”
Rillian smiled. “Funny, Galen said the same thing. We’re going to the villa first thing in the morning.”
“Perfect,” Magnus said. “I’ll meet you there.”
Magnus moved over to Ever. She was standing near the window, staring sightlessly at the view of the city. She had her arms wrapped around her middle, and he knew, instinctively, something was wrong.
“Ever?”
She turned her head, her gaze scanning the luxurious room again. “Sam is out there, being forced to fight to survive. And so many others are languishing in cells and fighting to the death for other people’s entertainment. Meanwhile, this bastard is wallowing around in luxury.”
