by Ivy Barrett
Turning onto her back, she stared up at the vidscreen inset in the ceiling. “I’d heard surgeons have incredibly dexterous fingers.” He said nothing, so she went on. “You know I crave gentleness, but need a certain amount of aggressiveness, and you hide everything you feel behind a mental shield.”
“You sensed nothing from Subject C?”
“At the very end, when you put your mouth on me, I sensed a spark, a flicker of emotion you couldn’t quite suppress. It happened again just a moment ago.”
He paused, shifting on the stool. Bryce sat up, tucking her robe beneath her arms and wrapping it around behind her. “You promised to explain what the IR-M project was about once we executed the contract. You’ve told me little more than I knew before.”
“What would you like to know?”
“IR-M? Or should I say Iram? I’m not the one being tested, am I?”
“You clearly have a theory.” He pushed his hair back from his forehead, amusement sparkling in his eyes. “Let me hear it.”
“This isn’t about adult toys or how accurately you’ve been able to simulate human sexuality. I think Iram is your apprentice and you’re testing how well he can suppress his psychic abilities. That’s why you needed an empath.”
“Fascinating theory. So, why did I touch you?”
He pushed to his feet as she struggled for a reply. She thought he’d finished questioning her. Then he stroked her cheek with the back of his fingers.
“I need to know about the pleasure ’bot. Why did you react so strongly when you realized what it was?”
She turned into his touch, rubbing her cheek against his fingers. “My employer’s son is a cruel man. He enjoys using pleasure ’bots in ways that are anything but pleasurable.”
* * * * *
“We’ll have to restructure the rest of the tests.” Matthias didn’t sound pleased about the development.
Slade dragged his gaze away from Bryce’s image. She sat in the lounge playing Toktalla with Iram. The baggy uniform Slade had given her concealed her graceful curves from his eyes, not his memory. “I can take a day or two and work with her, see if I can help her overcome her fear.”
“This isn’t about Bryce. Our objective is to awaken Iram.”
“I haven’t lost sight of the objective.” I’ve just lost my objectivity. Heaving a sigh, Slade went on. “She said she sensed emotion from Iram when he touched her with his mouth.”
“She obviously enjoys oral play.” Matthias paused, his dark gaze speculative. “She thought Iram was you. Does that work to our advantage?”
“I’m not sure. Desire breeds desire. There is nothing more arousing than knowing your partner is desperate to have you.”
“Her theory actually sets us up well for what we’re trying to accomplish. If she thinks you’re doing everything in your power to make Iram lose control of his emotions—”
“That is basically what we’re trying to do. His intuitive programming is already simulating emotions. He laughs, smirks and sneers. It’s only a matter of time before he starts feeling the emotions he’s simulating.”
Matthias’ features were drawn and pale. “Time is the one thing we don’t have. We must stimulate his programming, provoke him into adapting.”
Slade knew his friend was right, but the things that would stimulate Iram’s programming the most were bound to drive Slade crazy. “You’ve exhausted yourself. Go rest. I’ll figure out a scenario that will be extremely provoking.”
“Desire and jealousy are a powerful combination. You about tore each other apart watching from the control center. Think how much more provoking it will be if you’re both there, touching her, tasting her…”
Slade shoved his hands into the pocket of his lab coat as Matthias glided from the room. Damn the wily old man. If an oral threesome didn’t trigger Iram’s emotions, nothing would.
Exiting through the lab, Slade followed the outer corridor around to the lounge. Laughter and muffled fragments of conversation grew louder as he neared. How would she react if she found out Iram was a biomech? Would her past experiences with pleasure ’bots taint her responsiveness?
“I think she’s getting the hang of it,” Iram said by way of a greeting.
Bryce laughed. “Yeah, he only doubled my score that time.”
Iram glanced beyond Slade. “Where’s Matthias?”
“Resting.”
Compassion gleamed in Bryce’s gaze and Slade smiled.
“Are we finished for the day?” She pivoted in her chair and met his gaze directly.
Matthias needed to rest. Even if Bryce believed her theory was accurate, Iram needed to think they were gathering data for the next generation of pleasure ’bots. Scientific data could only be gathered with scanner beams and official recordings, and that meant Matthias.
“The next test will be tomorrow morning.”
“And what will it entail?” Bryce asked.
“You’ll just have to wait and see.”
She shrugged and turned back to face the Toktalla table. “You said you’ve been through three lockdowns. How long have you worked for Matthias?”
“With Matthias,” he stressed. “How long have I worked with Matthias?”
“Whatever.” She laughed, struggling to divide her attention between the controls and Iram.
“I don’t remember.”
She groaned as her game pieces sank to the bottom of the grid. “Slade is right—you cheat.”
“You’re the one who started a conversation right as I activated the game.” He leaned back in his chair and folded his arms across his chest. “I wasn’t harassing you. I really don’t have any memory of my life before.”
“Before what?”
“Before I woke up here, recovering from extensive injuries. Matthias saved my life.”
Slade poured energy into his psychic shield as she turned her head toward him. Her gaze gleamed with suspicion. If she sensed deception now, he’d be hard-pressed to explain, but she didn’t confront him directly.
“You said you’re a mechanical engineer.” She turned back to Iram. “How can that be true if you have no memory?”
“I can’t remember my past, but they put me through a battery of tests. Basing their determinations on the test results, they decided I’d been highly educated and was most likely a mechanical engineer.”
“I see.” Her gaze returned to Slade. “Have you scanned missing person reports and posted his profile with interstellar authorities?”
“Of course.” He did his best to sound affronted. “We’ve done everything possible to unlock his past.”
A strained silence descended as Bryce glared daggers at him.
“I’m going to go check on Matthias.” Iram slipped out of his chair and headed for the archway.
“Use the monitors. If he has actually managed to fall asleep, I want him to stay that way.”
“Yes, sir.”
Slade braced himself for her tirade. He could see it in her eyes. Waiting for Iram to move out of earshot was likely the only thing holding her back. She stood and took a step toward him.
“How did an accident victim come to be in the possession of the famed Toymaker?” He wasn’t fooled by her calm tone.
Slade clenched his hands into fists and shoved them into his lab coat pockets. Should he recite the story he’d rehearsed with Matthias, or tell her to mind her own business? He hated lying to her, but her stubborn expression made it clear she wouldn’t leave this one alone.
“If you must know, Iram was dumped in the alley behind the Dark Star. He’d been beaten so badly we didn’t think he’d survive. If it weren’t for some unorthodox uses of several of Matthias’ inventions, he wouldn’t be able to walk, move his arms or make love.”
Her eyes widened and the color drained from her face. She turned away before he could analyze her reaction. Was she repulsed knowing Iram had touched her?
“He’s a cyborg?” Her voice gave nothing away. “How much of him is robotic and
how much— Wait. Who actually found him?”
Damn. He’d about had her distracted and on to the subject he wanted to discuss. “I found him and used one of the domestic ’bots to bring him down here. Petra knows nothing about any of this, and that’s the way we want it.”
“What were you doing in the alley?”
“Are you an amateur detective in your spare time?”
“Your shield is stronger right now than it’s been since I met you.” She arched one eyebrow in silent challenge. “What are you trying so hard to hide?”
Taking a deep breath, Slade used the opportunity to move her closer to the truth. “I occasionally have interaction with one of the Mistresses.”
“You were in the alley fucking when you found Iram?”
“Actually we’d finished fucking and the Mistress had gone back inside. My activities that night are not the point.” He paused. He hadn’t seen Pleasure Mistress Six in several weeks. He’d had no intention of telling Bryce about her, but he’d needed a believable excuse. “Iram is not telepathic. The portion of his brain controlling emotional responses was damaged. Matthias replaced it with the most sophisticated cybernetic components he’s ever designed. Iram’s programming is intuitive. It adapts and adjusts as he collects data and experiences new stimuli.”
Color returned to her face with a vengeance, creating bright flags over her high cheekbones. “You’re not trying to test his control. You’re trying to…kick-start his programming.”
“Yes.”
“Then you were… He wasn’t… Iram was Subject C. You intentionally lowered your shield to confuse me.”
“If Iram’s programming enables him to feel emotion, this will be the most important scientific advancement in recent history.” She stared at him, flushed and flustered. For the first time in his life he was tempted to invade her privacy and find out exactly what she was thinking. “I told you we were working on something significant.”
“He has no idea what he is.”
It wasn’t a question. Still, Slade felt obligated to nod.
“Was the memory loss natural, or did you—”
“You have the wrong idea about my abilities. I can’t reach into someone’s mind and wipe out their past and I certainly wouldn’t even if I could.”
“Then why do you hide your emotions from me?”
“Because I can.” Closing his eyes, he calmed his voice and opened his eyes. “Most people are unnerved by empaths. No one wants their emotions to be exposed. It’s worse for me because I sense the power of your sensitivity. You’re no ordinary empath.”
“I didn’t realize there was such a thing.”
Soothed by her playfulness, he let the tension ease from his neck and shoulders. “We need your help. Iram is attracted to you, and he has shown competitive tendencies. You’re the only one who can tell us whether he is feeling emotion or simulating conditioned responses. We can’t do this without you.”
“No more pleasure ’bots?”
He smiled. “No more pleasure ’bots.”
* * * * *
Bryce awakened the following morning to the computer’s synthesized voice. “Good morning, Bryce.”
She groaned and covered her eyes with her forearm. The damn thing had turned on the lights. “What time is it?”
“Seven o’clock. Dixie will be outside your door shortly to lead you to the spa. It’s advisable to use the cleansing mist before you enjoy the spa’s facilities. Only a robe will be needed for this morning’s activities.”
“I’m awake. Go away.”
“The correct response is ‘close terminal’.”
“How about ‘fuck off and die’?” The terminal blinked off and Bryce smiled. Rolling out of bed, she stumbled toward the utility room. At least the guard droids had been silent.
She stood beneath the cleansing mist, debating what to do. Matthias’ illness had complicated the hell out of this situation. She couldn’t return to Akim without the Toymaker, but confiding in them might well endanger them more. Akim’s revenge would be swift and merciless if they helped her escape.
She hadn’t anticipated caring about them.
When she emerged from the utility room twenty minutes later, Bryce was still conflicted. She walked into the hallway and found her robotic escort waiting as the computer had predicted. “I thought you might enjoy this.” The big-bosomed ’bot proffered a steamy mug of coffee.
Bryce accepted the beverage and took a sip. “This is wonderful. Thank you, Trixie.”
“It’s Dixie, and you’re welcome.”
Watching her metallic ass sway as Dixie rolled along, Bryce couldn’t help but smile. The thing’s legs didn’t move, so what was making its ass wiggle? They turned down a corridor Bryce had yet to explore, and Dixie motioned toward the only door.
“They are waiting for you in the spa. I can take your mug if you like.”
Bryce wasn’t quite finished, but she didn’t know what to expect in the spa. Relinquishing the mug, she muttered, “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome.” Dixie turned in a tight circle and headed back the way they’d come.
Leaning against the wall, Bryce paused to gather her composure. In the back of her mind, she’d thought Akim’s expectations unrealistic. Matthias made sex toys and pleasure ’bots. How could he rebuild a mutilated body? If what Slade said was true, she had grossly underestimated Matthias.
She closed her eyes. Even if they repaired Akim’s physical deformity, would his mental and emotional stability return? She hadn’t known him before he was captured by the rebels. Perhaps he had always been sadistic.
He will never let you go. You’re the crown jewel of his harem. His father’s pride and joy. Akim will never set you free.
“I thought I heard voices.” Opening her eyes, she found Slade standing in the doorway to the spa. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine, just a restless night.”
He stepped out into the corridor. The door slid closed behind him. “Were you upset by what I told you?”
Yes! But not in the way he meant. “Knowing what Iram suffered isn’t what kept me awake.” She pushed off the wall and walked toward him. “I’ll be fine. Sleepless nights are nothing new to me.”
“I’m sorry you’ve been made to suffer.” His gaze lit with compassion and he reached for her hand.
Bryce blinked back tears. Damn it, he was doing it again! Why did his kindness get to her? She didn’t trust herself to decide if his expression was genuine. His warm fingers closed around hers, and her stomach gave a little flutter. He drew her closer.
“If you’re not up for this, we can—”
“No. The last thing I need is to mope in my room all day.”
“Are you sure?”
She nodded.
“All right. Then we don’t have much time.” Opening the door, he led her into the spa. Exercise equipment lined the back wall, a lap pool dissected the room and a sunken hot tub waited on their left. “Iram swims laps every morning at seven forty. I want him to find us together.”
“Why?”
“He expects us to interact in the lab. He may not like it, but it’s within acceptable parameters. Finding us here is forbidden.”
She chuckled. “You’re sneaky.”
“I’ve been called worse.” He shrugged off a robe nearly identical to hers and walked naked to the hot tub. “Jets minimum.”
Bryce couldn’t move. Sleekly muscled and lightly tanned, his body captivated her. Long legs led her gaze to his narrow hips and tight ass. He turned, descending the stairs into the water, and her breath caught in her throat. Fahbit had chosen Levon so Fahbit would seem large by comparison. Had Fahbit been unusually small or was Slade uncommonly large?
“Get your butt in here, and you can do more than stare.”
Dragging her gaze away from his semi-erect cock, Bryce nodded. She tossed her robe on top of his and joined him in the gently churning water. He pulled her against his chest with a broad smile. His hand
s cupped her ass, pressing her against the object of her fascination.
“You’re acting as if you’ve never seen a naked man before.”
“I’ve seen two, and neither of them were shaped quite like you.”
“Really? I’m a bit larger than average, but you should see some of the Pleasure Masters. Of course, most of them have been augmented by yours truly.” He chuckled. “Wait until you see Iram. Keep in mind he was…reassembled by the infamous Toymaker.”
“During my training, they had me watch instructional vids, but I presumed the images had been altered after I saw—”
“Iram has reached zone three,” the computer informed them.
“Showtime, sweetheart. Wrap your legs around my waist.” He lifted her slightly, and she encircled him with her legs. One of his hands returned to her bottom, the other cupped her breast. “Kiss me.”
Pushing her fingers into his hair, Bryce covered his mouth with hers. His lips parted, and she traced his teeth with her tongue. Warm water splashed her hips. His thick shaft pressed against her mound, sending curls of heat deep into her abdomen. She sifted his hair through her fingers, rocking her hips, rubbing herself against his cock.
“Oh gods, you feel good,” he whispered against her lips.
The door slid open. Bryce didn’t turn her head. “I want you inside me, Slade. I need you now!”
“What are you doing?” A spark of anger accompanied Iram’s question.
Bryce clung to Slade, burying her face in his hair. He stroked her back, his cock pressed against her belly. Ignoring her own burgeoning desire, she concentrated on Iram.
“You’re early,” Slade grumbled.
“I arrive at exactly this time every morning.” Iram’s tone sounded stiff and annoyed. However, quick surges of other emotions erupted from him. She sensed a hint of doubt and a flicker of excitement, only to have them swept away before they fully formed.
“This has nothing to do with you.”
Iram’s anger intensified. Bryce peeked over her shoulder. Iram clenched his jaw, his hands fisted at his sides. She unwound herself from Slade and waded to the edge of the tub. “I realized last night there were no other test subjects, so you two had to be the ones who touched me. All night I lay awake thinking about the pleasure… I’ve never known pleasure like that before.”
