Shalia's Diary Book 10

by Tracy St. John

We had many excuses to laugh as we connected once more. A few serious topics popped up from time to time. Most notably – Dramok Nang.

  Larten’s droll attitude turned dark when my former lover’s name came up. “I’ve been communicating with my sources and Nobek Oses to pin down Nang’s whereabouts. It’s been months now, and he’s not shown up anywhere we thought he might.”

  “That’s bad, isn’t it?” I asked.

  The Nobek shrugged. “It could be he’s gotten himself into the kind of trouble that will keep him from returning to Kalquor.”

  “You mean he might be dead.”

  “I don’t want to say anything to upset you. He’s a danger to you, but I know you don’t want him hurt.” Larten kept his expression impassive as he said that. I knew he’d just as soon have Nang dead and no longer an issue, but he wasn’t about to say anything so callous. Especially since it was possible that Nang was Anrel’s biological father.

  “Any other reasons no one has seen him?” I asked.

  “He’s been delayed somewhere and remained hidden. Or he’s using a route that keeps him away from our people, which would keep him away from the Empire for an even longer time.” Larten shrugged. “It’s impossible to know, but I’m not going to stop asking questions. He will not sneak back onto this planet without our knowledge if I have anything to say about it.”

  “With all that in mind, were you able to keep up with your training?” Seot asked me.

  I grinned. “You bet. I have to say, Nobek Toleca was a terror. Larten, why do I get the idea he’d tear out someone’s throat just for the fun of it?”

  “Because he would. But only if they were worth the effort of killing.”

  I snorted at Larten’s sorry attempt to soothe my worries about the knife-fighting trainer he’d sent my way. I said, “He’d consider murdering opponents a way to express how much they’d impressed him. He’d see it as a compliment.”

  “I think you’re right,” Larten chuckled.

  We moved on to happier subjects, including our upcoming cruise the next week. I snickered as I said, “They should give my room here at the complex to someone else. I’m barely around to use it!”

  Yep. I’m going to be packing again soon.

  We took up space in the outdoor dining area for a couple of hours until it was time to put Anrel to bed. The guys insisted on being taught how to get her settled for the night…even Larten. Cifa already knew a lot on such things. Seot and Larten were cheerfully awkward as they tried to put her in a sleeping gown, giving me and Cifa a lot of entertainment. Who knew a kicking and waving baby could come so close to defeating two massive hulks? They were determined to win the battle, however. They pounded each other’s backs like victorious fighters when it was over and Anrel was yawning in her crib. I don’t think I’ve seen Oses celebrate like that after fighting Tragooms. Of course, Cifa and I had to cheer our dauntless bedtime champions. We’re all lunatics.

  We went out to my greeting room to relax while the baby drifted off. I waved Seot and Larten to the lounger while Cifa and I relaxed on seating cushions. I was glad the guys were sticking around. We cracked open another bottle of bohut. I’d only had the one glass at dinner, determined to not get sloshed in front of my kid…and I wanted a clear head to enjoy my companions.

  Cifa noticed the gifts from Clan Aslada. I’d put away the jewelry, terrified that someone might decide to kill me in my sleep as they burgled the gems. But the gown boxes were half-open, and his gaze fell on a particular rich red, velvety frock that peeked out. “Wow. Is that yours? Can I see?”

  He took out each gown in turn, commenting in admiration. “These are gorgeous, and you’d look astounding in them. Bring at least two on the cruise.”

  “On a semi-private ship? Cifa, I’m not that fancy a girl to be flouncing around in gowns all the time. I know it’s normal for your women, but it’s too much for me.”

  “No, not all the time,” he reassured me. “And not on the ship. We’ll stop in some ports, however, and these will be perfect for a couple of the eateries we could visit.”

  “Okay, I don’t mind dressing up for dinner once in a while,” I said in relief. “I just can’t pull off that everyday glamor thing. If that’s what your sister is into, I’m going to look lowbrow in comparison.”

  Cifa chuckled. “She only dresses that way in the office or for public. Otherwise, she’s in a soaksuit and sarong. She’s as addicted to sea life as I am.”

  “Pick the gowns you think best. I’m not used to that stuff. I can’t even fix my hair right.” I sighed over my lack of style.

  Seot winked at me. “Don’t worry about it, Shalia. Kalquorian women’s fashion is more about boosting their clanmates’ egos than personal comfort.”

  “How’s that?”

  “The thinking, as my mother explained it to me, goes that the costlier the fabric and the more intricately designed, the better it reflects on how a woman’s clanmates are able to support her. A pricey wardrobe is the public display of that.”

  I was delighted with this insight. “So that’s why Clan Aslada was always trying to get me to dress all out? To show they could give me the best possible life?”

  “That’s the usual thinking. Clans will spend a small fortune on their female mate’s wardrobe to prove to others that they are worthy of her.”

  Now those many unwanted gowns…and that overwhelming jewelry…made sense to me. It wasn’t Clan Aslada trying to push me to conform to their standards so much as to establish their value as clanmates. Having me run about in comfy blouses and skirts could give off the wrong impression: that they either didn’t care or that they couldn’t keep me as well as another clan might.

  I sighed, thinking how much I did not want to play princess on a daily basis. Guessing my worries, Seot shook his head at me. “I don’t care how you dress, so long as you’re happy. Seeing you wear a smile is the only confirmation I need that I’m doing right by you.”

  “If any wanted to challenge that, they can talk to me,” Larten added, flexing his fists.

  “I’m glad I don’t embarrass you with my grubby self,” I laughed. “Now how about a little more intel on the cruise itself?”

  Cifa went over some of the itinerary for our trip. We discussed some of the footage we would vid for the promotional push of the new ship. I lost myself in planning, impressed with his clear vision of how the latest acquisition of his family’s line should be presented. Cifa likes a balance between showcasing luxury along with the warmth of spending time with family and clan.

  “This ship is perfect for the young clanmates just starting out, an established family looking to reconnect, or an older clan rediscovering each other after many years of being together,” he enthused. “I’m really into the whole Earther idea of the honeymoon, but for everyone.”

  “Romance on the high seas,” I agreed. I thought back to my goodbye tour with Betra and Oses. “Instead of being distracted with too much entertainment, focus on activities and excursions that bring people closer.”

  “Exactly. We’re not just selling a product; we’re offering an experience. One that will live in their memories forever.”

  Larten seemed a little bored with the conversation, but his gaze on us was warm. He didn’t act discontented. Seot watched the two of us with a satisfied smile.

  At length, he told Cifa, “I hope you don’t plan to work this whole time. We are supposed to be having fun and getting to know Shalia as intimately as possible.”

  I grinned. “Making vids is fun for me. Just the same, I intend to be known by your clan quite well before it’s all said and done.”

  On that note, Larten stood up. “I’ll check to see if Anrel’s asleep,” he said.

  I almost protested that I could do it, but on second thought, who moves quieter than a Nobek? Definitely not me. I let Larten practice his daddy skills.

  He returned with a noncommittal look on his face. “Shalia, I think you should come here,” he said, standing next to the lounger
.

  I was up like a shot. “Is something wrong? Is Anrel okay?” I was on the move, not waiting for him to clarify the situation. I could hear Cifa getting to his feet and Seot stood too.

  I was almost past the Nobek when he swept me into the air with a low laugh and tossed me onto the lounger. I landed on my back, looking up, startled.

  “She’s fine, fast asleep. I just wanted you like this,” Larten said as he covered my body with his and began kissing my jaw and throat.

  I didn’t have to protest the trick. Cifa pummeled his clanmate’s back in revenge. “You scared me!” he said in a low but intense tone. “Don’t do shit like that.”

  There was a thud and Larten’s black hair spilled over my face. I thought Seot had smacked him on the back of his head. “That goes double for me,” he said in his lord-and-Dramok tone.

  “Sorry,” Larten mumbled against my skin. For all the abuse he was taking, he hadn’t paused for a second as his lips caressed me. “Ow,” he muttered as Seot hit him again.

  “You’ll say a lot more than ‘ow’ if you pull a stunt like that again, Nobek.”

  I could have added my own displeasure, but it was quickly disappearing. With concern over Anrel’s well-being mitigated, it was hard to stay mad as Larten ran capable hands over my body. Chest, ribs, stomach, and back up so he cupped my breasts, his thumbs sweeping over the tips to make me squirm.

  “Oh, you awful jerk,” I sighed as thrills coursed through me. “I should make you go stand in the corner and watch while I give your clanmates everything they want.”

  “I beg your forgiveness,” he said before his lips sealed to mine. His tongue glided into my mouth to twine a salacious dance. My body lit as his kiss went deep and scorching, burning every thought from my brain.

  My legs wrapped around his hips and my arms wound about his wide shoulders, pulling him in tight. So much for sending him away as a punishment. Feeling the swollen iron of him against my pussy, I was determined he wasn’t going anywhere.

  In response to me caging him, he rubbed his groin against mine. Oh my stars. He moved right against my clit, setting off star-spangled fireworks. I moaned into his mouth and clutched him even tighter. He chuckled evilly in response. Such a wicked, wicked man.

  He kissed me until I was woozy from arousal and a lack of oxygen. He released my lips and continued to mouth my jaw. I tugged at his shirt.

  “Get this off,” I gasped. “I want to feel you against me.”

  “Do you? Do you want to feel my hot flesh against yours, Shalia? Our skin, naked as we slide against each other?”

  “Yes, damn it. Pull these stupid clothes out of my way.”

  His snicker was my first clue things weren’t going to go exactly as I wanted. He moved to whisper in my ear. “You are making a lot of demands, my lovely lady. Are you challenging me for dominance?”

  “For heaven’s sake, you crazy Nobek. I want you. Give me what I want. End of story.”

  He pulled back to gaze down at me, a calculating smirk pulling at his lips. “Oh, I don’t think so. I think we need a little lesson on who is in control here. First hint: it’s not you.”

  “I like where this is going,” Seot muttered.

  “It gets even better,” Larten assured him. He fussed with something on his belt, rising a little off me to do so. I took advantage and grabbed his collar, pulling at it to open the front seam of his shirt. Before it could part more than an inch, his motions became a blur. He put on his supernatural Kalquorian quickness. An instant later, my hands were not only no longer on him, but pinned by hovercuffs on either side of my head. Well, damn.

  “No fair and no fun,” I pouted. “What’s so terrible about me wanting to ravish you?”

  He grinned, the delight bright in his dark face. “Not a thing. But me ravishing you is so much more satisfying.” He bent low and kissed me again. A slow, searching kiss that made it feel like we were doing something far more intimate. I grew dizzy again.

  My vision was hazy when Larten lifted away again. He laughed at the expression on my face. “Such a compliment to have you glassy-eyed when we’re just getting started. My Dramok, I humbly request the use of this entire lounger.”

  “No problem.” Seot rose and took a step away, keeping close to watch. Cifa came to his side, his eyes wide and expression fascinated. Both men were obviously aroused.

  “Thank you,” Larten said. He moved me so that my full length lay stretched, with my arms extended slightly over my head. “Now, let’s do a little review here, Shalia. When sex is involved, you’ve always been clear that you like the men in control. Has that changed?”

  “No,” I grouched, wiggling with impatience. “I just want us both naked.”

  “But what you think you want is never the issue, is it? My priority is what you need. And what you need is for me to assert what I want.”

  I huffed a breath. He was right, but why couldn’t he just take some clothes off? Why was it such a big deal?

  He smiled, looking like a patient dad about to render some tough love. “You know it’s true. Be a good girl and apologize for not behaving.”

  “I’m sorry.” I had no problem giving him what he wanted to hear if it was going to end with us getting naughty in a hurry.

  “That was fast,” Cifa snickered.

  “A little too fast.” Larten’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not certain it was sincere.”

  “Oh, come on,” I whined. “You wanted an apology and I gave it to you. What more do you want? Should I take out an advertisement too?”

  Seot and Cifa laughed. Larten grinned, but he wasn’t placated by any means. “No, you don’t have to go that far. I do think we’ll work on this until I feel you’re in earnest, however.”

  I had no idea what to make of his statement. It sounded alarmingly like a threat, though. Deciding silence was the better part of valor, I said nothing.

  Larten wasn’t waiting for a response anyway. He tugged at my blouse, pulling it up and over my head and stripping it free of my arms. “I’ll grant half of your request. You can be naked, but only because it’s what I want. Your wishes play no part in this.” He tossed the shirt aside.

  My bra followed quickly after, along with skirt and panties. The room had felt cool earlier, but the hot gazes raking over me had brought the temperature up by several degrees. I was close to sweating.

  Larten grinned at the other two men. “Feel free to join me in getting a real apology out of our wayward girl.”

  They didn’t need a second invitation. I was covered in men at a moment’s notice.

  Seot’s mouth covered mine, working as if to make me forget Larten’s breathtaking kisses. His hand worked one breast, alternating between caressing, squeezing, and pinching so that pleasure and pain chased endlessly after each other. Cifa’s mouth did the same to the other breast: he kissed, licked, sucked, and nipped until I didn’t know bliss from hurt.

  But it was Larten who truly took me to task. His mouth seized my clit, sucking it in to be pummeled by his talented tongue. At the same time, he plunged two fingers into my pussy and searched for the inner hotspot. He found it with the unerring instincts of a hunter and rubbed delicious friction against it.

  I writhed under the sensual assault, yelling into Seot’s mouth. The men weren’t having it. They held me down, keeping me from doing anything more than the barest squirming. I had no choice but to lie there as they forced intense arousal on me.

  Intense, it was. I was swamped by a gnawing craving so immense that I strained for climax within seconds. Need roared through my body, flaring brightest where the men touched me. The moment my pussy clenched, however, Larten’s fingers went still and he released my clit. I trembled violently, my whole body tensed with reaction. I tried to kick as I was walloped with frustration, but the Nobek had positioned his body over my spread legs, pinning me down. The only protest I could make was the wail that Seot’s kiss muffled.

  Little by little, my body quieted from frenzied desire to throb
bing arousal. It wasn’t much of an improvement for me, especially since Seot and Cifa’s mouths and hands kept my motor revving. My breasts stung from the more powerful attentions they gave them, but everything the men did made me burn with want. Seot’s kiss wasn’t merely a token of affection either. He claimed my mouth with demand, proclaiming his ownership with every flick of his tongue. He sought to conquer me with his kiss, forcing me to surrender to its demands.

  When my pussy had ceased to clutch desperately at Larten’s fingers for a couple of minutes, he drove hard into me again. Once more, his mouth and tongue took my clit prisoner. It was as if a clap of thunder had gone off inside my womanhood, and I yanked desperately at the hovercuffs that held my wrists prisoner. As if I could escape. As if I could force my will on the men. It was laughable, but I struggled anyway as my senses were blasted by nuclear passion. Meanwhile, my sex raced toward the explosive sensation, ready to deliver me to sweet annihilation.