Take Me

by Stevens, Shelli

  “Where is your assistant, Krystal?”

  “Assistant?” Krystal set the tray on the bed. “Do you mean my chaperone?”

  “Yes. Chaperone.” They must call their assistants something different as well.

  “I look that young, do I?” Krystal grimaced and poured some tea into the cup on the tray. “I turned eighteen years two months ago, so the chaperone has been reassigned. Thank the gods! Though my brother is not pleased. If he had the powers, I’m sure he’d have it fixed that I remain his kid sister for eternity.”

  Talia frowned, confusion swirling in her head. The girl had her chaperone removed at eighteen? But that made no sense. Eighteen was the age when the few women of Zortou were given chaperones. It was then when they were sold and their faithfulness to their owner must be instilled.

  “Are you not hungry?”

  Talia looked down at the tray with the various fruits, breads, and some form of meat upon it, and her stomach growled. When was the last time she’d eaten? Her stomach clenched for a different reason. How long had she even been away from Zortou? Her sense of time was completely off balance.

  “Yes, I am hungry. Thank you, Krystal.” She lifted a piece of meat and brought it to her mouth. The spiced meat dribbled juice down her lips as she bit into it. Heaven. She closed her eyes. Whatever it was, they had none like it at home.

  “Ah, you like it. Wonderful. Well, you go ahead and eat up, while I place the leaf upon your foot.”

  Talia nearly choked on the food and she grew lightheaded. “Now? Please, could you wait? I do not…do well with my own wounds.”

  Krystal’s gaze stated her obvious amusement. “Of course, if that is what you wish.”

  “Thank you, Krystal.” Talia lifted the tea and took a small sip. “I don’t mean to pry, but you seem so…happy. You must have the most wonderful owner.”

  “Owner?” Krystal gave a musical burst of laughter. “Whatever do you mean? Who has owners?—well, save for pets.”

  Talia set the tea back on the tray, her brows drawn together. Was it possible? Did such a place exist where women weren’t forced to live as slaves to men?

  Krystal must have seen the disbelief on her face, her smile faded. “Or maybe some people do elsewhere.”

  Like me . Talia’s cheeks heated and she chewed her bottom lip.

  Krystal’s expression softened in understanding. “I’ve really gone and said the wrong thing now, haven’t I? I’m sorry…”

  “No. Don’t be sorry.” Talia shook her head, lowering her gaze. “I’m just as surprised, but for the opposite reasons. I did not know there were planets where women are not owned.”

  Talia didn’t need to look up to know what Krystal’s silence meant. The woman was obviously shocked.

  Not wanting to draw out the silence any longer, she finally murmured, “Thank you for bringing me food. I did not realize how hungry I’d become.”

  “Of course, Talia.” Krystal’s shaky voice was a clear indication she was still disturbed by their discussion. “We are not complete barbarians.”

  No? Perhaps Krystal wasn’t. Actually, the younger woman was quite likeable. Now Ryder…Talia’s brows drew together in a scowl. He was exactly the barbarian she described, though she was hesitant to admit that to Krystal just yet.

  She ate about half the plate of food, but with her initial hunger sated the reality of her circumstances once again set in; she pushed the tray aside.

  “You are finished?” Krystal took the tray and set it on the table. “I will apply the numbing leaf now. That way you will be free to…” She lowered her gaze, obviously remembering Talia was a prisoner. “Free to move around the room at least.”

  “Thank you, Krystal.” She leaned back, closing her eyes to avoid seeing the wound as the bandage was removed.

  “I will speak with my brother,” Krystal murmured as she unwrapped the bandage. “Perhaps I might be able to convince him to allow you some liberties.”

  A tiny spark of hope caught in her heart. Krystal’s brother was in some form of a powerful position?

  “I would not want you to do anything you are not comfortable with, Krystal.”

  “I don’t mind. My brother adores me. I have quite a bit of sway with him,” she replied with confidence.

  Talia’s foot tingled as the cool, crisp leaf was tucked over her wound. She closed her eyes and sighed as the topical numbing leaf did its magic.

  Krystal began to bandage her foot again. “I can offer no promises, Talia, but I will certainly try. For I am certain you could not be so guilty to warrant being locked up as a prisoner.”

  Guilty by association. “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I have left you a few books in case you become restless.” Krystal stood and reached for the tray. “I will probably not be back to visit you until tomorrow. I”—she glanced out the window, a mischievous smile playing around her mouth—“have things to do this evening. But until then, try to just relax and think of this as a holiday.”

  Talia grimaced. “Yes. A holiday where I’m not allowed to leave my room.”

  Krystal hesitated at the door and glanced back. “Yes, but in a way…you’re free, are you not?”

  A few minutes after the door had shut behind Krystal, Talia still thought about her words. In a completely backward way, Krystal was right. Though she was locked in a room with very few pleasures, for the first time in the past four years her entire day did not revolve around pleasing the Governing Council.

  Free indeed. A half smile curled her lips and she grabbed a book and leaned back against the pillows.

  Krystal dabbed her favorite scented oil between her breasts and then looked in the mirror. Sighing, she cupped her small breasts and lifted them. Why couldn’t she have been born with a big chest? Some women just had all the luck and got blessed with curves. Like that sweet prisoner Talia.

  Hmm. Speaking of . She needed to make time to converse with her brother.

  She glanced at the clock and nibbled on her lip. Though, she was running late as it was. Trevon would be waiting for her out in the aliaberry orchard.

  Heat flushed to her cheeks and she brushed her thumbs over the tips of her nipples. He liked it when they were hard, had been unable to take his eyes off them last time. Her blood pounded with excitement, her eyes glittered in the mirror.

  At first she hadn’t been sure he was the one. For so long she had only allowed long kisses. But now…perhaps she was ready for more.

  What would it feel like to have a man’s hands on her breasts? To have his mouth sucking on her nipple? She closed her eyes and tried to imagine, her thumb rubbing harder over the peaks.

  So many times she’d pleased herself, brought herself to orgasm, but what would it be like to have a man do it for her?

  She slipped one hand beneath her dress and into the slick lips of her pussy, rubbing her clitoris in slow strokes.

  No. You are going to see Trevon. He can do this for you if you decide to allow him.

  She sighed and let her skirt fall back down. Looking in the mirror again, she smiled. At least now her cheeks were pink and her nipples were tight against the bandeau.

  Time to go have some fun . She slipped out of her room and hurried down the halls of the living quarters.

&nb
sp; Hopefully she would not run into her brother, for certainly he would not be pleased if he were to learn whom she was meeting.

  She neared the end of the hall, her heart pounding as she spotted the glass exit. Would he kiss her right away? Or perhaps—

  “Krystal?”

  Her toes caught on the thin rug in the hallway and she stumbled. Damn it! She’d been so close to getting out without being caught. And she knew that voice all too well. Had grown up tagging along behind its owner. If anyone was going to slow her down, she didn’t mind so much that it was him. Turning, she offered him a dimpled grin.

  “Hello, Dillon. How are you this afternoon?”

  He stood a few feet behind her, tall and intimidating in his uniform. Though the intimidation had never worked with her. To her he’d always be that lanky boy with the red hair who was best friends with her brother. She nibbled her lip. Well, the lanky part not so much anymore. Being in the army had really built up those muscles.

  “I’m fine.” His gaze narrowed with suspicion as he closed the distance between them. “Where are you off to, Krys?”

  The blush hit her cheeks before she could will it away. Oh gods . She brightened her smile.

  “I was going to pick a bushel of aliaberries to make a cobbler with in the morning.” She laughed and pushed her hair off her shoulder and behind her back. “Why? Am I in trouble?”

  His gaze moved over her, lingering on her chest area and his mouth tightened. “You’re picking berries dressed like that?”

  “Yes, Dillon.” Suddenly self-conscious, she folded her arms across her breasts. “Why?”

  His gaze moved on to the bare skin between her bandeau top and waist of her skirt. “There are thorns in the bushes. You have so much skin bared you will certainly scratch yourself.”

  She rolled her eyes. “I am careful, silly. What is this questioning about? I am hardly one of your prisoners.”

  “No, you are not.” He tilted his head. “But that reminds me. Are you not supposed to be checking in on the female prisoner?”

  “I finished about an hour ago.” She glanced toward the front door. Surely Trevon would be waiting for her now. “Was there anything else, Dillon?”

  He seemed to hesitate and then shook his head.

  “No?” Her shoulders relaxed and she sighed. “When you see my brother, please tell him I’d like to have a word with him later.”

  “I will.”

  “Thank you, Dillon.” She leaned on her tiptoes and kissed him on the cheek, a habit since they were kids, and as had begun to happen more often in the past few months, his body went rigid.

  She lowered herself back to her feet, her smile dimming some in confusion. Perhaps he now thought they were too old for such affection.

  “Be careful out there,” Dillon warned, his voice sounding more strained.

  “Of course.” She ran her tongue over her lips, imagining Trevon and how he’d react if she allowed him to remove her top. She had to get outside. Now. “Have a nice day.”

  She turned and hurried out the glass doors, running all the way to the aliaberry orchard. It was near empty, but she spotted Trevon right away.

  He lounged beneath a tree, sipping on a flask as he stared up into the sky. His blond hair was longer than most men’s, falling over his eye and giving him a disheveled yet sexy boyish look.

  Her sandaled feet caught the mud in the orchard, but she didn’t bother to wipe it clean, just hurried to the man who consumed her thoughts. The man whose cock would be the first to break her virgin barrier. Oh, how wicked.

  “Trevon,” she breathed, falling at his feet. “I’ve—”

  “Do you have any idea how long I’ve been waiting?” He sulked and lifted a flask to his lips. “Sitting in a fucking orchard?”

  Her mouth parted and her excitement dwindled some. “I’m sorry. I was delayed in the hall.”

  He reached out and handed her the flask, lifting an eyebrow. Rarely did she drink, but she took it after a moment’s hesitation and took a small sip.

  “Come on, you can do better than that.” He pushed the flask back to her lips, forcing a good amount of the fiery liquid down her throat.

  She coughed, pushing the flask away as her eyes burned.

  “There you go, baby.” He reached out and ran a hand over her bare shoulder, licking his lips. “Your nipples are hard. I like that.”

  Her pulse sped up and heat spread through her body. “I kind of thought you might.”

  “Yeah. Aren’t you going to kiss me?”

  He wanted her to kiss him? She bit her lip and then leaned forward, pressing her mouth to his.

  “Fuck. You need to open your mouth.” He grabbed the back of her head as his tongue shoved past her lips. He tasted like alcohol, and her stomach rolled for a moment.

  Relax. It gets better. Misty told you some men get like this . Krystal took a calming breath and let her tongue rub against his.

  He groaned and lifted his head. “Yeah, that’s better. So, baby…” He slid his hand from her shoulder down to the top of her breast.

  Her breath hitched. He’d never touched her breasts before. Would he now? A hint of moisture gathered between her legs.

  “So…are you going to let me see those titties?”

  Her brows drew together. Not exactly the most romantic proposition. But then…she thought of his lips on her breasts, sucking on her nipples, and suddenly it didn’t matter. She wanted to try it.

  “I’ve been thinking all day about it, Trevon. And yes. I want you to be my—”

  “About time.” He jerked the bandeau top to below her breasts, and then she was naked from the waist up.

  The cool air tingled against her erect nipples, heightening their sensitivity. Oh gods. And soon his mouth would be on them. A man would be pleasing her.

  “Damn. You don’t have a lot to work with, baby, but I’ll try.”

  Humiliation hit hard and she jerked backward, her eyes wide. He may as well have called her flat-chested. Oh gods, how embarrassing. She should just leave now, before this got any worse.

  “Ah, don’t get so defensive. I didn’t mean it like that.” He smiled that charming smile that had first made her stomach flip a few months ago. “If we get married I’ll use some of dad’s money to have larger breasts installed on you. But for now, I can still suck on them.”

  New breasts installed? She opened her mouth to argue, but he had already pulled her forward and now leaned over her. His lips wrapped around the tip of one nipple and he began to suck.

  It felt nice…but nothing too exciting. She tried to get into it, closing her eyes and moaning as he made loud, wet sucking sounds. This was what Misty had raved on and on about? Ugh. She’d rather stick to her clitabrator.

  He lifted his head. “Will you suck on my dick, baby?”

  Suck his dick? Her heart pounded, but not because she was excited. She’d never seen a penis and the thought of suddenly having his out in the open…Her stomach turned. The idea of sucking on it made her even queasier.

  This was too much. Too soon. And she wasn’t even sure she wanted to see Trevon’s erection right about now anyway.

  “I cannot stay. I’m sorry.” She jerked the bandeau top up over her breasts again. “We will have to meet later.”


  “But you just got here!” he whined, brushing a strand of hair out of his eyes.

  “I know. Yes, and I am sorry. We have a new prisoner, and I forgot that I am needed.” She stood, and before he could protest again, ran back to the living quarters.

  5

  H e shouldn’t have let her walk out those doors. Dillon did a spinning side kick and took out the collapsible mannequin, then waited—for the tenth time—for it to spring back up.

  Going aliaberry picking, my ass . The exercise mannequin sprang back into place and he kicked it back down with a roar. Where had her basket been? And who wore perfumed oil to pick berries?

  For two years he’d waited for Krystal to come of age. Waited quietly and patiently to make his claim on her. From the moment their relationship dynamics had changed that one summer day two years ago.

  They’d been swimming down at the Olasee River and she’d come out of the water half-naked, water dripping off the small curves of her pert breasts. She’d dragged him back in for a water fight, a young woman trying her legs at flirting and having fun. He’d not only lost the water fight that day, but his heart as well.

  Two years . He did a front kick to the head of the mannequin. And he’d wager his next money installment that today she’d been off meeting some other man.

  The mannequin popped back up, but he ignored it this time. He ground his teeth together and headed for the showers. Krystal belonged to him. Now he just had to find out who this asshole was moving in on his territory and set him straight.

  Dillon took a quick shower and then headed back to his quarters, but was interrupted when his communication mobile rang.

  “Yes.”

  “Dillon, it’s Ryder. Can you drop by my office?”

  “I’ll be there in two minutes.”

  He altered his route to swing by Ryder’s office, giving a sharp rap on the door before entering.