“I should leave. I have a massage scheduled in twenty minutes.” Krystal stood up and yawned. “Thank you for listening to me.”
“It is no burden.” Talia hesitated, and then stood and embraced the girl. She surprised herself by making the gesture. Hugging was not something she’d partaken in…ever, really.
“Thank you,” Krystal murmured again, and then drew back. “Oh! Talia, I nearly forgot. I came here with a purpose. More than to unload my troubles on you.”
“Oh?” Talia watched as Krystal dug into the pouch around her neck and pulled out a small pink bag that fit into the palm of her hand. “Here, take it.”
Talia lifted the bag, noting it was light but with some small object inside.
“What is it?” She raised an eyebrow as she pulled the strings to open it. She turned the bag upside down and emptied the contents into her hand. A small clamplike object fell out and then a thin, narrow object.
“It is a clitabrator.” Krystal giggled. “I picked up one for you this morning at the Erogenous Zone shop. You did say you have never masturbated.”
Talia could feel the blood rush to her cheeks. “Oh. But I—”
“‘But I’ nothing. You will use it and enjoy yourself.” Krystal pointed to the clamp part. “Fasten that onto your clitoris, and then that thin object is the remote that will control the speed.”
“Okay…” Talia murmured weakly.
“I will come see you later this evening if I can.” Krystal left the room as quickly as she’d arrived.
Talia waited for the door to slide shut, before glancing down at the object in her hand. Hmm. Did she dare to try it? She lifted the clamp and opened it around her pinkie. The pressure was light, not at all painful. She chewed her bottom lip before turning the remote onto the lowest speed.
A soft vibrating massage moved through her finger. Oh gods . Heat spread between her legs. What would it feel like upon her clit?
“I do not have time for this,” she grumbled, curling her fingers around the object and walking to the bathing chamber. “I need to bathe and a clitabrator likely does not work under water.”
She set the pleasure toy on the side of the tub and leaned over the bath. Yesterday she had partaken in the shower. The bathtub was still uncharted territory. After analyzing the various buttons, she pressed the one that she assumed would turn on the water. There was a gurgling sound, before the tub began to rise from the small hole in the middle.
Reaching a hand into the water, she winced. Gods, that was hot. She rocked back on her heels and eyed the tub thoughtfully. There was no reason to bathe in scalding water; the Council was not here to enforce that she do so.
She pressed another button and the sound of the water shifted. Dipping a finger back in, she noted it was growing cooler.
Talia stood and shrugged out of the robe she’d donned after coming back inside. She let it fall to the floor and it hit the tub on the way down, knocking the clitabrator into the water.
“Oh dear.” She leaned down to retrieve it. Oh! It still vibrated, even under water.
A flush worked its way through her body and she shivered. No, Talia, it would be wrong .
She stepped into the tub and sat down in the lukewarm water, eyeing the pink clamp that rested on the side of the tub again. No .
Glancing at the buttons again, she located one that would likely hold the shampoo. When she pressed it, a small spout popped out from the side of the tub, and she placed her hand under it. Thick cream oozed out of the spout and into her hand. She lifted it to her nose and sniffed. Sweet and floral-like. Very pleasant.
She massaged the cream into her hair and over her body, attempting to do what Dane usually did for her. She glanced around for a pitcher, something to rinse her hair, but saw nothing.
With a sigh, she closed her eyes and leaned back in the tub, dipping her head under the water to rinse. She surfaced again and gasped in air, laughing at her own inexperience.
Her gaze landed on the clitabrator again. She had to try it. She just had to. As with the hot water, there was no reason she should not just experiment. She was not at home on Zortou, where she would meet the most severe punishment for pleasuring herself.
Talia lay back in the tub, letting her legs fall open. Her other hand rested on her stomach, and she bit her lip. Would she actually do this? It still seemed so forbidden, the thought of even moving her hand farther south sent cold waves down her spine.
Do it. They cannot control you now . She took a deep breath in and slid her hand downward. Slowly. Her fingers encountered the smooth mound of her pussy and her pulse jumped. Swallowing hard, she closed her eyes and moved her hand lower. Her pussy lips were silky and hot. She parted the labia and found her clit, brushing it quickly with her fingers. A hot tremor rocked her body.
Oh gods. To think she’d never been allowed to do this before. She stroked again, her long moan filling the bathroom.
What did the inside of her cunt feel like? During sex, Ryder would tell her how hot and wet she was.
She moved her fingers lower and pushed them inside her opening. Another groan resonated in the room, only this time it did not come from her.
Snapping her eyes open, she choked. “Ryder! I thought you were not arriving until later.”
“I could not wait to see you again. Gods, princess, do not stop on my account,” he murmured huskily from where he leaned against the doorway.
She bolted upright in the water. “I am so sorry. I should not have…” She lowered her gaze, shame burning her cheeks. “Whatever punishment you wish to implement I will accept.”
“Punishment?” he asked quizzically, and she could hear his footsteps as he crossed the floor. “There is nothing wrong with pleasuring yourself, Talia.”
She lifted her gaze, her fear dissipating. “You are not angry?”
“Not at all.” He chuckled and picked up the tiny clamp on the side of the tub. “What do we have here?”
“Oh…” Her cheeks burned hotter. “It is…Oh gods, this is embarrassing.”
“Do not be shy. I’m not unfamiliar with this toy.” He grinned and fell to his knees beside the tub. “Here, allow me.”
Bringing the clitabrator underwater, he opened it and then parted her pussy lips. His fingers rubbed her swollen flesh before he tugged on her clitoris and then placed the clamp upon it.
Heat speared through her body. The pressure of the clamp made her entire pussy tingle and he had yet to turn it on.
Ryder lifted the remote from the side of the tub and she bit her lip in anticipation. He stared at it for a moment and then stretched out his hand toward her.
“I want to watch you.”
11
“Y ou want to…watch me?” She took the remote from him, felt the weight and knew the power it held.
“Yes, Talia. By pleasuring yourself you will in turn be pleasing me.”
“Well, why did you not just say so?” She smiled and turned the remote onto the lowest level.
He laughed at her startled gasp. “How does it feel?”
“Sssh, you cannot expect me to carry on a conversation at a time like this.” She groaned and closed her eyes, focusing on the sensual vibrations against her clit. She turned the speed up another level. “I
t is paradise.”
“Talia…” Ryder growled. “Use your other hand and touch your breast.”
She obediently lifted her hand and cupped her breast.
“Pinch the nipple.”
Her fingers closed around the tip and she squeezed, crying out as pleasure shot straight to her cunt.
“How do you feel?”
“Amazing. Oh gods.” Her hips lifted in the water, sluicing liquid over her belly. No matter how she moved her body, the explosive sensations followed. “Oh, I cannot take it.”
“You can, love. Turn the remote up higher.”
She obeyed, turning the lever to the highest level. The intensity of the vibrations tingled through her clit, making it even more sensitive and swollen.
Without his urging, she lifted her hands and cupped her other breast, kneading the firm flesh and pinching her stiff nipples.
“That’s right. Let yourself go, Talia. I want to watch you come.”
His thick words were the gentle push over the edge she needed.
“Mmm…” She threw her head back as lights exploded in her head. Her cunt clenched and her stomach quivered. She gasped in air, gripping the edge of the tub as the trembles racked her body.
She went limp and slid under the water, an inane smile on her face. Ryder’s hands on her rib cage pulled her up and out of the tub.
“That good, hmm?” He unfastened the clamp, set it on the side of the tub, and then wrapped a fluffy robe around her body.
She slipped her arms into the sleeves, murmuring, “That good. And more so. I shall have to thank your sister for the clitabrator.”
Ryder winced and shook his head. “I really wish you would not have shared that bit of information.”
Talia wrapped her arms around his neck and dropped a kiss on his lips. “She’s a grown woman, you know.”
“Mmm. Who is?” He leaned down to kiss her again, but she pulled back.
“Krystal. She’s not a child anymore.”
“I realize that.” Ryder’s brows drew together and he straightened up. “What has brought this on?”
She sighed and stepped past him to lift the brush off the counter.
“Her unhappiness about being forced into a marriage with a man she does not love.”
She could see the clenching of his jaw in the mirror as she brushed through the strands.
“I see. It seems my sister is taken with you enough to make such confessions.”
“Perhaps.” She met his gaze in the mirror. “Did you never consider her feelings for the other man?”
Ryder’s lips curled downward. “Trust me, the other man is a pathetic man who would make her miserable. She is new to the world of men, and Dillon will take care of her well.”
“But how do you know that? How do you know it is the right choice for her?”
“Because Dillon is in love with her.”
Talia exhaled slowly and set down the brush. “I see. I do not believe she is aware of that.”
“Well, he has not yet told her, that I know of. Still, he is a good match and whatever fondness Krystal holds for him will likely grow into love.”
“That is quite a big assumption.” She raised an eyebrow and walked back into her room. “On the other hand, I am not so sure I trust this other man’s intentions.”
“You are wise not to.” He followed her into the bedchamber. “Are you hungry?”
“I am.” She grabbed the dress she’d left on the bed and slipped it on.
Ryder groaned, his gaze sweeping over her. “You are beautiful. If I had not promised you dinner I would toss you onto the bed and make love to you for hours on end.”
Make love . Never had being intimate been referred to as making love. Perhaps having sex, or even fucking her senseless, but never making love.
Her heart skipped and she took an unsteady breath in. She lowered her gaze, grabbing her sandals off the floor and slipping them on.
“You flatter me.” She lifted her head and offered him a shy smile. “Where are we dining?”
“I’ve arranged an intimate ride on one of the observation pods. That way I can show you the city at night while we eat.”
“Truly?” She clasped her hands together and smiled. “It sounds wonderful.”
Ryder gave a brief smile, but behind his eyes she could sense the urgency and anticipation. He wanted her to talk tonight.
She stepped forward and placed her hand in his. “I am ready when you are.”
He took her hand and led her out of her chamber. They made their way through the hall and to the outside of the building.
She sucked in the air greedily. Never could she imagine growing used to being outside of a building. It was too new, too surreal. The light from the two moons lit up the garden path, the sweet smell of flowers teased her nostrils.
It was absolutely too wonderful. A small giggle escaped her, and Ryder glanced down at her.
“And what are you thinking about, you naughty woman?”
“Just how amazing it is here.” She glanced up at him from under her lashes. “You may have taken me against my will from Zortou, but in truth you have set me free.”
Ryder halted her on the path and ran a finger down her cheek.
“I apologize again for the way I treated you initially, but I am glad you have found some peace here.” His thumb rubbed across her mouth. “Have you considered what I said earlier at the lake?”
Talia’s pulse sped up and she pressed her tongue against the back of her teeth. “Yes, I have.”
“And?”
She looked up at him, her gaze searching his face, searching for a reason not to trust him. There was nothing but a somberness that made her heart twist.
“And I will tell you everything I know.”
He exhaled and his shoulders relaxed. “Talia, you are my goddess.”
“I am nothing of the sort,” she murmured and wrapped her arms around his waist, laying her head against his chest. “I am a woman who realizes the wrong I have been led to believe. If I can prevent this attack in any way, I will do so.”
“Thank you.” His hand smoothed down her back and she closed her eyes. “We can discuss this over dinner.”
She nodded against his chest and gripped him tighter.
Footsteps sounded along the path, and she drew back from him reluctantly.
“Good evening, sir.”
Talia spun around, her stomach clenching as she recognized Ines’s voice.
“Good evening,” Ryder replied absently.
The woman nodded at them, but did not stop. Simply continued past them. How much had she seen? Heard? The idea that she might have fueled the fire of Ines’s jealousy turned Talia’s stomach sour.
“Come, the pod is awaiting our arrival.”
She nodded and smoothed her dress down, then followed him along the trail.
They took a sky taxi to where the pod was stationed.
Ryder took her hand and helped her inside. It was sleek outside, with a lush interior. There was a half-circle table with a curved velvet bench inside, intimate and romantic.
“This is quite amazing,” she breathed. “I
have never been in something so striking.”
“Not quite true, princess. You have been in a pod before, but it was much smaller. It is how we left Zortou.” He offered a lopsided grin as he settled down next to her on the velvet bench.
She rolled her eyes, her pulse kicking up as his thigh rubbed against hers.
“Yes, but I do not remember that trip. I do believe you drugged me?” she teased and lifted an eyebrow.
He gave a low, sexy laugh and then kissed the side of her neck. “Yes, I did. Because you were hardly going to come willingly.”
“Mmm. True.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in. The smell of food tickled her nostrils and her stomach growled.
“Tour the city, please,” he commanded and the doors slid shut, the pod lifting into the air. “Hungry?”
“Yes, actually I am.”
Her stomach flipped as they kept rising higher into the air, faster every second. Soon they leveled off and began a slow steady movement. She leaned forward to see. The upper half of the pod was transparent, allowing her to view the city below.
She sighed, drinking in the sparkling lights from the buildings. “It is incredible at night.”
He lifted a strand of hair and curled it around his finger. “I am glad you enjoy it.”
“The way the moons’ light reflects off the lake.” She turned her gaze away from the view and smiled at him. “Is that the same lake we walked upon earlier?”
“Yes.”
“Thank you for bringing me here, Ryder. It is beautiful.”
His gaze softened and he leaned forward, his lips rubbing in a soft caress against hers. When he lifted his head, she was a bit lightheaded and it had nothing to do with the altitude they were at.
“I had dinner prepared and sent along for our ride.”
He straightened and pressed a button on the panel of the pod. The wall opened and he pulled out a steaming tray with a lid on top and set it on the table before them.
Take Me Page 13
