Take Me (6 page)

“Please,” she begged, leaning her weight on one leg. “My foot is in pain.”

“Ah…yes, so it would be.” He slid one arm under the back of her knees and the other around her waist. Lifting her up, he carried her to the bed.

He set her down gently on the down comforter. “Let me check your wound. Lift your dress.”

She hesitated and he lifted his gaze to meet hers. She must've seen the intent in his, or remembered that last time he'd requested she remove her dress. After a terse nod, she gripped the edge of the dress and pulled it up to her calves.

His breathing hitched. He clenched his fists to avoid pushing the dress higher, to follow the trail of her pale smooth skin to the curve of her thigh.

He turned his focus to the white bandage and took a deep breath.
Here's your focus
. Reaching out, he began to unwrap the bandage to see the injury.

“What did you do to me?” Her question was feather light as the bandage pulled away to expose the wound. “Oooh.” She closed her eyes and weaved a little.

She was afraid of a little cut? His brows drew together.

“Lie back on the bed and do not watch me if this uneases you.”

She flopped back so fast he could not hold back a quiet laugh.

“I removed the tracking device that was implanted in your heel.”

She was silent for a moment. “Tracking device? You can't be serious.”

“I am.” Ryder turned his attention back to the wound. The flesh around the cut had faded to a healthy pink. It would heal fine; her foot would likely be smooth and flawless again within twenty-four hours. “You were not aware that you had one?”

“I would have known,” she protested.

“It was likely implanted when you were an infant. Is it still tender?” He drew his thumb across the wound and she made a little moan of protest.

“A bit.”

“I'll send for a numbing leaf that we may wrap around it.” He stood up and made the mistake of looking away from her foot and up her body.

She leaned back on her elbows, the thin fabric of the pale dress drawn taut over her breasts. Her areolae hinted at a slight berry shade, her nipples just a bit lighter.

His blood flowed heavier and his cock stirred beneath his pants. Gods, he wanted her. Her tongue darted across pink lips before she drew the bottom one between her teeth.

“Ryder?” She said his name hesitantly. “Where have you taken me?”

“You mean you do not know?” He quirked an eyebrow and walked slowly toward the head of the bed. He sat down on the edge, noting the way she eyed him warily. “I have brought you to my home on Belton.”

“Belton? But I cannot be here!” The horror on her face pounded another nail into her coffin of guilt.

“Well, princess, I could hardly hold you prisoner on your own planet.” He shrugged and reached out to touch the throbbing pulse in her neck. “Why do you look so afraid, Talia? Our planets are allies, are they not?”

She slapped his hand away and turned her head to look at the other wall. “If so, then why do you hold me prisoner? There is nothing you can want from me.”

Her rejection of his touch stung more than he cared to admit. His jaw clenched. “You think not? There are many things I want from you, Talia. And I intend to have them all.”

He returned his hand to the pulse on her neck, felt the blood pounding furiously.

“I have many questions. Questions that you will answer.” Slowly he trailed his fingers down to her collarbone and then just barely on to the top swell of her breast.

“What makes you think I have the answers?” Her breasts lifted as she took an unsteady breath.

“Because, princess.” He leaned over her and strummed his thumb over her nipple. It tightened eagerly and she let out a tiny moan. “You have information about the Council's plans that I need.”

He lowered his head and licked the tip of her breast through the dress. The thin cotton, now damp, clung to her pink nipple. He closed his lips around the tip and drew it into his mouth, tasting her sweet flesh even through the fabric.

Her fingers laced into his hair, her breathing grew more ragged. “W-what makes you think I can answer your questions?”

“Because you are their whore, princess.”

Her sharp indrawn breath echoed in the room. “And now you intend to make me yours?”

His mouth twitched. “If I do, I promise that you will enjoy it.”

“Never.”

The fingers in his hair now tried to push him away, but he had no intention of letting her go just yet. He gripped her arms, pinning her to the bed and met her glare.

“You sit within their chambers day in and day out.” He pointed out, looking into her eyes, which nearly spit fire. “There is no one else on your planet, save for the Council itself, who would have access to that kind of information.”

“Really? Let me just save us both some time. What I do know will stay firmly in my head,” she snapped. “I owe you nothing—certainly not the betrayal of my home planet to a callous imbecile such as yourself.”

“You think not?” He lowered his head again, paying heed to the opposite nipple. He drew it between his teeth, smoothing his tongue over the now-hard tip. He lifted his head again and used his fingers to toy with the peak. “You will tell me all, Talia. You may give the token protest—I would respect you less if you hadn't—but we both know you will tell me everything.”

Her cheeks flooded with color. “And you mean to use seduction as a means to make me talk?” she scoffed, but there was fear in her eyes. “Sex means nothing to me. As you pointed out more than once, I am nothing but a whore.”

He was silent for a moment, then reluctantly released the breast he cupped. A warm confidence spread through him, knowing that he'd gotten to her. Had begun to pierce through that thick shell she retreated behind when a man touched her.

He ran the pad of his thumb over her lips. “No, Talia, I think not. When you are in my bed, you will be willing and eager—be damn near begging me to take you. You will not be playing the role of Rosabelle.”

He stood up, noting how pale she'd become. “I will send food and the numbing leaf in shortly. Tonight we will begin the first line of questioning.”

At the door he turned and gave her a slight smile. “Until then, princess.”

T
alia watched the door shut behind him and then threw a pillow toward it. It fell short by at least a few feet, but it did relieve some of her frustration.

The one time she was away from her planet and still she was a prisoner.

She fell back against the pillows, brushing tears out of the corners of her eyes.
Crying solves nothing
. If she had learned one thing being a Rosabelle that would be it.

How was she going to escape? Surely there had to be a way to notify the Council, inform them she'd been abducted.

The tracker. Her throat went tight and she lifted her foot into the air to view the bandage again. She'd truly had a tracker planted inside her foot? As if she were some purebred dog?

And are you really so different? Bought and groomed to become the perfect pet for a pampered Council?

A Council that was probably quite upset right now. Would they take it out on her when she returned? If she returned. Damn Ryder Jacobs for doing this to her.

More beeping noises came from the door and she reached for the small lamp on the table next to the bed. She scowled and glared at the door. This time when Ryder walked into the room he'd better be prepared to duck.

The door swung open, and she lifted her arm to throw it.

“Please, don't!”

Talia lowered the lamp, her hand shaking as she stared in amazement at the doorway. It was not Ryder who stood there, but a young woman, half hiding behind the door, having seen the lamp in Talia's hand.

“I mean you no harm, Talia.” The woman hesitated and then stepped into the room. “In fact, I have come to help. I have brought food and a numbing leaf.”

Talia's jaw went slack as the woman crossed the floor. Her steps were light, her glossy brown curls bouncing while dark brown eyes glittered with excitement. But it was what she was wearing that truly had Talia shocked: a band of purple fabric that wrapped around her small breasts, leaving her shoulders and navel bare, and then a flowing white skirt that ended above her knees.

“Surely no Rosabelle is allowed to dress in such a manner?” Talia sputtered.

“Rosabelle?” She lifted an eyebrow questioningly; the gesture seeming somewhat familiar. “You must have me confused with someone. My name is Krystal, not Rosabelle.”

Did this woman have no idea what a Rosabelle was? Perhaps women were referred to with a different term on Belton.

“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.

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.”