Braden

Braden

BookSix,TalesoftheShareem

Alevel-threeShareem,createdsolelytogivesexualpleasurethroughdominance,Bradenisalsoona
mission.AmissiontohelpgetallShareemoffBorNarga.Thehighbornwomenwhorulethedesertplanet
enforcecruelrestrictionsontheShareem,deemingthemlessthanhuman.Creaturesincapableoffeeling.

ButBradenfeels—especiallyforElisa,thelibrarianwhoaidedhimwhileresearchinghismission.Elisa
isacelibate;Bradencanbeterminatedformerelytouchingher.Andtouchher,hedoes.TeachingElisa
whatitmeanstofeel,towant,torevelinpleasuresoftheflesh.

Whentheirforbiddentrystsresultinnewrestrictions,Bradenrealizeshe’sputhisfellowShareem,his
missionand,mostimportantly,Elisaindanger.Tosaveher,hemustleaveher;onlypainandhardship
comefromlovingaShareem.Buthispreciouslibrarianhasotherideas…

Ellora’sCavePublishing

www.ellorascave.com

Braden

ISBN9781419933349

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Thisbookisaworkoffictionandanyresemblancetopersons,livingordead,orplaces,eventsor
localesispurelycoincidental.Thecharactersareproductionsoftheauthors’imaginationandused
fictitiously.

BRADEN

AllysonJames

Braden

ChapterOne

AShareemwalksintoalibrary…

Braden’sfriendshadcalledhimcrazywhenhevolunteeredtogototheSerestineQuarterlibraryforthe
information.LibrarieshadonlyrecentlystartedallowingShareemin,becauseseven-foot-tallmenwho
radiatedsexualitywerewaytoodangeroustobearoundnormalpeople.

“Becarefulinthere,”Kyhadgrowled.“Allthosedeadsubjectswillshrivelyourcock.AndaShareem
withoutacockisn’tgoodforshit.”Shareemweregeneticallyenhancedmales,tallandhard-muscled,
builtforsexandsensualpleasure.Theycouldscentawoman’spheromonesandknowwhenawoman
wantedthem,likethecuteoneBradensawbehindthedeskattheendofthewalkway.

Bradenfollowedthepaththroughthethree-storyatriumwithgalleriesofterminals,atricklingwaterfall,a
peacefulhush.Thelibrarianpretendednottonoticehim,butherawarenessscreameditselftoBraden’s
finelytunedsenses.Hesawhereyesflickerthoughshekeptthemonthescreenbeforeher,felttheslight
riseinherbodytemperature.She’dnoticedhimallright.

Shelookedsoefficienttappingonherterminalwithslender,surefingers,herveilloopedtoreveala
smoothfaceandwidebrowneyes.Hernosewasalittlecrooked,andshehadn’thaditfixed,which
meantshewasn’tself-conscious.Probablydidn’tevenknowshewaslovely.Robesthatannouncedheras
singleandcelibateclungtoabodythatmadeBradenlongtoteachhercelibacywasn’tallitwascracked
uptobe.

Kywasanidiot.Thelibrarywasn’tshrivelingBraden’scock—itwasmakingitgrow.

Bradenreachedthecounterandstretchedhisarmsalongitsedge.Thelibrarian’sgazeshottotheblack
chainonhisbicepsbeforeshemadeherselflookintohiseyes.

“MayIhelpyou?”

Oh,youmaydarling,youmay.

Domeafavor,Braden,Reeshadsaidtohim.Besubtle.

Hey,Igotthis.

Reeshadrolledhiseyes.Justgetthemtoletyouusetheterminal.

Bradenansweredthelibrarian’squestionwithasmile.“Depends.”

“Imean,whatdoyouneed?”

Hersoftandwhisperyvoicemadehishard-ongrow.You,sweetdarling.“Iwanttolookupsinging
spheres.”

“Ah.”

AllysonJames

Didshelookdisappointed?Bradenhopedshelookeddisappointed.Hecouldtakeherouttotheheat-
shieldedgardenbehindthelibraryandhelphershimmyoffthosecelibate’srobes.He’dgetterminatedfor
it,butdamn,wouldn’ttheyhavefunbeforetheend?

“Afriendofminemakessingingspheres,”Bradensaid.“IthoughtI’dlookthemup.”

Herbrowneyeshadflecksofgreeninthem.He’dbetshehadanoff-planetancestorsomewhereinher
makeup.AllpureBorNarganwomen’seyeswerebrown.

“Whynotaskyourfriendaboutthem?”sheasked.

Logical.Why’dshehavetobesological?ShewassupposedtoshiverandsmileandletBradendo
anythinghewanted.

“BecauseShareemhaveneverbeenallowedintolibrariesbefore,”hesaid,tryingtosoundoffhand.
“Lookingupsingingspheresisagoodexcuse.”Shesmelledfinetoo.Bradeninhaledamixtureofsoap
andfemale,noperfume,thankthegods.Nothingtogetinthewayofher.

Hisskintingledwiththepheromonesshegaveoff.Herrobeswerethick,butheimaginedhernipples
pearlingbehindthem.Allhehadtodowascornerherandcuphishandoverherbreast,andhe’dfindher
niceandfirm,nippleshardaslittlepebbles.

ThelibrarianclearedherthroatandBradenpoppedhiseyesopen,realizinghe’ddriftedtofantasyland.

“Anyoftheterminalsonthisfloorwilltellyouaboutsingingspheres.”Hervoicewasprim,butthedusky
toneofitalreadyhadhimhard.IfBradenwerekind,he’dgototheterminal,lookuphisstuffandleave
heralone.

ButBradenwasn’tkind,andhe’dbeensenthereonamission.Rees’instructionshadbeenveryspecific.

Bradenslidhishandsfartherapartonthedesk,leaningdowntohereyelevel.

“Thoseterminalswilltellmealittle.ButIwanttoknoweverything.Detailsonmining,geology,the
artists,impactontheplanet’seconomy,stufflikethat.”Thelibrarianblinked,surprised.She’dprobably
beentoldShareemcouldn’tunderstandcomplexconceptslikegeologyandeconomicimpact,letalone
spell

“economicimpact”.Tomost,Shareemwerelittlebetterthananimals,considerednonhuman.Walking
hormonesbredforalady’spleasure.

Atleast,pleasurehadbeentheoriginalintentoftheShareemprogram.ThesedaysShareemweretaboo,
barelytoleratedinasocietythathaddecidedsexwasbadforphysicalandmentalhealth.

TheinformationReesneededwasn’tentirelyrestricted,buttheterminalBradenwouldneedtousetoget
itwas.Thelibrary’spublicterminalsaccessedinformationfromeverypublicsourceonthisplanetplus

fromnearbyplanetsandspacestations.ButBradenneededtolookintothedatabasesofBorNarga’sown
ministries,whichwerenotopentothepublic.Muchtrickier.

Braden

Thelibrarianclearedherthroat.“Letmechecksomething.”

“Youtakeyourtime,sweetheart.”

Herfingersskimmedrapidlyoverherscreensandherkeyboard,hertouchfeatherlight.Bradenimagined
thosefingersdoingtheirdanceoverhisbody,andheshifted,hiscockrock-hardinhisleggings.
Everythingshedidwasaturn-on.

ThelibrarianapparentlyfoundnothingonherscreensthatsaidShareemcouldn’tusetherestricted
terminal.Bradenknewshewouldn’t,becauseReeshadalreadychecked.

ThenewregulationsletShareemuselibrariesandlibrarymaterialswithoutlimitation,providedthey
weresupervisedbyahigh-rankinglibrarian.Thisladywasheadofthereferencedepartment.Herholopic
andname—Elisan’Arell—werelistedonthelibrary’sinformationsiteandpostedbythefrontdooras
well.

ThefactthatBradenwantedtopeelbackthoserobesandlickherbodywhilehelayontopofherwasjust
abonus.

Thelibrarianclickedoffherterminalwithadecidedtouch.“Verywell.Pleasecomewithme.”

Herrobesfloatedasshecamearoundthedesk,showingaflashofslenderanklesandsensibleshoes.
Sensibleshoes.Bestillmybeatingheart.

Butunfortunatelyshewasacelibate,fromoneofthoseWayofthe…Whatever…orders.She’dalready
takentherobesanddeclaredherself.Completelyofflimitstoallmales,nottomentionShareem.

“Sithere,”shesaid.

Bradenploppedintothechair,enjoyingthesensationofasweetheartcommandinghiminsteadoftheother
wayaround.Bradenwasalevelthree,whichmeanttheladydidwhathesaid,obeyedhiseveryword.

Thecubiclewiththeterminalhadsound-muffling—perfect.

“What’syourname,love?”Bradenasked.

“Shh.”

“OK,that’sunusual,butIcangowithit.”

Shefrowned.“Bequiet.”

Bradenpointedtothewavyglass.“There’ssound-muffling.”

“Whichisnotthesameassoundproofing.Wemustn’tdisturbtheothers.”Mustn’t.Damn,Bradenhadmet
awomanwhousedmustn’tincasualconversation.

Didshesayothersexywords,likeshan’t?Howaboutsomethingbig,likewherewithal?

Braden,Ishan’tresistyourcommands,andIhavethewherewithaltorideyourcockallnight.

AndKythoughtlibrarieswereboring?

AllysonJames

Thelibrarianleanedforward,silkrobescarryingherwomanlymusk,andpulledasmalltouchpadtoward
him.“Wekeeparecordofwhousesthisterminal,”shesaid.“Ineedyourthumbprint.”

Bradenhelduphisthumbandsmiled.“Mine’stoobig.”True.Braden’shandswerelarge,thetouchpad
designedforslimfemalehands.BorNargadiscriminatedlikethat,which,today,workedtoBraden’s
advantage.

Reeshadlookedthisuptoo.Athumbprintwasneededtoaccesstheterminal,butthethumbprintofthe
authorizinglibrarianwasjustasgood.Better,even.

It’sperfectlyfineforalibrariantolookatwhatIneedyoutofind,Reeshadsaid.Nosuspicions
raised.

Thelibrarian’simpatientbreathhuffedwarmthonBraden’sskin.Herbreathwasminty,andhermouth
wouldtastegood.

Shepressedherthumbprinttothepadonlyafteramoment’shesitationandstartedtypingonthekeyboard.

Bradenfeltatwingeofguiltashesmiledhisthanks.Thislittlesweetheartdeservedtobekissed,stroked,
pleasured,teased…notusedforherMinistryclearance.

Thelibrariantouchedthescreenandapictureofamulticoloredcrystalfloatedoutofit.“Thereyouare.
Asingingsphere.”

“Beautiful,”Bradensaid,lookingather.

Singingspheres,madefromcrystalsminedinthedesertmountains,radiatedexquisitemusicwhen
touched.Thesphereswererare,prizedandhideouslyexpensive.

AShareemBradenknew,Rylan,livedoutinthemiddleofnowherewithMaiahislifemate,andcrafted
them.

“I’vealwayswantedone,”thelibrariansaid,hervoicewistful.Shewaslookingatthescreen,eyessoft.

Bradensuddenlypicturedhimselfgivingherasingingsphereasagift.Heenvisionedhersurpriseand
delight,herwarmsmile,thelightinhereyes.He’dkissherasshecooedherthanks,tastinghermouth,her
lipshotandslick.

Bradensensedalivelinessinherthatlivingbehindveilsandcelibacyhadn’tdampened.Thisladywas
notawiltingflowerofhighbornwomanhood,andBradenwantedtofindouthowun-wiltingshereally
was.

Hell.

Thelibrarian’sscentbrushedhimasshetouchedlabelsonthescreen.“Thisistheeconomicdatabase,
andthisoneistheexportdatabase.”

“Thankyou,love.Iappreciateit.”

Bradencouldn’ttechnicallytouchherwithoutpermission,buthemanagedto

“accidentally”slidehisfingersdownthebacksofhers.

Hereyesdarkened,pupilswidening.Lovely,lovelyeyes.Hereyelasheswereblackasnight,andBraden
wantedtokissthem.Betterstill,havethemflutteringonhiscock.

Braden

Hereyeshadadarkerbrownringaroundtheirises,anotherindicationofanoff-worldancestor.Braden
couldstudyhereyesforhours.

He’dlikeitbestinhisbed,herarchingtohisthrusts.He’drideherslowly,thenfaster,fistsplantedon
eithersideofherbody,watchingthoseeyesashetookhertoclimax.

Thelibrarianblushed,pulledherhandawayandsaidquickly,“I’llleaveyoutoit.”Bradencouldtellthat
shetriednottotouchhimasshelefthim,butthesilkofherrobesbrushedhisbarecalf.Thewhisperof
fabriclickederoticcurrentsthroughhisbodyandmadehisunrulycockstifferthanever.

Bradensatstillforalongtimeaftersheleft,tryingtoconvincehiscock,ballsandimaginationtobehave.
Hewantedsex,andhewantedtofuckhislibrarianinallwaysinvented,andthenhewantedtoinvent
somemorejustforher.Butitwasn’tmeanttobe.

Bradendrewalongbreath.She’scelibate,andI’mheretodoajob.

Fuck,fuck,fuckinghell.

Bradenpressedhispalmstothetableandclosedhiseyes,drawingdeepbreaths.

Fightinghisgeneticprogrammingwasaseriousbitch,buthehadtodoit.HehadtogettheinfoforRees.

Ittookawhileforthewhite-hotpressuretogodown,butatlastBradenopenedhiseyesandmadehimself

getonwithit.Hesatwithhisbacktoawall,theterminalcubicalopaqueforprivacy.Alltothegood.

Assoonashecouldseestraight,Bradenditchedthesingingspheres,broughtupcargoshippingschedules
andstartedtappinginformationintothehandheldthathe’dhiddeninhispocket.

*****

“There.”BradentossedthehandheldacrossthetabletoRees.“Hopeit’shelpful.”Rees,atallShareem
withblondhairandasternlookthatcoulddissolvequicklyintoagrin,especiallywhenhewasaround
hislady,tookupthehandheld.

“What’swrongwithyou?”heaskedBraden.

Bradenshruggedandplantedhimselfonastool.“Nothing’swrong.Igottheinfoyouwanted.Itwasall
there,justlikeyousaid.”FlightinformationoneverycargoshiponandoffBorNargaforthelastsix
months.

Routes,lines,scheduledandunscheduled,officialorunofficial.

“Thelibrarian’sthumbprint,notyours?”Reesasked.

“Yeah,yeah.Andshedoesn’tknowmyname.”

“Youfutzedthetimestamp?”

“Justlikeyoushowedme.There’llbenorecordofShareemonthatterminal,andrecordsofthatsearch
willmakeitlooklikeithappenedbeforeIshowedup.”9

AllysonJames

Reeswasgoodatfiguringoutshitlikethat.WhileBradenwaslevelthree,Reeswasnolevelanyone
understood.Reeshadbeenanexperiment,aShareemmadeofallthreelevelscombined.Hiscreatorsat
DNAmonevershouldhavemadehim,hadgoneonesteptoofar—orsosaidthestuck-upbitcheswhoran
theplanetofBorNarga.

Thescientistshadfuckedthemselveswhenthey’dcreatedRees.Reeshadbeensogood,sosmartandso
resourcefulthathe’descaped,andthatescapehadbeenthecatalystthatbroughtdownDNAmo.The
Shareemhadfoundthemselvesfreeofthelabs,freeofbeingsoldtothehighestbidder.Free,period.

TheBorNargangovernmenthadthenwantedtohuntdownandslaughterallShareem.Thatdecisionhad
beenvoteddownasabittoocruel.Barely.SoShareemwereasrestrictedashellandnotconsidered
human,withfewrights.Butallowedtolive.

Reesdidn’tofficiallyexist.NoShareemcalledReesappearedonanyrecordsandinanydatabases.Even
patrollersseemedtonotnoticehimwhentheygothottochecktheidentcardofeveryShareemwho
passed.Hewasthatgood.

ThenonexistentShareemnowfrownedacrossthetalltableatBradenandsignaledJudithtobringthem
drinks.

ChapterTwo

“Guesswhat?”Bradenwasn’tinthemood.

Reeskeptgrinning.“Shewaspretty.”

“Damnstraightshewas.”Toofuckingprettytobestuckincelibaterobesbehindadesk.

“Andshewasnicetome.No,wait—notnice.Fair.Shedidn’tlikeaShareeminherlibrarybutshe
wantedtohonorthenewrulesandhelpme.”

“Youlikedher.”

“Idon’tlikethinkingabouthertakingflackforanyshitthatcomesfromthis.It’snotherfaultshewas
behindthedeskwhenIwalkedin.”Reestookasipofale.“HowaboutifIpointoutthatit’shighborn
womenlikeherwhoputusinthissituationinthefirstplace?”

“Doesn’thelp.Besides,you’retalkingoutyourass,becauseyourladyTalanisoneofthehighestofthe
highborns.”

Reeslaughed.Taland’Urveywasinlovewiththeshithead,woulddoanythingforhim.“Yeah,that’strue.
Tellyouwhat.Oncethingscooldown,youcangobackandrepayher.Giveyourlibrariananightshe’ll
neverforget.Beherlifelongguiltysecret.

Betterstill,doitinthelibraryafterit’sclosed.”

“Ican’t,”Bradengrowled,grippinghisale.“She’sacelibate.”

“Intraining?”

“No.She’salreadyjumpedoffthatcliff.Isawherrobes.TheWayoftheSomething-or-Other.Fully
initiated.”

“NowIunderstandwhyyou’resotetchy.Myadvice—gotothepools,forgetLadyCelibateandhookup
withaShareemgroupie.Sateyourself,makeyourbrainstopboiling.You’llbefine.”

“Fuckyou,”Bradensaid,butinacalmervoice.

Reeswassuchahypocrite.IfBradensuggestedtoReesthatheforgetaboutTalanandgetoverherby
satinghimselfonawomanwhochasedShareem,Reeswouldcomeapartwithrage.

Reeswaspartlyright,though.Bradencouldn’thavehislibrarian.Shewascelibate,offlimits.Endof
story.Heneededtogetoverit.

Buttherewasadifferencebetweenphysicalsatiationandbeingwithaladyyouwantedtobewith.

Bradenstillwantedtocompensateher,though,forwhathe’ddone.Shareemhadbeenbredinvatsby
cold-heartedgeneticistsforotherpeople’suse.Bradenhadbeen11

AllysonJames

experimentedon,operatedon,stuckfullofshotseverytimeheturnedaround.Heknewwhatitfeltliketo
beusedforotherpeople’sschemes.

BradenhadcausedalotoftroubleatDNAmo.He’dresistedtakinghisinoculations—whichincluded
sedativesandothercreativedrugs.Ifawomantheythrewtohimforsexualexperimentswastooafraidof
him,Bradenwouldrefusetotouchher.Thisresultedinpunishment—toBraden—butlikehellhe’dhurt
theladyinquestion.

Thestupidresearchersneverunderstoodthatlevelthreewasn’taboutobedienceandpain—itwasabout
care,protectionandtrust.TheresearchersexpectedtowatchBradenputthewomaninherplace,butit
didn’tworkthatway.Iftheladyhadrealfear,Bradenrefusedtoexploitit.

Thehandlersbeathimwithshockrodsandgavehimmoreinoculationswhenhedidn’tcooperate,butso
beit.Bradenwasstrongenoughtowithstandthepunishment,butsomeoftheladieswho’dsignedupfor
theexperimentsweren’tstrongenoughtotakeBraden,andhe’dknownthat.

Shareemweresupposedtobedocileanddowhattheyweretold,untiltimetoperformwhateversexual
actstheirclientswanted.Thentheyweretobetheultimatesextoy—untilplaytimewasover.Thenitwas
backtotheirrooms,satedandobedient.

Yeah,thathadworked.

Bradenhadbeencreatedforotherpeople’suse,andthefactthathehadusedtheprettylibrarianleftabad
tasteinhismouth.

Hefinishedhisale,leftthetableandmadehiswayacrosstheroomtothelittlehallwaythatheldJudith’s
publicterminal.BradenputacallthroughtoRylanandaskedhimtoprettypleasemakehimasigning
sphere.Averyspecialone.

*****

Twoweekslater,Elisareturnedhomefromhershiftatthelibrarytofindanopaquewhiteboxsittingon
thetableinherfoyer.

“What’sthis?”sheaskedAlonda,herhousekeeper,asthewomanwalkedbrisklythroughthehall.

Alondastoppedandpeeredatthecrate.“Ibelieveit’sabox,m’lady.”

“Veryfunny.Wherediditcomefrom?”

“Deliveredbymail.Beforethat,Ihavenoidea.”Alondaturnedawayandcontinuedtowardherdomain
inthebackofthehouse,leavingElisaalone.

Well,therewasonlyonewaytofindout.Elisasetdownherbag,slidoffhersun-blockingrobes,and
hungthemandherbreathmaskinthecloset.Shetouchedherthumbtothepadonthecratetoindicatethat
she,thedesignatedrecipient,acceptedthepackage.

Braden

Airhissed,andthesidesofthecrateslidback.Elisa’smouthdroppedopenasshestaredataglobeof
purecrystalshotthroughwithmyriadcolors.Afainthum,abeautifulnote,rippledfromit.

Asingingsphere.

Byallthatwasholy,asingingsphere.

Itwaslargerthanthoseshe’dseenforsaleforstupendouspricesinSerestineQuartergalleries.Awhite
lightpulsedatthecenteroftheglobe,asthoughtheheartofthespherewhisperedtoher.

Thecrystalhadbeenmountedonanaturalstonebase,beautifulsandstonefromthedesertmountains.
Etchedintothestonewerethewords,ForElisan’Arell,withthanks.

Sherememberedthedeep,velvetyvoiceoftheShareeminherlibrary,theShareemshe’dthoughtabout
everyminuteofeverydaysinceshe’dmethim.

Myfriendmakesthem,he’dsaidinanoffhandedwayaboutthesingingspheres,hisblueeyes
mesmerizing.AndElisahadsaid,I’vealwayswantedone.

Elisahadn’ttoldtheShareemhername.Buttheinformationwouldn’thavebeendifficultforhimto
discover.Shewaslistedatthefrontdoorofthelibraryaswellasonthelibrary’sfactsiteasheadof
reference,andshe’dbeensittingatthereferencedesk.

HowtheShareemhaddiscoveredhernamewasn’tamystery.Whyhe’dsentthespherewas.

Elisareachedoutandtouchedthecrystal.

Thespherewhisperedwithsound,growingmoremusicalbythesecond.Ripplesfilledtheairlikea
sweetchime.Beautiful.

Thiswasanexquisiteworkofart,andworthafortune.TheShareemhadsimplygivenittoher.

Alondahurriedbackintotheroom.“M’lady,what—”Shestopped.“Oh,howlovely.TheWayoftheSky
letyoubuythis?Howniceofthem.”

“No,it’sagift.Tome.ForsomethingIdidforsomeoneatthelibrary.”Alondalookedimpressed.
“Generous.Itwilllookniceinthatnook.”Shepointedtoabarenicheacrossfromthefrontdoor.
“Alwaysthoughtthatwallwastooblank.”

“Ishouldn’tkeepit.”ButitwouldbreakElisa’shearttoletitgo.

PartoftakingtherobesintheWayoftheSkymeantlivingsimply—forBorNarganwomen,thismeanta
housesmallerthanamansionandastaffofonlytwoorthree.ThewomenoftheWayweretomeetbasic
needscomfortablybutwithoutostentation.Elisawasfinewiththerestrictions,likinghersmallhousewith
itscleandesignandemptyspaces.Itwaspeaceful.

Singingsphereswereconsideredluxuries.Theywerehideouslyexpensiveandentirelyimpractical.But
sobeautiful.

AllysonJames

Alondaliftedthesphereinitsbase,carriedittothenicheandsetitinside.“There.

Thatlooksnice.”Shedustedoffherhandsthentookuptheemptycrateandcarrieditaway.

Elisastudiedthesphereasthewavesofmusicsweetenedtheroom.Anamazinggift.

Shewalkeddownthehalltoherstudyandsatatherterminal.Typinginherpersonalcode,shegained
clearancetotheMinistryofNon-HumanLifeForms’

database,andcalledupthefilesonShareem.

*****

“Braden’sHouseofSex,”Bradenrumbledashekeyedonhisterminal.“Iknowallyourdesiresandhow
tomakethemreal—Well,shit.”HewasstaringintothebrowneyesofElisan’Arell,theprettylibrarian
who’dfilledBraden’sdreamsforthelasttwoweekswiththedirtiestfantasieshe’deverconceived.

Hismouthwentdry.“Heythere,sweetheart.Youfoundme.”Elisawetherlips,makinghimwanttoreach
throughtheterminalandwetthemforher.“Yousentmethesingingsphere.”

“Guilty.”

“Why?”

Bradenmadehimselfshrug.“YousaidyouwantedoneandIcangetthem,easy.”

“Butyoushouldn’thave.”

Elisadidn’tsaythatinthepleasedwayawomantitteredoverabauble—Oh,youshouldn’thave!Elisa
reallymeantthatBradenshouldn’thavedoneit.

“Ifyourefuseityou’lloffendRylan,”Bradensaid.“Hemadeitespeciallyforyou.

Plus,you’lloffendme,whobribedhimintodoingit.Imighthavetospankyou,darlin’.”

Hecouldfeelhersweetassunderhispalmalready.Firmlittlebuttocks,oh,sogood.She’dsquirmand
squeal,andherskinwouldturnsoprettilypink.

Elisadidthelip-wettingthingagain.“Iwanttomeetyou.”Hellyes.

Except—celibate.Forbidden.“Comeon,sweetbaby,don’tteaseyourShareem.”

“ImeantthatIwanttotalktoyou.Wherecanwemeet?”Inmybedroom,inanalley,inagarden.

Whereveryouwant,honey.“Yourlibrary’sagoodplace.”

“No,”shesaidquickly.“Andnotmyhouse,either.Someplaceneutral.”Nothingwasneutralwhena
Shareemwasinvolved.

HavingthelibrariancometoPasCitywhereBradenlivedwasabadidea.Notonlymighttheslumsscare
asweetielikeheraway,Reeswouldn’tbehappy.Thelasttwo14

Braden

weekshadbeenquiet—nopatrollersquestioningwhyBradenhadbeentoanuptownlibrary,noone
connectingtheinformationBradenhadsnaggedfromthelibraryterminaltoShareem.Butstill,Rees
wantedtobecareful.Whichmadesense,becausetheirliveswereontheline.AllShareemlives.

Rees,damnyou,thethingsIdoforyou.

“Tellyouwhat,darlin’,”Bradensaid.“I’llgrabatrainandheadupthehilltoSerestineStationBand
waitforyouthere.Thelasttrainbackdownleavesatmidnight—ifIdon’tseeyoubythen,Igetonthe
trainandgohome,noquestionsasked.Allright?”

They’dbeinpublicsoshewouldn’tworryabouthimravishingher.Shareemcouldn’ttouchaladyuntil
shegavehimpermission—programmingagain—butnoteveryonebelievedthat.

ThestationwasalsoaplacewhereElisacouldremainrobedandveiled,anonymous.Ifshegotcoldfeet
andwantedtobackout,Bradenwouldsimplygohome.

Nothinglost.

Exceptachancetoseeheragain.

Elisanodded,lookingalmostpleased.“Anexcellentidea.Iwillseeyouthere.”Shesignedoff,leaving
Bradentogazeatablankscreen.

Hisdirtyfantasiesrearedtheiruglyheadsagain.Sexinapublicplacewasfuckingexciting,the
possibilityofbeingcaughtaddingtothefun.SerestineStationBhadnooksandcrannieseverywhere.

Elisawascelibate,sure,butthatdidn’tmeanBradencouldn’tdreamaboutbeingwithher.He’dgetherin
acorner,hiddenfromtheplatform,andslideherrobesoff.

Nextherdressorwhateversheworeunderneath,untilshestoodnakedagainstthepaintedwall.Her
nippleswouldbedarkandtightagainstcreamyskin,herpussyalreadywet,moistureonhercurls.

She’dsmileathimwithherprettymouthwhileBradencommandedhertogetonherknees.She’ddoit,
andthenhe’dorderhertoputthatmouthonhiscock.

He’dstandwithhisbacktothestation,screeningherfromviewwhilesheclosedsilkenlipsaroundhim.
She’ssuck,lick,nibble,herhandsstealinguptocuphisass.

Bradenwouldstrokeherhair,gentlymovehishipsbackandforth,backandforth.

He’dwatchhereyesclose,herlipsmoveonhiscock,hertongueswipearoundthetip.

Itwouldfeelsofuckinggood,hermouthwetandhot,thesucklingmakinghimwanttocomeandcome.

She’dopenhereyesandsmileupathim,cockstillfullinhermouth.Bradenwouldloosenherhairuntilit
spreadoverherbareback,sinkinghisfingersintoitssoftness.

Elisa’sfingerswouldbiteintohisass,andthenshe’dsnakeonefingertohisanus,slidingitinsidejust
enoughtomakehimwild.

Fuckinggood.

AllysonJames

Toogood.Braden’smanwasstandingtall,pissedoffathimforthinkingaboutwhathecouldn’thave.

Jerkingoffwouldreleasehim,butBraden’shandwasbecomingboringcompany.Itneverlaughedathis
jokesormadegoodconversation.Hecouldfindanotherfemale—

Judith,maybe,whowasalwayswillingtohelpaShareemrelease—butBradendidn’tliketothinkabout
onewomanwhenhewaswithanother.Unfairtoallmembersoftheequation.

Bradenstrippedoffhistunicandloincloth,tookupthebottleoflubealwayskepthandyandsquirted
someontohiscock.

“Elisa,”hewhisperedashesmoothedthelubeontohiserection.Hisfingerssoothedhimslightly,butnot
enough.They’dneverbeenough.

Bradenmovedhisclosedhanduptohistip,ticklingtheslitwithhisthumbbeforeslidingbackdown.He
gotoffthechair,putonefootuponthetableandglidedhishanddowntohisballs,whichwerehardand
tight,hot.

Hepattedhisballsalittle,tryingtocomforthimself,butnothingwasworking.Herantheheelofhishand
uphiscockagain,closinghisfistarounditwhenhereachedthetop.

Backdown,upagain.Morelube.Stroke,pull,squeeze.Stroke,pull,squeeze.

“Elisa.”Gods,whatabeautifulname.Justsayingitmadehimwanther.

“Ihaveyourmouthalloverme,suckingandlicking,makingmecome.Mycomeisalloveryourface,and
you’relaughing.Ibendyouoverandspankyourassforlaughingatme.It’ssored.Itfeelssogood,your
tight,sweetassundermyhand.

“I’mshovingyouagainstthewallandyou’restillsmilingatme.Yourpussyissowet,yourcometrickling
overyourlegs.Istickmycockrightintothatwetness,goingupintoyourpussyuntilyoustoplaughing.
YoutellmehowbigIamasIwedgeintoyourtightness.Youdon’tknowifyoucantakeme.

“Butyoudotakeme,moreandmore.You’resohotandwetthatyouopenforme,andtakemytwelve-
inchShareemcockasfarasitwillgo.

“Thenyoustartmoaning,makingallthosebeautifulnoisesyou’dmakewhenyou’refucked.Mywhole
bodypressesagainstyou,yourbreastshardonmychest,yournipplesscrapingme.Yournailsrakedown
myback,yourfeetpressmyassasyouhangon.

“I’mfuckingyou,fuckingyousohard,sogood,andyouaresodamntight.Sodamn,damntight,my
Elisa…”

WordsfadedasBraden’smindwentblanktoallsensationbutfrictiononcock.Hisbodyknewitwasn’t
Elisa,soitwasnowherenearasgood.Buthell,rightnowthiswasallhehad.

Braden’scockgottighter,harder,hisbodyhotterthanhell—orBorNarga,whicheverwasworse.Hefelt
thecome,thejerkingpulses,theneedtosquirtalloverElisaandinsideher.

Braden

“Damn,woman,Iwantyourpussy,”hemoaned.

Thenhescreamed,“Elisa!”Andcameallovertheplace.

Bradenbracedhimselfonthewall,nearlysobbingwiththereliefofhisorgasm.

Ropesofcomecircledhisfingers,thecreamofamanwhowasdyingforawoman.Hewasbreathing
hard,fast,panting.Bradenthrewhisheadback,hishipsmovingfaster.

Fuck,fuck.Fuck!

Andthenitwasover.Bradenfellagainstthewall,pantinginrelease.

Hefeltatinybitbetterbutitwasn’tasgood,notnearlyasgood,asbeinginsideElisa.Elisawouldbe
perfection.

OnceBradencouldwalkagainhestaggeredintohisbathroom.Atowelbeckonedfromtherackandhe
grabbedit,wrappingitaroundhistoo-sensitivecock.

Bradengroaned.HedaydreamedofElisa’sslimfingers,soefficientonthelibraryterminal.Whatwould
theyfeellikegentlycleaninghimoffwiththetowel?

Aw,damnit.

Hiscockwasrisingagain.Bradenslammedonhiswatershower,steppedunderthehotstreamandlethis
handhaveitswickedwaywithhimagain.

*****

Bradencheckedthetimereadoutonthetrainplatformforthezillionthtime.Aquarterofanhourto
midnight,andElisastillhadn’tshown.

Shewasn’tgoingto—Bradenhadfiguredthatbynow.He’dhavetogohomeagain,backtohisfantasies,
backtoanothershowerandanotherbottleoflube.He’djerkedoffsomanytimeshishandwasgoingto
startdemandingcandyandjewelry.

Thelasttrainleftatmidnight,andifBradendidn’tgetonit,thetwofemalepatrollerswhowanderedthe
platformwouldarresthim.Maybestun-gunninghimjustforfun.

PatrollersweretrainedtoresistthecalmingeffectofShareempheromones,somepatrollersbetteratit
thanothers.Rees,themaster,renderedtheirresistancetraininguseless—Reescouldmakethepatrollers
nottakenoticeofhimorforgetwhattheywereabouttoaskhim.Theyalwaysneglectedtodemandhis
identcard,theshit.WhenanotherShareemwaswithRees,hecouldextendthatfuzzyforgetfulnesstoboth
ofthem,butBradenwasonhisowntonight.

ThesepatrollershadbeeneyeingBradensincehe’darrived,watchinghimloungeonabenchdrinking
coffeeashovertrainafterhovertrainwentbacktoPasCitywithouthim.

TheymovedtowardBradennow,readytobepainsinhisass.

“You’vebeenherealongtime,Shareem,”onesaid.

Shespokeinthesneering,condescendingtonethatallpatrollersused.Theymusttakeseminarsin
sneering.

AllysonJames

“Yeah?”Bradensaid.“Sohaveyou.”

“It’sourjobtobehere,”thesecondsaid.Yep,sameseminar.

“Mustberoughhavingnothingtodobutfollowamanaroundatrainstation,”Bradensaid.

“You’renotaman,”thesecondonesaid.

Suckme,woman.

Thefirstoneheldoutherhand.“Letmeseeyouridentcard.”

“Why?Youcanlookmeupinthedatabase.Mypicture’sinthere.Notmybestshot,butyougettheidea.”

“Identcard.”

Fuckers.AShareemrefusingtogiveapatrolleranidentcardwouldbeimmediatelyarrested.IfBraden
gothauledofftothenearestpatrolstationhe’dmissElisa,whostillhadtenminutes.

Bradentuggedapieceofplasticfromthebeltthatalsohousedhisbreathmaskandslappedthecardinto
thewoman’shand.Withoutthankinghim,shetuckedthecardintoherhandheldandfrownedatthe
readout.

“You’retheonecalledBraden.”

“Sogladyoucanread.”

“Lookslikeyou’redueforyourinoculationssoon.Whyhaven’tyougottenthem?”BecauseBradenhated
hissix-monthinoculationsandputthemoffuntilthelastpossibleminute.BackatDNAmohe’dnever
knownexactlywhattheyweregoingtoshootintohim,andsometimesthey’dhadtoholdhimdowntodo
it.

TheonlymedichewenttonowwasKatarina,hisbestfriend’sloverandafriendinherownright.
KatarinamixedtheconcoctionherselfandtoldBradenexactlywhatwasinit,andhetrustedher.But
Braden’soldfearsdiedhard.

Theinoculationswereredundant,becauseeveryknowndiseasehadbeenprogrammedoutofShareem
geneticsfromtheget-go.Alldiseases,notjustsexuallytransmittedones.

TheshotsalsokepttheShareemfromreproducing,which,toBraden,showedabigflawinthe“Shareem
aren’thuman”idea.IfShareemweren’thuman,whywerehumanssoworriedaboutShareemmaking
babies?EvenifaShareemmanagedtomakeachild,thenlogically—ifShareemweren’thuman—that
childwouldbesterile.Likemules.Automaticendofproblem.

ButtheMinistryofNon-HumanLifeFormswasinflexible.Sterilitydrugsitwas.

ThepatrollerhandedBradenbackhiscard.“Youknowthatifyoumissyourshots,it’sinstant
termination.”

Bradenlethiseyeswiden.“Itis?Damn,I’msogladyoutoldme.”

“Herecomesyourtrain,”thepatrollersaid.“Getonit.”18

Braden

Thetrainwasearly.Bradenglancedattheclock,notingthelibrarianhadsevenwholeminuteslefttoget
there.

Thehovertrainslidsmoothlyintothestation,sendingdisplacedairoverBradenandthepatrollers.The
damnwomenweregoingtostandthereuntilheboarded.

Thetraindoorsopenedbutnotmanypeoplegoton.Fewhighbornwantedtogotothegrittypartofthe
metropolisthislate,andmosthadprivatetransportationanyway.

WorkersfromPasCitywhohadjobsupherehaddepartedhoursago.

“On,”thefirstpatrollersaid.Bothhadhandsontheirweapons.

Bradengavethemawaveandagrin.“It’sbeensweetchattingwithyou.Ta-ta.”Ignoringtheiruglylooks,
Bradensteppedontothetrain,walkeddownthemostlyemptycarandtookaseatalone.Noonegavehim
asecondglance—PasCitypeoplewereusedtoShareem.

Thedoorsslammed.Bradensawnoflutterofrobesfromahighbornwomanrunningtocatchthelasttrain,
nofemininevoiceshoutinghisname,nothing.

Thefewmenandwomenaroundhimclosedtheireyesasthetrainjerkedforward.

Thetrainpaused,hoveredsilentlyforaboutaminutethenjerkedlikehellagainasitleftthestation.
Stupidhovertrains.

Thetrainpickedupspeedanddovedownthehill,startingitsjourneybacktothelowercityandthe
slums.

Itdidn’tmatter,Bradenthoughtashelookedoutthewindowatsplashesoflightsinthedarkness.He’dgo
toJudith’sbar.Hisfriendswouldbethere.Hecouldgetverydrunkandforgetallaboutmeetinga
librarianwithbrown,livelyeyesfleckedwithgreen.

*****

ThetrainlurchedforwardbarelyasecondafterthedoorsclosedbehindElisa.She’ddashedintothe
stationjustasthetrainhadstartedaway,andthetrain’sconductor,seeingahighbornladyinexpensive
robes,hadorderedthetraintohalt.

Elisapressedatipintotheconductor’shandassheleaptbreathlesslyontothelastcar.“Thankyou.”

“Atyourservice,mylady,”theconductorsaid.“MayIfindyouaseat?”Thecarwasemptysotheoffer
wasabitsilly,butElisathankedhimagain.“No,I’llbefine.”

TheconductorretreatedintohisrearcompartmentandElisawalkedunsteadilydownthetraintothenext
car.

WhatifBradenweren’tonthetrainatall?ThiswasthelasttraindownandElisawasprettycertainthat
nonewouldbecomingbackuptonight.

AllysonJames

She’dbeinPasCity,alone,withoutescort,herrobesmarkingheraswayoutofplace.Elisacouldcalla
taxi,ofcourse,butthenshe’dhavetowaitforit.Alone.InPasCity.

Sheopenedthedoorofthethirdcaralongandstopped.

Bradenloungedinaseatattheendofthecar,hisarmstretchedacrossitsback,hisheadagainstthe
window,hiseyesclosed.

WhenBradenhadfirstwalkedintoherlibrary,Elisa’stonguehadstucktotheroofofhermouthand

stayedthere.Sevenfeettall,blackhairboundathisnape,Bradenhadwornasleevelesstunicthatbared
hismassiveshouldersandtight,musculararms.Theblackchainonhisrightbicepsannouncedwhathe
was—allShareemworethem.

Hisfacewashandsomebutstoppedshyofperfection,givinghimahardstrengththatmostBorNargan
menlacked.Hiseyeswereblue,acolornoothernativeBorNarganhad,acolorthatmesmerizedherand
drewherin.

Withhiseyesclosednow,Bradenlookedalmostharmless.

Almost.Hislonglegsstretchedoutintotheaisle,hisbodybarelyfittingontheseat,givinghimthelookof
awildbeastatrest.Adesertlionfromthehills,maybe,sprawledinseemingquietnessbutreadyto
pounce.

ElisapicturedBradenstretchedoutlikethatinbed,smilingandwarm,waitingforhislady.Sheshivered.

Shealsonoticedonemorethingabouthim.Bradenlookedlonely.

Elisawasn’tsurewherethatimpressioncamefrom—maybefromthefactthathesatalone,thatnoone
elsewasnearhimorevenwantedtolookathim.ButaShareemlonelywasastrangeidea.

Shewalkedtowardhimbeforeshecouldtalkherselfoutofit.Gatheringherrobesaroundher,shesat
downinthesmallamountofroomhe’dleftintheseat.

Braden’seyespoppedopeninsurprise.Thenhesmiled.Thatsmilewasallforher,hisblueirises
expandingashisfocusswitchedtoElisaandElisaalone.

BeingtheobjectofhisShareemgazemadeherfeelstrange—beautiful,sensual,wanted—allthethings
thatnomanhadevermadeElisan’Arellfeel.

“Mylibrarian,”Bradensaid,hisvoicewarminghertohertoes.“Damn,butit’snicetoseeyou.”

Braden

ChapterThree

“I’msorryI’mlate.”Elisashouldhavecaughtherbreathbynow,butforsomereasonitlodgedinher
throat.“Ihadto—”

“No.”Braden’sfingerstouchedherlips.“Noexplanations.Leaveitlikethis.Thatwasonehellofan
entrance.”

Hisfingerswerewarmerthananyhuman’s,thesameaswhenhe’dbrushedthebackofherhandinthe
library.Thetouchwassoftbutstrong,mastering.

Elisawashappynottotalkabouthowherbosshadcalledhertoanunscheduledmeetingtodiscussan
eventthelibrarywasputtingonwiththeartmuseum.Theminutiaeofmakingcertainmembersofthe
rulingfamilywereseatedinthecorrectorder,withoutsnubbingtheheadsofthelibraryortheartboard,
hadmadeherinsane.

ThedetailshadtakenseveralhoursandElisahadbeenluckytogetawayatall.

Bradenmovedhisfingertipacrossherlowerlip,wettingitwithmoisturefromherownmouth.“Whatare
youthinkingbehindthosebeautifuleyes,mylibrarian?”Thatshewasboldandsensual,nolongeragood
celibateintheWayoftheSky.

“QuestionsIwanttoaskyou,”shesaid.

“Questionsaboutyou,meandwhippedcream?Youknowwe’reheadedforPasCity,right?”

“Yes.”Elisaglancedoutthewindowbutcouldseelittlebeyondherownreflection.

Thoughshe’dlivedinthemetropolisallherlife,she’dneverbeentoPasCity.“Anewworldforme.”

“Ashittyworld.”Bradentookhisfingerfromherlips,toherdisappointment.“I’llshowyoumyworldif
youwantmeto,sweetheart.Butnotwithyouinthoserobes.”Elisalookeddownatherself.Her
fashionablerobesbothblockedtheharshBorNargansunandproclaimedherstatusandrank.

Bradenputhislipstoherear,hisbreathmakingherhotallover.“Takethemoff.”

“What?”

“Youdon’tneedsunprotectionatnight.Besides,ifawomanincelibaterobesisrunningaroundwitha
Shareem,peoplewilltalk.TheymighttellthepatrollersIabductedyou.”

Anamusedtwinklelithiseyes,butElisasensedhistension.Hewasrighttoworry—Shareemdidn’thave
manyrights.Theslightesttransgressioncouldmeanincarceration,interrogation,termination.

AllysonJames

Elisaunfastenedthefabriclockatthebackofherneckanddrewtherobesoffoverherhead.Sheworea

sleevelesssilksheathunderneath,body-huggingbutnottootight,comfortableinthenightair.

Braden’seyeswentbluerashelookedherover.“Nice.”Elisatriedtofoldherrobes,butthetrainwas
swayinglikecrazyastheybarreledintotheinnercity.Bradentooktherobesandfoldedthemin
competenthands,hidingthesymbolsthatproclaimedhercelibate.Heheldtherobesonhislap,notgiving
thembacktoher.

Thetrainhaltedatitslaststopinaseriesofhardjerks.Peoplemutteredandsnarledastheygrabbedonto
handholds,theirbelongingsfallingtothefloor.Achildsatdownhardandstartedtocry.

“Nosmoothstopsfortheslumdwellers.”Bradenstoodupasthedoorsopened,andhelpedElisatoher
feetwithafirmhand.“Notwhenassholesrunthetrains.”BradenkeptholdofElisa’shandashesteered
heroutofthestationandintoadifferentworld.

Thesights,soundsandsmellsofPasCitysmackedElisawiththeforceofasandstorm.Grillsbelched
pungentcookingsmoke,coupledwiththesmellofspicesandvegetables.Streetvendorscalledoutto
passersby,sellingeverythingfromrobotpartstoflowerstostickypastries.Itwasaftermidnight,butwith
thedayssohotandsun-shieldingexpensive,thisplacecamealiveatnight.

Mostofthewomenworecoverallsinsteadofrobes,andtheirmenworkedrightalongsidethem.Thislast
surprisedElisa,butsherealizedthatfewwomeninthispartoftowncouldaffordtheluxuryofakept
husband.Themenheresoldthemerchandiseorworkedthegrills,theirwivestalkingtocustomersand
tuckingawaycreditstrips.

Theequalityofitwasstrangebutsomehowappealing.

NoonelookedtwiceatBraden,butthesepeoplewouldhavegrownusedtoShareem.Shareemweren’t
allowedtoliveinanyotherpartofthecity.

BradenledElisathoughthemazelikeandcolorfulstreets,sendinggreetingstothosewhocalledoutto
him.Elisa’squickmindsoakeditup,thisoddandwonderfulplacenotanhourawayfromwhereshe’d
spentherentirelife.

“Wherearewegoing?”Shehadtoraisehervoicetobeheard.

Bradensentherasmilethatnearlymeltedher.“AgoodlytavernIknow.Thoughtyoumightliketostayin
publicfornow.”

Heturneddownanarrowstreetthatteemedwithpeopleandduckedunderfadedawningsintoabar.

Theplacewasdimandcoolbutfullofnoise.Thefloorjustinsidethedoorheldgritfromthelast
sandstorm,buttherestofthebarlookedclean.

TherewereotherShareeminhere.ElisacountedthreeasBradenledheracrosstheroomtoatableinthe
corner.

Braden

OneShareemwasblondandhadbeenface-sculpted—abeautifulman,aworkofart.Hewassmilingata
womanstandingnexttohim,andasElisawatched,hislargehandslidtocoverthewoman’sbuttocks.She
lookedupandshothimawarmandhappysmile.

Onthewoman’sothersidestoodadark-hairedbruteofamanwithbroadshouldersanddarkerblueeyes.
ToElisa’samazement,hetooslidhishandtothewoman’sbuttocks,andsheswitchedthesmiletohim.
Whenthedark-hairedShareemencounteredtheblond’shandonherbackside,hedidn’tpullawaybut
woundhisfingersthroughtheotherman’shand.

“That’sAidenandKy,”Bradensaid.“Aiden’sthebeauty,Ky’sthebeast.Theladythey’rebothpawingis
Brianned’Aroth.”

Elisastaredinastonishment.Thed’ArothswereBorNarga’srulingfamily,Briannethegranddaughterof
theladywhorantheentireplanet.

BriannehadscandalizedBorNarganotlongagobyjiltingherfiancéandmovingtoPasCity.She’d
proclaimedherintentionoflookingintothemistreatmentofShareemandstartedworkinghardatit.
BecauseofBrianned’Aroth,BradenhadbeenallowedtoenterElisa’slibrary.

ThethirdShareemshesawwastallerthantheothersandhadafacethatlookedasthoughithadbeen
sculpted,thenruined,thenrepairedagain.TheresultwasafacesimilartoKy’s—rawhandsomenesswith
atouchofbrutality.

ThisthirdShareemalsohadaladywithhim,butsheworeaworkcoverallratherthanrobes.Thetwosat
togetheratatalltable,andthewoman,likeBrianne,wasbeingquietlyfondledbyherShareem.

“ThisisCalder,”Bradensaid,leadingElisatothetable.“TheShareemwhopassesformybestfriend.
Andhislady,Katarina.”

“Themedic,”Elisarealized.“Katarinad’Arnal.”

“That’sme.”Thewomansmiled.“ThesacrificingwomanwhocametotheslumstotreatShareem.”

“AslongastheonlyShareemyoutreatisme,”Calderrumbled.“Unlessit’swithmypermission.”

Elisawasn’tsurewhattomakeoftheexchange,butKatarinawinkedatBradenevenassheblushed.

“Introduceusbeforeshethinksyou’rerude,Braden,”Katarinasaid.

BradenhelpedElisatoachair,piledherrobesonanemptystoolandsatdownnexttoher.Veryclose,his
thighandshouldertouchingElisa’s.

“ThisisElisa,”Bradensaid.Hegrinned.“She’salibrarian.”Hesaiditasproudlyasamanwould
proclaimthathisladywasontherulingcouncil.

AllysonJames

Calder’sShareemgazeflickered,whichhecoveredbyseizingtheglassoffoamingaleared-haired
womandepositedinfrontofhim.Theserver’sloosecoverallwasunfastenedtoherwaist,sothather
breaststantalizedfromtheshadows.

“Letherhaveadrink,Braden,”thewomansaid,ploppinganotherglassofaleinfrontofElisa.“It’shot,
ifyouhadn’tnoticed,andshe’sprobablythirsty.She’llneedallthefortificationshecangettodealwith
you.”Bradenacceptedhisaleandwinkedatthewoman.“Judith,love,Ihaven’theardyouinsultmeall
day.Don’tscaremylibrarianaway.”

“Idon’thaveto,”Judithsaid.“Youcandothatallbyyourself.”Shesaunteredaway,puttinganextra
wiggleinherhips.

“Shelovesme,”Bradensaid.HerestedhisarmacrossthebackofElisa’schair.“Myfriends,Elisaso
nicelyhelpedmeoutatthelibraryacoupleweeksago.ShowedthisShareemhowtoworkcomputers.”

“Poorwoman,”Caldergrated.“Didsheloseabet?”Braden’sarmwasabandofwarmthagainstElisa’s
spine.Thefeelingmadehergiddy,bold.“Ithoughtyousaidhewasyourfriend,”shesaidtoBraden.

Bradengrinned.“Yousee?Myladyisappalledatyourlackofmanners.”CaldershotElisaaspeculative
lookthatwasabsentofallbanter.Assessingher.

AShareemsizingupahighbornlady?Shouldn’titbetheotherwayaround?

Shareemweresupposedtodoastheyweretold,nothingmore.Inspiteoftheirradiantsexuality,they
couldn’tinstigatesexunlesstheladygavethempermission—itwasintheirgeneticprogramming.That
wasonereasonElisahadnotbeenterrifiedtoallowBradentoleadherthroughPasCity.Evenifhe’d
corneredherinsidehisownapartment,hecouldn’ttouchherunlessElisalethim.

Bradenhadalreadytouchedher,yes,butnotinanintimateway.Onlyherhandandback,andthesensation
alonemadeherwanttomeltintoapuddle.Elisasippedaletowetherdrymouthandfounditsurprisingly
good.

Thesecondreasonshe’dnotbeenafraidwasbecauseBradenintriguedher.Shewantedtotalktohim,to
learnabouthim,togettoknowhim.Whatwashebehindhismeltingsmiles,andwhyhadhechosenher
andherlibrary?

“Yousaidyouwantedtoaskmequestions,”Bradensaid.“Whatdoyouwanttoknow?”

CalderandKatarinawatchedsharplywhilepretendingnotto.CalderwasbetteratitthanKatarina.

Elisahadmanyquestions,butshedecidedtosticktoharmlessoneswhileCaldersatthere,radiating
menace.

“Youreyes.”SheleanedclosertoBraden,lookingintothem.“I’veneverseeneyesthatcolor,excepton
off-worlders.Andyouririseswiden.Thatcan’thaveanysightbenefit,canit?”

Braden

Bradendidn’thaveanyfuckingidea,andhedidn’tcare.HeonlycaredthatElisa’sbreathtouchedhisskin
asshelookedhimover.Hisiriseswerewideningevennow.

“WomenwanttheShareemtowantthemback,”Calderansweredforhim.“Soourcreatorsmadeoureyes
changewhenwe’rearoused.Thatwaytheladyknowswhenwe’rehotforher,evenfromacrossthe
room.”

“Onlyifyourdick’stoosmall.”AidensteppedwaytooclosetoBraden,theheatofhisbodyblanketing
Braden’sside.HeslidafirmarmaroundBraden’sshoulders.“Myloversdon’tneedtolookatmyeyesto
knowhowmuchIwantthem.”AidencaressedBraden’sshoulderalittle,fingersskilled,andBradenfelt
himselfreacting.Alevelone,Aidencouldbringoffawomanjustbytouchingherhand.Alevelonewas
allaboutsensualityandsofterpleasures,scentedoilsandmassage.Slow,beautifulsex.

AidenwasalsotheloverofKy,alevelthree.Amatchmadein…well,whothehellknew,butitworked
forthem.TheirladyBrianne,thesweetheart,broughtthemtogetherandmadethethreeofthemwhole.

NowAidenwasplyinghissinfulpheromonesoverBraden.FirmfingerstoyedwiththechainonBraden’s
biceps,andAiden’sperspirationmoistenedBraden’sskin.

Bradenliftedthecaressinghandaway.“Idon’tcarewhoyou’refucking,Aiden,aslongasit’snotme.”

“Icare,”Briannesaid,comingtostandatthehightablenexttoElisa.“I’mthejealoustype.”

“Yeah,andthatturnsmeon,sweetbaby.”AidenabandonedBradenforhersofastthatBradenlaughed.

AidencurledhisarmaroundBrianneandpulledherupforakiss.Notafriendlypeck,along,tongue-
filled,mouth-slantingkiss.Whenhecameupforair,Aiden’seyeswerefullyblue.

“Hey,”Kysaid.“Ifhegetssome,sodoI.”KyputhisarmaroundBriannefromherothersideandpulled
herintoanequallysensualkiss.

Elisawatchedthemwithasurprisedexpressionbutherlookwasintrigued,notdisgusted.Herknuckles
whitenedasshegrippedthetable,butshefacedtheunusualsituationwithoutaword.Braden’slikingfor
herroseseveralnotches.

Judithsetanothertrayonthetable,putdownfreshglassesandstartedpickinguptheempties.“Keepit
calm,”shesaidtoKy.“Idon’twanttogetshutdown.Besides,there’snooneformetonightandthat’snot
fair.”JudithglancedspeculativelyatBradenandthenatElisa.Judithhadbeenknowntodabblewitha
female—hell,withanythinghumanoidandsentient.Judithwasn’tpicky.

She’dgodoublewithawomanonaShareemandevenplayalittlewiththeladywhiletheShareem
watched.

ButshemusthavesensedthatElisahadnointerestinfemaleplay,becauseJudithgavearegretfulshake
ofherhead,pickeduphertrayandwalkedoffagain.

AllysonJames

“PoorJudith,”Aidensaid.“Surroundedbyhard-cockedShareemandnoonetoscratchheritch.”

“She’llbefine,”Caldersaid.

Hewasright.Judithrarelylackedforsexualcompany.JudithhadbeenwithCalderonce,onlyonce.
Beforehe’dmetKatarina,Calderhadneverletaladybewithhimasecondtime.Backthen,he’dbeen
scarred,theBeast,notthemellow,healedShareemsittingbeforethem.

Thatis,Calderwassomewhatmellowed.Hecouldstillbeunpredictable.

Likenow.Calderstood,pullingKatarinaupbesidehim,andstartedtoleavewithoutaword.

Katarinasmiledasshelookedback.“Nicetomeetyou,Elisa.”ShewavedbeforeCaldermoreorless
draggedheroutofthebarandintothenight.

“Don’tmindCalder,”BradensaidtoElisa.“Hewasalabexperimentgonewrong.

Makeshimtouchy.”

Elisa’sbrowsdrewtogetherinthatcute,puzzledlook.“Whatdoesthatmean,‘alabexperimentgone
wrong’?”

“Itmeanshespentanawfullotoftimealone,”Bradensaid,hishumorfading.

“Waytoodamnmuchtime,untilKatarinacamealong.Iloveherforwhatshe’sdoneforCalder,Itrulydo.
ButCalder’sstillnotmuchforetiquette.Orcrowds.”

“Speakingofcrowds.”KywrappedhisarmaroundBrianneagain.“Let’sgetthefuckoutofthisone.”

Ky’seyeswerestillbluefromthatspectacularkisswithBrianne.Kywantedtogohomeandfuck,with
bothBrianneandAiden.

Bradendidn’treallyunderstandthatthreesome,butitmadethemhappysoBradenlivedwithit.Besides,
ahappyKywasahellofaloteasiertoputupwiththanKypissedoffandlonely.

TherewereafewmoreShareem-humancouples.RioandNellalivednowonAriel,aplanetmuchmore
forward-thinkingthanBorNarga,thatwasforsure.NellahadsneakedRiooffwithher,riskingarrest,
becausewhileArielhadnoproblemwithShareem,itwasstillillegaltotakethemoffBorNarga.

BradenguessedtheBorNargansfearedsomeotherplanetmightpropagateaShareemarmyorsomething
stupidlikethat.BorNargawasruledbyparanoid,frigidbitches.HowBriannemanagedtobesoloving
comingfromthatfamily,Bradendidn’tknow.

ReesandTalankepttothemselvesalot,forwhichBradendidn’tblameRees.Talanwasgorgeousand
willingtoexperimentwithRees.Researchwasneversogood.

RylanandMaialivedinthebackofbeyond,outinthemountainsbeyondthesandsea,whereRylanmade
singingspheres.TheyhidouttherebecauseMaiawasShareem—theonlyfemaleevercreated.Rylan
didn’twanttoriskhergettingcaught,26

Braden

andBradenwasgoodwiththat.DNAmohadgivenMaiaaroughtime,andthentherewasherwhole
twentyyearsinsuspendedanimationtogetover.

ElandandJeanne—they’dmetrightafterDNAmohadfallen,andhadbeenpartyingtogethereversince.
Funkids.

AidenandKyleft,bothwitharmsaroundBrianne.Headinghomeforsomesatisfyingheat.Goodluckto
them.

ThisleftElisaalonewithBraden.Adamngoodsituation.

ElisatrainedherbrowngazedirectlyonBraden.“Nowthateveryone’sgoneandwecanspeakfreely,”
shebeganinhersoftlibrarianvoice.“Pleasetellme,Braden—

whywereyoulookingupdetailsoncargotransportsonmylibrarycomputer?”27

AllysonJames

ChapterFour

Bradendidn’tmove.Evenhiseyesdidn’tflicker,butElisasensedshe’dthrownaquestionathimon
whichhehadn’tbeeninstructedhowtoanswer.

Didhethinkshehadn’tpaidattention?Elisakneweverysinglethingthatwentoninherlibrary,who
lookedupwhatandwhenandforhowlong.Bradenhadcomeinthereformorethanresearchonhis
friend’ssingingspheres,andshewantedtoknowwhat.

Patronprivacywasonething,butsherefusedtoletherlibrarybeahubforsomeoneelse’sschemes.
Shareemweren’tsupposedtobeabletobreakthelaw.Theyweredocile,tame,nonviolent.Unableto
commitcrimesorbreakrules.

Butshewaslearningtheywouldbendthehelloutoftheruleswhentheywantedto.

Braden’sshoulderbrushedhersasheshrugged.“Youpulledupthedataforme,remember?Itwasabout
singingspheres.”

True,andtheanswerworkedaroundthelie.

Elisaturnedherglassonthetable.“Ihadacalllastweek,fromtheMinistryofTransport.Theytoldme
they’dfoundindicationthatsomeonehadaccessedalargeamountofdataoncargoflights,andthatthe
transactionhadcomefrommylibrary’srestricted-accesscomputer.Thelogshowedtheactivityat
midmorning,thedayyouwerethere.”

“Iwasn’tthereuntilmidafternoon,”Bradensaid,eyessteady.“Sowhydoyouthinkitwasme?”

“Mylogsshownooneontherestrictedcomputeratthetimetheystated.And,strangelyenough,nooneat
allatthetimeyouwereonitthatafternoon.Norecordofanyone,oranysearches.”

“Huh.”Bradenwasthepictureofinnocence.“Isn’tthatinteresting?”

“Myterminalsareallsecure.Verylittlechancethatsomeonehackedtheirwayinfromoutsidethe
library.”Shetookasmallsipofaleandsettheglassbackdown.“So,ItoldthewomanfromtheMinistry
ofTransportthatI’dbeendoingdataanalysisontrendsinBorNarganimportsandexports.ForaclassI
teach.”Theinnocentlookdidn’twaver.“Youteach?”

“Onceaweek.Librarysystemsandinformationsciencefortheuniversity.”Bradenslantedherasmile.“I
loveitwhenyouusebigwords.”

“Mostpeoplethinktheclassisboring,”Elisasaid.“Butit’snecessaryforthelibrarysciencedegree.I
oftendoarbitrarysearchestoprovideexamplesfortheclass.”28

Braden

“That’slucky.”

“Yes,isn’tit?”

Bradentracedtherimofhisaleglass.Elisaknewgoodandwellthathe’daccessedtheinformation,and
Bradenknewsheknew.Butifhedidn’tacknowledgeoranswerherstraightout,hewouldn’thavetolie.
Thusnotviolatinghisprogramming.

Whyhe’daccessedtheinformation,Elisacouldn’tunderstand.Itseemedafairlyharmlesssearch—she
couldn’tseehowitendangeredthepeopleofBorNargaoranywhereelse.Butifthewomanfromthe
MinistryknewaShareemhadbeendigging,thenwhoknewwhattheMinistrymightdo?ToBradenandto
Elisa.

“Ifounditinterestingthatyoumadecertainonlymythumbprintprovidedaccesstothedatabases,”Elisa
said.

“Yeah?”

“Andinterestingthatyouwantedtousetheonlyterminalcapableofdoingin-depthsearchesintoselect
governmentagencies.”Anothersmileandaglancethatmadeherbloodheat.“Shareemcanbevery
curious.”

“Alsointerestingthatthetimestamphappenedwhenthecomputerwasn’tinuseatall.Onlytwopeople
usedthatterminalthatday—youandme.”

“Funnyhowthesethingshappen,”Bradensaid.

“You’renotgoingtotellme,areyou?”

“YouwanttoknowwhatIfindinteresting?”Braden’seyeswerequiet,calmandfilledwithsomethingshe
didn’tunderstand.“Thatyoudidn’ttelltheniceladyattheMinistrythataShareemhadbeenusingthe
terminalthatday.Atanytime.Whynot?”Elisagavehimanindignantlook.“Becausewhatmypatrons
readorlookupisnoneofanyoneelse’sbusiness.”

“ButI’mnotyourusualkindofpatron,”Bradensaid.

“Yes,youare,”Elisasaid,herangerrising.“Bytherules,youare.AndsoIprotectyourrightto
information,justasIwouldforanyotherpatron.”Bradenwentsilent.Elisafoundherselfthefullfocusof
hisbluegaze,whichlockedherinplace.Sheshouldbeafraidofsuchalarge,strongmanwhocoulddo
anything,butshewasn’tafraid.Hisconcentrationwarmedher,madeherfeelsomehowprotected.
Cushionedagainsttheworldandanybadthingthatmighthappentoher.

Sheclearedherthroat.“YousentmethesingingsphereasagiftbecauseIletyouusetheterminal.”

ThequietinBraden’seyesfled,andhiswickedsmileblossomed.“No,sweetheart.Isentittoyou
becauseIthoughtyou’dlikeit.BecauseIwantedtoimagineyourfacewhenyouopenedthebox.”

AllysonJames

Hisvoicewrappedwarmtharoundher.Thedampplacebetweenherthighsgrewevenwetterandher
nipplestightenedagainsthersilksheath.Braden’sgazeflickedtoherbreastsandhisiriseswidened,blue

fillingthewhite.

“Damn,IwishIcouldhavebeentheretoseeyouopenthepackage,”hesaid.

Elisawishedhecouldhavebeentheretoo.He’dhavewatchedherasintentlyashedidnow,andshe’d
havegaspedinpleasureandflungherarmsaroundhiminthanks.

Sheimaginedlandingagainsthishardbody,rightintohisstrongarms.He’dbewarmandprotective,and
maybehe’dpressakisstoherhair,acceptingherthanks.

Asthoughhereadherthoughts,Bradenreachedoutandtouchedhercheek.Thecaresswaslight,feather-
soft,butitmadeherbloodsing.

Ishouldtellhimtostop.Ishoulddemandtoknowwhyhethinkshecanputhishandsonmewithout
mypermission.

Butthetouchwasn’tsexual.Wasit?Elisa’smothersometimestouchedherface.

Closefriendsdidaswell,andsodidherspiritualadvisor.Whatdifferencediditmake?

ThedifferencewasthatBradenwasmale,hewasShareem,andhemadeElisa’sbodyheatindelicious
andforbiddenways.

Histouchmadeherfeelgood,notdirty,notwrong—butthiswasallwrong.Heshouldstop.

Elisadidn’twanthimtostop.

“Prettylibrarian,”Bradensaidinhisdarkvoice.“Ineedtoaskyouaquestion.Sinceyou’vealready
askedsomanyofme.”

Shesupposedthatwasfair.“Verywell.”

Hissensualtonefledashechuckled.“Verywell.Damn,Ilovehowyoutalk.”

“HowItalk?”

“Verywell.Mustn’t.Librarysystemsandinformationscience.Itturnsmeon,sweetheart.”

“Whyonearthshouldit?”

“Ifyoudon’tknow,Ican’texplain.”Braden’svoicebecametheseductivedrawlagain.“Tellme,Elisa
n’Arell.Whyareyoucelibate?You’renotacoldwoman—yourbodyhasrespondedtominesincethe
momentImetyou.Sowhythehelldidyouthrowawayyourbeautifulsensualitytomeditateonrocks?I
wanttoknowwhy,prettylady.”

Goddess,hewasmeltingher.Shewantedtolayherheadonhisshoulderandconfess,Idon’tknow.Teach
meaboutwhatI’velost.Please,beforeIdie.

“It’sanhonortobewelcomedintotheWayoftheSky,”shesaid,herstandardanswer.“Beinganofficial

celibateisthehighestachievementawomanonBorNargacanreach.”

“Uh-huh.Sure.”BradensensedtheliejustasElisahadsensedhisunspokenlieaboutthelibraryterminal.

Braden

Heleanedtowardher,hisarmacrossthebackofherchairagain,thewarmthandscentofhimsogood.
“Allmysecretsareinadatabasesomewhere,foralltheworldtosee.ButIcan’tlookupyours,Elisa,so
youhavetotellme.Pretendyou’remylady,prettylibrarian,andtellyourShareemwhyyoudon’twant
histouch.”

*****

OntheoppositesideofthehillfromPasCitylayaflatplain,andonthatlayBorNarga’smainspaceport.
ThelandingareaforshuttlesthattookpassengersuptothelinerswasfarenoughfromtheSerestine
Quartertonotbotherthehighbornwithnoise,butcloseenoughfortheirconvenience.Thefreightdocks
werefartherfromthepassengerterminals,outofsightoftherichintheSerestineQuarterandthe
nouveau-richeonthelowerhillcalledtheVistara.

Atthespaceport,astrangersteppedoffashuttlethathadcomedownfromoneofthecheaperpassenger
liners.Hewasnearlysevenfeettall,hadpulledhisrichbrownhairintoasinglebraidandhadblueeyes.
Heworeasimpletunicandleggingsandcarriedonebagslungoverhisshoulder.

Insidethestadium-sizedportbuilding,heapproachedoneofthemanyvendorsandboughtsun-blocking
robesandabreathmask,apparatushehadn’tneededfortwenty-fiveyears.ThelushgreeneryofSiriusIII
hadneverseenasandstorm,althoughthemountainrangesinthesouthernhemispherecouldgetprettydry.
ButthepartofSiriuswherehe’dlivedhadbeensoft,sweetandquiet.

“Identcard.”

Anarrow-eyedpatrollerstoppedhim.Stungunatherwaist,handheldready,thetallwomanlooked
pissedoffaboutsomething.Patrollersalwaysdid.

Thestrangertookhisidentcardfromhispocketandhandeditover.Thewomanshovedthestripintoher
handheld,touchedthescreenandscowled.“Justin?That’syourname?”

“Eversincetheyhauledmybabyassoutofthevat.”

“Itsaysherethatyouwereshippedoffplanettwenty-fiveyearsago.”

“Iknowthat.NolawthataShareemcan’tcomebacktoBorNarga,isthere?Ichecked.”

Shegavehimasuspiciousstare.“Whydidyoucomeback?”Justinshrugged.“Ihavemyreasons.”None
ofwhichI’mtellingyou.

Thepatrollerpunchedafewthingsintoherhandheldbeforeitspitouttheidentcardagain.“I’mcalling
thisin,”shesaid,handingthestriptohim.“AShareemreturningtoBorNargaonpurposecan’tbeupto

anygood.”

“Youjustkeeponbelievingthat,sweetheart.”

Justintuckedhisidentcardintohispocket,swirledhissun-blockingrobesoverhisshouldersandstrode
away.

AllysonJames

Fuckingpatrollers.Theyhadn’tchangedabit.

JustasJustinsteppedoutofthespaceport,thesandstormalertwentoff.Heandeveryoneelseturned
aroundandwentrightbackintothebuilding.

Heavysteeldoorsslammedbehindthemand,afewsecondslater,thespaceportshookwithscreaming
wind.Sandhitthedoorsandtheshieldedceilingwithhurricaneforce.

Justinbreathedasighasheleanedagainstawalltowaititout.

Home,sweethome.

*****

Judith’sbarhadmostlyemptiedbeforethesandstormhit,leavingElisa,BradenandJudithalone.Judith
lockeddownthestormdoorsandwentupstairstomakesureeverythingwassecureupthere.

Elisawatchedatinywaveofsandseepinunderthedoor,butotherthanthat,thebuildingseemedsturdy.
Shehadherbreathmaskjustincase,butasandstormcouldstripthefleshfromaperson’sbodywithin
seconds.

“Areyousurethisplaceisairtight?”Elisaasked.

“Asairtightasanybarintheslumscanbe,”Bradensaid.“Don’tfret,love.Judithkeepsherplaceupto
code.Sheknowspeople.”

Thewindpoundedatthewallsandsandslappedatthestormshieldingoverthetinywindows.

Braden’sarmstilllayacrossthebackofherchair.“Considerthisquiettimetoanswermyquestionabout
yourcelibacy.Nooneherebutus.Judithisgivingusspace.”

“It’spersonal,”Elisasaid.

“Damnrightit’spersonal.Tellyouwhat.Ifyouanswerapersonalquestionforme,I’llansweronefor
you.”

“Onethat’snotinadatabase?”

Heconsidered.“Sure.”

Elisaletoutherbreathandnodded.“Thenthatsoundsequitable.”

“Equitable.”Bradenlaughed,thesoundgratinglikethesand.“Oh,baby,Ilovethewayyoutalk.Doyou
eversaywherewithal?”

“Sometimes.”

“Iknewit.”Bradentookanotherswallowofaleandpushedtheglassaside.“Nowtellme.Why
celibacy?”

Elisahadherpatanswerready.BecauseIbelieveintheWay.Ibelieveinriddingtheintellectofthe
anchorofbodilypleasures.

Butforsomereason,shewantedtotellBraden,ifnooneelseinherlife,thetruth.

“Togetoutofabadmarriage,”shesaid.

Braden

Bradenblinked.“What?Noshit.”

“No.”Shegavehimalittlesmile.“Iwasn’tmarriedyet.Engaged.Officially.Itwasanarranged
marriage.Iwasfinewithit,becauseIwantedtodomydutyandprovideanheirforthefamily.”

Itwaseveryhighbornwoman’slottoprovideanheirtotakeoverthefamilywealth.Morganhadbeenthe
perfectmaleforthejob—rightlineage,rightsocialcircle,rightfriends,righteverything.

“Sowhathappened?”Bradenasked.

“Hewaspleasantenoughduringthecourtshipandthecontractmeetings.Escortedmetosocietyfunctions,
helpedmymother,madehimselfagreeabletomyfriends.

Everyonelikedhim.”

“But…”

Elisalaughedalittle.“Onceallthecontractsweresignedheturnedintothemostself-centeredand
vaingloriousidiotI’devermet.Hedidn’twanttodoanythingwithmeanylongerandbecamenastytomy
friendsandfamily.Hewasamean,pettylittlemonster.Hewasalreadyspendingmymoneyonoff-world
courtesansandingamblinghells.Icouldhaveclosedmyeyestoitandlivedaseparatelife—many
marriedcouplesdo—butIdecidedIdidn’twanttowastemylifeandmymarriageonhim.”Braden’s
lookturnedapproving.“Goodforyou.Whatafuckwad.”HisangeronherbehalffilledElisawith
warmth.Everyoneelse—hermotherandfriends,eventhoseMorganhadtreatedlikedirt—hadwondered
whyElisahadminded.AslongasMorganprovidedherwithanheir,whocared?

“Mymotherwasfurious,”shesaid.“Hisparentswerefurious.Hisfamilyisprettypowerful,andwe’d
alreadysignedalltheagreements.Theythreatenedtosuemeforbreachofcontract.”

“So,afuckwad,sonoffuckwads.”

“Aftermuchpondering,IdecidedtotelleveryonetheWayoftheSkyhadcalledme.I’dchosentogiveup
marriagealtogethertofollowthepath.OnceIdeclaredmyself,andaspiritualadvisorapprovedme,I
wasuntouchable.CelibacyisthehighestcallingforaBorNarganwoman,andnoonedaresinterferewith
it.”Bradenlookedatherwithquietrespect.“Itwasahellofadecisiontomake.”

“Notreally.Iwasavirginandcelibateanyway—myfiancéhadnointerestintouchingme,norIhim.
Takingtherobesjustmadeitofficial.”

“No.”Braden’seyessawtoomuch.“Itwasasacrifice.It’sinyou,Elisa…thatneedforpassion.”

Elisasatstill,absorbinghiswordsandthinkingaboutwhatshehaddeniedherself.

Ithadn’tseemedasacrificewhenshe’dtakentherobes,arelief,rather.Noonecouldeveruseherforher
moneyandfamily;nomancouldexpecthertosupporthimwhilehepursuedhisdisgustingsexualgames.

Beforeshe’dmetBraden,that’swhatsexwas—disgusting.

AllysonJames

ButBraden,sittingbesideher,fleshandbone,wasanythingbut.Sextohimwasjoy,pleasure,warmth.

Slowly,Elisamovedherhandfromheraleglassandresteditoverhis.

Bradendidn’tmove,didn’tspeak.Elisabrushedherfingersacrosshishand,feelingfirmbonesand
sinew.

“YouthinkitwassacrificebecauseyouareShareem,”shesaid.“Ireadthatyourmetabolismsarefaster
thanahuman’s,andsoyoumusthaveintercourseinordertoburnofftheexcessadrenaline.Youcan’t
not.”

“That’strue.Wefuckordie.”

“Soit’snotwrongforyou.It’snatural.”

Bradenhookedoneofhisfingersaroundherforefinger,capturingit.“It’snotwrongforyoueither,”he
said.“Youcanmakeyourselfbelievethat,butit’snot.”Takeit,hisgazesaid.Touchme,takewhatyou
wantandI’llteachyouwhatyouneed.

Elisaimaginedlettingherfingersdriftallthewayuphisarmandacrosshischest.

She’ddipintotheVofhistunic,touchingtheheatofhisbody.SheimaginedBradenskimmingoffhis
tunictoletherbetterexplorehim.Then,daringly,she’dleandownandlickhisskin.

Itwouldtasteabitsalty,dampwithsweat.She’dtouchhisnipplewithhertongue…

Andthereherimaginationfailed,becauseshehadnoideawhathewouldfeelortastelike.Heady,that
wasforcertain.

Evenheadiertomoveherfingersdownbetweenhislegs,toexplorewhatshe’donlyreadabout,apenis
rigidunderherhand.Howwouldthatfeel?

Sheknewsheshouldn’tbehavingthesefeelings,questionsandideas,notwhileshewasadeclared
celibateintheWayoftheSky.Buttheypouredoverher,oneafteranother.

Bradenwatched,eyesfullyblue,asthoughhereadherthoughts.Shareemcouldsensepheromonesand
knewwhenawomanwantedthem.AndallwomenwantedShareem,allthetime.

Elisadrewaquickbreath.“Myturnforaquestion.”

“Suityourself,babe.What?”

Sheswallowed,reachingforaquestionthathadnothingtodowithsensuality.

“Whatwasitliketonothaveparents?”

Hiseyesflickeredandthebluerecededalittle.“Yougoforthegut,don’tyou,sugar?Honestanswer.I
don’tknow.IneverknewanythingbutDNAmo.MommyandDaddyweretesttubesandavat.Besthuman
DNAintheuniverse,allmixeduptomakeus.”

“IncludingBorNarganDNA,isthatright?”Yes,thiswasmuchsaferthansexualtopics.

Braden

Hesmiledandherlibidospiraledagain.“Watchit,love.You’vealreadyusedupyourquestion.”

“It’sparttwoofthequestion.”

“Littleminx.I’llanswer,butI’llmakeyoupay.Yes.BorNarganDNAisinme,anddoesn’tthatmakethe
rulingfamilysqueamish?Myturn.”Sheheated,sensingdanger.Theywererightbacktosensualitybefore
he’devenspoken.

“Allright,”Elisamadeherselfsay.

“Idon’tsomuchwanttoaskaquestionastellyousomething.”Bradenrestedhisarmacrossthebackof
herchairagain.“It’safantasy.OneI’vebeenhavingaboutyousinceImetyou.”

AllysonJames

ChapterFive

Shecouldn’tlethim.She’ddierighthereifBradenvoicedthoughtsthatmatchedherown.

ButpartofElisa’strainingforcelibacyhadbeenmeditation,learningtocontrolnotonlyherbodybut
everythoughtinherhead.Shecouldlethimspeakandnotlistentothewords.

Elisalaidherhandsflatonthetableanddirectedhergazeonthegoldenaleinsideherglass.Shelether
awarenesssinkintotheglass,tothecoloroftheliquid,tothelittlewhitebubbleshurryingtothesurface.

“Ready?”Bradenasked.

Elisanodded.Shewasn’t,butshewasdeterminedtogetthroughit.

Braden’svoicelowered.“You’reinthelibrary.”Thelibrary?Godshelpher.

“Uponthebalcony,”hesaid.“I’mbelow,lookingupatyou.WhileIwatch,yousuddenlywanttotakeoff
yourclothes.Youcan’tresist.Youslideyourrobestothefloor,andyoustartunclaspingyourdress.”His
fingerbrushedthecatchofhersheath.

“Presumably,thelibraryisclosed,”Elisasaid,determinedlystudyingtheale.

“Itis.We’retheonlyonesthere.Theonlyonesintheworld,itseemslike.You’relookingatme,intomy
eyes.”

ThepicturesswarmedintoherheadinspiteofElisa’sefforts.Bradenstandingtallandstrongbelowher,
armsfolded,eyessoblue.He’drunhistongueslowlyacrosshislowerlip,makingitmoistandenticing.
She’dfeelherheartbeatingfaster,herfingersitchingtotakeoffherdress,toshowhimwhatshelooked
likeunderneath.

“Youunclaspthedressandletitopen,”Bradensaid.“Itslidestoyourhips,andyourbreastsareexposed.
Theairfeelscoolonthem,andyournipplesdrawintolittlepoints.”

Theyweredrawingintolittlepointsnow.Tightones.

“I’mwatchingyou,excited,becauseyou’resobeautiful.Youcupyourbreastsinyourhands,liftthemto
showme.Mycockisgettinghard—youseeitrising—butImakemyselfwait.Yourubyourthumbsover
yournipplesandit’slikefiregoingthroughyou.”

Elisamadeanoiseinherthroat.Yes,fire.

“You’rewetbetweenyourlegs.Yourcomeishot,andyouloveit.Youspreadyourlegsalittleandfeel
theliquidtrickledowntheinsideofyourthigh.”36

Braden

Likeit’sdoingnow.Elisatriedtodrawanotherbreath,triedtostoptheheat,butitwouldn’tgoaway.

“Iwatchyou,andIwanttorunupthereandbewithyou,wanttofeelthatheatalloverme.Youmoanand

yourcomekeepsflowing.Ilovewatchingyou,andIwantyousomuch.”

“Yes,”Elisawhispered,hereyesclosing.Somuchforherfocusontheale.

“Youpeelofftherestofyourdress.You’renakednow,standingonthebalconyaboveme.Youmove
forwardandrubyourselfontherailing.Itpressesyourclit,feelssodamngood,thatcoldbaragainstyour
hotpussy.Youkeeprubbing.You’regettingtherailingallwet.”

“No,”Elisamoaned.“Celibate.”

“Ihaven’ttouchedyou.Youhaven’ttouchedme.Nothingbutthatrailing.Butit’snotenough.Youputher
handbetweenyourlegs,andit’ssowetthere.Youfeelyourself,soakedwithwetness,yourclitahard
littlenub.Youwanttorubit,don’tyou?”

“Yes.”

“Yourubyourclitforme.Youstrokeyourfingersintoyourvagina,deeper,deeper.

Youneedtogosodeep,sohardtomakeyourselffeelbetter.Onefingerisn’tenough,neitheristwo.
Threeisjustright.Youfeelyourownwallssqueezingyouasyourockonyourhand.Youteaseyourclit
withyourthumb.Youpinchyoursweetnipples,oneaftertheother,thenagain,allthewhileyoupressinto
yourselfandrubthatwantingclit.”

Goddess,makeitstop!Elisarockedonthestool,eyesclosed,whiletheclitinquestionburned.Butshe
couldn’tputherhandtheretoeasetheache.Thatwasn’tallowed.

“I’mstandingbelow,stillwatchingyou,”Bradensaid,hisvoicelikevelvetinherear.“Mycockisso
hardnow,andsolong.YouseehowmuchIwantyou,andyouwantmetofuckyou.ButIcan’tgotoyou.
AllIcandoisstrokemyself,whileyoustrokeyourownpussy.Youpretendit’smeinsideyou,notyour
fingers.”Elisa’scleftclenched,moistureflowing.Shegrippedthetable.

Bradenleanedsoclosethathislipstouchedherearashespoke.“That’sit,littledarlin’.Youthinkofmy
tongueonyou,hotandwet.Iwanttotasteyourskin,swallowyourcome,rubmytonguealloveryour
pussy.Youwantmytonguegoinginandoutofyou,lappingyouup.”

“Stop,”shewhispered.

“No,baby.Youkeeprubbingyourself,andI’machingforyou,dyingforyou.Istrokemycock,myfist
hardonit.Istarttocome,cryingyourname.Elisa.Thenmycomespreadsallovermyhand.Youseethat,
mywantingforyou,andthenyoucome.”

“Yes.”

“Youpressyourclit,youfeelitburningyou.”Braden’sbreathscaldedher.“Yousqueeze,andsqueeze,
andsqueeze.”

AllysonJames

“Yes!”Elisashoutedtheword.Shepressedherthighstogether,rockingonthestoolwhilewavesof
darknessdrownedher.Shewasdizzy,hercriesincoherent,andherclitwashot.

Bradencradledher,hisbigarmaroundher,hisvoicesoothing.“That’sit.That’sgood,love.”

Elisapressedherlegstogether,more,more,lovingthefierysensationandthelossofcontrol.Thiswas
wrong,thiswasforbidden,anditfeltsogood.

“You’reallright,”Bradensaid.“Hushnow.”

Hewassowarm,smelledfine.Hegatheredhertohimassherodeouttheclimax,nuzzlinghercheekand
kissingherhair.

Elisacurledagainsthim,tearsonherfaceasherbodyshuddered.

Outside,thebrutalsandslappedthewornmetaldoors,desperatetogetin.Butinside,snuginBraden’s
arms,Elisahadneverfeltsosafeandcaredforinallherlife.

BradentoldElisathatshewasallright,buthewasn’t.He’dbroughtheroffwithwordsalone,something
onlylevelonesdid,butBradenwasheatingup,needingrelease.Thatwouldinvolvehandsortonguesor
devicesor…

Shutthefuckup.

Elisa’sheadrestedonhisshoulder,herhairsoftbeneathhislips.“Youshouldn’thavebeenabletoget
throughmymeditation,”shesaid.

“Yourmeditationgotyouallrelaxed,andyourmindandbodytookyouwhereyouwantedtogo.”

Maybe.Hisexplanationsoundedgood,butrightnowBradendidn’tgiveaflyingfuckhowithad
happened.Heonlycaredthatithadhappenedandthatshe’dlookedsobeautifulwithhereyesclosed,
facesoftwithpleasure,moaningassherockedonthestool.

“Youdidn’teventouchme,”shesaid.

Nope.They’ddoneallthatwithoutskinmeetingskin.

ButnowBraden’scockwastighterthananycockshouldbe,andhislevel-threeinstinctswereswiftly
rising.Hewantedtotakehertothelibraryrightnow,spreadheragainsttherailingandtieherthere,and
thenspankhersweetass.Withhishand,withapaddle.He’dpleasureherwithavibratorforawhile,
thenhe’dslidehisdesperatecockinsideherhot,wetpussy,anditwouldbeso,so,good.

Toobadtheladyhewasfantasizingaboutwasadeclaredcelibate.Hesmotheredagroan.Theworldwas
ashittyplace.

Elisaraisedherhead.“Areyouallright?”

“Sure.Fine.I’lllive.”

Anotherfantasyreareditshead—Elisaandhiminthetraincarinwhichthey’driddendownhere,her
kneelinginfrontofhimtotakehiscockinhermouth.

Ohgods.

Braden

“Youdon’tlookallright,”Elisasaid,stillholdingontothetable.“IknowShareemaren’tallowedto
touchaladyinasexualwaywithoutpermission.Ittriggersyourpainsensors.Isthatwhat’shappening?
Eventhoughyoudidn’ttouchme?”

“Idon’tknow.Maybe.”OrmaybeI’mjustdyingforyou.

“IsthereanythingIcandotohelp?”

“Anythingyoudowilljusthurtmore,sweetbaby.Youfingeringthetablehasmeabouttoexplode.I’m
imaginingthosefingersonmycock,sweetandwarm.”Shestilled.“Youare?”

“Yes,baby.You’retorturingme.”

Elisaletgoofthetable.“Howdoesthistortureyou?I’mnottouchingyou.”

“Yougotthatright.Now,ifyoutouchme,youmighteasethepain.”

“How?”

Bradenwassweating.“Justtouchmyface.Don’tbeafraid.Please.”Hereyesflickeredathisplea.
Wouldshehelphimorturnfrigidandflee?

Whathe’ddoneamomentago—broughtheroff,evenwithfantasyalone—wasalegitimatereasonforher
toruntothepatrollers.Bradenwouldspendhislasthourslockedinacellwithtransparentwalls,unable
torelease,whichwouldprobablykillhimfasterthanthepatrollerscould.

Elisaliftedherhand.SoftfingertipstouchedhischeekandBradenclosedhiseyes.

“Thankyou.”

“Thathelps?”

“Alittle.”

Elisatracedhischeekbone,hertouchcoolonhishotskin.

“Istillwantyou,”hesaidinalowvoice.“AndIknowIcan’thaveyou.SonowIwanttospankyour
prettyassforteasingme.”

Elisajerkedherhandaway.“Spank?”

Bradenopenedhiseyes,whichheknewmustbemoltenblue.“I’mlevelthree,love.

It’swhatwedo.Alittledisciplineneverhurtanyone.”

“Discipline?”Shelookedstartledbutnotafraid.Curious,instead.

“I’dlovetoteachyou.Andinstructyouhowtotouchme.Spankyouwhenyougetitwrong.”Bradenwas
sweating,breathingragged.

“I’mhurtingyouagain,”shesaidinconcern.

“Alittle,sweetheart.Butit’sagoodhurt.”

Whichwouldgetworseuntilhereleased.Wefuckordie.

Bradenwasn’tsurewhethertoberelievedordisappointedwhenJudithcamenoisilyinthroughthedoor
thatledtoherprivatestairs.“Sandstorm’sover,”shesaid.

Thegrittyslapsonthedoorhadceased,andBradenhadn’tevennoticed.

AllysonJames

JudithnoticedBradenandElisasittingsoclose,theflushonElisa’sface.“Damnit,whatdidImiss?I
stepawayfortenminutes…”

Elisaabruptlygottoherfeet.“Nothingatall.WhatdoIoweyou?”

“It’sonthehouse.Ineverchargeduringasandstorm.”JudithswitchedhergazetoBraden.“Don’ttellme
‘nothing’,Braden.Youlooksatedandyearningatthesametime.”

Bradenadjustedhisleggings,stiflingagroanatthebrieffrictionofclothoncock.“IwastellingElisaa
littlefantasyIhadabouther.”

“Fantasy.Thatcanbefun.”Judithsmiled.JudithconsideredfuckingfourShareematoncefun,too.

“It’slate,”Elisasaid.“Canyoucallataxiforme?”

“Taxi?”Judithlaughed.“Inthisneighborhood,thislate,afterasandstorm?”Shesweptuptheiremptyale
cups,stilllaughing,andwenttoopenthestormdoors.

“Trainsdon’tstartrunninguntildawn,”Bradensaid.“Don’tyouhaveyourowncaranddriver?”

“IgavethemupaspartoftheWayoftheSky.Welivesimply.”

“Hey,ifyoulikesimple,you’dlovemyapartment.Butdon’tworry,love.Ihavefriends,andtheyhave
transport.”

*****

Elisawasn’tcertainshewantedtoleave.Sheknewsheshould—shehadtobeatthelibrarywhenit
opened,andherservantswouldgrowalarmedifshedidn’treturntonight.TheoverlyprotectiveAlonda
mightevencallthepatrollers,andthentheworldwouldknowthatElisan’ArellhadgonetoPasCity
withaShareem.

ButtobestuckdownherewithBraden,inthisstrangeworld,wouldbeexciting.

She’dhavetothinkhardaboutwhathe’dmadehappentoher,butshedidn’tregretit.

“I’dbegrateful,”shesaidtoBraden.“AndI’llpaythem.”

“Sweetie,Idon’tthinkBrianned’Arothneedsyourmoney.”Herose,skimminghisfingersacrossher
shouldersasheleftthetable.

“Brianne?”Gods,hewasgoingtoaskthegranddaughteroftherulerofBorNargatogiveElisaaride
home.ThewomanwhowaslivingwithtwoShareem—who’djustgonehomewiththosetwoShareem.
“Won’tshebe…busy?”Bradenlaughed.“Ofcourseshewill,andI’llenjoythehelloutofinterrupting
them.”Hedisappearedintothebackhall,whereElisasawhimleaningoveraconsole.

Judithreturnedtowipeoffthetable.“You’reacelibate?”sheasked,soundinginterested.

Elisapickedupherrobesfromthestoolandfoldedthemoverherarm.“Itookthevows.”

Braden

Judithsentheradarklook.“Domeafavor,sweetie.Don’tteasehim.Shareemaren’tlikeus.IfBraden
can’thaveyou,don’thurthimpretendingthatmaybehecan.

Cutitoffandlethimgo.”

Elisaregardedherinsurprise.“Ihadnointentionofhurtinghim.”Howcouldshe,anyway?

Judith’seyessoftened.“TheShareemcanbeenticing,Iknow.Butthegarbageaboutthemnothaving
emotionsisjustthat—garbage.Sodon’tmesswiththem,allright?”ShesoundedsoprotectivethatElisa
wondered.“AreyouandBraden…?”Sheglancedtowardthebackroom,wheretheycouldhearBraden
laughing.ThesoundofthatlaughterwarmedElisa.

“Lovers?”Judithfinished.Shegrinned.“No,notinthe‘love’senseoftheword.

He’safriend.Agoodfriend.Idon’tlikeseeinghimhurt.”SuchanoddnightElisawashaving—visiting
PasCityforthefirsttime,withaShareemnoless,havingherfirst-everorgasm,andnowabarmaid
lookingherintheeyeandchampioningthatShareem.

“IassureyouthatIhavenopowertohurthim,”Elisasaid.“IbelieveBradenisteasingme.I’llgohome
andhe’llbefinishedwiththisgame.”Whydidsomethinginsideherjustdiealittle?

Judithgavethetableafinalswipe.“Idon’tthinkso,honey.You’vebeenbitten,andyou’llwantmore.I

kindofenvyyou,yourfirsttimewithaShareem,butthenIkindofdon’t.”Shestraightenedup,foldingher
cloth.“It’sgoingtoberough.”BeforeElisacouldaskwhatshemeant,JudithwalkedawayandBraden
returned.

“Allset,baby.Brianne’sdriver’sonhisway.”HeslidhisarmaroundElisa’swaist.

“Aidensayshello,butwhatKysaidwasunrepeatable.”Hisarmwasstrong,bothprotectiveandsensual.
HowwonderfulitwouldbetohaveBraden’sarmaroundhereverydayofherlife,forElisatobeso
casuallyintimatewithhim.She’dneverhadsuchthoughtsaboutamanbefore—notaboutanyonebefore.

OnlyBraden.

Itwasstillhotwhentheyemergedfromthebar,thoughthenightwindwasclean,thesandstormgone.A
hovercarmoveddownthestreettowardthem.

Braden’svoicewaslowinherear.“Kissmegoodbye?”

“Ican’t.”ButElisawantedto;oh,didshewantto.“It’sagainsttherules.”

“Thekissofafriend.Onthecheek.Letmedothat.”Thatwasallowed.Beingcelibatemeanteschewing
sexandsexualitybutnotaffection.

Asthelightsofthehovercarsweptoverthem,BradenleaneddowntoElisaandkissedher.

Hismouthlandedhalfonhercheek,halfonthecornerofherlips.Hislipswerehot,strong,sensual.
Bradenletthekisslinger,fingerstracingcirclesonherback.

AllysonJames

Heeasedhismouthaway.HisbreathtouchedthemoisturehiskisshadleftbeforeBradenbrushedthe
moistureawaywithhisthumb.

“Goodbye,Elisa,”hesaid,voicelow.“Mybeautifullibrarian.”Hiseyeswerestillveryblue,thelookin
themempty.

Elisatouchedhishand.“Thankyou,Braden.Foreverything.”Asshesteppedawaytoenterthecar,which
achauffeurveryproperlyopenedforher,sherememberedJudith’swarning.It’sgoingtoberough.

Itwouldbe,Elisathoughtasthecarslidaway.Shelookedthroughtherearwindowatthesolidupright
thatwasBraden,andsomethingtightenedinsideher.Theroadaheadwasgoingtobeveryroughindeed.

*****

Bradenwatchedthehovercarturnthecorner,outofsight,andhefeltaholeburnintohischest.

Damnit.Damnitalltohell.

Hewantedher.AndBradencouldn’thaveher.He’dlikelyneverseeheragain.

Thiswasdifferentfromtheusualmight-have-beensexualencounter,notthatBraden’slifehadcontained
manyofthose.Usuallyhegotwhateverwomanhewanted,becausetheywantedhim—wantedShareem—
evenbeforetheymethim.

ThiswasElisa,whowasfair-minded,sweet,smartandcelibate.Offlimits.Fantasywastheclosesthe
couldevercome.

Nothavingherwasgoingtohurtforalong,longtime.

WhileBradenstoodeatingthedustofthehovercar,ahumanmanwalkedpasthimandintothebar.The
barwasclosedforthenight,buttheguywalkedoninlikeheknewhe’dbewelcome.

HisnamewasMitch,andhewasanoff-worldpilotwhostoppedbytoseeJudithwheneverhelandedon
BorNarga.Bradenwasn’tsurefromwhichworldMitchhailed,andMitchneverenlightenedthem.He
wastallwithlightbrownhairandamazinggreeneyes,whichmadehimstandout,evenfromtheexotic
Shareem.

BradenandhisfriendslikedMitch,though,becausehedidn’tviewShareemasanimalsorlessthan
humanoranyofthatshit.MitchregardedthemasrivalsforJudith’sattention,whichwastrue.

“Well,lookwhatthesandstormblewin,”Judithsaid,handononehip.“Sorry,darling,there’snomore
ale.I’veshutdownthepumpsforthenight.”

“NotwhatIcamefor.”MitchcaughtJudithasshewalkedbyandpulledhertohimforalongkiss.

Anicekiss.Bradenleanedonthedoorframeandwatched,feelingatugofenvy.

Everyonewaspairingofftonight…ortripling-off,inthecaseofAiden,KyandBrianne.

Wastripling-offevenaword?Hislibrarianwouldknow.

Braden

JudithcameupforairandsmiledatMitchinawayshe’dneversmiledatanyoftheShareem.“Niceto
seeyou,babe,”shesaid.“Braden,you’restillhere?”

“Waitingtooffermyservicesasathird.”

MitchgaveBradenasmile,notanunfriendlyone.“Sorry,Braden.Iflysolo.Comebacktomorrowand
we’llcatchup.”

“Right.Youtwokidshavefun.”Bradenpattedthedoorframe,shovedhimselfoffandwalkedaway.

Alone.

Damnit.

No,notquitealone.Someonedoggedhistracksthroughthenow-busystreets,andwasn’tbeingvery
subtleaboutit.

Patroller?ItwaspastShareemcurfew—notthatShareemcared,butgettingcaughtmeantspendingtherest
ofthenightinacell.Atransparent-walledcellfullofcameras,andwatchingpatrollersmeantnohopeof
jerkingoff.Shareemhadsomepride.

Bradensteppedsilentlyintotheshadowofthenextdoorway.Whoeveritwaswalkedtooheavilytobea
femalepatroller,butsometimestheyemployedmalesforroutineduty.

Amanstoppedalongsidetheshadoweddoorway,butitwasn’tapatroller.Hewassevenfeettalland
heavilymuscled—aShareem—butBradenhadnoideawhohewas.

Thatcouldn’tberight.BradenkneweveryShareemontheplanet.

“Braden,right?”avoicegrated.“ThoughtIrecognizedyou.”TheShareemsteppedfullyintothelight.He
woreoff-worldclothesbutBradenfinallyrecognizedhim—he’dknownthemantwenty-fiveyearsago
buthadn’tseenhimsince.

“Justin?”Bradensaid.“Whatthefuck?”

AllysonJames

ChapterSix

“IthoughtRiolivedhere,”JustinsaidashepulledoffhisrobesinBraden’sapartment.

BeneaththerobesJustinworeasleeveless,translucentbluetunicthatshowedoffhismuscles.Itandhis
leggingsdidn’thidemuchofhim,whichmadeBradenrealizehehadn’tgottentheclothesonBorNarga.

Braden,stillsweatingfromhisencounterwithElisaandthehotwalkhome,strippeddowntohis
loincloth.Justindidn’tappeartonotice.ForShareem,nakedwasnatural.

“Riodidlivehere,”Bradensaid.“WhenheleftforAriel,hegavetheapartmenttome.”

“RiowenttoAriel?”Justinasked,surprised.“Howdidhegetpermissionforthat?”Bradengrabbed
somealefromthekitchen,handedJustinabottleandcollapsedontotheshallowcouch.AtleastJustin’s
out-of-nowherearrivalhelpeddeflateBraden’scockalittle.

Alittle.Thedamnthingwasstillkillinghim.

“Riodidn’tgetpermission,”Bradensaid.“HefellinlovewithasweetiefromArielandshesmuggled
himoffplanet.”

“Inlove?”

“Shareemcanfallinlove,myfriend,nomatterhowmuchthescientistsatdearDNAmotriedtopound
intousthatwecouldn’t.”

“Iknowthat.”Justinsatontheotherchair,butontheedge,asthoughunabletorelax.“Iwasjustsurprised
ithappenedtoRio.”

“Yousay‘Iknowthat’likeyouhavepersonalexperience.”

“MaybeIdo.”

Bradentookalongdrinkfromhisbottleofale.“Justin,whythehelldidyoucomebacktoBorNarga?
Youwereaway,free,gone.Don’ttellmethatwheretheysentyouwasworse.”

Justinshookhishead,lookingsad.“No,itwasgreat.Theoriginalpurchaserofmyserviceswasforcedto
letmegoaftertheauthoritiesonSiriusIIIpointedoutthathumantrafficking,nottomentionsex
trafficking,washighlyillegalonSirius.Shewaspissedashellandoutapileofcash.”

“Sowhatdidyoudo?Wanderthestreetssellingyourservices?”44

Braden

Hegrinned.“Gods,yourmind’sinthegutter.No,Igotajob.Arealone.Workingcargoonthedocksat
first—I’mstrong.Workedmywayupthroughtheranksandthenstartedmyownoffloadingcompany.
Madegoodmoney.”Soundedlikeparadise.“Andyougaveallthisup,why?What,youwerehomesick
forBorNarga?”

Justin’ssmilefaded.“Isoldthebusinesswhenmyloverdied.SheandIhadgoneintoittogether.”He
drewabreath.“Weweretogetherfifteenyears.”ThequietwayhesaidittoldBradenthatJustinknewall
aboutfallinginlove.

“Damn.Justin,I’msorry.”

“She’dbeensickforawhile.Whenshewasgone,Ididn’thavetheheartforthebusinessanymore.”
Justindugfingersandthumbintothecornersofhiseyes,andtheyweremoistwhenhelookedupagain.
“Thatwastwoyearsago,andstillImissher.I’vebeenkindofkickingaroundeversince.”

Bradenhadn’tknownJustinwellatDNAmo—JustinandRiohadbeenclose—butthey’dallsharedthe
DNAmoexperience.Justinhadgottenaway,livedandlovedandlostlikeanormalhuman.Itmusthave
beenwonderful.

“Stilldoesn’texplainwhyyoucamebackhere,”Bradensaid.“Can’thavebeenfortheweather.”

“Yeah,thatwasabitchofastormwejusthad.”

“DoesyourreturnhaveanythingtodowithRees?”Bradenaskedcautiously.

Justinlookedpuzzled.“Who’sRees?”

“Ah.”Bradendrankmoreale.Maybeifhegotdrunkenough,he’dforgetallaboutElisa.Yeah,right.
“Nevermind.”

Bradenwasn’tcertainhecouldtrustJustinwiththeknowledgethatReeshadoncebeentheexperiment
calledR294E8S.Somesecretswerejusttoorisky.He’dhavetofindoutmoreaboutJustinfirst,andalert
ReesbeforehespilledalltoJustin.

“Nope,Ididn’tcomebackforRees,whoeverthatis.OrRio.”

“No?YousaidyouwerelookingforRio.”

Justinshrugged.“IlookedupRiobecauseIneedcrashspace.”Bradengesturedwithhisale.“Mycrash
spaceisyourcrashspace.Ihaveasparebedroom—well,it’smorelikeaclosetwithabedinit—but
you’rewelcometoit.Hadaprettyladymediclivinginitforawhile,butthenCaldertookheraway.”

“Calder?Wasn’theburnedorsomething?”

“Yep.Fixedbytheprettyladymedic.Damnluckyasshole.”

“Man,Ineedtocatchup.”

“Youdo.Rylanmovedwaythehelloutintothemountains,andAidenisfuckingKy.”

“Shit.”Justintookadeepdrinkofale.“Ileavefortwenty-fiveyearsandlookwhathappens.Iremember
Rylan,alwayssneakingintobewithMaia,poorguy.”45

AllysonJames

“Yeah,that’shim.”TheexistenceofMaiawasalsoaprettydeepsecret.

“AndAidenandKy?Hmm.”

“Togetherwithaladyofthed’Arothfamily,believeitornot.Shelovesthemtopieces.Youdon’tseem
toofreakedoutaboutAidenandKy.”Justinshookhishead.“IgotusedtolifeonSirius,wheresex
betweenconsentingadultsisn’tconsideredtaboo.Infact,theythinkit’shealthy.Menandwomenshare
equalstatus,somemenpairupwithmen,somewomenwithwomen.Couples,threesomes,foursomes—
whatevermeltsyourbutteraslongasit’sconsensualandnoonegetshurt.”

Bradensighed.“Soundslikeparadise.”

“Itwasnormaltome.Isn’tmuchelsetodothereexceptwatchtreesgrow.”

“Hey,Iwouldn’tmindhavingashitloadofsexwhileIwatchedtreesgrow.Butyoustillhaven’t
answeredme.Whythefuckdidyoucomebacktothehellholethatspawnedyou?”

JustindrankagainandgaveBradenalittlesmile.“Tofindsomeone.”

“Someone.NotaShareem?”

“Nope.”

“Awoman?”

“Noneofyourdamnbusiness.”

“Shit.Aman?”

Justinlaughed.“No,notaman.Don’tworry.Yourassissafefromme.”

“Good.”Bradendrankagain.“Idon’tmindathreesome,orafoursome,oramoresome,butnotwithouta
ladyintheequation.”

“Meeither.”

“Friend.”BradenclickedhisalebottletoJustin’s.“Andnowthatyou’vemademethinkaboutit,Ihadan
encountertonightIcouldn’tfinishandifIdon’tyankI’mgoingtodie.”

“Don’tletmestopyou.”

Bradengotoffthecouch,hiscockkillinghim.“Bedroom’sbehindthedoornexttothekitchen,cleanlinen
andtowelsinthecupboard.’Night.”Justinnodded,halfinamusement,halfinsympathy,asBradenrushed
throughthedoorwayintohisbedroom.Hisloinclothcameawaybeforethedoorevenclosed,andthen
followedlubeandreliablehandoncock.

Hestroked,pulled,massaged,rubbed—fuckedhisownhandeverywhichway—

andstillhecouldn’teasethetortureofnotbeingwithhislibrariantonight.

*****

Braden

Elisa’sspiritualadvisorwaseighty-twoandabeautifulwoman.Sixtyyearsofserenityrestedonherface,
whichborefewlines.Hersleeksilverhairwascoveredwithatranslucentveil,andhermovementswere
softandgentle.

“Mydear,itisperfectlynaturalforyoutohaverespondedtohim,”Ladyt’Lenkasaid.“Youareayoung
woman,andtheShareemwerebred—ratherimprudently—tosatisfyatastefortheforbidden.”

Elisarestedherhandsonherknees,herlegscrampingalittlefromthekneelingposition.Theprivate
gardenwaslarge,spareandbeautiful,theaircoolunderthewoodenpavilion.Windchimeswhispered,a
fountaintricklednearbyandthecushionbeneathherkneeswascoveredwiththesoftestsilk.

ElisaknewthattheentiregardenwasprotectedfromBorNarga’ssunandsandbyaforcefield,andthat
thenaturalbeautyoftheplacewasn’tnaturalatall.Itwascultivated,crafted,perfected,likemostthings
onBorNarga,includingShareem.

“IwishIcouldmakemyselfbelievethat,”Elisasaidinanswer.“Anaturalreaction,nevertooccuragain.
Achanceencounterandnowit’sover.”Sheclenchedherhands.

“ButIwanttoseehimagain.”

NotonlyforthesexualfeelingsBradenhadawakenedinher.Elisawantedtotalktohimagain,tosimply
hearhisvoice.

“Areyouaskingformypermissionforanotherencounter?”

“Idon’tknow,”Elisaanswered.

Ladyt’Lenkagaveherasympatheticsmile.“Mydear,IknowthatchoosingtheWayoftheSkywas
difficultforyou.Ievenknowthatyoumadethedecisioninordertoavoidanunpleasantmarriage,not
becauseyoucravedthelifeofacelibate.IbelieveyouwilldowellintheWayoftheSky,butitmustbea
choicemadefortherightreasons.”

Elisasighed.“MeaningIshouldembracetheWayonlybecauseIbelieveinit.”

“Child,Iwilltellyouasecret.Ihaven’talwaysbeeneighty-oddyearsold.”Elisareturnedhersmile.“I
knowthat,mylady.I’veseentheholopicsofyouwhenyoufirstenteredtheorder.”

“Yes,butbeforethat,whenIwasinmytwenties,Iwasquiteawildyoungwoman.

Sensualpleasurewasn’tastabooonBorNargaasitisnow.ThiswaswellbeforeDNAmodeveloped
Shareem.ThecreationofShareem,unfortunately,onlyfedtheunderlyingparanoiatherulingwomenhave
aboutbecomingslavestomeninallbutname,asourancestorswere.ButwhenIwasagirl,therewas
morefreedom,andIdefinitelydidsomewickedthings.”

Elisafounditdifficulttoimaginethiswomanwithherquiet,gracefulmovementsgoingtowildparties
andchasingmen.

“Iseethatyoudoubt,”Ladyt’Lenkasaid.“ButIhadtoomuchmoneyandIlovedexcitement—therawer
thebetter.Ifwe’dhadShareemthen,I’dhavetakenupwiththeminaheartbeat.Itriedeverykindof
liquorandpleasure-seekingdrugIcouldfind,47

AllysonJames

andIlovedoff-worldmenwhoweresomuchmoreaggressiveandsexualthanourownmales.Iwas
shamelesswiththem.”

Elisastillfounditdifficulttoimagine,butthesparkleintheelderlywoman’seyetoldherthatherwords
weretrue.

“WhydidyoudecidetofollowtheWay,then?”Elisaasked.

“BecauseIwokeuponemorning,sprawledinsomeone’sshower,havingnoideawhereIwasorwhatI’d
doneforthepastthreedays—orwithwhom,manorwoman.IrealizedthatI’dbeenstrivingforhappiness
withrecklessness.Recklessness,Irealized,waskillingme.Ididmuchsoulsearchinganddecidedto
lookintooneoftheWays.Ididn’tmakethefinalchoicetofollowthepathforayearortwo.Iwantedto
becertain.”

“AreyousayingthatI’mnotcertain?”

“I’msayingyoudidn’thavetimetobe.Youhadn’tanyintentionofpursuingtheasceticlifebeforeyour
fiancéupsetyou,hadyou?”Elisadroppedhergaze.“Tobehonest,no.”

“IknewthatwhenIapprovedyourapplication.ButIunderstoodthatyouwerethesortofyoungwoman
whowouldtryveryhard,andIhopedforthebest.”Ladyt’Lenkaunfoldedherselffromhercushionand
cametoElisa.SherestedherhandcomfortinglyonElisa’shead.“IwantyoutoseethisShareem,to
followyourtemptations,andthentomakeyourchoice.”

Elisalookedupinastonishment.“Youwantmetoseekhim?”

“It’swhatyoucameheretoaskme,mydear,wasn’tit?Foradispensation?”Yes,shehad,thoughshe
hadn’tsaidso.Elisahadwantedtotalkarounditwithher,toassesshowLadyt’Lenkawouldreactbefore
Elisaasked.WiseLadyt’Lenkahadseenrightthroughher.

“Igrantyouthedispensation,”Ladyt’Lenkasaid.“Foronemonth.GoandseeyourShareem,anddowhat
youmust.Youwillnotbeallowedtoweartherobes,orentertheorder’shouse,orinanywayassociate
withtheWayuntilyouhavechosenonepathortheother.Thatdecisionwillbefinal,noturningback.Do
youunderstand?”Ladyt’LenkapulledElisatoherfeetasshespoke.Elisalookedintohershrewdeyes.
“Yes,m’lady.Iunderstand.It’swhatIneedtodo.”Formalityover,Ladyt’LenkapulledElisaintoa
sandalwood-scentedembrace.“Gowiththegoddess’sblessing,mydear.”ShesmiledatElisa,eyes
twinkling.“Andforheaven’ssake,enjoyyourself.”

Elisakissedhercheek,bowedasshe’dbeentaughtandturnedaway,herheartbeatinghardwith
excitement.

ChapterSeven

Bradencamealert,hisadrenalinespikingoffthescale.“LikeIsaid,sweetheart.

You’retorturingme.”

“Iwantyoutodowhateveritisyoudo.Withme.Teachme.Please.”Thelittlepleasemadehiscock
jump.“Darlin’,Ihaveahugehard-on,andImighthavetomakeyourelieveit.”Bradenforcedhisvoice
tobecareless,buthecared.Damndidhecare.“You’reacelibate.Certified,registered—whateveritis
youdo.”

“I’vegottenadispensation.”

Oh,hell.“Youknowyou’rekillingme,love.”

“I’mnotteasing.”Elisawatchedhimintently,thebadconsoledistortingherlovelyfeatures.“Isthere
somekindofcontractweneedtonegotiate?”

“What?”Bradendraggedhismindbackfromhisfantasies.“No,no.Thisisjustbetweenus,sweetbaby.”

“Allright,thenwhatdoIdo?MeetyouatJudith’sbar?”Elisablushed.“Ibegyourpardon.I’mnewat
this.I’mnotsurehowtoapproachyou.”Ibegyourpardon.Godsabove,hewasgoingtodie.

Bradendrewabreathandsuppressedeveryhormonescreamingathim.Thiscouldn’tbereal.Hehadto
beasleep.Thiswasadream—acock-hardening,come-inducingdream.Butno,thereshewas,onhis
crappyconsole,wide-eyedandaskinghimtobeShareemwithher.

Everymusclefoughthimashereachedtowardthekeypad.“Sorry,sweetheart,”heheardhimselfsay.
“I’mgoingtobebusyforawhile.”Hisfingerdidn’twanttopressthedisconnectbutton.Bradenalmost
hadtoforceitwithhisotherhand,hisfingershakinglikecrazy.

Elisagavehimashockedlook,andthenthescreenwentblack.

Braden’sgroanturnedintoacryofanguish.Hishandwenttohiscock,butitachedsomuchthattouching
broughtmorepain.

Elisawouldcallback.Thatwasthegame.Bradenwaslevelthree.Hehadtomakeherbegforhim.It
wasprocedure.

Besides,hecouldn’treallybelievethatacelibate,adeclaredone,haddecidedtothrowoffherrobesand
goforhim.Ithadtobeatrick,somewaytolureBradenintocommittingtheultimatecrime—touchinga
celibate.Thepatrollerswouldn’tbeabletoterminatehimfastenough,andmaybethey’dterminateafew
otherShareemwithhimjusttoproveapoint.

Braden

Justincameoutofhisbedroom,alookofconcernonhisface.“Youallright?Iheardyoubellowinglikea
hurtelephant.”

Bradenwasn’tsurewhatanelephantwas—somekindofcreaturefromSiriusIIIprobably—butifit
soundedanythinglikeBradeninanguish,hepitiedit.

“Lady.Tryingtohireme.”

“Andthishurtsyou?”

“Iwanther,”Bradensaid.“Iwanthersobad.”

“Andsheobviouslywantsyouifsheaskedtohireyou.What’stheproblem?”

“You’vebeenoffplanetalongtime.Shareemdon’tgettohaveanywomantheywant.Andifyou’relevel
three,makingthemwantyouiswhatyoudo.”Justinstared.“Damn,I’mgladI’mleveltwo.”

“Yeah,butthisisBorNarga.Eveniftheladysaysyes,youwalktherisk.Andrightnowisabadtimeto
risk.”

“Why?”

Justindidn’tknowRees’plans.ReesknewthatJustinhadcometotown—he’dknownevenbefore
Bradentoldhim—butBradenhadnoideahowReessawJustinfittingin.

“Justtrustme,”Bradensaid.

“Youwantthiswoman,right?”

“Yes.”Thewordwastight.

“Sogoforit.Screwbeinglevelthree,screwBorNarganrules.Clockoutandenjoyyourself.”

“Youmakeitsoundsoeasy.”

“Itiseasy.Ibrokemyprogramming—well,mostofit.Youcantoo,brother.”Breakhisprogramming.Just
asElisawastryingtobreakhers.Theycouldbeprogram-breakerstogether,actlikeanordinarymaleand
femaleandenjoyeachother.

Yeah,right.

“She’llcallback,”Bradensaid.“Theyalwayscallback.It’salevel-threething.”Justinpointedboth
handsathim.“You,myfriend,arefucked-upcrazy.”Hegrabbedhisrobesandbreathmaskandbanged
outthedoor.

Bradenstaredattheblackterminalalittlelonger.Elisawouldcall.Shehadto.

Sheneverdid.Bradenwaitedforanhour,thenanother,thenhewentintothebathroomandtookafreezing
coldshower.

*****

Aftertwenty-fourhoursofagony,Elisastillhadn’tcalledback.

AllysonJames

Bradenwassupposedtohavetheupperhandhere.Heusuallydid,andtheladyalwayscalled,pleading.
Itusuallytooklessthananhour,thoughhe’dknownittogoaslongasforty-eight,whenthewomanin
questionhadtodebatelongandhardwithherself.Bradenusuallywhiledawaythetimewithotherladies,
andinanycasethewaitinghadnevergonelongerthanforty-eighthours.

Bradenwoulddieifhehadtowaittwofulldays,andthistimehedidn’twanttotouchanyotherwoman
inthemeantime.

Attheendofthelongesttwenty-fourhoursofhislife,BradencalledElisaatherlibrary.Elisa’s
professionalfacefilledhisterminalscreen,andBradentouchedhisfingerstotheimage.Eventhat
pseudo-touchrelievedsomeofthepaininsidehim,ifonlyalittle.

“SerestineQuarterlibrary,”hersmoothvoicecametohim.“MayIhelp—”Elisabrokeoffandleaned
forward,herface-framingveilfluttering.“Braden?Whyareyoucallingmehere?”

“Thisiswhatyoudo,”Bradensaid.“First,yougivemeyourwordthatthisisnotrick,thatpatrollers
aren’tgoingtobreakinandhaulmeofftothecellsforeventhinkingabouttouchingyou.”

Elisablinked,startled.“They’ddothat?”

“You’recelibate,sweetie.Sacrosanct.”

“ButIhaveadispensation.”

“Givemeyourword.”

Elisanodded.“Youhaveit.”

Anyonecouldmouthapromise,butthelookinElisa’seyestoldhimshemeantit.

“Allright,”Bradensaid.“Thenextthingyoudois,whenyougohometonight,yousendyourservantson
avacation.Iwantnooneinthehousewithyou.Imeannoone.”Elisa’sbrowsshotup.“Allofthem?”

Bradenrelaxedenoughtochuckle.“Yes,love,you’llhavetowashyourowndishesandcookyourown
food.Yousendthemaway.Yourecodethekeypadonyourdoorandyousendmethecode.”

“Whydon’tyoujustcomeoverwhenIgethome?”

“Doesn’tworkthatway.Don’texpectme.Youdowhatyouusuallydo,anddon’tlookforme.Allright?”

Elisaclearlydidn’tunderstandanyofthis,butshenodded.“Allright.”

“Good.Remember,sendmethekeycode.”

Bradentouchedthedisconnect,whichwasalittleeasierthistime.Hisbodyknewthatthingswere
movingwheretheyshouldbemoving.

Hesmiled.Shewouldn’tbeabletoresistwatchingoutforhim,waitingforhim,anticipationofhisarrival
buildinguphourbyhour,minutebyminute.Herwanting52

Braden

wouldbuildupwithherimpatienceandhernervousness.Thepowerofthelevelthreehadalreadybegun.

Bradengroaned,gothimselfoutofthechairandwenttotakeanothercoldshower.

*****

Elisawenthomeafterhershift,toldherstaffshewasgivingthemavacationtothecoolmountains,all
expensespaid,andsatbacktowaitforthemtogo.SheonlyhadthreeservantsinthehouseplusAlonda,a
farcryfromthetwentywho’dwaitedonherathermother’shouse.Fourservants,totheWayoftheSky,
wassimplicity.

AlondagavehersuspiciouslooksandofferedtostayandlookafterElisabyherself,butElisaremained
resolute.Theotherswereoverjoyedwiththeunexpectedbonus,packedtheirbagsandhurriedoff.

“Callmeifyouneedme,m’lady,”Alondasaidbeforeshewent.“Icanbebackhereinaninstant.”

Elisapromiseddistractedlyandsentheraway.

Elisaknewhowtoprepareherownmealsandcleanherclothes—she’dlearnedself-sufficiencyatthe
retreatcenter.Evenifsheweren’tcertainaboutherchoiceofcelibacyandherspiritualconvictions,she
wasgratefulforsomeofthelessonstheWayoftheSkyhadtaughther.Self-disciplineandindependence
weren’tbadthings.

ShechangedthecodeonherfrontandbackdoorlocksandsentthecodestoBraden.Hedidn’tanswerthe
terminal—sheleftamessage.

Elisaspentthenextthreedaystryingtobehavenormallyandfailing.Shewenttoworkeachday,half
expectingBradentoappearthere.Shejumpedeverytimethefrontdoorhissedopenandeverytime
anyonemaleenteredthelibrary.

Bradennevercame.

Shetriedtocallhimontheeveningofthesecondday,buthedidn’tanswer.Elisakeyedoff,leavingno
message.

Onthethirdday,shehadtostaylateforameetingofthelibraryboard.Theeventwiththeartmuseumhad
goneoffwell,andtheboarddiscussedwhattodobetternextyear.Tiredafterthat,Elisawalkedthefew
blocksbetweenlibraryandhome,hopingthecoolnightairwouldrefreshher.

Itdidn’t.Shewassweatingassheenteredherhouse,pullingoffherrobesdowntohersilksheath.She
unpinnedherveilsandletherhairfalldownherbackwhileshesearchedthehouseforBraden.

Hewasn’tlurkinginthesittingroomorthehall,thekitchenortheservant’squarters.Shecheckedevery
room,butElisawasstillalone.Sighing,sheatealightsupper,bathedandwenttobed.

Inthemiddleofthenightshewoke,herheartracing.

Theairhadchanged,somethingsubtlydifferent.

AllysonJames

Awarmhandonherwristmadeherjump,andthentheweightofahardbodypressedhertothemattress.
Apaddedmanaclereplacedthegriponherwrist,snappingsnuglyinplace.

“Mylibrarian.”Braden’sbreathwhisperedonhercheek.“I’mheretoteachyousomanybadthings.”

Braden

ChapterEight

Elisashivered,hard.“Whatthings?”

Bradenpressedfingerstoherlips.“Noquestions.”Hisvoicewasstern.“Youtrustme,orIleave.”

Itwasn’tinElisa’snaturetonotaskquestions.Shedrewanotherbreath,andhisfingersgrewheavy.

“Youtrustme,”hesaid.“Doyou?”

Elisawaited,debatingwhethershedid,thenshenodded.Afterall,she’dbeentheonewho’daskedhimto
come.

Heliftedherunboundhandandkissedherpalm,lipsscalding.“Thishandstaysfree.You’venever
touchedaman,amIright?”

Elisanoddedagain.Herheartdancedinherchest,herfemaleplaceswetterthanthey’deverbeen.

“Touchme,Elisa.Getusedtome.”

Inthedarkness,heguidedherhandtohisshoulder.Shefoundbareskin,smoothandwarm,nofabricin
herway.

Shestopped.Wastherenoclothingallthewaydown?Goddess,bewithme.Elisaglidedherfingertips
downhisback,overthecurveofhisspine,down,down.

Nothingstoppedher.Hisbreathwashotonherface,bodystill,themusclesofhisbacksculptedfromthe
bestgeneticsinexistence.Shestoppedwhenshereachedthefirmcushionofhisbuttocks.

Braden’steethflashedinthegloom.“Keepgoing,sweetheart.”Elisatentativelysmoothedherfingers
overhisbackside.Hisskinwascoolerthere,eventhoughhewashotterthananormalhuman.His
buttocksweresmoothmounds,musclestight.Shewantedtostrokeandsqueezethem.

“Touchandlearn.”Hesmiledatheragain.“Ihavetogoslowwithyou,mylibrarian.Idon’twantyou
fearingthefeelofme.”

“I’mnotafraid.”

Bradenbitherlowerlip.“Shh.”

“Butthatwasn’taquestion,”sheprotested.

Hebitheragain.“Iseehowthisisgoingtogo.Lotsofspankinginyourfuture,darlin’.Nowtouchme.
Allofme.”

Allofhim.Elisadrewherhanduphisspineagain,fingertipsstilltinglingfromtheencounterwithhis
backside.Sheslidherfingersaroundhisshoulders,tracingthemusclearoundtohischest.

AllysonJames

Bradenmadeasoftnoiseasshedrewherhandacrosshispectorals,proppinghimselfonhissidesoshe
couldreachhim.Thehaironhischestwaswiry,andwhileshestrokedit,herfingertipsfoundhisnipple.

Itwasflatandsmall,sodifferentfromherownsoftareolas.Elisatracedit,andBraden’ssighbecamea
groan.

Shepulledaway.“Ithoughtonlywomenlikedtheirbreaststobetouched.”

“It’seroticforallofus,love.Areyousayingyoulikeyourbreaststobetouched?

Howdoyouknow?Areyououtbeggingmentotouchthemeverynight,breakingyourvows,naughty
lady?Ordoyoudoittoyourself?Stillnaughty,butmorefunforme.”Elisahadneverdreamedof
touchingherself,notbeforeshe’dmetBraden.“I’vereadaboutit.”

Bradenchuckled,hislaughshakingthebed.“You’reprecious.Keeptouchingme,sweetlove.Ididn’ttell
youtostop.”

“Beingcelibatedoesn’tjustmeannothavingsex,”shesaidassheflickedherfingeroverhisnippleagain.
“Itmeansindulginginnosexualthoughtsatall.”

“LateryoucanteachmeallabouttheWayoftheSkyandhowwonderfulitis.

Rightnowyou’relearningthewayofBraden.”

Andwhatafinelessonitwas.Elisareluctantlyleftthetightpokeofhisnippletostrokedowntohisabs,
sotightandsmooth.Hisnavelwasasmoothindentation,andshelingeredthere,notdaringtomove
downwardanymore.

“Ifyouweredevelopedinanincubator,whydoyouhaveanavel?”sheasked.

Bradenlaughedagain.“Sowe’dlookmorehuman,ofcourse.”Helacedhisfingersthroughhersandled
herhandfirmlytohiscock.

Elisasuckedinherbreath.She’dnevertouchedapenisbefore,hadneverevenseenoneoutsideofan
anatomytext.Andthenithadbeencross-sectionedtoshowtheinnerworkings.Notveryappealing.

Braden’speniswashotandhard,hisskinsatinsmoothandstretchedtight.

Definitelyappealing.Hisbreathcamefasterassheskimmedherfingersdownit,touchinginwonder.

“You’reaquicklearner,”hesaid.“Doyoudoresearch,mylibrarian?”

“I’vereadplentyaboutanatomy.”Butthiswasdifferentfromclinicaldrawingsandholopics.Ohmy,yes.

“Ifyouknowsomuchaboutanatomy,tellmewhatyou’retouchingrightnow.”

“Yourshaft.Andthisisthehead.”Elisafoundtheskinstretchedtighttheretoobuttheheaditselfalittle

springy,softerfleshthanshe’dimagined.Elisahadpicturedpenisestoberamrodhard,likesteel,madeto
penetratethetightcorridorofawoman.

“Yep,that’sthehead.”Braden’swordsdiedintoagroan.“Youcancallitwhatyouwant,darlin’.The
cap,theflange,thetip,thepurplehelmetofthewarrior,whatever.

Orthebestone—thethingIwanttoputinmymouth.”56

Braden

Shedrewherhandaway.“Mouth?”

Bradenguidedherbacktohiscock,whichfelthotternow.“Thisisn’tworking.

Please,I’mdyinghere.Listentomebeggingforyou.”Elisasmiled.“Youfeelalivetome.”

“Baby,you’vebeentorturingmesincethedayyoulookedatmeoveryourdeskandaskedifyoucould
helpme.I’vebeencravingyou,yourscent,yourtaste,yourtouch.Goddess,don’tstop.”

Braden’sentirebodywasrigid,hiseyesclosed,hisfacetightunderthelightsthathadrisentoilluminate
them.Elisa’sbloodfelthot,heropeningwet.

“AmIhurtingyou?”sheasked.

“Hellno.I’msorry,sweetheart.Ican’t…”Hebrokeoffandgroaned.Bradenfittedherfingersaroundthe
shaftandpulledherhanduphispenis.“Likethat.Keepdoingthat.”

Heletgo,andElisastrokedbyherself.Thehothardnessinherhandexcitedher,andshelovedhowhis
tipbumpedherpalm.Bradenrolledoverontohisbackonthebigbedandproppeduponhiselbows,
lettinghergettoallofhim.

Hewasbeautifulintheartificiallight,amanstretchedoutforherpleasure,starknakedonhersheets.
Elisaadjustedherselfsoherboundarmwouldn’tpullher,andcontinued.Braden’shipscameupasshe
pumped,hisheadwentback.

“I’msorry.I’msosorryaboutthis,sweetheart.”Whywasheapologizing?Thiswasfun.Elisaexplored
hiscockwithallcuriosity.

Hestoppedtryingtoguideherandsimplylaytherewithhisheadback,facesofteninginecstasy.

Whatpower.Tomakethishugemanwithhisfoot-longerectiontametohertouchwasexciting.

“Doyoulikethat?”sheaskedassheranherfingertipsaroundthebase.

“Hell.”

“Ibelieveyoudo.”Bravely,Elisadippedherhandtohisballs,whichshefoundtightliketherestofhim.

“Fuck,”hewhispered.

Elisatickledhisballswithherfingertipsthengraspedhisshaftagain.Therewasnothingtobeafraidof.
Warmman,skinandsweat,sohuman.Shebrushedherthumbacrosshistip,startledtofindmoisture
there.

“Areyou…”Shegropedforawordandcouldn’tfindone.Ejaculatingsoundedsoclinical.

“Coming?Notyet.”Heopenedhiseyes,Shareembluefillingthem.“Verysoon.

Keepgoing,baby,please.”

Elisasweptsomeofthemoisturefromhistipdowntheshaft,likinghoweventhatlittlewetness
lubricatedthings.Sheunderstoodnowwhypeopleusedoils—oilwould57

AllysonJames

makehimsoslickthatherhandwouldglideupanddownwithalmostnofriction.Elisacouldstrokehim
andpumphimasfastandhardasshecould.Shewantedto.

“Didyoubringanyoilwithyou?”sheasked,eagertoexperiment.

“Shit.”Hewaspanting.

“Iwanttousesome.”

“I’mtheDom,sweetheart.You’resupposedtoobeyme.”

“Butitwouldbefun.”

Bradenbrokeherholdtorolloverandreachtoherbedsidetable,wherehe’dleftavalise.Inseconds,he
wasbackinposition,hispenisstandingstraightup,abottleinhishand.Heworkedoutthestopperand
moreorlessdumpedoilontothebaseofhisshaft.Hejammedthestopperbackonandthebottlerolled
away,sealedtight.

Elisasmiledhappily.ShesmoothedtheoilontohimwhileBradenlaybackagain,weightonhiselbows,
watchingher.

Shewasright.Theoilmadeeverythingsmoothandslick,easytomaneuver.Thiswasn’tfrighteningatall.
BradenspreadhislegsandElisasmearedtheoilalloverhispenis,downbeneathhisballs.

Thiswascrazy.BradenlovedhowElisasmiledathim,herfacesweetasshestroked.Herbreasts
brushedthesilkofhernightdress,hangingunfetteredagainstthethinfabric.Itwasallhecoulddonotto
ripoffthenightdress,rollheroverandfuckheruntiltheywerebothscreaming.

Slowly.Shedidn’tunderstand,yet.

Butdamn,shehadamagictouch.Fingersteasing,sometimesbarelyskimminghisflesh,sometimes
grippinghiscockhard.Shehadnocluewhatshewasdoing,andshewasunpracticed,butwhothehell
cared?

Elisa’ssmilewidenedassheworkedhim.Awomanlovingherpower.Anddamnit,Braden,level-three
Dom,commanderofladies,laythereandtookit.

Fuck,hewasgoingtocome.Hewasgoingtocome,andcomerightintoElisa’shands.Hewantedto.He
alsowantedtobeinsideher,breakingfree,feelinghertightandhotaroundhim.

“Squeeze,”hegrated.“Squeezehard.”

“Likethis?”

Warm,firmgrip.Slideofhand.Shylookfrombeautifuleyes.Amancouldfallinlovewithher.

Awaveofcrazedwantingcrashedoverhim.Bradenheardhisshout,felthisbodyfocusononebeautiful
point.Her.

Hishipsleftthebed.Elisapulledback,startled,asropesofcomeburstoutofhim.

Bradenswiftlygrabbedherbytheshouldersandpushedherdownontothesheets,wrappingherhand
aroundhimagain.Hepumpedhiships,wishingtothegodshewereinsideher,buthertighthandwould
havetodo.

Braden

Bradenfuckedherhand,kissingherface.Herlipstastedgood,sodidherskin,herbeautifulbodysmelled
sodamngood.

Bradenkeptkissingher,smilingintothekisses,lovingthesmileshegaveback.

“Mylibrarian,”hesaid.“Youaresodamnbeautiful.Lookwhatyou’vedonetoyourShareem.”

Elisalookedupathimwithwarmbrowneyes,notunderstanding.Itdidn’tmatter.

ThelastofBraden’scomewashedoutofhim,buthekeptonmovinginherhand,moresatisfiedthanhe’d
beeninalong,longtime.

ElisalaystillunderBraden’sbody,wonderinghowitcouldfeelsogoodtohaveanotherpersonontopof
her.Hebracedhimselftokeephisweightfromhurtingher,butthestrengthineverymusclewasdizzying.

Braden’sskinwasslickwithsweat,andsweatbeadedonhisfaceaswell.Hekissedher,slow,hot,
open-mouthedkisses.

NootherhumanhadeverkissedElisalikethis.Onedidn’tneedtouchesofthefleshtoshowaffection.

Somanythingsshe’dgrownupbelievingwerebeingprovedwrongbyadecadent,forbiddenShareem.A
beingwhohadbeenmadeforsexalone.

Braden’sbreathscaldedherskin.Thesmileheslantedher,thelookfromhishalf-closedeyes,toldher

thattouchesofthefleshcouldbeawonderfulthing.

“Thatwasn’tsupposedtohappen,”hesaid.

“Itwasn’t?Ithoughtpenisesdidthat.”

Braden’sbrowsflickeredinsurprise,andthenhelaughed.“Youaresodamnprecious.Yes,penises—
cocks—dothat.You’renotallowedtosaypenistherestofthetimeI’mhere.Ifyourefertoit,it’sacock.
Gotit?”

“Notapurple-helmetedwarrior?”

Hebitherchin.“Littlevixen.”

Elisatouchedhisface,andheturnedhisheadandkissedherpalm.“Whydidyousaythatwasn’t
supposedtohappen?”sheasked.“Ilikedit.”

“BecauseI’malevel-threeShareem.BecauseIcameheretoteachyoupleasure.Youtouchmeandallof
asudden,I’mtheslave.Irolledoverandbeggedforyou.It’ssupposedtobetheotherwayaround.”

“ButIhiredyou.”

“ShareemareinferioreveryotherplaceinBorNarga.Butinawoman’sbedroom,I’mthemaster.Don’t
youforgetit.”

“Itwasfun.”

“Fun.”Bradenshookhishead.“IrememberCalder’swomencomingoutofhisplace,barelyabletowalk.
Theyweresosexuallysatisfiedandsowiggedoutatthesametimethatsomeofthemcouldn’ttalk.Now
me,Iprefertoleaveawomanlaughing,butatthesametime,Iwantthemtiedupinknotsandbeggingme
tobesweettothem.

AllysonJames

Iwantthemtowantmespankingtheirbeautifulassesandthenthankingmeforit.Butyou…”Braden
claspedherwristandbroughtittojointheboundone.“Ilookatyouandwantyoutouchingme.”

“Idon’tmind.”

“ButIdo.”Bradenpressedasoftkisstoherupperlip.“Wemadeamessinhere.

Timetogetcleanedup.”

Withasimpletwistheunlockedthemanacle,carefullyreleasingherhand.Herfingerstingledabit,but
themanaclehadn’tpinched.

Bradenkissedherastheysatup,hisstronghandfurrowingherhair.

Thenherippedhernightgownfromhershoulders.

Elisagasped,andBradenstoodupanddeftlyslidthegownfromherbody.Hewaddeditinhishandsand
tosseditaside.“Wedon’tneedthisanymore.Up.”Elisascrambledoffthebed.Bradenquicklystripped
offthesheetsandfoundherlaundrychute,throwingsheetsandnightgownintoit.Thenheliftedhernude
bodyintohisarmsandcarriedherintothebathroom.

Elisahadabathtubintherethatsheusedformeditation.Mosthouseshaddoneawaywithwaterexcept
fordrinking,usingthemoreefficientsonicandothernon-liquidmethodsofcleaning.Watershowerswere
forthelowerclasses.

Butwaterwasalsousedforcalmingeffectsandmeditation.Fountains,watergardensandbathtubswere
soothingonthesensesandcleansedtheemotions.Elisaoftenlayinhertubatnight,watchingthestars
abovethetransparentceiling.

Shehadtoadmitthatshedidn’tthinkasmuchaboutspiritualityassheought.Mostofthetimeshebasked
inthebeautyofthenightandthesensualslideofwateronherbody.

Thatsensualitycouldn’tcomparewiththefeelofBradensloshingthembothdownintothetubtosether
onthebench.

“Aprivatepool,”hesaid.“Gods,thericharedecadent.”

“It’sformeditation.”

“Sureitis.”

Elisalayback,halffloating,thehotwatertinglingonherskin.Bradensatdownnexttoher,histhigh
firmlyagainsthers.

“Thetubreallyisformeditation,”Elisasaid.

“Tonight,it’sforgettingyouclean.Afterthat,I’mgoingtofeastonyou.”

“Feastonme?”Shewonderedwhathemeantbythatandlookedforwardtofindingout.

Helookedsosensualwithhisskinslickwithwater,moistureonhislashes.Bradenhadapresence,
dominatingeverythingintheroomtheminutehewalkedintoit.Nomeditationtechniquecouldeverblot
himout.

“That’swhatIsaid,love.Feastonyou.”

Braden

Bradenmoveduntilhestraddledheronthebench,kneesoneithersideofher.Heloweredhisheadand
lickedherneck,drawinghistongueacrossherthroat.

Elisa’sheadwentback,andhekeptlicking,slow,lightstrokesacrossherskin.

Bradenslidhishandstoherwaist,liftedheralittle,andkeptonlicking.Downherchestuntilhishot,wet
tonguewasbetweenherbreasts.Elisa’shandstoletohishair,lovingtheheavysilkofit.

Bradenlickedslowly,drawingouteachstroke.Heturnedhisheadandmovedtoherbreastwiththesame
leisurelycare,untilhistongueflickedthepointofhernipple.

Firerippedthroughherbody.Elisamoaned.Bradensmiledashekeptuptheplay,teasingandlicking,
circlingwithhistongue,untilhernipplestoodupinatight,hotpeak.

“Beautiful,”Bradenwhispered.Heclosedhisteethoverthenipple,agentlebite.

Elisaarchedback,wantinghimtotakemoreofitinhismouth.

“Youhavefinebreasts,”hesaid,blowinggentlyonherareola.“I’dloveyoutohaveasmallringon
each.”Hetouchedhistonguetoeachpointagain.“Agoldchainstretchingbetweenthem.”

Achain?“Whatfor?”

Bradenloopedhisfingeraroundanimaginarychainanddrewittowardhim.“Tokeepyouclose.”

Herheartthundered.Sheimaginedafinechain,likeanecklacebutdippingbetweenhernipples,little
ringsthroughthetautpeaks.Thatimageshouldbringthoughtsofpain,butinstead,herfemaleplaces
squeezed.

Bradenwouldtughertohimwiththechain,hiseyeshot,andthenhe’dstartlickingher,ashedidnow.

Bradenmovedtotheothernipple,repeatingtheteasingdancewithhistongue.Henibbledalittlethen
begantosuckle.Hiseyesclosed,blacklasheswetonhisskin,mouthworking.Thesightofhimdrawing
herbreastintohismouthmadehercrazy.

Whenheliftedhisheadfartoosoon,Elisagroanedindisappointment.“More?”sheasked.

“Maybelater.”

Shewantedtowhimper.Hismouthwassoskilled,sofine,andshefeltsowickedandwildwhenhe
suckedher.Andfree.

BradenputhandsonElisa’swaistandscoopedherfartheroutofthewater.Herhipsrestedonthelipof
thesunkentub,themarblecoldonherbackside.

Hesmiledupather,blueeyeswicked,andthenhespreadherlegs.

Elisalookeddownatthemanbetweenherlegs,herheartpoundinguntilshecouldn’tbreathe.Hiseyes
weresoblue,theirisesbetrayingthathewassodifferentfromanythingshe’deverknown.

“DoyouknowwhatI’mgoingtodonow?”heasked.

AllysonJames

“No.”

“Thisisthefeastingpart.”

Buthe’ddoneit,hadn’the?He’dcertainlyfeastedonherbreasts.Notnearlylongenough.

Bradenlickedhernavel,andshejumped.“Thattickles!”

“Good.”Bradenpressedmorekissestoherbelly,slantedheranotherwickedsmile,andplantedakisson
herlowerabdomen,rightabovehermons.Helicked,andheatstreakedupElisa’sbody.

“Wemighthavetoshaveyou.”

“Why?”Thewordcameoutagasp.

“Becauseitwouldbefun.”Bradenbrushedtwofingersdownheropening.“AndbecauseI’dliketosee
youbare.”

Shewasgoingtodie.Braden’sfingersbrushedagain,andthenhewasloweringhishead,kissingthehair
hewantedtoshave.

Hepressedherthighsfartherapartandkissedherrightontopofherclit.Elisajumped,moaned,andthen
closedhereyes.

“That’sit,mylove.Youliebackandenjoyit.”ThemarblewashardunderherbuttocksbutElisabarely
feltthediscomfort.HerawarenesswastakenupwithBraden,hishardhandsonherinnerthighs,his
sandpaperwhiskersscrapingherskinasheloweredhishead.Thenhelicked.

Feastonyou.

Heflickedhistongueoverherclitthendrewitacrossheropening,hiswettonguemeetingthemoisture
alreadythere.Hefastenedhismouthoverherclitandsuckled.

Goddesshelpme.

Hewasdevouringher.Ashehadatherbreasts,Bradenclosedhiseyes,mouthworkingashedrankher.
Hesuckledandlicked,nippedandpulled,suckledsomemore.

She’dneverfeltlikethisinherlife.WhenBradenhadwhisperedthosenaughtythingstoherinthebar,
Elisa’sbodyhadcomeopenandshe’dlostallcontrol.Butthatfeelingwasnothingcomparedtowhatshe
feltnow.

Tongueandteeth,nipping,licking,sucking,gloriousfriction.Hismouthwashotanddark,scraping,and
shewantedmoreandmoreandmore.

Elisaopenedherlegs,frantic,liftedherfeetandtwinedthemaroundhisback.

Braden’smagictonguekeptmoving,lickingmoltenheatintoher,tonguebumpingthewallsofhersheath.
Hewaseatingher,drinkingher,takingallthatshewas.

Aboveherthestarsflowedagainstblackness,sheandBradenaloneinthisshelteredworld.Hercorewas
hot,herjuicesflowingintoBraden’smouth.Shewantedhimtodrinkherdry,totakeasmuchashecould.

Braden

Wavesofgiddyhappinesssweptheraway,yetthetub’slipwasstillhardunderherback.Bradenheldher
steadily,hishandsstrong,hismouthstronger.

Elisawasshouting,hipsrisingtohismouth,Bradenfusedtoher.Hedrankanddrank,fingershardpoints
onherthighs.Hercriesrangtothestars,whichabsorbedhervoiceandsentitback.Happinessshe’d
neverknowninherlifestreamedintoherandElisacameinanexplosionofjoy.

Bradendrankherlikeamadman.Shewasdrowninginhim,andshedidn’tcare.

Shecouldfeelnothingbuthim,hismouth,hishands,hisbreathandtongueinsideher.

Thensuddenlyhisbeautifulmouthwasgone,coldairrushingtoreplacetheheat.

Beforeshecouldcryoutindisappointment,Bradenwasontopofher,hislarge,wetbodyholdingher
down.

Elisa’slegswerestillspread,andshefeltsomethingimpossiblylarge,hot,bluntandbeautifulslideafew
inchesinsideher.

AllysonJames

ChapterNine

No.No,no,no.Notyet.

Elisawasn’treadyforfullsex.Bradenwasn’treadyforhertobeready.Therewassomuchmoreshehad
todofirst.

Buthisbodyhadtakenover,madehimrollontopofherandslipinside.Hecouldn’tbelievehe’d
stoppedhimselfpartwayinsteadofshovinghimselfallthewayin.

“Gods,youaresodamntight,”hewhispered.“BeautifulElisa.”Elisagazedupathim,fullytrusting,her
faceflushedwithhercoming.Shewaswetandtightand,damn,sofuckingslick.

Bradenbarelyhadtomovetofeelherclampingdownaroundhim.Herfingersdrifteddownhisback,her
breathsweetonhisface.

Elisaliftedherheadandkissedhismouth.Bradenstartedtoresist—don’tkissuntiltheveryendand
thenmakethemsorrytoseeyougo.Shareemruleonehundredandtwenty-sevenorsomething.

Screwthat.

Bradenkissedherback,lickingandnippingherlips.Shesmiled,andhelickedheragain.

Elisathreadedhandsthroughhishair,kissinghimbacklightly,herlipsclosed.Shehadnoideahowto
kiss.Whydidthatdelighthim?

Hekissedheragain,thistimelickingacrosshermouth,makingherlipspart.

Bradenscrapedhistongueintohermouth,tastingher,showingherhowtotastehimback.

Hermouthslidhesitantlyacrosshis,tonguesjusttouching,Elisacatchingon.Shestartedlickinginsidehis
mouth,slowlyatfirst,thenwithbolderstrokes.Bradenmethertongue,tastingthesweetnessofher.

Anotherkiss,anothersweepintohermouth,andhiscockinchedinsideher.

Elisawasfeelingit.Hereyeshalfclosed,herlipspartedinpleasure.Bradenwasstretchingher,
wideningherlittlebylittle.Herpussywasopeningforhimthesameashermouth.

Hedidn’twanttohurther.IfBradengaveinandpumpedinsideherwiththeintensityhewantedright
now,hemighthurther.Shewasavirgin,evenifshe’dhadherhymenremovedwhenshecameofage,as
allBorNarganwomendid.ButElisawasnowherenearreadyforaShareem.

Braden’shearthammeredinexcitement.Hewasthefirst.

Braden

Hewantedtobetheonly.

“Youaretoodamnsweet.Ican’tdothistoyou.”Elisasmiled.Herbare,wetfoottraveleduphisleg.
“It’swhatIaskedfor.”

“Youhadnoideawhatyouwereasking.Ishouldgetoutofyou,dootherthings,getyoureadytotakeallI
havetogiveyou.”

“Why?”Alanguidstrokedownhisback,herfingernailsjustscratching.“Ilikethis.”

Yeah,why?Bradenwasneveroneforfollowingtherules.Whythehellcouldn’thesimplyenjoybeing
insideabeautifulwoman?Tomakelovetoherandloveit?

Bradenlethissmilegosinful.“Youlikeit,doyou?”Shenoddedslowly,awomandeepinpleasure.

“Naughtylibrarian.”

Elisasmiled.

Thesmileundidhim.Shewasn’tawomansmilingbecauseshewasbeingscrewedandenjoyingit.She
wassmilingathim,atBraden.

“Gods.”Bradenthrusthiships,hisstroketakinghimallthewayin.

Elisadrewasharpbreath,herbrowneyeswidening.

Hestopped.“AmIhurtingyou?”

“Notexactly.”Elisa’seyesclosed.“Braden.”Bradenlaystill,resistingtheurgetodriveinside.Elisa
wasnewtothis,unabletocontrolherreaction.Hersheathwasalreadypulsingaroundhim,herbeautiful
pussywantinghiscock.

Elisakeptstrokinghisback,movementslanguid,andhercreamwethiscock.Itwassohot,hercome,so
fuckinghot.Bradenhadneverbeensowarmandhappyinhislife.

“Damnit,”hewhispered.“Damnyou.”

Hetriedtofighthisownbuildup,buthemightaswellhavetriedtostopasandstormwithhisoutstretched
hands.

HishipsmovedandElisacriedout,archinguptohim.Bradenmether,thrusting,tryingtocontrolitsohe
didn’thurther.Hewantedhersobaditwaskillinghim,buthecouldn’thurther.Never,ever.

Elisa’scriesturnedtoshoutsthenscreamsofjoy.Braden’sshoutsmingledwithhers.Thentheybothwere
moaning,sweating,movingtogetherinperfectrhythm.

Inandout,backandforth,Elisa’sfingersclampingdownonhisbuttocks.Herheadwentback,eyesdark,
lipsparted,hipsrocking.Bradenkissedher,strokedher,fuckedher,repeatinghername.Helovedher
name.

Elisa.

“Elisa!”

AllysonJames

Hisseedshotoutofhim,andElisa’sbodydraggeditin.Sheheldhimsohard,herpussyallwetandslick
andhot,swallowinghim.

Bradenrodeherforalong,longtimewhilehecame,clingingtothatdark,wildfeelingofecstasyinside
her.Perfectfreedom.

Theycrashedatthesametime—together—falling,pantingandgasping,backagainstthemarbletile.

Itwasgood.Toofucking,fuckinggood.

SofuckinggoodBradenwantedtostayinsideherfortherestofhislife.

*****

“Naughtylibrarian.”

Bradenlaynexttoheronthemarblefloor,hissinfulsmileinplace,hishandwarmonherbelly.Elisafelt
stretched,opened,scouredandhot.Itfeltodd.Andgood.

BluestillfilledBraden’seyes.“Sohowdoesitfeelnottobecelibateanymore?”Shetriedasmile.
“Temporarilynotcelibate.”

“Whatever.”

“Itfeelswonderful.”ElisatouchedBraden’sfaceandpainflickeredthroughhiseyes.“You’rewonderful,
Braden.”

Thepainvanishedinaninstant,andElisawasn’tcertainshe’dtrulyseenit.

“Naughtylibrarianswhobreaktheirvowsshouldbespanked.Especiallynaughtylibrarianswhoaren’t
supposedtolikecocksintheirpussies.”

“Spanked?”Herheartsqueezed,andsodidthepussyinquestion.

“I’mlevelthree,darling.It’spartofthepackage.”

“ButIlikedthatsomuch.”

“Iknow.You’renotsupposedtolikeit.You’resupposedtowearrobesandmeditateandthinkaboutnon-
sex.”

“Non-sex?”Shelaughed.“Istheresuchaword?”

“You’dknow,mylibrarian.It’syourjobtoknow.”

“I’lllookituptomorrow.”

“Goodgirl.Now,turnoversweetie.Timetoteachyouwho’sDomaroundhere.”BeforeElisacouldform
ananswer,heclippedthesoft-linedmanaclearoundherrightwrist.Hersecondwristfollowed,andhe
boundherhandstogetherinfrontofher.

ThenheliftedElisa’shandsaboveherheadandrolledheroverinthesamemove.

Elisafoundherselffacedownonthecoolmarble,herhandsstretchedaboveher,onefootdanglingintothe
warmwater.Thehardstoneunderherfeltstrangelygoodagainstherhotpussy.Shewriggled,lettingouta
softsighatthefrictiononherclit.

“That’sit,love.You’relearningyourbody,andwhatyoulike.”66

Braden

Elisawriggledsomemore,rubbing,enjoyingit.

Braden’sheavyhandonherbuttocksstoppedher.“I’llgoeasyonyou,”hesaid.

“Fornow.”

Easy?

Whenthefirststingingslaplandedacrossherbackside,Elisajumped.Herbodycurvedagainstthe
marble,herclitburning.

Secondspank.Itstungyetdidn’t,hottinglesradiatingthroughherskin.

Braden’shandwaslarge,strong,andthethirdspankwasharder.Elisasquirmed,wantingmore.

Hesoothedherburningskinwithacaress,thestrokeeasingherandsendingherintoawarm,contented
state.She’dreadthatShareemcouldcalmwithatouch,butshehadn’tquitebelievedit.

Shebelieveditnow.Bradensmoothedhispalmacrossherbuttocks—thensurprisedherwithfivemore
spanks.

Shegasped,andhecaressed.

“Sweetlittleass,”hesaid.“Socuteandred.Iwanttofuckit.ButIwon’t.Notyet.”What?

“Soon,though.”Braden’shandssmoothedherskinwhileherhandsdugatthemarble.Shewantedtoreach
forhim,andnotbeingabletobothfrustratedandexcitedher.

“Soon?”sheasked.

“Prettysoon.”Anotherspank,anothercaress.“I’llbringoutallmygear.I’lllayyouoverpillows,and
spankyouuntilyou’repinkandhot,andthenI’lllubeyouupniceandgoupyourass.You’llfeelfulland
sodamngoodyou’llwonderwhyyouneverdiditbefore.”

Elisaneverheardofsuchathing.Eveninherresearchonsex,shehadseenitconfinedtomanand
woman,penisandvagina.Nolicking,nofeasting,nomanacles,nospankinganddefinitelynoasses.

“Breaktime’sover.”

Braden’svoicewasdark,sinful.

“Whatdoyou—”

ShebrokeoffwithacryasBraden’shandcamedownonherbackside,thespankingincreasing.Elisa
squirmedagainstthetile,thehardstonerubbingherclitandhertightnipples.

Incredibly,shefeltthewavesofclimaxreachingforher,herbodylovingthecontrastbetweenthehard
floorandBraden’spunishment.Braden’swarmskin,thestingofhispalm,thesmoothcoolnessunderher,
hisbreathonherbackside—allconspiredtosendheroverthetop.

AllysonJames

Elisapressedherhandsflat,bumpingagainstthetile,herclitsohot,herasstinglingwithfire.Shetriedto
pullherhandsapartandcouldn’t,andmoanedwithfrustration.

Asherclimaxhithard,shefeltBradenlaydownoverher,holdingherinhiswarmembrace.Hislaughter
filledherears,hishotbreathtouchedherfaceandhisslowkissonhercheekmadeeverythingperfect.

*****

BradenlookeddownatElisa,peacefullyasleepinthesunshinepoolingonherbed,anddidn’twantto
leave.

Shelaywithherheadcradledononearm,herlightbrownhairsnakingacrossthepillow,herface
flushed.Thethinsheetwouldkeepherwarminhernestwhilesheslepttheexhaustedsleepofafterglow.

Thesunfilteredthroughthetreesinhershieldedgarden,announcingthatmorninghadarrived.Timetogo.

Damnit.

Bradenhadthoughthisfriends—Rees,Rio,Calder,Rylan—crazyforfixingononewomanandone
womanonly.He’dthoughtcrazytherisksthey’dtakentostaywiththeirladies.Heenviedthem,yes,but
hehadn’treallyunderstood.

Nowhedidunderstand.He’driskthingstobewithElisa—healreadywas.

Butwhy,whydidhehavetofindenlightenmentwitharegisteredcelibatewhowasonlytakingBradenfor
atestdrive?

Bradendumpedhisgearinhisbagandshruggedonhistunic.Heshouldgo,forgether,moveontothenext
honeywhowantedhim.

BradenleaneddownandkissedElisa’scheek.He’dneverforgether,andheknewit.

Hequietlylefttheroom,pulledonhissun-blockingrobesandslippedoutofthehouse.Shareemknew
howtoleaveawoman’shousediscreetly,sothatneighborsandpatrollersneversawthem.

Bradenmovedthroughalleysandemergednearthetrainstationseveralstreetslowerdownthehill.
Skulkingthroughthebackstreetspissedhimoff,buthe’ddoittoprotectElisa.

Wouldn’titbesweet,hethoughtashepunchedhisticketandwalkedtothetrainplatform,tobewelcomed
atthefrontdoor,tostayalldayandallnight,tonothavetomeethercovertly?Tonothavetohide?Ever?

TobeabletowalkopenlywithElisa,tovisitherwhenhewanted—hell,tomoveinwithher—wouldbe
bliss.

Fuckallthis.Bradeneyedapatrollerwanderingtheplatform,lookingfortrouble.

Hisangerboiledover.

Braden

He’ddoublehisefforttohelpReesgetthemthehelloutofthere.They’dgotowhateverplanetthat
wasn’tBorNargawithitsfucked-uprestrictions,andBradenwouldneverhavetoleavetheladyhe
wantedasleepwhilehecreptfromherhouse.

HavingElisatouchhim,andheher,hadn’tbeenenough.Bradenwantedmore.Hewantedher.He’dget
hertorunawayfromBorNargawithhim,evenifhehadtohaulherontothetransportoverhisshoulder.
Withhishandonherass.Thatwouldbesweet.

ThepatrollerglancedathimasthoughsensingBradencontemplatingthekidnappingofahighborn
celibate.Bradenlongedtogiveherthefingerbutresisted.Hewouldn’tbeabletohelpReesfrominsidea
cell,andbesides,histrainwascoming.

*****

“Justin,tellmeaboutthatplanetyoulivedon.”BradenpausedfromshovelinginhisbreakfastwhenJustin
cameoutofhisbedroom.

Bradenhadstoppedinthemarketandboughtafeastonthewayhome—aShareemhadtokeepuphis
strength.Justinsatdownintheotherchairandhelpedhimselftoajuicypeach.

“SiriusIII?”

“Yeah.TheywelcomedShareem?”

Justinbitintothepeach.“Iwouldn’tsaywelcomedwithopenarms.Butit’snotillegalforShareemtobe
Shareemthere.Theyweren’tthrilledthatDNAmohadsoldmetoaSiriunwoman,andshewasorderedto
releasemewhenwereachedtheplanet.Justaswell.Shewasatotalbitch.”

“I’dliketogothere.”

Justinwipedpeachjuicefromhismouth.“SiriusIIIisnotthepromisedland.Youhavetoworkyourass
offtostayalive.Andnosellingyourservicesforwhatyoudobest.Sexisfreebetweenequalpartners,no
sextradeofanykindallowed.They’rehardonanythingthatdoesn’tsmackofconsentingadults.Like
deadlyhard.Likeyouwouldn’tsurviveyourarrest.”

Bradenshrugged.“I’mallaboutconsentingadults.Themoreconsentingthebetter.”

“I’mjustsayingyou’dhavetogetoffyourlazyassanddorealwork.”Bradenpushedawayhisempty
plate.“Idon’tmind.”

“Howareyoufiguringonleaving?”Justinasked.“IgotoutbecausesomeonegaveDNAmomoney,stuck
meonacargoshipandblastedmeout.Nexttothelivestock,Ishouldadd,whichstunklikehell.I’llnever
forgetthatsmell.ButShareemcan’tjustbuyatickettoSiriusIII.”

“I’mworkingonthatpart.”

AllysonJames

BradenwishedhecouldfocusbuthekeptseeingElisa’seyeshalfclosing,herfacesofteningasshe
experiencedpleasurefortheveryfirsttime.Thankyou,Braden,she’dsaid.Herlibrarianvoicewove
aroundhissenses,takingawayallpain,allloneliness.

JustinwavedhishandinfrontofBraden’sface.“Youstillhere?”

“You’refunny.Ihadagoodnight.”

“Obviously.”

“Youhavetotellmewhythehellyoucamebackhere,”Bradensaid.“Imean,whofor?”

“Whyisthatyourbusiness?”

“I’mcurious.IhavetomeettheladywhocouldmakeaShareemrunbacktoBorNarga.Eithershe’sone
hellofawoman,oryou’resocrazyyoushouldbeonheavymedsfortherestofyoursorrylife.”

Justintosseddownthepeachpit.“OK,Bradenmyfriend.Ifyouwanttoknowsobad,I’llshowyou.”

“Showme?”

“Yeah,youactuallyhavetogetupoffyourassandwalk.Allright?”Bradenwipedhismouthandleftthe
tablewithrenewedenergy.Strangewhatcuriositycouldmakeamando.

Ofcourse,rightnow,BradenneededanythingtodistracthimfromthinkingaboutElisa,thewomanhe
couldneverhave.Hegrabbedhissun-blockingrobesandleftwithJustin.

Noneedtocleanupthedirtydishesfirst.They’dstillbetherewhentheygotback.

*****

JustinledBradentoapartofthecitycalledtheVistara.Itsatonthewesternslopesofthehilltoppedby
theSerestineQuarter.Itwasn’tasprestigiousastheSerestine,butnevertrytoexplainthattoanyonefrom
theVistara.

TheVistarahousedpeoplewho’dworkedhardfortheirmoney,atlastrewardingthemselveswithanice
houseonthehill,afewservants,finetransport.Theirchildrenwenttoschoolsthatmingledthemwiththe
Serestines,andsomeofthosekidsendedupmarryingintothehighbornfamilies.

MostordinarypeopleofthemetropolisaspiredtotheVistara.TheSerestineQuarterwasattainableonly
bybeingbornintoorabsorbedbyoneofthegreatfamilies,thed’Arothsbeingthepinnacleofthose
families.ButanyladycouldliveontheVistaraifsheworkedhardenoughandwasluckyenough.

Bradenhadneverlikedthedistrict.Ohsure,hecouldgoforhavingabighousewithcoolroomsand
wateranytimeyouwantedit,shieldedgardensandfancyhovercars.Butwhenpeoplemovedtothe
Vistara,somethinghappenedtothem.They70

Braden

suddenlybecameimpossiblesnobsandclosedranksagainstanyonebelowthem,eventheirbestfriends
fromtheirhardworkingdays.

OnceontheVistara,nooneevenwantedtolookatPasCity.Theviewsfromthehousesalwaysfaced
north,todistantdesertratherthanthestickycitybelow.

Theywouldn’tlookatPasCity,Bradenfigured,becausetheyfearedtheycouldfallrightbackdownthere
iftheirluckchanged.Andtheywereright.

IftheSerestineQuarterbarelytoleratedShareem,theVistaradidn’tlikethematall.

Highbornwomen,itwasunderstoodthoughnottalkedabout,sometimesdabbledintheforbidden,like
pleasuredrugsfromoff-worldorShareem.

Vistarawomen,ontheotherhand,consideredthemselvesthemostmorallyuprightonBorNarga.Nothing
soiledthem.Vistarawomenwerethemostheavilyrobedandcloselyveiled,andonlytheirfamilyand
dearestfriendssawwhatwasunderallthecovers.

Justaswell,BradenthoughtasheandJustinemergedfromthetrain.Thoseveilsprobablyconcealed
facessobitterandsunkinthemselvesthatshriveledpruneswouldbemoreattractive.

Whiletheministrieswererunbyhighbornwomen,Vistarawomenfilledthelowerranks.Theywere
determinedtomakeBorNargathemostpristinecityintheuniverse.

IfonlythosepeskymillionsintheslumsofPasCityweren’ttheretodragthemdown.

Patrollerseyedthetwomensharplyastheyleftthetrainstation,butBradenandJustinpulledfoldsof

theirrobesaroundtheirheads,asignalthattheyweren’tlookingforfemalecompany.Evenso,one
patrollerbrokefromherpackandfollowedthemastheystrolledleisurelydownapublicstreet.

“YoucamebackforawomanfromtheVistara?”Bradenaskedastheywalked.“Isweartothegods,I’m
startingyouonthosemeds.”

“Patience.Thinkwecanditchthepatroller?”

“AreweShareem?”

Themainshoppingboulevardswerealreadyfilling,thoughthesunhadbeenuponlyafewhours.People
intheVistarawereearlyrisers.

StreetvendorsexisteduphereastheydidinPasCity,thoughheretheyweremorelikelytosellfine
fabrics,expensivefruitandthemostup-to-dategadgetsthatnobodyneeded.Awningsoverheadkeptthe
areacoolandmanyofthevendorshadheat-shieldingaroundtheirbooths.

BradenandJustinstrolledalong,lookingatthegoods,thepatrollertryingtobeinconspicuousbehind
them.

Asthestreetbecamemorecrowded,BradenandJustindriftedapart,forcingthepatrollertochoose
whichofthemtofollow.Bradenwovearoundbooths,backandforthacrossthestreet,andthenplunged
downanalleytotakearoundaboutroutebacktotheshoppingboulevard.

AllysonJames

Bythetimeheemergedintothevendor-linedboulevardagain,ahostofpeople,mostlywomen,were
betweenhimandthepatroller.Thepatrollerscannedthecrowdinirritation,obviouslyhavinglostsight
ofbothBradenandJustin.

Bradensteppedintotheshadowsbetweentwobooths,suckingonaflavoredice-stickhe’dboughtwhile
heroamed.Atthisdistance,hemightpassforapamperedVistarahusbandidlingawayhistimewhilehis
wifewasattheoffice.

Thepatrollerlookedupanddownforawhilelongerthengaveupandwalkedbacktowardthetrain
station,herstrideangry.

BradenspiedJustinbendingoveravendor’scartalittlewayupthestreet.Hefinishedhisiceandpushed
thestickintoarecyclingbinasheheadedforJustin.

JustinlookedupfromadisplayofhandhelddevicesShareemweren’tallowedtobuyasBraden
approached.Justingavethewomanbehindtheboothawarmsmile,andsheblushedandactuallysmiled
back.Shemustnothavebeenfromaroundthere.

“Nother,isit?”Bradenaskedastheywalkedawaytogether.

“Who?”Justinglancedback.“No,notthevendor.Ijustliketosmileatwomen.It’sinstinct.”

Bradenhadthesameinstinct.“Sowhereisshe?”

“Calmdown.Almostthere.”

Bradenstrolledalong,tryingnottofeelstifledbytheperfectbuildingsandperfecthousesand
immaculatelycleanstreetsoftheVistara.Hedecidedhelikedsand-scouredalleysandtatteredawnings
andbrusquefruitsellerswhoactuallyletShareembuythings.Reallife.

JustingrabbedBraden’swristandjerkedhimintoatoo-cleanalleybetweenbuildings.Justinwasgazing
intentlyatacaféacrossthestreet,onewithseatingonthewalkwayinfrontofit.Notmanysatatthose
tables,butalargewindowshowedthattheinteriorofthecaféwasfilledwithmorningcaffeine-seekers.

“Secondtablefromtheleft,”Justinsaid.“Rose-coloredrobes.”Therobesinquestionshimmeredasthe
wearermoved.Becauseshewasinside,theladyhadremovedherconcealingfaceveil,herheadstill
framedwithtranslucentsilkfabricthecolorofpinkroses.

ThewomanwasmuchyoungerthanBradenhadexpected,earlytwenties.Maybejustfinishedwith
university,maybestillthere.Afewcurlsoflightbrownhairtrickledaroundherveilassheleaned
forwardtodelicatelysiphercoffee.

Shewasprettyinanunselfconsciousway,talkingandlaughingwithherfriendsbecauseshelikedto.If
Bradenhadn’talreadyfoundElisa,he’dbetemptedtobeguilethisoneintobed.PrettyVistaraladies
neededpleasuretoo.

“Verynice,”Bradensaidwithadmiration.

Justinnodded,notsayingaword.

Braden

Bradenglancedbackatthewomanagain,themysterynotsolved.Sure,shewasprettyandanimatedand
lookedasthoughshemightbefuninthesack,butwasshewonderfulenoughtomeritareturntoBor
Narga?

Justinhadlivedanormallifeinaplacethathadacknowledgedhimashuman.HereonBorNarga,he
riskedarrestfortheslightestoffense,realorimagined,andtermination,everysingleday.

Somethingdidn’ttrack.

Justin’sgazewasstillrivetedtothecafé.Whoevertheyoungwomanwas,she’dknockedJustinonhis
ass.

“So,myfriend,”Bradensaid.“Whyareyoulettingmeseeher?Toshowheroff?Ordidyouwanta
threesomeandcouldn’tthinkofabetterShareemtohaveitwith?”Bradenhadbeenjoking,butthelast
wordwasbarelyoutofhismouthbeforeBradenfoundhimselfagainstthewall,Justin’shandhardagainst
histhroat.

“Don’tyoueventhinkabouttouchingher.Ever.”

“Whoa.”Bradenliftedhishands.“Igetit.Thelady’syours—”HisbreathcutoffasJustinsqueezed
harder.

“She’snot…”

AbruptlyJustinreleasedhim,asthoughtheoomphhadgoneoutofhim.

Bradenfingeredhisthroat,watchingJustininsurprise.“Wherethehelldidyoumeetthislady?On
Sirius?”

Justinshookhishead,eyesfilledwithpain.“She’sneverbeenoffBorNarga.”

“Thenwhen?Atthatage,shewouldn’thavebeenbornbeforeyougotshippedout.

Justbeforeyouleftatmost.”

JustinlookedatBradenagain,andwhatwasinhiseyesmadeBraden’smouthgodry.

“Whatareyousaying?”Bradenasked.“That’snotpossible.Youknowit’snotpossible.”

“Itispossible,myfriend.”Justinloweredhisvoicetoawhisper,mindfulthattheVistarahadmore
surveillancepersquarefootthandidanyotherpartofthecity.“HernameisSybellie,andshe’smy
daughter.”

AllysonJames

ChapterTen

Bradenlookedinshockatthegirlsittingsohappilywithherfriendsinthecafé.Shelaughedandtalked
likeanycarefreeyoungwomanwhohadenoughmoneytoshoptheboulevardsoftheVistaraandthenstop
forcoffeewithfriends.

QuestionspouredintoBraden’shead—Howthehell?Areyousure?Howisthatpossible?—buthekept
hismouthclosed.

Talkingaboutitherewouldbeabadidea.Notellingwhenapatrollerwouldpopuporhowwellthis
alleywasmonitored.EvenShareemstaringatawomanfortoolongwouldlandinthecells.

JustinlookedatSybelliewithakindofhungrylonging,amixtureofsorrowandhappiness.Heclearly
didn’twanttoleavebutwhenBradennudgedhim,henodded,knowingtheycouldn’tstay.

Withonelastlook,JustinledBradenouttothemainstreetagain.

Theydidn’tspeakallthewaybacktothetrainstation.Bradendidn’tevenhavethehearttowaveatthe
patrollerthey’dditched,whoglaredatthemastheysteppedontotheshieldedplatform.

BradenandJustindidn’ttalkduringthehalf-hourtrainridebackdowntoPasCity.

There,theywalkedoutofthestationandheadeddirectlytoJudith’sbar.Onceinside,Bradenclaimedhis
usualcornertable,orderedtwoglassesofJudith’sbestaleandpaidforthemhimself.

Thisearly,heandJustinweretheonlyShareemhere—Shareemlikedtosleepin.

Mitchwasthere,andJudith’sattentionwasallforhim.

“Explanationtime,”Bradensaidinalowvoice.Hepausedtotakeadrinkoffortifyingale.“Whenyou
say‘daughter’,whatexactlydoyoumean?ThatDNAmotookasamplefromyouandmixeditwithhuman
DNAtoproduceachildforarichcouple?”

“No.”

Thebluntsyllableexplainedmorethanwholeparagraphs.“Butwe’resterile,”Bradensaid.“That’s
what’sbeenpoundedintomyheadmywholelife.Createdsterile,pumpedwithdrugstomakesurewe
staythatway.”

“Iguessitdidn’tworkwithme.”

Justin’squietconvictionmadeBraden’sworldspin.Hetookanothersipofale.

“Who’shermother?”

“Oneoftheguineapigs.”

Braden

“Guineapigs”werewhatShareemhadcalledthewomenwhotookjobswithDNAmoforsex
experimentswithShareem.Thesewomensignedallkindsofformssayingtheygavefullconsenttobe
usedforthispurposeandwerepaidahandsomefeeinreturn.Working-classwomenweremostlikelyto
answerDNAmo’sads,welcomingtheextramoney,whilemiddleclassandhighbornshunnedit.Butit
wasn’tprostitution,theDNAmoadministratorsinsisted.Itwasscience.

ThewomenweremostlyusedtokeepShareemcalm,becauseShareemneededdailysexualactivityin
ordernottogoinsaneordie.Theyalsoparticipatedinexperimentstoseewhatkindsofthingsthe
scientistscouldprogramShareemtodo.

NoemotionalconnectionhadbeenallowedbetweenShareemandtheguineapigs.

Thewomenwererotatedfrequently,andthemomenttheresearcherssuspectedaguineapigwasgrowing
toofondofherShareem,shewasremovedfromhissectionorletgoaltogether.

BothShareemandthewomenhadlearnedtokeepanyemotionaltiessecret.WhenDNAmoshutdownand
theShareemescaped,afewmetupwithwhateverguineapigthey’dformedabondwithandwereableto
getoffplanetwiththembeforetheorderwasgiventorounduptheShareem.

JustinhadbeenshippedofftoSiriusIIItwoyearsbeforeDNAmohadshutdown.

“Whichguineapig?”Bradenasked.

“Lillian.”

Bradenthoughtbutcouldn’tplaceher.“Idon’tthinkIknewher.”

“Shewasn’tinyoursection.Shewouldn’tagreetogopastleveltwo.Whenshetoldmethatshewas
pregnant,Itoldhertoquitandgetout.Ifthey’dfoundout…”Justintrailedoff.

“Yeah,Icanimagine.”

IftheDNAmoscientistshadfoundoutthatLilliancarriedaShareembaby,they’dhaveeitherridherof
thechildordoneexperimentsonitandher—probablyboth.Evenifthechildhadsurvived,onceDNAmo
shutdown,thegovernmentwouldhavehuntedherdownthesameastheyhadShareem.Shewouldn’thave
hadachance.

“WhathappenedtoLillian?”Bradenasked.

Justinstudiedhisaleglass.“Shehadthechild,obviously.ShecarriedSybellieherselfinsteadofusingan
artificialincubator,notunusualforaworking-classwoman.

Thatkepttoomanydoctorsandtechsawayfromthebaby.WhenSybelliewasborn,Lillianmanagedto
getamessagetomeonSirius—toldmeshe’dhadadaughterandthatshe’dgivenherupforadoption.A
richfamilyontheVistarahadtakenher.Lilliandidn’texplainwhyshehadn’tkepther,butIcanimagine.
Lillianhadnomoney,andquestionswouldcomeupaboutwhothefatherwas—youknowhowthe
ministriesare.

Idon’tknowwhoLilliantoldpeoplehewas.Shemusthavemadeupsomething,maybesaidhewasan
off-worlder.”

“YoucouldfindLillianandaskher.”

AllysonJames

Justinranhisfingersalonghischilledglass.“Lillian’sgone.I’velookedforher,butthere’snorecord.
She’seitherdeadoroffplanet.”

“Howcantherebenorecordofher?ThisisBorNarga,hometothemostrecord-happypeopleinthe
universe.”

Justinshrugged.“Shecouldhavesmuggledherselfout.Changedhername.Idon’tknow.Shedroppedout
ofsight.Maybeshethoughtitwouldbesaferforherdaughterifsheleft,andshewasprobablyright.
Lillian,shewasasweetperson.Theself-sacrificingtype,alwaysconcernedwiththewelfareofothers
beforeherself.”

“Thenhowdidyoufindyourdaughter?”

“Records.”JustingaveBradenafaintsmile.“Keptbytherecord-happyBorNargans.Ilookedup
adoptionsontheVistarainthedatabaseofMinistryofChildrenandFamilies.”

“Because,hey,theyletShareemsearchthatallthetime.”Justin’ssmilegrewstronger.“Iwouldn’tsay
theyletme.Let’sjustsayIgotaccess.

Therearen’tmanyadoptionsdoneontheVistara—they’resnobbierthanthehighbornsaboutbloodlines.
ButIfoundtheadoptionrecorddatedaboutthetimeLilliangotthemessagetome.AndwhenIsaw
Sybellieintheflesh,Iknewshewastheone.She’sthespittingimageofLillian.”Hislookturnedfond.

“Nottobeapainintheass,”Bradensaidslowly,“butareyousureyou’rethefather?”

Justindidn’tlookoffended.“Lilliancouldhaveliedtome,youmean?Ithoughtofthat.Butwhatwouldit
benefithertotellmeI’dgottenherpregnant?Shehadtoquitherjob,andlostincomebecauseofit—they
paidtheguineapigsprettywell.IfthefatherwasanotherShareem,whatwouldLilliangainbytellingme
Sybelliewasmine?Icouldn’tdoanymoreforherthananyotherShareemcould—Icouldn’thelpherat
all.

NeitherofushadanyideaatthetimethatI’dbesenttoSiriusIII,andwhenIwas,Iwascutofffromall
communicationswithdearoldBorNarga.Lillianhadnoobligationtotellmeanything,noobligationto
getwordtomewhenSybelliewasborn.Shetoldmetobefairtome,becausesheknewI’dwantto
know.”

“Shecouldhavebeenmistaken.”

Justinshookhishead.“TheMinistrydatabasehadrecordoftheexactminuteofSybellie’sbirth.Icounted
backward.Gestationperiods,evenwhenthewomancarriesthebabyherself,areexact.ThescienceBor

Nargaissofondofhasmadesureofthat.

Ninemonths,thekidscomeoutwhethertheywanttoornot.TheweekSybelliewasconceived,Lillian
hadbeenwithmetwenty-fourseven.”Hesmiledinremembrance.“Itwasonehellofaweek.”

Bradensatbackandblewouthisbreath.WhatJustinhadjusttoldhimwouldchangetheworld.

IftheBorNargangovernmentdiscoveredthatShareemseedwasviable,whatwouldtheydo?Roundup
allShareemtoensurenoseedevergotout?

Braden

AndwhatthehellwouldtheydoiftheyfoundoutthatyoungSybelliehadbeenfatheredbyahated
Shareem?

BradenthoughtofSybellie’sprettyfaceintherose-coloredveils,theywayshe’dchattedsohappilywith
herfriends.Herhappyfuturewasfinishinguniversityandmovingontoaprofession,takingahusband,
planningforchildren.MovingintoherownhouseontheVistara,browsingthemarkettofindtheperfect
decorations.Aneasylife,onewithoutfearandstrain.

ButnotifherfatherwereShareem.

IfSybelliewerefoundtocarryShareemDNA,herlifewouldbecomehell.Atbestshe’dbeexiled,but
mostlikelyshe’dbeexperimentedonoreventerminatedanddissected.Herinnocencewouldberipped
fromherinoneswiftstroke.

Thiswasdangerous,dangerousknowledge.

Bradenglancedaroundbutthebarwasstillempty.Hedidn’tfearlisteningdevices,becauseJudithswept
theplaceforthemeverydayandremovedthem,andthepatrollersseemedtohavegivenupputtingthem
there.GottiredofhearingtheflushofJudith’swastedisposer,Bradenfigured.

“DoesSybellieknowanyofthis?”Bradenasked.

“Gods,no.I’msureshe’sbeenbroughtuptodespiseShareem—ifsheevenknowsweexist.”

“Thenifyoucan’ttalktoher,ifshewillneverevenknowaboutyou—whydidyoucomeback?”

“Toseeher.”Justin’sfacesoftened.“Ijustwantedtoseeher.”ThepaininhisShareem-blueeyesproved
theliethatShareemcouldfeelnoemotion.

Bradentookanothergulpofale.“Sowhatareyougoingtodo?”

“Idon’tknow.”

“Youknowyoucan’tleaveBorNargaagain.Yougaveupyourwholelifeforthechanceofafew
glimpsesofyourdaughterfromacrossastreet?”

“Yep.”

BeforeBradenhadmetElisa,he’dhavethoughtJustininsane.ButnowBradenfeltasharptugoflonging.
Tobebondedtosomeonelikethat,evenifhecouldneverhaveher,wouldbesweet,somethingtoholdon
to.Forever.

BradenthoughtofthetasteofElisa’scheekashekissedhergoodbyebeforeslippingaway.Wouldhegive
upeverythinginhislifejusttobeabletolookatherfromacrossastreet?

Damnitall.Iwould.

Iwould.

Howinthenameofallthegodsdidthishappentome?

AllysonJames

*****

BradenleftJustin,whosaidhewantedtolinger,andwentbackhome.HenoddedpolitelytoKamile,the
womanwhoranthefruitshopacrossthestreet,andkeyedopenthedoor,troublingthoughtschasing
throughhishead.

Shareemwerebredtofuck,notthink.Theproblemwas,Shareemnowhadtoomuchtimetothink,andit
hurt,stirringtheemotionstheyweren’tsupposedtohave.

Bradenstrippedtohisloinclothandloungedbackonhissofa,swinginghismonitoraroundtotapin
Elisa’scallnumber.“Hey,sweetheart,”hesaid.

Elisa’sfacefilledthescreen,sleepy,hairmussed.Sheblinked.“Braden.Whereareyou?”

“Home.”

“Ithought…Whydidn’tyoustaywithmethismorning?”Hegaveherasmile,asthoughhehadn’tbeen
shockedoutofhismindbyJustin’srevelation.“Tomakeyouaskmeback,”hesaid.

Thiswasthemomentoftruth.Bradentensed,atrickleofsweatrunningdownhisback.Wouldshewant
more,ordecidetoenditrighthere?WouldtheycontinuethegameanotherdayorwouldBradenneversee
heragain?

Didn’tmatterthatBradenwaslevelthree.Elisawasincharge,andheknewit.

Elisawetherlips,thatsexygesturehealreadyloved.“Willyoucomeback?”sheasked.

“Thatdidn’tsoundveryenthusiastic,sweetheart.MorelikeaskingifIfeltlikegoingforawalk.”

Elisaflushed.Shelookedsosweetandbeddable.“Braden,Iwouldlikeyoutocomebacktomyhouse.”

Good,good,good.

“Ineedmorethanthat,darling.”Damn,thissucked.Heknewhowtomakewomenbegforhim—hewas
anexpert—sowhywashenowworriedaboutpushingElisatoohard?Whatwashe,agentleDom?

Elisa’sblushdeepenedbutsodidtheneedinhereyes.“Pleasecomeback,Braden.”

“I’llconsiderit.”

Elisa’smouthbecamearoundO.“But—Ihiredyou.”Bradencuttheconnection.Itkilledhimtodoit,but
thiswasthegame.Thewomanhadtowanthim.Shehadtomakeherselfbelievethefictionthatthe
Shareemwasincontrol—ofallherneedsandhersexualsatisfaction.

Hisconsolesoftlychimed.Bradenletitforamoment,letherpanic,thinkinghewouldn’tanswer.

“Whatisit,sweetthing?”heaskedwhenheturneditbackon.

“Whathappened?Whydidwecutoff?”

Braden

“Icutyouoff,love.Ihavesomerules.Idon’twanttohearanytalkabouthiring.IchoosewhoIgoto,and
that’sfinal.Allright?”

“Oh.”Sheblushed,butasparkenteredhereye.Good,shewasn’ttheeasilycowedtype.“Ibegyour
pardon,Ididn’tmeantooffendyou.”Wasn’tsheprecious?

“YoubegmetoreturnandI’llconsiderit.ThenyouthankthegodsI’mnotlikeCalder.Heneverletalady
inasecondtime.Ever.”

“ButIdon’twanttobewithCalder.Iwanttobewithyou.”Damnit,shewasbreakinghisheart,and
Bradendidn’twanthisheartbreaking.

“Isaid,I’llconsiderit,”Bradensaid,pretendingtosoundhardass.“Thistime,Ibringacollar.”

“Collar?Whatfor?”

“Tokeepyouclosetome,sweetheart.Andotherthings.”Curiosityglowedinhereyes,buthesawthat
Elisawastoopolitetoletonshewasinterested.He’dhavetochangethat.

“Braden,”shesaid.“Pleasecomeback.”

Asaplea,itwasn’tmuchgood.Shedidn’tsounddesperatebutBradensawwhatwasinhereyes.She
wantedthis,neededit.

Andforsomereason,herquiet,“Pleasecomeback,”caughtathimfarmorethanthelastlittleoff-worlder
onherkneesscreaming,“Braden,please,please!Ineedyou.”

“Braden?”

Bradenflashedherasmile.“I’mthinkingaboutit,love.”

“No,Imean,issomethingwrong?Youlook…troubled.”Troubled?WhattroublesdidBradenhave?
Yeah,well,maybehe’djustfoundoutthatJustinhadcomebacktoBorNargalookingforhisdaughter,
forthegods’sake,openingawholenewcanofwormsforShareem.

Justinprovedtheyweren’tnaturallysterile.SowhatwouldhappenifBradenmissedhisshots?Wouldhis
seedimpregnatethefirstwomanhewaswith—maybethebeautifuloneonhisvidscreenrightnow?Or
wouldittakeawhilefortheeffectstowearoff?Orhadtheinoculationsdonepermanentdamage?

OrwasJustinanaberration,afailedexperiment?

“Braden?Iseverythingallright?”Elisa’svoiceradiatedconcern.Sweetthing.

Bradengaveheratightsmile.“Justwonderinghowlongitwilltakemetoseeyouagain.”

HeknewthatElisaknewhewashedgingthetruth.Herexpressiontoldhimso.Sheknewsomethingwas
wrongbutshewasn’tgoingtopushit,notonanopenchannel,maythegodsblessher.

“Verywell,”Elisasaid.“I’llwait.”Shequicklytappedthebuttontobreakthecall.

AllysonJames

Bradenblewouthisbreathandtouchedthescreenwhereherfacehadbeen.Thiswasgettingbad,and
gettingbadfast.

*****

Elisastoppedatthesingingsphereinthehallandtouchedit.

Itsbeautifulnotessangout,fillingthehalllikemusicalsunshine.

“Legendssaythatthecrystalsusedtobealive,”adeepmalevoicesaidinherear.

“Eonsago,beforehumanseverlandedhere.Thentheywentdark,andnowonlythebestartistsknowthe
secretofhowtomakethemliveagain.”ElisatriedtoturnaroundbutBraden’shardarmskeptherpinned.
Herheartbeatswiftly,andthedelightthathe’dcometohermatchedthebeautyofthemusic.

Bradenwenton,“Iliketothinkaboutthatsometimes.Thecrystalsinsidethecaves,litup,eachringing
withadifferentnotebutworkinginharmony.Itmusthavebeenbeautiful.”

“It’sbeautifulnow,”Elisasaid.

BradenkissedthebackofherneckthenElisafeltsomethingsupplebutstrongencircleherthroat.

ChapterEleven

Shelookedsofuckinggood.Hersimpledress,herhairpulledintoaknotandtheslimbandaroundher
throatmadeafinepicture.Thechainwhisperedwhenshemoved.Sosatisfying.

Hewantedtoleanherintothewall,stripoffherclothesandslideinsideherrightnow.Bradenneeded
that.

Butheknewheneededtogoslowlywithher.Levelthreedidn’tmeandivingintorawsexwhetherthe
ladylikeditornot.Levelthreemeanttakingcareofhislover,givingherwhatsheneeded.Sometimesshe
neededithardandfast,sometimeseasyandslow.

Bradenrubbedhiscockbetweenherbuttocks,thefrictionniceeventhroughlayersofclothing.

“Takethisoff.”Bradenundidthecatchthatheldhersheathinplace.

Elisaslidthefabricfromhershoulderswithoutaskingquestions.Thatlittleactofobediencemadehis
heartbeatfaster.

“Andthis.”

Bradentouchedtheunderwearthathuggedherhipsevenashepressedakisstoherbareback.

Thatmadeherhesitate,butfinallyElisaunfastenedthemandletthemfall.Bradenranhishanddownher
front,easingfingersacrossherclit.Wet…verywet.

“Youstaybareforme,”hesaid.“UntilIsay.”

Elisanodded,herstancetense.Bradenwrappedthechainaroundhishandandpulledhergentlybackinto
him.Hekissedherneck,givingitlittlelicksupanddown.

WhileElisaclosedhereyes,relaxing,Bradenflickedherclit,thenpartedhisfingersanddrewthem
downeithersideofheropening.

Herubbedthewiryhairbetweenherlegs.“Ineedtoshaveyou.”Hereyespoppedopen.“Why?”

“Itoldyoulasttime.Shareemliketheirladiesbare.Didn’tyouknowthat?”

“Thatwasn’tinanydatabaseaboutyou.Icheckedespecially.”Bradenchuckled.Whatacute,sassy
mouth.Heneededtokissit.

Bradenpulledonthechainuntilshetiltedherheadback.Heleaneddownandbitherlowerlipthen
movedhismouthoverhers.

Beautiful,warmkiss.Elisahadlearnedhowtodothisbynow,andhertongueflickedupintohismouth.
Bradensuckleditinhardlittlestrokes,andshetriedtosucklehisback,thelittlesweetheart.

AllysonJames

Bradenexploredwithhistonguethendroppedkissesaroundhermouth.Henibbledonherlipsalittle
beforeplunginghistonguebetweenthemagain.Hertonguemethis,Braden’sstrokingandswirlingaround
it,lickingallofhermouth.

Whenhefinallypulledaway,herlipswereredandslightlyswollen,hereyeshalf-closed.Elisareached
forhimagainbutBradenusedthechaintopullherawayfromhim.Shemadeanoiseoffrustration.

“Don’twanttogetyoutoorawtooquick,”hesaid.“We’regoingtodoalotmore,don’tworry.”

“Braden.”Elisa’seyesheldeagerness.“I’vedecidedthatIwanttosuckyourcock.”Braden’sheart
missedabeatthenstartedbangingawayagain.“Whoa,baby.It’smewhogivesthecommands.”

“Iwishtolearnwhatitfeelsliketohaveyouinmymouth.”Iwishtolearn.Ohgods,shewasgoingto
killhim.

“Mylibrarian,youareimpossiblysweet.”

“Ijustwantedyoutoknow,”shesaid.“Incase.”Helovedlookingathereyes,watchingthegreenflecks.
Bradenleanedforwardandeasedhereyesclosedwithkisses,lovingthefeelofherlashesonhislips.

“Allright,love.Ifthat’swhatyouwant.”

“It’swhatIwant,”shewhispered.

Bradenkissedher.“Asyouliketosay,verywell.”Itwasallkindsofwell.Bradendrewhistunicoff
overhishead,threwittothefloor,unfastenedhisloinclothandletitfall.Hiscockstuckstraightout,
happytobefree.

“Kneel,”hesaid.

Elisa’seyeswidened.“Righthere?”

Braden’shandtightenedonherchain.“Yes,here.Inthefronthall.Now.”Beforeshecouldrespondhe
usedthechaintogentlyeasehertoherknees.Withhisotherhandhebrushedthesingingsphere,makingit
shimmerwithlovelymusic.

Elisastudiedthecockinfrontofher,theintensityofhergazemakingBraden’sentirebodytighten.Then
sheleanedforwardandsoftlyblewonhiscock.

Gods,wherehadshelearnedthat?

Next,shelickedthetip.Fuck.

“Suckit,baby,”Bradensaid.“Putyourmoutharounditandsuckhard.Suckforallyou’reworth.”

Elisalickedthetipagain,ignoringhim.“Youtastegood.”

“Youaresoaskingforaspanking.”

Sheslantedhimalittlesmile.“Maybe.”

Braden

Braden’scockjerked.Shewaslearning,yesshewas.Soonshe’dbeacute,sassylittlesub,deliberately
disobeyinghimanddaringhimtodisciplineher.Hecouldn’twait.

“Suck,”hesaid.

Elisakissedhistiponemoretime.Thensheopenedhermouthanddrewhimdeeplyinside.

Elisawasrightabouthowhe’dtaste.Beautiful.

Shehadtoopenhermouthaswideasshecouldtoaccommodatehim.Braden’scockwasheavyonher
tongue,thetipbumpingtheroofofhermouth.

Itfeltstrange,thislargethinginsideher,butshewiggledhertongueontheunderside,lovingthesaltytaste
ofhisskin.Bradengroanedwhenshedidthat,andElisa’sjoysurged.

Shewrappedherlipsmoretightlyaroundtheshaftandgaveanexperimentalsuck.

ThesoftnoiseBradenmadeencouragedher.Shemustbedoingitright.Shesuckledsomemore,likingthe
strangesensationofhisslickbutfirmflesh.

Elisapulledhermouthfromaroundhimandlickedherwaydownhisshaft.Thecocknudgedherfaceas
shewent,Braden’shandrigidonthechain.

“Youshavedyourself,”shesaid,studyingthebareskinatthebaseofhiscock.Sheblewasoftbreathon
hisballs,hisscrotumalsobareofhair.

“Thebetterforyoutoreachme,darlin’.”

Elisasnakedhertongueunderhisballsandlicked.Shehadnoideawhatshewasdoing,butBraden’s
reactionstoldherhowtoproceed.Helikedherblowingonhim,likedhertonguerubbingbetweenhis
balls,likedthelittlenibblesonhisstaff.Bestofall,helikedbeingfullyinhermouth.

Shelovedthetaste,thefeel,thesmellofhim.Sheknewshecouldn’thavethiswonderfulmaninherlife
forever,soshedeterminedtoenjoyBradentohisfullwhileshecould.

Hewascertainlyfull.Elisaclosedhermouthoverhiscockagainandsuckledhimwhilesheplayedwith
hisballswithherfingers.Helikedthattoo.

Bradenstrokedherhair,movinghishipsalittleasshelickedandexplored.Hestillhadholdofthechain,
andthoughhedidn’tpullit,shecouldfeelhimthroughthecollar,aconnectionbetweenherselfandhim.

Thiswaswhyhe’dfeastedonher,sherealizedasshegrippedhishipsandwenton.

Havinghimfillhermouth,tastingeverypartofhim,feelinghimreacttowhatshedidwaswonderful.

Herockedfaster,hiscockmovinginhermouth.

“Sweetlibrarian,”hesaid.“Gods,you’regood.You’refuckinggood.”Bradenthreadedahandthrough
herhairashearchedtoher.Itwasheady,havingthisbigman—aShareemnoless—reactingtowhatshe
didtohim.

AllysonJames

Elisatracedhertonguearoundhishead,lovingtheridgeoftheflange,thelittleslitinthetip.Shecould
onlytakesomuchinhermouth,andherfingersfoundthelargerendofhisshaft,thehottightnessofhis
balls.

Thechainclinkedinhishand.Hesmelledsaltyandhot,tastedofsweatandmusk.

Hiscockwassohardinhermouth,yetthetipwassmoothagainsthertongue.Theballsweretightenough
thatshecouldringthemwithherfingers.

Bradengroaned.Themusicofthesingingspheresoundedagain—Bradenhadtouchedit.

Shefelthiscomingbegin,smallpulsesinhisballs,therockofhiships.

“No,”hemoaned.“Damnit,notyet.Ohshit.”Hotcreamsuddenlyfloodedhermouth.Elisacheckedher
instincttopullawayandrelaxed,lettingtheliquidfillher.Whenshecouldtakenomore,sheswallowed,
enjoyingthesmooth,slightlysaltytasteofhim.

Thecreamkeptcoming,thickandhot.Bradencalledherallkindsofdirtynameswhileshesuckedhim
down,andElisatingledwithexcitement.

Afterthelasthadtrickledin,Elisaswallowedanddrewback.Shesmiledupathim,wipingherlips.

Bradenbracedhimselfonthewall,hishandstillclenchedaroundthechain.Hiseyeswerehalf-closed,
hisfaceflushed,hisbreathingragged.

HehelpedElisatoherfeet,andthenBradenclosedhisarmsaroundher,pullingheragainsthissweat-
slickedbody.

Theystayedtogetherlikethat,skintoskin,warmthtowarmth,armsaroundeachother,whilethenotesof
thesingingspherefloatedandsangthenwhisperedawayintonothing.

*****

Bradenhadbroughtashaverwithhim.“Onthebed,”hesaid,afterhe’dledherupstairs,holdingthechain
alltheway.“Legsspread.”Elisalaydownonherbed,thesheetscoolonherback.Shespreadherlegs

forhim,thechainfromthecollarsnakingbetweenherbreasts.Bradenturnedontheshaver,whichmadea
pleasantbuzzingnoise.

“Willthishurt?”sheasked.

Bradenclickedofftheshaverandlookedatherinimpatience.“WhatdidItellyou,sweetheart,about
trustingme?”

“Thenitwon’thurt?”

Bradenthunkedtheshavertothebedsidetable.“Turnover.”

“Why?Iwasonlyasking.”

Bradentookupthechain.“Isaid,turnover.”

Braden

Elisasuckedinabreathandrolledoveronthebed.Shequivered,waiting,butallBradendidwascaress
herbuttockswithhiswarmhand.Sheclosedhereyes,enjoying.

Hegaveherfourswiftspanks.Elisaheldinhersquealuntilheleaneddownandbither.

Hedidn’tcommandhertorollbackagain,hesimplysteppedbackandwaited.

Elisaturnedfaceupagain,pretendingshe’dlearnedherlesson,andresumedherpositionwithlegs
spread.Bradenclickedontheshaver,smoothedherhairwithhisfingers,andtouchedtheshavertoher
mons.

Thehaircameawaywithoutpullingorpinching.Elisamovedastheshaverworked,thevibrationfeeling
good.

Bradenfinished,clickedofftheshaverandsmoothedlotionoverherpussy.Shewriggledherhips,her
skinwarmingathistouch.

“You’repretty,”Bradensaid.“Allbareforme.”Heleaneddown,kissingwhathe’djustshaved.His
breathcaressedherclit.

“WhyisitbetterifI’mbare?Itrustyou,”shesaidquickly.“I’mjustcurious.”

“SamereasonIshavedmyselfforyou.Nothingbetweenyouandme.”

“Ilikedhowitfelt.”

Bradendroppedslowkissesonherclitandnuzzledhiswaydowntoheropening.

“Youlikedtheshaver’svibrations.”Helickedher,makinganoiseofsatisfactionwhenhefoundherwet.

“Yes,Idid.”Warm,sweet,tingling,muchlikewhenhespankedher.

Histonguewasslow,hot,rakingsensationsthroughher.Sheliftedtohim,wantinghistongue,wanting
himtodrinkherashe’ddoneinthetub.

“Ihavesomethingforyou,”hewhispered.

Hegaveheronelastkissonherpussythensatup.ElisawatchedtheplayofnakedmuscleasBraden
reachedtotakeasmalldevicefromhisbag.Hisskinshonewithsweat,hisdarklashesflickingashe
lookedfromthedevicetoher.

Hetouchedaswitch,andthethingbuzzedliketheshaver.

BradensentherasmileofsuchwickedintensitythatElisawenthotallover.Bradencouldstunsomeone
attenpaceswiththatsmile.

Shefeltadelicatetouchonherclitthentheheadysensationofvibrations.Elisa’sbodyroseinstinctively
towardthefeelingasBradensmoothedthedeviceoverthepussyhe’djustshaved.

Hissmilewidened,andheslidthevibratorinsideher.

Awidelipkeptthedevicefromgoingallthewayin,lettingitrestsnuglyagainstheropening.Inside,it
movedwithasteadyhum,buzzingherwalls,feelingsowickedandwarm.

Bradenkeptsmiling.Hedidn’ttouchher,hesimplywatched,eyessoblue,likingwhathesaw.

AllysonJames

Thelittlevibratorkeptupitssteadyhum,drivinghercrazy.“Iwantyouinsideme,Braden.Please?”

“Mmm.Notyet.”

“Whynot?Thismakesmewantyousomuch.Please,Braden.”Heleanedforward,hiswarmthsliding
aroundher.“Notyet.”Elisawriggledherhips.Thevibratorpulsedatarapid,evenbeat,makingher
wanttosqueezeitandpullitdeeperinsideher.SheknewshewantedtopullBradeninsideinstead,buthe
onlywatchedher,hisveryerectcocktellingherhewasexcitedtoo.

“Please?”

“No,baby.”

“Whynot?”Elisawhimpered.“I’mdyingforyou.”Braden’slipsbrushedhercheek.“You’renotdying
formeenough.Youhavealittlewhiletogo.”

“No,please,Braden.”

Helickedhercheek.“Ilovelisteningtoyoubeg.”

“ButIneedyou.”

“Iknowexactlywhatyouneed,darlin’.Youhavetotrustme.”Elisatriedtoarguebutthewordsthat
cameoutofhermouthwereincoherent—

soundsoflonging.Bradenkissedthelipsthatbeggedforhimwhilethevibrationsinsidehertookoverall
feeling.

Sheknewnothingbutthewarm,pulsingsensation,theslow,hotlicksofBraden’stongue.Shewascrying
andpanting,beggingandgroaning.

Bradencuppedherbreasts,thumbsteasinghernipples,thenhelickedhiswaydownandtookanipple
betweenhisteeth.Shelovedhowhisteethscrapedthesensitivepoint,andevenmorehowheopenedhis
mouthandsuckedherin.

Shewasdying,anditwasallblissandriversofheat.Theleathercollarwasabandofwarmth,thechain
coolagainstherhotskin.Hernipplesandclitweresotight,swollen,andhercreamwascoating
everything.

ElisafeltBraden’shand,hardandstrong,slidedownherabdomen.Heclosedhisfingersaroundthe
vibratoranddrewitout,butbeforeshecouldgaspherdisappointment,Bradenmovedhisbodyoverhers
andslidhimselfinside.

Elisashoutedforthejoyofit.Braden’ssmilewasbeatific.Hefilledherandspreadherasheclosedhis
eyes,hisgroanheartfelt.

“You’redamntight,”hewhispered.“Sweetlibrarian,sowetandtightforme.”Elisacollapsedintodark
feeling,wherenothingexistedbutheronthisbedandBradenontopofher.Heopenedhiseyestowatch
her,hisfaceflushed,eyeshotblue.

Heglidedinandout,beautifulsensations.Hardandfast,bodyagainstbody,skinheatingskin.Elisa’s
climaxsurged,built,brokeandsurgedagain.Hiscockwassodeepinsideherthatshethoughtthey’d
nevercomeapart.

Braden

“Thisiswhatyoudotome,baby,”hesaid.“Youmakemeloseallcontrol.”Hethrewhisheadback,eyes
squeezingshut,buthekeptpumping,slidingintoandoutofher,untilshecouldfeelnothingelse.

“Damnyou,”Bradenwhispered,buthesmiledagainsthermouthashesaidit.

“Damnyouformakingmefeellikethis.”

Hekissedhermouth,hislipswarm,tonguecaressing,andElisa’sheartthrummedwithjoy.

*****

“Turnover.”

Elisa’sbeautifuleyesjerkedopen.Thewindowswerestilldark,nighttakingoverthecity.

She’dbeensleepingwhileBradenwatchedher,feelingsomethingtearinhisheart.

ThechainwhisperedasElisaobedientlyrolledover.Bradengrabbedasmallpillowandsliditunderher
hips,whichliftedherbuttnicely.

“Areyougoingtospankmeagain?”Elisaasked.“IthoughtIdideverythingyouaskedmeto.”

“Oh,youdid,sugar.Youdidjustfine.”Bradencaressedherbuttocks,likingthesatin-smoothfeelofthem.
“Thisisforsomethingelse.”Bradentookuphisscentedlubeandtrickleditbetweenhercheeks.Elisa
jumpedatthecoolsensationandsqueezedherbuttockstogether.

“Whatisthat?”

“Thismakesyouslicksonothinghurts,”Bradensaid.“ThenIrubyousoyourelaxalittle.”

“Umm.”

Shesoundedrelaxedalready.Bradenkissedherbuttcheekashegentlypressedhisfingeraroundtherim
ofheranus.Sherubbedherselfalittleonthepillow,hummingasitmassagedherclit.

Bradenliftedthetinyplughe’dbroughtwithhim,lubeditwell,andveryslowlysliditintoher.

Elisagaspedwhenshefeltthehardpressureatheranus.Herpussyandbuttocksclenched.

“Relax,baby.Iwon’tletithurtyou.”

Slowly,Elisamadeherbodyobeyher.Hermusclesloosened,andwhateverBradentouchedtoherslid
inside.

Itwasastrangesensation.Theplugwasrigidandyetgiving,herbodywantingtobothejectitanddrawit
intoher.Shewriggled,herclitandnipplesenjoyingthefrictionofthepillowandsheets.

AllysonJames

Bradenstretchedoutbesideheronthebigbed,hisbodylongandwarm.“Thisistogetyouusedtohaving
somethinginsideyou,”hesaid.“SothatwhenIfinallytakeyouthere,itwon’thurt.”

“Hmm.”Shefeltstretchedandfullandcomplete.

“Ilikewhenyousmileatme.Doyoutrustme?”

“Yes.”

Bradenstrokedherhair.“Mylibrarian.Iwanttodothisinyourlibrary,withyouass-upacrossyour

desk.”

Elisaclosedhereyes.Heneededtostopputtingfantasiesinherhead.Shecouldn’tlookupattheatrium
railinginthelibrarynowwithoutrememberingthevisionshe’dspunofher—naked,playingwithherself
whilehewatched,strippedanderectfrombelow.

“I’dlovetotakeyoulikethat,”Bradenmurmured.“Youonthedesk,mebehindyou.Thequietlibrary
withallthatknowledge,andusdoingthemostbasicthingintheuniverse.”

Elisarubbedthepillowagainandsighedhappily.

ShefeltBradentouchtheplug,thesmallpressureexciting.“Iwantyoutowearthistomorrow,”hesaid.
“Whenyou’reatwork,Imean.I’llteachyouhowtocleanitandputitinyourself.Youputitinthere,and
youwearitforanhourortwo.”Sheopenedhereyes.Bradenlayfacingher,hiseyessoclosetohers.
“WhileIwork?”

“Surething,darlin’.Iwantyouthinkingofme—ofmeinsideyou—whileyou’rehelpingpeoplelookup
thehistoryofsand-seacultures.”Couldshedoit?Elisaswallowed.“I’lltry.”

Braden’shandlandedlightlyonherbutt.“Youdoit,don’tjusttry.Orit’saspankingforyou.”

“Verywell.”

Braden’ssmilewarmedher.“Isthatverywell,you’llwearit?’Orverywell,Icanspankyou?”

“Maybeboth.”

“Damn,sweetheart,youmakemesohotforyou,Iwanttofuckyouagain.”Shelethersmilewiden.“Very
well.”

Bradengrowledasherolledheroverontothemattress,theplugstillsnuginside.

“I’mgoingtolovespankingandfuckingyourass.Discipliningmylovelylibrarian.”Elisawidenedher
legs,eagerlyopeningforhim.Howeasyitwasnowtolethimintoher,howrighthefeltlodgeddeep
inside.

Bradenstartedtopumpintoher,andElisaheldontohimandenjoyedtheride.Theplugfitsnuglyinher
ass,warmingherthere,andBradenfilledherfromthefront.Shewaswhole,complete,andhadneverfelt
happierinherlife.

Braden

ChapterTwelve

ElisawatchedBradensleep.Helookedsonormal,sohumansleepingonhisstomach,headpillowedon
hisarms.

She’dreadthatlevelthreesdidn’tsleepwiththeirwomen.Theycommandedtheirobedience,gavethem
sexualpleasureandthenleft.

Bradenstayedandslept.Heevensnoredalittle.

Elisawantedhimwithafiercenessthatscaredher.Notjustforsex—foralways.Shewantedtogetto
knowhim,tofindouteverythingabouthim,tolookforwardtocominghometohim,tosleepcurled
togetherwithhimeverynight.

ShehadthefeelingBradenwouldnevertellhereverythingabouthim.Hehidhistrueselfbehindhis
jokesandsmilesandsexplay,therealBradenlurkingonlyinthedarkdepthsofhiseyes.

Whatwasthere?WhatmadeBradenwhohewas,uniquefromotherShareem?

Elisaslidoutofbedquietlysoshewouldn’twakehim,lefttheroomandmadeherwaytoheroffice.

Shekeyedupherterminalandusedherlibrarycodestooverridevariousblocksaroundtheinformation
shewanted.ShepulledupeverythingonShareemandfilteredoutvariousthingsuntilshehadastringof
informationontheShareemcalledBraden.

Hewasalevelthree.Borninincubatornumber73.Acceleratedgrowthhadgivenhimanadultbodyin
onlythirteenyears,thenextfivehonedittowhatitlookedlikenow.Growthoverthenexttenyearshad
slowedalmosttoahalt.

Physicalexerciseregimens,satisfactory.Sexualperformance,excellent.Obediencetoauthority,highly
unsatisfactory.

ThatBradenhateddoingwhathewastoldcameasnosurprisetoElisa.

Shereadon.Heresiststakingtheinoculationstothepointthatshockrodsarenecessary.

Morethanonce,he’shadtobesubduedwithsevereshockingbeforehewouldtaketheneedle.No
permanentdamagewasdonetohisnervoussystem.

Goddesshelpher.They’dbeatenandshockedBradentogethimtoholdouthisarmforshots,andthey
worriedonlythatthey’dcausedpermanentdamage.Permanentdamage,meaningthey’dcausedsome
temporary.

Testofdrug73098Pforenhancedsexualdrivesatisfactory.SubjectBradenstayedhardforfivehours,
andrepeatedejaculationsdidnotreducethereadinessofthepenis.

Testofdrug289Eforobediencenotsatisfactory.Drugseemedtoenhanceunruliness.

Subjectattackedtesterandhadtoberenderedunconsciouswithshockrods.Drug8923BAgivento
suppressviolence.Recommenddailydoses.

AllysonJames

Testoflevel-threeskillssatisfactory.Subjectarousedbyrestrainingvolunteerandgivingher
commands.Whengiventhechoiceofdevices,subjectpreferrednippleclamps,collar,chain,whipand
manacles.Subjectpreferstoperformintercourseonfemalewhenfemaleisinthefacedownposition.

Soclinicaltheymadeit.Bradenhademphasizedthatitwasallabouttrust—trustthathewouldneverhurt
Elisa,nomatterwhatpositionheputherin,nomatterwhatheaskedhertodo.Theresearcherstookthat
beautifultrustandturneditintonotesonachart.

ManymoreobservationsofwhatBradenlikedtodowiththevolunteersfollowed,screensandscreensof
it.Thenadifferentkindofentrycaughthereye.

SubjectBradenconfinedtoquarters,inisolation,untilfurthernotice.Recommendtermination.

Elisa’sheartsqueezed,eventhoughsheknewtheterminationorderobviouslyhadn’tbeencarriedout.
Bradenwashappilyfreeandnowsleepinginherbed.

Anappendednotesaid,SubjectBradenusedwhiptostrikemalelabtechandpunchedsaidlabtechin
thejaw.Labtech’swoundsweretendedandlabtechreleasedfromfurtherdutiesfortheweek.When
questioned,subjectBradenrespondedwithabuseandharshlanguage.

ElisawonderedwhatonearthhadmadeBradenattackalabtech.Anotherobjectiontoshots?

Shefelthimbehindher,hiswarmthfoldingoverher.Hekissedherear.

“ReadingaboutthosehappyolddaysatDNAmo?”

Elisagesturedtothescreen.“Whydidyouhithim?”

“Who?Oh,thelabtech.Becausehetriedtorapeaguineapig.”Shejerkedaround.“Ibegyourpardon?”

Braden’sgrinwasaswarmasever,buthiseyesheldoldrage.“Guineapigiswhatwecalledawoman
whosignedupatDNAmotodosexualtestswithShareem.Thelabtechdecidedtheguineapigin
questionwasawhoreandtriedtoforceher.Itoldhimtoshovehisdickuphisass,andhecameatme
withashockrod.SoIbeatonhimalittle.”Goodforyou.“IthoughtShareemweren’tsupposedtobe
violent.Thatitwasbredoutofyou.”

“Imakeanexceptionforassholes.”

Elisacaressedhisstrongwrist.“So,Shareemarechivalrous.”

“Yeah,well,mychivalrygotherfiredandmebeatenandlockedinaroom.Thentheydebatedterminating
me.”

“Icannotbelievetheyweregoingtokillyouforhelpingher.”

“Theyhadto,becauseofthewholeShareemarenotviolentmyth.Ineverdidlearntobehavemyself.”

“Andyoudon’tlikeshots.”

Braden

Bradengrimaced.“Hey,yougettwentylittleneedlesshovedintoyourarmandseehowyoulikeit.”

Shesmiled.“Aw,big,badlevelthree.”

Bradennibbledherearlobe.“Thebig,badlevelthreewhomadeyoubegformercynotanhourago.”

Elisashiveredatthememory.“Areyoualwayslevelthree?”sheasked.“Doyousometimesjust…fuck?”

Hesmiledwhensherememberedtousethewordshetoldherto.“Sure.Butyouhiredmeforlevelthree.”

Elisatouchedhischest.“PretendthatIdidn’thireyou.”Bradenlosthissmile.Hewatchedherforalong
timewitheyesthatweredarkandstill.“No,sweetheart.That’stoodangerous.”

“Why?IsthataShareemrule?”Shetriedtokeephervoicelight.

No,Bradenthought.BecauseImightlikeit.“Wedowhatyouaskedmeheretodo.

Nothingmore.”

Shelookeddisappointed.Damnher,whydidshehavetolookdisappointed?

Bradencaughtthechainonhercollarandrepositionedheroverthechair,assup.

Hegatheredthesilkrobeshe’dthrownonforwarmthandlifteditoverherback,thenhelinedupbehind
her.

Hedidn’tevenneedthelubetoslidestraightintoherpussy.ShemadesoftnoisesasBradenstrokedall
thewayin,hervoicemuffledagainstthechair.ThenBradenslidoutandbackin.Again.Andagain.

“You’refuckingbeautiful,”Bradensaidbrokenly.

Hepumpedharder,smellingher,leaningtolickher,slidinghandsaroundtocatchherswayingbreasts.

“ThisiswhatIwanttodobehindyourlibrarydesk.I’llhaveyouscreamingoutloud.Youwouldn’tbe
hushingmethen.Aw,damnit.”Bradencriedhername,finessegone,andslammedhiscockalltheway
intoher,groaningasshesqueezedhim.

Theyfelltogether,laughingandcoming.BradenwrappedhimselfaroundElisaandgatheredheragainst
him.Heneverwantedtoletgo.

*****

Bradenleftinthedimlightofdawn.ItwasgoingtobeanothercleardayonBorNarga,whichmeant
earlydosesofsunandheat,followedbyheatandmoreheat.

Bradenpulledonhissun-blockingrobesandheadedthroughthebackalleysforthetrainstation.

He’dleftElisasnuggledupaloneinherbed.Soprettywithherheadonherpillow,herlovelyhairloose
acrossthesheets.Bradenhadresistedkissinghercheekbefore91

AllysonJames

departing.Ifhe’dwokenher,she’dhaveaskedhimtostayandhewouldn’thavebeenabletorefuse.

Bradenneededtorefuse.Thishadgonebeyonddangerous.

Catchingherreadingallabouthiminthedatabasehaddonefunnythingstohisheart.Ontheonehand,
whathadhetobeashamedof?TheassholesatDNAmohadprettymuchtorturedhimonadailybasis.
He’dresistedasmuchashecould,putoneoveronthemasmanytimesashecould,foughtback.

He’dnearlygotoffedforhispains.Theonlyreasontheyhadn’tterminatedBradenwasbecausethehead
scientiststhoughthimagoodtestsubjectfornewandexperimentalsubduingdrugs.

Aiden,forone,hadalwaystriedtogetBradentogiveupandgoalongwithit.Justpretend,damnyou.
Youlikegettingbeatenupwithshockrods?Actlikeyouobeyandthey’llleaveyoualone.

ButBradencouldn’tletitgo.Somethinginhimhadresistedwithallitsmight—

maybeitwashislevel-threeprogramming,hedidn’tknow.Aidenwaslevelone,alwayslookingforways
tosootheandkeepthepeace.

Aidenhadprobablybeenright—anobedientShareemgotdecentfoodandacushiercubicle.Braden
prettymuchsleptonahardslabinacoldroomandatecrap.

BradenhadalwaysadmiredRees,who’dbeenthebiggestbastardofthebunch.

Reeshadfutzedcomputers,trappedresearchers,turnedthetablesonexperimentsandprettymuchtoldthe
scientistswhattheycoulddowiththemselves.EveryoneatDNAmohadbeenterrifiedofRees,exceptthe
otherShareem.TheShareem—thefewwhoknewabouthim—hadcheeredhimon.

AndthenReeshadescaped,goodforhim,whichhadbroughtthewholeedificeofDNAmocrashing
down.

Then,thatmeantShareemfleeingfortheirlives,hidingoutinsqualidholesuntiltheterminationorder
wasreversedbysomekind-mindedladiesoftherulingcouncil.

Well,kindwasstretchingit.Therulershadbeenputunderpressurebygovernmentsofworldstheytraded
with,especiallyAriel,whichwasprettydamnpowerful.TheBorNarganrulingcouncildecidedthey’d
lookbenevolentiftheyletthepoorShareemlive.Whatsweethearts.They’ddoanythingtokeepBor

Nargafromlosingmoney.

Rees,unpredictableandunstable,hadpoppedbackupundertheradarandquietlylivedhislife.He’d
donehisbesttohelpotherShareem,andthenhe’dmetTalananddiscoveredthetruemeaningof
happiness.

SpeakingofRees,Bradenhadamessagefromhimwhenhearrivedhomethatmorning,askinghimtomeet
withReesatJudith’sbar.

ExceptwhenBradenreachedJudith’s,Reeswasnowheretobeseen.Aidenleanedonthebar,idly
conversingwithMitch,whileJudithherselfwasbackedintoacornertalkingloudlytothreepatrollers.

Braden

Thiscouldn’tbegood.

Bradenwasabouttodepartthebarquietlyandreturnhome,butAidenmotionedhimtocomeoninside.
Thepatrollershadseenhimanyway.

BradenputhiselbowonthebarnexttoAiden,whodidn’tsayaword.MitchgaveBradenalookand
abruptlywalkedaway.

“What’swithhim?”Bradenasked.

“Newrules.Non-Shareemcan’ttalktomorethanoneShareematatime.”Bradenstaredathim.“What
newrules?”

“Newrulesthatcamedownthismorning.Brianneshotoutofthehouse,hightailingittothehilltotalkto
hergrandmother.Inperson.MeansBrianneisseriouslypissedoff.”Hismouthsoftened,Shareem
pheromoneskickingintodownplayhisanger.

“Sweetbaby.”

“Whythehellaretherenewrules?”Gods,ifthey’dfiguredoutwhatReeswasupto…

Tohissurprise,Aidengrinned.“SeemstwoShareemwereseenyesterdaymorningontheVistara.People
reportedit,nothappythatShareemhadbeenallowedontheirpreciousstreets.AnotherShareemhasbeen
reportedcomingandgoingtosomeunknowndestinationintheSerestineQuarter.”

Aidenleanedcloser,loweredhisvoice.“Damnit,Braden,youreallyneedtolearntobemoresneaky.”

AllysonJames

ChapterThirteen

“Shareem.”

OneofthepatrollersleftJudithandcamestridingovertoBraden.Shewasolderthanmostofthestreet
patrollers,herairofauthoritylikeawhiplash.Asergeant,Bradenthought.Maybeevenalieutenant.

ShestoppedinfrontofBradenandfixedhimwithasharpstare.“Identcard.”Bradenmadeashowof
straighteningfromhisslouchagainstthebarandrummaginginhisrobes.Hepulledvariousthingsfrom
hispockets—aboxoficecandy,acoiled-uppieceofleather,hisbreathmask,asmallhandheld.

Hepiledtheseontothebar,oneaftertheother,andfinallypulledoutthestripofplasticthatwashisident
card.Thepatrolsergeantwatchedtheprocedurewithacoldeye,neverchangingexpression.

“FunnyhowIcanneverfinditwhenIneedit,”Bradensaid.

ThepatrollersnatchedtheidentcardfromBraden’sfingersandslammeditintoherhandheld.Shestudied
thereadout.“You’reoneoftheonesseenontheVistara.Whydidyougoupthere?”

Bradenshrugged.“Can’tgetgoodpeachesdownhere.”

“WhowastheShareemyouwerewith?”

Theywouldalreadyknow,wouldhavecrosscheckedrecords.ShewastryingtogetBradentolie.

“Hisname’sJustin,”Bradensaid.“RecentlyreturnedfromSiriusIII.He’sstayingatmyplace.”

“Youknowthenewrules?”

“Nope.Sleptthroughthem.Thankthegods.”

Thepatrollergavehimaseverelook.“AhumanmayspeaktoonlyoneShareematatime.Nomorethan
twoShareemcanbeinoneplaceatatime.ThatmeansthatyouandyourShareemroommatedon’tgetto
inviteanyShareemgueststoyourflat.”

“Damn,theregoesmycocktailpartyattheendoftheweek.”Thepatrollerdidn’tlookamused.
“DisobediencemeansterminationtotheShareemwhoviolatesanyrules.”

Bradenhidhisrageunderamaskofsupremeindifference.Sheandherfuckingrulescanbiteme.

“Right.”

Thepatrollerstudiedthehandheldagain.“Sayshereyourinoculationsarecomingdueinafewdays.Why
haven’tyougottenthem?”94

Braden

Bradentappedthelineonthehandheld.“BecauseIstillhaveafewdays.I’llgotoamediconmydue
date.Ialwaysgetthereontime.”Asmuchashehatedtheshots,thethoughtofterminationdidn’tthrillhim

either.

“You’llgotoday,”thepatrollersaid.“Now,infact.”

“I’mbusytoday.”

Thepatrollerpulledoutherstunweapon.Stungunsdidn’tdopermanentdamage,buttheyhurtlikehell
andgavetheirvictimsaserioushangover.

“We’llgotogether,”thepatrollersaid.

Bradengaveheralookofmock-surprise.“What,youaren’tafraidtobealonewithme?”

Shegesturedwiththestungun.“Move.”

Aidenwasfacingthebar,leaningonit,pretendingnottolisten,butBradensensedhiswavesoffury.
Aiden,thelevel-oneShareemwhowentthroughlifewithasmile,wasangry.

Bradenwastoo,buthewasmoreusedtoangerthanAidenwas.Bradenhadlivedhisentirelifeangry,
fromthemomenthe’dunderstood,atagefive,whathewasandwhyhe’dbeenmade.Helovedwomen
andlikedhisfriends,butBradenknewthathisownlifewasn’this.Neverwouldbe.

WithoutawordtoAidenandJudith,heletthepatrollerdirecthimoutthedoor.

Thenearestmedic,fortunately,wasKatarinad’Arnal.Monthsago,she’dlefthercushyhouseinthe
SerestineQuartertomovetoPasCityandministertothedowntrodden.Thedowntroddenincluded
Shareem.

MostShareemnowwenttoKatarinafortheirsix-montheveniftheyhadtotravelfromtheedgesofthe
citytodoit,becausetheylikedandtrustedher.EvenCalderhoveringoverherlikeaworriedgiantdidn’t
keepthemaway.

Bradensaunteredintotheclinic,leanedonthefrontcounterandsmiledattheyoungwomanbehindit.
She,usedtoShareembynow,simplymadeanoteonherterminalandcalledKatarina.

Katarina,blessher,wouldn’tletthepatrollerfollowBradenintotheback.Thepatrollerlookedirritated
butdidn’targue.Katarinawasahighbornwoman,evenifshe’dblackenedherreputationbylivingwitha
Shareem,andhighbornwashighborn.

ThepatrollercouldarrestBradenonanypretext,butifshewantedtokeepherjobandmakeittohernext
promotion,she’dobeyKatarina.

CalderwasnowhereinsightwhenBradenduckedintotheexamroom.Bradenhatedexamrooms,which
werefilledwithmachinesandbeepingthings,clinicalsteelandgraywalls.

Katarinatriedtokeeptheplacecheerfulwithbright-coloredcurtainsandbywearingaprettytunic.She
wasalovelysightasusual,butshecouldn’tquitecureBraden’smisgivingsaboutinoculations.At
DNAmo,hewasneversureexactlywhat95

AllysonJames

wouldbeintheshots,andhe’dwokeneithertoexcruciatingpainorinsomebizarresituationeverytime.

Katarinaclosedthedoor.Caldercameoutofhiding,quietlyemergingfromadressingroominhis
customaryblackleathertunicandleggings.

Afewscarsremainedonhisrebuiltface,buttheygavehimcharacter,incontrasttothesmoothperfection
ofAiden’sface.Aidencouldlookbeautifulandvacant,likeamodelfortheperfectShareem—untilhe
openedhismouth.Thenhissmartassattitudepouredout,ruiningthepictureoftheflawlesssexgod.
Calderwouldneverbemistakenforanythinglessthansomeoneyoudidn’twanttomesswith.

“Hey,rulesisrules,”Bradentriedtojoke.“Onehuman,oneShareem.Thatmeansshe’sminethis
morning,Calder.”

Calderdidn’tbotheranswering.Heplantedhisassontheedgeofatableandfoldedhisarms.

KatarinaslantedCalderawarmsmile,lovinghishighhandedprotectiveness.“Itwillmakeathreesomea
bittricky.”

“That’swhyBrianneisalreadyuponthehillarguingwithhergranny,”Bradensaid.“Shecan’tbewith
bothAidenandKyunderthesenewconditions.She’dhavetotradeoff,andhowwouldtheydecidewho
wentfirst?Drawstraws?Rolldice?Damn,I’dlovetoseethatfight.”

Bradenspokerapidly,hisheartrateoffthecharts,hisbodyheatinginhisnervousness.Katarinasmiledat
hisattemptathumorasshelinedupherinstruments.

Instruments.Gods,Bradenhatedinstruments.

“Ifyou’lljustdisrobe,”shesaid.

UsuallyBradenwouldturnthisintoagame,refusingtousethedressingroomandshockingherby
droppinghisclothesallatonce.Maybewrigglinghisbuttathertomakeherlaugh.

Todayhetossedhisouterrobesonahookandsilentlystrippedoffhistunic.HefelttheglanceKatarina
andCalderexchanged.

“Youallright,Braden?”Katarinaasked.

Bradenturned.HewasmothernakedbutKatarinaregardedhimcalmly,usedtohim.Bradenhadjoined
KatarinaandCalderforalittleplaymorethanonce.Besides,afterCalder,Bradendidn’thavemuchthat
couldsurpriseher.She,outofalltheBorNarganwomenBradenhadmet,hadnofearofnakedflesh.

“Katarina,”Bradenaskedinalowvoice,“whatwouldhappenifyouleftoutthecontraceptives?”

Katarinalookedupfromadjustingascanner.“Leftthemout?”

“Youknow,gavemeallthedisease-killingdrugsbutnotthesterilitythings.”

“Iknowwhatyoumean,Braden.I’mjustwonderingwhyyou’reasking.”96

Braden

Bradenshrugged.“Don’tyoueverthinkaboutit?WhetheryouandCaldercouldhavekids,Imean?Ifyou
stoppedgivinghimthesterilitydrugs,howlongdoyouthinkitwouldtakeyoutogetpregnant?”

Katarinastaredathiminsurprise,andCalderwatched,gazesharp.“I’vewondered,”herumbled.

Katarinaswungtohim.“Youhave?”

“I’dbearottenfather,butyeah,I’vewonderedifitwouldbepossible.”

“Dangerous,”Bradensaid.

Buthisimaginationtookhold.HepicturedElisacomingtohim,smilingasecretsmileandtellinghimshe
wasgoingtohaveachild.She’dlikelyhaveitmovedtoanincubatorasallhighbornwomendid,buteven
so…

“Dangerous,”Calderagreed.“Butmaybe…”

Hebrokeoffbeforehefinished.MaybewhenReesfiguredoutawaytogetthemoffplanet,andthey
foundaplacetosettleandlive,whereverthatmightbe,theycouldhavefamilies.Whatawildand
wonderfulidea.

“Idon’tknowwhetherit’spossible,”Katarinasaidquickly.“I’vethoughtaboutittoo,butIdon’tknow
whatalltheydidtoyouoriginally.Ihatetosaythis,butitmightnotbepossible,evenifInevershotyou
withasterilitydrugagain.”Bradenclosedhismouth.Justinhadproveditwaspossible,butJustin’s
secretwasJustin’s.

“Isthatwhatyouwant,Braden?”Katarinaasked.“Formetoleaveoutthesterilitypart?”Shetouchedthe
tubethatcontainedtheShareemdrugcocktail.

Yes,Bradenwantedthat,butno,hecouldn’tletKatarinadoit.Shewasright—

Shareemmightnotcarryviableseedanyway.Justinmightbeanaberration,ormaybetheresearchersin
Justin’ssectionhaddoneafewsecretexperiments.

Plus,Bradencouldn’tdothattoElisa.Elisawasn’this.Shewashavingfunexploringasideofherself
she’dnotbeenabletobefore,usingBradentodoit.ShecouldhavechosenanyShareemtofulfillthis
role—Bradenjusthappenedtobetheonewho’dwalkedintoherlibrary.

WhenElisafinishedlearningabouthersexuality,she’dsaygoodbyetoBraden,puthercelibate’srobes
backonandreturntotheWayoftheSky.FinishedwithShareemandthatpartofherlife.Sheprobably
wouldn’tevensendhimaYulecard.

“No,”Bradensaid.“Justshootthemallinme.Don’tleaveanythingout.”Katarinaexchangedanother
glancewithCalder.ThetwoofthemwouldbetalkingaboutBradenassoonasheleft.

“Comeon,”Bradensaid.“Let’sgetthisoverwith.”Hesteppedunderthescannerandwaitedimpatiently
whileKatarinafiddledwiththesettings.Afullscan,insideandout,andhewasdone.Katarinapickedup
theinoculationtube.

AllysonJames

Bradenclosedhiseyesandheldouthisarm.“Don’tbothertotellmeitwon’thurt.”

“Allright,”Katarinasaid.“Iwon’tbothertotellyou.”Itdidn’thurt.Katarinahadthetouch.Evenso,
Bradenflinchedwhenitallwentinhim,thenhesatdown,dizzyandangryandveryfuckingtiredofbeing
Shareem.

“Domeafavor,”Bradensaidashedressedagain.“CallElisan’Arellforme.Tellhertocometomy
apartmentandhowtogetthere.”Hestoodup,grabbedhissun-blockingrobesandbreathmaskwhile
Katarinadidthesurprisedthingagain.

“Allright,”shesaid.

Bradensweptoutwithoutexplainingandwenthome.

*****

ElisadecidedtotakethetraindowntoPasCityinanswertoBraden’ssummons.

Sheworeaplaintunicandleggingsunderunadornedsun-blockingrobessoasnottorevealherhighborn
status.

ShefollowedthedirectionsKatarinad’Arnalgavehertod’EnelaStreet.Noawningsshadedthisstreetof
dingyapartmentblocks,whichmeantthatnosandstormshieldingwasinplaceeither.Thatmadehera
littlenervous,butshereasonedthatpeoplehadsurviveddownherealongtimewithoutit.

Elisaeasilyfoundtheshopthatsoldexoticfruithalfwayalongthestreet.Theelderlywomanonthebench
outsidetheshopgaveElisaasmileassheapproached.

“He’sinthere,love,”thewomansaid,pointing.

Acrossfromthefruitshopwasarustingdoorpittedbysand.Noonehadbotheredtocleanorpaintthe
door,Elisarealized,becausethesandwouldjustdestroyitagain.

Elisaapproachedtheapartmentbutbeforeshecouldtouchthebuzzer,thedoorslammedopentoletouta
Shareemshe’dneverseenbefore.HewasastallasBradenbuthaddarkbrownhairandblueeyesthat
heldsadness.Hismouthcurvedtoagrin,though,whenhesawher.

“I’mclearingout,”hesaid.“Don’twanttobreaktherules.”Hesweptpasther,winkedatthefruit-seller
andstrodeaway.ThedoorremainedopenandElisatentativelywalkedinside.

Incontrasttothebatteredexterior,theinterioroftheapartmentwasclean,freshlypaintedandneat.The

frontroomhadchairs,aterminal,andadigitalfeedmonitorandsmallalcovekitchenintheback.To
eithersideofthekitchenwerecloseddoorsthatlikelyledintobedrooms.

Thatwasit.Theapartmenthadnoextraroomsfordisplayingartworkorformeditation.Therewasno
library,nogardenroom.Basicliving,afarcryfromtheluxuryoftheSerestineQuarter,evenfromthe
“simplicity”ofElisa’shouse,whichwasconsideredmodest.

Braden

Abedroomdooropenedastheapartment’smaindoorclosedbehindElisa.Bradenleanedontheopen
doorframe,armsfolded,justlookingather.

Nowickedsmile,nosexywordsinhisbad-boyvoice.

“Thankyouforcoming,”hesaid.

HistonemadeElisastopandherheartbeatfaster.“Katarinasaiditwasimportant.

Shemademeworry.”

Braden’sfacesoftenedalittle.“Ididn’twanttocallyouonamonitoredchannel.

Thefewerpeoplewhoknowyou’redownhere,thebetter.”

“Iunderstand.”Theworryincreased.

“It’sbeennicebeingwithyou,Elisa,”Bradensaid.“ButIthinkwe’redone.Youcanputyourcelibate’s
robesbackon,orgotoyourcenterforcleansing,orwhateveritisyouhavetodo.Youdon’toweme
anything.It’sonthehouse.”99

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ChapterFourteen

Bradenhadn’trealizedhowharditwouldbetosaythewords.Hismouthdidn’twanttowork,andhis
chesthurtwitheverybreath.

ButthenewruleshandeddowntodaymeantthatpatrollerswouldbewatchingShareemmorecloselythan
ever.ItmeantthatbeingwithElisawouldgettougher,especiallyforher.

PatrollersmonitoringShareemmeantthatRees’projectmightbecompromisedatanytime.Iftheproject
wereexposed,itmeantterminationfortheShareeminvolved.

Bradenknewthisandacceptedit.

ButwhatwouldhappentoElisa?HerconnectionwithBradenmightbediscovered

—probablyalreadyhadbeen.Wouldhercelibatestatusprotecther,orwouldthefactthatshe’ddecided
totryoutShareemnegatethatprotection?Atbest,Elisamightloseherjob,herplaceintheWayofthe
Sky—shemightevenhavetoleavetheplanet,neverseeingherfamilyorfriendsagain.

Elisadidn’tdeservetohaveherentireliferuined,herreputationscrutinized—

maybeevenherlifeendangered—becauseshe’ddecidedtohavealittlefunwithBraden.

She’dbesurprised,evenangryatBraden’sdismissal,butshe’dgetoverit.She’dreturntohermeditation
centerandgetreinstatedasacelibate,gobacktoworkingatherlibraryandmoveonwithherlife.

WithoutBraden.

Asitshouldbe.

“Done?”Elisarepeatedinastunnedvoice.“Butmydispensationisforamonth.”Bradenshrugged,
puttingeverybitofindifferencehecouldintothegesture.

“Doesn’tmatter.Youalreadygotwhatyoucamefor.Itwasfun.”Thelookinhereyeswasn’tthe
indignationorwoundedprideheexpected.Itwasbewilderment.“Youdon’twanttobewithme?”

Thehurtinhervoicenearlyundidhim.Yes,Iwanttobewithyou,nonstopandforever.

Always,mylibrarian.

“No,”hemadehimselfsay.

Hedidn’timaginethetearsthatsprangtoElisa’seyeseither.Hewantedtocrosstheroom,foldherinhis
arms,kissher,holdher,tellherhedidn’tmeanit.

Whatthehelliswrongwithme?Bradenandhisladieshadfunforanight,maybeforafewdays,thenit
wasover.TheladieswentbacktotheirownlivesandBradenwentbacktohis,everyoneinvolved
enjoyingmemoriesoftheencounter.

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He’dneverwantedtoholdandcomfortawomanwhenitwastimetogo.Andhisladieshadneverstarted
tocryatthethoughtofnotseeinghimagain.

Hell.

Elisawipedhereyes.“Whathappened?”

Bradenshruggedagain.“Nothinghappened.It’sjustover,baby.”

“Iheardaboutthenewregulationsthismorning.Isthatwhat’swrong?Youdon’twanttogetintotrouble
overseeingme?Andwhatwe…do?”

“Partly,”Bradensaid.“Butyoudon’twanttogetcaughtupinShareemproblems,sweetie.Trustme.”

Hergazeturnedsharp.“There’smoretothisthanwhatyou’resaying,isn’tthere?”

“Nope,that’sit.Ifiguredwe’veprettymuchdoneeverythingyouwantedtodo,sowhykeepitup?You
don’tneedtobeembarrassedbyoverzealouspatrollers.Andtheylovebeingzealous.”

Elisawatchedhimamomentlongerthencalmlydrewoffhersun-blockingrobes.

“Braden,pleasedonotbullshitme.”

Bradenhidhisuneasiness.“Oh,soyou’velearnedbadwordshangingoutwithyourShareem?”

“IlearnedthatShareemcoverupemotionsbypretendingtheydon’thaveany.Tellmewhatisthematter.”

Fuck,thisisn’tworking.

Bradenrubbedhisfaceandlosthisnonchalantpose.“Sweetheart,thingsarebad.

There’sallkindsofshitgoingon.Ican’ttellyoumostofit,butIwantyououtofit.Iwantyoubackupin
yourlibraryallsafe,notdoinganythingmoredangerousthanlookingupdeclensionsofweirdwordsfrom
Ariel.”

“Safeinmylibrarywhilewhathappenstoyou?”

“Idon’tknow.”

Bradencouldn’tstayaway.Hewenttoher,tookherhand,pressedalongkisstoherpalm.

“Idon’tknowwhat’sgoingtohappentome,love,”hesaid.“Idon’tknowifanything’sgoingtohappenat
all.Butthethoughtofyoubeinghurtbyanyofit,Elisa,iskillingme.”

Elisahatedtheemotionsrunningthroughher—anger,worry,painandknowledgethatshedidn’twantto
leaveBradenforanyreason.Theemotionstangledandbeatather,hurtingher…scaringher.

“MaybeIcanhelp,”shesaid.

Bradenpressedanotherkisstoherpalm,hislipssowarm,sosmooth.“No,Iwantyououtofit.Please,
sweetheart.Gobackuponyourhillandstaythere.”

“Braden,youdon’tunderstandthefullextentofwhatthevowsofcelibacymean.

It’smorethandeclaringyouwon’thavesexorconceiveachild.Itbestowsamazing101

AllysonJames

privilegesonus.Evenmetakingaleaveofabsencetobewithyouwon’tchangethat.

MyorderconsiderswhatI’mdoingapartoftestingandtrainingformycalling.ItmeansthatIcanget
awaywithalot,becauseavowedcelibateisthemosttrustedofwomen.Byimplication,whateverI
chooseisright.SotellmewhatIcandotohelpyou.”

DuringthisspeechBradensimplywatchedElisawithhisShareemblueeyes.Hewassostrong,sotall,
hishandsholdingheatthatwarmedher.Herbodyfeltfragileagainsthis,andyet,shesuddenlyunderstood
hewasmorevulnerablethansheeverwouldbe.

“No,Elisa.Goawayandbewell.”

Thestubbornglintinhiseyeswasn’tgoingtofade.Elisatightenedhergrip.

“Notyet,”shesaidsoftly.“Wehaven’tfinishedyet.”

“Sweetheart—”

“Notyet,Braden.TherearestillthingsIwanttodo.Thingsyouwantedtoteachme.”

Shefeltthebumpinhispulse,hisskinstarttoheat.Elisaslantedhimasmile,rubbedherthumbsoverthe
backsofhishands.“Iworetheplugtowork,”shewhispered.

TheblueinBraden’seyesbegantospread.“Yeah?”

“Yeah.Itfeltgood.Itmademethinkofyou.”

“Youaresoaskingfortrouble,sweetheart.”

“Iknow.”

“Hell.”Bradenslidonearmaroundher,pulledheragainsthim.Shefelthishearthammeringinhischest,
hisbodytemperaturerising.“Don’tdothistome.”Shekissedhischin,hiswhiskerslikesandpaper.
“Whynot?”Hisgriptightened.“I’llshowyouwhynot.”Hekissedher,mouthopeninghers,teethscraping
herlips.Hot,wet,wicked.

Heendedthekisstoosoonandpulledhernottothebedroombuthisbathroom.

Thechamberwasjustlargeenoughtocontainadisposehole,asinkandastandupshower.Theshower
tookuponeentirewallanddrainedrightintothetiledfloor.

Thelightscameonwhentheyenteredthebathroom,butBradenleftthedooropen.

“Strip,”hesaid.

ElisaglancednervouslyouttheopendoorandBradensteppedinfrontofit.“Yes,Justinmightcomeback.
Ornot.Whatifheseesyou?”

“I’llbeembarrassed.”

“No,youwon’t.You’llbeturned-on.”Braden’sblueirisesspread.“You’lllikehimwatchingmepleasure
you,himlisteningtoyoumoanasyoucome.”No.ElisawaspreparedtoletBradendowhathewanted—
healwaysmadeherfeelgood—buttohaveanothermanwatch?Thatwascrazy.

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Braden

Andyet,imaginingthetallmanshe’djustpassedreturning,leaningonthedoorframeasBradenwas,
regardingherwithquietblueeyeswhileBradenpleasuredher,madeherjuicesflow.

“That’sright,”Bradensaid.Histongueflicked,asthoughhetastedtheair.“You’dlikeit.Stripforme
now,Elisa.I’mgettingimpatient.”Elisaquicklytuggedofftunic,bootsandleggings.Herundertunic
followed.Bradengathereduptheclothes,tossedthemontothecouchinthelivingroomandreturned.

“You’rebeautiful,Elisa.Showmeyourbreasts.Playwiththemforme.”Elisacuppedherbreastsinher
hands,fingersrollingthenipples.Thetinglingsensationmadeherdrawasharpbreath.

“Nice.”Bradensteppedpasthertotheshower.Stillclothed,hekeyedonthewaterthenrotatedaknob
thatsentthewateroutthroughahandheldnozzle.“Comehere.”Elisaclosedthesmalldistancetohim.
Bradengaveheranotherhot,passionatekissthengentlyguidedherunderthewater.Warmliquidspilled
overher,makinghershiverindelight.

“Iwanttowashyou,soyou’llbecleanforwhatIwanttodo,”Bradensaid.“Idon’twantyoueverto
worry.”

Elisawasn’tworried.“Whatdoyouwanttodo?”

“Facethewall.”

Elisaputherhandsonthetileandleanedintothecoolwall.Bradensprayedthewateroverherback,so
warm.

“Spreadyourlegs,”hesaid.

Elisamovedherfeetapart.SheheardBradengettingridofhisclothesandthenthewaterwasback.He
stoodbehindher,hisbodyheatalmostaswarmasthewater.

Hemovedthenozzledownherspine,lettingwaterspilloverherbuttocks.Thenheranthewaterupover
hersmoothlyshavedpussy,partingheropeningwithhisfingerstoletthewaterrunrightintohervagina.

“Thewaterisclean,”hesaid.“Itwon’thurtyou.”Elisashookherhead.Waterfromherhairsprayedover
herchestandranfromherbreasts.Thestreamsoftlyenteringherpussyfeltgood,thoughnotasfrenzied
goodaswhenBradentouchedher.Butitdidfeelgood.Shemovedherhips,enjoyingit.

Bradentookthewateraway,toherdisappointment,butsplasheditoverherthighsandbuttocks.

Herestedhishandonherbuttcheeksthenspreadthem,onefingertouchingheranus.Elisasqueezedin
reaction.

“Relax,sweetheart,”Bradensaid.“Thiswillfeelgood.Ipromise.”Hisfingerssmoothingacrossherstar
madeElisaunclenchhermuscles.Sheleanedalittleforward,sothatherbuttmovedfromthewall.She
wishedhe’drinseherwiththewateragain.Itfeltnice,sosoothing.

103

AllysonJames

Bradenmovedthenozzlebetweenherbuttocksand,tohersurprise,shefeltthetiptouchheranus.She
suckedinabreath.“No.”

“Yes,love.Itwon’thurt.”

Hergaspofprotestcutoffwhenwarmwaterfloodedher.Sheturnedherhead,grippedbywildsensation.

Bradendidn’tthrustthenozzleinsideher,butthewaterwarmedandopenedher.Itwasbeautiful.Shefelt
cleansedandhappy,invadedyetcomforted.Thewaterrandownherlegs,thewarmsensationheady.She
feltwickedandnaughty,boldandbad.

Morebeautifulwasthefeelofthesoftplugthatwentinherassonceshewasclean,thewatergone,this
plugslightlylargerthanthelast.

Elisasqueezedit.She’dneverhavethoughtshe’dlikeanythingthere,butitgaveherasplendidand
excitedfeeling.Thiswastaboo,forbidden,soexciting.

“Ilikethatyou’regettingusedtothis,”Bradenmurmuredtoher.“Iwantyoutofeelgood,neverhurt.
Trustme,love?”

Elisanodded.Shewaslearningthatwhenitcametosexualplay,Bradencouldbetrustedwithoutdoubt.
Heknewhowtotakeherasfarasshecouldgoandtheneasebackandletherrest.

AndthenBradenwouldtakehertothenextstep.

Todaywouldbethenextstep.Bradensteppedbehindher,asnakedasshewas,hisbigbodywarmingher
back.

Heliftedherhairandpinneditoutofthewaythenkissedthebackofherneck.Hetouchedkissesdown

herneckandspine,breathheatingher,lipsslidingonherslickskin.Downeachvertebratothesmallof
herback.Shefelthistongueonherbuttocks,lickingandtasting,tonguesweepingaroundtheplug.

Whatwoulditbeliketohavehistongueinsideher?Wetandhot,plunginginandoutofher?Sheimagined
it—transposingthefeeloftheplugtowhatBraden’stonguewouldbelike.Deep,penetrating,butwarm,
humanandhim.

Elisagroaned.Braden’shandstoletohermonsatexactlytherightmoment,rubbingandstrokingwhilehe
kissedherback.Blackwavesofpassionliftedher,weakeningherknees,andshestartedtocollapse.

Bradenheldher,hisstrongarmskeepingherfromfallingwhilehestrokedandrubbed,kissedandnipped.
Hiscockwasfirmagainstherbackside,thetipofitmovingonthebuttplug.

“Please,Braden.”

Bradennippedherear.“Iloveitwhenyoubeg.”

“Please.”

“Yougotit,babe.”

Beforeshefullywounddownfromthewonderfulclimax,Bradenliftedandcarriedher,soakingwet,out
andintohisbedroomandlaidherfacedownonthebed.

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Braden

Shewassodamnbeautiful,skinslickandwet,eyeswarmwithdesire.Bradenrubbedherdrywithbig
towelsandthenquicklytoweledoffhisownbodywhileElisawatched.

Hecarefullyeasedouttheplug.Elisawhimperedwhenshefeltitgo,whichmadeBraden’spounding
hard-onpoundharder.

Hesmoothedherwithlube,workingafingerinside.Hewasbig,andthelastthinghewantedwastogive
herpain.

Bradenslidapillowunderher,liftingheratjusttherightangle,andElisasmiledathim.Sheknewwhat
wascomingandshewasn’tafraid.

Gently,Bradenpartedhercheeksandtouchedhistiptoherwell-lubedopening.Herubbedmorelubeon
hiscock,makingeverythingniceandslippery.

Elisafelthimslideahalfaninchinbeforesheinstinctivelyclenched,butBradensoothedherwithhands
andvoice.

“Hushnow.You’reallright.Iwon’tletanythingbadhappentoyou.”Hisvoice,asalways,mesmerized
herandmadeherbelievehim.

Anotherpush,moreofhim.Thiswasdifferentfromtheplug,whichwassmallandjustthere.Thiswas
Braden,hot,big,herShareem.

Yes,shethought,andherbodyopenedtohim.

“That’sit.”Bradenputareassuringhandonherback.“That’smygirl.”Sheopenedmore,andBradenslid
fartherinside.

Hestopped.Throughherverytightwalls,shecouldfeelhispulse—one,two,three,four.Rapid,exciting.

“Yes,”shewhispered.“Thankyou.”

Herbreastsweretight,nippleshardlittlepointsthatbrushedthesheets.

Wonderful.Herclitrubbedthepillow,theswollennubpleasuredbythefriction.AndthenBraden’sheat
alloverher,hisveryhardcockpushingintoherbackopening.

Shewassurroundedbyhim,penetratedbyhim.Elisacouldn’tmove,butherwholebodybeatwith
pleasure.ThiswaswhatShareemdid,whattheyweremadefor.Herheartsoared.ThiswasBraden,
buriedinsideher.Gods,itwasglorious.

Bradenmoved.Unbelievably,hewentinfarther,hiscocksobigandwide.Shecouldn’ttakeit,she
couldn’t.Elisashookherheadagainstthebed,bracingherself.Shecouldn’t.

Andthenshedid.Bradenwasallthewayinher,hisgroanloud,hiscockhard.Butitwasslippery,and
Elisawaslooseandopen,andhesimplylaythere,fillingher.

“You’reallright,”Bradensaid,strokingherhair.“I’lltakecareofyou.”

“Iknow.Iloveyou.”

Bradenstilled.Elisaknewsheshouldn’thavesaidit,butshehadnocontroloverhermouthrightnow.It
saidwhatshefelt,andthatwasthat.

“Elisa.”

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AllysonJames

Elisapinchedherlipstogether.Shewasn’ttakingitback.Shelovedhim,shelovedhiminsideher,and
Bradenwouldhavetolivewithit.

“Yougetmesoexcited,”Bradenwhispered.“Withyourbodyandyourgroaningandwhatyousaytome.
So,soexited,IneverknowwhatI’lldo.”AthrillshotthroughElisa.Shelookedbackoverhershoulder
athim,wantingtoseehim.

Hewasonhiskneesbehindher,hisbodysolarge,hisskinbeadedwithsweatandremainsofwaterfrom
theshower.Hispulled-backhairwasdampanddark,hiseyeshotandblueinhissquare,hardface.

Hewassmiling,hissmilepositivelysinful.Hewasaroundherandholdingherandinsideher.Touching,
penetrating.

Bradenkissedherback,mouthhot.Elisaloweredherheadagain.Hercomewetthepillow,herpussyso
happyagainstthemoundedcushion.

Bradennippedherskin,thenhepumped.Slowly,inshortslides,hestartedridingher.Nothingtoohardor
deep,justenoughtomakehercrazy.

Withoutrealizingshedidit,Elisaslidherhandunderneathherandclampedittoherpussy.Shecupped
herself,movingagainstherownhand,needingtofeelthat.Shecravedreleasebutdidn’twantit.Notyet.

“That’sit,mysweetheart.”Braden’svoicewasragged.“LetyourShareemfuckyouintheass.Youlove
it,don’tyou?”

“Yes.Iloveit.Iloveit.Iloveit!”

Elisa’screampouredoverherhand,herfingersworkingherself.Bradenkeptoninsideher,ramrodhard
andyetsosmooth.

Herubbedherback,kissedherhair,glidedinandoutofher.Hotwildnessfilledher,heatripplingfrom
thegloriousfriction.Shelovedwhathedidtoher,lovedhim.

Elisasobbedinherclimaxandstillherodeher.Onandon.She’ssotight,sofuckingtight.DamnitI
loveher.

Bradenreveledinthesoundofhervoice,brokenandcryinghisname.Helovedhowherclimaxopened
herwidetohim.

Hewantedhernow,wantedherforever.Elisasqueezedhiminlittlepulses,notevenknowingshedidit.
Herasswassobeautiful,andheknewthatherpussywastoo,wheresherubbedherselfwiththeheelof
herhand.Hewishedhecouldseeherpleasuringherself.Nexttime,amirror.

Braden’smindwentblanktoeverythingbutthefeelandscentandsightofher.Hefelthisseedworkits
wayupandintoher,toosoon,butdamnitwasgood.

Messy,messy,hotandfun.Gods,thankyou!

Bradengroanedashepulledoutofher,morespentthanhe’deverbeen.Helethimselfcollapsebeside
her,cuddlinghersoshespoonedbackagainsthim.

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Theyweresticky,sweatyandtheroomsmelledoflovemaking.BradenpushedElisa’sstill-workinghand
asideandcuppedherbare,sweetpussyhimself.Herclitwasstillswollenandherubbeditforher,
knowinghowmuchshelovedthefierysensation.

ChapterFifteen

“Canwedoitagain?”

Hourslater,Elisawoke,rolledover,smiledupatBradenandaskedthequestion.Socuteshewas,eyes
sparklinginanticipation.

Bradenkissedhermouth.“Vixen.Didn’tyougetenough?”

“Idon’tthinkso.”

Bradenkissedherlowerlip,whichledtohimlickingtheseamofhermouth,whichledtoadeep,tongue-
meldingkiss.

Shetastedsogood,allsaltyandwarm.Helickedthecornersofhermouth,thebacksofherteeth,slidhis
handtocupherbreast.

Helovedherbreasts.Hebrokethekisstostudythem.Firmglobes,duskytips,theareolasroundtofillhis
mouth.Bradennuzzledtheweightofonebreast,lickingupwarduntilhedrewthenippleintohismouth.

Lovely.Thesoftsatinoftheareolaandthehardpointofthenipplefeltgoodagainsthistongue.He
suckled,drawingthenippletighter.Elisaroseagainsthim,pressingherbreastintohismouth.

Godshewouldmissher.Bradensuckledharder,cuppingherotherbreastinhishand.Helovedthefeelof
itinhispalmalmostasmuchashedidtheoneinhismouth.

Bradencircledhernipplewithhistongueonemoretimethenslidhisbodyupwarduntilhelayontopof
her,face-to-face,staringintohereyes.

“Whygreen?”heasked.

“Pardon?”

Bradentouchedherlashes.“Youhavegreeninyoureyes.Fromwhere?”

“Oh,it’sfrommygreat-greatgrandmother.ShecameherefromCastorSevenalongtimeagoandmarried
aBorNargan.”

Whyshe’dwantto,Bradenhadnoidea.“ThewomenofCastorSevenmusthavebeautifuleyes.”

“Iwouldn’tknow.I’veneverbeenthere.”

“NeitherhaveI.ButIknowtheydo,becauseyoudo.”Shesmiled,likingthecompliment,andBraden
kissedherlips.Thesekissesweren’theated,theywereslow,sweet,loving.Ifshewerehis,itcouldbe
likethiswheneverhewanted.

Whileshe’dslept,Bradenhadshoweredtocleanhimselfandthetoys.Sonowhewasperfectlyreadyto
partherlegsandslideinsideherslickpussy.

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Braden

Hemadelovetoher,face-to-face,mantowoman.Nomanacles,noplugs,norestraints.JustElisalifting
tohim,andBradenleisurelythrustingintoher.Itwasslow,hotandwonderful.

Theywarmedtoeachotheruntiltheyweremovinginrhythm,theroomfillingwithsoftcriesandsounds
ofneed.Herpheromonesandthesmellofhercomescentedtheair,andBraden’seyesgrewwet.

Iloveyou,mylibrarian.Hepushedallthewayintoher,takinghermouthinalong,darkkiss.

Iwillalwaysloveyou.Foreverandever.

Nomatterwhat.

*****

HowElisafoundherselfanhourlater,dressedandstaringatthecloseddoorofBraden’sapartmentfrom
theoutside,sheneverquiteknew.

OnemomentshedrowsedwithBradenafterthesweetestlovemakingimaginable,thenexthewashurrying
heroutofbed,intoherclothesandout.

Finished.Over.

Thewonderfulthingsthey’ddoneinsidethatapartmentwouldneverhappenagain.

“Ijustgotinsomerealstrawberries,”theelderlywomansaidbehindher.“Comeandsee.Youlooklike
youcanaffordthem.”

Elisaturned,buteverythingwasblurrythroughhertears.“I’msorry.Notrightnow.”

Thewomangaveheralookofunderstanding.“That’sShareemforyou.Theylureyouinthentheyturn
aroundandbreakyourheart.Riowasthesame.”Elisawipedhereyesandapproachedthewoman,
curiousinspiteofherself.“IthoughtRiowenttoAriel.”

“Hedid.Foundthe‘one’,hetoldme.Riowasgoingtosendherawayforherownsafety—sacrificehis
happinessforher—butsheconvincedhimtogowithher.IfyouwantBraden,you’lldothesame.”

Elisa’stearsthreatenedagain.“Butthewantinghastogobothways,”shesaid.“Oritdoesn’twork.”

“Don’tgiveup,love.Youkeepathim.I’vewatchedBradenfortheyearhe’slivedhere,andonlyyou
havegivenhimthehauntedlookhewearsnow.Heneedsyou.”

“He’sprettystubborn.Itwilltakealottoconvincehim.”Thewomannodded,notbothered.“You’lldoit.
Now,havesomestrawberries.

Finestinthecity.Iwon’tevenchargeyou.”

109

AllysonJames

*****

Laterthatevening,BradenfacedReesinRees’littlebasementapartment.Talanhadanicelittlehideaway
onamoonresort,butReeshadkeptthisplacebecausegettingtothatmoonresortwasn’talwayseasy,and
helikedhavingcrashspaceintown.Talangettingthefiveofthemtohervilla,especiallywiththenew
rules,wouldhavebeenimpossible.

ThebasementroomwascrowdedbythetimeRees,Talan,Braden,JustinandCaldersqueezed
themselvesin.Calder,thebiggestofthem,leanedontheopendoortothebathroom.

AidenandKyweren’tcoming—theywereinvolvedinadisputewiththeirlandlordaboutBriannestaying
withthemwhenahumanwasnolongerallowedtobewithmorethanoneShareematatime.

ReeseyedJustin.“Bradenwantsyouinonthis,andIagree.”

“Inonwhat?”Justinslidoffhissun-blockingrobesandhungthemonthehookTalanindicated.Talan,the
gracioushostess,offeredthemale,waterorotherdrinkofchoice,whichtheyeachdeclined.

“Leaving.”Reestookaseatinfrontofhisterminal,tappedafewthingsonthescreenandbroughtupalist
thatlookedlikegibberishtoBraden.“Forthelastfewmonths,TalanandI,withthehelpofBrianneand
Katarina,havebeenlookingforwaystogetShareemoffplanet.”

“Yeah?”Justinlookedimpressed.

“Youunderstandthatmetellingyouthisendangersyou?Ifwe’reterminatedforit,soareyou.”

Justinshrugged.“Inevermindalittledanger.”

“ArieliswillingtotakeShareem,buttheylikeeverythingniceandneatandhighlylegal.Whichmeans
theywilltakeus,butoneatatime,overlongintervals.That’sfine,buteachofusgettingoffBorNargaat
longintervalswillbeaproblem.Wehavetogoallatonceortheonesleftbehindgetsnaggedbythe
patrollers.”

“True,”Calderrumbled.

“Icanarrangetransport,”Reessaid.“Bradenwasabletogivemetimetables,andJudith’sguy,Mitch,
saidhecanhookusupwithapilotwhoasksnoquestions.PlusMitchcanhelpouthimselfbuthisrig’s
notbig.I’veseenit.Threeseatsandaholdthat’sdesignedforcargothatdoesn’tneedtobreathe.Oneof
theseatsisforthepilot,sothatleavesroomfortwo.”

Bradenbrokein.“Mitchknowsthatifhe’scaughtillegallytransportingShareemtheofficialsofBor
Nargacanarresthim,right?PlustheymightarrestJudithashisaccomplice,whethersheknowsanything
aboutitornot.”

“Mitchunderstands,”Reessaid.“Andhesaysit’snotaproblembecausehewon’tgetcaught.”

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Bradengrinned,havingknownMitchwouldsaysomethinglikethat,butCaldershifted.“Sowetrust
Mitch?Howdoweknowhe’sasgoodashesays?Orthathewon’tturnaroundandgiveusuptothe
patrollers?”

“Idon’tthinkhewill.I’vegottentoknowhimprettywell.”

“Yeah?”Caldersaid.“Andhe’sgoingtodothisbecausehelovesyou?BecausehelovesShareem?Gods,
don’ttellmehehasthehotsforAiden.Aiden’salreadytoodamnfullofhimself.”

“Notanythingsofunny,”Reessaid.“MitchisdoingitforJudith.Ithinkhe’ddoanythingforJudith.”

“Thatbad?”Bradenasked.

“Thatbad.”

Justinfoldedhisarms.“Yeah,butwillJudithdoanythingforMitch?You’retrustingyourlifethatMitch
won’tgetpissedoffatJudithsometimedowntheroadandbetrayus?”

“Ifyouallhadbeenpayingattention,you’dgetit,”Reessaid.“MitchwilldoanythingforJudith—and
she’lldoanythingforus.IfshethoughttherewastheslightestchanceofMitchgivingusup,shewouldn’t
haverecommendedhisservicestome.”

“That’salotoftrustgoingaround,”Justinsaid.

“Wedon’thaveachoice,”Reessaid.“Thisisthebestchancewe’veeverhad.Rioisopeningthingsup
forusonAriel,butifwegotosomeintermediaryplace—astationorplanetthatwon’textraditeus—we
cangettoArieloneatatime.Wecanpullthisoff.”

“WhataboutSiriusIII?”BradenaskedJustin.“Thesticklersfornohumantraffickingorsellingsex?”

“Itcouldwork,”Justinsaid.“Iknowpeoplethere.AfloodofShareemmightnotbewhattheywant—
sameproblemasonAriel—butthey’renotasregulatedasAriel.Atworst,we’dhangaroundinaSirius
spaceportwaitingforclearance.”

“Wemighthavetosplitoverseveralplaces,”Reessaid.“Butmybiggestworryisgettingoutofherein
thefirstplace.Justin,canyoucontactpeopletherewithoutgettingcaught?Oryoucangivenamestome
andI’llcontactthem?IknowIwon’tgetcaught.”Justinliftedhisbrows.“You’redamnsureofyourself.”
Talan,who’dbeenstandingbehindRees,smiledandcaressedRees’shoulder.“Heis.It’stoughtoputup
with.”

ShegaveReesalookofsuchtotallovethatBradenfeltatwingeofenvy.Whattheyhadwasspecial,a
bondnoonecouldsever.

“Icantry,”Justinsaid.

“Wecanpayanyonenecessary,”Reessaid.“I’mgoodforit.”

“Youcanpaythem,”Justinsaid.“Iwon’tbegoing.”Talanblinked,surprised.Rees’lookturnedhardand
Calderpushedhimselffromthedoorframe.

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“Weallgo,”Calderrumbled.“Thisisanall-or-nothingthing.Anyofusleftbehindwillgetarrestedand
mostlikelyterminated.Itwouldbetooriskyforyoutostay.”JustingaveCalderanunworriedlook.“I
camebacktoBorNargaonpurpose.Ican’tleave.Notyet.”

“It’snotoptional,”Reessaid.

Justinshothisgazerightbackathim.“Sorry,Rees.Icanhideoutinadesertcolonyorsomethinginorder
nottojeopardizeyourplans,butIcan’tleavetheplanet.Notyet.”

Bradenknewdamnwellwhyhecouldn’tleave,wastheonlyoneintheroomwhodid.Andhedidn’t
blameJustinatallfornotwantingtogo,becauseBradenwouldn’twanttoeither.Notifheknewhehada
child,animpossiblemiracleofachild,livingherlifeonlyafewmilesawayontheVistara.Nothingshort
ofaplanet-widedisasterwoulddrivehimawayfromher,andthenhe’dlingertorescueher.

“I’mnotleavingeither,”Bradensaid.“I’llstaybehindwithJustin.”Justinshothimasurprisedlookand
Reesgottohisfeet.

“Damnit,thisisnotadebate,”Reessaid.“Youwanttostayhereforevergettinginoculations,knowing
youcan’teverhaveareallife,knowingthatevenfallinginloveisdangerous?Isthatreallywhatyoutwo
want?”No,itwasn’twhatBradenwanted.HeknewhecouldneverhavewhathecravedwithElisa.

Atthesametime,hedidn’twanttoleavetheplanetshewason.Hecouldatleastseeher,knowshewas
there,watchoverher.BradenunderstoodexactlywhatJustinfeltabouthisdaughter,becauseitwaswhat
BradenfeltaboutElisa.

Shestays,Istay.

Justinapparentlysawnoreasontoexplain.“Sorry.”

“You’recoming,”Caldersaid.“Whetheryoulikeitornot.I’llgetKatarinatotranqyoubothandI’ll
carryyououtifIhaveto.”

“Thenyou’dhaveafightonyourhands,myoldfriend,”Bradensaid.

ReessteppedinfrontofBraden,hisblueeyesfullofanger.“Braden,whatthefuck?

Youhateithere.ThisplanetisyourprisonandI’mworkingmyassofftobreakyouout.IfyouandJustin
stay,you’llbedead.Youthinktherestofuswanttolivewiththat?”

“Sorry,Rees,”Justinsaid.“Inevermeanttothrowoffyourplans,butIcan’tgo.I’llhelpyouandthe

othersgetoutofherebutIcan’tleave.”

“Isitworthstayingbehindtodie?”Reesdemanded.

Justinnodded.“Yes.”

ReeslookedatBraden.“Youtoo?”

Bradensteadilyreturnedthelook.“Yeah.”

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Braden

“Shit.”Reeswaskeepinghistemperdownwitheffort,oneDomtryingtoout-dominateanother.“Braden,
youknowElisahasalreadytakenhervows.GivingthemupandleavingtheorderforaShareemwould
ruinher.Sheknowsthat.”Braden’sheartwashurtinglikehell,buthegaveReesacalmnod.“Shewon’t
chooseme.Igetthat.”

“Soyouthinkwatchingherfromthesidelinesisagoodthing?Itwillkillyou,Braden.Thebestthingto
doismakeacleanbreak,startagainsomewhereelse.

Somewherewe’llhavechoices.”

“Yeah,right,Rees.IfitweremestandingheretellingyoutoleaveTalanbehind,tomakeacleanbreak
andstartsomewhereelse,you’dhaveyourfistinmyfacesofastitwouldn’tbefunny.”

ReesopenedhismouthtoarguebutTalanbrokein.

“Youknowhe’sright,Rees,”shesaid.“AndIwouldn’tbeabletoleaveyoubehindeither.”

ReesgaveBradenanotherhardlook,buttheonehebrieflyturnedtoTalansoftenedtosomethingtender.
“Yeah,well,Igethowyoufeel,Ireallydo.Butwhystayandtortureyourself?”

Bradenansweredwithconviction.“Because,evenifIcan’thaveeverythingIwantwithElisa,Icanstill
beherfriend.”

Theroomquieted.Justinwatchedhiminunderstanding,butCaldershookhishead.“Kywillkillyou,”he
said.

“Kywillhavetodeal,”Bradenanswered.“I’msorry,butIcan’tgo.Notrightnow.”

“Hell,Ithoughtyou’dbethefirstoneontheship,”Calderrumbled.“Leadingthepack.YouhateBor
Narga.”

Bradenshrugged.“Shitchanges.”

Reesrubbedhishandthroughhishair.“Allright,allright.Youknowhowtofuckthingsup,Braden.Let
methinkaboutthis.Gothehellawaynow,anddo…whateveryouthinkyouneedtodo.”

Talanshowedthemtothedoor.Shehadasmileonherface,andBradenrealizedthatoutofallofthem,
shewouldbestunderstandwhatBradenwasfeeling.

BradenkissedhercheekasCalderandJustinmadetheirwayout.“Thanks,Talan,sweetie.Don’tlethim
explodeoranything.”

“Oh,IthinkIcantaketheedgeoff.”Talan’seyesheldthelightofawomaninlove.

“Ijustbetyoucan.”

TalanhuggedhimbackandBradenwent.

“You’recrazy,youknowthat?”Caldersaidtohimastheyemergedonthestreet.“Ishouldhavehad
Katarinashootyoufullofobediencedrugs.”

“Don’tthinkthathasn’tbeentriedbefore.Didn’twork.”113

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“Andwhat’syourdeal?”CalderaskedJustin.“You’redoublycrazy.Youcamebackhereonpurpose.”

Justingavehimagood-naturedgrin.“Noneofyourdamnbusiness.”

“Shit,youtwolivingtogetherhasmadeyoubothinsane.”

“YouknowthatifyouhadtoleaveKatarinabehind,you’dnevergoinamillionyears,”Bradensaid.“No
matterhowmanyobediencedrugswereinyoursystem.”

“Iknowthat.I’dputKatarinaovermyshoulder,plantmyhandonherbacksideandcarryheroffwith
me.”Calderdrewhisrobesovertheblacktunicandleggingshealwayswore,adjustedfacecloths
againstthesunanddrewonhissungoggles.Henolongerhadtohidehisfacefromtheworld,buthesaid
helikedthehabit—itmadepeoplegetoutofhisway.

True.Seeingsevenfeetofmenacingmale,eyeshiddenwithsungoggles,bearingdownonthem,didmake
lesserbeingsscrambleforcover.

Withoutanotherword,CalderturnedhisbackonBradenandJustinandstrodeoff.

“GoodthingKatarinaloveshim,”BradensaidastheywatchedCaldergo,hisbootskickinguplittle
cloudsofdust.“It’swhyhestaysalive.”

“Buthemakesagoodpoint.”Justinwoundhisownsun-blockingrobesaroundhim.“Justcarryheroff
overyourshoulder.Womenlikethat.”Justinwasonetotalk.HetookoffafterCalderbutBradensplit
fromthemtowalkhomealone.Wouldn’twantthepatrollersgettingtheirpantiesinatwistseeingthree
Shareemtogether.

BradenlethimselfenjoythepleasantfantasyofliftingElisaoverhisshoulderandrunningontoacargo
shipwithher,butheletitgo.

ChapterSixteen

ElisakneltbeforeLadyt’Lenkainthepavilion,theredsilkcushioncomfortinginitscolorandsoftness.
Ladyt’Lenkahadservedheraformalminttea,whichwasrefreshingevendrunkhotunderthemerciless
sun.

Theywerenotallowedtodiscussbusinessuntiltheceremonyfinished.Thiswas,intheory,togiveeach
ofthemtimetoorganizetheirthoughts,relaxandcalm,ratherthanrushheadlongintodiscussion.

Elisahadtoadmitthattheteaandsilenceweresoothing,butherthoughtswereagitated.

ShelovedBraden.Shelovedeverypartofhim,fromhisinfectioussmiletothelittlegrowlhemadejust
beforehecame.Hewasalevel-threeShareem,aforbiddenman,andElisafeltfulfilledwithhiminaway
thatmeditationandtheorderhadnevermadeherfeel.

Ladyt’Lenkasetasideherteacup.“Youhaveenjoyedyourselftheselastfewdays,Itrust?”

“Yes,m’lady.”

Ladyt’Lenkalaughed,asoundthatmixedwiththewindchimesaroundthem.

“Youmaybemoreplainthanthat.Icantellfromthewayyousitandwalkandspeakthatyouhavefound
joyinthisexperiment.”

Elisathoughtofthewayshe’dwornthebuttplugtowork,thetoywarmingherandevokingthoughtsof
Bradeninthehoursshe’dhaditin.Shealsorememberedhowexcitementhadlithiseyeswhenshe’d
confessedthatshe’dwornit.

“IhavefoundmorepeacethanIeverthoughtIwould.”Elisaclosedhereyes.“Andalsomoreagitation
andworrythatI’veeverknown.Forhim,notforme.”

“Youmean,you’vefalleninlovewithhim.”

ElisapoppedhereyesopenandLadyt’Lenkasmiled.

“Mydear,loveisaperfectlynaturalemotion.Caringforsomeoneelsemorethanyourselfisawonderful
thing.Youwishtoensurethattheworldisrightforthem,thattheywantfornothing,thattheyarenever
hurt.”Yes,exactly.ElisadidwantthatforBraden—tohavehimbeabletothrowoffhischains,tohave
thesamerightsasanyhumanonBorNarga,tocomeandgofromtheplanetashepleased.Shewantedhim
toflyfaraway,tobefreeandhappy,evenifthatmeanthe’dhavenomorepartinherlife.

“Isthiswhatlovefeelslike?”sheasked.“It’spleasureandpainallmixedup.Idon’tknowifIwantthat.
Idon’tknowifIcantakeit.”115

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“Whatwouldyouprefer?TorejointheWay,tositinthisgardenandthinkofnothingbutpatternsofthe
sandandthesoundofwindchimes?”ThepictureLadyt’Lenkapaintedsoundedsoothing.Simple.

Loveshouldbeeasy,Elisathought.Ifellinlovewithhimwithoutmeaningto.Henevermeantmeto—
I’mjustanotherShareemgroupietohim.

Sherememberedthedarklookinhiseyeswhenhe’dsaid,“Youhavetogo.Now.”Bradenpretendednot
tohaveemotions,buthehadthem.ButevenifhehadfeelingsforElisa,sheunderstoodthathedidn’t
wanttopursuethem.He’dseenpitfallsofsuchalove.

He’dwatchedhisfriendsstrugglethroughtheirlivesandwatchedtheirladiesstrugglealongwiththem.It
wasn’taneasylife.LookatthesuddenrestrictionsslappedontheShareembecauseBradenandhisfriend
JustinhaddaredwalkintheVistara.

Ridiculous.Bradenoughttobeabletogetoffwhatevertrainhebloodywellpleasedandshopinany
markethebloodywellwantedto.Hewasmoreopenheartedandgenerousthananytight-fistedmiserwho
livedontheVistaraorintheSerestineQuarter.Damnthem.

Ladyt’LenkalaidherhandoverthefistElisahadclenched.“Yousee?Windchimesandsandarenot
goingtofulfillyou,child.YourpathmaynotbewiththeWay,butIdon’tviewthatasabadthing.”

Elisalookedup,anguished.“ThelastthingIwanttodoisdisappointyou.I’vetriedtoembracetheWay,
andIdoloveit.Andyou.”

Herheartwentintothewords.Ladyt’Lenkahadgivenhernothingbutkindness.

“Elisa,youwoulddisappointmeonlyifyoufollowedthepathagainstyourheart.

IfyoulovethisShareem,heshouldknow.Hedeservestoknow.Whatyoudoaboutitafterthatisuptothe
twoofyou.Nottome,nottheorder,nottheMinistryofNonHumanLifeForms.Toyouandhim.”

“I’mnotsurehewouldagree.”

Ladyt’Lenka’sserenefacetookonawiselook.“Ihavesomeexperiencewithmales,mydear,andwhat
theysaytheyfeelandwhattheydofeelareusuallytwodifferentthings.Youneedtofacehimwiththe
truth.Iwarnyouthatthemattermightnotturnoutasyouwish,butIcan’tallowyoutorushbackintothe
orderandneverknowwhatmighthavebeen.”

Ladyt’Lenkafinishedandtheybothsatinsilence.

Thebreezemovedthetreesandthewindchimes,thesoundssweetandsoothing,butElisaknewthe
breezewasfalse.Machineshiddenabovethemgeneratedit,andthistechnologyalsogeneratedtheforce
fieldthatkepttheharshBorNarganheatandfrequentsandstormsatbay.

Iftheshieldweredeactivated,thestrongwindswouldstripthetreesbare,andthedryairwouldshrivel
themandtheintricateflowerbedstonothing.Thefountains116

Braden

wouldclogwithsand,thewindchimeswouldtangleandbreak.Therewouldbenokneelingonsilken
cushionsinthepavilion,quietlysippingminttea.

Asbeautifulasitwas,everythingthatmadethisgardenpossiblewasalie.

IfElisaturnedherbackonthedesirethatBradenhadintroducedherto,herlifewouldalsobealie.She
couldhideundertheshieldofcelibacyandsearchdesperatelyinthefalsebreezesofthisgardenfor
happiness,butshe’dneverfindit.

IfBradendidn’twantherinhislife,sobeit.Shecoulddevoteherselftowhatshehelddear—knowledge
andhelpingothersfindthatknowledge.

ElisacouldhelpBrianned’ArothandTaland’UrveyintheireffortstomakelifebetterforShareem.She
coulddoatleastthattorepayBradenforwhathe’dgivenher.

Elisagazedacrossthemeditationgardenwithapanginherheart.Thegardenswerebeautifulevenifthey
neverhadbeenreal.

“IfIleavetheWay,”sheasked,“mustitbeforever?”

“AnyonecanjointheWayoftheSkyanytimetheylike,”Ladyt’Lenkasaid.“Lifeislong,changesoccur.
Youwillalwaysbewelcomehere,Elisa.Butyoumustreturnfortherightreasons.”

ShemeantthatElisacouldn’tusetheWayoftheSkyforescape.Ladyt’LenkaknewexactlywhyElisahad
soughttheWayinthefirstplace,andLadyt’LenkahadallowedElisathatchoice.

Butneveragain.IfElisacameback,she’dtrulyhavetobelieveandembracecelibacyforwhatitwas
meantfor—thecleansingofthemindandsoul,therejectingofbodilysensations.

ElisathoughtofthefullandsatisfiedfeelingofBradeninsideheratthesametimehe’dmadeherwearthe
plug.She’dbeensurroundedbyhimandfilledwithhim.Lovehadmadetheeroticsensationsevenbetter
—heartandbodyentwined.

ElisaunfoldedtoherfeetandbowedtoLadyt’Lenka.“Thankyou,m’lady.Iwillbegintheprocessof
leavingtheorder.”

Ladyt’Lenkaalsorose,wenttoElisaandembracedher.“Nonsense.Yourunalong,andI’llmakeallthe
arrangementsforyou.Thisdoesnothavetobeapainfulandpublicprocess,mydear.Gohome,workin
yourlibrary,enjoyyourlife,andforthegods’

sakes,talktoyourShareem.”

“Iwill.”Elisahuggedhermentorwithtrueaffectionandkissedhercheek.“Thankyou.Foreverything.”

Thetransportbacktothecityleftfromanundergroundstation,wellhiddenfromthehousesandgardens
oftheorder.Thetrailshotoutofitstunnelafewmilesaway,headingacrossthedeserttothecity,which
spreadoveritshillsunderablue-whitesky.

ThetrainletheroffintheheartoftheSerestineQuarter,onaplatformthatletherviewthesprawlingcity
below.Thenoise,theheat,thecrowds,therealnessofthemetropoliscrashedintoher,andElisaopened
herarmsandembracedit.

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*****

BradentriedtoignoreElisa’ssummonstoherhouseonthehill.Eachtimeshecalled,Bradendidn’t
answer,butElisaleftmessages.

Themessageswereheartbreaking.ThefirstbeganwithElisaexcited,herbrowneyesdancingasshe
staredintothescreen.

“Braden,Ineedtoseeyou.Imustspeakwithyouaboutsomething,privately.It’squiteimportant.Please
cometomyhousetonight.”Thenextmorningshecalledagain.“Iwaitedforyouallnight.Areyouall
right?Itrulyneedtospeakwithyou.Itismosturgent.”Thatafternoon.“Braden,please.Iwouldnot
continuetoplagueyouwereitnotimportant.”

Gods,thesweethearttalkedlikeanold-fashionednovel.Whothehellsaidplagueyouorwereitnot
important?

NotthatElisaplaguedhimorevenannoyedhim.Helovedeverythingshedid.

Thatnightsheleftanothermessage.Thistimeherfacewascalm,hereyesshowingresignation.

“Braden,Iapologizeforcallingsooften.Hearmeoutbeforeyoudeletethismessage.Please.”Shedrew
abreath.

“Thiswillbemylastcall.Iwishtothankyouforwhatyouhavedoneforme.Youhelpedmelearnabout
myself,andwhatIcouldbe.Youtaughtmetoliveinsidemybodyinsteadofpretendingthatmostofit
doesn’texist.Iwillalwaysbegratefulforthat.

“IhavedecidedtoleavetheWayoftheSky.Infact,theformalseparationcamethroughtoday.Ientered
theorderforthewrongreason—toescapefromwhatlifehaddealtme.I’mnotsorrythatIchosetheWay,
becauseIlearnedmuchfromit,butneitheramIsorrytoleaveit.Iwillcontinuetoworkatthelibrary,
becausethatiswheremyheartlies,inbooksandthewonderfulthingsinsidethem.

“Thisisgoodbye,Braden.Ifyou’velistenedtothisentiremessage,Ithankyou.”Theformaltonelefther
voiceandshetouchedthescreen.“Itrulythankyou.AndI’llmissyou.Goodbye.”

Thescreenwentblank.

Bradenstaredatit,suddenlyunabletobreathe.Voicescriedoutinhishead,anguishedatthelossof
somethingpreciousandrare.Somethingthatwouldnevercomeagain.

Bradentouchedhisconsoleasthoughhestillsawherface,whilehisheartlaylikeleadinhischest.

Thisiswhathewanted,wasn’tit?Forhertobreakfromhim,togoonwithherlife?

HergoodbyemeantthatBradencouldtellReeshe’djoinhiminfindingawayoffplanet.Justinstillhad

hisproblem,butthey’dworksomethingout.

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BradenhadtoldReeshe’dratherstayandwatchoverElisa,butmaybethatwouldbetoohard.Itwastoo
damnhardjustlisteningtohermessagesontheconsole.

Elisahadleftherorder.Shewasnolongeranofficialcelibate.

Damnher,whyhadshedecidedtodothat?HadsheaskedBraden’spermissionfirst?No,shehadnot.He
neededtopunishherforthat.

Bradentampeddownonhislevel-threeinstincts.ItwasElisa’slife,herchoice.Whythehellshouldhe
care?

Buthedidcare.Elisawasthrowingawaysomethingimportanttoher.Andwhy?

ForaShareem.Apersonwho,accordingtotherules,wasn’tevenhuman.

Whatifthedickheadshe’ddumpedusedherleavingtheordertorenewthebreachofcontractsuit?
Dickheadandhisfamilycouldruinher.

Andshe’dhavedoneitbecauseBradenhadtaughtherthatsexwasn’tsobad.

Damnitall.

Bradensprangup,slammedintohisbathroomandstartedretrievingtoysfromthesterilizer.

“Whereareyourunningoffto?”Justinduckedintothefrontdoorfromwhereverhe’dbeenroamingand
watchedBradenshrugonhisleathertunic.

“TheSerestineQuarter,toteachaprettyyoungladyalesson.”Bradenstopped,studiedJustin.“Hey,are
youbusy?Wannahelpme?”Justingavehimawide,veryShareemgrin.“Thoughtyou’dneverask.”

*****

WhenElisawokeindarknesstothecuffclosingaroundherleftwrist,herheartbeganpoundinginjoy.

She’dnotchangedthekeycodesincesendingBradenthelastmessage,retaininghope.He’dcometoher.
He’dreceivedhermessagesandcometoher.

Bradentuggedherrighthandtoherleftoneandclosedacuffaroundthatwrist.Aninch-longchainjoined
thetwocuffs,keepingherfrommovingherwristsapart.

Elisafeltmomentarypanicovertherestraint.Itwasastrangesensation,andinstinctwantedhertoget
free.

Braden’sstronghandsmoothedherhair.“Shhh.You’refine.”Elisatookalongbreath.Shedrewonher
meditationtechniquestocalmher,focusingonherbreathingtoswallowherfear.Sherestedherhands
calmlyonherbellyandwaitedtoseewhathe’ddonext.

“That’sit,love,”hesaid,touchingakisstoherlips.“You’redoingwell.”Bradenkissedheragain,his
lipsonhermouth,chin,throat.Heraisedherboundhandsoverherheadandrolledheroverontoher
stomach.

“Lights,”hesaid.“Dim.”

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AllysonJames

ThelightsrosemarginallytorevealBradeninblackleathertunicandleggings.Heunfastenedandslidoff
hernightclothesinswift,practicedmovementsthenhestretchedachainfromherboundwriststooneof
thebedposts.

Elisa’sskinprickledinanticipationasshelayfacedownandwatchedhim.Wouldheplaywithher?
Spankher?Enterher?Woulditbeinhervaginaor—happythought—

herassagain?

Forananswer,Bradenslappedahandtoherbuttocks.“Youleftyourorder.Why?

DidIgiveyoupermission?”

“Braden,I—”

Anotherslap.“Answerthequestion.DidI?”

“No.”

Hedrewathinpieceofleatherfromhispocketandunfoldedit.Elisa’seyeswidened.

“Don’tbeafraid,”hesaid.“Areyouafraid,mylibrarian?”Terrified.Andexcited,soexcited.“No,”she
said.“I’mnotafraid.”

“Good.”

Bradenpulledoutthenextthingfromhispocket,asimplepieceofcloth.Hebracedonekneeonthebed
andtiedtheclotharoundhereyes.

Elisasuckedinabreath.“ButIcan’tsee.”

“Ifyoucouldsee,itwouldn’tbeaverygoodblindfold,wouldit?”

“Butwhy?”

Bradenleaneddown,hiscoolleatherclothestouchingherskin.“YouthinkyouwanttobewithShareem,
Elisa.I’vebeengoingeasyonyou,beinggentle,becauseIknowyou’renewatthis.Butthat’snotwhat
you’dgetifyoustayedwithme.You’renotreadyfortherealthingsI’ddo.”

“Realthings?Whatdoesthatmean?”

“Levelthree.Everybitofit.”

Braden’slargehandlandedonherassagain,amildsting.She’dgrowntolovethesensation,especially
whenhesootheditawaywithacaress.

Hedidn’tsoothethistime.Heliftedhishandaway,andnextshefeltthesharpercutoftheleatherlash.

Shecriedout,andBraden’shandsoothedthefire.“Hushnow.Thisisforyourdisobedience.”

“Whatdisobe—”

Swack.

“Isaid,hushnow.”

Elisaclampedherlipstogether.ShecurledherhandsintotherumpledsheetsasBradensmackedherwith
thestrap,stoppingeverycoupleofstrokestoeaseher.

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“Thisislevelthree,baby,”hesaid.“Disciplineandbondage.”Elisasquirmedasthenextslapcame
down.Shewashis.Thatwaswhatthestraptoldher,whatthemanaclestoldher.Hewasinchargeofher.

Thestraphurtanditdidn’t.ThestingradiatedthroughElisa’sbuttocksandherpussy,makingherundulate
inpleasure.

Slap,sting,fire,soothe.Slap,sting,fire,soothe.

Thesoundoftheleatherhissingthroughtheairaddedtothepleasure…thecreakofhisclothes,the
whisperofhisbreath.

“Yourassissored,sweetheart.Sopretty.”Bradenkissedit,hislipscooltoherhotskin.“Youmakeme
wanttofuckyou.”

“Please.”Yes,tofeelhimenterherafterthiswouldbeheaven.

Swack.

“Notyet.”

He’dlikeditwhenshe’dbeggedforhimbefore.“Please,Braden.Please.”Swack.“Hushnow,orIget

outthegagaswell.”Elisaclosedhermouthagain.Whatdidhewant?Forhertotellhimshe’dchanged
hermindaboutleavingtheorder?Ithardlymadesenseforhimtobepleasuringherifhepreferredshego
backtobeingcelibate.

Bradenspankedherafewmoretimeswiththestrap,kissinghertosootheitinsteadofusinghishands.
Thenthestrapwentawaybut,joy,shefelthisfinger,coolwithlube,atheranus.

Sheliftedherhips,eagerforhimtotouchherthere.Bradengentlypressedtheopening.Inthedarkness
behindthecloth,herhandsunabletoreachforhim,shefeltonlythatsensation,apointofexcitement.

Elisaletoutalittlemoanasshefeltaplugslidein,thisonethelargestyet.Itwasstillfairlysmall,about
thesizeofhisfinger,butthedifferencewasthere.

“Ihaveasurpriseforyou,”hesaid.“Afew,actually.Thisisthefirstone.”Theplugbegantovibrate—
fast.Itbuzzedandhummed,andElisapressedherselfupwardwiththepleasure.Maybe,justmaybe,he’d
putanotheroneinhervagina.Orbetterstill,rollheroverandenterherinthefrontwhilethewonderful
plugdiditsdanceintheback.

Whenthestrapcrackedacrossherbuttocksagain,Elisascreamedinjoy.Hehadtotakehernow,hadto.

“Areyoureadyforthesecondsurprise?”Bradenasked.

Thevibratorandstraptogetherwasn’tsurprisenumbertwo?Thiscouldbewild.

Bradenleftthebed.Themattressnolongerborehisweightandshefeltsuddenlycold.Shewantedtobeg
himtocomeback,butmaybehe’dpunishher.Gloriousthought.

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Thenagain,himnottakinghernowwouldbetheworstofpunishments.Elisabittheinsideofhermouth
andsaidnothing,incase.

Sheheardthedoorofherbedroomhissopen,thetreadofsomeoneelseenteringtheroom.

“ThisismyfriendJustin,”Bradensaid.“Justin,meetElisa.”Justin—thetallShareemwithbrownhair
she’dseenleavinghishousetwodaysago.Seeinghernaked,facedownandblindfolded,handsmanacled,
herassrisingasthevibratorpleasuredher.

“Very,verynice,”Justinsaidinarumblingvoice.

SheheardBraden’svoiceinherear,felthislipsbrushhercheek.

“Surprise,”hesaid.

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ChapterSeventeen

TwoShareem.

Two.Takingher.

Shecouldn’t.Elisacouldn’tletthem.

Herbody—excited,shaking,hot,open—toldhershecould.

BradenwatchedJustinlookatElisaasshelaystretchedoutfortheirpleasure.Thelightathalfvolume
floodedherbodywitharosyglow.

Shewasbeautiful,hercheekonthepillow,herassslightlyelevated,showingBradenhowmuchshe
cravedhim.Hedidn’tneedtotouchhertoknowshewaswet,soverywet.

Justineyedherlikeahungrymanatanunexpectedbanquet.Theidiotprobablyhadn’tgonetoawoman
sincehe’darrivedinBorNarga.

“WhatcanIdo?”heasked.

“Anythingyouwant,”Bradensaid.“Touch,taste,play,fuck.Thepussyismine,butallelseisfairgame.”

“Gotit.Canshedoadouble?”

“Ithinkso.Iplantotry.”

HeimaginedElisalyingonhim,fullyenclosinghiscock,whileJustincamebehindher.Thetwoofthem
sandwichingherinultimatepleasure.Gods,yes.

Elisahadbeenmadeforpleasure.Shemightnothaverealizedituntilshe’ddumpedtheassholewho’d
wantedtomarryherforhermoney,butshewas.Atleastshe’dbeenwiseenoughtoprefernomanatallto
onewho’dneverfulfillher.

WhenBradenhadwalkedintoherlibrary,he’dseenthesparkinhereyesinspiteofhercelibate’srobes.
Shewasawomanwhowantedtoknowpleasure,todiscoverthedepthsofherownsexuality.

SoluckyBradenwaswillingtoshowittoher.

Justinapproachedthebedandstartedstrokingherskin—legsandarms,back,gettingtoknowherbody.
Elisamovedunderhistouch,respondingtoShareemcaresses.

Bradensuddenlywantedtosnarl,dashacrosstheroomandshoveJustinawayfromher.Maybethishad
beenabadidea.

Mine.MyElisa.

Hissparkofjealousysurprisedhim.Bradenhaddoneplentyoftwoonone—eventhreeandfouronone.
He’dneverbeenjealousofthesecond,thirdorfourthmanintheequation.

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AllysonJames

Focus.He’dbroughtJustinhereforElisa’spleasure.NotforhisneedsorJustin’s.

“Nicetomeetyou,Elisa,”Justinsaid.“Forreal,thistime.”HishandswentalloverElisa’sback,down
herlegstoherfeetandupagain.Bradenclenchedhisfistsandforcedhimselftowatch.

Justinflickedthevibratorwithhisfingertip.“Thislooksfun.Isit?”Elisamadealittlenoiseofsurprise
butsaidnothing.

“Answerhim,”Bradensaid.

“Yes,”Elisagroaned.

“Wouldyoulikemycockbackhere?”Justinasked,caressingherbuttocks.“Mycockwillgobackhere,
andyou’regoingtolikeit.”Hegrinned,hislevel-twopheromonesheating.“Thiswouldbeevenmorefun
withwhippedcream.Gotany,Braden?”

“No,”Bradengrowled.

Justinshookhishead.“Whatcanyoudowithlevelthrees?Nosenseofplay.I’dliketodabwhipped
creamonmycockandhaveyousuckitoff,Elisa.Maybewithacherryontop.ThenI’dlickthecream
fromyourpussy.I’dlickitsoslowly,Bradenwouldbeallhotandbotheredandpissedoffatme,because
he’dbedyingtohaveyou.”ElisaquiveredbothfromJustin’stouchandhiswords.Thedarkofthe
blindfoldshuthimoutbutElisarememberedwalkingpasthimandlookingupintohislonelyeyes.

Nowsheheardgleeinhisvoice,feltheatinhistouch.Hemightbesadandlonely,searchingfor
something,buthewasputtingthatasiderightnowtobeShareem.ForBradenandforher.

Justin’stouchwasdifferentfromBraden’s.Justin’shandswereashardandcalloused,buthisfingertips
skimmedfeatherlightoverherskin.Hetickled,hewovepatternsoverherback,heplayfullydippedtoher
pussyandoutagainbeforeshecouldgasp.

Leveltwo.Funandgames.

Hishandrestedonherbuttocks,caressed.Thenspanked.NotashardasBradendid,morelikefriendly
littlepats.

Thenthestrap,stingingacrossherbackside.Againnotashard—justenoughtomakehersquirmand
laugh.

Justinswattedherafewmoretimes,thenheputhishandonhershoulder.“Turnover,sweetthing.”

Elisawaited,sensingthatBradenwouldn’tlikeitifsheobeyedJustinwithoutquestion.

“Goahead,”Bradensaid.Hisvoiceheldapproval,asthoughshe’ddoneright.

Elisamaneuveredherselfontoherback.Thebuttplugfitsnugagainstherandkeptonvibrating.

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“Pretty,”Justinsaid.

Heskimmedhandsoverherbreasts,tuggedathernipples.Hishairbrushedherbellyasheleaneddown
andlickedhernavel.Shegiggled.

“Leveltwos,”Bradensaidindisgust.“Nevercankeeptotheessentials.”JustinlickedElisa’snavel
again.Shelovedthetickleofhistongue.

Hepressedakissbelowhernavelandanotherjustaboveherclit.“Youshavedher.”

“Ilikeitbare.”

“SodoI,”Justinsaid,breathwarmonherclit.“Hairisnicetoo,though.Itcanbepretty.”

Justincontinuedthekisses,droppinglightonestoherclitandacrossheropeningashebentherkneeand
pushedherlegsapart.

“Shetastesgood,”Justinsaid.Heblewonheropening.“Comeandtastethis,Braden.”

“I’vetastedit.Keepon.”

Justinkissedandlickedsomemore,histonguelightandtickling.Hebrieflysuckledherclit,teeth
scraping,thenliftedaway.Elisawiggledherhips,wantingmore.

Whatshegotwashishand.Firsthecuppedher,warmthandpressure,andthenhepatted.Littleslapsand
patsagainstherpussyandclit,makingthemtingle.

SheheardBradencrosstothebed.“You’rebeautiful,love.”Thentheywerebothpattingher,herlegs
wideapart,fourhandsapplyingsweetpressuretoherpussy,herclitonfire.Elisarosetoit,herbound
handswantingtopart,thechainfrustratingher.

“Braden,”shebegged.“Braden.”

“Don’tcomeyet,”Bradensaid.Hisvoicewasinherear,breathscalding.

“ButIwantto.Ineedto.”

Anotherslaponherpussy,harderthistime.“Notyet.”

“Hell,Imightcome,”Justinsaid.

“Fuckingleveltwos.”

“Tight-asslevelthrees.”

Morepatstoclitandpussy,movingdowntoherassandthevibratorthere.Wavesofclimaxrushedather,
blottingoutallothersensation.

“Notyet,”Bradengrowled.

“Please,Braden!”

“No,sweetie.Notuntilitwillbethebestcomingyoueverhad.”Elisadidn’tcarerightnow.Apretty
goodonewouldbefinewithher.

“Lether,”Justinsaid.“Iwanttoseeit.”

“I’mtheDominthisroom.WedoitthewayIwantitdone.”125

AllysonJames

“Damnit.”Justin’stouchlefther,andElisaheardfabricslither.

Shewishedshecouldsee.WasJustinstrippingdown?Wouldhebeashard-muscledasBraden?Would
hebeaserect,wantingher?

Somethingbluntandwarmtouchedhernosethenbumpedherlips.IfthiswasJustin,thenyes,justas
erect,andprettymuchaslarge.

“Suckhim,”Bradensaid,hisvoicenowcomingfromacrosstheroom.

Justingotuponthebedbehindher,kneesoneithersideofher.Hegentlytiltedherheadback,supporting
it,soshecouldopenherthroatandtakehimupsidedown.

Strangesensation.Justin’sfirmcockslidbetweenherlipsandbumpedtheroofofhermouth.Ittookhera
momenttounderstandhowshewouldsothis,butfinallysheclosedhermouthandsucked.

“Ohyeah,”Justinsaidaboveher.“Damn,Braden,she’sgood.”

“Shelearnedfromthebest,”Bradensaid.“She’sagoodlibrarian.Thisiswhatshemeanswhensheasks
herpatrons,‘WhatcanIdoforyou?’”

“What,shetakesthemintothestacksandgetsonherknees?”Elisastoppedinsurprise,andJustinbatted
hercheekgently.Sheworkedhimagain,realizinghisgame.

“Sure,”Bradensaid,closernow.“She’sbadthatway,can’twaitforthenextpersontohelp.”

Justingroaned,hisfingerstighteningasherubbedherhair.“Mmm,makesmewanttovisitthelibrary.”

Bradengaveherpussyalittlespank.“Shelikesdevicestoo.Shewearsanassplugalldaywhileshe’s
working.”

Partlytrue.Elisarememberedthewarmthofthepluginsideherwhileshequietlyhelpedhercustomers
findthedigitalstheyneeded.Thesecretknowledgethatsheworetheplughadkepthernipplestightwith

excitement.

“Ilikethat,”Justinbreathed.

“Shelovestohavethingsuptheass,”Bradensaid.“Plug,vibrator,tongue,cock.”Elisamoved,climax
rushingather.Itmadeherwanttosuck,andshesuckedhardatJustin.

“Gods,she’sbeautiful.”Justinrockedintohermouth,hishandsstillsupportingher.“It’sbeentoolong.
Oh,sweetbaby,takeme.”BradencuppedhishandhardoverElisa’spussy.“Now.”Hot,salty-smooth
seedfilledElisa’smouthasJustingaveitup.Elisarose,stimulatedbythevibratorand,mostofall,by
Braden’sfirmhand.Hecuppedher,harderandharder,untilshelostholdofJustin’scockinanopen-
mouthedscream.

Shecoughed,raisedherheadtoswallow,Justinhelpingher.Bradenwasontopofherthen,ridingher
climaxwithher,handstillonherpussy,kissesalloverherface,throat,breasts.

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“MysweetElisa,”hewhispered.“Mysweet,beautifullady.Ilo—”Thewordcutoff,lostinElisa’scries
andJustin’sgroans.Bradenkissedheragain,tonguemasteringhermouth,hishanddoingitsdancetosend
hertoparadise.

*****

Notlongafter,Bradenlayonhisbackonherbed,watchinghissweetladycometohim.Shestillworethe
blindfoldandherhandswerestillboundasJustinguidedherdownontoBraden’sstiffcock.

Bradenheldhersteadyandpushedupintoher.Herheadwentbackashewentindeep,herlittlegasp
makinghisheartpoundlikecrazy.

Damnthegames,anddamnit,whyhadhedecidedtobringJustin?Bradenjustwantedtofuck.Simple,
straightforward,manandwoman,nogames,noelaboratepreparations.

Justmakinglovetothewomanhewantedmosttobewith.

Butwhatthehell?Justinwashere,mightaswellmakeuseofhim.Elisawouldlovethis.

JustinletElisapleasureherselfonBradenafewminutesbeforeheeasedherontoBraden’schest.Braden
gatheredherinhisarms,thelibrarianheloved.

JustinclickedoffthevibratorandwithdrewitfromElisa’sass.Elisamurmuredaprotestthensighedin
happinessasJustinsmoothedherbackopeningwithlube.Hiseyeswerefilledwithblue,hiscockashard
asthoughElisahadneversuckedhimoff.

ButJustinwasShareem,reactingtochemicalsintheair,unabletostophimself.

Justingotbehindher.Morelube,toherandtoJustin’scock.Ready.

“Doit,”Bradensaid.“Thisisforyou,sweetElisa.”ElisawasalreadyfilledwithBraden,herposition
ontopmakinghimgoallthewayintoher.Shelovedit,andshelovedtheywayheheldher.

Hishandswerehot,strong,steady.Shecouldn’tseehim,butshecouldfindhislipswithherkiss,show
himhowhappyhemadeher.

Thatis,untilshefeltJustin’senormoushard-onatherass.Shejumped,clenching,andBradengroaned.
Elisahadn’tmindedBradenthere,but…

Justintookhiscockawayandhisfingerssoothedastheytouchedheranus.“Openforme,sweetheart.
That’stheway.”

Elisa’smusclesloosenedontheirown.Justin’sthickandwell-lubedfingerslidintoher.“Thereyougo.”

ElisakissedBraden.Sheopenedhismouthwithhers,slidinghertongueinasshe’dlearnedtodo.Lips
met,fused,Bradencuppingherfaceinhishands.

Elisa’sbacksiderosealittlehigherunderJustin’sministeringwithouthertellingitto.Justinwithdrewhis
finger,andshefelthislargetippressingwherehisfingerhadbeen.

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SheautomaticallystiffenedagainbutshemadeherselffocusonBraden’skiss,thefeelingofBraden’s
cock,hardandlonginsideher.Justin,nowunimpeded,slidin.

Twoofthem.Insideher.

Elisacouldn’ttakeit.Itwastoomuch.She’dcomeapart.Theyhadtostop.

Butshecouldtakeit.Bothofthematthesametime,Bradenhardinherpussy,Justinsnuginherass.

ShecouldtakeitbecauseBradenhadtaughther,andshe’dlearnedherlessonswell.

Thetouching,thespanking,theplugs,thevibrators—allhadbeentoreadyherforthismoment.

TeachingElisatotrustBraden,toobeyhimwhateverhetoldher,wastomakesurethatwhentheydidthis
—twoShareeminsideher—itwouldbetheultimatepleasure,withnopain.

Itwasabeautiful,beautifulfeeling.

Theystretchedher,penetratedher,filledher.Justinstartedalittlerhythmbackandforth,carefulsohe
wouldn’thurther.Littlethrusts,designedtomakeherthrustbacktotakehim.

WhenElisapulledforward,therewasBraden.Thickinsideher,allthewayinsideher.Thenbackto
Justin,fillingherass.

ThispleasurewasagiftBradenwasgivingher.Elisaneededit,shewantedit.

NevermindthatBradencalleditpunishment,toldherthatsheneededtounderstandwhatShareemtruly
were.

Elisadidunderstand,andsheembracedit.

Givethistomeforever.

Bradenslidtheblindfoldfromhereyes,hisowncompletelyblue,andElisasmileddownathim.Justin
pumpedintoherbackside,Bradenholdingherinpositiontogiveherthegreatestpleasure.

Elisasqueezedinresponse,clampingaroundBraden’scock.

“Damnyou,”hegrated.

Justingaveanansweringgroan.“Sheissodamntight.Thisisgood.”

“Iknow,”Bradensaid.HekissedElisa’sface.“She’sbeautiful.Squeezehim,Elisa.

Andsqueezeme.Showuswhatyoucando.”

Elisasqueezed.Shewriggled,shethrust,shekissed.SheshovedherselfdownonBraden’scockandback
onJustin’suntilbothmenweremakingraggednoises.

Braden’scockpenetratedsodeep.Justin’sslidevenfartherintoher,untilshejerkedandsquirmed,the
pressuredrivingherinsane.

Ican’ttakeit,Ican’t.

Butoh,goddess,it’ssowonderful,sofreeing,likenothingI’veeverfeltbefore.They’rebothsohuge,
sodeepinsideme.

I’lldieifItakeanymore—I’lldieifIdon’t.

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Braden.Ilovehimsomuch.Ineverwanthimoutofme.

“Fuckit,I’mcoming,”Justinsaid.

“Notyet,”Bradensaid.“Wait’tilshehashers.”

“Ican’t.She’stoogood.Asweetlittlepeach,andIcan’tgetenoughofher.”Seedsuddenlyfilledher,
Justin’sthrustsincreasingashecame,fistsonherback.

Justin’scomingwasdifferentfromBraden’s,whoalwaysshoutedandsaiddirtythings,orsnarledat
himselffornotholdingofflonger.Justinwasmostlysilent,hipsmoving,handsholdinghersteady.

Justinpulledoutinoneswiftstroke.Heimmediatelywipedherwithatowel,thefrictionofittinglingon

herass.

Andthentherewasonlyonecock.Hard,long,sodeepinsideher.Bradenpulledheragainsthim,hiships
movingrapidly.Hekissedher,theirmouthsallovereachother’s,stronghandsstrokingherbody.

Elisakissedhimagainandagain,sweatslickontheirbodies,Bradendrivingharderintoher.Shefeltthe
joyouspressureofthebuttplugslidingbackintoher—thankyou,Justin—thenthehumofthevibration.

Thelittlemovement,jigglingherinherbacksidewhileBradenopenedhersowide,sentheroverthetop.

“Iloveit,”sheshouted.“Iloveit,Braden.Iloveyou!”Sheslammeddownagainsthim,rockingwiththe
wondrousfeelingofbothhimandthevibrator,herwordsspiralingintoincoherence.

Bradenarchedhisbodytopushupintoher,hard,hisseedbarrelingoutofhimashisshoutrangtothe
ceiling.

Theywentontogether,bothpeaking,Elisacomingapart,Bradenholdingherandkeepinghersafe.
Justin’swarmweightpressedagainstElisa’sback,hishandsandvoicesoothing.

Together,herShareembroughtherdownfromherheights,intoawarmandcomfortingplacethatElisa
never,everwantedtoleave.

Butwhenshewoke,afterthemind-numbingsleepshefellintoontopofBraden,bothweregone.They’d
cleanedupandtakeneverythingwiththem,leavingnosignthatthey’deverbeenthere.

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ChapterEighteen

“Whatareyoudoinginhere?”Bradendemandedadaylater,staringintotheopendoorwayofhissecond
bedroom.“Where’sJustin?”Elisaturnedaroundwithacalmsmileasthoughsheweredoingnothing
unusual.

Bradenhadjustspenthoursburiedinale,tryingtoconvincehimselfthatleavingElisawastherightthing
todo.Hecomeshome,andheresheis,goingthroughthebuilt-indrawersofJustin’sroom.Puttingthings
in,nottakingthemout.

“Elisa,whatthehell?”

“I’mmovingin,”Elisasaid.“Justin’sfoundanotherplace.ThisissuchasmallapartmentIthoughtI’d
storemythingsinhere,regardlessofwhereIsleep.”Regardless,Bradenthought,somewherebehindthe
buzzinginhisbrain.Thosesexywordsagain.

“YouhaveahouseintheSerestineQuarter,”hesaid.“It’smodestforthehill,butit’sahellofalotnicer
thanthisone.”

Elisashrugged.“I’lluseitforvacation.OrrentittoothersintheWayoftheSky.Ordonateittotheorder.
Ihaven’tyetdecided.”

BradenbracedonehandonthewallandtriedtorememberhewasaDom.“Thisismyapartment,
sweetheart.Idecidewhostays.”

“It’snotyours,actually.Yourentitfromthegovernmentonsufferance.Theycanturnyououtanytimethey
want.Thatis,theycouldhave,butnotanylonger.NotnowthatI’vepurchasedit.”

ThedangerofBradenfallingincreased.“Youpurchasedit?”

“Muchofthisblock,actually.Yourapartmentisoneofadozeninthiscomplex.IdecidedI’dusethisone
asmine.Youdon’thavetopayrentifyoudon’twantto.Thatwillsaveyouafewcoins.”

Bradengaveupandsaggedagainstthedoorframe.“WhosaidIwantedyoutobuymyapartmentblockand
givemefreerent?”

Hersmiledidn’tfade.“Itreallyhasnothingtodowithyou,Braden.I’llneedaplaceclosetothePasCity
library,andyourplaceisjustaroundthecorner.Irequestedatransfer,yousee.Thelibrarydownhereis
smallandpatheticallyequipped,butIintendtoturnthataround.I’dmuchratherhelppeoplewhotruly
needtolearnthanindulgehighbornwomenwhowanttolookthemselvesupinthesocietyarchives.”
Braden’stonguelayheavilyinhismouth.Ithadbeenharderthanhelltoleavehersleepingatherhouse
twonightsago.He’dwantedtosnugglewithheruntilmorning—

gettingridofJustinfirst—buthe’dmadehimselfgo.

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HispurposeingoinguptoherhousehadbeentoteachherthatShareemweredifficulttotake.Once
wouldbeenough.She’dhaveherfillandwantnomore.

Andnowshe’dplungedherselfintotheheartofallthedangersthatcamewiththeShareem.

“No,”hesaid.“Ican’texplainwhyit’stoodangerousforyoutostayhere.Youjusthavetotrustme.And
getout.”

“DoyoumeanthefactthatyouandotherShareemaretryingtogetoffplanet?”sheflooredhimbysaying.
“Tostartanewlifeelsewhere?”Bradenwasacrosstheroomintwostrides,hishandoverhermouth.
“Whothehellhasbeentalkingtoyou?Andwhyareyousayingitsoloudly?”Elisapulledathishand
untilhelowereditagain.“Don’tworry—Ihadeverylisteningdeviceremovedfromthisblockassoonas
itbecamemine.Notthatmostofthemworkedanyway.”

“Shit.”

“Andnoonetoldmeaboutyourplans.Ideducedthem.”

“Deduced…”

Shegavehimapityinglook.“Really,Braden.AShareemcomestomylibrary,gainsaccesstoarestricted
computerandcharmsmeintoauthorizingitwithmyownprint.

Helooksupatonoftransportdata,erasesthetimestampsandsendsmeasingingsphereasthanks.A
wildlyinappropriategiftforsimplehelpatalibrary.It’sasthoughhefeelsguiltyaboutsomething.”

“No,Icanjustgetsingingspherescheap.”

“Don’tinterrupt.”Sheliftedherhand,sograceful,evenwhenshewaspissedoff.

“Nextyougivemethebestfewweeksofmylifethen,justwhenwe’restartingtolikeeachother—no,not
like.I’mnotafraidtosayit.Whenwestarttofallinlove,youtellmeyoumustleavemeformyown
good.PutallthatwithyoursecretivegatheringsinJudith’sbarandIstarttodrawconclusions.”

“Hell.”

Elisa’ssmileblossomed.“Imightbenaïveaboutsexualityandthelike,butnotaboutpeople.It’samazing
whatyoucanlearnaboutpeoplewhenyouworkinalibrary.You’vebeenplanningtoescapeBorNarga,
haven’tyou,andyoudidn’twantmetoknow,incaserepercussionscamemyway.AmIright?IknowI
am,sodon’tbothertodenyit.”

“Stop.”Bradenrubbedthebridgeofhisnose.“Juststop,Elisa.You’retalkingsofastyou’regivingmea
headache.”

“Sorry.”Elisatouchedhisforehead,rubbedherthumbthere.“IbabblewhenIgetexcited.”

“Sweetheart,youcan’tknowthis.You’rerightthatIdon’twantyoutosufferthebacklash.Thelessyou
know,thebetter.Movinginwithmeisastupidthingtodo.”Hesteppedawayfromher.“Butitdoesn’t
matter.I’lljustmoveout.”131

AllysonJames

“Braden,IcameherebecauseIwanttobewithyou.Idon’tcareaboutrepercussions.Icanevenhelpyou.
Ihaveresources,Iknowpeople.”Damn,shewassofuckingsweet,hewasgoingtodie.Shewantedto
help,justlikeKatarina,justlikeBrianne,justlikeTalan.Elisawantedtobeoneofthem,toliveanddie
withthem.

Buttheproblemwas,shemightjustdie.

“Yougaveuptheorder,”hesaid.“You’renotprotectedbyyourcelibatestatusanymore.”

Elisasteppedclosetohim,kissedhimbrieflyonthelipsandturnedawaytoresumeunpacking.

“Youdon’tunderstandthecelibateordersthen.Onceyou’reapartofthem,youarehighlyrespected,even
ifyouchoosetoleave.Peopledon’twanttomesswithyouincaseyoustillhavepowerfulfriendsinyour
Way,whichIdo.Thesefriendsloveme,understandmeanddon’tblamemeforwhatI’vedone.Didyou
know,forinstance,thattheholyladyoftheWayoftheSky,Ladyt’Lenka,isrelatedtotherulingfamily?

She’sBrianned’Aroth’sgrandmother’saunt.Anauntwholikestohaveherwishescarriedoutwithout
question.ThelatestrestrictionsonShareemhavebeenlifted,bytheway.Asofthismorning.”

“Whoa.Wait.TheladywhorunsyourcelibateorderisBrianne’sgreat-greataunt?”Elisanodded.“That’s
right.”

“Hell.ThatwillmeltAidenandKy’sbutter.”

“Ididn’tknow,actually,untilyesterday.Ladyt’Lenkahassodivorcedherselffromheroldlifethatshe
nevertalksaboutit.ButshetoldmewhenIapproachedherabouttherestrictionsandaskedwhatIcould
doaboutthem.ShetalkedtoBrianne’sgrandmother,asafavortome.”

“Elisa.”Bradenresistedtheurgetoseizeher,toyellather,toshakeher,topushherontothebedandfall
ontopofher.“YougottherestrictionsliftedsoShareemcouldconspiretogethereasier?”

Shegavehimathoughtfullook.“Yes.Well,thatandtherestrictionsaresounfair.”

“Elisa,whatamIgoingtodowithyou?”

“You’regoingtoletmehelpyou,that’swhat.”

Bradenmadeanoiseofexasperation.“Damnit,Idon’twantyouhelping.Idon’twantyoutohaveany
partofthis.Don’tyouunderstandthatifwe’recaught—ifanypatrollerhastheslightestsuspicionabout
whatwe’redoing—we’llbeterminated?Andyou’llbearrestedrightalongwithus.”

Elisahadherbacktohim,liftingthesingingspherefromacrate.Shesetitonasmalltableandstepped
backtoadmireit.

“Iwon’tgetcaught,”shesaid,soundingcertainofherself.“Neitherwillyou.You’reverycareful—all
youShareemaresocareful,inspiteofpretendingtobethemostcarelessbunchofsex-crazedmalesever
created.Andoncewegetoffplanet,Ihave132

Braden

enoughmoneythatyouandIcangowherewewish,liveaswewish.Idolikeyourapartment,Braden,
butIthinkwe’dneedsomethingalittlelargereventually.Especiallyifwedecidetohaveafamily.”

Holyfuckingcraponacrutch.

“Wewerebredtobesterile,remember?Theygiveusallthosedamnshotstomakesurewestaythat
way.”

Elisashookherhead.“Butifyoudon’ttakethecontraceptiveshotsforatime,maybeyourabilitytohave
childrenwillreturn.KatarinaandIhavebeentalkingaboutthis,andshe’sresearchingit.”Shetouchedthe
singingsphereanditsmusicvibratedthroughtheroom.“Afterall,Justinhadachild,didn’the?”Braden
stopped,allfeelingleavinghisbody.“Elisa,howthehell…didyouknowthat?”

Sheshrugged.“Itonlymakessense.JustinwasfreedonSiriusIII.Iknowhislovertherepassedaway,but
still,whyintheworldwouldheleaveaplacewherehewashappy,lovedandfree—tocomebackhere?
Hecan’teverleaveBorNargaagain,andhe’snowunderthesamerestrictionsandregulationsastherest
oftheShareem.Justinchosecaptivity.Noonedoesthatunlesstheyhaveaverygoodreason,andthat
reasonusuallyinvolvesanotherperson.”

Bradenfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest,asthoughholdinghimselftogether.“Goon.”

“Itmademeponder.IfJustincamebackforaladyhe’dloved,wouldn’thehavefoundawaytogetherto
Siriustobewithhim?Iftheladydidn’tloveJustinback,he’dhardlyhavecomebackhereaftertwenty-
fiveyearstofindheragain.Ithoughtmaybetheladyinquestionwasmarriedtosomeoneelse,buteven
then,whywouldhecometoBorNarga—wouldn’titbeeasierforthemtomeetinsecretoffplanet
somewhere?

Thatleftachild.Oneheconceivedbeforeheleft,onewhomaybedoesn’tknowanythingabouthim.After
twenty-fiveyears,thatchildwouldbeagrown-upperson,easiertofind,easiertoapproach.Asonora
daughterwhoprobablydoesn’tevenknowtheyhaveanythingtodowithShareem.”

Shefinished,smiling,lookingproudofherconclusions.

“Youaretoodamnsmart,”Bradensaid.“Toodamnsmartforyourowngood.”

“I’lltakethatasacompliment.”

Bradenletoutabreath.“Ihopetothegodsnoneofthepatrollersarethatsmart.”

“They’renot,”Elisasaid.“TheyseeShareemasmindlessbeings,thefools.Intheiropinion,Justincame
backherebecausehecouldn’tthinkofanythingelsetodooncehisladyonSiriuspassedaway.They
don’tthinkmalescanthinkforthemselves,especiallynotShareem.”Shepaused.“I’mright,aren’tI?
Aboutthechild?”

“Yes.It’sadaughter.”

“PoorJustin.Hissecretissafewithme,believeme.”133

AllysonJames

“Iknowitis.”Bradenwenttoher,hot,panickedandhurtingalltogether.“Iknowyouwon’ttellanyone,
sweetheart.You’vebeengoodtomesincethedayIsawyoubehindthatdesk.Allinnocentandpretty
and…librarian-ish.”

“Iwasfascinatedbyyou,”Elisasaid.“YouweremyfirstShareem.”Andbyallthegods,Bradenswore
he’dbeheronlyone.

Bradentouchedherface,lookingintogreen-fleckedbrowneyesbrimmingwithsincerity.Whatthehell
hadhedonetodeservethiswonderfulwoman?Thisbeautywho’dchargeddownfromherhigh-priced
houseonthehilltotakecareofhim?

“Elisa,I’msofuckinginlovewithyou,itscaresthehelloutofme.”Hereyeswarmed.“Whyshouldit
scareyou?”

“Becausewecan’tbeinlove.”

“Whynot?Idon’tbelievetheliethatShareemdon’thaveemotions.”

“Idon’tmeanthat.Imeanbecauseit’stoodangerous.”Bradenrestedhisforeheadagainsthers.“If
somethinghappenedtoyou,I’ddie.”

“Thenwe’llbevery,verycareful.”Shekissedhislips,hermouthsoft.“Iloveyou,Braden.I’mstaying
withyou,andI’llhelpyou,andI’llgetyoufree.Ipromise.”

“I’mnotgoinganywhereanytimesoon.NotuntilJustinfiguresthingsout.Igetwhyhewantstostay,and
I’mstayingwithhim.”

“Ofcourseyouare.We’llhelpJustintoo.Idon’tthinkthatpilot—Mitchishisname?—willmindthe
excusetokeepvisitingJudith.”

“Youknowaboutthattoo,doyou?”

Elisashrugged.“I’malibrarian.Knowledgeismybusiness.”Bradenpulledherclose,hishandssliding
aroundherwaist.“WhatdoIdo,Elisa?Iloveyousomuch.It’skillingmetonotbewithyou.”

“Thenbewithme.”

Suchasimplesolution.Riskeverything,acknowledgelove,betogethereveryday.

Bradencraveditwithhiswholebeing.

“Allright.”Hekissedherlips,thecornersofhermouth.“Youwin,damnyou.Stay,andwe’llfall
together.”

Sayingit,surrenderingtothelove,relaxedsomethinginsideBradenthathadbeentightforyears.Hefelt
floating,free.Lightheaded,even.

Hegaveanametothefeeling,onehe’dneverhadinhislongandtotallyscrewed-uplife.

Happiness.

HekissedElisa,hislove,hislifemate.Shewrappedherarmsaroundhisneck,pulledhimdownintothe
kiss.Herlipswerehot,wet,herwickedlittletonguedelvingintohismouthandtastinghimback.

134

Braden

Thatkissledintoasecond,equallypassionateone.BradenscoopedElisaagainsthim,likingthatshe’d
wornathintunic.Hernippleswerehardbehindit,pressingpointsintothefabric.

Elisarubbedherhipsagainsthim,smilingintothekisswhenshefelthisrock-stiffhard-on.“Nexttime
yougoforyourinoculations,willyoutellKatarinatotakeoutthesterilitydrugs?”

Braden’sheartbeatfaster.“Youwanttoriskthat?”

“Iwantafamily.Withyou.We’llfindaway.”

Bradenwantedittoo.HecompletelyunderstoodwhyJustinhadvoluntarilycomebackheretorulesand
regulationsjustforaglimpseofhisdaughter.Thatpull,thatlove,wasamazing.

“Allright,”hesaid.“We’llseewhathappens.”Hecuppedherwaistandslantedherasuddenandwicked
smile.“Andnow,love,whatisthisaboutyoubuyingmyapartmentbuildingwithoutmypermission?”

“Itwasagift.Foryou.”

“Don’tdisarmmewiththosesweeteyes.Iwasthinkingalongthelinesofalittlediscipline.”

ThesparkinElisa’seyesmadeBraden’sheartleap.Shewastoospecial;likedtoplayhisgamesand
knewexactlywhenBradenneededtoplaythem.

“MaybeI’vebeenabitnaughty,”shesaid,smilesly.

“I’mgladtohearit.ButIdon’tthinkI’llgiveyouapunishmenthere.”Shelookedsurprised.“No?”

“No.DoyoustillhavethekeycodestoyourSerestineQuarterlibrary?”

“Yes.”Thesparkagain.“Why?”

Bradenleanedtoherandlightlykissedherlips,grinning.“It’sasurprise.”

*****

Inlessthananhour,Elisafoundherselfleaningoverherreferencedeskintheclosedlibrary,Braden
swiftlystrippingoffherclothes.

Thelibrarywasdarkexceptforthelittlelightbelowherdeskthatsentilluminationupward.Theatrium

waslikeasilent,waitingjungle,thetricklingofthefountainloudinthestillness.

She’dworkedatthisdeskfortwoyears,andneverhaditbeenthismuchfun.Shelookedoverher
familiarconsoleandkeypad,thedrawerthatstuckalittle,thenow-darkframewhereshe’ddisplayedher
holopics.

Familiarandyetstrangeinthedark,withhernaked.Withamanloomingbehindherinthedarkness,his
growlingvoicetellinghertospreadherselfacrossthedesk.

135

AllysonJames

Elisalaiddownonit,stretchingherarmsaboveherhead,tinglingwithpleasurewhenBradenclicked
cuffsaroundherwrists.He’dpulledoffhistunicandstoodnexttothedesk,hardanddark.

Thetipofhiscocktouchedherlips.“Suckme.”Yes.Elisaopenedhermouthandwelcomedhimin,loving
thenow-familiartasteofhiscockinhermouth.Shelickedthetip,movedhertongueontheundersideand
suckedthewayhelikedit.

Bradenletherforawhile,rockinghiships,handonherback,softlytellingherhowbeautifulshewas.He
withdrewbeforeshefinished,backingoutofthewayofheroutstretchedhands.

“Notyet,”hesaid.“Iwanttocomewithyou.”

“ButIlikeitwhenyoucomeinmymouth,”shesaid.

Bradenmadeasoundlikeagrowl.“Hell,don’ttellmethat.”Hereachedintohispackandpulledoutthe
thinstrap.Elisasquirmedinexcitement.

Shescreamedwhenthefirstlashlandedonherbuttocks,herlaughterringingupthroughtheatrium.The
leatherhissedthroughtheair—swish,slap.Swish,slap.

ThenBraden’slips,kissingawaythefire,histongueprobingdownbetweenherbuttocks.

Elisamovedagainstthedesk,knowingnowhowtopleasureherselfonthesurfacebelowwhileBraden
workedherass.

Hepartedhercheeksandlickedherstar,wettingherandrelaxingher.Nextlube,and,happily,thehard
feelofabuttplug.Whenitbeganvibrating,Elisamoanedherthanks.

Bradenspankedherass.“Thankmewhenit’sdone,love.Rightnow,weenjoy.”Elisawasalready
enjoying.Thevibrationinsidehermadehercrazy,theharddeskbeneathher,whereshe’dworkedso
manyhours,doublingtheintensity.

Bradenliftedherandturnedherover,herbarebackagainstthecooldesktopnow.

Heleaneddownandkissedherface,throat,breasts,belly,pussy,andthenstraightenedupandpositioned
himselfbetweenherlegs.

ElisagroanedinpleasurewhenBradenliftedherhipsandguidedhimselfintoher,thenraisedherfrom
thedesk.Hewentdeepinsideher,holdingher,surroundingher,whilethevibratorpulsedintheother
side.

Itwasbliss.Elisaheldhim,sinkingintohiswarmth.Hesmelledgood,sodarkandhot,andshenibbled
hisneck.

Theyrockedfasterandfaster,Braden’sskinslickwithsweat,hiseyesfilledwithblue.Hekissedher,he
nippedherearlobe,hesuckledherneck.Theyswayedtogether,breathsragged,groanstearingfromthem.
Theonlyothersoundwasthefountain,playingintothesilence.

136

Braden

Theypeakedtogether,Elisafullofhimandtheplug,Bradencryinghername.Hishandswereallover
her;sheclungtohim.

TheycollapsedtothechairbehindElisa’sdesk,panting,laughing,kissing.Loving.

“Iloveyousomuch,baby,”Bradensaid.“Mylibrarian.”

“Iloveyou.MyShareem.”

Theysattogether,Bradenholdinghersecureinhisarms.Itwasawonderfulmoment,thetwoofthem,
aloneinthesilencewiththeirlove.

“Doyouthinkwe’refinished?”Bradenaskedafteratime.

“Mmm?”Elisawascomfortableandhappy.Theycouldstayinthischairforever,asfarasshewas
concerned.

“Thisisn’twhatIbroughtyouupherefor.Well,notthewholereason.”Elisaraisedherheadtolookat
him.“Whatthen?”

“Remembermyfantasy?TheoneItoldyouabout,backwhenyouwerestillcelibate?”

Elisa’sbodythrummedwithexcitement.“Yes.”

“ThenyouknowwhatIwant.Gouponthatbalcony.Don’tworry,Iwon’tleaveyou.I’llberighthere.”

Elisahesitated.Itwasonethingtobebehindherdesk,whichhadalwaysfeltlikeasafeplacetoher,
anothertowalknakedthroughthelibrary.

ShehesitateduntilBradengaveheraswatonthebutt.Theplugwasstillthere,andheclickeditonto
vibrateagain.

Whynot?Bradenhadtaughtherhowtobewildandwicked,andnowshecouldbe.

Sheleaneddownandgavehimalong,hotkiss.Thenshewalkedrapidlythroughtheatriumandpunched
thebuttontoopenthelift.

Itfeltstrangetomovearoundthisdarkplacestarknaked.Exciting.Elisacuppedherselfassherode
upwardinthelift,enjoyingthesensationofherfingersinherwetpussy.

Shesteppedofftheliftandmovedtothebalcony.Bradenhadbeenplayingwiththelights,andonenow
shonedirectlyonaspaceinfrontoftherail.Elisasteppedintoit.

Below,Bradensmiledupather,ahotShareemsmile.Hiscockwaslifted,ready,wanting,inspiteof
themfinishingcrazedandwickedsexonlyafewminutesago.

Hewaitedforher,herlifematewiththewickedeyes,thenear-slavewho’dtaughtElisawhattruefreedom
was.

Iloveyou,Braden.Iloveyouwithallmyheart.

Elisacuppedonehandaroundherbreastandtouchedtheothertoherpussy.

Braden’ssmileturnedtoagrinashegrippedhimself.

“You’rebeautiful,baby,”hesaid.

137

AllysonJames

Elisasmiled,warmedbyhiswords,andproceededtogivethemanshelovedthebestshowofhis
lifetime.

*****

ReesfacedJustinoveranaleatJudith’sbar.Talanwasacrosstheroom,talkinganimatedlytoMitchand
Judith,TalanaskingallaboutMitch’sship.Mitch,Justinhadseenbynow,likedtheattentionofladies,
andJudithlikedwatchingMitchtalk.

Rees’focus,ontheotherhand,wasatthemomentallforJustin,whichJustindecidedwasalittle
unnerving.

“Ifiguredoutwhyyoudon’twanttogo,”Reessaidquietly.“IjustwantyoutoknowthatIdon’tblame
you.”

“Shit.”Justingrippedhisaleglass.“Bradenhasabigmouth.”Reesshookhishead.“Bradendidn’ttell
me.Hecanbealoyalfriend.Apainintheass,butloyal.Ididalittleresearchandputthingstogether.
Wasthechildfromaguineapig?”

“Yep.Idon’tknowwherethewomanisanymore.Orifshe’sevenstillalive.”

“Yourchild—sonordaughter?”

“Daughter.AndIknowtherisktoher.It’stearingmeapart,trustme.”Rees’lookturnedsympathetic.“I’ll
dowhateverIcantohelp.Iwaspissedoffatfirstwhenyoudidn’twanttoleavewithus,butIgotto
thinking.”HeglancedatTalan,theaffectioninhiseyesstark.“Whatifitwereme,andthechildoneI’d
givenTalan?

NowayinhellwouldIleaveBorNarga,evenifitmeantmylifeherewashell.Iunderstandyourpain,
Justin.Andbelieveme,there’sbeenalotofpain.”Justinhelduphisglass.“Givemealittlebitoftime,
that’sallIask.Iwanttofindoutwhathappenedtohermotheranddecidewhattodo.ThenI’lljoinin
yoursearchforawayoffthisrockandaccompanyyoutoShareemparadise.Promise.”Reesclickedhis
glasstoJustin’s.“We’llgetthere.”

“Wewill.”

Justinthoughtofhisdaughter,thatbeautifulyoungwomanlaughingwithherfriends.Hecoulddestroyher
simplybyexisting.

Whatgoodfindinghermotherwoulddo,hedidn’tknow.ButheneededtofindLillian,neededtofindhis
peacewithitall.

JustinthoughtnextofBradenandElisa,evennowcelebratingtheirlifemating.He’dcelebratedsucha
thingonce,andhesilentlytoastedShela,onehellofawoman.

Heliftedhisglassagain.“ToBradenandElisa.”

“BradenandElisa.”Reesclinkedhisglassagain.

ReesdrankthenreachedforTalan,whocametohimandsnuggledintohisembrace.Reesgaveheralong
kissthatmadeJustinremembernightsofpassionwithShela.Hemissedherlikefury.

138

Braden

“We’llfindaway,Rees,”JustinsaidwhenReesandTalancameupforair.“Iswearitbyallthegods.”

“Yep,”Reessaid,givinghimawickedShareemgrin.“Wewill.Thisisnotoveryet.”

139

AbouttheAuthor

AllysonJameswritesromances,mysteries,eroticromanceandmainstreamfictionunderseveral
pseudonyms.ShehasmadetheUSATodaybestsellerlist,haswonseveralRomanticTimesReviewer’s
Choiceawards,andwonRWA’sRITAaward.HerbookshaveearnedstarredreviewsinBooklistand
TopPickreviewsinRomanticTimesBookReviewsmagazine.

Allysonlovestowrite,read,hikeandbuilddollhouses.Shemethersoulmatewhenshewaseighteen,
traveledtheworldwithhim,andsettleddownwithhimandtwocatsinthedesertsouthwest.

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