Take Me (13 page)

She pressed another button and the sound of the water shifted. Dipping a finger back in, she noted it was growing cooler.

Talia stood and shrugged out of the robe she'd donned after coming back inside. She let it fall to the floor and it hit the tub on the way down, knocking the clitabrator into the water.

“Oh dear.” She leaned down to retrieve it. Oh! It still vibrated, even under water.

A flush worked its way through her body and she shivered.
No, Talia, it would be wrong
.

She stepped into the tub and sat down in the lukewarm water, eyeing the pink clamp that rested on the side of the tub again.
No
.

Glancing at the buttons again, she located one that would likely hold the shampoo. When she pressed it, a small spout popped out from the side of the tub, and she placed her hand under it. Thick cream oozed out of the spout and into her hand. She lifted it to her nose and sniffed. Sweet and floral-like. Very pleasant.

She massaged the cream into her hair and over her body, attempting to do what Dane usually did for her. She glanced around for a pitcher, something to rinse her hair, but saw nothing.

With a sigh, she closed her eyes and leaned back in the tub, dipping her head under the water to rinse. She surfaced again and gasped in air, laughing at her own inexperience.

Her gaze landed on the clitabrator again. She had to try it. She just had to. As with the hot water, there was no reason she should not just experiment. She was not at home on Zortou, where she would meet the most severe punishment for pleasuring herself.

Talia lay back in the tub, letting her legs fall open. Her other hand rested on her stomach, and she bit her lip. Would she actually do this? It still seemed so forbidden, the thought of even moving her hand farther south sent cold waves down her spine.

Do it. They cannot control you now
. She took a deep breath in and slid her hand downward. Slowly. Her fingers encountered the smooth mound of her pussy and her pulse jumped. Swallowing hard, she closed her eyes and moved her hand lower. Her pussy lips were silky and hot. She parted the labia and found her clit, brushing it quickly with her fingers. A hot tremor rocked her body.

Oh gods. To think she'd never been allowed to do this before. She stroked again, her long moan filling the bathroom.

What did the inside of her cunt feel like? During sex, Ryder would tell her how hot and wet she was.

She moved her fingers lower and pushed them inside her opening. Another groan resonated in the room, only this time it did not come from her.

Snapping her eyes open, she choked. “Ryder! I thought you were not arriving until later.”

“I could not wait to see you again. Gods, princess, do not stop on my account,” he murmured huskily from where he leaned against the doorway.

She bolted upright in the water. “I am so sorry. I should not have…” She lowered her gaze, shame burning her cheeks. “Whatever punishment you wish to implement I will accept.”

“Punishment?” he asked quizzically, and she could hear his footsteps as he crossed the floor. “There is nothing wrong with pleasuring yourself, Talia.”

She lifted her gaze, her fear dissipating. “You are not angry?”

“Not at all.” He chuckled and picked up the tiny clamp on the side of the tub. “What do we have here?”

“Oh…” Her cheeks burned hotter. “It is…Oh gods, this is embarrassing.”

“Do not be shy. I'm not unfamiliar with this toy.” He grinned and fell to his knees beside the tub. “Here, allow me.”

Bringing the clitabrator underwater, he opened it and then parted her pussy lips. His fingers rubbed her swollen flesh before he tugged on her clitoris and then placed the clamp upon it.

Heat speared through her body. The pressure of the clamp made her entire pussy tingle and he had yet to turn it on.

Ryder lifted the remote from the side of the tub and she bit her lip in anticipation. He stared at it for a moment and then stretched out his hand toward her.

“I want to watch you.”

“Y
ou want to…watch me?” She took the remote from him, felt the weight and knew the power it held.

“Yes, Talia. By pleasuring yourself you will in turn be pleasing me.”

“Well, why did you not just say so?” She smiled and turned the remote onto the lowest level.

He laughed at her startled gasp. “How does it feel?”

“Sssh, you cannot expect me to carry on a conversation at a time like this.” She groaned and closed her eyes, focusing on the sensual vibrations against her clit. She turned the speed up another level. “It is paradise.”

“Talia…” Ryder growled. “Use your other hand and touch your breast.”

She obediently lifted her hand and cupped her breast.

“Pinch the nipple.”

Her fingers closed around the tip and she squeezed, crying out as pleasure shot straight to her cunt.

“How do you feel?”

“Amazing. Oh gods.” Her hips lifted in the water, sluicing liquid over her belly. No matter how she moved her body, the explosive sensations followed. “Oh, I cannot take it.”

“You can, love. Turn the remote up higher.”

She obeyed, turning the lever to the highest level. The intensity of the vibrations tingled through her clit, making it even more sensitive and swollen.

Without his urging, she lifted her hands and cupped her other breast, kneading the firm flesh and pinching her stiff nipples.

“That's right. Let yourself go, Talia. I want to watch you come.”

His thick words were the gentle push over the edge she needed.

“Mmm…” She threw her head back as lights exploded in her head. Her cunt clenched and her stomach quivered. She gasped in air, gripping the edge of the tub as the trembles racked her body.

She went limp and slid under the water, an inane smile on her face. Ryder's hands on her rib cage pulled her up and out of the tub.

“That good, hmm?” He unfastened the clamp, set it on the side of the tub, and then wrapped a fluffy robe around her body.

She slipped her arms into the sleeves, murmuring, “That good. And more so. I shall have to thank your sister for the clitabrator.”

Ryder winced and shook his head. “I really wish you would not have shared that bit of information.”

Talia wrapped her arms around his neck and dropped a kiss on his lips. “She's a grown woman, you know.”

“Mmm. Who is?” He leaned down to kiss her again, but she pulled back.

“Krystal. She's not a child anymore.”

“I realize that.” Ryder's brows drew together and he straightened up. “What has brought this on?”

She sighed and stepped past him to lift the brush off the counter.

“Her unhappiness about being forced into a marriage with a man she does not love.”

She could see the clenching of his jaw in the mirror as she brushed through the strands.

“I see. It seems my sister is taken with you enough to make such confessions.”

“Perhaps.” She met his gaze in the mirror. “Did you never consider her feelings for the other man?”

Ryder's lips curled downward. “Trust me, the other man is a pathetic man who would make her miserable. She is new to the world of men, and Dillon will take care of her well.”

“But how do you know that? How do you know it is the right choice for her?”

“Because Dillon is in love with her.”

Talia exhaled slowly and set down the brush. “I see. I do not believe she is aware of that.”

“Well, he has not yet told her, that I know of. Still, he is a good match and whatever fondness Krystal holds for him will likely grow into love.”

“That is quite a big assumption.” She raised an eyebrow and walked back into her room. “On the other hand, I am not so sure I trust this other man's intentions.”

“You are wise not to.” He followed her into the bedchamber. “Are you hungry?”

“I am.” She grabbed the dress she'd left on the bed and slipped it on.

Ryder groaned, his gaze sweeping over her. “You are beautiful. If I had not promised you dinner I would toss you onto the bed and make love to you for hours on end.”

Make love
. Never had being intimate been referred to as making love. Perhaps having sex, or even fucking her senseless, but never making love.

Her heart skipped and she took an unsteady breath in. She lowered her gaze, grabbing her sandals off the floor and slipping them on.

“You flatter me.” She lifted her head and offered him a shy smile. “Where are we dining?”

“I've arranged an intimate ride on one of the observation pods. That way I can show you the city at night while we eat.”

“Truly?” She clasped her hands together and smiled. “It sounds wonderful.”

Ryder gave a brief smile, but behind his eyes she could sense the urgency and anticipation. He wanted her to talk tonight.

She stepped forward and placed her hand in his. “I am ready when you are.”

He took her hand and led her out of her chamber. They made their way through the hall and to the outside of the building.

She sucked in the air greedily. Never could she imagine growing used to being outside of a building. It was too new, too surreal. The light from the two moons lit up the garden path, the sweet smell of flowers teased her nostrils.

It was absolutely too wonderful. A small giggle escaped her, and Ryder glanced down at her.

“And what are you thinking about, you naughty woman?”

“Just how amazing it is here.” She glanced up at him from under her lashes. “You may have taken me against my will from Zortou, but in truth you have set me free.”

Ryder halted her on the path and ran a finger down her cheek.

“I apologize again for the way I treated you initially, but I am glad you have found some peace here.” His thumb rubbed across her mouth. “Have you considered what I said earlier at the lake?”

Talia's pulse sped up and she pressed her tongue against the back of her teeth. “Yes, I have.”

“And?”

She looked up at him, her gaze searching his face, searching for a reason not to trust him. There was nothing but a somberness that made her heart twist.

“And I will tell you everything I know.”

He exhaled and his shoulders relaxed. “Talia, you are my goddess.”

“I am nothing of the sort,” she murmured and wrapped her arms around his waist, laying her head against his chest. “I am a woman who realizes the wrong I have been led to believe. If I can prevent this attack in any way, I will do so.”

“Thank you.” His hand smoothed down her back and she closed her eyes. “We can discuss this over dinner.”

She nodded against his chest and gripped him tighter.

Footsteps sounded along the path, and she drew back from him reluctantly.

“Good evening, sir.”

Talia spun around, her stomach clenching as she recognized Ines's voice.

“Good evening,” Ryder replied absently.

The woman nodded at them, but did not stop. Simply continued past them. How much had she seen? Heard? The idea that she might have fueled the fire of Ines's jealousy turned Talia's stomach sour.

“Come, the pod is awaiting our arrival.”

She nodded and smoothed her dress down, then followed him along the trail.

They took a sky taxi to where the pod was stationed.

Ryder took her hand and helped her inside. It was sleek outside, with a lush interior. There was a half-circle table with a curved velvet bench inside, intimate and romantic.

“This is quite amazing,” she breathed. “I have never been in something so striking.”

“Not quite true, princess. You have been in a pod before, but it was much smaller. It is how we left Zortou.” He offered a lopsided grin as he settled down next to her on the velvet bench.

She rolled her eyes, her pulse kicking up as his thigh rubbed against hers.

“Yes, but I do not remember that trip. I do believe you drugged me?” she teased and lifted an eyebrow.

He gave a low, sexy laugh and then kissed the side of her neck. “Yes, I did. Because you were hardly going to come willingly.”

“Mmm. True.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath in. The smell of food tickled her nostrils and her stomach growled.

“Tour the city, please,” he commanded and the doors slid shut, the pod lifting into the air. “Hungry?”

“Yes, actually I am.”

Her stomach flipped as they kept rising higher into the air, faster every second. Soon they leveled off and began a slow steady movement. She leaned forward to see. The upper half of the pod was transparent, allowing her to view the city below.

She sighed, drinking in the sparkling lights from the buildings. “It is incredible at night.”

He lifted a strand of hair and curled it around his finger. “I am glad you enjoy it.”

“The way the moons' light reflects off the lake.” She turned her gaze away from the view and smiled at him. “Is that the same lake we walked upon earlier?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you for bringing me here, Ryder. It is beautiful.”

His gaze softened and he leaned forward, his lips rubbing in a soft caress against hers. When he lifted his head, she was a bit lightheaded and it had nothing to do with the altitude they were at.

“I had dinner prepared and sent along for our ride.”

He straightened and pressed a button on the panel of the pod. The wall opened and he pulled out a steaming tray with a lid on top and set it on the table before them.

“It smells wonderful.”

“It is a wild yard bird sautéed in aliaberry wine, atop mushroom rice.” Pressing another button, another panel opened and a bottle of wine sat inside with two glasses.

He pulled them out and then poured Talia and himself each a glass of the red wine.

“I have never had yard bird,” she confessed. “We grew low on any form of meat on Zortou.”

“Belton dealt with a similar issue at one point.”

He lifted the lid from the tray and she eyed the colorful meal. There was enough for both of them to share off the same plate.

“During my last trip to Earth a few years back, I made some trades with a farmer for three dozen birds.”

He cut a piece of the bird and lifted it to her lips. She opened her mouth and he slid the meat inside. The tartness of the berries mixed with the flavorful meat.

“Once back on Belton, we were able to breed the birds and had tripled our supply within a year.” He used his thumb to trace a bit of sauce off the corner of her mouth.

She chewed the meat and then swallowed, her gaze locked on his.

“The Council stated that you were an oil tycoon from Earth. I am assuming that was not true?”

“Correct. It was an alias I used to gain entry into the Council's inner circle and to get to you.”

“I see.” She lowered her gaze and wrapped her hands around the glass of wine. “I was your target, then? At all times?”

“Of course you were, princess. You know this. I have admitted to as much.”

“I know…” He had gone through such deceit and planning simply to get to her. The thought was mind boggling.

She lifted the glass to her lips and took a quick drink. The tart wine slid down her throat, sending warmth through her and into her belly.

“Do you like it?”

“Mmm.” She took another sip. “It is wonderful.”

Ryder watched her steadily, letting her enjoy the meal and her time in the pod. He wished this evening were only about giving her pleasure, showing her more of his planet and letting her explore. But it wasn't. There was so much more at stake.

His body grew rigid with tension and he glanced out the pod window. At this very moment the Council could be preparing to launch an attack on his home planet.

“Are you not going to eat?” Her sweet voice broke through his thoughts.

“I am not very hungry.” Still, he lifted the extra fork and ate a few bites to appease her.

Talia had said that she would tell him everything, but what if she didn't? The doubts pricked deep. He should trust her now, he knew this. Yet still, all his training as a soldier indicated that he not be so free with his faith in others.

Perhaps it truly was her way of pacifying him to gain more time?

“What are you thinking, Ryder?” She set down the fork and took his hand. “Your face does not hide your thoughts well.”

“Does it not?” he murmured vaguely. “And what does it say?”

“That you still do not trust me.” She squeezed his hand. “And that is all right, I understand. In your eyes I will always be the enemy.”