Jane
The Meta Sectorwas officially the most screwed up place in the universe. Not that I knew anything about space beyond the surrounding light-years of my own galaxy, but I couldn’t imagine anywhere being worse than here. “So, you want me to pose as your slave?”
“Yes, little captain. If the Mangox believe I am your master, they may try to buy you, but they will not attempt to steal you.” Tor rifled through my bag on the floor. We’d come to my quarters after he explained our predicament. With the bastards boarding our ship in less than ten minutes, we had to act fast. “They’d consider it bad form. Their code is not one of honor, but of commodification. They respect transactions.” He pulled free one of the lingerie pieces, much to my horror, and held it up. “What of this?”
“You can’t be serious. I didn’t even pack that! Taylor did,” I squealed, unable to keep my calm. “It’s not meant to be worn in public.” The two-piece nightie consisted of a royal blue halter top, matching high-cut panties, thigh highs, and a garter belt with straps.
“It will match your eyes.” His smirk was hot as hell.
In other circumstances, I’d consider donning the skimpy outfit for him. Although, I wasn’t sure I liked the bossy commander, my body didn’t seem to have any problem with him. “I don’t care. It’s too revealing to wear in front of those creepy, hairy elephant assholes.”
“Ljona,” he said, dropping the lingerie on the bed and taking my hands in his, “I would kill them all, if it meant keeping you safe. But if I were to fall, they would take you and sell you on the dark market.” He squeezed my hands. “I am but one warrior. I know you can fight, but we are outnumbered.”
“We could try another wormhole trip.” My stomach rebelled at the mere mention of the idea. “Or doesn’t this baby have light-speed or something?”
“We have sonic speed with the hyperdrive, but making an enemy of the Mangox is not wise, if we can avoid it.” Tor brushed strands of hair from my cheeks and tucked them behind my ear. “We need to complete our mission. And the Mangox own the Meta Sector. Eventually, they’d hunt us down.”
I sighed. “There’s no other option is there?”
“No,” he growled low in his throat, the sound rumbling in his chest, “I do not relish the thought of them seeing you in such garments either.”
“Commander Tor, that almost makes it seem like you care,” I teased. Being a grown-ass woman of thirty-one, I did not kid myself that our sexy scene from earlier was anything more than two people working off steam. While I enjoyed the big warrior’s body, since oh what a body it was, it did not mean I was ready for anything beyond that. He was still an arrogant son of a viper. It just so happened there were a helluva lot worse aliens than him in the universe.
His cocky ass smile returned, and I didn’t mind it as much as before. It lit up his face and softened his harsher edges. “Do not sass, your master, ljona.”
“Oh, you’re going to enjoy this way too much.” I snagged the lingerie off the bed, already dreading this scenario. “Turn around so I can put this on before those bastards come.”
He rolled his eyes but complied. “As you wish, Captain.”
“Well, at least you got my title right for once.” I shucked off my boots and pants quickly. If I thought too much about it, I’d chicken out. Gripping my tank top at the hem, I tugged it over my head and slapped it on the growing pile of clothes on the floor. Standing in my sports bra and boy-shorts, I lost my nerve. “Are you sure I can’t just wear this?”
“I can’t see what you’re wearing.” He remained faced away from me but pointed to his back. “Sadly, I do not have eyes back here.”
I huffed. “Turn around then.”
He did so, and my skin flushed with heat. Those damn gray-purple eyes of his illuminated as if from an inner light. His stare was intense and burning hot. “You are a female of incomparable beauty, little captain.” He stepped into my space, crowding me with his presence. “And other than having you stroll around naked, I’d prefer you in this.” He stroked the waistband of my boy-shorts with featherlight caresses. “But I’m afraid your current clothes would not be believable for a slave.”
Sighing, I twisted the skimpy lingerie between my hands. “Fine. I’ll put it on. Turn back around.”
Tor, to his credit, didn’t say anything. He simply put his back to me once more and gave me the time to come to terms with our circumstances. I’d never posed as anyone’s slave that was for sure. I didn’t attempt role-play or BDSM scenes in the bedroom. I was an A-type through and through in every facet of my life. While others dreamed of letting go, I craved control.Yeah, and that’s not an issue, right?
I did not need to psychoanalyze my life right now. So, I stomped on those thoughts as I pushed off my boy-shorts, flipped my sports bra over my head, and pulled up the bikini panties. It wasn’t quite as bad as a thong, but my ass-cheeks still showed through the high-cut sides. I grimaced. The halter top was easy enough to manage, but the garter was something else. “Shit. This is annoying.”
“May I help, little captain?” The commander stood unmoving from his position, but a low hum of tension radiated from his body.
Having no clue how to hook in the garter’s suspender pieces on the stupid outfit, I admitted defeat. “Yes.” I walked around him and handed him the straps. “You can help me with these.”
He sucked in a breath as he stared at me, holding the suspender in a clenched fist. I had the urge to cover up. I wasn’t ashamed of my body, or anything, but well, I guess I was more on the modest side. Strutting around in anything skimpier than a workout bra and shorts just wasn’t my style. No hate to others who rocked it, but it wasn’t for me.
“You are truly a wonder,” his words hissed between his teeth. “I am unworthy of such a,” he opened the suspender’s snap and placed it on my garter belt around my waist, “partner.”
I blinked rapidly, flutters winging in my belly. “Ah, thanks.” I had no idea what to do with flattery. A cocky, arrogant commander I could handle. But one who paid me compliments and looked at me like I was the center of his orbit? No clue.
His lips pressed together in a slight grimace. Then, he appeared to gather his senses and narrowed his eyes. “Right. Let’s get you settled.” He knelt before me, and the air left my lungs. I didn’t dare move. Palming the back of my thigh, he brought it closer to him. “Here.” He snapped the opposite end of the suspender that hung from my waist to the strap around my thigh. With one piece in place, he let my thigh go, and then he palmed the other, repeating the process. When he finished, he rose and took stock of his work. “Perfect.”
“I appreciate your help,” I said, proud at myself for the calm tone. My heart was beating faster than a space speeder. The silky fabric was cool against my heated skin. I had to admit it felt good, soft and lush. But as Tor’s stare burned hotter than a blue star, I hated having to go and put on an act for the alien scumbags. “What do I need to expect from these Mangox?”
A dark laugh barked from him. “Nothing good.” His nostrils flared, and he ran a hand through his hair. “Just call me, Master. Nothing else. And try not to argue with my orders.”
