Scorcher by Viola Grace Page A

you.” The tunic was a serviceable grey that ended at her knees so she knew it hit him at his upper thigh. There was enough material that she could drag her knees up to her chest under it and be completely covered. “So, when is the mating fever going to hit you?”
    “Any day now. That is why Meyi bought you now. He wants to keep you close so that he can still have me fighting in the pit without interruption.”
    Making up her mind, she stood. “I am a practical girl, if I am not getting out of here in the next week I am going to have to face you at your most determined. Is it all right if I get used to you first?”
    “Used to me how?”
    “Sit on your bunk and let me approach you. I don’t bite.”
    His teeth flashed. “I do.”
    “Great, that isn’t scaring me one bit. Now just don’t move.” She walked over to him and examined his features in the dim light. The red eyes were definitely a sign of his coming rut. The smoky red of his skin covered his body, while waves of unruly black hair ran down his back. His smell was clean, fresh, masculine and just a hint of musky. Now for the feel test.
    Before he knew what she was up to, Sarah leaned forward and climbed into his lap. Chest to breast. She took his measure, running her hands along him, caressing and stroking absently while he sat stock-still beneath her. She finally leaned her head against his chest and sighed. “Thank you. Now I won’t be afraid if you touch me.”
    “Are you sure that you are done?” His voice was deep and husky. “There are parts of me that you have not measured.”
    She blushed and looked up to meet his amused eyes. “I prefer some things to be a surprise. I haven’t done this in a long time so it is going to be all new to me.”
    His voice was strained, but curious. “How long is a long time?”
    “A decade or so.”
    He was so startled, he dumped her to the floor when he stood. She rubbed her backside as she stood. “It isn’t that bad. I had hobbies.”
    “What is your name, woman?”
    “Sarah Anders of the protectorate of Terra.” She bowed formally. “Your designation?”
    “Athon Kellan, of the Nyal Imperium.”
    “That explains the eyes. Your mother was Dhemon-Azon?”
    “No, my mother is Dhemon, my father is Azon-Nyal. She was a scientist and he was her guard.” He bowed formally to her. “My home is yours, Sarah. Such as it is.”
    “I accept your hospitality.” The structured reply came automatically to her and his face lit with amusement.
    They smiled at each other as their gazes held for a long moment until a squawking from the door alerted them.
    “She’s for breeding, Athon! Get to it.”
    Their master was not pleased that they were still standing several feet apart, but the few moments that they had stolen made Sarah feel comfortable with Athon. He was no longer a stranger that she had to fuck to survive.
    Athon’s face darkened with irritation, but he lifted his hand to her and beckoned for her to follow. The bunk in the front area was a form of chaise lounge, his slave quarters were actually quite large and very well appointed.   “You must win a lot.”
    “I have not lost a battle since I was brought here.” He was walking through a doorway and suddenly turned to wave his hand at the bed.
    The bed had been sized to fit him and she would get lost in it without someone in it with her.
    “Strip.”
    His terse word summed it up. He didn’t want this any more than she did. Nothing like a resentful guy to make a gal feel pretty. 
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Two
     
     
    With trembling fingers, she peeled the tunic off.  Unceremoniously she dropped it to the floor and then stood waiting for him.
    His eyes glowed as she stood there, naked and waiting. He could try and avoid breeding her, but his body shouted in rebellion. It wanted every soft scented inch of her and he wanted it now. He stripped his boots off in moments, a strange instinct telling him to ask her, “Where did you train