“I don’t think the outfit matches the car,” she said, as he sat in the driver’s seat.
“No?” he looked down at the arm of his suit.
“Too upscale.” He shrugged and his suit turned into a pair of khaki pants and a button down shirt. “Yeah. That.” She giggled. He looked like a seven-foot-tall soccer dad. “How did you do that?” she asked.
“We integrated a new program into our uniforms. We can change them to look and feel like human fashions with the right body gesture.”
“Wow. Sweet. I want one.”
He looked at her and started the car. Then he looked back out on the window, pulling onto the road. “Perhaps when we get to the ship,” he said.
They drove across town and into a neighborhood lined with cookie-cutter houses built before the great recession. Now, the only houses being built were for the mega-wealthy or the super poor. Even places like the resort were rare anymore.
Most people didn’t have a lot of extra money. Whole areas of many inner cities had been turned into wastelands of poverty and drug addiction. The Draconian technology had only compounded the problems humans already had.
The kind of people who lived in the suburbs were quickly falling out of existence. Not that Tabby had ever lived in a place like this. She’d grown up in a crappy little house in the projects along the Mexican border. Not the best place to live. Both her parents had succumbed to the draw of the techno-drugs, and she’d been with Leo ever since.
Until now.
Now she had Oro. This alien male she really didn’t know anything about. All she knew was that her heart hurt when he was gone, and he kept her close to him because he couldn’t stand to be away from her either. It almost didn’t matter that they could possibly have nothing in common. They had that driving desire between them.
Tabby followed Oro up the front path of the house. The front yard was all rock and cacti, typical Arizona landscaping. Oro shoved the key in the front door and turned it. She walked inside and found herself in the epitome of middle class living. There was a lowered living room with brown leather couches and a TV. Through the next doorway was the kitchen and down the carpeted hall from there were a few bedrooms. It was a comfortable house, but nothing like the luxury of the resort.
“It’s nice, I guess,” she said, walking into the living room.
“This is temporary.”
“It’s fine. What’s important is that we’re together,” she said. Was that what was important? When did this arrangement become about being in a relationship with the alien? She’d entered the lottery for the chance to get off this rotting rock and live in luxury.
“Yes. We are together. This house might not be the best of the best, but there is something special.”
She followed him down the hallway and through the master bedroom to the en suite. There was a deep jetted tub and new tile.
“I’d like to wash you,” he said in a low growl.
Tabby whimpered and turned to him, running her hand up his chest and the ridiculous shirt he was wearing.
“You need to take off this lame outfit. I liked the suit better.”
“I was thinking we’d get naked.” He flicked the base of his neck and was suddenly bare, his cock twitching upward.
“There’s no water in the tub yet.”
He knelt beside the tub and turned on the faucet. The high capacity jets pumped out water, filling the tub much quicker than she thought possible. He stood and looked down at her with his dark, mysterious eyes. He pushed the jacket off her shoulders and pulled her shirt up over her head. She stood in her bra and pants, the tub getting fuller by the second.
“I don’t know how to work these. Take them off,” he commanded, pulling at her bra straps.
Tabby slipped out of the rest of her things, and Oro squirted some kind of oil into the water. It smelled like lemons and lavender along with something musky. “What’s that?” she asked.
“Aphrodisiac,” he growled. “Get in.”
She stepped into the water, the warm liquid kissing her skin. Tabby sat on the bench, the top of the water covering her breasts. Oro stepped in after her, taking the deep step in one stride. He covered the distance between them, his eyes hooded and dark.
Oro poured the oil into the palm of his hand, not taking his eyes off her. The fragrance filled the air. He drizzled the oil over her chest and shoulders and then used the pool in his hands to massage her chest. Tabby lifted her body up out of the water, giving him better access to her tight breasts.
She bit her lip and watched him rub the oil over her body. His hands traveled downward, the oil still slick on his hands. He massaged it over her belly and hips and dipped his hands between her thighs. He gripped her hips and turned her around in the pool, tilting her over the edge.
Tabby felt the oil drip and pool in the small of her back. He swept fragrant liquid down over her ass, rubbing her slit. She groaned and looked back at him. His fingers rubbed up and down her pussy, making her already wet core slick and slippery.
Oro growled behind her and squeezed the globes of her ass in his big hands. He ran his thumbs up over her tender flesh, caressing his hands up her thighs. He used one thumb to rub circles over her clit, and the other pushed inside her opening.
She moaned loudly as he used his hands to fuck her. She could feel her orgasm already peaking. Oro gripped her hips and moved her backwards, pressing her arousal to his stiff cock. She looked back at him, resting her head against the cool tile. He had his hands on her hips and was using her pussy to rub up and down on his cock. He could so easily push inside her.
Tabby wanted to feel the wide head of his cock slip in. She reached back and pulled herself wider, willing him to push inside her. Oro groaned and held her more tightly.
“I’m ready,” she moaned, wanting him to take her now.
“Not yet, little human.” He held her hard and lifted her up and down as he rubbed her pussy on his cock.
She couldn’t protest any more. The pleasure was too much. Her mouth dropped open in a silent moan. The ridges of Oro’s cock ran over her clit, exciting her in a rush of lust. Her breasts bobbed over the warm water, splashing up and down.
She could feel him wide and thick against her. Her orgasm throbbed electrically, and pulsed against his shaft. He roared, his cock spurting semen on her behind. “Oh God,” she groaned. The hot drops of his semen slid over her skin. He pulled away. She could feel the semen drip over her pussy.
Oro pushed his come inside her, pumping it into her throbbing core with two fingers. When she couldn’t take it anymore, she turned around and slid to sitting on the bench. Oro looked down at her, showing his sharp teeth under his upper lip.
“Why did you hold back?” she asked. “I was ready,”
“Not yet. I won’t claim you yet. I won’t hurt you.”
“You’re being so careful, Oro. I want you.”
She slid forward in the water and ran her hands up his wet chest. He sank to his knees and took her in his arms, kissing her gently on the lips.
“I never thought I would feel like this.”
“I never imagined I would have a woman like you.”
They held each other in the warm water and Oro stroked her hair. She could feel his heartbeat under her cheek. His hard chest curved against her face.
“It’s so much better than I expected,” she whispered.
Chapter 8
When they woke the next day, Tabby rolled out of bed and put her robe on. She smelled the scent of frying bacon coming from the kitchen. Excited to see Oro cooking, she hurried through the bedroom door and into the kitchen.
He was still wearing the ridiculous khaki pants and button-down shirt look, but this time the shirt was pink. Tabby giggled as she slid into the stool pushed up against the bar, facing Oro in the kitchen. He slid eggs and bacon onto a plate with toast, and pushed it towards her with a cup of coffee.
“When did you learn to cook human food?” she asked.
?
??On the way over from Draconia we were required to study human culture, anatomy, and relationships. Cooking your food was one of the many skills we acquired during the long trip.”
Tabby dug into her breakfast. It was a simple meal but expertly prepared and delicious. She groaned as she ate her eggs and then took a bite of toast.
“So what is the plan for today?” she asked, hoping that they were going to spend the day together instead of being left alone in this strange little house in the suburbs.
“I must complete my mission today,” he said, dishing up his own breakfast. He sat beside her on a stool and began to eat, his eyes focused on the granite countertop as if he were deep in thought.
“I was hoping we would spend some time together today,” she said. This had all started out as a way for her to get off of Earth and to have all of the things that she felt she deserved. Now, it felt more important to spend time with Oro. Every day, she had a stronger connection to him. Every time they held each other, she wanted him more.
Leo hadn’t exactly been a good boyfriend, but she knew how attached she had been to him, especially in the beginning. Her feelings for Oro were already stronger than any feelings she’d ever had for Leo.
It was strange and exhilarating to think that she could actually love someone, especially the person who was so absolutely committed to her in every way.
“There will be time for that later. Now, I must leave you.”
“But how will I get a hold of you if I need you?” she asked, feeling worried and abandoned. Oro pulled a small device out of his uniform and handed it to her. She flipped it over and realized it was a cellphone.
“My contact information is programmed into this cellphone. If you need me, just call or text, and I will come right away.”
“Okay,” she said hesitantly. She was beginning to believe that Oro was here to take out Juan Norte. That idea scared her more than a little. Juan was Leo’s boss. Leo was a brutal, ruthless man. But next to Juan, Leo looked gentle and kind.
“What is your mission?” she asked again in a low voice.
“I told you, it’s classified.”
“Oro. I think I know why you’re here.”
“What do you mean?” He slid out of the stool and looked down at her. He towered above her small form, his eyes dark and hooded. Tabby bit her lip and looked away.
“Before we met, before I entered the lottery, I was involved with this guy.” She couldn’t meet Oro’s gaze. She didn’t want to tell him about Leo. It almost felt like she’d been unfaithful, even though that was ridiculous. She glanced at his face to see the jealousy burning in his dark irises.
“What about this guy?”
“He saved me from the poverty of the ghetto where I grew up. Both my parents got hooked on the techno-drugs after the Draconian technology leak. That stuff is everywhere now. Taken over whole parts of cities. Arizona is drowning in it. There are people who are willing to take advantage of the weaknesses of others. This guy who saved me from the ghetto, he just happened to be the guy supplying all the drugs.”
“Who is this man? What is his name?”
“His name is Leo Hendrix.”
Oro crossed his arms and looked thoughtful for a moment. He nodded and frowned. “Why are you telling me this now?” he finally said.
“Because you told me that you are here to take down a major criminal in the area. Leo’s boss was Juan Norte. I know you are here to take him down.”
Oro’s eyes grew wide. He put his hands on his hips, staring down at her. He heaved a sigh and turned away, shaking his head. Slowly he turned back to her, a determined expression on his face.
“Since you already know, I don’t see any reason to keep it from you. I’ve been tracking Juan Norte for the past several days. It is my mission to take him out through stealth. I must catch him alone to prevent him from using the computer codes he has that would enable him to control all of the people who are addicted to the techno-drugs. He would have an army of addicts, willing to obey his every command.”
“What?” Tabby said, disgusted and appalled. “I knew it was bad, but I had no idea it was that bad.”
“It may be even worse than that if I can’t get Juan alone. If I have to attack without the element of surprise, it will give him the opportunity to dispatch the code only he knows. He could cause them to self-destruct or he could cause them to attack. It’s a worst-case scenario the Draconians want to avoid at all costs.”
“I can see why.”
“You said that you knew of this man. Do you have any insight into his movements?” Oro gave her a hopeful look but then his expression turned skeptical. The truth was, she didn’t really know anything about Juan Norte’s routines.
“I don’t. I’ve never even met Juan. But I know that Leo works for him. I know he’s a bad dude. He’ll kill and torture people for fun. I’ve heard the stories.”
“What about this Leo character? What is his relationship to Juan Norte?”
“Leo is the leader of one of Juan’s districts. He oversees the drug distribution in Phoenix.”
“When does Leo meet with Juan?”
Tabby thought for a moment about Leo’s schedule and routine. Leo usually left on Mondays and wasn’t back until the next morning.
It’s possible that he visits Juan on Mondays.”
“It’s Monday today.”
“I’ve lost track of time,” she said. She had lost track of time. The days with Oro sped by in a daze of pleasure and excitement. He had provided such a comfortable atmosphere for her that it was easy for her to forget herself. It was easy to forget that she was still in Arizona and in Leo’s territory. It was easy for her to forget how much danger she was still in.
“Leo has access to Juan. And you have access to Leo.”
“What are you thinking?”
He shook his head, seeming to reconsider. “No, I can’t put you in that kind of danger.”
“I’m a tough girl. I want to help. Want to help you. The sooner we get this done with, the sooner we can be together.”
Tabby was surprised by the words coming out of her mouth. All she had wanted a few days ago was to get as far away from Leo as she possibly could. Space, if that’s what it took. She was so close to being free of him forever, and yet now, she was willing to put herself back in the lion’s den to help Oro with his mission.
Oro was a Draconian warrior of the highest order. Why would he ever need her help? But the idea that a man like him needed her help on an important mission sent a hot thrill down her spine. It settled in her core and tingled there. She wanted to help her mate in any way she could.
“If I turn myself in to Leo today, he’ll have no choice but to take me to Juan’s. I can get access to Juan and signal you when we’re alone.”
“It’s too dangerous. I’ll never put my mate in that kind of danger. That is the end of it. Don’t mention it again. Now, I have to go. Stay inside. Lock the door. Stay safe. If you need anything, anything at all, call me with your cellphone. I will return immediately.”
Tabby was disappointed. But it wasn’t like she hadn’t expected him to say that. He had traveled across the universe to find his mate. Having her was a once in a lifetime opportunity for him. It would be kind of stupid to put her in danger, at least from his point of view. She still wanted to help though.
He leaned down and cupped her chin in his hand, tilting her face up towards him to kiss. He planted his full lips on hers, stealing a soft moan from her throat.
“Do you have to leave?” she asked, wanting to go back into the bedroom and finish what they’d started. She was ready to let him claim her. He was being so careful, it just made her want him more.
“Yes.”
“All right,” she said breathlessly when he let her go. “I’ll stay inside.”
“I may not be back before dark,” he said. He kissed her forehead and squeezed her hand before turning towards the front door. When he opened the door, he turned to her and reminded her
to lock herself inside. She agreed and watched him walk away. The door clicked closed and she was alone.
Chapter 9
Tabby was getting tired of being alone all the time. She wasn’t the kind of girl who was used to sitting at home and doing nothing. Even when she was with Leo, she had a lot of social interaction with his gang and the other people in his environment.
She was always going to parties on his arm and being shown off to his friends. Now, she felt completely useless sitting here waiting for Oro to come back. He could be in danger. Anything could happen to him, and she would have no idea.
She sat on the couch in front of the TV and tried to distract herself. That didn’t last very long. The more she tried to distract herself, the more useless she felt. She had to do something, and she had to do something now. An idea popped into her head. The more she thought about it, the more she thought that it was exactly what she needed to do.
Oro might be pissed that she did it. He’d strictly forbidden her from helping with his mission. Even so, Tabby had to do what she thought was best for herself and for her relationship with her alien boyfriend.
She wanted him to know that she was a take action kind of girl, and she wasn’t going to sit around and take a backseat for the rest of her life. Even if she was meant to have his babies and live in a spaceship, she was still Tabby Wilson.
She stood from the couch and started pacing back and forth in front of the big screen TV. She continued thinking about her plan, considering the details. When she finally got up the nerve, she decided it was time. She pulled her cellphone out of her purse and dialed the phone number she didn’t think she would ever dial again.
“Tabby, where the hell have you been? Where the hell is my bike?” Leo said.
“I had to sell it. I was wrong to leave. I want to pay you back for the motorcycle and for all the pain I’ve caused you. I never should have left. I really want you to come get me.”