One Kiss

Changeling Press Presents Candy Hearts #3 Bonds of Justice: One Kiss Elayne S. Venton All rights reserved.

Copyright ©2005 by Elayne S. Venton

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Chapter One “Damn meteor storm,” the Elfen who owned this scum-magnet bar grumbled. “Cleared out the place faster than an Enforcer raid.” Mai Huan propped one leg atop her body jewelry showcase and painted her toenails, listening to him gripe. “Nobody wants to get stuck on this piece of crap asteroid, Hermie.” Including her. Every day, Mai hoped for word on her transfer request. This latest assignment from the Law Council bordered on mundane. An informant on a desolate outpost. Gods! If she had to record one more drunken rebel, whispering about his criminal activities, she’d scream. And all because of one minor slip-up on her last assignment. Cripe. Hadn’t she been punished long enough? Maybe when her contact came to pick up the data chip containing her latest report, he or she would bring news. The only other person she’d be thrilled to see right now was Vik. She pictured him striding into the dim, empty bar, his black hair flowing over his shoulders, his expression determined. He’d weave through the metal tables and chairs to her booth, stealthy and graceful, and lift her into his arms without speaking a word. His amber eyes would glow with amorous promise as he carried her back to his spacepod. Then they’d do the one thing Mai had refused to do with him -- or any other undercover partner. They’d fuck. Yeah, riiight. Like that was going to happen. Mai blew her long bangs out of her eyes and finished painting the last toenail a bright orange, matching the stripes on her dress, then switched legs. She’d fallen hard for Vik, yet upheld the Law Council code: always maintain a professional relationship between agents. And Vik graciously supported her decision. What bugged her was, he hadn’t pushed her beyond a single,

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heart-stopping, mind-blowing kiss. Stupid male. She hadn’t seen him since they’d worked the dictator case together. Over two anums ago. Mai fingered the heart necklace she wore, tracing over the brief inscription. Damn him. How long should she pine over a male who’d vanished? “I’m thinking about moving on.” “You can’t go!” Hermie squeaked. “My bar business has tripled since you’ve set up shop here.” Mai laughed. “That’s because most of my clients choose inebriation over an anesthetic when it comes to having their bodies pierced.” “Softies.” He grinned at her. “It’s no fun if you pass out.” “I don’t think you have a nerve ending in your body.” Every chance he got, Hermie showed off his multiple piercings. He was Mai’s best advertisement and most fearless customer. “Oh, I feel your pain, honey.” He winked at her. “It hurts sooo good!” Mai scoffed. “Watch out or I’ll pierce your tongue again. You didn’t like that so much.” “Oh!” The height-challenged male shuddered. “That was --” A loud metal-ripping groan reverberated into the bar, sending shivers across Mai’s shoulders. Had a shuttle crashed? Hermie rushed forward. Mai shoved her feet into her absurdly unseasonable sandals, grabbed an environmental cape from beneath the counter, and followed. Before they reached the exit, the bar door burst open, sweeping in retina-burning brightness, a blast of frigid air swirling with magnetic dust, and a backlit shadow that almost filled the door frame. Shielding her face with her arm, Mai plopped down on a nearby barstool, coughing through the thick atmosphere. “Hey!” Hermie groused, craning his neck looking up at the hulking creature. “Close the outside door before you open the inner.” The new arrival growled and slammed the heavy door closed, shutting out the blinding light. The ventilation system sucked the contaminants into the floor grates.

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“Outer door’s gone.” His gruff voice echoed across the vacant room. “Almost took my head off.” He stamped his thick-soled boots and shook the long pile of furs he wore. Clinging metallic flakes shimmered to the floor. He looked familiar. In a place where no one wanted anyone remembering them, Mai’s photographic memory remembered them all. His silvery blue eyes grabbed her attention. They didn’t fit in with the heavy eyebrows, bumpy nose, broad cheekbones, long scraggly hair, and the dirty, braided beard of a Neanthrope. No, those eyes were too perceptive. Vigilant. Intelligent. Not the dull fixed look of a Neanthrope at all. He pinned Mai with a probing look, the silver in his irises flashing hypnotically and the black pupils fluctuating like the zoom on a vid cam. Sorting through her memory, his unusual optical flux came up twice, in two different species. Expanding her mind search, the eye shape and size popped up three more times in different colors and a variety of faces. Including Vik’s. Amber eyes, shimmering with golden highlights. Sultry. Dangerous. Half human, half Panthos. Vik possessed the dark, sleekly muscular body of the pantherpeople and a predominantly human face. Mentally, Mai placed Vik and the Neanthrope side by side. She snickered at the vast difference. The Neanthrope looked away, bellied up to the bar, and ordered a gut-burning drink. Mai decided she’d never seen this stranger before. Still, he might be her contact. After another quick scan of his rugged profile, she returned to her booth so she’d be in position if he wandered over and gave her the code phrase. Hermie set down the Neanthrope’s drink. “Hell of a storm if it tore off the outer door.” The Neanthrope grunted, the sound almost drowned out by a surge of rocky debris pelting the bar’s exterior. After the clamor diminished, the absence of blaring music and buzzing conversations inside made eavesdropping from across the room relatively easy. “Did meteors force you to land here?”

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His customer nodded. “Knocked a stabilizer loose. Easy fix. As soon as the storm clears.” “Might be awhile.” “I got time.” Mai caught the Neanthrope staring at her reflection in the bar mirror. Hermie chuckled. “Maybe you’d want a body piercing while you wait. Mai’s the best. Big selection. Very gentle with genital piercings.” The customer narrowed his eyes at Mai’s twin in the mirror. Jumping up onto the bar, Hermie let his pudgy hand hovered at his waistband. “Care to see samples of her work?” His gaze flicked to Hermie. “No, thanks.” Hermie frowned. “Don’t be so hasty --” The big visitor rose and cracked his knuckles. “She’s got a showcase, doesn’t she?” He strode over to Mai’s kiosk. Mai raised an eyebrow then smiled sarcastically as he approached. “She does. Are you interested in anything in particular?” He stared at the platinum heart nestled between her breasts, then lifted his gaze, searching her eyes. “One kiss.” The words didn’t come out as a request but as a command. Shivers ran up and down her spine. It still rankled that her superior, Commander Brunell, had chosen “one kiss” as the pass code. He’d done it out of spite because she wouldn’t tell him the story behind the words etched on her necklace. But really, what was there to tell? Besides, she couldn’t afford to. At the end of a long assignment, Vik, her partner, had given her one unforgettable, tongue-dueling, burning kiss. The necklace, a token reminder of their friendship, had been delivered a short time after he left. Mai sighed. She wished it had been that simple.

*** “You amaze me, Mai.”

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Striding down the spaceship corridor after making their final report, Mai beamed at Vik, adrenaline still pumping through her veins. “We’re a great team, aren’t we?” She bumped her shoulder against his steely bicep. “Yeah.” Vik bumped her back, knocking her slightly off balance, but before she could right herself, he scooped her into his arms, whooping like a maniac, twirling her around in circles. Squealing at his antics, Mai pounded on his shoulders. “Put me down, you big thug.” “I’ll let you go when I’m good and ready.” Vik slipped into a maintenance passageway, and nuzzled her neck. Her heart pounded, trying to fight the attraction that was getting out of control. Somebody had to be sensible, though she’d never felt like this before and wanted more of these feelings, more of the erotic tingles sweeping her body, but the fear of a reprimand squashed her excitement. “Vik! Stop! If anyone saw us… No fraternization between agents. I’ve been telling you that the entire mission.” He dropped her legs, retaining a hold on her waist. “The mission is over. Let’s celebrate.”

Mai shook her head. “No sex. We’re both still employed by the council.”

“I’ll quit.”

“So you can have sex with me?” Mai chuckled. “That’s a bit extreme.”

“Hey, whatever it takes. One kiss and you’ll be mine forever. I promise.”

Mai’s hearty laugh echoed in the cramped passageway. “Egotist!”

“Do you want me to prove it?”

“Vik --”

“One kiss,” he demanded, pulling her closer, lowering his lips to hers.

*** He’d been right. Still, she’d refused to bed him.

Idiot.

Some days she felt like banging her head. Regrets had come too late. It hadn’t

been merely an attraction but something more. Now Vik had disappeared into oblivion, never to be seen or heard from again. The heart necklace with the words “One Kiss”

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arrived shortly thereafter, probably as a memento of what they shared. And, perhaps, if she was lucky and whatever god took pity on her, it was a token of the promise he’d made. One kiss, and she belonged to him. Maybe it meant he’d come back to her. At any rate, she wore it as a reminder to follow her heart. Mai shook her head. She responded automatically to the Neanthrope with the correct follow-up line, forcing long-buried painful emotions to the bottom of her soul. The woman regretfully was gone, the agent was back. “Better pick something else. My kisses are reserved.” “One kiss and you’ll be mine forever. I promise.” His voice rumbled low, seductive, and scorching hot. “Do you want me to prove it?” Mai blinked at him. That wasn’t part of the script. Why did he say that? He was supposed to grumble at her rejection and pick out the correct barbell, not repeat her last conversation with Vik word for word. What the hell was this? She’d never told another soul Vik’s exact words. Oh, gods, had Vik? Hiding her embarrassment and her agitation, Mai scowled at him. “No, I don’t want you to prove it. Are you interested in a piercing or not?” His strange eyes dimmed, and he backed off. “I want to increase the size of a barbell I’ve got… with that one.” He pointed to the barbell containing the microchip. Thank the gods. One final test. “Do you want me to insert it for you?” He hesitated, the slightest fraction of a sentron, and then slapped a jumble of coin and gems on the countertop for payment. “No.” Mai relaxed. Unlike the scum who frequented the bar, her contacts never exposed themselves to her. It was unprofessional. She took the piece from the case and handed it to him. Playing out the sale, she directed him to her workroom behind the kiosk. “There’s a mirror back there.” Her customer disappeared behind the curtain. She felt Hermie’s gaze on her. Mai forced a smile and winked. “One sale each. Better than nothing.”

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The bar door blasted open and another customer stumbled inside, shoving the door closed behind him. “Whew, it’s like a polar winter out there!” He pulled off his goggles and shoved a gloved hand through his mane of white hair, loosening dusty rock chips. Despite his gloomy words, he beamed at the room’s occupants. Mai stared at the most gorgeous male she’d ever seen. And yet, his sparkling green eyes didn’t compare to the spellbinding eyes of the male in her workroom. Now where had that come from? Was she crazy? This man was stunningly, arrogantly beautiful -- the Neanthrope was not. The new arrival walked straight to her; his smile never wavered. He stopped on the other side of the counter and perused her wares, then looked at her expectantly. Her thoughts lingering on the Neanthrope, Mai shook free of her daze. “Are you interested in anything in particular?” His beatific smile broadened, drawing a matching smile from Mai. “One kiss?” She blinked. Her smile faded. “What did you say?”

Chapter Two In the privacy of Mai’s workroom, Katar rested his hip against the med recliner. Adjusting his acute vision, he looked through the curtain and admired the female of his fantasies, barely able to contain the impulse to grab and kiss her. The one time he hadn’t tracked her down, and there she sat, as if fate had led him right to her. Beautiful as ever. He liked the new way she’d twisted her dark hair high on her head and contrasting red tresses spilled from the center like a lava flow. Her bangs brushed her long lashes, drawing attention to her dark slanted eyes. Bedroom eyes. Gods. His cock swelled. Why was Mai in this rattrap transferring data via a barbell? Whose fucking idea was that? The thought of her touching anyone’s cock but his set his teeth on edge. When he heard another male voice echo through the bar, Katar quickly stripped, removed a barbell from his scrotum, and set it aside. He knew Mai could hold her own against the nastiest rogues in the galaxy, but even so, his protective instincts boiled to the surface. Many times he’d lurked in the background, unrecognizable in one of his many disguises, holding back his unsolicited support, afraid he’d blow her cover. He’d watch Mai con her way into the enemy’s inner circle or wriggle her way out of a potentially dangerous situation and not once had she bungled a task. Pride mixed with frustration. Hell, why would she consider teaming up with anyone when she was so damn selfsufficient? Revealing his identity might have helped his cause, but a lethal risk to one of them always stood in the way. So he’d resumed his freelance missions while biding his time. Yet, long after he moved on, she lingered in his mind, tormenting him. Katar worked the larger barbell through the existing slit in his scrotum, ignoring the pinching discomfort. Discovering the microchip inside the barbell by using his infiltrating vision had been an added bonus. The rogue Siltra he’d been tracking had

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landed here not long ago, and he followed the lead directly to the door of this establishment. Even the most trite of information recorded on that chip augmented his search. Securing the gold ball on the end of the clear barbell, he vowed the chip would get into the right hands -- after he downloaded the data for himself. In the meantime, his cover offered the opportunity to test the attraction he was certain simmered beneath Mai’s cool exterior. Despite his failures so far, each meeting with Mai, the flicker of recognition grew brighter. Soon she’d trust her heart. He secured the leather G-strip pouch over his genitals, glanced through the curtain, and froze. Damn. What was this, reunion time? When he silently slid the curtain aside, Dragen cast him a fleeting look. He gave no indication he recognized him, but Katar knew better. Of all the creatures in the universe, Dragen could identify him no matter what his appearance. Every Shoni tribe member had an uncanny talent for seeing beyond the physical into one’s soul. If only Mai had the same talent. With a subtle shake of his head at his old friend, he trusted Dragen to keep his true identity a secret. “One kiss,” Dragen repeated. Katar narrowed his eyes in anger. The Law Council used his declaration to Mai as a pass code? No wonder Mai handed the barbell over without a qualm. “Shit!” Mai muttered. “Better pick something else. My kisses are reserved.” Dragen, the bastard, sighed as if she’d wounded him. “I’m interested in a heavy barbell.” He scanned the case. “But nothing matches what I had in mind. A clear bar with gold balls on the ends?” He tilted his head, his eyes questioning. Katar couldn’t help grinning. In a telltale sign of agitation, Mai rubbed a foot over the back of her calf. As Katar’s grin broadened, Dragen narrowed his eyes at him in speculation. Mai spun around, her red hair swinging around her slender neck. Katar noticed she gave his chest harness, leather G-string, and boots a long perusal. The knife blades hanging through

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the straps criss-crossed over his hairy chest fascinated her. Moreover, the barbell which should have gone to Dragen now rested behind a row of sharp spikes centered on his G-string pouch. Katar gave Dragen a “get lost” glare. “Uh…” Mai turned back to Dragen. “Are you in a hurry?” “I’m scheduled for a job on Callisto, but I’ll have to wait out the storm.” “Let me take care of this customer,” she said, nodding toward Katar, “and then I’ll help you find that special something. Why don’t you have a drink at the bar? On me.” Dragen gave Katar a long look before retreating to the bar. Mai twisted around with a congenial smile. “Were you able to insert the barbell all right? It’s the biggest size I make and most --” “No problem.” “Oh, but maybe I should inspect it. Make sure you didn’t tear anything. Just let me help --” “No rips.” Her lips thinned in frustration and her eyes narrowed. How did she plan on getting out of this one? She’d screwed up by passing him the microchip. If Dragen found out and passed it on to her superior, she’d get a major lecture, possibly another demotion. Although, what assignment could be worse than this dump? The whole scenario intrigued him. The Mai he remembered never made a mistake. For once, she needed his intervention -- with himself. In the end, he’d pay for his duplicity, but the barbell did two things for him. It contained information Agent Mai Huan wouldn’t disclose under any circumstances, and possessing it kept her close by. Mai angled her body so Dragen and Hermie couldn’t read her lips. “Look, I shouldn’t have sold that set to you. It’s inferior workmanship.” “I like it.” “I’ll buy it back for ten guinos more.”

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He cocked a brow. “I like it.” “I’ll give you something else.” His gaze drifted down to her necklace, then lower to the top of the dress which barely covered her nipples, and back up to her face. “One kiss?” A frown gathered between her brows. “How did you know…” She cocked her head at him. “What are you called?” Hmmm. An intimate question in a place like this. Not like his Mai at all. “Katar.” “Listen, Katar.” She crooked her finger until he bent lower. “For special clients, I have an elite collection I can show you. Consider it an even trade.” Oh, he saw the proverbial wheels turning in her brain. If she could get him into her workshop Mai thought the odds might tilt in her favor. Ha! “One kiss,” he whispered roughly. “And you can have the barbell back.” An internal struggle warred in her eyes. Hell, they both knew if it took a kiss to save her ass, she’d do it. “Not out here in the open.” “Kissing me will embarrass you?” “No. Hermie has never seen me express an interest in anyone -- ever,” she added hastily. She threw a quick look the barkeep’s way. “If he sees me kissing you, he may crack open your thick skull.” Did she think he’d fear a jealous Elfen? Katar grinned. Hermie might want her, but he could tell Mai didn’t return the sentiment. Not even charismatic Dragen had piqued her interest. “We better bargain in private then.” When she gave him a wary glance, he bit the inside of his cheek to stifle the chuckle rising from his chest. “Take off your weapons. Nobody enters my workroom armed.” He grumbled but complied, unbuckling the chest harness and setting down his clinking weapons in a pile near his feet. “And those spikes on your… pouch.” She stared at his crotch. In response, his cock swelled beneath the stiff cover. “Do they come off?”

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“Yes.” He ripped off a layer of leather and spikes, exposing a thick mesh beneath that teased but revealed nothing. Katar lifted the curtain, waiting for her to enter first. Mai called to Hermie across the bar, pointing her thumb over her shoulder at her workroom. “I’m going to check his fitting.” She sidled into the room, keeping as far from him as possible as she passed under his arm. Her gaze roamed over his body, catching a few times on his G-string when he sauntered into the room. Mai stood a safe distance away, twirling a silver ring on her finger, and cocked her head at Katar. Waiting. “Come here.” His voice rumbled deep in his chest. She looked genuinely nervous. Mai? No way. Nothing ruffled her. But she sure didn’t want to kiss him. Did she? Her chin firmed. Mai walked up to him, reached up, and placed her cool hands on his shoulders, her fingers briefly flexing into his tense muscles. He watched her intently as her palms slid to the back of his neck. Was that confusion in her expression? Good. He set his big hands on her hips and growled low in his throat. Finally. A chance to satisfy two anums worth of fantasies. Mai stilled. “I have a Shoni customer waiting for me. So one nice, easy kiss, Katar. Nothing more.” Not this time. Look at me with your heart, Mai. Look past the disguise. His head dipped down in slow measures, holding her gaze… silently urging her to remember what they’d shared. Then she closed her eyes, raised her closed lips, waiting for contact. At the first brush of his mouth, her lips parted on a gasp. Tempted to take advantage of the small opening, Katar resisted. For now. He coaxed a reluctant response with tender swipes and sensuous licks. Ever so slowly, Mai relaxed. Still, he didn’t trust the agent lying in wait beneath the surface.

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Testing her passive state, his hand drifted over her skirt, up her ribcage, brushing the outside edge of her breast. A slight jerk arched her back, briefly pressing taut nipples into his chest. So on all levels, the physical attraction remained. He stroked her collarbone, moving upward and resting his palm beneath her jaw. His thumb pulled down on her chin, opened her mouth, and the kiss changed. He no longer stroked her lips. He sucked them. Bit them. When Mai inhaled sharply, he drew her closer to his body, ground himself against her, and slipped his tongue into her mouth. Exploring every nook, gliding over her tongue, he tasted her and eagerly deepened their kiss. Worlds collided in his mind. No one tasted like Mai. Sweet, like the plump berries grown on Earth or the succulent sugar sticks grown in some greenhouse. In one easy step, he pressed Mai’s back against the wall. She tensed. Katar waited for the anxiety to pass. He wasn’t a brute. He’d waited over two anums to initiate her surrender. He could wait another few mentrons. Soon the kiss eclipsed all other thoughts. He devoured her. And she hung on, kissing him back with the same ardor she’d shown ‘Vik’. Gripping his long hair in her fist, she performed a sensual duel with his tongue. Oh thank the gods, Mai still wanted him. One kiss and you’ll be mine forever. Katar eased back, tempering the kiss, breathing deeply through his nose. His gaze bore into hers. This time, we’re going to make love. Mai blinked at him in confusion, and then horror. The precious link broke. “I… I don’t know what came over me.” She slipped away from him. Katar wanted to howl at the moons. She didn’t know him. It was unreasonable, he knew, but he needed her to recognize him for the being inside. He’d had so many faces, been so many species, he hardly knew himself anymore. He needed Mai to find his soul. And love him. But it wasn’t going to happen without a lot of explanations. And now that he’d kissed her, he had to give up the barbell. Damn it!

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Taking a small step backward, his chest rising and falling with each deep breath, he yanked off the mesh pouch, releasing a burgeoning erection. A muscle popped in his jaw and he clenched his fists at his sides. “If you want the damned barbell so much, take it.”

Chapter Three No big deal. Mai had handled male genitals before. Yet when Katar spread his legs and demanded she take out the barbell, she didn’t lead him to her med recliner as she would have with any other customer. She should have, but the way he looked at her not only ignited a spark, it made her feel… extraordinary. Vik had incited desire with his kiss. Katar churned her insides into liquid heat. Of all the males who’d passed through this bar, this unattractive Neanthrope rocked her world. It was crazy. Had he hypnotized her with those unusual eyes? Because she felt an uncontrollable need to make love to this male when no one else since Vik had inspired her at all. Obviously, it had been too damn long since her last session with a sexbot. Reminding herself of her task, Mai sank to her knees, face to face with his magnificent cock. Gods, she wanted to lick the thick shaft over and over and… Mai shook her head. She must be sexually starved if a Neanthrope turned her on. She reached for the barbell, her hand shaking. Removing the bar without touching his delicate skin was impossible, so she didn’t bother avoiding it. She unscrewed the end and slipped the bar free. “Mai.” His fingers filtered through the red strands of her hair.

A chill swept over her shoulders. She lifted her gaze, perplexed.

“You know me.”

Clasping the pieces of the barbell in her hand, she rose. “No, I don’t.”

Katar tapped her forehead, his expression somber. “Not up here.” He placed his

large palm over her heart. “But you know me here.” “Who are you?”

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He lifted her necklace by the chain. The dangling heart shimmered beneath the bright work lights. She put her hand over his, afraid he might rip it from her neck. “I’m the one who promised you forever with one kiss.” Her brows furrowed. “No.” That promise belonged to Vik. His eyes held steady, his gaze burrowing into her mind. “Tell me you didn’t feel the force of a star exploding when we kissed. Now and long ago, when I walked away a fool, thinking I’d get over you.” “I…” What was he saying? Mai spun on her heel, turning her back on him, thinking the unthinkable. He couldn’t be the same being as Vik. “I don’t remember kissing a Neanthrope before. I’m sorry.” His hand closed over her arm, his touch light, and he swiveled her around to face him. Melancholy swirled in his eyes. “I have been many species. Does it matter?” All the creatures with his eyes suddenly raced through her mind. A red-skinned Siltra, an iridescent Kee, an Earthling. “How? Are you a Chameleon?” “Not the species. Injections and laser surgery create the most extreme effects.” “Why would you undergo such drastic procedures?” “I’m tracking slavers. Extreme risks require extreme precautions.” “Who else have you been?” She clasped her arms around her waist, her heart in her throat. “Vik? Is that even your name?” “I’m Katar, love. You met Vik first.” He twisted the fall of red hair around his finger. “Then Tinjin. Juniper. Vinson. But I couldn’t stay away.” Using her hair like a rope, he tugged her close. “I needed to know you were safe. Happy.” Her mind rebelled, and yet… “You never enlightened me.” “I couldn’t.” He let her hair untwist and swing free. “Whenever I saw you, the timing was never right. The Law Council owned every mentron of your life. And you never took a break. Seemed quite pleased with your independent, adventurous life. I haven’t been standing still these past couple of anums either. It was dangerous. Didn’t want you connected to me in any way or form.”

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Mai dropped her gaze to the floor. She’d ridden high on adrenaline for a long time, forcing Vik from her mind. But lately… He tucked his fist under her chin. “And I had some internal battles to fight. But I’m done pretending I don’t love you.” Feeling behind her, Mai plunked down on her work stool. “I have no idea who you are.” “Yes, you do. More than anyone.” She jumped up and paced to the other side of the room. “Well, I sure as hell don’t know how I feel about you right now.” “You love me, but you’re angry…” Mai halted mid-stride. “Damn right, I’m angry! I haven’t been able to forget Vik. I’ve kicked myself a million times for not loving him -- you -- when I had the chance. And now you tell me you’ve passed through my life again and again and I never knew.” “Exposing my identity might’ve compromised you. I’d hoped you cared enough to see through the disguise to the man inside.” “Then you should’ve kissed me sooner!” She clenched her fists. The idiot. The open end of the barbell cut into her palm. Part of her wanted to hit him, the other part wanted to kiss him again. To prove Vik, the man she loved, lived inside the Neanthrope’s body. “Mai…” His mouth swooped down and claimed her. Mai flung her arms around his neck, tears filling her eyes. Katar lifted her off her feet, his erection hot and hard between them. He spoke against her lips. “Love me, Mai. Where --” Drawing back from his kisses, Mai stuttered. “That’s my contact out there. I need to talk to him.” “He’s not going anywhere.” He nibbled on her neck, his soft beard tickling her breasts. “I don’t even know the real you. I need time…”

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He pressed his cock against her bunched up dress. “Physically, for now, this is the real me.” His tongue licked her ear. “I can bulk up or slim down, change my skin texture and tone, alter my face, but this…” He bumped her again. “… other than a little coloring, is untouched.” A shiver passed through her. “I want you, Mai.” He squeezed her and sighed heavily. “I won’t deny I’m dying to make love to you, but I want more than sex.” He drew his head back and regarded her tenderly. “We bonded once. As friends. Partners. Now I want you as my lover. My mate.” Mate? Her heartbeat fluttered. She really should make him pay. She should be cautious, but this time and for the first time, Mai refused to listen to the inner voice of reason. She listened to her heart. Reaching over to her private intercom, she signaled Hermie. “I’m going to be busy for awhile. Give our Shoni customer whatever he wants.” “Everything okay?” A smile tugged at her mouth. “Amazingly well.” While she keyed in the code to her quarters, Katar gave her a reassuring squeeze. A smile spread over his face. “Do you know how many times I’ve jacked off with your image plastered in my mind?” “Probably as much as me -- with you.” Mai smiled back. “Low light.” Her messy room came into view. “No maidbots on this uncivilized rock.” Katar chuckled. He set her down on the edge of her cot and swept the mussed covers to the floor, but remained standing, giving her time and space. Mai leaned over and dropped the two pieces of the barbell into a dish on her bedside stand. “I’ve waited a long time for this, Mai.” “Just a few hectars longer than I.” Suddenly shy and nervous, she looked down at her hands. What was wrong with her? This was Vik. Man of her dreams. Super spy.

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Loyal friend. A brilliant star whenever she found herself in a black hole situation. Almost lover. Almost. “Are you still in any way connected to the Law Council?” “No.” That single word crumbled the last of her reservations. With a come-hither look, Mai wiggled down her dress. “Then come over here, big guy.” “Gods, yes,” Katar growled and pinned her down on the bed with his body. He shoved the dress off her ankles and smoothed his palm up her calf to her thigh while his mouth nibbled on her neck. Eagerness enflamed her desire. Resisting the urge to spread her legs wide like a whore, Mai dug her fingers into his hair and pulled him closer. In moments, his soft beard slid down her chest and his hot tongue circled a tight nipple. While one hand caressed her breast, his other slithered across her inner thigh and stroked her moist pussy. “Open,” he mumbled over her taut nipple. Shivering in anticipation, Mai split her legs. His thick fingers probed. Her muscles contracted in both pleasure and anxiety. What if he found her lacking? Fucking a sexbot wasn’t the same as making love to a living being. “I don’t have much experience.” Mumbling incoherently, he his tongue swirled over her nipple, hot and wet. Then his mouth tugged, and bit gently. Gods! Mai thought she’d come on the spot. She massaged his scalp when he switched to her other breast, suckling hard, driving her to the brink of ecstasy. Mai squirmed beneath him, eager to hold his cock within her. “Oh, Vi --” Damn. Thinking of him as anyone other than Vik stretched her imagination. Yet, with every caress Katar, the Neanthrope, drew her closer, deeper into his soul. His finger flicked softly her swollen clit, circled it over and over, rubbed it and made it his own. Mai cried out and her pussy gushed with desire. At the end of a smooth glide down her body, he knelt on the floor, then pulled her spread legs past his

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shoulders and just looked at her ‘there’. He licked his lips and a smile spread on his face when he raised his gaze to hers. Mai was embarrassed, but so aroused. And the thought of him lapping up her cream thickened the moisture in her channel even more. “Yes, love me.” His teeth nipped her inner thigh, then he sucked possessively the mark his bite had left behind. Mai twisted, gyrating her hips, craving his attention closer to her center. He obliged by moving his mouth just a fraction and sucking a new circle, nearer to the prize. Slowly, he repeated the process, driving her wild with want. By the time he reached the edge of her pussy, her cream dripped onto the sheet. Mai twisted his hair in her fists. “Lick me…” He shifted as though he were going for her other thigh. Mai bucked. “Katar, NOW!” Her evil lover chortled. The first swipe of his tongue between her swollen slit jerked her hips higher. The warm tip swirled around her hard nub and she panted shamelessly, loudly. As soon as his mouth closed over her clit and pulled, Mai’s world exploded. He sucked harder and her contractions intensified, rolling in an unending wave of pleasure. She was spiraling back down to terra firma when he dipped two fingers into her creamy center, pressing deep inside. “Oh!” Another orgasm hit hard. The pull of his mouth and push of his fingers took her to another plane where sensation ruled. Her body bowed, rocking against him, awash in orgasmic delight. Still, she yearned for more. She wanted to hold him, squeeze him, love him. “Katar, tell me what you want!” “I want to pleasure you.” “Then take me, lover.” In one swoop, he breached her slick core, the thickness stretching her, his length tapping her womb. It was too much… and not enough. Mai slapped her hands around his biceps and screamed his name.

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He grunted with every long, hard plunge, driving Mai mad with lust. Her fingernails bit into his arms. “Mai,” he gasped, his pace quickening. “Oh gods, Mai, so good.” His gruff voice broke. “I love you.” He pounded her flesh. Mai climaxed, her head throbbing like it might explode. “Ka -- tar!” Her body flew apart and Katar was there, pumping her hard with his cock -- with his heart -holding her together. Long moments later, tears leaked from her eyes while she lay in his arms, her heart hammering. His body’s moist heat swamped her and she didn’t care. She clung tighter, trembling. Mai couldn’t seem to let him go and her emotions were out of control. “Sssh.” He kissed her temple and swept her hair from her eyes, his heartbeat pounding against her ear. “I’m not going yet.” Yet? Heat flushed her body. What did he mean by that? Mai squeezed her eyes tight in rebuttal, her fingers digging into his back, hugging him tight. He better not leave her for one sentron. She rolled to her side and linked her arm through his. Exhaustion took over and his warmth lulled her to sleep. She woke. Mentrons later? Hectars? Low light filtered around the room. Above her head, through the skylight, stars twinkled in a black sky. The storm had passed… Mai jerked upright, searching for Katar. Wrenching her rumpled dress over her head, Mai bolted through her workroom. A quick peek around the curtain revealed a bar empty of patrons. Hermie stood on his stool behind the bar, taking inventory. He looked over his shoulder at her. “About time you had some fun.” “Where is he?” Hermie shrugged. “Left.” Her contact had disappeared too. Mai spun around and raced back to her room. “Shiiiiiit!” The barbell was gone.

Chapter Four Using tweezers, Katar withdrew the microchip from the gold ball and slipped it into the microprocessor, downloading the data into his computer’s memory. The hiss of a broken air seal didn’t faze him. Only one person on this asteroid could enter his spacepod’s inner sanctum without announcement. “I knew I should have changed the entry code to keep out the riffraff.” “Mabin Katar. How have you been?” Katar spun in his chair and smiled at his old friend. “Never better.” He stood and grasped Dragen’s arm in greeting. “Good seeing you.” “Your aura is bright. Mai have something to do with that? Have you finally conquered the raging beast within?” His grin widened. “Nah, I simply let it out for recess.” Shaking his head, Dragen leaned close enough to read the file names flashing across Katar’s screen. “That’s classified information, you know.” “The price you pay for using the words on my necklace for the pass code.” “Your necklace.” Dragen’s eyes widened when he made the connection between Katar, Mai, and the pass code. His brows rose and he laughed. “And here I thought you seduced the barbell from her.” Katar frowned. “Handing me the barbell was an honest mistake. Other than you and me, no one would have known the pass code and picked out the correct barbell set.” “The code words are in plain sight, making it easy for anyone to trip her up.” “Yeah, picking such an obvious code wasn’t too bright of her boss.” Damn inept, actually. Katar wagered the scowl on his face matched Dragen’s vexed expression. “Why is she here? There’s more to the informant role than meets the eye, isn’t there?”

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“No. There isn’t. Which is why I’m looking into Mai’s file.” “Something stinks,” they said simultaneously. Katar grinned at his friend, but his humor didn’t last. “Sounds like her superior set her up for failure.” “I’ve heard rumors she’s burnt out.” The download beeped complete. Katar extracted the microchip and returned it to its rightful place within the barbell. He handed the barbell over to Dragen. “Do you believe that?” “No. What do you plan to do with the data?” Katar smiled, keeping his secrets to himself. “Tell Blade I want her transferred.” “She’s already put in for a transfer. Commander Brunell has been sitting on it.” “Bastard. What does he have against Mai?” And then it all clicked. “Son of a bitch. Before she came here, wasn’t she teamed up with Brunell on Mars?” “Yeah.” “I bet he got tired of Mai receiving all the accolades and decided to share in her victory. And something went wrong.” “Or he purposely made her look bad,” Dragen snarled. “Either way, Mai kicked his ego one too many times.” “I’ll have Blade check him out.” Katar slapped his friend on the back. “I’ll handle it.” Cupping a hand on Dragen’s shoulder, he led him outside. “Where are you landing next?” “Steele Kevlar called in a favor.” “Oh?” “Pandora has a problem.” “Yeah -- Steele.” “Yes, but there’s more than that.” Dragen stopped. “Say good-bye to Mai for me. I’ve got to fly.” “Right. Try not to scare anyone with that ugly face of yours.” Waving a hand over his shoulder, Dragen headed for his shuttle.

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Katar watched one of his few friends blast off the rocky surface, and reflected how lucky he was to have friends at all. Constantly shifting identities limited the opportunities for long-term relationships. He planned on changing that. Starting now. One short communiqué later, Solarian Judge Blade Kevlar and Mabin Katar had developed a plan advantageous to all. Katar hoped Mai would be pleased. Noticing the brightening sky, he thought it best to return before she woke. Halfway back to the bar, a blur of pale feminine limbs raced across the dark landscape toward him. Starlight glinted off the lethal blade swinging in her hand. As she neared, the angry scowl on Mai’s face told him all he needed to know. She was furious. “Whoa!” When her body slammed into his, Katar grabbed her wrist, holding the blade point a scant distance from his shoulder. His other arm snaked around her slight body, holding her close against his fur coat. “You bastard!” She prodded his groin with her knee. “Hold still.” He twisted the blade out of her hand and tossed the knife away. Knowing all her lethal moves, he flipped her over his shoulder and secured her wrists in his hand. His thick fur thwarted harmful bites and kicks. “You’ll freeze to death out here in that scanty outfit.” He strode toward his space pod, his hand drifting beneath her skirt to pat her bare buttocks. Mai jerked wildly. “Don’t you dare touch me, you… you… Neanthrope!” Katar chuckled. A sharp sting around his calf made him falter. He glanced down at the circular gash in his boot. “Put her down!” a gravelly voice warned. “Or the next slice will be around your neck!” “Hermie!” Mai shouted. Katar spun to face the threat. The Elfen held a razor sharp boomerang in his pudgy hand. A dark, wet stain marred the curved blade. “She’s mine.”

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“I am not!” Katar squeezed her. “One kiss and you’re mine forever, remember? You’ve given me two kisses. And more.” Mai sputtered. “You took something of mine. I want it back.” “Sorry. I gave it away. To the white-haired Shoni.” All the fight went out of her. “You did?” “Yeah. And I heard you asked for a ride off this rock. I was coming to get you when you attacked me.” “You were?” Hermie rolled his eyes. “Mai, you don’t want to go anywhere with this brute, do you?” Mai smacked the back of Katar’s head. “Put me down.” He dipped his shoulder to set her down and dizziness blinded him. His grip slipped and she dropped onto her knees. “Sorry.” He blinked away his wavy vision. “Oh, gods! That gash is deep.” The top of his boot had fallen away, exposing a sharp, deep cut. “Get up, Mai.” Ignoring his outstretched hand, Mai tore off the orange band at the top of her dress and tied a tourniquet above the wound. The sight of Mai’s beautiful breasts made him wobble on his feet. At least that’s how he accounted for his weakness. “Cover your breasts, woman!” “Hermie, you wicked Elfen!” “He was kidnapping you!” “Come inside, Katar. Hermie has a med kit stored somewhere.” “I have a surgical matrix in the space pod.” “Fine.” Looking back at Hermie, she said, “I’ll be all right.” Hermie grumbled something derogatory about incomprehensible females and returned to his bar. It pleased Katar she didn’t put up more resistance. He limped beside her on the way to his pod, secretly smiling at winning the compassion of the female who meant

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everything to him. Now he must convince her to trust her heart. “I told you I loved you, Mai. Twice.” “Yes, you did.” “You should have believed me.” She refused to look at him. “Trust doesn’t come easy in our business.” “You know you can trust me, Mai. Even if you won’t say it aloud, I know you love me.” “I don’t know who I love.” “Riiight.” He opened the port door and collapsed onto the nearest seat. “You love Mabin Katar. A male who can appear any way you want, Mai.” She lifted his calf and rested his heel on a low console opposite his chair. “Well, you won’t be anybody if you bleed to death. Where is your med equipment?” He pointed behind her. She retrieved the flexible med screen, wrapped it around his wound, and activated the diagnostic mode. “Your blood is red. That means you’re from the Milky Way.” “Jupiter, originally. Same as you.” The diagnosis complete, the surgical matrix whirred into action, healing, sealing, and minimizing scar tissue in a matter of moments. He unwound the med pack from his leg, stretched the stiff muscle, and set his foot down. His fingers flexed on his thighs. Time to finalize the deal. “Mai…”

Chapter Five Mai put a finger over his lips. “Sssh.” He’d found the time to brush his hair and trim his beard close to his face, which greatly improved his appearance. She scrutinized his jaw line, picturing all the other beings he’d been, including a few he hadn’t named. She remembered all the places they had run into each other. Often, a few words had been spoken, but once when he came to her as a Law Council contact, they’d shared a meal. They’d laughed and chatted as though they had been friends forever. How could she not have recognized him? Her heart expanded in her chest. She fingered her necklace. Had she kissed any of those males, she would have known. She’d been waiting what seemed like a lifetime for him. She wasn’t about to let him go. A slow smile stretched across her face. The glimmer in his eyes reflected the lightness she felt in her heart. “Mai --” He captured her waist in his large hands. She gripped his forearms. “You said you were going to give me a ride off this asteroid. Does that mean my transfer was approved?” “Yeah. I have a whole list of places for you to choose from.” Mai blinked in surprise. “Sit down and I’ll explain everything.” With a teasing grin, he drew her sideways onto his lap. She wrapped an arm around his neck. Katar regarded her solemnly. “Blade has offered you freelance work, with me as your partner, if you’re interested. Unofficially, we’d report to the Law Council.” He winked. “I think the Solarian Judge wants a leash on me.”

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Excitement bubbled within. “A team?” A smile blossomed. “Without fraternizing restrictions?” A wicked grin slashed across his face. “Yeah.” “When do we start?” “When do you want to start?” She looked out a port window at the lightening landscape, excited about a future with Katar, yet not wanting the night to end. “Not until full morning, at least. You did promise me all night.” Katar kissed her cheek. “Yes, I did.” His mouth found the pulse point in her neck. “And more.” Oh, yes! Dropping her head back, Mai gave him full access to the slender column. “You’re mine. Now that I’ve found you again, I won’t let you go.” His hands drifted up her arms and over the crest of her breasts, molding them into his hands. “My feelings exactly.” Mai gasped when he gently pinched her nipples. Arching her back, she thrust out her breasts, her thoughts scattering. His kisses burned down her shoulder. In a sensual daze, she noted his G-strip slipping away and his cock sprang up beside her hip. Repositioning so she straddled his legs, she rested her head on his shoulder and grazed her fingertips down his torso in a teasing exploration. Down, down until she captured his rigid shaft in her hand, measuring his length with a few lingering, long strokes. So silky, yet rock-hard. His breath hitched. “Keep working that and I won’t last five mentrons, Mai.” “You like my touch?” she murmured, caressing him more firmly, then slipped her thumb over the pearly drop that had just blossomed on his cock, and rubbed it all over the tip. Groaning, he spanned his hands across her lower back, drawing her crotch closer until it bumped her flowing hand. But she didn’t take the hint and she cupped his balls, rocking them gently. “Mai!”

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Leaning over his shoulder, she whispered into his ear. “Love me, Katar.” “I do.” Katar lifted her high enough to pop a nipple into his mouth. She gasped at the spark of hot desire that flared down to her core. He held her up off his lap, suckling her until she begged him to enter her. Then he lowered her moist pussy onto his stiff length, grinding his teeth, holding tight to his self-control. Mai moaned with pleasure the entire erotic slide. Settled on his lap, clenching his cock with her inner muscles, testing his endurance, she opened her heart. “And for the record… no matter what you look like or what name you go by, I love you.” Katar hugged her close. “About time.” She pushed back against his tiny, impatient thrusts. “All it took was one kiss, Katar. One kiss and I pledged myself to you forever.” “Oh, gods… love you.” He kissed her, long and deep. Unable to hold back the passion overflowing from her heart, Mai pushed slowly up and down over her lover’s cock and whispered, “One kiss. Just one kiss.”

Elayne S. Venton Elayne Venton is a travel-aholic -- even if she’s confined to the window seat of her computer and flying over the Internet. You’ll find her stories set anywhere in the world… and beyond. From a remote mountain cabin to the largest city in the universe, there are men and women burning with passion, destined for each other, waiting for their story to be told. After fifteen years working in the corporate world of communications, Elayne turned her writing talents to something more creative and enjoyable: Erotic fiction. She’s since won several Romance Writers of America awards. Having lived on the East Coast all her life, from New Hampshire to North Carolina, Elayne has met characters -- oops -- people from all walks of life. Currently, Elayne lives in the inner coastal area of North Carolina with her industrious husband, two teenagers, a lovable golden retriever, and a pet rabbit.