Original Sin

Original Sin

Lizzie Lynn Lee

Original Sin Copyright © March 2010 by Lizzie Lynn Lee All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this e-book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without prior written permission from Loose Id LLC. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author's rights. Purchase only authorized editions. eISBN 978-1-60737-559-3 Editor: Morgan Fayne Cover Artist: Valerie Tibbs Printed in the United States of America

Published by Loose Id LLC PO Box 425960 San Francisco CA 94142-5960 www.loose-id.com This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

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Chapter One Friday

Claudette Perry never thought she'd make a good whore, but when she saw Aaron Guthrie in the flesh, she knew she'd make a stellar one. She chose him as the candidate not only because he was young and good-looking, but because he was a bright gentleman with a personality to match. Claudette felt she had the right to be choosy. After all, she was selling her most precious asset. Her target sat in De La Plume's private VIP booth on Tartav-V, surrounded by his business colleagues and personal bodyguards, in the middle of a power lunch. Her heart thundered as she rose and walked to Guthrie's booth. Her stomach insisted on coiling in excruciating knots, no matter how hard she tried to relax. But the knowledge that she'd blown one third of her hardearned savings to pass as a High-Zoner gave her the courage to go through with her plan. She had to do it, or she would spend the rest of her life as an insignificant nobody in the slums of Tartav-V. Aaron Guthrie looked straight at her the moment she arrived at his VIP booth. And so did his bodyguards. One of them groped the gun on his hips, probably thinking she was about to pull a hit. “Mr. Guthrie?” Claudette forced herself to smile. She was careful not to make any movement that could be mistaken as hostile by his bodyguards. “My name is Claudette Perry. You don't know me, sir, but I have a business proposition for you—that is, if you're willing to hear me out.” Tension dropped a notch. Guthrie's business partners traded grins among themselves. Curious eyes flicked toward her, especially at her chest. Her dress, a scarlet cocktail tunic she'd

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borrowed from a friend, had a low neck that accentuated her deep cleavage, where the frilly lace of her black brassiere peeped just above her décolletage line. The tycoon smiled as if her bold move amused him. “Who do you represent?” His voice sounded deep and throaty, articulate and cultured. “I…don't represent anybody. The business proposal I had in mind is a personal matter.” Claudette glanced at her surroundings. The appreciative stares turned into leers. Anxiety clawed her at her nerves. “I've been trying to speak to you privately, Mr. Guthrie, but I couldn't get past your PAs. I hope you'll forgive me for approaching you in public. I-I have a card…” Her hand trembled as she rummaged in her purse. She found the card and pushed it in Guthrie's direction. “Here's my number, sir. I'll be waiting for your call. Any time.” Guthrie didn't make any attempt to take her card. Up close, Claudette saw his eyes were so blue they sparkled. Cerulean, that was what they called it. His gaze skittered to her cheaply printed card and flicked back at her with faint disinterest. But the amusement was still there. “What exactly is the proposal you had in mind, Ms. Perry?” Claudette gulped hard. “It's a private matter, Mr. Guthrie. Call me, anytime, sir. I'm looking forward to discussing it with you.” “So private you can't tell me now?” Guthrie basked her with another smile. “I prefer to conduct my business dealings up front. I can't guarantee I'll give you a call if I'm not sure I'll like what you have to offer.” Her heart drummed like a tribal dance gone awry. She'd been afraid this would happen. But she had no choice. “I have something I'd like to sell you. I thought you might be interested.” An ooh sound echoed around the table. The leers of the men turned into wide grins. Guthrie arched his eyebrows. “What is it you'd like to sell, Ms. Perry?” “Me,” Claudette whispered, mortified. “Excuse me?” She took another deep breath. “It's me, Mr. Guthrie. I'm offering you my body for a determined amount of time, for money.” Laughter bubbled around the booth. Even Guthrie's bodyguards didn't bother shielding their laughter. At that very moment, Claudette wanted to crawl under the table and die.

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But Aaron Guthrie didn't laugh along with his friends. He only smiled. A secret kind of smile. “Ms. Perry, to be honest, I have never been app—” “I'm a virgin,” Claudette blurted out. “I'm offering my cherry to a man who can pay. I'm not a prostitute, if that's what you assume, Mr. Guthrie. I'm a respectable woman in a desperate need of money. And an off-world pass.” He looked surprised. Claudette couldn't guess whether it was from the fact that she was still a virgin or because she needed an off-world pass. “Are you running from someone?” Her laugh came out before she could hold it back. “From my fate, sir. I work as a teacher's aide in All Saints Missionary crèche in Portgraph. I've been awarded a scholarship to Antara University in the Birma system. It's a full scholarship; however, boarding and food are my responsibility. That's why I need the money.” “And the pass?” “I'm a Low-Zoner. We're grounded on our zone unless we have an off-world pass.” He studied her with an unreadable expression. Claudette's heart sank. The tycoon didn't seem interested in buying her goods. One of Guthrie's colleagues opened his mouth. “How much do you ask for this special merchandise?” Another burst of laughter accompanied his inquiry. Claudette turned to him. He was very blond with cold gray eyes and pale skin, probably the same age as Aaron Guthrie. In fact, he looked familiar too. If she wasn't mistaken, the man was the head of the interstellar broadcasting network in Tartav-V. His face had been plastered all over the tabloids when he'd been involved in a sordid affair with a holoporn star. “Fifty thousand credits, sir.” The man hummed as if he contemplated a good price. “And this money is enough to support you while you're on scholarship?” “I'm not a spendthrift.” The man winked at her. “And how long are you willing to be engaged in this…merchandise sampling?” More chortles erupted.

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“One weekend? Three days, tops.” “And what are you willing to do in this engagement?” She took a deep breath. “Anything, sir.” “Anything?” “Anything.” She glanced at Aaron. “I'll be anything your heart desires as long as you can pay my price.” Blondie tugged a wide leer. Maybe it was a grin. “And how can we be sure this merchandise you offer is the genuine article, considering how delicate this type of merchandise is? No offense, Miss. Perry. I'm sure you understand the nature of my concern.” A burst of laughter swept the table like a hurricane. Only Guthrie didn't join the mirth. He still watched her with scrutiny. Claudette forced another smile. At this point, she had nothing to lose. “No offense taken. I can get a note from my gynecologist if you'd like.” “That is very kind of you, Miss, but we prefer if we were granted the opportunity to inspect the merchandise firsthand.” Claudette went numb. She threw a glance at her surroundings. The restaurant was jampacked at this hour. “Are you saying…you'd like to see the merchandise, sir?” “Yes, we would, Miss Perry, if you don't mind.” “In here?” “I don't see why that's a problem. You're bold enough to crash our party,” Blondie replied slyly. She looked at Mr. Guthrie, but the man stayed silent. He didn't encourage her or oppose this humiliation. Halfheartedly, she put her purse on the table and lifted up the edge of her dress. The men went busy with catcalls. She knew she looked proper, but the fact that she had never undressed in front of a man before, let alone in public with a pantheon of rich and powerful High-Zoned men looking on, made her nerves fray at the seams. Her cheeks flushed hot, and she struggled to control the tears that threatened to spill. Suck it up, she reminded herself. Just do this, and it will be over sooner than you think.

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She pulled the front of her dress up to her hips, showing the lacy fabric of her garter belt and her black panties. Blondie watched her with appreciation. And so did the other men. All eyes were transfixed on her crotch. All except Aaron Guthrie's. He stared directly into her eyes with disapproval as if he were her father. She waited for him to say something. He didn't. “Miss Perry?” Blondie reprimanded her. “We're waiting.” “Sorry.” With one hand Claudette unclipped the straps of her garter belt that secured the edge of her stocking. The clips made a soft chink sound and hung freely. She wondered on how she would have to display her purity. Should she climb on the table and let the man inspect her body? That's crazy. In this crowded restaurant? I'd be arrested for public indecency. She didn't dare lift her head to see if anyone besides these men was watching. She was too ashamed. Just do this and get over with it. Her hand trembled when she started to peel off her panties. The top edge had barely slid past her hips when Aaron Guthrie spoke. “That's enough.” Her eyes darted to his face. “Make yourself decent, Ms. Perry.” Claudette pulled up her panties and smoothed down her dress. Is it over yet? Was he pleased? Guthrie looked disgusted. Her heart sank. “Thank you for your brazen demonstration, Ms. Perry. I have your card, and I'll give you a call if I am interested in doing business with you.” Claudette couldn't breathe for a long second. She knew a rejection even when it was presented very politely. She had humiliated herself for nothing. “But I'm interested,” Blondie chirped unexpectedly. He whipped out a card from his pocket and offered it to her. “Call me anytime, honey. I'd love to unwrap you like a box of chocolates in my bed.” She was stunned. And so was Aaron Guthrie. The tycoon gave his friend a hard stare.

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“Oh come on, Aaron. You can't get a virgin with a decent price nowadays.” He turned back to Claudette. “My name is Reed. I think you and I will have so much fun, sweetheart. Lots of fun.” She took the card from Blondie's hand and bowed her head. “Thank you for your time, gentlemen. I really appreciate it.” Claudette crammed the card into her purse and walked away from the table without looking. She felt a thousand eyes fixed on her as she exited the restaurant. Aaron Guthrie wasn't interested in her. What did she expect? A man like him must have high standards. She didn't realize she had been crying until she sat in a cab that drove her back to the zone border. “Are you all right, Miss?” the cabbie asked. The driver was an AI decanted in a synthetic construct's body. An awkward grin slashed across its dull white skin. It appeared the artificial being knew how to show sympathy. Claudette wiped her tears with a tissue, wondering why she cried in the first place. She sniffed and forced out another big smile to the cabbie. “Never better.”

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Chapter Two Saturday

Aaron Guthrie had never set a foot in Portgraph before. It was worse than he had imagined. The ghetto stood right in the backyard of the grand metropolis, but it seemed forgotten. Within the tall border walls and artificial climate-controlled dome, the sight of extreme poverty greeted him like an unwanted guest. As his limo glided past the main road into the heart of the zone, Aaron saw children in tattered clothes and no shoes, playing on the sidewalks without a care in the world. Some of them waved cheerily to him, awestruck. They had probably never seen a limo stray into their zone before. Januar, his security exec, pointed to a row of dark gray apartment buildings as the limo slowed to a halt. “1223 Meadows Lane. There's where she lives, sir.” Aaron snorted. Meadows Lane. The faded concrete jungle was the exact opposite of a cheerful meadow. His chauffeur opened the door, and Aaron stepped out. Januar flanked him, his eyes busily scanning the surroundings for any possible threat. His bodyguard disliked his decision of coming into the Low-Zone, for security reasons mostly. But Aaron thought he needed to come to see her in person. To talk to her. He didn't quite understand this impulse he'd had after he saw her in De La Plume. He could easily send his men to pick her up for the matter he wanted to discuss, but for some strange reason, he felt the need to go down to where she lived, to see what drove a woman to the end of her rope and made her willing to sell her purity. He couldn't blame her, judging from what he had seen so far.

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Januar pointed out Claudette's exact address. She lived in on the ground floor of the threestory cereal-box building near the cul-de-sac. The building looked as if it should have already been scheduled for demolition. He walked to the door, checking the address. Curious eyes watched him from the street as he rang the doorbell. The lady of the hour herself opened the door. Her eyes widened in shock. “It's you,” she hissed. Clearly, she didn't expect to see him here. “Afternoon.” Aaron tipped his head. “May I come in?” Claudette hesitated for a moment. “Sure.” Aaron slipped past her. His bodyguard waited outside. The worn-out living room welcomed him as soon as he stepped inside. Her apartment looked sparsely furnished. It was clean, though. He could smell the faint scent of furniture polish and disinfectant. Each of her belongings was in order. She even arranged her books alphabetically. Aaron was impressed. Apparently Miss Virgin was a neat freak. “It's not much, as you can see,” she apologized. “I wasn't expecting your visit. Please, sit.” She gestured to her flimsy chair. “Would you like some water? I…really don't have anything to offer you.” Aaron sat. “I'm fine, thank you.” He studied her. She looked so much younger without her makeup and the sexy dress. Faded baggy slacks and an even baggier white T-shirt obscured her curvy figure. He remembered all too well her shapely hips and long legs. He was annoyed he couldn't see her loveliness because of those hideous rags. Aaron felt like peeling off those clothes and ordering his personal couturier to design dozen sexy outfits for her. “What brings you here, Mr. G? I thought you weren't interested in doing business with me.” “Please, call me Aaron.” He was reaching inside of his jacket's pocket when he saw a stack of papers with a vidphone console on Claudette's table. He also saw Stan Reed's business card next to the vidphone. “Did you call him yet?” She glanced to the card, blushing. “I don't see how that's any of your business.”

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“True. I suppose it's none of my business if you want to make a deal with my friend.” Aaron pulled out the envelope from his pocket and handed it to her. “If I may give you some friendly advice, you want to stay away from Reed. For your own good.” She didn't take the envelope right away. “What is this?” “The money you need. And your off-world pass.” “You changed your mind?” “No.” He smiled. “You don't need to do anything for me. Just call it an early Christmas present.” “So, is this charity?” Aaron shrugged. “It's not a big deal. You seem to really need it. I just want to help.” She thrust the envelope back at him. “Thank you for your generosity, Mr. Guthrie, but I can't take your donation.” Her gesture caught him by surprise. “Why not?” “I've never taken charity, and I never will. I've earned everything I own.” He was surprised to see that quality in a woman like her. “Call it a loan, then. You pay me whenever.” “Fifty thousand credits is a lot of money, Mr. Guthrie.” She shook her head. “I don't want to be burdened with that much debt when I'm not sure I can pay you back.” Aaron gusted a long-suffering sigh. He had never met anyone this stubborn. Many would gladly take his money without a blink. Moreover, fifty thousand credits was a petty amount for him. He had spent millions in gifts for his love interests over the years, and he liked doing it. “Let me get this straight: you would rather make a deal with Reed than walk away with this easy money?” “Do you find it preposterous?” “You have no idea what kind of man you'd be dealing with.” Aaron brushed the hair on his temple, realizing he couldn't rat out his own friend. “Reed is trouble.” “But will he honor the payment?”

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“Yes, but you might not be able to walk on your two own feet when he is finished with you.” He thought hard to find a way to put it delicately, but there was no other way to describe his friend's character. “Reed is a sadist.” Claudette raised an eyebrow, didn't believe him. “He is?” “A notorious sadist,” he emphasized. Her wan smile blossomed. “Thank you for the tip, Mr. G. I really appreciate your help. But at this point I can't be too choosy.” He threw his hands up in exasperation. “Why are you so stubborn?” She startled at his outburst. Her cheeks flushed red. A sudden fire sparked in her eyes. “You can't force people to accept your charity just because you're rich.” “I just want to help you.” “Duly appreciated.” Claudette rose from her seat. “Thank you for coming. I'm thrilled you decided to drop by to offer me some help. I'm honored, truly.” Aaron shook his head in disbelief. He'd never been shunned before. Blood rushed through his veins, but it wasn't anger he felt. It was something else. Lust. A sudden desire to tame her, to show her who was boss. His cock stirred from under his trousers, hardening. Fuck, he swore in silence. He'd never been turned on from being rejected before. This is nuts. “Do you like Reed?” She stared back, her flush deepening. “I don't know him.” “Then why are you still wanting to deal with him, knowing what kind of man he is?” “I don't know what kind of man he is, Mr. G, and it doesn't matter to me. All I care about is that he will pay me. After the weekend is over, it's done. I'll have earned my money, and I'll owe nothing. I've never taken charity, and I never will.” “Why?” “My mom—” Claudette changed her mind. “Never mind; it's too complicated.” “I have time.” “It's none of your business, Mr. G, but I appreciate your concern. You're very kind.” Her eyes settled on him. “Too kind, in fact.”

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Silence stretched between them for some long, awkward seconds. Her eyes darted to the door as an indirect announcement that Aaron should leave. A jolt of ire lanced through him. No one had ever told him to scram before, subtly or not. He didn't want to leave. Not yet. Somehow, he couldn't shake the frightening mental image of her being Reed's fuck doll. No, he couldn't allow that. Not Reed. “Pack your bag, Claudi; you're coming with me.” She looked puzzled. “I-I don't understand.” “You want to earn your money? Then I've got a job for you.”

*** Claudette felt out of place as soon as she climbed inside Guthrie's limo. She sat tentatively beside the tycoon, clutching her knapsack on her lap. “Let me get that.” Guthrie took the worn knapsack and gave it to his bodyguard, who sat near the door. “Thank you.” Claudette wasn't nervous before, but she was now. She didn't know if her anxiety was caused by Guthrie's intention of hiring her services or the realization that she stuck out like a sore thumb against this ultimate luxury. “What made you change your mind?” “Simple. I don't like the idea of you dealing with Reed.” “I know how to protect myself.” “I have no doubt.” “You don't believe me?” Guthrie motioned something to his bodyguard, which turned out to be an order to fix some drinks. He looked like he wasn't interested in arguing about Reed. Claudette took the hint and sat quietly. Januar scooted toward the bar area, uncorked a green bottle from the ice bucket, and poured the contents into two fluted glasses. Guthrie handed one to her. “What is this?” “Champagne.” Claudette took a sip. At first the champagne tasted too strong for her virgin palate, but then she decided she liked its pleasant and bubbly aftertaste. She took another sip and hiccupped. “Sorry. This is my first champagne.”

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“At twenty-three?” Claudette wondered how he knew how old she was. She never told him her age. “You forget who I am, Mr. Guthrie. We don't drink champagne on a regular basis, or on any special occasion, for that matter.” “Forgive me. I was unaware. And please, call me Aaron.” “I don't think it's appropriate, sir. Technically you're my employer.” His eyes narrowed as if he wanted to chastise her for being stubborn. “I guess Mr. G is fine then. I feel so old when you call me that.” Claudette couldn't help but smile. According to what she'd read in a gossip tabloid, Aaron Guthrie was only eleven years older than she was. He came from a prominent family on TartavV and had inherited the family fortune when he was twenty-one. With his brilliant mind and sharp intuition for closing business deals, Guthrie had quadrupled his family fortune in less than a year, beginning his wide and vast empire. Even with all his success, he reportedly hadn't become arrogant. This was one of the reasons she had chosen to do business with him in the first place. “The job you have for me, sir—how long do you intend to engage my service?” “We'll work on the details later, as soon as we arrive at my place.” “Downtown?” “No. We're going to Torme West.” “Oh.” Claudette knew Guthrie owned a mansion in the central park and a penthouse in the loop. She thought they were going back to one of his places downtown; she certainly didn't expect he would take her to his famous estate in Torme, where the richest of the rich lived. Claudette remained quiet the whole trip. She wasn't the chatty kind of person who knew how to engage in interesting conversation. Besides, Guthrie wasn't paying her to chat. He was paying her to fuck. She kept to herself while Guthrie busied himself making business calls. They made a brief stop downtown, and Aaron told her to wait in the car. She watched him enter a high-end clothing store and wondered what it would be like to have custom-tailored dresses. Guthrie was back a moment later, and they went straight to the Beltway Airport. She had

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never flown in an airplane before, let alone a private shuttle. She had never tasted the high life, and truthfully, she felt out of place. An hour later, when the pilot announced they entered Torme West, Claudette could see, from the shuttle's viewport, hundreds of self-suspended islands hovering above the turquoiseblue water of the weather-controlled gulf. Each of the little floating islands housed a mansion swathed in absolute luxury with round-the-clock security patrols. The sight was breathtaking. She wasn't surprised when the shuttle landed on one of the biggest islands with the grandest mansion. At this point she believed Guthrie owned the best of everything the world could offer, making her feel small and insignificant in front of him. The shuttle landed. A flock of Guthrie's assistants welcomed them on the landing tarmac and bombarded him with reports. Claudette made herself unobtrusive, walking behind Guthrie and Januar. As they entered the mansion's grounds, the garden captured her attention. She had never seen such a beautifully tended garden, with flowers that burst with color and foliage so lush and green it was a delight to the eyes. They didn't have gardens in the Low-Zone. The only garden there was the weeds that grew wildly through the cracks of the concrete sidewalks. She startled when somebody caught her arm. “Don't wander around. I want to show you something.” “Show me what, Mr. G?” Guthrie looked annoyed because she didn't drop the formality like he'd asked. “You'll see.” Claudette followed him without a peep. That “something” turned out to be Guthrie's newly acquired art collection: seventeen volumes of gilded-leather manuscripts from the Rasyrian tribe, the settlers who first colonized Tartav-V. The ancient volumes were highly sought after by collectors. Claudette peered at the spines closely. They looked like the real thing. For the last several months, she had been working with the digital replicas of the volumes, researching Rasyrian history. Her essay about them had won her the scholarship to Antara. “How did you get these?” A second later, she realized her question was stupid. “Never mind, forget I asked.” “I believe the Rasyrian are in your field of expertise, no?” “I studied them, but it doesn't make me an expert, sir.”

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“Again, you're so modest. I'm having a party tonight to honor a colleague who sold me these artifacts. Boring crowd, mostly. Art collectors, historians…you know, the academic types. There'd be plenty of people who want to know a slice of the history behind these manuscripts. Since I'm not an expert in the Rasyrian era, I thought I could use your help as my good hostess.” Claudette released a slow breath. Guthrie didn't bring her here to fuck. He wanted her to play curator for his newly acquired collection over the weekend. Her cheeks warmed. “This is the job you mentioned, Mr. Guthrie?” “That is what I had in mind.” “I don't need to sleep with you to earn my fifty grand?” Guthrie looked amused. “Do you want to?” Claudette shrugged, pretending to be nonchalant. She had chosen him because she'd had a celebrity crush on him for a long time. She had been fantasizing about erotic interludes with Guthrie since she was a teenager, masturbating with the idea of how it would feel to have him as her man. Would it be rude if she told him she'd looked forward to sleeping with him? “It's your money, Mr. G. I don't care.” “Too bad, Miss Perry,” Guthrie sculpted the words as if he was mightily disappointed. “Because I care.” Claudette blinked, surprised by his answer. “The party starts at seven,” he continued. “The guests won't arrive until eight or nine, which will give you sufficient time to refresh yourself. Come with me. I'll show you where you'll stay this weekend.” She followed him into the second floor through a maze of grand corridors plastered with paintings from celebrated artists. Their shoes made clicking sounds on the pristine marble floors as Guthrie ushered her to her room. Claudette held her breath. It felt surreal to see a grandly furnished bedroom in person, other than just watching it from the holo-TV. A large bouquet of red roses on the table filled the air with the intoxicating scent of romance. On the bed she saw neatly stacked boxes from the clothing store Guthrie had gone into on the way to the airport.

“I hope you will find the accommodation suits you,” he said.

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“Are you trying to mock me, Mr. Guthrie?” He startled. “I'm sorry. I'm just trying to cheer you up. You look so tense.” Guthrie leaned closer and pinched her chin. He looked as if he wanted to kiss her. Claudette brushed away her thoughts. It was only her imagination. Why would a man like Guthrie be interested in her, anyway? A man like him could get any woman he wanted. The models, the pretty socialites. The High-Zoned women. And certainly not a mousy girl who crawled from the rat hole of Portgraph. Guthrie turned around and walked toward the bed. He opened several boxes before he found what he was looking for. “I ordered you a few things for your stay. I hope you don't mind.” He pulled out a long black gown that left nothing to the imagination. “Wear this one for the party.” It sounded more like an order than a suggestion. He turned to her and whipped out a smile. “You'll look so beautiful in it, Claudi,” he added. “Can I call you Claudi?” Her face burned hot as Guthrie tugged her closer and kissed her on the cheek. Oh Lord, I died this morning and went to heaven.

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Chapter Three Aaron Guthrie's cocktail party turned out to be just like the parties she'd seen on holo-TV. Beautiful people clad in beautiful clothes, sipping vintage wine and chatting in exotic accents. They all looked powerful, influential, and oozing with money. Claudette felt like an outcast the moment she entered the room. She knew her makeup and hair made her look presentable, and the expensive dress helped her to blend in with the guests, but she couldn't help feeling she still didn't belong here. She made herself unobtrusive and shuffled to where Aaron had displayed the Rasyrian manuscripts. Aaron had hired her as the curator of his latest acquisition, and she felt she had better stay in her post in case someone had any questions about it. The guests seemed uninterested in the reason for the party. They were busy talking and gossiping. Claudette couldn't help eavesdropping on one lady dressed in a scarlet gown, standing five feet from her, complaining about her perfect life. Claudette snorted. Ungrateful idiot, she thought, studying the gilded spine of the tome in front of her. How can you complain about your life when you have everything? She saw a fleck of debris on the spine and reached behind the display to brush it away just as somebody called her. “Claudi.” She jumped. Aaron Guthrie had sneaked up behind her, smiling. “What did you do?” His blue eyes gazed down at her. Her cheeks warmed. “Nothing. I just…” Claudette straightened her posture, feeling uncomfortable with the way Guthrie watched her. “Do you need something, Mr. G?” His lips twitched a bit. He seemed to hate the way she called him Mr. G. “As a matter of fact, yes, I do.” Guthrie reached into his pocket and fished out a long, thin box. He opened it, revealing the most breathtaking necklace she had ever seen. Three tiered strands decked with sparkling diamonds almost blinded her. “You're missing jewelry.” Claudette stared at him. What the heck was he talking about?

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“With your gown.” “I don't need…” “Nonsense.” He plucked the necklace from its box and tugged Claudette closer. He fitted the necklace on her, his hands brushing against her skin. Warm and loving. She shivered. “I don't need jewelry, Mr. Guthrie.” He lifted his gaze from her neck and stared straight into her eyes. “I know.” Guthrie gave her a once-over. “You're perfect.” He brushed her cheek and tucked a stray hair behind her ear. Guthrie looked over his shoulder and proffered his hand. “May I have this dance?” “Dance?” Claudette was bewildered. “I don't think so. I don't dance.” Guthrie's brows knitted. “I can't dance,” she added breathlessly. “It's easy. I'll show you how.” Guthrie curled his arm around her waist and led her to the ballroom. Panic started to rise within her. Dozens of eyes were glued on them as Guthrie showed her basic steps to dance. She followed his lead clumsily. She stepped on his foot, but Guthrie didn't seem mind. “You're doing fine,” he told her. “I-I don't think so.” Claudette scanned her surroundings. Even though the guests seemed to be enjoying themselves, some of the female guests scrutinized her every move. “People are watching.” Guthrie made a casual nod to his guests. “They're curious about you. You're new in the circle, and I haven't introduced you.” “No, no,” Claudette whispered in panic. “Not necessary. Can I go back to my post, now, sir?” He narrowed his eyes. “How many parties have you attended in your lifetime, Claudi?” “None.” “Then enjoy yourself tonight.” “You hired me to be the curator for your acquisitions, not to party.” “This is part of the job description.” “Oh.”

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Guthrie chortled. “Why are you so tense?” “I don't belong here.” “Nonsense. You're the most beautiful woman at this party.” Claudette watched him, feeling wary. She didn't understand the motive behind his compliments. He didn't want to fuck her, so why was he showering her with gifts and flattery? Was it because, as a notorious playboy, Guthrie couldn't get rid of his old habits? Or was he being sincere? He tightened his arm around her waist, drawing her closer against his body. Her chest pressed against his; she could feel his heartbeat. “Don't believe me?” he purred. “I'm not lying.” “Well, well. You've cleaned up pretty nice. In fact, you look simply enchanting.” Claudette turned around. Stanley Reed. The smile on Guthrie's face vanished in an instant, replaced by annoyance. They stopped dancing. “Miss Claudette Perry,” Reed drawled, taking her hand without permission and kissing it with exaggeration. “I was expecting your call, you know. What a lovely coincidence to find you at this party.” Claudette pulled her hand away. Reed turned to Guthrie. “I thought you weren't interested in her. Change your mind?” “It's not your fucking business.” “Of course it's not.” Reed didn't take offense. Or pretended not to. “Then you won't mind if I have Miss Perry's dance, would you?” “I mind,” Guthrie retorted in a flat tone. “It's rude of you, Aaron, hogging this lovely girl all to yourself. Five minutes and you can have her back.” Guthrie cast a dark look at Reed. “Five minutes.” He let her go halfheartedly. “Don't fret, buddy.” Reed took her arm and steered her away from Guthrie. Guthrie didn't seem to like Reed very much, so why did the two become friends? He looked aggravated as two of his female

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guests approached him. One of them, a woman dressed in a tight white dress, curled her arm on Guthrie's shoulder and shot a triumphant look at Claudette. She looked away, feeling unwelcome. Guthrie was wrong. His female guests weren't curious because she was new in the circle; they didn't like that she had stolen Guthrie's attention. “So…” Reed lowered his head until their lips were only a hairsbreadth away. “…have I told you, you look ravishing tonight?” Claudette stiffened. “I believe you have.” “Well, you do. I couldn't take my eyes off you.” Reed tightened his arm and forced her closer against his body. She held her breath as he ground his hips against hers. The man was aroused. “I have a proposition for you.” She lifted her eyes to meet his. “A what?” “I'll double your price if you leave this party with me.” “I've made a deal with Mr. Guthrie.” “He's not a better fuck than I am.” “You have it all wrong, Mr. Reed. Mr. Guthrie has hired me as a curator for the Rasyrian manuscripts. He isn't interested in buying my…” Her voice lowered to a whisper as she finished, “…virginity.” Reed stopped, letting out a harsh laugh. “Right. The day Aaron passes on a virgin is the day pigs can fly.” “It's true.” “You're so naive, Miss. Perry. Come…” Reed herded Claudette out toward the door. “Where are we going?” “Let's talk business.” He steered her out of the ballroom and onto the terrace, then stopped to close the doors behind them. The glass muffled the noise from the ballroom. Only perfect silence enveloped them. “Now, where were we?” Claudette stared at him, deadpan. “I've made a deal with Mr. Guthrie. I can't take you up on your offer.” “You're driving a hard bargain, Miss. Perry.” Reed leaned down, looking as if he wanted to kiss her. Claudette took a step back without thinking. “I'll triple your price. You come home with

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me tonight, and on Monday morning you'll walk away with a hundred and fifty grand. Cash. Think of all the neat things you can buy with that money. What do you say?” Guthrie wasn't kidding—this man was nuts. At a glance Reed might look harmless, but something in his eyes and the way he looked at her made her shiver. He wasn't ugly; in fact, Reed was a beautiful man. His shoulder-length, pale blond hair made him look ethereal. His slender build, wrapped in a very expensive black designer suit, made him indistinguishable from the male models she saw on fashion magazines. But his eyes… Claudette shivered again. His eyes felt cold and cruel, the kind of eyes that could stab you frozen with one look. She remembered Guthrie had said Reed was a notorious sadist. She wondered if it was the truth. Well, she wasn't going to make a deal with the devil himself to find out. She had her job, and on Monday morning she would leave West Torme with enough money to support herself while she was on scholarship. “Thank you for your offer, Mr. Reed. But I've made a deal with Mr. Guthrie. I can't betray my agreement.” “You can't or you won't?” Claudette gulped. “I can't.” Reed studied her. “Has Aaron said something about me?” She averted his stare. “He might have.” “What's the matter? Afraid of a little rough sex?” Reed ran his hand over the curve of her hip and up to the swell of her breast. Claudette pushed him away, but that seemed to just excite him more. Reed grabbed her hands and smashed her against the wall. She whimpered, feeling dizzy for a second. The blow to her head made butterflies swim across her vision. “Two hundred grand. That's my final offer. You'd be stupid not to take me up on it.” “Let me go, Mr. Reed. You're hurting me.” “I'll show you what hurts.” Reed tightened his grip on her arms. “Watching you prancing around with him. You think he's such a gentleman, but let me tell you something. He's no better than me. He'll swindle you into his bed the moment he has his chance. If you're smart, you'll take my offer of more money.” “I'll ask him for a raise,” Claudette spat. “Let go of me.”

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Reed hissed through his teeth and lowered his head, trying to kiss her. She avoided him. He shook her and pinned her against the wall. Claudette struggled, but he was too strong. “Help,” she breathed out. Reed's hand clasped her mouth in an instant, preventing her from shouting. His mouth was on her neck, laving her exposed flesh. Her skin crawled, and bile rose to her throat. Claudette suppressed the urge to gag. She tried to break free, but her effort made Reed tighten his grip even more. “What the fuck are you doing?” Guthrie's voice barked behind them. A heartbeat later Reed was wrenched away from her. Claudette coughed, clutching her throat. She dashed behind Aaron Guthrie as sheer panic seized her. She was afraid he would only piss Reed off even more. Behind his pretty exterior, Reed was a terrible man. She didn't care how much money Reed was willing to pay to bed her; she wouldn't want to be within two feet from him ever again. “What did you do to her?” Guthrie asked him in a cold tone. “We were having a little conversation,” Reed spat back. “She's off limits.” “What are you? Her mother?” “She is off limits. Get that through your thick skull.” Reed slid his gaze to her. “Name your price, Claudette, and I'll pay you in cash.” “She's not interested in you. She never will be.” Guthrie wrapped an arm around her and urged her back into the ballroom. “Fuck it, Guthrie! She's only a whore.” Guthrie's jaw twitched. He whirled around, and his fist flew. The next thing she saw was Reed crashing to the floor, flat on his back. “Oh my God.” Claudette clutched her cheeks. “You've hurt him.” Guthrie narrowed his eyes. He looked murderous. “Why do you care?” “He's your friend, and I'm nobody. I don't want to cause trouble between you two, Mr. G.” Guthrie snagged her arm and dragged her inside. She took one look at Reed sprawled on the floor, unconscious. Guthrie yanked her, and she struggled to keep up with his long stride. “He's not my friend anymore, not from the moment he tried to get his hands on you.”

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Claudette found his possessive streak odd, but she didn't dare squeak another word. Guthrie was so highly strung, she could feel raw anger emanating from his every pore. He half dragged her to the main stairs while a dozen pairs of eyes followed them with fervent curiosity. She didn't dare look around. Had anybody else found out about the commotion on the terrace? What if Reed tried to settle the score later on? He looked like he was the type of man who didn't take losing lightly. After she walked out of Guthrie's estate, she would be on her own. Reed was a powerful High-Zoner, and the law didn't seem to apply to men like him. He could do anything he wanted to her. The very thought sent chills down her spine. Guthrie herded her into what seemed to be his personal office. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases lined the ornately carved dark-wood walls. He finally let her arm go and slammed the door. Claudette jumped. She shrank back against the wall when Guthrie strode toward her. “Did he hurt you?” “I-I'm fine.” He took another step, enclosing her. “I saw him choking you.” She shook her head. “Mr. Reed was just…” She cringed, spinning her mind to find an excuse. “He didn't want me screaming.” Guthrie fisted his palms, bristling. “That son of a bitch.” “Mr. Guthrie. Please. I'm fine. Don't be mad.” “I'm not mad at you.” “I know. Look, can we forget this whole thing? I don't want to make any more trouble. This whole thing was too much for me.” Guthrie stared at her long and hard. “I'll return your money. I don't deserve it. I barely did the job you gave me, and—” “I don't care about the money; I'm concerned about your well-being. I shouldn't have left you alone with him.” “And you shouldn't have hit him.” Guthrie cast her a dark look. “Mr. Guthrie, please understand. Mr. Reed is a powerful man, and I'm a nobody.” “It didn't justify what he did to you.”

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“He could have me killed. You don't know how things work in the Low-Zone.” He stilled, then relaxed. Her plea appeased his anger. “Claudi.” He tugged her into his arms and wrapped her in a tight embrace. He kissed the top of her head and murmured, “You have nothing to worry about. I would never let him hurt you.” His body felt warm and comforting. He even smelled nice. She rested her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. She had never felt so safe in her life. He soothed her. And his kiss, even though it was only a simple kiss on the top of her head, made her want to melt in his arms. “You can't protect me forever, you know,” she slurred, giddy from his attention. “Pardon me?” She lifted her head, blushing. “You can't protect me forever. What are you going to do? Send your bodyguard to watch me every hour of the day?” “You're underestimating my power, Claudi.” “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. What if I apologize to Mr. Reed?” “That scum tried to rape you, and you want to apologize to him?” “Mr. Guthrie, I'm a Low Zoner. Nobody would give a rat's ass if they found me dead in a ditch. You can't protect me forever. Our worlds are just too different.” “Listen.” He cupped her face and forced her to meet his eyes. “I have lawyers. I have connections to the authorities. We can get a restraining order. Reed wouldn't jeopardize his reputation by doing something stupid. You have nothing worry about. You'll be safe. You have my word.” His promise did bring her a sense of peace. She had Guthrie's protection. At least until she departed for Antara. Once she was off-planet, Reed wouldn't be able to hound her. One question remained, however, nagging at the back of her mind. “Why did you go to all this trouble just for me, Mr. G? It's not like you'll ever see me again after Monday.” The question made him pause. His gaze intensified. Claudette couldn't breathe. Her chest constricted, and heat rose within her. Her pussy clenched, and a drop of liquid lust rolled from her sex. She had never been turned on simply from being stared at before. She didn't care if Guthrie tried to swindle his way, luring her into his bed just like Reed said. Who

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could resist Guthrie anyway? He was delicious. As the most eligible bachelor in Tartav-V, Aaron Guthrie was every woman's dirty fantasy. “I…” Guthrie cleared his throat. “I want you, Claudi.”

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Chapter Four The confession was liberating, and at the same time it made him feel like a total dick. It had been a while since he'd been with a woman who was more than just a pretty shell. He liked to see those qualities in women: beauty, brains, and humility. Most of the High-Zone women he dated usually didn't posses the latter. Smart and beautiful women usually came with the matching ego and arrogance, which was one of the reasons Aaron had preferred to stay single all these years. He had told Claudi he had no romantic intentions behind his charity, but now, after getting to know her more, he wanted her. He wanted to take her into his bed, peel off her clothes, and discover all her secrets. Aaron felt ashamed at the thought. He'd given his word to protect her. Claudette widened her eyes at his declaration. “Really?” she whispered. Her lips were slightly parted, and he couldn't help himself brushing his thumb over them. She didn't need lipstick; her lips were naturally rouged, making him want to take a nibble at them. “You must think I'm a pervert. I just…” He caressed her cheek with his thumb. “I wonder if you would be interested in getting to know each other more intimately than our business arrangement?” She looked at him as if he'd lost his mind. Aaron cursed in silence. His question must've sounded silly. He had never been this coy before. He usually chased what he wanted. He seduced. He wooed. Yet in the presence of this alluring feminine creature, he had lost his wits. She let out a shy smile. “I thought you were a playboy.” He narrowed his eyes, puzzled. “Isn't this the part where you put the moves on me?” He couldn't believe what he heard. She was making fun of him. “I really like you, Claudi. And after what just happened with Reed, I don't want to—” “Can I tell you a secret?” “Of course.”

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Her cheeks blushed. Her hazel eyes shone lamplike as she whispered her secret, “I've never been kissed.” “You're kidding.” “Well. When I was a teenager, there was a boy I liked, and we sort of… I don't think that could be called kissing. He was…kind of slobbering.” Aaron laughed. “Poor baby.” He pulled her to sit on a chaise lounge. She gasped when he tugged her closer and crushed his mouth to hers. He kissed her hard and rough, not a sweet kiss like a virgin should have. He possessed her. Ravaged her. Let her know how much he wanted her. He slid his hand to the back of her head, anchoring her to stay still as he deepened his kiss. He pried her mouth open with his tongue, tasting her sweetness and branding her with raw lust. His heart beat fast, blood rushing through his veins. His cock stiffened to the point that it hurt. She looked drunk when he finally parted from her lips. “I've been wanting to do that ever since I saw you in the De La Plume,” he confessed. She mouthed, wow. “Well?” She blinked. “Was it better?” Claudette let out a girlish giggle. “Thank you. That was wonderful. I will never forget this. Ever.” Her thanks surprised him. She was genuinely innocent, unlike some women he knew. “You know,” he ventured. “There's more.” Her eyes widened. “More?” “Only if you allow me to show you.” Her smile was the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. “I'm a curious cat,” she whispered. Her admission was the only encouragement he needed. He wrapped his arm around her lush body, drawing her closer so they could become one. He could feel her heart drumming as he pressed his body against hers; her skin felt feverishly hot when he ran his hand from her shoulder to her bare neck. He nibbled her lips, the cusp of her chin, her throat, and her shoulder blade,

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stopping just before her cleavage. She halted her breath when Aaron plucked the thin strap of her gown and tugged it down her shoulder. “Yes?” he inquired. “Yes,” she answered breathlessly. She looked like she wanted to faint when he crushed his lips to hers again, kissing her openmouthed, slowly, as if they had all the time in the world. His hands slid down to her chest, finding her breasts and cupping them through the soft fabric. She moaned, but his mouth muffled the sound. Her reaction excited him. He yanked the top of her dress down, and her breasts spilled out. He broke the kiss and gazed down. She looked fantastic, even better than he had imagined. He couldn't successfully palm each of her breasts; they overflowed his hands. He pinched her nipples and rolled them between his thumb and finger. She writhed from his ministrations, purring like a kitten. “Oh, God, Aaron…” “Yes?” he purred back, elated. She had called him by his first name. She bit her lip and let out a low squeal when he tightened his pinches. Damn. Aaron groaned in silence. She sounded so fucking sexy. Her purrs made his cock throb, and his balls swelled against the teeth of his zipper. He couldn't wait any longer. With a low growl he licked her chest and took one peak into his mouth. A halted scream curled out from her throat as he sucked her flesh with greed. Her hands fisted in his hair, clawing his scalp. He bit down, trapping the hard bud between his tongue and the roof of his mouth. Her body trembled. She let out a breathless yell when he released her nipple with a loud pop. She panted, her face flushed with lust. Her nipple had reddened to the color of her lips. He couldn't help admiring his handiwork. It looked so pretty against her skin. “You're so beautiful; you know that?” “I am?” “Yes. Can't you see I'm crazy for you?” She licked her lips in return, looking unsure about his compliment. It made him unable to resist pressing his lips on hers again, kissing her with greed. He slid his hand under her dress and brushed her inner thigh. He cupped her pussy and found her panties soaked. She looked embarrassed. “I…um…”

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“Ssh…” Aaron hiked her dress up and yanked her panties down. She flinched when his hand cupped her mound, and his fingers stroked her pussy in a languorous motion. A gush of hot juice seeped from her pussy. “Open wider. I want to touch you.” Claudette obeyed his order, splaying her thighs wide. He parted her curls; then the tip of his fingers found her clitoris. She couldn't suppress her moans when he stroked her pussy lips. “Has anyone ever touched you like this before?” She shook her head. “Have you ever touched yourself like this before?” She looked embarrassed. “Yes.” “Mmm.” Aaron parted her folds and slipped a finger into her opening, her virginal secret no man had ever ventured into. She creamed again when he slid his finger deeper inside her. Her muscles clenched from the intrusion, wrapping around his finger like a silken glove. He fingered her, in and out, slowly at first. When she was accustomed to the rhythm, he quickened his pace. Her chest heaved. She mewled. Aaron found it very sexy. “Good?” She nodded. He finger-fucked her harder. Her body trembled in pleasure. “A-Aaron.” “Yes, babe?” Her shy smile returned. “I've never seen a man's… Can I see you?” He slowed down, finding her curiosity amusing. He unbuckled his belt with his free hand and unzipped his pants. “Touch me.” Claudette obeyed, sliding both hands against the silky fabric of his trousers and cupping his bulging erection. His cock twitched, begging to be freed from its containment. She squeezed him gently, as if she were afraid she would hurt him. He groaned. “Harder.” She looked unsure, but she squeezed like he wanted her to. His heart pounded faster. His cock throbbed. “Take it out.”

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She hooked the waistband of his briefs with her fingers and pulled them down. His cock bobbed free. His heart wanted to jump out from his rib cage when she palmed his granite-hard erection. Her hands felt cool on his overheated flesh. Her smile broke; her eyes glittered. She touched him as if she had just discovered a new toy. His cock quivered, loving her attention. She kneaded his balls, stroked his shaft. Gentle and hard. He leaked a droplet of precum, glistening from the eye of his cock. She brushed her thumb over his cockhead. “You're beautiful,” she murmured with amazement in her voice. “So hard. Unbelievable. Can I lick you?” Aaron groaned again. “You're killing me, Claudi. But go ahead.” Her innocent giggle erupted as she lowered her head to his crotch. Her hot breath seared his flesh. She gave him a tentative lick. Aaron moaned. The impact devastated him. He wanted to sink his cock into her wet pussy and ride her to oblivion. Instead he cleared her stray hair out of her face so he could see what she was doing. Claudette licked him again and smacked her lips as if she were trying to discern his flavor. Faintly, he heard her mutter, “Salty.” Her face looked serious, and that convinced Aaron she really hadn't ever been with a man She wasn't repulsed by her finding, as a heartbeat later she sucked him again, enveloping his cockhead with her mouth. “Fuck,” Aaron gasped. The way she sucked him made every nerve ending in his system scream with pleasure. She grazed him with her teeth once in a while, but she was a fast learner. Her cock-loving mouth fucked his shaft in a way he had never felt before. She barely gave him a dozen sucks when Aaron fought the urge to come. He didn't want to come yet. He had other plans. He leaned forward and fucked her again with his finger. He mashed her clit with his thumb and thrust faster. Claudette gurgled on his crotch, her suckling stopped. He distracted her by giving her pleasure. Her pussy felt hot and contracted. “Oh.” She released his cock. “Aaron…” “I want to see you,” he breathed out. “Naked. I want to see your pussy. And eat you too, over and over until you come.” Claudette gasped. “Oh fuck.”

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“Yeah. I'd like to fuck you too. With my cock. I want to know how it feels to fuck you in here…” She bit her lower lip as he fingered her deeper and faster. “Please…” “Please what, Claudi?” “Please fuck me.” “Is that what you really want, sweetie?” “Yes.” Claudette pressed his hand between her thighs, anchoring him still. “Please, Aaron, make me a woman.” Guthrie stilled at her plea. He withdrew his finger. He slid down from the chaise and fixed his pants. He captured her face with both hands, kissing her until she was breathless again. He undressed her and took her shoes from her feet. She trembled as he felt her all over. Her skin felt so smooth. Her breasts were firm and full, and her lush figure was everything a man could ever want in a woman. He wanted her, but not because she was a virgin. Claudette was the kind of woman he had wanted for a long time. He lifted her from the chaise and carried her to his bedroom. “I'm going to make you my woman. Mine.”

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Chapter Five He laid her in front of the fireplace. “Wait here,” he told her, then dashed to the other room. Claudette crossed her legs, waiting with anticipation. “Make you my woman,” he had vowed. How romantic. He made her feel so special. She brushed away her fear and surrendered to the thought that, for once, she was a special girl for Aaron Guthrie. She was sure he told the same thing to many women, but tonight, at this very moment, she was his only darling. She wanted to remember everything about tonight, the things he would do to her, for the rest of her life. Guthrie smiled when he came back. He had pulled a standing mirror from the boudoir and positioned it next to the fireplace. Mirror? What exactly did he have in mind? “Come.” Guthrie tugged her hand up. She scrambled up, unsure. “I want to show you how beautiful you are,” Guthrie explained as if he read her mind. He pulled her in front of the mirror. Claudette looked away. She was embarrassed to see her own reflection in the mirror. She looked awful without decent clothes. “Aaron—” “Ssh.” Guthrie kissed her cheek. “Close your eyes.” “Why?” “Just do it.” Claudette obeyed, closing her eyes. Her heart drummed wildly; her skin crawled. Guthrie kissed the shell of her ear, tracing the contour of her earlobe with the tip of his tongue. Her breathing became labored. He took off her necklace. She heard rustling noises, then felt

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something touch her shoulders, her neck, her chin. Guthrie tied something around her neck. She couldn't guess what it was. “Now open your eyes.” Claudette opened her eyes with sheer anticipation. He had tied a red bow made from thick, luxurious velvet ribbon on her neck. “A friend of mine gave me an early birthday present yesterday, wrapped in this red velvet bow. The gesture was nice, but the present is unnecessary. People do that all the time, give me presents when I don't need anything. But when I saw you in that black dress, I suddenly knew what I really want for my birthday. You.” A grin sprang to her lips before she realized it. She fingered the red bow on her neck. She was Aaron Guthrie's birthday present. The present he really wanted was her, the mousy girl from Portgraph. “You look fantastic in red,” he continued. “Like the first time I saw you in De La Plume, in that red dress. Did you bring that dress with you?” “It wasn't mine. I borrowed it from a friend. I already returned it.” “Too bad. I should buy you more dresses like that. You looked so beautiful in it. But of course, you also look so damn beautiful with nothing on.” “I'm plain.” “Nonsense.” “I'm fat.” “You're voluptuous, like the goddess Venus.” He wrapped his hands around her waist, feeling her shapely curves. “I'll let you know a little secret of mine: I hate skinny women. It's no fun groping skin and bones.” Claudette laughed. Guthrie laughed too. He ran his hands up and cupped her naked breasts. He squeezed her tightly as he whispered in her ear with a voice full of lust. “A real woman should look like you. Lush. Sexy.” One hand released her breast. “A body like yours is perfect for fucking. I like a hard fuck. A wild fuck.” He tugged her face up to meet his. “An animalistic kind of fuck.” His words made her shiver with a deeper arousal. He licked the side of her jaw.

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Claudette moaned. “Sometimes I'm afraid to fuck a delicate woman, afraid I might accidentally hurt her when I fuck her senseless. Don't want that to happen, do I?” She echoed in a string of unintelligible murmurs. “Oh, Claudi. You're so sweet. Sweet as sin.” He gave her a quick peck on her lips. “Stay here, I'll be right back.” She watched Guthrie stride to the bathroom and return with a vanity bench. He placed the bench in front of the mirror. He slipped behind her. “Relax.” He pushed her thighs apart and tugged one leg up, resting her foot on the bench. He splayed her open so she could see the view of her own sex in the mirror. Claudette felt selfconscious but curious at the same time. The warm glow of red embers from the fireplace illuminated the silhouette of her body. Her skin blushed with the heat of her desire. Guthrie nuzzled behind her ear, murmuring, “See how beautiful you are?” His hand slid between her thighs, parting the curls of her pubes. He found her pussy lips and stroked her. Claudette melted like a wax candle. He made her feel so good, so sinfully good. She creamed again. Aches thrummed from her very core. He fingered her in and out, lubricating her with her own cream. He buried his finger deep to his knuckle and then rammed it in short, battering strokes. She wanted to scream from the sensation. “Oh fuck,” she gasped. “Mm. Not yet, sweetie, but almost.” Her sex clasped in hunger around his finger, quivering in delight. A pure pleasure fluttered beneath her stomach. Claudette swallowed her cry. She teetered at the edge, one step away from climax. Guthrie stopped abruptly. His finger disappeared, and a hard slap stung her pussy. Claudette yelped, wide-eyed. “I don't think so.” He grinned. “Did you think I'd let you come before I had a chance to taste you?”

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She didn't have the chance to digest his words. Guthrie darted in front of her, quick as a cat, silent as a ghost, licking the side of her jaw, down to her neck, her breast, belly, and pubes. His hands anchored her buttocks still as he pounced to the opening of her cunt. Claudette screamed. His mouth proved even more wicked than his finger as he sucked her pussy for its creamy treat. She closed her eyes, not wanting to see her own reflection in the mirror. She knew she must look stupid with one leg up on a bench and a man's head on her pussy, lapping her like a ripened fruit. Ecstasy gripped her, and she burned with each stroke of his tongue. Claudette mewed like a kitten with both hands in his hair, clawing his scalp. He pressed his mouth hard against her slippery folds, twirling her clit with the tip of his tongue, alternating it with a hungry, angstdriven suck. She shook like a leaf in a windstorm. He grunted, pressing his face deeper into her juice-soaked pussy. His tongue swam on her sea of heat, licking, tugging, feasting on what she had to offer. A ripple of pleasure ebbed from her sex, stronger each time. When he licked her from hole to hole, she erupted. A shocking ecstasy struck her blind, shattering her mind into a dozen pieces. She screamed, sobbing his name. She almost fell, but Guthrie caught her in time. He tugged her into his arms. He found her lips and kissed her with the same ferocity as he'd kissed her pussy. Claudette was lost in his kisses. She could taste her own spicy essence, taste the ambrosia of her lust on him. Her hands impatiently unbuttoned his shirt as she reciprocated his kiss with the same heat, the same greed. Claudette wanted to see him bare, as she was, without a single thread that separated their bodies. Her fingers fumbled with the stubborn buttons on his shirt. They refused to undo. Without breaking his kisses, Guthrie ripped his own jacket and shirt off, shrugging them off his body in a flash, then grabbed her arms and pulled her into him until her chest smashed against his. A strangled cry ripped from her throat. He felt so good on her, his warm skin against hers. His beating heart drummed wildly, just as hers did. She could even smell the feral scent of him on his skin, like potent pheromones, the musk of his desire that lulled her into a maddening lust.

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Claudette broke the kiss and hungrily laved her tongue across his skin. She licked him, tasted him. The hollow of his throat. His chest. His nipples. The rigid crescents of his beautiful abs. His navel. She wanted to rip his pants off too, but he did the job for her. The expensive satin-lined trousers fell to his knees. He caught her hands when she tried to pull down his briefs. “Slow down, baby. That's my job.” It took her a couple of seconds to get the message. Her brain wasn't working; her instincts had taken over. “Get up,” he ordered. “Wha—” “Just do it.” Claudette scrambled up, her breathing frantic. Guthrie bent her over and made her brace her arms against the bench. He positioned her buttocks in front of the mirror and pushed her head down so she could see her sex between her thighs. “Oh,” she mumbled. Claudette peeked at the mirror, watching her upturned behind. Her exposed pussy glistened, slick with his saliva and her own liquid lust, her folds the color of a blushing apple. She was ready for anything he had in mind. Anything. Guthrie shed his trousers, his socks, and then his shoes too. She let out another strangled cry when she saw his cock bobbing. He had it in his hand, angry and flushed, as he pumped himself. Claudette dug her nails into the upholstered vanity bench, nose against the luxurious fabric. She peeked at the mirror, giddy with excitement, waiting for what would happen next. When she would take a man for the first time. Debauchedly deflowered. Fucked senseless. “Shit, Claudi.” Guthrie squeezed her ass. “I think you're more than ready.” He noticed she had leaked again. A fresh warm gush dripped to her thighs, rivulets of her milky arousal. He slipped a finger into her center and tugged her in and out. She moaned. The familiar pleasure accompanied by maddening aches thrummed into her again, wildly, in cadence with her beating

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heart. She bit into the fabric, suppressing the cry that wanted to burst from her lungs, to beg him to take her right away. Right now. “My cock is bigger than my finger. Think you can manage?” Claudette nodded. She wasn't sure if Guthrie would see her nodding, so she forced her answer between her clenched teeth, “Yes.” “You sure?” “Yes!” Claudette swallowed hard. “Please.” “Please what, Claudi?” “Please fuck me.” She caught him grinning. “Please fuck me, Aaron,” he teased. “Please fuck me, Aaron,” she echoed. Guthrie grunted. “That's my girl.” He pressed the crown of his cock onto her opening from behind her. “I'm going to make you a woman. My woman.” He thrust into her. Her muffled shout followed. Claudette felt as if she was being split open as she bent over the bench. Her pussy was on fire as he buried himself inside her, breaking her tightness until he was balls-deep inside her. “Ah.” Guthrie sighed. His grip on her waist tightened as he moved languorously, lazily, as if he wanted to savor his initial penetration. The cock inside her throbbed, so hot—pulsating—as if it had a life of its own. Claudette trembled with pleasure. It wasn't as bad as she thought it would be. People always said the first time would be painful, but not in her case. The ecstasy intensified as Guthrie pulled back until his cockhead almost left her opening and then slammed back until his balls smashed her clit. He did it over and over as if he wanted her to feel his whole magnificent length and the impact of his thrusts. Claudette soon lost her mind. Guthrie wasn't kidding about the way he fucked. He fucked like a wild animal. And she absolutely loved it. “Brace yourself.” His voice sounded dark and hoarse.

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Claudette clawed the bench, supporting her own weight to stay steady from the impact. Her breaths cut into short staccato as he pummeled faster and harder. She could barely breathe. The pleasure thickened, and soon the only things she could think of were his ferocious thrusts, relentlessly battering in and out of her hungry cunt. Her heavy breasts swayed under her, brushing the smooth fabric of the bench. She sobbed from the intensity of the pleasure; it rolled through her like a tide, forceful, vengeful, and unstoppable. She might have screamed too. A dozen times. She wasn't sure. Her throat felt raw as she reared to meet his brutal slamming and shuddered in maddening ecstasy. She called his name when she exploded. A violent orgasm claimed her in a jealous rage, ripping her being apart, piece by piece, until she couldn't think straight, until the wave of pleasure gradually calmed. She felt fire inside her, spasm after spasm of his shuddering cock, trembling after the climax. Guthrie groaned behind her, harsh, like a dying beast. She collapsed on the bench. A second later he collapsed on top of her, their bodies slick with sweat and the juices of their mating. They panted together until Guthrie withdrew from her and rolled her onto the carpet. He straddled her and anchored her wrists above her head. “Did I hurt you?” Claudette shook her head. “No,” she breathed out. “I loved it. I loved everything you did to me.” “Good. 'Cause I'm going to take you to bed, and I'm going to fuck you again. Do you think you're up for it?” Claudette cried, mostly from the excitement. She nodded. “That's my girl.” Guthrie praised her with a long kiss. Claudette wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, “I will never forget you, Aaron.” Guthrie looked surprised. “Why would you?” Right. Why would she? Claudette bit her lip and forced herself to smile. She just knew, deep inside, Guthrie was the first and last man she would ever fuck. But maybe telling him what she felt wasn't such a good idea. One week from now, another woman would take her place beneath him, with a naked body and legs splayed open. Afraid that words were useless, she

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cupped his face as he carried her to the bed. She kissed him deeply, half crying, remembering she was a woman now, his whore for the weekend. The one he had bought and paid for. Guthrie sat on the edge of the bed with her on his lap, his eyes closed as she kissed him deeply, a fear-of-losing kind of kiss. He seemed to love it when she kissed him that way. When she parted her lips, he smiled at her. Claudette smiled back. I must sound corny to fall for you like this. Too bad I can't have you forever.

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Chapter Six Sunday

Aaron woke up to find her missing from the bed. He opened his eyes and instinctively groped the empty bed beside him. Claudette was gone, but the bed was still warm. He scooted and pushed down the duvet. She hadn't been gone too long. Her scent lingered, filling his lungs, so seductive and redolent, perfumed with her femininity. The image of her while he pumped himself into her last night flashed before his eyes. God, she had this sexy mewl when she was about to climax that drove him wild. She was addictive, and he suspected he was a junkie now, her junkie who had fallen helplessly into her trap. Thinking about her made his cock wake up and give him a full morning salute. He cursed. Where was she? He climbed out of bed and trudged to the bathroom. “Claudette!” As he passed the French door to the terrace, he caught sight of her on the patio, sitting on a lounger, naked. It was raining outside. She had her eyes closed, facing the heavens as if she were indulging herself by showering in the downpour. Her midnight hair lay plastered against her body, contrasting against her creamy skin. She thrust her breasts forward as she worshipped the sky, her nipples erect and swollen. He could see the marks around her breasts where he'd sucked her as he fucked her to oblivion last night. Aaron felt the urge to do it again soon. Maybe now. He slid open the door. “Claudi?” Claudette opened her eyes lazily. Rain beaded her skin, and rivulets of water shimmered along her lush body as if she were a water nymph. Aaron swallowed. She looked so delicious, he wanted to eat her in one bite. “Aren't you getting cold? Get inside; I'll warm you up.” He opened the glass door wide.

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“Not yet. I want to see the rain.” “It's just rain.” She smiled. “I've never seen rain before. We don't have rain under the dome in Portgraph, remember? Day and night is always the same: dull. No blue sky, no starry night. And no rain. I always wanted to know how snow looks.” Aaron had forgotten the Low-Zoner might have never seen rain or snow. The weather in their zone was forever summer, conjured under the artificial sky, heated with solar receptors, one of the government's solutions for cutting overhead costs. Claudette tossed her head aside and brushed away her wet hair. God, she looked so sexy. Her sensual gesture made his erection grow harder. She exuded a powerful sexual allure without even realizing it. His cock buzzed with excitement to the point he could no longer hide it. Claudette noticed it too. “Come.” She patted the empty space on the lounger. “In the rain?” Aaron wasn't keen on the idea of getting wet. He liked warm and comforting places. In bed, for example, with Claudette beside him. “Are you afraid of being seen naked?” “It's my house. I can do anything I want.” “Are you afraid of water? Come on; it's not that cold.” She leaned back on the lounger and spread her thighs. Her dark curls were gone, her pussy now smoothly shaved. When had she done that? Claudette winked. “I'll let you do stuff if you come here.” “What kind of…stuff?” “Anything.” She laughed, running her hands from her belly to her chest and cupping her own breasts. “Anything your heart desires.” No sane man could resist such temptation. Aaron closed the door and walked to where she sat. She watched him, wide-eyed, smiling secretly like a schoolgirl with a crush. The rain pelted him, but it wasn't as cold as he thought it would be. He sat on the lounger and gave her a kiss. She welcomed him with half-lidded eyes. Aaron tasted her lips; they were

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wet but still sweet. He pressed his mouth harder onto hers, claiming her with greed. Claudette sighed, her chest rising and falling, making him want to possess her. His hands were on her chest, tightening around her breasts. He couldn't help himself, groping her all over each time she was within reach. She squirmed and sighed her signature sexy sounds. His cock went hard. This woman was a true aphrodisiac. Claudette flinched when he squeezed one breast hard. “Mm.” She parted her lips. “I want to tell you a secret.” “I love secrets.” “I bet you do.” Aaron squeezed her other breast hard. Claudette squirmed with a sigh. “I always wanted to make love out in the open. In the rain.” She dropped her gaze to his cock. “I see your pal there has the same idea.” “My pal is excited since he saw you naked in the rain.” “Aren't you afraid somebody might watch?” “Let them watch. They might get a cheap thrill from us.” “Oh my.” Claudette sighed again. She kissed him deeply, licking his teeth. “I like to be on the bottom. Missionary. I love to watch your beautiful body when you're inside me.” She didn't say those words as precoital pep talks like the other women he had been with. She announced them as if she were telling her deepest secret. And he had to agree. He didn't think there was anything more intimate than watching her beneath him as he made love to her. He grabbed her hips and pushed her thighs wider. He was ready to straddle her. “Wait—” She halted his hands. A mischievous twinkle flashed in her eyes. “You have to catch me first.” Claudette slipped from his grip like a fish in the water. Her naughty laughs followed. She teased him, bright-eyed, taking a few steps backward. Her arms spread wide to the sky where the rain had subsided into a continuous drizzle. “Claudi!” Aaron wasn't in the mood for games. He was ready to fuck. “Come back here.” No, she mouthed. “You get here.”

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“Dear, oh, dear.” Aaron shook his head. “You're going to regret this.” “Talk is cheap, mister.” Aaron watched her in dismay as she sprinted toward the garden. The subtropical garden near the pool served as a perfect hideout. He rose from the lounger. If the lady wanted to play hide-and-seek, the lady would get it. He itched to spank her smooth ass when he caught her. He stormed into the garden, walking past the big heliotrope bushes. He knew he must look ridiculous walking around naked with a big hard-on. He tried to remember when his gardeners would start working. They usually started early in the morning, but they probably wouldn't be here until the rain stopped. He'd be safe being primitive for a while. Aaron couldn't care less if anyone saw him like this anyway. His ultimate goal was to catch naughty Claudette. And spank her. And fuck her without mercy. Oh, God, was she going to get it. “Claudi!” A giggle answered him from somewhere in the garden. He hurried to the source of the sound. From behind a cluster of big ferns, he caught a glimpse of a naked leg flashing by. Aaron ran and lost sight of her. He clenched his jaw. This hide-and-seek was a lot tougher than he thought. I'll hunt you down, little minx, and when I get my hands on you, oh, God, I'll fuck you so hard, you won't even remember your name. “Claudi! Come out, come out wherever you are…” “Oh, please, you have to do better than that!” Aaron bolted to the sound. He ducked through an arch of passionflowers and into the walking path. Up front, a bunch of dwarf palms waved their leaves back and forth. A second earlier she was there, but she'd run again. Aaron gritted his teeth. He had never been so frustrated and horny at the same time. He usually had his morning coffee and breakfast at this hour. Or an incredible morning fuck when he saw someone. Now he was wet as a dog, chasing a naked girl who liked to play hide-and-seek in the rain. He was thinking of a good old-fashioned spanking when he caught her. A big, firm slap that would make her ass red. “Claudi! I don't want to play this anymore.” “But do you still want to fuck?” “No.” A pause. “Really?”

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“Really. I'm wet and I'm cold. I want to quit.” He moved without a sound to the source of her voice. “Aaron… I'm sorry. I—” She squealed hard when he caught her from behind. She writhed and felt so slippery, he had to wrestle her to the ground. They both fell onto the moss-covered path. He snatched both her wrists and pinned them above her head. With one knee he pressed her legs down, rendering her immobile while he arranged his position above her, her conqueror. Aaron laughed in triumph. “I got you now.” “I thought you didn't want to play anymore.” “I lied. What are you going to do about it?” “Me? Nothing. What can I do about it?” “That's right, baby, you're toast.” He shifted his leg and pushed her on her stomach to face the ground. She didn't try to writhe or escape; she surrendered to her fate willingly. “I'm going to punish you for being such a naughty girl. I'm going to spank you.” “Oh.” “I think you deserve at least five for making me running around with a big hard-on like this. Do you have any idea how ridiculous I must look?” “Five?” She sounded scandalized. “Two. I didn't make you run around that long. And you look awesome with your big hard-on.” “Four. And it's no use sucking up to me, Miss Naughty. You're still going to get big, hard spankings. You'll be lucky if you still can sit after this.” “Three,” she cried. “Oh, please, only three. I don't lie about you being awesome. I'd eat you all over if I had a can of whipped cream with me.” “Fine, three. And I can arrange that whipped cream later.” Claudette made her sexy noise again, her body shivering. She sounded as if she were looking forward to her spanking. Thunder roared across the sky above them, and the rain turned into a downpour again.

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Claudette peeked at Aaron over her shoulder when he delivered the first spank. She flinched without a sound, taking her punishment bravely. The sharp slap echoed in the garden. Her shapely ass quivered from the impact, imprinted with his palm. His balls tightened, blood rushing into his shaft. He thought he'd come just by spanking her. He delivered the second blow. Claudette still didn't make a sound, only trembled. Her eyes opened and closed. She bit her lips in ecstasy. He couldn't help but ask, “You love being spanked, don't you?” “I love everything you do to me.” Her declaration served as fuel to the flame. Without reserve, he delivered a hard, final blow to her ass. She shouted this time. Her hands clawed the ground as she shook from head to toe. Claudette climaxed. Oh, God, she was a natural born submissive, Aaron realized. Watching her come made him want to pop at once. He willed himself not to. When he came, he wanted to come inside her warm pussy, where the rain couldn't wash away his conquest over her. Aaron flipped her on her back. She trembled from the aftermath. Her smile greeted him when he lay on top of her, shielding her from the downpour. “Aaron,” she begged him breathlessly, “make love to me, baby.” “I don't think so.” He poised his cock at her entrance. “I'm not in the mood for making love. I'm in the mood for a hard fuck, and that's what I'm going to do to you. I'll fuck you so hard, you won't be able to walk tomorrow.” “Aww,” she said. “Even better.” Grinning, he lifted her legs on his shoulders and entered her in one ferocious thrust. Claudette yelped, panting as he buried his cock deep inside her warm cunt. His cock swelled impossibly huge inside her. Her pussy made a wet, syrupy sound each time he sank himself deep and then withdrew. He loved that salacious sound as much as he loved the sensation of being one with her. She panted with each of his thrusts. He gripped her shoulders as he hammered in and out, driving her body into the ground. Splashes of mud and rain splattered around them. He mated like a beast in heat, in the middle of the downpour, out in nature like the first lovers after they were driven from Eden. Aaron grunted, quickening his thrusts. Claudette clung to him, mumbling, “More, yes, more…”

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He slammed into her, faster and harder. Harder. And harder. Aaron mumbled some incoherent syllables and felt as if his chest would burst. He wanted to make their mating last, but he couldn't. He lunged into her, pinning her as his cock swelled thick. An orgasm swept him like a hurricane. He surrendered. Dazzling light danced in his eyes as he climaxed. His release was so intense it shocked him. He saw butterflies too, swarming across his vision when he emptied his last spasm into her cunt. He collapsed like a broken doll, crushing her body when he had nothing more to empty into her. Claudette didn't seem to mind. He heard her signature mewls again between the rolling thunder. She climaxed a second after him, sobbing quietly as little twitches from her pussy milked his spent cock. When Aaron collected himself a minute later, the rain had subsided into drizzle again. He shifted to her side. Claudette watched the sky, her tongue curling on the side of her lip, licking droplets of rain. “You love rain, don't you?” “Yes. It's amazing.” “Do you want to see the snow?” Claudette turned to face him. “You have snow here?” “I have an idea,” he announced, cupping her cheek with his palm and brushing a thumb on her inviting lips. “I have a meeting in Chessney on Monday. It won't take long, probably a couple of hours. Then, after I catch up with my business, we could go skiing. How does that sound?” Claudette blinked. “But I have to go to work on Monday.” “Call in for a personal day. Can you do that?” She hesitated. “I guess I could.”

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“It's settled, then.” He kissed her. “After Chessney, I want you to move in with me.” “What?” “I want to see you, Claudi, all the time.” Her eyes flashed with uncertainty. “Move in with you?” “Yes. As my girlfriend.” “Oh.” His heart sank a little. Her acceptance sounded somehow reluctant. “I really like you. I want to know you better.” Claudette looked at him as if he were joking. She gave a weak nod and sought refuge on his chest.

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Chapter Seven Monday

Claudette toyed seriously with Guthrie's proposal while he was in the shower. This morning he had asked her again about moving in with him. He'd asked her to quit her job; he wanted to enroll her into a prestigious university downtown so they could live together. She sipped her coffee and took a bite of the toast while she contemplated his offer. She had never dreamed of becoming a mistress of one of the most powerful men in Tartav-V. Or his girlfriend, he had said. Claudette exhaled a long breath. To be honest, this whole ordeal scared the hell out of her. She couldn't stay and accept his offer. What would become of her when he got bored? She'd read about his affairs in the news. Most of his girlfriends only lasted three months, usually less. If his High-Zoned girlfriends couldn't last more than three months, how long was she going to last? One month? Two? Claudette couldn't bear the thought of him leaving her. She would fall apart. Better douse the fire before it started. Then nobody would get burned. Her appetite vanished. Claudette abandoned her breakfast and walked to the standing mirror a few feet away. She studied her reflection with mixed feelings. The pink peignoir she was wearing, one of Guthrie's gifts, looked so pretty on her. Soft silk fabric, beautiful laces. She'd never had anything as nice as this in her life. She looked around her surroundings and thought of her dumpy apartment in the slum of Portgraph. She couldn't shake the feeling she didn't belong here. This wasn't a place for a Low-Zoner like her. No. She couldn't stay. His offer was tempting, but her real life was in Antara. School, her future, a place where she could live in peace without being branded by her social status.

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The image of being with Guthrie seemed wonderful, but it was nothing but an illusion. She couldn't take a risk of being brokenhearted and left without a future when it all ended. She was aware who he really was. Aaron J. Guthrie, the most eligible bachelor in Tartav-V, was also a world-renowned Casanova. Claudette made up her mind when Guthrie came out of the bathroom. He had only a towel wrapped around his waist, with his hair and body wet, slick from the shower. He came straight to kiss her, slipping a hand under Claudette's silky robe to grope her naked thigh. “Guess what I was thinking about while I was in the shower?” “Let me guess. Me?” “You are correct. How about a quickie? I think we still have time before we go to Chessney.” A panic attack seized her. When it passed, she willed herself to tell him of her intentions. “Aaron.” Claudette's mind was spinning, trying to find a way to tell him without hurting his feelings. “I think I have to pass on your offer.” “What do you mean?” “I-I can't go with you to Chessney.” “I thought we had already decided on this.” “Today is Monday.” “So?” “I was under the impression the job you gave me ended on Monday.” “The job?” It seemed to take him a moment to remember their agreement. He blanched. “Shit, Claudi. This doesn't have anything to do with the job. I took you to my bed because I like you, not because of—” “Am I a good whore, sir?” Guthrie opened and closed his mouth in shock. He recovered himself seconds later. “Never in my mind had I thought of you as my whore.” “Then what do you call a woman who sells her body for money? I know you hired me to be your curator, but I never got a chance to do my work. Before I even met any of the guests at the party, we were already in bed. All I've done to earn my money is sleep with you.” Claudette

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smiled wanly. “I understand you mean well for me, Aaron. But let's face it—you are way out of my league. You are somebody, and I'm a nobody. I can't live with you.” “Don't be ridiculous.” She thought of Aaron's past love interests. Those sophisticated ladies whose social status matched his and who were always plastered all over in the media. What was she thinking? That she could be like those women? A pig dressed in velvet was still a pig. “I won't be happy here.” Guthrie regarded her with surprise. “Tell me what you want, and I'll do anything in my power to make you happy.” “Let me go home.” He stared at her with deep disappointment in his eyes. “Aaron, please?” He grabbed her hand and squeezed hard. “Tell me the real reason you want to leave. Is it me? Did I do something wrong?” “Pride,” she answered him. A half truth. “If you take that away from me, then I have nothing. I'll be nothing. I've earned my money, one way or the other. Please let me go home with dignity.” Guthrie cursed. His hand tightened on hers. “We're so good together. I thought we had something magical going on between us. I don't want you to leave.” He looked absolutely pissed. “Can I call you sometime? I still want to see you. Maybe for lunch? Or dinner?” This time Claudette didn't have an answer to give him.

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Chapter Eight One week later

His chief financial officer had droned on about the company's quarterly reports for the last twenty minutes, but Aaron found it hard to focus on the meeting. Since Guthrie Investment Corp. acquired Keely Brothers a few weeks back, their stock performance had surpassed all expectations. The management and his employees could soon expect a huge bonus, and their investors would see a very healthy portfolio. Everybody looked forward to it. Aaron himself, however, couldn't care less. Usually, making profit and expanding his empire was the only thing that excited him. It was his thing, his passion. Everything else came second. But ever since Claudette had gone, he could only sulk. Aaron wondered if his irritation was caused by Claudette's decision to leave him. He had never been dumped before. No woman had ever turned down what he had to offer. He concluded that he just liked her too much. Aaron wondered if this was what head over heels felt like. They were so good together. And so was their passion between the sheets. He sighed ruefully. He could use that kind of passion every night, having her in his arms before bed and waking up every morning greeted by the sight of her beautiful face. And the voluptuous body he couldn't get enough of. And her down-to-earth shyness, without an ounce of the pretentiousness that women of his social class possessed. He could have gotten used to her, every day in his life, becoming the center of his universe. He hated to admit it, but he missed her terribly. He even suspected he might be in love with her. “Fuck.” What was it with her and her foolish pride? The twenty faces of the men and women in the meeting turned abruptly in his direction.

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Well, the damage was done. There was no point in hiding it. Since he couldn't focus his attention in this meeting or work in general, he might as well take the day off. Aaron rose from his seat. “Excuse me. I'm not feeling well. Just send the full report to my home. I'm going to have some rest.” His CFO and VP might have said something to him, but his own thoughts consumed him as he exited the boardroom. His PAs trailed behind him. “Sir, what about the meeting with—” He waved his hand in dismissal. “Reschedule.” “Shall I make an appointment for you to see a doctor, sir?” “No, I just need some rest. I don't want to be bothered until tomorrow. You understand?” “Yes, sir.” Januar, his security executive, rose from his seat as soon as Aaron left the boardroom. “So soon, sir?” “I don't feel well.”

*** When he returned to his big empty mansion in West Torme, his irritation mounted by the minute. Lamenting a woman he couldn't have wasn't such a good idea. She'd been gone only a week, and he felt slowly driven to madness. He went to the guest room where she had stayed and riffled through the dresses he'd bought her. She hadn't taken any of the gifts he'd bought her. She'd gone back home dressed in her baggy pants and white shirt, the same as the day he'd brought her home from Portgraph. That stupid fucking pride of hers. He called Jan into his office. “Do you think she was seeing a man?” “Do you want me to find out, sir?” Aaron faltered. “I don't want to spy on her.” The bodyguard relaxed his hulking posture. “It's not spying, sir. It just a matter of factfinding.”

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Aaron tapped his fingers on the desk. A white-hot pain stabbed his heart. The passion between them was unbelievably strong, as if they were meant for each other. How could it end so abruptly? And so badly? What had gone wrong? “I could have given her everything she asked for.” “Including a commitment, sir?” Aaron startled. A commitment. It wasn't as easy as it sounded. He wasn't a player. Personally, he believed in a monogamous relationship. He never fooled around when he was seeing someone. But for him to tie the knot? Things could get complicated. He had big assets—estates and investments that would need meticulous rearrangement if he were ever to marry. Women who wanted a slice of his fortune always surrounded a man in his position. He didn't think she was that type of woman, but… That was why he had asked Claudette to stay, to get to know her better and spend time together. But her damned pride made her think she was nothing but his whore. “Well, sir?” Januar prodded. “Shall I proceed? I know an agency that can conduct this type of business very discreetly.” Aaron remained silent for a minute, considering. “Very well. You can go ahead.” “What would like to know about Miss. Perry, sir?” He went silent again. He had read Claudette's background report when he got her the offworld pass. But he didn't know about her personal affairs. “Everything. Especially whether she's seeing anyone.” “What if she is, sir?” If this were related to business, he would do anything to make himself a winner, but Aaron didn't want to use the same approach in his personal relationships. “Well, if she is, then I guess I'll just have to congratulate her and wish her a happy life.”

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Chapter Nine Three weeks later

Claudette just knew something fishy was going on when Professor Turner suddenly announced his resignation from the university over the weekend and told her she could expect to meet his replacement on Monday. Professor Turner had been the head of the Antara Historical Society for decades, a dedicated person who loved his job more than anything else in the world. She found it odd that he would just quit on a whim. She knocked on his office door with her morning report. The professor had made her his assistant after she'd arrived, and had been as kind to her as a father. He helped her settle in Antara, and the job he had given her made her forget about Aaron. She didn't know a lot of people in her new place yet. She was secretive. She didn't want Stanley Reed to find her here, even though Aaron had promised he would protect her. Now that she was avoiding Aaron too, she felt vulnerable. Somebody inside the office told her to come in. She pushed the door and stepped inside. She gasped. Her heart wanted to jump out of her rib cage when she saw who sat behind Professor Turner's desk She couldn't believe it. Him. Aaron Guthrie greeted her with his charming smile. “Ah, Miss Claudette Perry, my lovely new assistant.” He rose from his chair and spread his arms theatrically. “Please close the door behind you and have a seat.” Claudette glared. Everything started to make sense. “You're despicable, you know that?”

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He laughed, padding toward the door and closing it since she refused to do what he wanted. “Am I, Claudi?” “What did you do with Professor Turner? Force him into an early retirement?” “Forcing is such a harsh word. I merely offered him an attractive compensation if he would let me run the history department for an undetermined length of time, and as I recalled, Professor Turner accepted my offer without the slightest hesitation. In fact, he was thrilled for the opportunity to head back out into the field to carry on his research.” “You're not qualified to run this department.” “I can hire a team of consultants to give me advice.” She rolled her eyes. “I can't believe you would pay off everybody to get what you want.” “Not true. Not everybody can be bought with money.” Guthrie stepped closer, looking as if he wanted to kiss her. Claudette inched away without thinking. Her heart drummed wildly at the way he stared at her. Her nipples hardened, and wanton aches thrummed in her pussy. She hated how her body reacted each time she was near him. “W-what do you want from me, Aaron?” “Everything,” he replied. “Since you wouldn't stay with me, I thought I'd come here and stay with you. Be a part of your life.” “This isn't a game.” “I don't play games. I play for keeps.” Claudette sighed. “Look, if I agreed to another weekend with you, would you leave me alone?” “No deal.” “A week, then.” “You're a bad negotiator, babe. The answer is no.” Claudette took a step backward, but Guthrie stalked her like a predator cornering its prey. She bumped the edge of the desk and realized she was trapped. He caught her hands and pulled her into his arms when she tried to slither away. She gasped. He trapped her with his body. A flash of electric current coursed through her at the very contact. “Let me go.” He tightened his grip instead. His piercing blue eyes stared deep into hers. “Do you miss me?”

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“Not at all.” “Liar.” Aaron flashed a triumphant grin. “There are people who were born liars and people who are bad liars. You, Claudi, are a bad liar.” “I'm not interested in you anymore. I already got what I wanted. You should know that.” “Another lie.” Claudette halted a squeal when Guthrie slipped his hand beneath her skirt and felt the dampness on her panties. She squeezed her thighs shut, trying to fend off his hand. Guthrie looked pleased when he found out she was aroused too. “Your body doesn't lie, Claudi. You want me. Admit it.” “Fine! Who doesn't? You and your good looks and your money. You don't need to be a jerk too.” He looked hurt. “A jerk?” “Did you do this because I turned down your offer? You know our agreement was strictly business from the beginning. I sold you my cherry, and you enjoyed it. Simple. That's the end of it.” He shook his head. “I don't want us to end.” “I can't give you more. I don't have any more virginity to sell you.” Claudette pushed his hand away. “Now, if you'll excuse me—” He snatched her hands again. “I'm offering you marriage!” “Marriage?” Claudette snorted. “Are you this desperate?” “Desperate is not even close. I'm so fucking miserable without you. You don't know how it feels, sleeping alone in that big empty bed after you left. After everything you promised me.” “I didn't promise you anything.” “You promised me you'd go with me to Chessney. And spend time together. Us. I can't let you go, Claudi. I just can't. Marry me.” She studied his face. He seemed to be sincere, yet this all felt unreal. And to be honest, it scared the living shit out of her. She had read of his affairs in the tabloids. He'd got engaged twice in the past four years, and none of his fiancées became Mrs. Guthrie. He broke up with his last ex-fiancée, the daughter

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of a banking mogul, just weeks before the wedding, and later on casually admitted to the reporters that their engagement was a mistake. A mistake. Claudette shivered. She wasn't forgetting who she was—a Low-Zoner, a mousy girl from Portgraph. Sharing his bed was a privilege she would never forget. If a banker's daughter wasn't good enough for him, why would he suddenly want to tie the knot with a girl like her? “What do you say, babe? Please, say yes?” She had never seen him this way. It seemed impossible to say no. With great effort she tore her gaze from him and looked away, trying to think of an excuse. A believable excuse that wouldn't hurt his feelings. “Claudi?” He tugged her face to meet his, brushing his thumbs on her lips. “It's been hell for me for the past couple of weeks. I don't know what you did to me, but God, can't you see I'm a wreck without you?” Her heart ached. Aaron really did look miserable. “Here.” He grabbed her hand and pressed it to his bulging crotch. “Can you feel me, wanting you?” “I'm—” “I've spent countless night thinking about you. Fantasizing about you. You have no idea how fucking lonely I am since you left.” He ground his hips against her, as if wanting her to know how much he wanted her. Guthrie tried to kiss her, but she avoided him. He kissed the side of her jaw instead, then her neck. Goose bumps crawled over her skin. She wanted to push him away but couldn't bring herself to do it. She missed him too. The memories of him mastering her body into perfect submission replayed each night before she went to bed and each time she was alone. The way he had loved her…and worshipped her. Just when she thought she was able to keep her feverish crush on him under control, he had to come over here and ignite the fire all over again. “Aaron, I can't—” “Give me a chance to prove myself. I can make you happy, Claudi. That's all I ask.”

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Her breath turned into a strangled gasp when he kissed her hard. Her mind muddled within seconds, and a new fire seared her being. One of his hands burrowed deep in her hair, clenching the tresses as his tongue stroked deep inside her mouth. She knew she should have stopped him if she wanted to draw a line, but the allure of the pleasure he gave her was too tempting to resist. He broke the kiss. He didn't say a word, but his eyes were telling her, Please. Please accept me, please don't send me away, please give me a chance. Claudette wanted to cry. His hand let go of her hair and slid down her shoulder, gently, as if he had just discovered his soul mate for the very first time. She felt Guthrie push her legs apart and wedge himself between her thighs. She wanted to say no, but her tongue seemed glued to the roof of her mouth. She felt his hands on her sides, sliding her skirt up and peeling her panties down. “Aaron…” Panic rang inside her head, but she didn't have the willpower to refuse him. He still didn't say a word, but his cerulean blue eyes melted her into a puddle of insignificant nothingness. Her panties slid down to her ankles, and she heard the soft noise of him unzipping his pants. She gasped again as he pulled her closer, her body clad in a white shirt and gray skirt against his black designer suit, and her naked, dripping pussy against his rock-hard erection. She trembled when the tip of his cock brushed her wet folds. The sweet, hot, electrifying jolt seized her for a nanosecond before searing her deeper into burning arousal. “Miss me?” he whispered. His voice dripped with lust. Claudette sucked her breath in hard, unable to answer. Her mind clogged with dizzying thoughts. If she allowed this to happen, she knew she wouldn't be able to refuse him again. But she wanted him at this very moment, more than anything else in the world. He covered her lips with his; his tongue probed hers. His cock kissed her slippery wetness. Claudette whimpered. Her defenses came down, crumbling apart. Her pussy clenched in desperation, wanting to be filled. Needing him. Taking him. All of him. “Babe,” Guthrie breathed out on her lips, “do you miss me?” She cried out her answer, her words a string of unintelligible moans. Guthrie hissed, understanding her just fine. “I knew it.”

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Her head snapped backward when he entered her in one long thrust. “God,” she gasped, grabbing his shoulders. She closed her eyes, savoring the sensation. Her aching, wet pussy swallowed him in a delta of cream. “Miss you,” he panted, “a lot.” He slammed into her brutally, driving her body on top of the desk. She muffled her moans by biting her lower lip. Her pussy quivered, feeling how good it was to have his virile, naked flesh inside her. “Fuck.” Guthrie gusted a breath on her cheek. He looked dazed from the sensation of their bodies becoming one. “God, Claudi,” he gritted out, “do you feel me? Wanting you? How could you just leave after everything we shared?” He slammed in. Pulled out. Hard. Fast. Full of greed, fucking her in a torrent of rapid thrusts. He looked as if he wanted to be gentle, but he couldn't. Guthrie pistoned desperately into her like a man denied carnal need for too long. She gasped her pleasure, buried her face in his chest, biting the lapel of his jacket to obscure her noise. She loved the way he filled her, branding her with stroke upon stroke of naked lust. She was hungry for him. The pleasure was so thick, overwhelming. Nothing else in the world mattered at this moment. She heard him hissing in her ear, rattling his deepest secret while his thrusts grew wild. She panted, one leg curled around his waist as she braced herself to meet him. Her body quaked, her nerves shrieked in ecstasy, and a maddening pleasure trapped her like a live wire, dangerous and deadly to whoever dared cross its path. She surrendered, her muscles going limp as he drove her body to the middle of the desk. Paper flew and the desk rattled. And his cock ravaged her so damn deep; she swore she could feel him up to her belly. He felt so good. “Claudi!” Guthrie called out desperately. She still couldn't answer. She was trapped in the ecstasy, savoring the way he tormented her cunt with short, rapid, never-ending jabs, a flood of orgasm sweeping her mercilessly in its path. She exploded. Free. The world faded for a long moment. She felt lightheaded when she floated back to the world. Guthrie had stopped fucking her, watching her climax with a mixture of pride and worry. Claudette swallowed hard, feeling his rock-hard, unsated shaft still throbbing inside of her. He asked her again, “Will you marry me?”

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Her body felt feverish. Her afterglow made her thoughts incoherent. “This isn't fair, Aaron. We just fucked. I need some time to think.” “For how long?” “I—” The sound of knocking on the door startled them. Guthrie cursed while he withdrew from her. “Get rid of them. We haven't finished talking.” He zipped his pants and sank into his chair. Claudette sighed. She pulled her panties back up and made herself decent. Her legs felt shaky as she trudged to the door. Gary Cobbs, one of Professor Turner's junior aides, lanced a suspicious look at her and Guthrie. He carried a stack of papers in his arms. Claudette cleared her throat. “We're in the middle of a meeting, Gary. Could you come back with those later?” “Are you all right?” Gary's eyes settled on her shirt, which sat askew over her breasts. “Yeah,” she said and straightened it. Gary threw another glare of dislike to his new boss. “This can't wait. We have protesters ready to storm the campus gates. The head of the campus security wanted to ask you about the evac plan.” “Evac plan?” Claudette frowned. “What are they protesting about?” Gary didn't answer. He only stared in Guthrie's direction with a look of pure venom.

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Chapter Ten “This is ridiculous,” Aaron spat. “I never associate myself with any political agenda.” He sat rooted in his seat, feeling unfulfilled and resentful, and the combination gave him a damn nasty headache. He hadn't finished talking to Claudette when the dean of the university, along with the PR director and the head of the security, ambushed him and dragged him to an urgent meeting. His eyes caught Claudette's worried glance. She stood near the window, fiddling with a pen in her hand, waiting to take notes. Aaron couldn't wait to send these people out so he could wrap up this unfinished business with her. Byron Lucas, the dean, cleared his throat. “But you did give monetary donations to a crèche in Malaya.” “I fail to see why my philanthropic habits link me to an extremist group. I've given money to orphanages and children's hospitals all over the sector.” Lucas made a sympathetic sound, fixing his sliding glasses. “It appears you didn't follow the Malaya incident, Mr. Guthrie.” “What incident?” “We had a coup d'état attempt in Malaya about eleven months ago. The money you and others donated was used by the government to launch an attack on the eastern province, basically decimating the Maryanist tribe.” Aaron massaged his temples. A freak migraine slammed into his head. “Let me guess. The Maryanists blame me.” “Tribal wars are ugly, Mr. Guthrie. Especially tribal wars between tribes of opposing religious sympathies.” “I find these people appalling for calling themselves religious and then having no trouble attacking innocent students.”

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Lucas fidgeted again. Sweat rolled from his glistening pudgy face. “We have…a different way of perceiving things in Antara, Mr. Guthrie. I think it would be best if you—” “Are you suggesting I return to Tartav-V just because some right-wing extremists don't like the way I splurge on orphans?” “Only until the situation cools off, Mr. Guthrie.” Jane Buckley, the PR director, leaned forward in her chair. “We are thrilled you're showing great interest in our institution, sir, but considering that we don't have enough security forces to make this campus safe, it is in your best interest if you…returned to Tartav-V.” Aaron frowned. He caught Claudette's worried eyes again. He couldn't leave Antara just yet. He had come for Claudette, and he wouldn't leave without her. “I'll let you know my decision tomorrow morning.” “With all due respect, sir,” the university's head of security piped in, “I don't think we're able to hold those protesters until tomorrow. I spoke to the ambassador of Tartav-V prior to this meeting. He's concerned for your safety, and it's his wish that you be evacuated at once. The embassy has sent a chopper for you. It should be here shortly.” Aaron steepled his fingers together. He just couldn't win in this situation, could he? “Give me half an hour.” He put an intonation on it to make them understand he didn't like being pressured. The three men exchanged a wary glance, seemingly unwilling to press him further. After the generous donation he had made to the university, he wasn't surprised. Lucas gave him a sympathetic nod. “Thirty minutes would be fine, Mr. Guthrie. If you could just see what was happening right now at our front gate, I'm sure you'd understand the gravity of the situation.” Aaron regarded the dean coldly. He disliked being ordered around. Claudette turned to him as soon as the three men were out of the door. “Aaron, you should—” He waved a hand, stopping her in midsentence. “You know why I came here, Claudi. It's all depending on you.” “This is just stupid. You think—”

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“Stupid?” Aaron rose from his seat. “Do you think what I feel about you is stupid? I went through a lot to be here with you.” Claudette sniffed. “I need some time to think. This is a big decision for me.” “I only have half an hour.” “I can't make a deci—” “Mr. Guthrie?” Januar's voice interrupted their conversation. The bodyguard opened the door without knocking. “Sir, we have to leave now. The protesters have trampled the barricade. It will be a matter of minutes before they reach the building.” Claudette turned to Aaron, pleading. Her eyes widened in fear. “Aaron, you should—” “You're coming with me?” “I… I can't. I need some time to think about it. I'll call you when I—” “Then I'll stay here until you are ready.” “Sir—” Januar started. Aaron silenced the bodyguard with a cold stare. Januar looked frustrated. Claudette looked as if she bordered at the verge of a breakdown. She pursed her lips and wrung her hands until her knuckles were all white. She was so fucking stubborn. He could play stubborn too. He returned to his desk, sank into his chair, and busied himself with paperwork. From the corner of his eye, he saw Claudette shifting from foot to foot, getting more nervous by the minute. “Fine!” she yelled at him. She grabbed his shoulder and shook him. “I'll go with you. Will you leave now? I can hear them downstairs.” Aaron felt a crushing weight lift from his shoulders. He tried not to smile, but it was hard to maintain a straight face. “Well, in that case.” Claudette sighed in relief. “Thank God.” Aaron couldn't resist sweeping her into his arms to kiss her. He just had to. She broke free after just a few moments. “Aaron! Let's go.” Januar jumped, opening the door, leading the way to the rooftop. Three of his junior security officers flanked Aaron through the corridors of the main building. Byron Lucas, the dean, sprinted breathlessly beside them, trying to match their strides.

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“I'm glad you're making the right decision, Mr. Guthrie,” Lucas panted. Aaron gave him an uninterested glance. “So am I.” “I'm terribly sorry about this unfortunate circumstance. I—” Lucas's words were cut short when angry voices exploded from one of the stairway doors. All of a sudden they were surrounded by people. Aaron cursed, grabbing Claudette's arm and drawing her close to protect her. His security execs jumped to fend off the mobs, but one of the protesters lunged at her. Aaron shielded her with his body. Januar made a quick move and butted his gun against the man's skull. The aggressor fell. “Hurry, sir,” Januar barked. Aaron seized Claudette's arm and dragged her to the emergency stairs. They ran up to the rooftop as gunshots ricocheted behind them. On the rooftop, a chopper waited. They climbed in. Januar slammed the hatch closed as soon as he and Claudette sat. Aaron drew a relieved breath. He had never been in this kind of situation before. This was madness. All this because he gave some money to some orphans. Aaron was about to buckle himself in when he felt a slight discomfort in his belly. Then he noticed the blood. Claudette saw it too. “Oh, God, Aaron, what happened to you?” He looked down. “Fuck!” He wore a dark-colored suit, obscuring the blood, but not the five-inch knife handle partly buried in his belly. He didn't feel any pain at all, perhaps because of the adrenaline. He was so caught up in the situation, he didn't realize he had been stabbed. Januar blanched. He barked orders to the pilot to fly them to the nearest hospital. Aaron tried to calm Claudette, but she kept crying hysterically. With one arm he tugged her to his chest and held her close, promising her that everything was going to be all right.

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Chapter Eleven Claudette jumped from her seat the moment the doctor told her she could see Aaron. She rushed into the room, finding him propped up in bed. Aaron greeted her with a weak smile, motioning her to come closer. “Miss you.” She waited until one of the nurses left before giving him a hug. The doctor frowned at her. “I'll give you two ten minutes. Then he needs his rest.” “I'm fine, Doc. Just give us some privacy.” Aaron waved the doctor away. “Ten minutes,” he repeated on his way to the door. Januar followed him and took up his post in the hallway. Claudette turned to Aaron as soon as Januar closed the door. “How do you feel?” She took his hand and squeezed it gently. “I'm fine. A bit woozy from the drugs. How 'bout a kiss?” She leaned forward and gave him a big one. A shiver of lust burned through her when they kissed. Her heart beat hard, and her nipples tightened. She deepened the kiss, possessing him greedily. To think she had almost lost him! He purred when she parted her lips, and his arm curled around her waist. “I like your passion, babe. Do I need to get myself stabbed each time I want your attention?” Claudette snorted. Her nerves unwound a notch. She had been on an emotional roller coaster ever since she'd seen the knife. She couldn't understand how he'd been so calm during the whole ordeal. He had held her and told her everything was going to be all right, and she'd been terrified she was going to lose him. “Promise me this will be the last stunt you'll ever do.” “Well, that depends. Will you ma—”

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“Yes, yes.” Claudette cut him off breathlessly. “The last few hours have been hell for me, waiting for you to get out of surgery. I'm not waiting for anything anymore.” Aaron looked stunned. “You serious?” “No, I was joking.” “Claudette!” She laughed. “Yes, I'll marry you. Just promise me you'll never put me through this ever again. I don't think I could handle it.” Aaron's eyes lit up. “You just made me the happiest man alive, babe.” He snatched her shirt collar and pulled her down to kiss her again. “What made you change your mind?” “Don't you already know?” “Finally got over your pride, I see. I know you want me too, babe. Come on. Admit it.” She rolled her eyes. “Jerk. I don't know why I fell for you in the first place.” Aaron laughed. Warm and carefree. Her guilt ebbed away to see him happy like that. “I have an idea,” he said. “Let's get married tomorrow. No, tonight, as soon as the doctor says I can leave.” Claudette gaped at him. “You're not going anywhere tonight. Besides, you don't want to rush into something you'll regret.” Aaron's grin evaporated. “You don't think I'm serious?” She sighed. “Honestly, I thought I was just your flavor of the month. I figured you'd get bored with me sooner or later, and then—” “For God's sake, Claudi, I meant everything I said.” Aaron scrambled to sit up. He winced when the blanket tangled around his belly. “Hey, careful,” Claudette protested. She fixed the blanket so she wouldn't disturb the bandage on his stomach. “Is that the reason you didn't want to be with me in the first place?” Claudette ran her hand over his arm. “It just… I read about your ex-girlfriends in the magazines, and I thought—” “Is my reputation that bad?”

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“The last time you broke up your engagement, you told the world it was a mistake. I was afraid—am afraid—that I couldn't take the heartache. You're the first man I've been with, and that means everything to me. If your High-Zoned women can't make you happy, I thought I wouldn't have a shot.” “Claudi.” He sighed and pulled her into his arms, only wincing a little as he buried his face in her hair. She closed her eyes. He made her feel warm and safe. “You followed my story with Estelle Barbera?” “The banker's daughter?” He released his embrace. “Our engagement was purely business. Estelle's father and I had an eye to acquire a certain company, our competitor. We came up with a plan to stir hype in the market, giving an illusion that we were going to merge our empires. After we announced the engagement, the market liked what they saw, and our companies' stocks soared, giving us enough capital for the takeover. We sealed the deal, acquired our target company, and naturally, our engagement came to an end.” “So it was all business? But why did you tell everybody it was a mistake?” “Believable deception. It was easier to make myself look like the bad guy; it would keep the press at bay. I'm aware of my unfortunate reputation.” “And what about the other one? Isabelle?” The question slipped out before she could stop it. Aaron smiled. “Blackmail. Belle and I were so much in love when we first met; then we turned on each other like cats and dogs. We never agreed on anything. Then she told me she was having my baby. At that point I had to do the right thing. We were engaged. Later on, I found out the baby wasn't mine, and she deliberately schemed me so she could have a slice of my fortune.” He leaned forward, eyes twinkling. “Anything else you want to know about my exes?” Her cheeks burned. “No. I'm sorry. I… I'm just…curious.” “I can see that. So, babe, what do you think if we hit a chapel in the next couple hours before you change your mind?” “I won't change my mind, Aaron. And I told you, you're not going anywhere for a while.”

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“We'll see. And I'll go insane if you change your mind. You know what I've been doing since you left Tartav-V?” He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. “I jacked off a lot. God, I kept thinking about you day and night. I couldn't do any work; I got a boner all the time. There was one time my cock went so hard, I couldn't sit. God, I was dripping like a leaky hose. You have no idea how I craved you, craved fucking you until we were both sore and cou—” “You filthy bastard.” Claudette punched his shoulder. Aaron's eyes flew open, and he winced. “Oh my God, I'm so sorry. Did I hurt you?” Aaron made a face. He fell back to the bed and nursed his shoulder theatrically. “That was quite a punch. I don't know if I will recover.” “There, there.” Claudette played along and kissed where she had punched him. “Is it better?” He grinned. “Mmm…I don't know.” He stretched his neck to bare a spot. “My neck hurts too …” Swallowing her laughter, she dropped butterfly-soft kisses along his neck. Aaron sucked in a breath when her lips touched his skin. He made some encouraging murmurs while his hand slipped behind her, groping her ass. “Better?” she inquired. Aaron purred like a contented cat. His hand stroked her inner thigh, then slid up to feel her panties. Wanton heat stirred in her pussy as his naughty fingers sneakily slipped between her thighs. She shivered. He tugged her panties down so he could feel her in the flesh. His touch felt like an aphrodisiac. He cupped her mound, fingers against her naked, wet folds. Goose bumps rose on her skin. He pointed to his lips with his free hand. “I'm not quite sure, but I think that punch reached all the way up here.” “You do?” Claudette brushed her lips on his. He purred again, lips slightly parted. She kissed him open-mouthed, and he kissed her back, his tongue stroking deep, tasting everything she had to offer. Her heart drummed faster as their kiss became more urgent. A sudden desperation filled her, making her want to love him thoroughly, sweet and hard, wanton and pure. She wanted to

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ram their bodies against each other, feeling the burn of their naked flesh until the thick wave of pleasure claimed them both. Aaron broke the kiss. Fire gleamed in his eyes, and he shoved the blanket down and fumbled to pull up his hospital gown. The blue fabric crumpled on top of his belly where a large rectangular dressing covered his stab wound. Claudette cringed. Hesitated. She touched his belly tentatively. “I'm fine over there; it's my cock that needs loving.” “I don't know about this.” It didn't seem like a very good idea, despite their burning desire. “You just had a surgery.” “I wouldn't call it surgery. They're stitches. Small stitches. Nothing to fuss about.” Aaron grabbed her hand and placed it on his hard cock. “The doctor is going to kill me if he finds out.” “You let me worry about him. Come on, babe. Love me.” Claudette felt unsure, but she squeezed him, gentle and hard, the way he liked to be touched. His cock went hard, granite hard, pulsing with blood and virility. God, how she had missed him, touching him like this, so intimately, so lovingly. She had missed him more than she realized. He moaned as she stroked his cock. Lazy strokes, long sweeps, and just enough pressure to make him breathe a little harder. “Oh God, yes, just like that. Kiss me, lick me.” She rolled her eyes. “You're impossible.” Aaron only grinned. She moved over and lowered her head. She said hello to his beast by giving his cockhead a lick. His body tensed. His balls drew tight. His back arched. She heard him groan, a happy kind of sound. His cock pulsed and wept a milky tear. She licked him again, sucking his precum while tickling his slit with the tip of her tongue. His whimper turned into a string of unintelligible murmurs. “Oh fuck, yeah, just like that.” Aaron craned his neck to get a better view of what she was doing. He grabbed a handful of her hair and pushed it aside. “Suck me, now.”

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Inspired by his encouragement, Claudette took him into her mouth until his cockhead touched the back of her throat, and then she slowly sucked him, loving him. His cock quivered in her mouth. He tasted salty, like tears, and richly creamy. His skin was hot, feverish. She squeezed his scrotum playfully. Aaron made more unintelligible murmurs. “Suck me all the way.” Claudette obeyed. She arranged her breathing and swallowed him to the base. Her jaw stretched wide to accommodate his magnificent girth. His cock filled her mouth, slowly sliding past her throat. Then she sucked him. Gentle and slow. Thoroughly loving him. The wanton ache in her pussy turned into a shimmering heat. Aaron still cupped her mound; his fingers still stroked her like she was his favorite pet. She jolted in surprise when Aaron slid a finger into her cunt. She creamed from the impact, savoring the way that finger ravaged her pussy. “Harder. Oh, fuck, yeah, just like that,” Aaron encouraged her. She sucked him hard. His cock leaked, flooding her palate with the salty-sweet flavor of the ocean. He groaned aloud. His back arched at the rhythm of her sucking. “Oh God, now I need you to fuck me, babe. Come up here and ride me.” Claudette released his cock with a wet pop. “Are you nuts?” “I will seriously get hurt if you don't fuck me this instant. Come on. You don't need to take your clothes off, just your panties.” “I don't know, baby. This is a hospital…” “Please? Don't make me beg, Claudi. I need you now.” Aaron pulled his finger out of her pussy and licked her juice from his hand. The blatant display of his desire excited her. A nervous laugh escaped from her. “By far, this is the most outrageous thing you have ever asked me to do.” And yet the thought of it thrilled her. She blushed with excitement, and he knew it too. “That's my girl,” he said when she climbed up the bed. “I still don't think we should do this,” she said. “Oh, I think we really should.” Aaron grabbed her waist and tugged her to straddle him. He slipped his hands on her skirt, groping her bikini panties. “Take this off now.”

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“I don't know. How about if I just pull it sideways?” Aaron hissed. “That'll work too.” He watched her as she slipped a finger under the panties and shoved them aside to expose her slick folds. Cool air caressed her heated pussy, but only briefly. When Aaron played with her clit, rolling it with some gentle tugs and squeezes, Claudette's body burned with an indescribable heat. She needed this, maybe as badly as Aaron did. “Oh, God, babe, fuck me now.” Aaron's voice sounded desperate. His eyes seemed bluer than usual. His plea made her heart ache. All of a sudden she wanted to soothe him, give him everything he wanted. She spat on her palms and lubricated his shaft with her saliva. She pumped him ready. Aaron growled when she scooped his cock and guided his cockhead to her opening. They both moaned when his blunt tip grazed her wet entrance. The sensation was unbelievable. She lowered, impaling herself on his ready cock. He slid in a fraction. Her cunt clasped with need before happily welcoming the intrusion. She pushed herself down, swallowing him with her pussy. Claudette panted. She didn't remember his shaft being this thick, this big. He seemed endless. She felt so full, and she hadn't even taken him whole yet. “Ah, ah,” Aaron cooed. “All the way in, babe.” She pushed down, biting her lower lip. His cock felt so hot, pulsing as if it had a life of its own. She sank lower until her pussy lips grazed his balls. “Oh,” she moaned. She was so stuffed. It felt different taking him this way. Usually she was the one on the bottom. “God, babe, you feel so fucking good.” Aaron grabbed her hips and pushed her all the way down. She swore, feeling so stretched beyond anything. Her breath came as a series of gasps. “Now fuck me hard,” he urged. She made shallow thrusting motions. “Yeah, just like that, but harder.”

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Claudette bent forward, shifting her weight on her hands. The lacy edge of her panties brushed on the side of his cock, rubbing his slicked shaft as she rode him. Each caress caused a delicious tingle, shooting straight into her spine. He felt so good. She gushed cream, oiling the length of his shaft. Her pulse raced. She pulled and sank, grinding his rock-hard cock in short, rapid motions. The bed under them creaked. Aaron grinned as he urged her to fuck him faster. “Just like that, babe. Oh, God in heaven. Maybe harder, a little bit harder…” She moaned, feeling like she was losing control. She didn't plan to be swept in the thick current of pleasure. She just wanted to give him what he needed. “I don't…want…to…hurt you,” she panted. “Shit.” Aaron made a gurgling noise. He was panting and laughing at the same time. “Do I look hurt to you? Do I… Fuck… Harder!” Claudette slammed down, quickening her pace, plunging and pulling in short, battering jabs. “Harder!” With a whimper, Claudette fucked him desperately. Their flesh made obscene noises as she rode his shaft in an endless savage lust. “Oh, fuck!” Aaron climaxed, eyes half closed. His body flexed before he surrendered into small spasms of the aftermath. Claudette slowed her pace, but he rammed his cock back into her. Once. Twice. His fingers twisted her hard clitoris. An instant climax ambushed her unsuspected. She bit her lip as her pussy clenched his pulsating shaft, her body quaking against the wave of wicked pleasure. She surrendered, floating, until the sweet ecstasy gradually ebbed away. Sweat rolled from her face. She opened her eyes and watched him smile. Aaron purred again. “That was great, babe. Can't wait to do it again.” Claudette snorted. “You're a sex maniac.” “Hmm, I know. I'm afraid this will be your life from now on. I—” The door burst open.

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“Miss Perry!” Dr. Steinbeck's voice stormed through the room. Claudette squealed and snatched the blanket to cover their indecency. She wanted to pull away from Aaron, but he didn't allow her. He snagged her waist and secured her to stay still. “Hey, Doc, have you meet Mrs. Guthrie?” Aaron called out in a nonchalant manner. “Pretty, isn't she?” Dr. Steinbeck frowned. “Congratulations. I'm thrilled. However, this is a very inappropriate activity after your surgery, Mr. Guthrie. You need to rest.” Januar bolted through the door. “I'm sorry, sir. I was in the restroom.” The doctor threw a warning glare at Claudette. “Five minutes, Miss. Perry. He really needs his rest.” Claudette went silent, embarrassed beyond anything she'd ever imagined. The doctor huffed as Januar herded him to the door. The door closed. A silence stretched between then before Claudette caught Aaron's eyes and burst out laughing. “We are so busted.” He laughed along with her. “Let's get out of here.” “The doctor said you need to rest.” “Don't start, babe. I'll rest when I get to my ship. I promise I'll call my doctor as soon as we get home; I don't want to stay on this planet longer than I have to. I'll send someone for your belongings after things settle down at the school. How does that sound?” She shrugged. “Sounds fine to me. There's nothing there I can't live without.” “Really?” “I just need you.” “Prove it.” Claudette arched her eyebrows, her eyes glancing down to his groin. Aaron cleared his throat. “I might need some time for that. How about a kiss?”

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She laughed again and looped her arms around his neck, kissing him hard. Aaron kissed her back with the same greed until she was breathless and a new fire built within her. She felt drunk with love. When she broke the kiss, a warm, fuzzy feeling blanketed her being. She had him now, and every day with him would be an adventure—a wicked new adventure in original sin.

Lizzie Lynn Lee Lizzie Lynn Lee was a guitarist, receptionist, executive assistant, tarot reader, boutique owner, and graphic artist before she discovered that writing is her dream job. The advantage is that she can do it in her pajamas and socks. She's an incurable chatterbox, heavy metal aficionado, bookworm, digital enthusiast, and a night owl since most of her stories were done in the wee hours of the morning because of her caffeine-induced insomnia. These days she still plays her guitar whenever she gets bored staring at her computer's screen or plotting the most elaborate scheme of world domination. Fortunately, she has a chronically short attention span.