Tamsin's Choice

Tamsin’s Choice Mardi Balou Duty forces Empress Designate Karloutria from Planet Nowemapo to find an Earthling mate in forty-eight hours. Prepared to sacrifice her chance for love to save her father and her planet from a monster, Karloutria never expected to fall for Luca. Luca d’Alessandro needs a second chance. All he has to do to rule Nowemapo as the empress’s consort is beat out the hefty competition and make it through the ritual sex trials. Piece of cake, as long as he keeps his head on straight and his soul buttonedup. But then he never expected to feel what Karloutria arouses in him.

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Tamsin’s Choice ISBN 9781419924958 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Tamsin’s Choice Copyright © 2009 Mardi Ballou Edited by Mary Moran Cover art by Syneca Electronic book Publication December 2009 The terms Romantica® and Quickies® are registered trademarks of Ellora’s Cave Publishing. With the exception of quotes used in reviews, this book may not be reproduced or used in whole or in part by any means existing without written permission from the publisher, Ellora’s Cave Publishing, Inc.® 1056 Home Avenue, Akron OH 44310-3502. Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded or distributed via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/). Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted material. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

TAMSIN’S CHOICE

Mardi Ballou

Dedication Inspired by and dedicated to the original Tamsin and her human.

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Prologue Planet Nowemapo 3746 C.E. “What in blazes—” Karloutria, Empress Designate of Nowemapo, ran to rescue her elderly father from the claws of a huge, hairy creature. How had this abomination gotten past the palace guards? She shrieked her outrage and pummeled the monster. He flicked her off as if she were a flea. “Foreplay already, my dear? With your father watching? Naughty, but I’m open-minded,” the beast rasped in tones that set Karloutria’s nerves on edge. It bared long, gleaming yellow fangs in a parody of a smile. Karloutria stilled her ineffectual fists. “Who are you and why are you holding my father prisoner? Let go immediately or you’ll die an ugly death.” The creature barked a laugh. Worst of all, her father cringed but did nothing to free himself. Had he been drugged or somehow bespelled? Karloutria felt for the panic button secreted next to her heart and pressed hard to get help. None came. She pressed again and again to no effect. Shards of fear threatened to knock her off her feet. Her father, the Emperor of Nowemapo, looked on the verge of collapse. Karloutria willed herself to assume the icy mantle of royal prerogative. “Unhand my father and leave. You are not welcome in our palace.” The creature laughed again. The emperor turned a pathetic shade of gray, as if he was in immediate danger of losing his morning meal. “Since this is now my palace,” the creature intoned, “it’s not your place, my betrothed, to pretend I’m unwelcome.” “What? How dare you speak such lying impertinence. This is our palace. As to my being your betrothed—” She gagged.

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Her father raised a feeble, trembling hand. “Don’t waste your words, Karloutria. Hard as it is to believe, he’s telling the truth.” The creature grunted with pleasure and opened his mouth even wider, subjecting her to a panoramic view of dagger fangs and murky drool. Now, damnation, was not the time for a maidenly swoon. Was her father using some esoteric code in an effort to communicate? Her brain swirled in confusion as she tried to make sense of the disaster. It was too much to take in at one shot. Instead, she divided the catastrophe into manageable parts. She pointed to the interloper and, as if they were at a normal reception, asked her father, “Who is this?” “Allow me to present myself,” the creature interrupted. “I am Drukmurkreet. You may know me better by my proud title, the Tyrant of Raptosphere.” Plumes of smoke poured from its visible orifices as it inclined in a derisive bow. Heavenly goddesses. The Tyrant of Raptosphere. How had her father managed to get them enmeshed with the nastiest, most violent and brutish maniac in their quadrant of the galaxy? She’d find out later, when she got them out of the current trap. Obviously the tyrant wasn’t about to murder her father or her, which meant she had some leeway to maneuver them to safety. On the other hand, there was no sense testing the limits of his famous temper. “Your reputation precedes you.” Karloutria intended her clipped tone to underline the intended insult. “As does yours. You’re even hotter in person than my spies indicated—a worthy fiancée.” The tyrant leered at her and ran his spiked tongue over lumpy fat green lips. Karloutria’s stomach lurched at the prospect of those lips and teeth, that weapon-grade tongue anywhere near her. “Father, explain.” Her voice remained steady. A shiver of shame contorted the emperor’s patrician features. “Forgive me, my dear. You see, I turned to the tyrant at a moment of need, when my portion of the imperial treasury resources had run perilously low.” “Due to gambling debts incurred—” the tyrant gleefully pointed out. 7

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Both Karloutria and her father glared at him. The tyrant rolled his massive shoulders in a mock shrug. “Just wanted to be accurate on details. Give my betrothed the big picture.” “I am not your betrothed,” she spat out. Whatever other disaster she had to face, being this beast’s betrothed would never be part of the package. “You are. But I’ll let your father explain.” “That I have allowed my damnable weakness to bring us to this day.” The emperor shook his head. “My darling daughter. The tyrant bailed me out of an…an embarrassing situation.” “More than once,” the tyrant added. The emperor nodded. “Yes, yes. More than once. But now the final accounting has come due, and we find ourselves at another embarrassing crossroads.” “Terms of the agreement,” the tyrant began to enumerate. “Emperor of Nowemapo defaults, tyrant takes over. Nowemapo becomes a colony of Raptosphere and the empress designate will have the great pleasure of being my next bride. Lucky number seventeen. According to your customs, on your marriage date, the emperor will abdicate and turn all power over to you and your lord consort. A mere formality.” None of this could be happening. None of this. But a glance at her father’s face confirmed that this horror was their new reality. How could her father have done this to their people—and to her? “I don’t consent to any of this. We will find a way to repay the debt, a way that doesn’t involve losing our identity. A way that doesn’t make me your bride.” Please, Goddess of Kindness and Mercy, there has to be a way. “You will be my seventeenth bride,” the tyrant exulted. He reached to cup her chin, but Karloutria ducked away and managed to resist kicking him in the— No way would she let that slovenly monster touch her, let alone be her husband.

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There had to be a way… “Wait. According to our Sacred Marital Process Code, any empress designate must give first consort option to an Earthling. This supersedes all other stipulations.” Goddesses be blessed, therein lay her salvation. “Not true,” roared the tyrant. “The Empress Designate Euflenmia married a Martian-Venusian.” “Yes, but she chose love over duty and abdicated. I’m not about to. I’m obligated to search for my mate on Earth. It’s in the code.” The emperor nodded. “It’s true.” The tyrant growled again. “I have my own code.” “You would willingly transgress the Pan-Intergalactic Marital Guidelines?” Karloutria raised a brow. No one, not even an outlaw like the tyrant, would willingly mess with the Pan-Intergalactic Guidelines. The ensuing tangle of red tape was guaranteed to make any being’s life unending misery. The tyrant roared. “Forty-eight hours on Earth. That’s all the guidelines demand. You have forty-eight hours to find a mate and bring him back. You’ll fail. That’ll get the Pan-Intergalactic scum off my back.” He got into Karloutria’s face. “Then you and Nowemapo are mine.” Forty-eight hours wasn’t enough. But she’d make it work. Either that or face a fate a million times worse than death.

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Chapter One Planet Earth 3746 C.E. “I can’t believe you have to bypass all the most recent protocols and choose a husband in less than forty-eight hours,” complained Yolanda Ascani, leader of the wisdom community, the Nowemapans’ permanent Earth liaison and Karloutria’s matchmaker for this trip. “This is too important a decision to rush.” Though Nowemapo had been settled as a colony of Earth more than ten centuries before, the two planets had maintained ties that included the free flow of people, things and ideas. Nowemapans were now genetically distinct from Earthlings, but, according to ancient tradition, the royal family was, in all but the rarest circumstances, committed to breeding with Earthlings. “It’s all true.” She rolled her eyes. “The tyrant bluffed Dad into signing that horror of an agreement. I can’t believe no one ever helped Dad with his gambling addiction, which he hid from me. Now it’s brought us to the brink of destruction.” “Marrying the Tyrant of Raptosphere would plunge you and your people into a hellish pit. You’re desperate, but we can’t let that doom you to a miserable match.” “Even though I don’t have much choice about getting married and assuming the throne, tell me we can do a lot better than the tyrant.” Yolanda shook her head. “Of course. That’s an easy promise. But we both want a lot better for you than that. I’ll do my best, but I am only human. Can’t you get an extension of time?” Karloutria moaned. “Not the way things are now. That’s why I need to rely on you. Once I’m on the throne, I’ll make major changes. No child of mine will ever be forced in haste or under duress. Too late to help me, but I’ll do better for the future.”

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“With this time pressure, we have to use computer images to speed the process. Any of the images from the first round stand out for you, Tria?” Given the desperate situation and their need for complete candidness and trust, the empress designate had granted Yolanda permission to use her familiar name. “All the final contenders look reasonable.” Tria indicated the bank of flashing computer screens. “Is there anything else that can help me choose one?” The older woman scrubbed a hand across her face. “There’s more bad news.” “Give it to me straight.” “All the candidates had to pass a screening.” Yolanda appeared to choose her words with the care she’d need for crossing a minefield. “Normally, they’d have to go through extensive screening before I’d consider them. I understand the process had to be streamlined.” What was Yolanda holding back now? The matchmaker nodded. “Yes. We’ve had to limit the field to males of the correct genetic makeup who also have the psychological profile to butt heads with the tyrant and deal with your father’s gambling. A personality compatible for you is also required. Coming up with the right match has been far from trivial.” “You’re scaring me, Yolanda. Time for the other shoe to drop. Give me all the bad news at once.” “You are courageous, which is good. You’ll need all possible courage and strength.” Tria gazed again at the images of the men. Not a single one of them resembled the monster she’d have to marry if her efforts here fell through. So what could be the hangup that had the normally confident Yolanda blathering? “Please don’t drag this out—” Yolanda sighed. “When we fed the requirements into the computer, all the resulting candidates were found to have one characteristic in common—a criminal past.” Tria gasped. She remembered the old saying about out of the frying pan into the fire. How could allying herself to a criminal be the best fix? “That can’t be right. Run the program again.”

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“We’ve tried lots of times on computers in different facilities. The result is always the same.” “But that doesn’t make any sense. I mean, what about me has the computer matching me with a criminal?” “It’s not you per se. It’s you in your situation.” “Great. I’ll manage to avoid the tyrant only to be tethered to someone I can’t trust. Just what I wanted for my future—to be combination wife and prison warden.” She shook her head. “I refuse to take home a mate who’ll victimize my people—or me. Why is this quality considered desirable in my consort?” She shuddered, for the first time wondering if, after all her efforts, she would end up with the tyrant or, impossible as it was to imagine, someone worse. “The way the psych tech explained it to me, in order to succeed, certain types of criminals have to be master entrepreneurs. That’s the quality you need in your mate.” “According to a so-called expert who doesn’t know me. What about what I prize, honesty and fidelity? Are they testing for that?” A hint of wistfulness softened Yolanda’s weary features. “As the empress, you will be in charge. You’ll have the power and authority to keep your consort in check, though it won’t be easy.” “Great. Challenge is supposed to keep life interesting.” She wrung her hands. “But, silly me, I’d been hoping for a partnership. Love. All the things my parents had until Mother died and Father cozied up to gambling.” Her voice broke. “Well, it’s past time for me to stop believing in fairy tales. But I’m taking a solemn oath here and now. Any daughter I have will never have to face this type of no-choice choice.” “You’ll make it work, better than you imagine possible.” Tria made a very unroyal sound of derision. “The images don’t speak to me, no matter what the psych tech said.” She threw her hands up in disgust. “I have to fulfill my duty to my people. My personal feelings don’t count. I’ve known that all my life. But is there any spark of hope I can find my special man here? Or should I give up, 12

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close my eyes and point—just take whatever fate dishes up and be on my guard forever?” Yolanda growled. “I hate to hear you talk about giving up.” She thought for a moment. “We can’t eliminate the criminal element. You will have to learn to deal with that. But there’s one more thing to try, one other element we can bring in.” “Is there enough time? I’d rather have any man of my choosing than fall to the tyrant by default.” “We can eke out enough time. I will issue a directive. The men will get the chance to differentiate themselves by enhancing their images, choosing sensory charms to appeal to you.” “What do you mean?” “They can embellish their screens with music, art, fragrance—whatever they think will be attractive to you.” “Interesting. But how will I make a fast choice if I have to look at or listen to lots of images?” Yolanda beamed. “Once we have them, I’ll unleash my secret weapon to help you choose.” “What secret weapon?” Much as Tria adored Yolanda, she had little faith in charms or other accoutrements of the matchmaker’s esoteric practices, but she couldn’t dismiss any shred of hope. Yolanda’s face glowed. “Tamsin, the wonder cat.” She picked up the plump black and white tabby whose affections were reserved solely for her owner. Though there were lots of dogs on Nowemapo, cats were alien to the planet, so Tria hadn’t known what to make of the creature that appeared to rule the otherwise independent Earth woman. “What exactly can your Tamsin do?” Yolanda looked smug. “Once the enhancements are in place, I will ask Tamsin to indicate her choice for consort. She has unerring judgment.”

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Stressed as Tria was, she hadn’t sunk low enough to consider this plan. Leave her fate and her planet’s in the claws of a cat, an ordinary beast? “You can’t mean I’d have to ally myself with the candidate the cat chooses.” Her host’s eyes blazed. “Trust me. It’s my experience that those who disregard Tamsin’s judgment regret doing so.” Since the cat didn’t appear to like her, Tria winced. Evidently reading Tria’s mind again, Yolanda went on. “Don’t worry about the way she acts with you. She’s very particular. What looks like rejection doesn’t mean she disapproves. She has complex motivations even I, after years with her, do not completely understand.” “Then why are we giving her such power?” “Whenever I’ve had questions about whom to trust, I’ve let my cat guide me. With a flare of her nostrils and a flick of her tail, Tamsin will eliminate the unworthy. You can rely on her.” Why not? This whole enterprise would be laughable if there weren’t so much at stake. At least she sensed she could trust the Earth woman. Unlike advisors on other planets, Yolanda had never steered the royals of Nowemapo wrong. Head held high, she nodded her assent.

***** The candidates for empress designate’s consort were summoned to the Great Hall not far from Yolanda’s abode. “I hear they’ve picked the winner,” one guy said. “Hey, I’m sure it’s me. The rest of you can go home.” Luca d’Alessandro and most of the other men greeted this boast with a snort. Guides instructed the men to face a large screen, which the flickering image of Yolanda Ascani, the empress designate’s representative, soon filled. “The next phase of the selection process will begin. Gentlemen, you have the opportunity to shine. Each of you can enhance your holographic image. You can consult any experts in the seductive

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arts—perfume makers, chocolatiers, brewers of aphrodisiacs—whatever you believe will most effectively project your image to the empress designate. The only limit is time. You have one hour to choose your enhancement and load your image.” On that cryptic note, the old woman and her cat faded from the screen. With so little time, every guy had to hustle. Luca had to win. He’d messed up all his previous chances, gotten caught up with the wrong people when he was too young to know better. Two expert thieves glommed on to Luca’s skill with numbers and his long, nimble fingers, training him to steal with breathtaking efficiency. He’d had the excuse of poverty and need when he started. Now he had neither, but his partners were loath to let him go. He wanted out. He wanted a new life. He wanted to have the power to use what he knew to do good. Alliance with the empress designate was his ticket. What a bonus that she was reputed to be a great beauty. Luca liked the ladies. They liked him too—so much that he’d never bothered with the candy and flowers stuff other guys knew about. He had no idea what to do to win. When in doubt, go to the top guy. He couldn’t go to the empress designate. Next in line was Yolanda Ascani. He contacted her immediately. “You’re the only competitor who has called me,” she said. “How did you find my number?” “I have my ways,” Luca said. To his surprise, the old woman laughed. “I imagine you do. So, what is it you want?” “Simple. How can I best enhance my image so the empress designate will choose me?” “You want to be her consort and all that entails?” “I want to make a life with her, for the good of her people.” “And yourself, no doubt.”

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“My life on Nowemapo will be good only if the same is true for the people and my wife.” No stranger to lies, he now felt compelled to tell the truth. He sensed the woman could sniff out any falsehood. If he lied, his gut told him she would not help. Yolanda Ascani sighed. “I will tell you exactly what to do. You must not fail to fulfill the exact protocol.” “I never fail.” Warning him to listen carefully because she would not repeat a single word, Yolanda Ascani told him exactly what he needed to get, where to go and what to do— all in a very short time. Teeth gritted, he set off.

***** “What do I do now?” Tria took in the vast array of varied computer screens filling Yolanda’s conference table. The holographs created an aura of multihued light. “Do you want to look before Tamsin makes her decision?” The cat appeared ready to leap. Alert for some surge of warmth or any such clue, Tria scanned the enhanced screens. Some candidates had chosen music. Others went with sprays of perfume or food aromas. The cacophony of scents and sounds produced a sensory overload and canceled any possible romantic effects. She’d have felt flattered by all the effort to win her, but she knew they were after a much bigger prize. She was the means to an end. Love? What an unproductive illusion for someone in her position. These men valued power and wealth. As did she, though her heart protested that power and wealth weren’t enough. Her situation forced her to stifle any tender emotions. An empress designate had to do what was required of her. End of discussion. Though luxury pervaded every aspect of her physical life, it did not extend to her sentiments. Head over heart was her destiny. No sense delaying any further, not with

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the ticking clock bringing her closer to doom. “Let Tamsin choose. The sooner I announce the choice, the more time I’ll have to break the consort in right before I get him back home.” Yolanda eyed her with skepticism. “You expect to be able to break in the kind of man who has all the requisite qualities?” “Watch me.” She nodded to Tamsin. “Go, cat. Do your magic. Show me the one.” Tamsin, as usual, ignored her. Yolanda whispered in the cat’s ear and stroked her neck before setting her down. Tria didn’t know what would happen when the cat got loose among the singing, dancing images spewing fragrances. Since Tamsin could only be described as finicky, Tria braced herself to be patient. Tamsin yawned then morphed into a manic ball of fur, racing around the displays. She hissed and pawed at some images, viciously knocking several out of her path with nose and claws. When she got to the largest group of screens, she swung her tail with mighty force, upending most of the images with one well-aimed thrust. She went so far as to stomp on several fallen screens, snarling. In less than five minutes, there was only one screen standing amidst the carnage. The empress designate gaped at the trail of havoc. “Is this what you expected?” a stunned Tria asked the admiring Yolanda. “I restrain myself from having any expectations when it comes to Tamsin.” With just one image still upright and functional, there could be no question as to the cat’s intent. Tamsin, her pretty face blissful, was purring as she practically made love to the monitor. Tria steeled herself. To her relief, though she knew this shouldn’t be the first consideration, the man was exceedingly handsome. Thick dark hair, piercing dark eyes, full lips and a nose a sculptor could have taken pride in. Since ninety-nine percent of the other candidates were also comely, masculine beauty had not drawn the cat. What had? A mystery for now, perhaps forever. 17

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Tria knew something for sure—in less than twelve hours, this candidate would have to demonstrate his manhood. Only upon satisfactory consummation of their union could their pact be sealed—and the tyrant’s claims discredited. Her womanly bud vibrated in response to the candidate’s physical beauty. Did she dare hope in person he could live up to the promise of his appearance? “I wonder why Tamsin picked him.” Yolanda, who’d tried in vain to pry the cat away from the monitor, shrugged. “He has a good look about him. But most importantly, he’s shown the spirit of enterprise, essential in your mate.” She smiled enigmatically. Tria snorted. “Sounds like you know more about him than you’ve let on. What do you mean, ‘the spirit of enterprise’?” “All in good time. I hope Tamsin’s ability turns out as good for you as it’s always been for everyone else.” “That makes two of us. Even with all the other pressures on us, this candidate must pass the ultimate test before I take him onto the craft. Any Earthling I wed must be compatible in the ways of consummation, or I won’t be able to wed him and then my right to refuse the tyrant will be forfeit. Given the dire situation, I wish we could bend the rules to have a backup choice ready, but we can’t. If this guy turns out to be a dud…” “Have faith in Tamsin and me, Tria.” She had no other option. Yolanda went to summon the man.

***** “Luca d’Alessandro will present himself to the transporter. All other candidates are thanked and dismissed.” Yolanda Ascani’s voice transmitted the message he’d been waiting for.

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The transporter hovered at the entrance to the Great Hall. Luca handed his papers to the waiting pilot then climbed aboard. In moments he would meet her. The beautiful Karloutria, Empress Designate of Nowemapo. His bride. Marrying her would get him unlimited access to all her power and great wealth. He knew this was why so many guys had shown up. Luca treasured the power and wealth. With such assets, he could turn his life around, make up for all the ways he’d messed up. He intended to do right by Karloutria too. After all, she was the one opening the door to his new life. He owed her big-time already—and he hated owing anyone for anything. Gritting his teeth, he strode forth.

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Chapter Two Tria had never felt so nervous before. Luca d’Alessandro. She repeated his name, trying to accustom herself to the combination of sounds. “Loo-ka.” She liked it. “He’ll be here in ten minutes,” Yolanda warned. To Tria’s surprise, Yolanda seemed almost as nervous as she. Tria realized Yolanda had a stake in this match going well. She wouldn’t want to lose her exclusive arrangement with Nowemapo, but there seemed to be more to her anxiety. Tria could almost believe Yolanda cared about the outcome on a personal level. “Get ready,” Yolanda instructed. As if this were a first date in Earthling terms. “Maybe I should let him see me at my worst—kind of like making him pass through an initial ordeal. Then anything after would be an improvement.” Yolanda’s sneer told Tria her opinion of that idea. But Tria was on a roll. “Or maybe I should just have you usher him blindfolded to my bed. After all, consummation is the first step to becoming the consort. He needs to be the ultimate stud muffin.” The older woman sniffed and shook her head. “No matter how pressured you feel, there’s no need to be crass. The consort’s duties and the protocol to fill the role are a given. According to his background information, this man has lots to offer, maybe more than he realizes. It’s your job to mold him the way you want.” “Mold him? I hope he’s not weak enough to let me mold him. After all, he’s going to have to stand up to the tyrant as well as my father. I’m hardly looking for a hollow wax figure who’ll do my bidding.” “He won’t be. This man has what it takes to be a great leader. Too bad he’s misused his talents in the past.” 20

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Tria regarded Yolanda with interest. “Tell me what you know so I’m not at a disadvantage. After all, he knows all about me.” “Actually, we haven’t broadcast the exact details of what sent you here at this time. We need to plan for your meeting. My apprentices have prepared the special initiation bath in the receiving pool. Begin there. If you both pass the first test by waters, your future will look lots brighter.” “I thought Tamsin’s choosing him guaranteed that.” Tria nodded to the cat. Yolanda hugged Tamsin, who yowled in protest. “It doesn’t hurt to confirm.” She turned and began to walk toward a door, indicating that Tria should follow. “What kind of bath?” Yolanda opened the door, which led into a large golden-walled room. Three apprentices glided silently, lighting purple candles and spreading fragrance. The room smelled like a combination of exotic spices and flowers from Tria’s planet. These reminders of home brought tears to her eyes. Yolanda took in the scene with a critical eye before directing the apprentices to leave. “The blend of scents will stimulate you and your lover,” Yolanda whispered as if speaking louder would desecrate the atmosphere. “In what way?” Tria asked. Was she about to plunge into an aphrodisiac pool with a stranger? She’d always intended to study the intricacies of mate selection before she chose her consort. The urgency of her mission cut that project short. Since she despised feeling ignorant, she couldn’t indulge in any negativity that would derail progress. “You’ll find out right away because he’s here. It’s a special blessing for you and your mate to discover the ritual in tandem.” As if she had a choice. Chin up and act royal. Struggling to master her jumbled emotions, Tria turned to the entrance and drew herself up to her full height.

*****

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Luca thanked the pilot as he let himself out. He’d seen pictures of the empress designate, of course, but enhancing images was a simple matter. Could she possibly be as beautiful as her pictures? Two guards dressed in the Nowemapo royal colors of purple and ebony came forward. “You are Luca d’Alessandro?” the taller one asked. Luca nodded and handed over his identifying paperwork. Both guards rapidly surveyed the forms before indicating that he should follow. Curbing his instinctual distrust of authority, Luca complied. When they reached the door, the taller guard said, “There is a strict protocol for entering the empress designate’s domain. Lapses will be overlooked today as long as you follow orders, let her take the lead and conduct yourself according to Earthly etiquette.” “Got it.” His mother taught him enough manners to get by. But follow a woman’s lead? He bristled. Then he took a deep breath and reminded himself where he was. The guards signaled for the doors to open and Luca entered a large, gleaming room that smelled great. He wasn’t used to noticing how a room smelled unless it stank. No other smell had ever impacted him like this one, which set his head to spinning. Then he saw her and everything stopped, even his breath. The pictures lied. She was so hot, he had to remind himself to breathe. She stood across the pool, gazing at him so calmly he figured meeting guys like this had to be business as usual. Her long blonde hair formed an angelic aura around her, but from the sexy glitter in her amber eyes, he knew this was no angel. Yolanda Ascani strode toward him, arms outstretched. “Welcome, Luca d’Alessandro.” She pronounced his name the old-fashioned way of elders. “Thank you, Madame Ascani.” “You may call me Yolanda.” She shook his hand with surprising vigor then gestured to the great beauty watching them. “It gives me great pleasure to present Empress Designate Karloutria of Nowemapo.”

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“Honored.” His eyes locked with hers before he bowed. Yolanda led him forward. She seemed to like him in a mother kind of way. Luca sensed the empress designate would prove to be a tougher sell, so acceptance was not exactly a done deal. He was more than ready.

Tria had spent long hours schooling her features not to reflect her feelings, for which she was grateful when she first glimpsed Luca d’Alessandro. Goddess of Love and Light, what a magnificent male specimen. Could such a gorgeous man have more to offer than physical beauty? With one like him, would it matter? Gazes entwined, they approached each other with rapid steps. “You are fully versed in the matter at hand?” she asked when they were face-toface. Tria appreciated how smoothly Yolanda kept the guards, apprentices and servants available but unobtrusive. She would recommend her for a bonus. But more pressing matters were at hand. Luca nodded. “Candidate for Consort Luca d’Alessandro at your disposal. Now and always.” She raised a perfect brow. “You move swiftly.” “There’s a lot to do and no time to waste.” “You are free to leave Earth to make your home for all time going forward on Nowemapo?” “Ready, willing and able.” “Is there trouble on Earth that you seek to escape?” Though she knew about Luca having a criminal past, she hoped he’d settle any debts. She didn’t relish the role of consort going to a scoundrel seeking to escape justice. His dark eyes twinkled. “This is my chance to go to a new world and do great things by your side. Leaving my old one is a minor detail.” Good answer. “Very well. Please remove your garments.”

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“Talk about fast.” His smile had ratcheted up to wicked. Heat and color flared on Tria’s face despite her determination not to let him see what she felt. “We don’t have much time. You’ve passed the initial selection process. Now it is my duty to ascertain that you’re a suitable candidate in every way.” “More than happy to be at your service.” He undressed fast. She directed him to turn around slowly so she could examine him from all aspects. Despite her determination not to show a physical reaction, her body responded. “I see you have good genetic material and effective habits of maintenance.” “Good eye.” He held his arms out. “But touch can tell so much more.” She swallowed hard. Her fingers tingled for contact with his flesh. His manhood stirred at her gaze. Yolanda had told her the exact order of the candidate’s examination. First, Tria should conduct a thorough visual survey of his body. If the demands of time weren’t hanging over them, she’d feast her eyes. Maybe later? Would they happily spend time together? Next, she should touch his body everywhere to satisfy her need to verify there was nothing missing, nothing false. Only after she’d performed her meticulous investigation could they take the sacred purification bath.

What was the protocol on his getting a full, concrete-smashing erection while the empress designate poked and prodded with agonizing slowness? Was this torture Nowemapo style? If he was supposed to resist getting a hard-on, he was already in big trouble. But no guards ran forward to separate them when his cock jutted out to demand attention. Judging from her shallow breaths, not to mention her red cheeks and thorough gropes, she approved. If he didn’t get more than approval very soon, he’d be aching. Karloutria was beyond hot. Unless he misread her, she wanted him. Pronto. But they had this damn protocol to follow—

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He resisted the impulse to squirm. This surveying process was too one-sided for his taste. Being the only one naked was quickly losing appeal. Any other woman would already be naked too. On the verge of jumping out of his skin, he told her exactly that. She raised a brow again. “I’m not done yet.” Her touch became even firmer. She squeezed his cock hard. “Keep doing that and I’ll be done before you start,” he hissed. Her eyes twinkled with what looked like amusement. Beauty and a sense of humor? Things were looking better. “Fear not. This phase is nearly complete.” She gave him one more killer squeeze, but he kept his mouth shut. “I suppose you’ll do.” Stingy with praise, wasn’t she? “Your kind words might turn my head.” She snorted. Maybe he should go light on the irony. “Excessive flattery can easily become a bad habit, not to mention an addiction. Try not to succumb.” “I live to serve.” He inclined his head. “Yes, I can see that.” She rolled her eyes. “But stay with me. Your patience will be rewarded, for next on the agenda is the royal disrobing.” Even wearing unnecessary layers of clothing, Karloutria exuded charismatic sensuality. Though Luca couldn’t wait to see her naked, he was already teetering at the edge. Was he supposed to show iron control or be totally open about how much she turned him on? Maybe the whole teasing process was a test of his self-control. “I thought you were in a hurry.” She looked down her nose at him, which did nothing to cool him off. “We must follow correct protocol. The royal disrobing is to be followed immediately by a cleansing sojourn in the sacred pool.” She was even sexy when she was snotty. “Or we can skip ahead to the sacred sex.” His eyes glittered and his cock twitched. “I’m sure we both had morning showers.”

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Never too pleased when ceremonies stretched too long, Tria had to bite back a chuckle. She couldn’t let Luca know she agreed or that he’d almost made her laugh and abandon the whole ritual. He was handsome enough to bring a goddess to Sacred Copulation. Though it wasn’t required, she found herself liking Luca. She’d have to watch her step or he might too soon assume he had power over her. “The protocol must be followed exactly.” “I thought you had the power to change rituals to your taste—and your consort’s.” He waggled his brows. “Since I understand there have been lots of departures from business as usual for this situation, why don’t we put our own stamp on things?” “Be forewarned, I support the tradition of completing each ritual down to the tiniest details.” Not too much of a lie. She could support the tradition without being thrilled to spend hours on the intricate steps. “If you keep interrupting the necessary flow, I may be forced to restart from the beginning.” He winced, causing his cock to bob in invitation. Keeping from laughter was getting harder and harder, not to mention how much she wanted to experience him skin to skin. Fortunately, her childhood, filled with royal instruction, had taught her discipline. “Luca d’Alessandro, you must accept our truth and our ways if we are to proceed. This introductory rite is simple compared to our usual processes, including the one we’ll have to complete upon first setting foot on the planet together. Any suitable candidate for consort must embrace all the expected customs.” “I live to serve,” he repeated, sounding even less convincing than before. She could have a lot of fun with this candidate if the fate of her people and her world weren’t hanging in the balance. He was amusing all right, but she couldn’t indulge. Would it be possible to shape him into what they needed—what she needed? She shuddered to think of the alternative but, despite Yolanda and Tamsin’s assurance, Luca just might not work out. “Our arrangement is not yet affirmed. There are other candidates.” He definitely needed to remember who was in charge.

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He grinned, looking confident—actually, arrogant. “Yes, but I’m primo here. First choice.” He paused. “At least that’s what I understood. The other guys left.” “It would be trivial to summon them back. Or to find a whole new group.” Trivial, yes, but they didn’t have the time. Besides which, despite his rough edges, there was a whole lot she liked about this man. He pursed his full, kissable lips. “Give me a break here. I’m the man. I’ll give you everything I’ve got, you know? But it’s tough being here like this. You did pick me for a reason, right?” Should she tell him an ordinary cat had chosen him? She’d save this information for a more strategic moment. Besides, she was even readier than he for what would come next, which she certainly wasn’t going to tell him. “We are proceeding according to the imperial timetable.” She favored him with a slight smile. “Soon you will not be the only naked one in the room.” Given the intimacy of the moment, only two serving women would perform the royal disrobing. She nodded for them to approach. “I want to be the one to get you naked,” he growled. “Trust me, you’ll like it. Tell them to leave.” The women stopped and regarded Karloutria quizzically. She murmured a word in their language to tell them to continue then turned to him. “Stop trying to disrupt the correct order.”

So he’d lost this round. It was okay. Truth be told, he was out of his element. He felt like a jungle cat invited to a tea party. All his instincts were off. Maybe he should shut up before he blew his chance. Once he took a step back and stopped making noise, he could appreciate the scene. There was something erotic about watching the servants undress Karloutria. She was watching him watch her, raising his arousal and his turgid cock. He’d never been this hard for this long without satisfaction. 27

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The two serving women made it look sexy, taking off Karloutria’s shoes and stockings. Naked feet, toes wiggling in sensuous invitation. Karloutria stood before him in barely there underwear so sexy his erection threatened to explode. Swallowing hard, he forced his hands to stay at his sides. Bloody hell, she was one delectable dish. The servants, moving a shade faster now, helped her shed the bits of cloth that covered her large, perfect breasts, her tiny waist and full, sexy hips. Eyes fixed on her, he started to close the distance between them then stopped. She nodded for him to move forward, and he met her at the pool. “Perhaps a dip in these sacred waters will cool your ardor,” she murmured, mischief in her eyes. “There isn’t enough water in the world for that.” He smoldered to hold her, to feel her in his arms, touching him everywhere. Thank the universe, the pool was so small they couldn’t not be near each other. “We’ll see, once we’ve been properly cleansed and purified.” She smirked. Shit. The long ritual crap was killing him. He bit back a groan and forced himself to hang in. Eventually— Showing no mercy, she went on. “Here on Earth there are no proper priestesses, so we will have to make do with a reduced rite. But once we’re on Nowemapo, assuming you’re chosen, a very large assumption, we’ll have to perform the complete ceremony.” At least by then his current, aching hard-on would be history. “This one’s reduced? Great. It’s done now, right? What’s next?” He reached for her, but she managed to twist away and put her hands up to gesture him to stop. “Just wait.” Inwardly protesting, he put his hands down. “We must first recite the words of the ancient ones, so that they guide us in each element. For today, it will be sufficient if you repeat after me.” She pronounced the formula in a slow, even cadence, waiting patiently for him to follow. He managed to imitate her fairly well.

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She nodded when he’d said the final words. “Time to make love, right?” He moved closer. “No, now we anoint each other with the waters.” He began to suspect she had a sadistic streak and was about to protest when she began to massage his abs with her long, surprisingly strong fingers. Magic fingers. The fight went out of him. He grunted. Every place she touched came alive, setting off a chain reaction of sensation. Was this stuff from her planet? Despite tons of experience with women, being with Karloutria felt brand new. A heavy warmth grabbed him and spun him around. His cock grew longer, tighter, harder. He had to be in her now. She eased her fingers across his chest, rubbing his shoulder before she slid her hand down to take hold of his. “Now you will anoint me,” she directed, her eyes locked with his. He wanted to anoint her, all right. His cock twitched. But she steered his hand to her breast first. Foreplay. Every minute with her was foreplay, for him anyway. Much as he was on the edge, he wanted the first and every time to be good for her. Rush was the word of the hour, but they were on the same page when it came to saying yes to foreplay. Besides, no way he’d ever balk at playing with her beautiful breasts. Karloutria was all perfection, a miracle to touch. Her breasts were large and firm, white satin topped with a ruby. Aroused as he was, he had to steel himself not to grab and plunder. Slow, he reminded himself despite his eager cock. “You’re beautiful,” he murmured, his hand gliding across the smoothness of first one breast then the other. His fingers tingled in rhythm with her heartbeat. People from her planet had evolved so their heartbeats slowed rather than accelerated in the heat of passion, unlike Earthlings. Much sexier this slowed beat, he thought right before he stopped thinking. Those nipples beckoned. He inclined his head to claim the tempting nub of her breast with his hungry lips and clamped his hands firmly on her hips. Soon he would know every inch of her. 29

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After a surprising spike of her heart rate, Karloutria settled into a steady beat as he laved her nipple with his tongue, grazing the raspberry softness with his teeth. Careful, so careful to be tender, his challenge grew more difficult when she took hold of his head and pressed him to her. “More, take more,” she urged. He nuzzled the sweet spot between her breasts. She tasted of strawberries, vanilla and some exotic spice he couldn’t identify. Was this from the waters they dipped in or was it her scent? Questions he would enjoy getting the answers to. She sighed and pushed him back. “Now I must do the same for you, my Luca,” she murmured. “Arise.” They climbed out of the pool, were toweled off by the servants and guided to a chaise covered in golden silk.

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Chapter Three They’d passed the first test already by being able to stay in the waters together. Had they been incompatible, the water would have churned and roiled, spewing them out. So, preposterous as this match seemed according to logic, Tria could accept that they were okay as far as basic chemistry. She glanced at the golden chaise where they’d continue the ritual and her sex throbbed in anticipation. Luca’s eyes burned with apparent desire for her—the woman she was, she hoped, not just the empress designate, but the essential female. Maybe they didn’t have the luxury of falling in love, but sincere desire would give them a foundation to build on. Maybe… Time to focus on the erotic. She murmured love words in her own language. Though she knew Luca didn’t yet understand the words, he responded to the spirit of her message. His nipples hardened instantaneously, just for her. She lowered her face to his firm, muscular chest and swirled her tongue over him to lick those small masculine nipples into two hard pebbles. An Earthling’s heartbeat accelerated so in the heat of passion. He writhed, setting off sparks of heat and electricity. He held her head to him, moving against the pressure of her mouth. “I want to pleasure you, my lady,” he whispered. She wanted that too, but first she needed to test their compatibility by taste. “You will, but this time I have to be first. It’s the ritual.” Tria eased herself down Luca’s body until she could poise her lips right at the tip of his splendidly huge penis. He startled, his cock jolted upward and his balls contracted as he groaned. The sound of his arousal set her fingers trembling. This wouldn’t do. Exerting her will to steady herself, she stroked his full length with her fingertips,

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marveling at how beautifully well-made he was. She inhaled fully, savoring his musky scent. With her fingers still occupied, she opened her lips and invited him in. Luca gasped. “You’re sure?” “I am.” “I don’t know if it’s the same on your planet—” “Then let’s find out.” She clamped her lips firmly around his impressive girth to signal the end of her part of the conversation. He fisted his hands in her hair and, with words and careful moves, demonstrated his extreme pleasure. “Cara mia,” he whispered. Later, much later, she would ask him what his words meant and also the name of the language. So much to learn about this man. She caressed his balls as she tongued and nibbled his thick shaft. He tasted strongly of male musk and salt. The men of her planet no longer carried such a distinctive scent, which she considered a loss. With her tongue and teeth she explored his responsive sex, thrilled that their rhythms meshed so well. She clamped each hand on his taut ass cheeks, pressing him to her. So far, he was passing every test. But then he abruptly halted. Though her first instinct was to pull back, she held on the best she could. Did his sudden stop signal a fault in their possible match? The way she felt right now, she didn’t want to be forced to reject Luca. When he stayed motionless, she had to release his cock and ask, “What is it?” “My lady,” he rasped. “Now or never. If you want to stop before I come in your mouth, it’s time.” Relief washed over her. She put her lips around him again and squeezed his buttocks in response. He shivered before he resumed the sexy in and out, at first tentatively, then with more deliberation.

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The muscles of his smooth, tight ass rippled at her touch. Sometime soon she’d have to figure out a way to watch him in the throes of passion. But right now her eyes were closed. Luca was going to come, and she didn’t want to miss a moment’s sensation. His ass and his hold on her tightened. He muttered more words she couldn’t understand. Though she’d learned to perform fellatio in her ritual sex training, Tria had never before lost herself so completely in the moment. With Luca, she could not hold on to her usual detachment. She no longer wanted to. To her shock, her heartbeat spiked as his excitement and pleasure washed over her. Then, Goddess of Love be praised, his come tasted right. Later the chemists would analyze both their fluids and explain how they worked together. For now, her sex pulsed with arousal as they shared the first of many consummations.

“Carissima,” he moaned as he exploded in his orgasm, ejaculating into her mouth. He shook with the intimacy of this unique moment. Though he’d approached Karloutria, ready to do whatever it took to become her consort for his own needs, his gut now told him hers would always matter more. “I’m yours,” he moaned, and meant it. She rose up so they were eye to eye. “A promising start, but the ritual demands much more.” Ritual, huh? By any other name… Luca had not been expecting a start like the one they’d just made. Common knowledge was that people from her planet were centuries ahead of Earthlings when it came to making love or even raw sex. Luca had been skeptical about the alleged superiority of the Nowemapese. Until today. “Interesting thoughts, Luca,” she murmured. “No ritual is powerful enough to create something out of nothing. The waters enhance the attraction only if the potential’s there. Then there is the taste test.” She slid her fingers over his groin. He reared back. “Um, can you read my mind?”

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Her laugh reminded him of bells. “That’s information to be discussed later. For now, you don’t have to read my mind because I’m going to tell you exactly what I want. Simple. You in me.” Since that was what he wanted too, he was more than happy to go along. But first he needed to even the score. “Your wish is my command. Right after I’ve had the chance to pleasure you in the way you pleasured me.” Before she could reply, he cut off her words with a deep, searing kiss. Her mouth tasted of him, an aftereffect of fellatio that in the past he’d found unpleasant, but not this time. She opened to him like a flower to morning dew. Her beautiful mouth invited long, languorous kisses, but the rise of another erection urged him not to linger. Since she’d brought him to orgasm first, it was her turn to be pleasured in the same way. Once he tasted her orgasm, he’d follow the urgings of his cock. Her heartbeat and breathing, so much slower than his, aroused him just as much as her musky scent and the erotic thrill of touching her luscious body. He didn’t want to overlook a single iota of her warm skin. He’d claim every bit of her, leave his mark everywhere, from her little toe to the top of her scalp. He would kiss her, lick her, touch her body until no spot remained unknown. With his fingers, his lips and his teeth, he began his journey. Her hands and her whispered words guided him directly to her feminine core. She was so wet his fingers easily glided along her sweet pink folds. “Luca,” she whimpered, writhing with a need only he could fulfill. He stroked her, first with fingers, soon after with his lips and tongue, alive with new senses. Her clit throbbed like a tiny butterfly perched at the edge of flower petal and he wanted to stay right there with her, at the edge. He couldn’t, not with need driving them both. Eager, he had to hold back so as not to rush her sensitive flesh with the force of his excitement. “Luca,” Karloutria moaned, turning his name into a sexy invitation.

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He licked her clit in response, and she pressed herself against him. He inhaled her scent, the nectar of the gods. A man could happily lose himself. As he feasted on her, his hands continued exploring. He massaged her gorgeous ass, muscles tight with obvious fitness. He wanted to play with the crack between her cheeks, to ease his erection there. Did she like getting it back there? If not already, he’d initiate her in this position later. But first, all he wanted was to feel her come. “Luca.” He’d never before heard his name weighted with so much emotion. She clutched him closer, tightened and shuddered with the prelude to her climax. And come she did, in waves of sensation. She sang his name, laughed and wept, all within the space of moments. Luca could barely wait for her to settle before he entered her. “In me, now,” she ordered in a manner of royal prerogative. For once in his life, he was glad to submit. “Carissima.” Legs splayed, he clamped one hand on each cheek of her lovely ass as she opened her long legs to embrace him. His cock poised for an instant at her warm, welcoming portal. Any slight contact set off ecstatic waves through his body, making him aware of every bit of himself. As she urged him deeper into her—not much urging required—he felt like a Rip Van Winkle who’d been asleep his whole life. She stroked him with eager hands and showered him with kisses as he plunged inside her and staked his claim once and for all.

According to Tria’s favorite bit of Nowemapese wisdom, which she’d never appreciated so fully before, “The body knows the lover before the mind.” She was living the proverb. Their chemistry was a go. Their lovemaking was a go. She began to believe that she and this candidate for consort would save the day. After which… “You are so beautiful,” Luca whispered. “The two of us together will make a wonderful new world.” The words eased her worry for the moment. She’d have crowed

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with rapture if her mouth hadn’t been otherwise occupied with tasting him, licking him, feasting on the wonder of this man. With his cock buried so deep inside her they truly were one, he told the truth. He had to. This was the heart of the special marital link between the Nowemapese royal family and Earthlings. Unlike what would happen if she mated with a being from any other world, with an Earthling Tria’s whole body would react and reject him violently if he dared to lie. His ignorance of how fine-tuned her body was to his, telling the truth was a plus. If he continued to pass all the tests, someday soon she’d explain all the nuances to him. With her legs wrapped around his hips, her body promised that with this man she would be safe. His hands under her butt were strong, his strength solid. His cock. When they got past the danger, she wanted to spend more time, hours, experiencing him in all stages of arousal and satisfaction. He moved his long, thick penis with consummate skill and touched every intimate bit to bring her pleasure. She wanted to watch in a mirror, experience the moment in all its sensory glory. “You’re more than an empress. You’re a goddess.” What woman didn’t want to hear that? She raised her face to tell him, but a wave of extraordinary pleasure caught her and her words came out as a garbled moan. His movements, at first slow, controlled and rhythmic as he thrust into her, soon grew faster, more driven as his erection amazingly got larger and harder. “Sacred Goddess of Love and Light.” The oath escaped her lips as an intimate whirlwind of sensation took hold. Still thrumming with satisfaction from when he’d gone down on her, Tria never expected to come again so soon. But this man was not through surprising her. With the speed and intensity of lightning, her second orgasm grabbed her and wouldn’t let go. “Luca.” His name had become a precious gift, a pledge of complete satisfaction. She whimpered the syllables, sighed them, screamed them and sang them out as her body vibrated in an all-encompassing orgasm. He rocked her world and made her forget all

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but him. This man already knew her body so well, he could lead her to searing, transforming pleasure. “At last,” he muttered. With a mighty shout, Luca climaxed in her, coming in waves, carrying her with him to the peak of his joyous release. His fluids melded with hers to create something new, a harbinger of what they would create together.

***** Luca had not known, had not begun to suspect what he was letting himself in for when he jumped into the competition. He’d wanted to turn his life around, but he hadn’t known how all-encompassing this change would be. If he’d suspected how things would shake out, would he have continued forward or run as fast and as far as his legs would take him? He saw the future unfold in a flash the moment he came. The old Luca, the one whose calculations and schemes had hurt so many lives and yet somehow brought him to this intimacy with Karloutria, had drowned in the pool. Good riddance. With her, he was reborn—and that scared the hell out of him. Until now, he’d never realized how fundamentally he could change, that his life could be transformed at the level of his soul—that shriveled-up damaged piece of himself he’d always ignored. There was hope even for that tattered, broken part of himself. All he had to give his new life was his everything. Now as the two of them recovered together on the gold chaise, she lay lightly dozing in his arms. Trusting. Open to him. Her vulnerability would have broken his heart if he hadn’t long ago shut it down. Until now. Seeing her vulnerability, he began to recognize his own. He had to step up to the plate, to be the man she deserved. Become the man she deserved. Talk about scary.

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Careful to keep his touch light and not disturb her, he stroked her cheek. What lovely skin, a silky warmth different from the way Earthlings felt. Was it her inner glow that made her so beautiful? He knew that the people of Nowemapo—his new people, his new home—had longago roots on Earth. More than a thousand years before, a small rebellious sect left Earth so they could find a new home where they could worship their goddesses in peace. After some initial strife, the two planets had settled into a friendly pattern of cooperation and tolerance. Despite similarities between both planets, Luca realized there were differences. Worship of the goddesses was a start. Normally a potential consort for the ruler of Nowemapo would undergo extensive instruction to prepare for the new role, but there wouldn’t be time. A sudden crisis had brought Karloutria to Earth for a mate ahead of the official schedule. Luca didn’t yet know the nature of that crisis, but he expected he’d soon find out—if he passed the remaining tests and became Karloutria’s consort, which he now desired with fierce hunger.

For the first time since she’d found her father with the tyrant, Tria began to hope. In her wildest fantasies, she’d never imagined the obligations of her position plus her father’s peril would lead her to her ideal, a man perfect for her. Maybe the elders really had known what they were talking about when they established the protocols she’d often chafed against. It was never too late to revise her opinions. She began to imagine a future free from the threat of the tyrant. First thing they’d have to do was to get her father to deal with his problem. But she was getting ahead of herself—and she still couldn’t allow herself to believe Luca was one hundred percent right. While they made love, she believed. But in the intervals, when her mind once again functioned… There was so much he would have to learn about life on Nowemapo, and she’d be his teacher. For instance, right now he thought she was sleeping, resting after their vigorous lovemaking. But she was merely in light doze mode, a Nowemapese

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improvement on the Earthling sleep function. She could simultaneously achieve the full benefits of deep sleep and observe her surroundings. So she knew Luca was awake and touching her with the awe of a pilgrim approaching a shrine. She could get used to that. What she couldn’t do—a real flaw in Nowemapese genetics—was read the mind of her true love except when they were making love. She had been able to read the minds of other lovers, which both heightened and complicated love affairs. This limit on her ability with Luca was another marker that she’d managed to find the right consort. What she wouldn’t give to know what he was thinking now. How amazing that Yolanda’s process had led her to finding Luca. Tria had been skeptical, and now she was happy to maybe be proven wrong. Sacred Goddess of Love and Light, she was about to commit her life and share her exalted status with this man, a stranger and yet not a stranger. He flicked his tongue over her lips and she couldn’t not respond. “Forgive me, Karloutria. I can’t resist a moment longer.” She licked her lips and fluttered her eyelids to show he had no need to apologize. “I think the time has come,” she said, “for you to call me Tria.”

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Chapter Four “Tria.” The name fit her. “I like it.” So far everything was going great for him with Tria. But their life together was not a done deal. She could still call things off. Maybe he should break every rule he’d ever lived by and tell her the truth about himself before she heard it from anyone else. Maybe the miracle of her acceptance would continue. Could he take this chance before their being together was a done deal? But first things first. “Tria. How can a man be near you and not make love with you?” Losing her now would hurt worse than any other loss—and not just because it would end his plan to change his life. Far worse, not only would he lose her, but she’d despise him. He’d never been a man to give in to fear or weakness, and he wasn’t about to begin now. He would tell her everything, soon… “I love the way you say my name,” she whispered. “I want to hear you with my whole body, when you are deep inside me, whispering from behind me.” His cock jolted to full erection. “I want to make love every way known on Earth and beyond. But, Tria, have you ever done it the way you’re asking for? This might be one time when Earth and Nowemapo are really more different than you suspect.” She kissed him quickly on his lips as she hefted his warm cock with her talented fingers and batted her eyelashes. “Never before. You will be the first. The only. You will have the royal virginity in this way. I even have special lube from my planet especially for this type of sex.” He moaned, the last involuntary response he’d allow himself, no matter how much pleasure engulfed him. “I live to serve,” he repeated. She laughed. “Why do I find it so hard to take you seriously when you say that?” Luca shrugged. “I can’t imagine.” 40

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“Ha-ha. Of every man I’ve ever met, you’re the least likely to live to serve.” “Nothing gets past you, does it? But you’ve got to promise me something.” “What?” She ran the tip of her tongue across her lips and he had to restrain himself from kissing her. “You will tell me how you feel at each moment.” “You want words or would simple grunts suffice?” He wanted to lightly smack her tempting ass and kiss her senseless all at once. “Words I can understand. I’m trying to be completely serious because, well, you’re tiny back there and I don’t want you to feel like my erection has turned into a battering ram.” She chuckled. “Luca and the Big Bad Cock.” “I really am serious.” Which took every ounce of his determination. “I love a serious man.” In spite of her bantering tone, the way she said “love” threatened to turn him to mush. He had to stay focused. “Make me this promise or what you want won’t happen.” He made his voice harsh. “And waste that gorgeous hard-on? I want to feel every nuance. Luca, you drive a hard bargain. I love that about you too. I promise. Now get in me.” She rolled over so her ass wedged up against his aching cock. Discipline. He needed discipline. Now. First he nuzzled the back of her neck, such a fragrant, sexy bit of skin. Soon he was kissing and nibbling, which Tria told him she liked. “You’ve found one of my favorite erogenous zones.” He’d be more than happy to linger there, in the future. “I’m going to make a kissing trail downward now,” he said. She wriggled her approval, testing his endurance. She had the luscious back of a dancer. Her ass was worthy of a classical sculptor. Perfect proportions, perfect skin over taut muscles. He nibbled and massaged his way around her. Tria responded with enthusiasm, urging him on—he didn’t require much urging at this point. The crack between her cheeks was tight, as he expected. She

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whispered that she loved the gentle friction of his touch there and she pressed back against his fingers.

The full range of sexual experience had been made available to Tria as soon as her appetites awakened. This was the way of the Nowemapese. Though anal play was one of the methods she could have tried any time, she’d never been curious about it until she met Luca. This openness was another sign that she’d found the right mate. “That feels great,” she murmured as Luca placed a careful kiss on her opening back there. She loved that he was being so cautious, maybe too cautious, but that was okay. She sensed that showing such care did not come naturally to him, which made her even more grateful. “Where’s that lube you brought from your world?” His voice caressed her. “Under the chaise. In the sparkling jeweled holder.” He kissed the small of her back before reaching to where she’d left the lube. Distilled from the flowers native to her planet, the fragrant lotion turned creamy on contact with skin. Luca pulled the stopper from the small bottle, spilling a few drops on her skin. He massaged in the lotion. “That feels great,” she murmured, loving the creamy feel on her hot skin. “I want you in me, now. Touch me with the lube.” He groaned then continued to kiss and massage her before turning his lips to her butt crack. She startled at the feel of him there. Not what she’d expected. More erotic, more intimate. She was glad now that she’d never experienced this with another lover. If things didn’t work out with Luca, she’d never again… One of his big fingers massaged lube into her opening, and the pleasure of feeling him touch her with the lotion had her whimpering for more. “Oh,” she gasped. He drew his finger out. “Did that hurt?” She sighed. “Goddess, no. More, now. Please.”

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He did as she commanded with infinite slowness. How had she gone this long without realizing how good it could feel having a man back there? Of course her body moaned. She’d been waiting for this man. She wanted his cock, wanted to feel him pressed up to the full length of her body, which she told him. His laughter sounded more like a strangled croak than an expression of amusement. “Trust me. Sometimes there’s a good reason to be slow.” “I trust you.” She said the word without thought. But as soon as she said it, she knew it was true. The emotion brought her near to tears. “That means a lot. More than you can know.” Moving even more slowly, he spread more lube and joined a second finger to the first. With his skilled movement and the lube, she could open to him. So when he withdrew his finger, he lubed again and nudged the tip of his penis to the opening. She felt ready. But despite her intention to keep her responses easy, she tightened—from arousal and excitement, not nerves. He stopped. “Too much?” “Not enough. Give me more.” He brushed his glans along her butt crack until he was just barely inside her. She squirmed against him, taking more of him into her, but far from his full length. “It feels amazing,” she rasped. “More.” “If that’s what you want. You have any idea how good you feel to me? I want you to feel it like I do.” “Oh yeah.” As she pressed closer and he let himself slowly fill her, her confidence and pleasure grew. When he was fully inside her, Luca lay still for a moment as if to let them both get their bearings. She loved the feel of his whole body close to hers, flat against curved, linked by his erection. He alternated kisses and whispers. “Okay?” he asked. “Much better,” she sighed.

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He began to move back there and she focused on the erotic sensation. Then he began to stroke her warm, moist folds and her clit. Goddess. She moved her hips, wanting that friction, wanting his touch. She melted as he thrust in and out of her from behind in rhythm with his touch. She loved being surrounded by him, pleasured by him. “Bella Tria,” he murmured, “you are too delicious to resist.” The rest of his words were lost to her as he began to move faster and harder. From his touch and the arousal of being together, she got caught up in another mind-blowing orgasm. With his hand and his cock guiding her, Tria flew to the top of the mountain and shattered just as he roared into his release.

***** In the afterglow of their mind-blowing sex, Luca and Tria lay snuggled together. “I really shouldn’t say anything, but I can’t resist. You’re doing great, Luca. One more ritual,” Tria murmured as Luca nuzzled the soft, fragrant nape of her neck. “Then we are officially engaged, emergency style, and I can take you on the transport to Nowemapo. One final ritual there and—” He’d just about made it. He was sure—nothing would stop him now from being her consort and changing his life. Just then a tiny jeweled mark just over her shoulder blade caught his eye. He raised his head to get a better look. An elaborate purple tattoo studded with tiny diamonds. He ran his finger over the complex design. “What’s this?” he whispered. She sighed. “My personal royal insignia. Once we get to Nowemapo, you’ll receive the consort version of it. That’s the final step before we can make wedding plans.” He’d be branded? “To show I belong to you?” “To show we belong together.”

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Better. He wanted to kiss her beautiful mouth to show he agreed. Before he had the chance, Yolanda’s security people burst in. The biggest one shouted, “Your immediate presence is demanded. A matter of greatest urgency.” Shit. What could have happened now? “The empress designate and I will follow. Leave us so we can prepare.” “Time is of the essence,” the big guard barked. “Then stop wasting ours. Leave. We’ll follow.” After insisting that they’d wait right at the door to escort the couple, the guards retreated. Wordlessly, he and Tria threw on the essentials of clothing and rushed to follow the guard.

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Chapter Five Tria’s heart sank when she caught sight of a pale and terrified-looking Yolanda. “What’s wrong? Why did you summon us? We were on the verge of performing the last required ritual before transport.” The older woman’s lip trembled. “He’s…he’s here.” She turned toward the corner of the room where something Tria couldn’t identify lurked in the shadow. “Who’s here? What’s wrong? Tell me so I can help.” Luca looked ready to take on an army. Much as Tria admired his bravery, he was only one man. Yolanda had a large security force around her abode for Tria’s mission. Why hadn’t Yolanda’s security people been able to protect her? Ugly laughter Tria recognized too well erupted from the corner. She stiffened and grew as pale as Yolanda. Luca tightened his arm around her waist, communicating a promise to protect her by touch. “Don’t be afraid. I’m with you. Tell me what’s wrong, Tria.” Tria shook her head. “Now you’ll see why I’m here. Oh Goddess, I hate that he’s involved you and Yolanda.” She raised her voice to address the creature lurking in the shadows. “Why are you here? I’ve found my Earthling consort.” As if he were stepping from her worst nightmare, the tyrant stomped into the light. “Not according to the rules and limits. You’re out of time. Now you and Nowemapo are mine.” He ran claws over a furious, hissing Tamsin, held immobile in a translucent box. Yolanda rose and held out shaky arms to her pet. “That monster captured Tamsin.” “Captured?” the tyrant crooned. “The greedy little cur came to me when I held out catnip, same substance this so-called mate used to enhance his image. Isn’t that right?” Luca stood between Tria and the Tyrant. “Let the cat go,” he demanded.

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The tyrant glared at the cat before baring his teeth in Luca’s direction. “You didn’t answer my question, but it’s not important. I’ll be more than glad to let this mangy critter go. Hand over the empress designate and you can have the cat. You have ten minutes. After that, the cat dies an ugly death. Then you and the old lady will. I am leaving with my rightful bride, Karloutria.” Yolanda gasped. Tria thought she’d be sick, but she couldn’t give in. “Never. Give the cat back and we’ll let you leave. Otherwise…” “Let the cat go,” Luca repeated. “And the women. Tria’s chosen me. If I have to fight you to prove she has that right, you’re on.” The tyrant laughed again, which set Tamsin to yowling. “You’re going to fight me?” He raked Luca with deep-set red eyes. “You and what army?” “I don’t need an army,” Luca spat out. “I’m not a coward, using an innocent cat to terrorize women.” “Coward?” the tyrant roared. For a moment Tria was afraid he’d hurl Tamsin across the room and attack Luca with claws and dagger teeth. “You heard me. Just you and me. Face-off. One-on-one. My first act as Tria’s consort.” And his last. Tria couldn’t let Luca sacrifice his life this way. Before she could protest, the tyrant shook his head. “I’ll destroy you before you lift an arm.” Luca bared his teeth. “You won’t know what hit you.” The tyrant snorted. “Smart enough to beat out the competition, but too dumb to know when to fold. You’re better than I expected her to find on Earth in such a short time. Get out of my way or you’ll be dead meat like the cat.” Tria’s skin prickled with fear. “Let the cat go, Tyrant. Your quarrel is with me, not Yolanda.” “Please—” the old woman moaned. “Give Yolanda the cat,” Luca stated. “Now.”

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The tyrant brandished the cage with the snarling cat slashing her claws against the walls. “What, you’d fight me for this worthless scrap of fur?” “That cat’s worth ten of you,” Luca spat out. The tyrant roared. “Do not insult me or try my patience, Earthling. Back off.” “Fuck off.” Luca lunged to grab the cage, which the tyrant hoisted away. “Brave but stupid. I could use a man with your guts on my team.” He stroked his spiky chin. “I’ll have the empress designate, but I’m not going to kill you to get her. Hell, empress or not, she’s just another broad.” Luca clenched his fists. “You shut up and give Yolanda the cat. Leave now and I won’t kill you.” The tyrant moved his lips into a grimace and laughed. “Don’t be a stupid ass. I can make your fortune. Compared to Raptosphere, Nowemapo’s a no-account dump. Money, luxury, women. A life better than your wildest imagining. Why follow the Earthling custom and strap yourself to one female when you can have dozens. As many as you want. Answer now, before I revoke the offer. Will you be my man?” “Give Yolanda the cat. This minute,” Luca repeated, tightening his hold on Tria. “You have a bad habit of not answering questions. That doesn’t work with me. Answer now or the cat’s finished.” Yolanda screamed, “Noooo,” and fainted. Tria pulled away from Luca and rushed over to help her friend. The tyrant reached out to nab her just as Luca grabbed and, in a trice, opened the translucent cage containing Tamsin. Tamsin launched herself onto the tyrant’s man parts and bit and clawed hard. The tyrant screamed, bucked to get Tamsin off him, and grabbed the injured bits. Luca brought the cage down hard on the Tyrant’s head. He went down with a murderous yowl and stayed unconscious just long enough for the rushing security guard to neutralize him with a laser shot.

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Once Tamsin had taken care of business, she rushed to Yolanda’s waiting arms. Owner and cat enjoyed a tearful reunion. First order of business was to get the monster out of the Great Hall. Tria’s people alerted an intergalactic patrol to come and arrest their attacker. Tria assured Luca that charges against the tyrant would be numerous. After the patrol dragged the awakening tyrant from the room, Luca said, “So he’s my competition?” Tria rolled her eyes. “He was the reason I had to find an Earthling mate so quickly.” She related the story of how the tyrant had trapped her father by using his addiction to gambling. “But how did you open Tamsin’s cage so quickly?” He shrugged. “Former profession.” “Came in handy.” Luca’s admiration for Tria grew. In addition to being beautiful, wealthy and powerful, the way Tria wanted to protect her father showed she had a loving heart. As to standing up to the tyrant—that showed courage. Luca already knew the two of them had great chemistry. Their lovemaking would only get better and better. But now he could see their erotic connection was just the first step. With Tria as his mate, they could face anything. “What was he saying about using catnip on Tamsin?” Tria asked. Luca looked to Yolanda, who finally seemed convinced that Tamsin was all right. “I told Luca about the catnip. Namely that enhancing his image would draw Tamsin to him.” Tria shook her head. “You’re saying that choosing Luca was based on a trick the two of you played on me?” Luca’s gut clenched. When she put his strategy in those words, it sounded underhanded instead of intelligent. He held out his hands to her. “I knew I wanted you from the start. Me and hundreds of other guys. With not enough time to get to know

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you in any usual way, I followed my instincts and asked for help from the best possible source.” Yolanda, who was slowly regaining her normal color, chimed in. “Luca was the only one who asked me. Tria, that made him stand out from the crowd—which was what I knew we had to look for.” Tria pointed to the cat. “So you mean that whole story about her instincts being on target for making a match—it was untrue?” He was losing Tria. After all they’d been through in a short time, he’d lose her over this—over his damn tendency to cut corners. “Tria, that was just the start. Just a way to open the door. Think about the way we were together, in the pool, on the chaise…” She blushed. He wanted to stroke the red color from her burning cheeks and kiss away her discomfort, but she folded her arms in front of her. “What an alternative. Instead of the tyrant, I get a sneak who conspired with my Earth liaison to hoodwink me. Well, Luca d’Alessandro, you’ve won. You’ll be my consort and the father of my children. But you can forget happily ever after.” Yolanda rose. “Tria, listen to the rest. Sit,” she commanded. “Both of you.” Luca sat. Tria sat also, but as far away from Luca as she could get. Yolanda began to talk. “Luca was the only one who asked me, as I said, but other candidates consulted different advisers. My methods and my link with Tamsin are well known in the wisdom community. Several other candidates were given the same advice as Luca. To my knowledge ten other images were enhanced with catnip.” Yolanda paused to give her listeners a chance to absorb her words. “Tamsin was drawn to the catnipped images, of course. Initially. But her instinct for matches is stronger than her love of catnip. I knew she would choose the perfect candidate despite the use of catnip. And so she has. Happily ever after guaranteed.” Luca wanted to kiss Yolanda for taking his side, but he still didn’t know if Tria believed her. “Other candidates had the catnip too?” she asked. 50

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Yolanda nodded and the cat meowed. Tria rose and reached a hand to Luca. “Well, if we’re going to get that happily ever after, we’d better get started.” He saluted. “I am definitely your man.” To seal the deal, he took her in his arms for a kiss neither would ever forget.

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Epilogue Planet Nowemapo 3747 C.E. Committed as Tria and Luca were to completing all the necessary rituals and rites that would make him her true, accepted consort, they also were more than open to introducing some changes to Nowemapo. At the top of their agenda was including the very first Mile and More High Club in their official flight plans. The particular couches on the royal transport lent themselves better to some positions than others. Tria and Luca felt duty bound to try each of those positions several times so they could write the authoritative guide for future voyages. Second, the minute he could, Luca received a tattoo that matched Tria’s—an outward sign of their being together forever. Third, Tria and Luca were joined in a wedding that would go down in history as the most festive and joyous ever. Fourth, they got the emperor into treatment for his gambling addiction. With great management, they righted his finances so he didn’t threaten the treasury, paid his debt and banished the Tyrant of Raptosphere from their planet. Fifth, they gave testimony at the intergalactic trial for said tyrant, accused of many heinous crimes in addition to his cruel imprisonment of Tamsin the cat. As a result, the tyrant was locked away forever, which freed the unhappy citizens of Raptosphere, which ever after was known as BuonaFortuna. Sixth and far from final, they made immediate plans to correct the shocking absence of cats from their beloved planet.

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About the Author Exploring the erotic side of romance keeps Mardi Ballou chained to her computer— and inspires some amazing research. Mardi’s a Jersey girl, now living in Northern California with her hero husband—the love of her life—who’s also her tech maven and first reader. Her days and nights are filled with books to read and write, chocolate and the pursuit of romantic dreams. A Scorpio by birth and temperament, Mardi believes in living life with Passion, Intensity and Lots of Laughs (this last from her moon in Sagittarius). Published in different genres under different names, Mardi is thrilled to be part of the Ellora’s Cave Team Romantica™.

Mardi welcomes comments from readers. You can find her website and email address on her author bio page at www.ellorascave.com.

Tell Us What You Think We appreciate hearing reader opinions about our books. You can email us at [email protected].

Also by Mardi Ballou Down and Dirty anthology Fangs ’n’ Foxes Long, Slow Ride Pantasia 1: Hook, Wine & Tinker Pantasia 2: For Pete’s Sake Pantasia 3: Forever On the Isle of Never Perfect Pear Reunions Dangereuses Tingle Bells Triple Booked Whatever Maura Wants Young Vampires in France Young Vampires in Love

Discover for yourself why readers can’t get enough of the multiple award-winning publisher Ellora’s Cave. Whether you prefer e-books or paperbacks, be sure to visit EC on the web at www.ellorascave.com for an erotic reading experience that will leave you breathless.

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