Arilee

ARILEE

I was almost glad to see him.

What the hell did that say about me? About whatever our weird, twisted relationship had become?

As he stood watching me from across the street, my mouth went numb. I was dazed, stock still, waiting to see if he was real, or just a mirage my brain had conjured up out of panic.

"Rokan," my voice said, and while he wouldn't have heard me, the look on his face said what my heart was feeling. He missed me too.

Sure, I'd gotten away, and I'd done everything I could think to do to make this escape permanent, but it wasn't enough. Clearly, there was nowhere I could run to get away from him. Yet, as I watched him cross the street to join me, a rush of excitement coursed through my veins. Despite my best efforts, our little game wasn't finished.

Rokan stood in front of me, swinging one hand on his hip, exposing the plasma pistol he kept there. The threat was apparent, and yet the half-cocked grin on his face made it clear he was only doing it for show.

"Shit," was all I could think to say.

"Well, look what we have here," he said, standing calm yet firm in front of me. "How was the vacation?"

"Short." I shrugged, hoping he was as glad to see me as I was him. I had started to enjoy his company, even if he was escorting me back to hell. This hide-and-seek relationship had me fluttering between wanting to run and wanting to stick to him like glue.

We stood there, desperately quiet as the din of the city streets hummed between us. The longer it took him to act, the more I started to fret. Out of a sense of obligation, I put my arms forward, ready to receive the handcuffs. I guess I deserved them.

"You know, in times like these, a good bounty hunter takes a hands-on approach."

I didn't understand him, not until he picked me up and threw me over his shoulder. The next thing I heard was a loud smack as his hand smacked my backside.

"Ow! Put me down!" I screamed. He answered me with another one.

"I'm starting to think you enjoy this," he mused, hauling me across the street. I kicked and screamed and the more I fought, the harder he spanked me.

And once again, with every stroke I felt a little hotter, until I could only squirm, trying to make it not so obvious that I was getting wet.

"Help! I'm being kidnapped!" I tried to get the people around me to react. Either I was a bad actress or the Vinduthi carting me was too intimidating for anyone to stand up to. Eyes avoided me as he hustled me through the crowd.

"You enjoy this, you sadist!" I hit his back, his shoulder digging into my middle. But no matter how hard I fought, he never let me go.

He snorted

"I spent a fortune getting here, your little tricks are starting to cost more than I'm getting paid for this job."

"It serves you right!" I argued. "Maybe you should quit!" He simply tightened his grip, his fingers digging into my thighs with his force. I was snug in his grasp, and I wasn't going anywhere.

After a few minutes, I propped my face up with my hand, my elbow digging into his shoulder as he walked the pair of us back to the spaceport.

Rokan's silence enveloped us. His breath steadied with each stride. Perched atop his shoulders, a wicked thought slithered into my mind. I should've bedded him once more before slipping him the poison. A blunder on my part. It would've bought me time and provided some amusement.

His percomm buzzed from his pocket. He remained still, ignoring it. Bored and with nothing better to occupy myself, I fished it out and handed it to him.

"Much obliged," he muttered, his tone icy as he answered, keeping it on audio only.

A guttural voice filled the air. My insides twisted as Gorin's unmistakable snarl crackled through the device.

"What in blazes is the holdup?" the Krelaxian barked.

Rokan's neck tensed as he replied. "I'm on her trail. You'll have her once I've secured her. I'm not wasting time, so let me do my job."

My owner scoffed. "I'm paying you to deliver. So deliver."

Rokan growled. "I've got her now. We're on the next flight to Quixa."

As the call ended, I felt another caress across my backside. This one was playful, as if Rokan relished toting me around like some prized human.

"Told you he was a bastard," I quipped, my matter-of-fact tone aimed at provoking his reason. It wasn't just for kicks that I kept running. Gorin terrified me, and I knew if Rokan returned me, the fiend would relish killing me himself.

"Bastard or not, you're going back," he said.

Yet, I clung to hope that maybe, just maybe, the situation was getting to him. His voice lacked its usual frosty edge.

"Great. If he slaughters me, it's your funeral."

Rokan exhaled heavily. "Why would he go to such lengths just to end you? That's illogical."

I squirmed, desperate to talk to him face to face, but his expression remained hidden. "Unless he decides to use me as a cautionary tale for the next girl."

He halted, a throng of travelers blocking our path into the spaceport. I held my breath. Had that struck a chord? Would he finally show a shred of compassion?

At last, I felt myself lifted off his shoulder and placed beside him as he scrutinized my face.

"Quit being so melodramatic," he muttered, approaching the ticket counter to secure our passage back to Gorin, back to the nightmare that had driven me to wander the wasteland in search of freedom. I tossed my head back, drinking in one final glimpse of my almost-escape.

Rokan shoved me into the queue, forcing me from the sunlight into the dank gloom of the spaceport.

I planted myself in front of him, digging in my heels to make him face me. If I was destined to return, I'd be damned if I didn't speak my mind.

"Don't say I didn't warn you," I hissed through clenched teeth. "Gorin does as he pleases. I'm his property , after all."

Rokan responded with a curt nudge against my chest, urging me forward in line. My feet scraped the floor as I neared the counter where a Mondian woman manned the till.

"Destination?" she inquired, her fingers dancing across the holo-screen.

"Quixa," Rokan answered, presenting his percomm to transfer the credits. "And ensure our seats are adjacent."

The Mondian's fingers froze, her scaled forehead wrinkling. "I'm sorry," she said. "There seems to be a mechanical issue with that flight. It's been delayed until morning."

Rokan's grip on my arm tightened, his frustration threatening to break through. "When in the morning?"

The Mondian tapped a few more keys. "The earliest departure is scheduled for 0800 hours. We can book you on that flight if you'd like."

I forced my face to stay calm, not daring to show my relief. A whole night. A whole night before I'd be dragged back to Gorin. A night to plan, to think, to... what? I wasn't sure yet, but it was more than I'd had moments ago.

"Fine," Rokan growled, clearly displeased. "Book it."

As the Mondian processed our tickets, I chanced a glance at Rokan. His jaw was clenched, eyes narrowed. This delay was throwing a wrench in his carefully laid plans.

Sure, it was petty of me, but the surge of satisfaction that bubbled through me felt great.

"This is your doing," Rokan snarled, his grip on my elbow tightening.

I couldn't resist needling him. "Oh sure, I control the universe now. Didn't you get the memo?"

He muttered under his breath, dragging me along like a rag doll.

Inside, I danced with glee. More time. More chances to slip away.

Rokan's eyes narrowed. "Wipe that smirk off your face. You're not getting away from me again."

A crazy idea struck me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, savoring his shocked expression.

"I've got some ideas for that waiting time," I purred, brushing my lips against his.

Fleeing and fighting were off the table, so fucking would have to do.

I leaned in close, my lips nearly brushing Rokan's ear. "Pick a hotel. Any hotel."

His golden eyes flashed with hunger as he scanned the bustling spaceport. Without a word, he gripped my arm and steered me towards the exit. The cacophony of languages and whirring machinery faded as we emerged onto the street.

Rokan's pace was relentless as we wove through the crowded sidewalk. I struggled to keep up, my shorter human legs no match for his Vinduthi stride.

"Slow down," I hissed. "Unless you're planning to drag me through the streets."

He shot me a look over his shoulder, the hunger in those predatory eyes making desire pool low in my belly. "You started this game. It's time to find out what you've unleashed."

We rounded a corner and came face-to-face with a towering hotel, its sleek facade glowing with holographic advertisements. Rokan yanked me through the revolving door so fast I nearly tripped.

A bored-looking Krelaxian clerk barely glanced up as Rokan approached the front desk.

"One room," he growled, slapping down his credit chip. "Now."

The clerk's reptilian eyes widened slightly at Rokan's tone. "Of course, sir. Top floor suite is available. Excellent view of the-"

"We don't need a view," I cut in, flashing what I hoped was a seductive smile. "Just privacy."

A hint of understanding flickered across the clerk's scaly features. He processed the payment quickly and handed over an access card. "Enjoy your stay."

The elevator ride was excruciating. Rokan stood rigidly in one corner while I fidgeted in the other, sneaking glances at his chiseled profile, listening to my heartbeat get louder and louder in my ears.

When the doors finally slid open, Rokan seized my wrist and practically dragged me down the hallway. He fumbled with the key card, his usual grace faltering as he shoved open the door.

We tumbled into the darkened room, and I barely had time to register the plush carpet under my feet before Rokan's mouth was on mine. His kiss was fierce, almost punishing, as he backed me against the wall. I groaned as his sharp canines grazed my lower lip.

My hands roamed over the planes of his muscular chest, tracing the patterns etched into his gray skin. He growled low in his throat, the sound vibrating through me.

I broke away, panting. "Wait."

Rokan's eyes narrowed, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "No more games, ."

"I need a shower," I demanded, my voice breathy. "I'm covered in grime."

His grip on my waist tightened. "I'm not letting you out of my sight."

A thrill shot through me at his possessive tone. I trailed my fingers down his arm, feeling the corded muscle beneath. "Good."

Rokan's eyes widened fractionally, surprise and lust warring on his features. In one fluid motion, he swept me off my feet, my surprised yelp echoing through the room as he cradled me against his chest, my arms instinctively wrapping around his neck.

"What are you doing?"

He kicked open the bathroom door, revealing a spacious shower enclosure. "Following orders."

I licked my lips as he set me down and we stood facing each other, the air thick with anticipation. Rokan's golden eyes roamed over me hungrily.

"Well?" I arched an eyebrow. "Are you going to help me out of these clothes, or what?"

A wicked grin spread across his face, exposing those dangerous fangs. "With pleasure."