Her blood simmered, pooling between her hips to create a feeling of desperation and longing.
Taking the dress in his firm grasp, Yusef tore it. The material ripped loudly, causing her to jump in surprise. The warm air of the tent hit her naked flesh as the gown was tossed to the side. Her nipple puckered, beckoning him, tempting him.
Yusef stepped back, boldly taking her in. Her skin was white and flawless. It had looked so pure against his tanned flesh. Panties hugged her hips, taunting him with their lacy barrier. Oh, how he’d like to bite through them. Freckles dotted her shoulders, like light and airy kisses. He promised his mouth he would kiss each and every one of them in time.
Her body was well-built, muscled and strong, but still gentle and soft--just like her playful eyes. There was a quiet innocence to her gaze, but Yusef could feel deeper inside her than mere appearances allowed and knew it wasn’t all true, and yet it wasn’t all an act.
He could tell she worked hard by the calluses on her hands, though they did not look rough. Already he concluded that this woman knew how to use a gun. He felt the intent in her trigger finger as if she had fired one often.
Olena held still, watching him devour her with his eyes. It made her hot to see his desire for her, unfiltered in its brazen heat. A wave of guilt overcame her for she knew she would never succumb to him. She knew she would be using him and then leaving him behind as soon as she got a chance. He was just a means to an end--and her end was escape from this exile of a planet.
Thinking of that end, she blinked away the fog, fighting it. She knew her feelings had something to do with the crystal around his neck as well as the wine they had given her to drink. She had tasted that unique blend of herbs before. Psychiatrists liked to use them because they opened the mind and loosened the tongue, though they were illegal in many quadrants. Narrowing her eyes, she stiffened her resolve. This man had tried to drug her, tried to take away her will.
Her eyes shone brightly with an innocence she did not feel. "Like what you see?"
His response was a bestial growl. He didn’t look away.
Taking a finger to her lips, she felt the drying blood on them. The straps still wound up her arms and she left them. She kicked off her shoes. Sucking her finger, her eyes growing wide, she turned to pose shyly for him.
Yusef swallowed, already tortured by what was to come. Still, he couldn’t think to stop it.
Olena blinked and murmured in her most sultry of tones, "I think I got myself dirty, Yusef. Maybe you should come give me a bath."
Chapter Three
Yusef couldn’t help the fever that ignited in his body at the request. He knew he was going to regret it. His warrior instincts told him to be careful, that this woman was cunning, that she was going to be trouble. Not heeding his own instincts, he let his lust do the thinking and walked over to the naked vixen staring at him.
The firefly pin atop her locks glistened as she moved. The little black gemstones sparkled like stars, winking mischievously at him. Reaching, he glided a hand down her cheek, cupping her jaw, his fingers coming over her sensitive ear.
Olena froze, not allowing her body to shiver at the gentle caress. Slowly, he drew his hand over her shoulder and down her arm. Taking up the tattered end of her belt that hung from the winding straps on her wrists, he backed up, leading her by the straps to the steaming tub.
Olena let him look at her, unashamed of her body. She wasn’t a fool. She knew in the end, he would want the same thing all men did. He would want her complete submission. She would never do it. She’d been a man’s slave once. Once was enough.
Yusef was unaware of her turmoil. When he looked at her, she smiled a beautifully dazzling smile. Bringing her forward, he tried to kiss her. Her lush, full lips called to him. They pursed when she talked, begging to be touched. He saw
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