Captured & Seduced Read online

  And best of all, he’d rid himself of the blight on his life. Ryman Coppersmith—the brat his mother had insisted on fostering and adopting legally despite his mystery background. Bah! His brother was a nobody.

  A common thief.

  But not a murderer, as everyone presumed. No, Talor had compelled a passing traveler to kill Maxmus whilst setting up his brother. Unfortunately Ryman had escaped the trap.

  But this time—ah, this time, Talor would best his brother. With Ryman dead, his luck would turn. Not only would the land his mother had willed to Ryman return to him, but his waning magical powers would recover and flare brighter than ever, the effect rippling down to the family charm business. Soon, the House of the Cat would rule again and he, as its head, would benefit.

  Power.

  Strength.

  Magic.

  He’d have it all.

  Another tap on the door interrupted his musing. “Enter.”

  “You have a visitor,” Alfredo said. “Ms. Kaya Ignatius.”

  A crafty smile slid across Talor’s lips. The first part of his plan. He’d known the woman would come in handy, and the fact she was good in the sexual department was an added bonus. “Ah, the beautiful Kaya. I’ve been expecting her visit.”

  Alfredo stood aside and Kaya swept into the room. The aide closed the door, leaving them alone. Talor waved her to a chair and poured her a drink before taking possession of another nearby chair.

  “What news?”

  “Ry has entered the race.”

  “And?”

  “We leave to hunt for our hell-horse.”

  Talor sipped his wine. “Where will you hunt?”

  “We are flying to the distant hunting ground.”

  No witnesses when he destroyed their tender. Excellent. “Thank you, Kaya.” The news brought triumph. With Ry gone, his troubles would cease. Kaya, come to me.

  Kaya set down her wine and stood, then glided to him in a sensuous sway, not a hint of hesitation once she’d heard his compelling thoughts.

  Disrobe.

  To his delight, the blue-haired woman removed her footwear and clothes with unconscious grace. Talor watched the entire time, enjoying the private striptease and reveal of her creamy skin. His shaft twitched and he widened his stance for comfort. Generous breasts. Curvy hips. A pleasant sight to behold, especially with her exotic features and toned musculature.

  Hungry to possess her, he stood, kicked off his shoes and rapidly disrobed. Talor reclaimed his seat and beckoned her closer. When Kaya dawdled, he reiterated the demand with silent compulsion. She didn’t waver again. Kaya clambered onto his lap and impaled herself slowly on his cock. She was delightfully wet for him. The wench loved his orders. The tight squeeze of her quim brought a shudder of pleasure. He sighed in satisfaction, flexing his hips and leaning closer to take the nipple of one breast into his mouth. He bit down, bringing a sharp protest.

  “That hurt.”

  He soothed the nip with the flat of his tongue and raised his head to nuzzle one pointed ear. “A little pain brings greater pleasure. I promise this will be very good.”

  “It is always good,” Kaya admitted, angling her neck to grant him better access to her ear.

  Quite true. Fukking with his brother’s life always added piquant spice to the mix and the intimate pillow talk with the delightful Kaya gave him an inside edge. Soon—very soon—he’d rid himself of Ryman for once and all. To secure his future, he’d do anything.

  * * * * *

  “Camryn, it’s time to go. The Red Mumber has left.”

  Camryn bolted upright, and the silky bedcovers slivered to her waist, putting her breasts on display for the man across the other side of the bedroom. She blinked in confusion. “Gabriel?”

  “Who is Gabriel?”

  Not Gabriel.

  Sorrow clamped down, a heavy weight on her chest. She grabbed the covers, to conceal her nakedness, her heart pounding as the events of the previous night rushed back. Shit, she’d slept with the alien kitty. She swallowed, the guilt of betrayal pounding her mind.

  “Someone I knew. Is it time to leave?” She blinked rapidly and turned away to hide her imminent tears.

  “Yes.” Fully dressed, Ry prowled to the window and stared down at the street below. Camryn heard the clanking of chains, probably some of the yellow-clad convicts making their way to the factories. She scrambled from bed and yanked on her clothes and footwear.

  “Follow me.” Ry stopped to hand the woman behind the desk several notes before they left. The rapid walk to the ship passed without incident.

  “Where have you been?” Mogens’ stern demands grated on her ears and brought more guilt.

  Camryn resisted a glance at Ry and let him answer. Mogens’ attitude reminded her of her stepfather. The man had meant well but he’d had overprotective down perfectly.

  “The administrator wanted to buy Camryn for the governor’s harem. He wouldn’t take no for an answer. We had to dodge Red Mumbers all night.” Ry made it sound as if they’d spent the entire night on the run.

  Heat collected in her cheeks when memories of their hot, frantic couplings filled her mind. The pleasure. Next came memories of Gabriel. She’d slept with another man—betrayed Gabriel yet again. Pain clawed her stomach, the wet sting of tears finally falling to cloud her vision. Betrayal. Oh boy. She just kept compounding the errors one after another.

  “Did they follow you to the ship?” Jannike demanded.

  “I didn’t see any but we’ll need to stay alert.” Ry turned away to speak to Yep, who wore his hair loose today rather than confined in the normal ponytail. “Any problems?”

  “Nope, not a one.”

  “When do we go to see the horses?” The sooner she started training the better. It wasn’t long until the race started, only a matter of months before the big day. “I need to start training, especially if they’re as difficult as everyone says.”

  Ry growled deep in his throat. “You can’t leave the ship on your own.”

  “We could disguise Camryn,” Mogens suggested. Today his violet eyes sparkled like amethyst jewels and his skin shone a pearly gray. Camryn had started to think of this as his happy color.

  “I can do a disguise,” she said.

  “You’ll have to cut your hair,” Jannike said. “The rich black is very distinctive.”

  “No!” Everyone stared at Ry’s strong outburst.

  Kaya grinned while Mogens colored to black.

  The crew shifted their attention to her. Unable to withstand the close attention, Camryn shuffled her feet and wished she were invisible. Heat collected in her face, kicked along by old-fashioned guilt. She’d slept with another man. Betrayed Gabriel’s memory.

  “A disguise is a good idea but it doesn’t need to be radical.” Ry shrugged from his jacket and tossed it aside. “As for the hell-horses, we’ll eat, pack supplies and head out with the tender to one of the outlying locations. The tender is big enough to transport a hell-horse.”

  “From what we heard at the pub last night we’ll definitely to need to hunt farther afield. The hunting grounds near the city are almost out of stock,” Nanu said, shaking his head and setting the beads on the end of his braids clacking. “The remaining hell-horses are wary and dangerous.”

  Ry scratched his chest and attempted to reach his back. “Something is biting me.”

  Mogens reached for his satchel. “Take off your shirt and let me place salve on the bites. Left untreated they’ll fester in this tropical heat.”

  Camryn tried not to look but found her gaze snared by the fluid action of his muscles when he shrugged out of the shirt, the tanned expanse of chest.

  “Captain, what have you done?” The horror in Mogens voice made them all scrutinize Ry. “Look at his back.”

  “What’s wrong with my back? I didn’t do anything—”

  “Man, I’ve never seen anything like it before,” Jannike said.

  “What is it, dammit?”

  Camry
n circled Ry to stand with the others.

  “Look, it’s coming out on his chest too.”

  “This black mark?” Ry rubbed it vigorously, and Camryn watched a black swirl form on his chest in a similar pattern to those on his back. She knew the bruises hadn’t been present last night.

  “You slept with her.” Accusation throbbed in Mogens’ words. “Bugger! The blue in yesterday’s clouds hinted that might happen. I shouldn’t have left you alone.”

  “Captain, you got horizontal last night,” Yep said, smirking. “Way to go.”

  Mogens pulled a piece of parchment from his satchel along with the old-fashioned quills Camryn had seen the administrator use. “What did you eat last night? Drink? I want details.”

  Ry grabbed his shirt. “It’s none of your damn business what I did last night. Kaya, check the weapons and ammunition. Jannike, check the spaceport for anything that’s red and has two legs. Yep and Nanu, verify the ship and the supplies.”

  “And me?” Mogens asked.

  Camryn could have sworn the seer was laughing at Ry.

  “Check the medical supplies. From what I hear we’re going to need them.” He waited for the seer to move out of hearing. ”What’s wrong with my back?”

  “It’s covered with blotchy tattoos,” Camryn said. “They’re black and look like the tribal tattoos we have at home.”

  “All over my back?”

  “Yeah. They’re more defined than the one on your chest. Are they still itchy? Should I ask Mogens for some salve?”

  “I’ll survive.”

  He might, but the appearance of the tattoos worried him. She could see it in his eyes. Without thinking she reached out to trace the swirl on his pectoral muscle. He flinched, and she jerked her hand from his chest.

  “Sorry. Did I hurt you?”

  “Touch me again.” His voice emerged thick and laden with need. “Please.”

  Camryn’s hand trembled when she repeated the move, tracing her finger along the blurred lines of the tattoo. His entire frame shuddered and the sound he loosed reminded her of a contented domestic cat. And the heat…the heat coming off his skin spread from her fingertips, down her arm and straight to her breasts. Camryn gasped at the sensation of her tightening nipples and moved closer instead of away. She dipped her head to lick the same path her finger had taken. His skin tasted salty with a tinge of herbs, reminding her of the outdoors. With a lap of her tongue, she traced the vague curving spiral.

  “Camryn.” His hoarse, needy whisper jerked up her head.

  Her body clenched at the desire in his voice, the tension thrumming through him. She stared up at his green eyes. Heavy-lidded, his intent expression seared her. His need pulsed against her own, the emotions a tangible thing.

  “The tattoos have darkened on your chest. They’re the same as those on your back.” Even she heard the wonder in her voice. Unable to resist, she ran a delicate finger across his pectoral muscle, following the curve of the tattoo.

  “Aw, hell. Do it again. Touch me.” Ry trembled and dragged her against his tense body before she had a chance to obey. The hard ridge of his cock pressed against her belly. The green scent of herbs swirled around them as they rubbed against each other. He dipped his head to claim her lips in a searing kiss, and she did nothing to stop him. Ry plundered, his tongue thrusting forcibly between her parted lips.

  She gripped his shoulders, holding tight to anchor herself in the storm of conflicting emotions rampaging through her body. She wanted this. She wanted him with a desperation that shocked her. They’d had sex throughout the night and still she wanted more of this wild, out-of-control feeling because it made her soar, made her forget.

  Ry grasped her hips and lifted her, backing her up. Her head clunked against cool metal but it didn’t halt their kiss. Pressed between the hard wall and his muscular body, she couldn’t do a thing except yield to his masculinity. Her pussy moistened, throbbing with emptiness. Camryn stroked her hand over his back, and he hissed at her touch. His cock pressed into her, and she felt the throb despite the layers of clothing. She wriggled, trying to get closer. Too hot. Her clothes were in the way.

  She gasped, inhaling the pungent herbal scent and musky arousal. More than anything, she wanted to feel her bare breasts dragging against his chest. His mouth on her skin. She smoothed her hand over his shoulder, glorying in his purr of pleasure.

  “Camryn.” Ry’s eyes glittered with lust. “I need you.” He gasped, his chest rising and falling rapidly. “I have to…hell, each time you move against my chest or touch my back I can’t think. I want to taste. I want to bite and mark your skin. Show that you belong with me.”

  The thick passion in his voice got to her. Lord help her, but she wanted that too. She couldn’t think, couldn’t format thoughts. All she could do was feel, crave more. With a shudder, she dipped her head to lick across the fleshy part of his shoulder. Her teeth grazed the fragrant skin, softly at first before she nipped sharply. At Ry’s snarl, her head snapped up but he pushed her mouth right back to where she’d bitten him. Reassured, Camryn lapped across his skin. It felt smooth and silky, his salty taste addictive.

  “What are you doing?” The sheer horror in the seer’s voice jerked them apart. “Stop right now.”

  “Go away,” Ry snarled.

  “I don’t think the two of you coupling is a good idea,” Mogens said in a stern, fatherlike voice. “The clouds warn it will bring change, things that can’t be corrected later.”

  A thick silence bloomed, and Ry released her. She slipped down his body to stand on her own feet, but still they touched, unwilling to break their connection. Camryn stared at Ry, the heat in his gaze telling her the interruption was a postponement. That’s all.

  She laughed weakly, giving away her nervousness. After a long pause she finally squirmed from between Ry and the wall. “I thought you were my father for a minute there.”

  She would have walked across the other side of the room except her legs wobbled. Ry grasped her arm before she fell. He tugged until their sides brushed and clasped her hand in his in silent reassurance. Together they faced Mogens.

  “The markings—they’re all over your chest.” His gaze speared to Camryn. “It’s you. You’ve caused this. Look, the cat tattoo on your arm has disappeared.”

  “I haven’t done anything.” The seer’s accusation had Camryn pressing against Ry. And she didn’t like the rapid shift of the seer’s color from pearl gray to thunder black. “It…it’s not me,” she finished on a firmer note, refusing to let the alien intimidate her.

  They needed her help. She was positive they’d do nothing to harm her because they required her to complete their mission. Or at least that was her hope.

  “Leave her alone,” Ry ordered.

  Camryn noticed the crew had returned, attracted by the raised voices.

  “They slept together,” Jannike said. “They didn’t spend the night hiding from Red Mumbers. They spent it horizontal, and she’s infected our captain with a disease.”

  The indignation in the woman’s voice brought trepidation. Camryn didn’t need an enemy and especially not a large Amazonlike female.

  “Butt out.” Ry’s uncompromising voice held warning.

  “She’s crew, Ry. She became crew the min we kidnapped her and brought her aboard the Indy. When did you change your rule about sleeping with crew?” Ry’s anger didn’t cow Jannike, which told her a lot about the man and the way he ran the ship. Despite the outlaw tag, he had honor and integrity.

  Camryn let out a soft sigh, realizing she trusted him.

  “I refuse to discuss the matter.” Ry’s voice didn’t encourage further debate. “Is everyone ready?”

  “All ready, Captain,” Jannike said, her stance as rigid as her voice.

  The flash of dislike in her eyes sounded a warning to Camryn. She’d trod on the other woman’s toes by grabbing Ry’s attention. Obviously the other woman considered Ry her property. When she glanced at the others, she saw a simil
ar expression from Kaya. Camryn suppressed a someone-walked-over-my-grave shiver, as her mother would have said.

  “Camryn and I will meet you at the tender,” Ry said.

  “Today,” Mogens said.

  Ry glowered at the seer. “In five mins. We need to collect clothes and weapons.”

  “I don’t have any clothes,” Camryn said.

  “I’ve packed apparel for you.” Kaya’s tone wasn’t any friendlier than Jannike’s.

  Camryn sighed again, a flash of hurt bringing anguish. This wasn’t her world. Her place was… Her thoughts trailed off in uncertainty. Where? Since Gabriel had died, she’d drifted like a riderless horse. She didn’t have a place to call home, not with her brother and his family and not here on the Indefatigable.

  “Five mins,” Ry repeated, his hard gaze slicing each of his crewmembers. After a slight hesitation, they moved, heading to the cargo bay.

  Ry took her hand and led her to his private quarters. After a swift, hard kiss on her lips, he turned away to pack a bag. He stowed several sets of clothes plus an assortment of weapons. That done, he grabbed a clean shirt and dragged it over his head. When he looked at her again, his eyes were dark green and full of fire. The heat stole her breath, pinning her in place when he prowled toward her.

  “I said five mins, and I mean to keep my promise, but I can’t go without marking you,” he said in a rough voice. “I need to stake a claim.” His bark of laughter held self-derision along with perplexity.

  Camryn understood his bewilderment. The need to touch him, to indelibly mark him blazed through her like a compulsion. She didn’t understand. Hell, she didn’t really want the male, but the sheer desire pulsing through her sex made her wonder if something alien inhabited her body.

  Ry nuzzled her neck and shifted aside the fabric of her borrowed shirt to lick her skin. The rough rasp of his tongue sent a tremor straight to her breasts, her clit. Her body throbbed wantonly. Yearned. Ry licked across the same spot in the opposite direction then without warning, he bit down. Sharp teeth sank into her flesh. Fiery pain brought tears to her eyes and she felt the warmth of blood. Her blood.