Page 5 of Warped

“Shall we?”

I hesitate for a moment, taking in the sight of the ship standing dormant before me. I can’t help thinking about all the things that will happen to me inside that ship. Dirty, shameful things. The kind most women don’t even dare to dream about. I’m going to be used and shared by two men I barely even know. One of them I haven’t even met yet. But if I step inside that ship, I will meet him. Then I’ll have sex with him—withbothof them—over and over again.

I won’t lie, there’s a part of me that wants to run away screaming, but I can’t do that. I have to go through with this. My very survival depends on it.

Not to mention the fate of an entire planet.

I nod and follow Rek up the ramp.

CHAPTER 3: BINX

The lowest level of the ship is a cargo hold, and it’s filled with stacks upon stacks of metal crates. The ones on the bottom are magnetically latched to the floor, and the ones on top are latched to the crates beneath so nothing will shift during flight. They are filled, Rek tells me, with all manner of luxury goods bound for the distant planet of Caldera.

“Mostly wine,” he explains. “The climate on Caldera isn’t suited for cultivating grapes, but that hasn’t stopped the expanding population from wanting a nice glass of Cabernet from time to time. So, somebody has to ship it to them.”

“And that somebody is you.”

Rek places a finger under my chin and tilts my face up toward his. Then he gives me a smile that almost melts me where I stand.

“That somebody isus,” he says. “For the duration of this voyage, you’re as much a part of the crew as me and Traven. We wouldn’t be able to do this without you, Binx. I mean that.”

My heart starts pounding hard. Maybe it’s because this is the first time Rek has touched me like that. Or maybe it’s because I’m thinking about mydutiesas a crew member.

I say, “I just hope I can do a good job.”

Rek brushes his thumb lightly across my bottom lip.

“You’re going to be perfect, sweetheart. I can tell.”

Well crap. So much for my panties. I’m just glad I have a heavy trench coat covering my chest so Rek can’t see the sudden stiffness in my nipples. Not that it really matters, I suppose. He’s going to be seeing that soon enough. Plus a whole lot more.

For a moment, I think he might lean down and kiss me, and the thought sends a rash of goosebumps rippling over my skin. Then I remember the rules stated on WarpSeekers.com. This is supposed to be a strictly professional engagement. As such, all romantic contact has to wait until we’ve passed through the Warpgate.

After that, all bets are off.

“Come,” Rek says. “Let me show you the rest of the ship.”

He takes me by the hand and leads me over to the side of the cargo hold. There’s a metal staircase curving along the inside of the hull. I follow him up it.

The next two levels are much like the first, filled with row upon row of stacked-up metal crates. It’s difficult to tell from the inside, but it seems like almost two-thirds of the ship is reserved for cargo.

After that, we arrive at the living area.

It’s a big, circular space structured around a central pillar. There’s a kitchen area with a large pantry, an enormous, fully-stocked fridge, and a massive island of brushed steel. Nearby stands a dining table big enough for seven or eight people. More than enough room for a crew of three. Beyond that, there’s an extensive workout area with weights, punching bags, and cardio equipment. And finally, a lounge area with big, comfortable looking couches and chairs.

I was expecting cramped quarters and minimal amenities.Thisis a pleasant surprise.

“Looks great,” I say.

“We like to travel in comfort,” says Rek. “Now let me show you the bedroom.” A faint smile shades the corner of his mouth. “That’s where we’ll be spending most of our time, after all.”

I follow him upstairs with my heart in my throat.

The living area exceeded my expectations, but the bedroom takes my breath away completely. It occupies an entire level of the ship, and it’s shaped like a rounded triangle. The ceiling is high, well over twenty feet, and the slightly slanted walls are lined with imager screens that are currently displaying a panoramic view of an ocean, complete with a blue sky and white, fluffy clouds. Hidden speakers fill the air with the gentle lapping of waves and the distant cry of gulls. The scene is so realistic, I can virtually smell the sea breeze.

It is the bed, however, that really draws my attention.

The circular mattress dominates the center of the room like a massive birthday cake iced in creamy white satin and decorated with a bunch of berry-red pillows. It looks big enough to sleep a family of ten—more than enough room for a single woman and two big, Warp-touched males.

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