Page 5 of Surrender
He moved around her in a slow circle, taking in every curve of her body, from her shapely thighs to her firm, inviting breasts. The knee-length blue dress she wore hugged her in all the right places. As he finished another circle around her, he noticed the rapid rise and fall of her chest. His fingertips tingled with the urge to reach out and stroke her smooth flesh.
Fluxx, he had to touch her.
Merokk tilted her chin upward with one finger and caught her gaze in his. He inhaled deeply, breathing in more of her intoxicating human scent. So sweet, yet still so afraid.
“The only time you need to fear me, Betsy, is if you’ve done wrong. Try to relax.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I don’t even know you.”
“What do you want to know?”
She shrugged and tried to pull away, but Merokk captured her chin between his fingers, holding her in place. Her eyes darkened a shade, revealing a glimpse of rebelliousness that he would undoubtedly have to tame. His palm twitched at the prospect of smacking her quivering, bare bottom.
If she pushed him, he would not hesitate to discipline her.
Of all the marriages between Kall and humans, theirs was one of the most important, and he couldn’t allow the First Daughter to disrespect him, particularly in the company of others.
“I’ve been told this marriage will be in name only,” she said, “that it’s one of many such political alliances formed to heal the hurt between our worlds. Am I to understand I won’t see you often after the wedding ceremony?” The optimism in her voice gnawed on Merokk’s nerves and wounded his pride simultaneously, though he would never admit it out loud.
His jaw clenched, and his hands moved to grip her shoulders.
“I will be your husband and this marriage will be a traditional one,” he said in a deep rumbling tone. “You’ll see me often, Betsy, in and out of the bedroom.”
Shock registered on her face at his last ominous statement.
“But surely you prefer the company of your own kind. I would never demand you remain faithful to me. If you have a girlfriend or mistress or—”
“Enough!” He released her shoulders and put some space between them. He cursed inwardly in his own tongue.
Their first meeting wasn’t going quite as he’d expected, and his temper, fueled by his frustration over having to remain on Earth, was partly to blame.
“Our marriage will be consummated—tomorrow night. Whoever has been educating you about Kall customs is obviously not very knowledgeable. Arranged marriage or not, it’s disgraceful among my people to take another female on the side. We play around plenty before marriage—but never after.”
He paused to allow this information to sink in. Some Kall males killed their mates when they became bored or displeased, which allowed them the freedom to pair with another female, a practice known asushrina, but he wasn’t about to divulge that information to her. No sense causing her undue worry. He wasn’t that cruel.
“I’ve been with Earth women before, Betsy. Trust me. Our species are very compatible.”
Her shoulders sagged and she sighed. “I’m sorry. I was misinformed. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
The raw honesty in her voice tugged at his heartstrings, causing most of the anger to drain out of him. He found himself giving her a sympathetic smile, hoping to break the tension between them, and he moved forward, cupping her pretty face between his large hands. She trembled at his touch but didn’t attempt to pull away.
“I know we’re strangers, Betsy, but we will get to know one another.” His voice took on a more serious tone when he added, “I will expect you to obey me and respect my decisions. I know before the war you led a somewhat wild and indulgent life, but your behavior reflects upon me. I won’t tolerate mischief or disobedience in any form. Starting now. Do you understand?” He arched an eyebrow, waiting for her response.
Her soft expression abruptly hardened, her eyes flashing with obstinance as she said, “Yes, sir,” in a tone that was both sarcastic and defiant.
If she persisted in challenging his authority, she would soon discover firsthand just how a Kall husband dealt with a disobedient wife. He leaned closer, until their noses almost touched.
“Disrespect will not be tolerated,” he said in a scolding tone. “Unless you wish to feel my hand applied to your bare bottom, you will apologize.”
A look of disbelief fell over her and the fire in her eyes quickly dimmed. She drew in a deep breath. “I’m sorry,” she said, avoiding his gaze as she spoke.
“Not good enough. I want a proper apology.”
“I—I’m not sure what you mean. I said I was sorry.” Her eyes danced desperately around the room, as if she searched for an escape. But there would be no escape for her. Nor for him. They would be bound to one another for the rest of their lives.
“Get on your knees, little one.” He stepped back and watched the disbelief continue to play across her face. She would have to learn, one way or another, to be a good wife. An obedient wife. As her husband, it was his job to guide her with a firm but fair hand. It was the Kall way.
“Okay,” she finally whispered, sinking to her knees.
