Page 14 of Brute's Mate

His scowl deepens. “Climbed through the tubes.”

“You took a ladder from Deck Sixteen all the way here?” I feel my eyes grow huge. I didn’t know Darrvasons could move so quickly, and it frightens me. He’s not even slightly winded.

“I did.” He sucks in a long breath and his nostrils flare wider. It might be comical if he wasn’t so angry. If I wasn’t a little frightened of him. I recall his comment about taking a strap to my bottom and a shiver rushes through me even as heated pulses quake between my thighs.

“Are you mad because I didn’t hold the elevator for you?”

His eyes flash, and he practically drags me down the corridor to one of the many alcoves that contain a viewscreen, his grip so tight on my arm, I fear it’ll leave bruises. At least no one is around to witness him manhandling me, though maybe it would be better if there were witnesses. The corridors that house Founders, their descendants, and other wealthy residents of theJansonnaare among the least traveled on the ship. He shoves me onto a bench and slides in next to me. He angles his body toward mine, blocking me from the view of anyone who might happen by.

“I told you not to walk alone through the corridors,” he says in a menacing tone.

“I wasn’t alone. Far from it,” I quip. “I had a big overbearing Darrvason following me the whole time.”

“If I hadn’t witnessed you leaving your quarters and then decided to follow you to the medical bay, would you have gone alone?” he asked.

“Yes.” I lift my chin. “Yes, I would’ve. You need to stop stalking me. Don’t you have any hobbies? I recommend painting. Maybe there’s a tortured artist inside you just waiting to get out.” I almost laugh at my own joke, but the rage glittering in his eyes sends another cold rush of fear skittering down my spine. But it also makes my core clench with pulsating heat, and I can’t resist the urge to press my thighs tightly together.

He grasps my chin, and his gaze falls briefly to my lips. My heart thunders in my ears. Oh God, is he going to kiss me? My libido does a little dance, and time slows to a stop as I wait and watch, uncertain whether I hope he presses his lips to mine. In the end, he doesn’t. He continues my scolding instead.

“Now more than ever it’s important that you travel in groups. Better yet, don’t go anywhere unless I’m there to escort you. It’s not safe and you should know better. You should heed my warnings.”

“Now more than ever?” My heart hasn’t ceased its rapid beating, though I feel like a fool for thinking he was about to kiss me. “Because I can’t get a hormone suppression shot?”

“Yes.” He appears like he’s about to say more, but then he presses his lips together in a firm line. A long moment passes, and he doesn’t release my chin. “Swear to me you willobey. Promise you won’t travel anywhere without my escort.”

“I promise I’ll be careful, Officer Brute, but I’m not going to swear to obey you. That’s ridiculous. You’re not my… mate.” A heated flush takes over my body, and I almost lean closer to him.

His eyes dilate. “If you were my mate,” he asks with a small quirk of his lips, “would you be an obedient female? Or would you sometimes require correction?”

All the air rushes from my chest, and for a full minute, I can’t form words. I stare at him with bated breath, knowing I should be furious at him for the strange, high-handed comments, but also unable to help the desire thrumming in my core.

Yes, it’s desire, raw and primal, and I can’t seem to stop it.

Awakeningis an apt word for what I’m experiencing, because for the first time in my life, I feel truly alive.

He lowers his face until his lips are but an inch from mine. “Would you submit to me if I had to punish you, female? Would you willingly place yourself over my lap and allow me to redden your buttocks? Or would I have to force you? Would I have to restrain you before I bared your bottom and gave you the spanking you deserved?”

A shaky breath escapes my parched throat, and I can’t help but squirm in my seat. My pussy is throbbing so hard, I’m almost tempted to reach between my thighs and rub myself. I feel urgent and achy and needy, and I don’t know whether I ought to punch Brute in the nose or press my lips to his.

I don’t understand why his threats to punish me, and his rather colorful descriptions of the act, make me tremble with desire. I should be outraged by his comments, not quaking with need. I should be attempting to leave the alcove and screaming for someone to please come save me from the big, bad perverted Darrvason. But I don’t call out for help.

“I know you’re wet, Jenny. I can smell your arousal.” A lustful growl emanates from his muscular chest. “Nothing would bring me greater pleasure right now than to spread you out on a bed and lick you between your thighs. Tell me, female, have you ever touched yourself? Have you ever brought yourself to a climax? I’ve read that humans can climax just as Darrvasons can.”

“Climax?” My voice comes out as a whimper. “I-I don’t know what that means.”

He peers over his shoulder, as though to make certain no one is around. Then he grabs the curtain that hangs above the alcove and closes it, sealing us in. All alone. Anyone who walks by will think someone is seated in the alcove enjoying the view or maybe reading quietly.

“I’m going to touch you, Jenny,” he says in a deeper than usual voice, “and I’m going to show you what I mean. I’m going to give you that release your body so desperately craves.” Before I can protest, he lifts me and sets me on his lap.

I gasp at the feel of his huge, hard appendage beneath my bottom. Why is it hard? Is it supposed to be like that? Why am I so curious and why oh why am I experiencing the urge to grind myself down on his lap?

My breath hitches and I squirm, unable to help myself. I grasp his shoulders and wiggle on his lap. He clutches my upper arms and hisses through his teeth, and I freeze, worried I’m causing him pain.

“Sorry,” I murmur. “Am I hurting you?”

“No, not in the slightest.” His eyes darken, and before I can utter another word, he finally, at long last, presses his lips to mine.

It’s my first kiss, and I’m not sure what I’m doing. Then it hits me that maybe it’s Brute’s first kiss too, if females are so scarce among his people. His lips are surprisingly soft, and he tastes like honeyed tea and mints with a hint of something spicy I can’t place.

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