Ravager's Redemption

Blurb

Book 3 of the Argadian Heart Trilogy. Ex-Tribunal Enforcer Daelyn Kapri hides a terrible secret. If discovered, it could destroy her chances at a new life. Alekos Andromeda is the only one who knows the truth. When Daelyn is called to save him, will it culminate in a love that was always destined to redeem them both?

Excerpt

He was still a handsome man. No wonder females flocked to his gates. It was not just his title, but the energy and power he exuded.

Unlike Odon, who had bled evil from every pore, this man was a dark soul cloaked in beauty, wooing the unsuspecting into his web far too easily.

He raised a hand to place it beneath her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. His eyes seemed to laser deep inside her, then she saw surprise reflected there. "You are drugged. The radiance of sex is manufactured. I would not have expected it from an experienced Enforcer. Who are you? You should have been able to project sufficiently to gain entrance past the guards."

She refused to answer him, continuing to hope she was buying enough time for the others to complete their tasks and get out of the compound. "Answer me," he barked and she flinched at the sudden change in attitude, his look hardening, demanding.

Inhaling deeply, she fought for composure. "My name is unimportant, Commander." He leaned closer. He was now near enough for her to almost reach out and taste his skin. Her shax convulsed as he pressed more intimately toward her. She refused to back away, to show fear.

His eyes roved over her face, his hands snaked out to grab her hips and draw her against him. She could feel the hardness of his erection again her body, felt the desire rise to the surface seeking release.

She fought its effect on her, refusing to give in, even though she was certain she could waylay him using sex for quite a sufficient period of time to allow the others to gain their freedom.

What he would do with her when it was over, she had no idea, but the purpose of her subterfuge was to turn his attention from them to her.

She licked her lips and attempted to soften her body, pressing closer to him. Reaching up, she cupped his face. "I have heard many stories of your expertise, Commander. I'm not sure who you are waiting for, but I am here now. The rebels gave me back my emotions, but I am no rebel. I have come to you for help."

She saw interest peak in his gaze, yet his eyes were still tinged with suspicion.

"Why should I believe a turned Enforcer about anything?"

She reached up to stroke the tips of her fingers along the contour of his face. Her Enforcer training should be good for something and the presence of the drug would at least help to make her efforts more believable.

"What have you to lose, Commander? I'm an unarmed female inside your compound surrounded by your guards. Show me how to feel the emotions I must mimic without the drug. Show me how to use them to help the Tribunal and I am all yours." He lowered his head and possessed her lips. Forcing her head back, he claimed her. She felt the heat rise inside her, consuming her. It was as though her body was a flame of arousal, which he stoked, adding fuel to the already roaring blaze. Remembering why she was there became more difficult in the need to assuage the flaring heat of lustful hunger. Lifting her hands, she stroked his back, along his hips, over his ass.

He was tight and hard, as firm as any younger male she had ever taken as an Enforcer in pursuit of her assignment. Yet this was different. Now her emotions were dangerously engaged and there was nothing she could do to stop the waves of consuming lust that enveloped her.

He lifted his head to look down at her. "You beg for this, do you not? You need it." He shifted away from her and she felt bereft by the distance he created. Her panting increased as she struggled for composure. Panic ensued as she felt him pull free of her. "P-please," she found herself begging.

What did it matter? She was here to hold his attention. She might as well gain something from it, some ease of her heat.

She saw him grin. It was a look of hard anticipation, an expectation of female entertainment. He leaned back against the desk and studied her as she stood trembling before him. She could only imagine the impression she made with her aura of sexual need and arousal more than evident, burning bright, pulsing as her body quivered.

He folded his arms across his broad chest. "Dance for me."

She blinked. "Here? Now?"

He nodded.

"But there is no music."

"Improvise, female. When someone such as you comes to me, I expect to be fully entertained with your feminine allure. Show me why I should fuck you. Show me why I should not just give you to my men."

She had no choice but to do as he demanded. If she should manage to get out of this alive, never, ever was she taking another drug that would alter her mind and body the way this one did. At least when she had no emotion, there could be no arousal or no shame at what she was required to do.

How had Eluria stood being a twilight companion for so many years? She'd been required to use the drug regularly in order to gain the trust of her companions and thereby information to help the rebellion.

Never more than right now did she admire Eluria's courage, her commitment to the rebellion and to Devon Andromeda. Never more than right now was she determined to do everything she could to facilitate their escape.

So she began to dance in slow, undulating movements meant to entice the man waiting for his entertainment.

Where this would all lead, she had no idea. She turned and lunged, lifted her tunic to display her legs, teasing the male, offering him just enough of a view to whet his appetite to see more.

"Stop," he commanded after what seemed like eons of time. She halted, out of breath and again stood before him. His gaze raked over her. "Remove the garment. I will see what you have hidden beneath the tantalizing covering.

Grabbing the edges of the robe, she lifted it, inch by slow inch, revealing her flesh to him, offering him tiny samplings of what she offered.

In encounters in the past, when she'd been an Enforcer, it was she who dominated the encounters. This meeting was far different from those. She had come here of her own free will, but in order to succeed, she must accede to his orders. How had such an immoral man sired a strong female such as Eluria Zydon. Her mother must have been quite a strong force in her life not to have been warped by the presence of the Commander.

Finally, she dropped the robe to the floor at her feet. Long moments passed as his gaze roamed over her body.

"Turn," he said in a low, guttural voice, dripping with lust.

She did as he asked, turning around in a complete circle, coming back to face him.

"Stroke your breasts."

A part of her rebelled against the action. But the part controlled by the drug eagerly sought to comply with the Commander's demand.

She brushed her hands across the top of each mound, over her hardened nipples, and cupped beneath them, displaying herself to him as he seemed to want.

He rose from the corner of the desk to walk toward her.