That’s why the look in Gallus’s eyes scares me… That – and how I feel so small and helpless in the shadow of these three, looming warriors.
I smile weakly at him.
“I was a fool. That merchant initially offered a good salary, food, lodging… But when I joined his household, I instantly knew something was wrong. He lived in a hotel, and the women who worked for him had pale faces and scared eyes. I…” I turn away, only half-acting when I’m unable to maintain Gallus’s gaze. “…I don’t want to talk about it.”
Varian narrows his eyes. “What was his name?”
I look over at Varian. He has obsidian hair, buzzed down until it’s barely stubble. He’s clean-shaven, and his eyes are sharp and intelligent. They pierce through me, and it scares me. It feels like he can look right into my soul…
…can he see what I’m hiding?
“Danib,” I lie. “He only gave a first name. It turns out he travels throughout the solar system – frequently to independent worlds. Somehow, I doubt my three-month contract would have ended with me remaining here.” I gulp theatrically. “Some of the girls working for him… They were far from home.”
Darr was the one who came up with this story. He knew how much the Aurelian Empire detest slavery, so the story of a merchant coming to a world that had banned the sale of human beings – yet who stole them away regardless – would touch a nerve.
Darr was right on the money.
Cyrus’ grin melts away instantly. “That bastard. I’ll find him.”
I shake my head. “He’ll be gone already. He’s a coward.”
They buy it.
I can see it in their eyes. They’ve fallen for the ruse, just like Darr said they would.
Maybe it’s because Aurelians have deeply protective instincts, especially towards women. Maybe it’s because all three of them are looking at me like they want to tear my clothes off, right here in this crowded café.
In truth, I think it’s a combination of the two…
Regardless, the Aurelians don’t suspect anything. I’m almost scared how easy this is.
“I want to say again – thank you.”
Gallus smiles kindly, and pulls his hand from mine.
“We gave that man enough money to cover six months of your service – but you’re not obligated to deliver. We paid that money to buy his life, not yours – so we wouldn’t have to kill him.”
I nod meekly.
“But I assume that means you’re looking for employment now.”
Again, I nod.
“Well,” Gallus murmurs. “You don’t have to work for us – but if you do, we can offer you comfort, food, shelter, and protection. Whatever you need.”
My heart races. It’s intimidating how quickly this is all falling into place. I’m resentful that Darr had predicted the Aurelian’s behavior so accurately.
“That’s very generous. I… I don’t know, though. I… I don’t want to join a harem.”
I lick my lips nervously. I have to play this part perfectly. Too eager, and they’ll see straight through me. Play too hard to get… and they’ll just accept my refusal.
I up the ante just a little: “If you’ll just let me go…”
Cyrus smiles, and he gets a mischievous glint in his eye.
“A beautiful woman like you would be the prize of our collection.” His eyes dance down my body, lingering on my breasts before they travel back up to my eyes.
I gulp, feeling butterflies in my stomach at his hungry gaze.
Varian sees what he assumes is my discomfort, and he slaps his battle-brother…
…just as the coffee arrives.
Instead of Cyrus’s face, Varian’s hand smacks the coffee pot right out of the waiter’s hand, and it flies into the air, deluging scalding, black liquid over Cyrus.
The towering Aurelian leaps from his seat, brushing the hot coffee from him, but he doesn’t even gasp in pain.
“I’m so sorry! I’m so sorry!” The waiter scuttles away, clearly terrified. He’s apologizing for Varian’s actions – and no doubt praying that these three intimidating aliens don’t tear his head off.
Moments later, the waiter returns - meekly offering Cyrus towels.
Much to his relief, the blond-haired Aurelian isn’t angry – not even with his battle-brother. Do the aliens even feel pain? Or are they just so strong they don’t let it affect them?
“Alright, alright, I deserved that,” laughs Cyrus. He turns to me, and murmurs: “But in all seriousness, Mia – we wouldn’t expect anything of you – not of that nature.”
Was I relieved…?
…or disappointed?
Cyrus continues: “I know you’ve probably heard… rumors about Aurelian harems – but you can just work for us, as a maid; as we paid for. We won’t expect anything more from you.” He winks. “Unless you want it.”
Varian digs his elbow into Cyrus’s ribs. The blond-haired alien barely grunts, but I know the force of the blow would have cracked a human’s ribs.
I barely notice, though. I’m replaying Cyrus’s words…
The rumors.
Oh, I’ve heard the rumors.
Women being fucked for hours at a time, by three huge Aurelian warriors, one after the other – or all at once!
Spankings… Harsh but delicious punishments… Relentless, powerful and frequent mating – like a breeding mare in heat.
I’m ashamed. My nipples harden instantly at the thought, and I feel a heat between my legs that I try desperately to ignore.
“Okay…” I avert my eyes – hoping they’ll assume I’m shy, and not wildly aroused. “We can try it – the work,” I clarify.
Cyrus chuckles.
Then, I finally work up the courage to meet their gaze. “Thank you,” I murmur, letting my meekness creep out in my voice.
It’s almost too easy. I feel myself getting my confidence back.
The first time I posed as a maid, to infiltrate a wealthy Sector 2 family, my heart was pounding like a drum in my chest for the entire first day.
The next day, though, everything had been routine – and then it had become so easy, I’d almost forgotten I was there to steal, and not just to clean.
It seemed impossible – what with three looming Aurelians to trick, and
