Which explained his commands. “I noticed you—”
“No interrupting,” he reminded her, raising his eyebrows. “As I say, orgasm control is good for both punishments and rewards. Obedience stems from the core of our sexual beings, so when I demand sex, my wife will respond accordingly.”
It was Jade’s turn to frown. When he spoke of rewards, she got it, understood how gifting somebody an orgasm was beneficial, but denying it, taking away the right to come freely—how could that instill obedience? “I’m not sure I can fulfill your wishes. Does that kind of training only work with people from your Stratum?”
Mason glanced away and for the first time, he looked uncomfortable with her line of questions. “I don’t know. I’ve not tried…”
“Try it on me,” she said impulsively, and then nipped her lip. What had she just gone and said? Try what on her—more punishments, more control and rules?
Too late. His face had lit up—he liked the idea. “It would mean additional rules, stringent expectations of good behavior. Regular spankings.”
She’d not done anything wrong! “Why would you do that if I’m being good?”
“For the purposes of maintaining your obedience. Nudity. Kneeling. Those kind of activities.”
The contrary mix of emotions continued to plague her. S
he wanted sex with Mason, she loved it. Every time she thought of what he might do to her, even those humiliating punishments, she tingled all over. However, she liked her freedom. Around her wrists and ankles were the metal bands—he’d not removed them.
“I’m still a fugitive. Your captive.”
The crux of the situation rose to the surface. He sat alongside her on the bed and grasped her hand between his.
“I’ve being lying here thinking. I’ve two more fugitives to capture, two of the most wanted in the sector, both of whom will bring me a considerable bonus. Sufficient for me to retire early. The problem is, as you know, this ship is not in great shape. I need you to keep things working. So this is what I propose.”
She waited, hanging on his every word. “Go on.”
“Follow my rules, stay under my protection, and be my engineer. Help me complete these missions, and,” he squeezed her hand tighter, “while we have the opportunity to spend time together we will determine if we are compatible.”
“And if I am?”
“I can’t promise anything, Jade. You’re special—something inside me has come alive when I’m with you. But, if I lie to the Federation, I’m in trouble. I’ll try to expunge any record of you being on this ship, but I can’t do anything about your arrest warrant.”
“Where will I go?”
“I’ll release you, hand in the three fugitives to the courts on Novador as I planned, then I’ll come find you.”
“Stealth needs major repairs.” She grieved for her ship.
“Something will have to be done about Stealth. If I arrive at Novador with it docked to my Titan, they’ll be questions to answer.”
“What if we’re not—” she didn’t want to think about it, “—compatible?” The word felt meaningless, it almost stuck in her mouth. She wanted to talk about love and friendship, not tests of her suitability.
“I’ll still let you go, if that is the case, but I won’t come back to find you.” Releasing her hand, he coiled his fingers around her neck and drew her closer. “Don’t worry. You’re the kind of brave girl who doesn’t give in easily, which may or may not work in my favor.” He chuckled. “I guess we’ll find out what it means to have a Malimor woman as a submissive.”
“I’m not obedient, Mason, not in the way you want me to be.” She rested her head on his shoulder and yawned. Parts of her ached and needed soothing with a hot shower and sleep.
“You’re going to surprise yourself, Jade. There’s something locked inside you and it’s a gift and you’ll want to share it with me. I can sense it when I touch you.”
“We’re not even from the same planet, never mind your Stratum, how can you know?”
He paused for a while, breathing deeply. “You’re not the first.”
She lifted her head and stared up at him. He seemed pensive. “What do you mean?”
“There was another girl, Lila. She was from a different Stratum and I felt there was something there, something between us, but I never got a chance to find out. She was taken away from me. I’ve not seen her since.”
“Do you love her?”