Oath Of Seduction: Seducing Sharon Read online

  However, the facades of the dwellings had wonderful carvings decorating them. They depicted landscapes of lush vegetation. The glow seemed to make them more alive, more beautiful.

  Most of the dwellings had plants growing around the buildings. The large leaves were a light yellow, but with flowers of red and delicate pink. There were black walkways leading to the entrance of each building. She would have expected grass yards around the walkways, but instead there was a lush carpeting of some blanketing foliage. It had tiny pink flowers in contrast to the creamy white of the dense leaves. It was strange, but also strangely beautiful.

  Liken smiled, pleased with her appreciation of his home. “Thank you,sherree. It is like this always. The temperature rarely varies. We do not have the seasons here as you have on Earth.”

  He began to walk with her along the black central walkway between the two rows of dwellings. He took her hand in his, but she pulled it back after only a few seconds and pointed out a nearby plant. He did not reach for her hand again. As they walked, she asked questions about the different plants and dwelling carvings. He answered her questions easily, although he did shrug with laughing ignorance when she asked for the names of some of the flowers.

  They passed several couples strolling hand in hand, most of them Shimerian males with Earth females. The couples were distantly friendly, calling out greetings as they passed. She could tell that they knew Liken and by their admiring glances could tell that he was well liked. He avoided lengthy introductions by keeping them moving, responding in a friendly manner that didn’t encourage further conversation.

  When they were alone again, she continued to pepper him with eager questions. As they talked, she lost some of her guardedness and began to relax with him. When Liken casually took her hand in his this time, she merely smiled and kept talking.

  He was surprised at the simple pleasure he took in her company. Her enthusiasm and curiosity were a delight. She had a bright, inquisitive mind. As he answered her questions, he found himself charmed.

  Sharon had a sudden thought. “Where are we going? I mean, I know you said lunch with your brother, but are we eating at his house? Does he live near here?” Tilting her head up at him, her hand still trustingly in his, she asked, “Do we have to go through a portal?” Her enthusiasm waned a little. She wasn’t eager to travel through another portal.

  He shook his head. “This city is called Glowen’da. We live close to the city center. There is a public eatery there where we will meet my brother. He lives in Karten’sha. It is a quick trip through the western portal. Knowing your love for portals, I asked him to meet us here today.” His gaze was teasing.

  She smiled in relief. “I know portals are commonplace here, but I’d like to get used to them gradually if you don’t mind. Walking into that blackness feels like stepping off a cliff and hoping there’s something to catch you below. You probably don’t think twice about it anymore, but it’s a little eerie to me.”

  Tugging her hand, he pulled her close and gave her a hug. “I know there is a lot of change for you,sherree. Just remember that I am here at your side.” Giving her one last squeeze, he released her and pointed toward a group of buildings a couple of blocks away. “There is the eatery. It is calledJerlanks.”

  The building looked much like the surrounding office buildings. Much larger than private dwellings, each building had a carving on the outside that effectively demonstrated its function.Jerlanks had a large carving of people eating and drinking, some heads tossed back with laughter, like a large party was occurring within its walls.

  Walking faster now, they reached the building in very little time. As they entered through the archway, Sharon saw a large dining area filled with square tables. Looking around the room, she was struck by the large number of males present. There were about ten women, all with male companions.The women were all wearing thin outfits similar to hers.The rest of the tables, maybe twenty-five or thirty, were crowded three or four to a table with men.

  As she and Liken paused to scan the room, a noticeable hush descended. Feeling as if every eye in the room was on them, she hoped Liken located his brother fast. She was extremely conscious of male eyes lingering on the prominent thrust of her nipples beneath the blouse. As a man stood at one of the back tables and motioned to them, she followed Liken in relief.Conversation again resumed around themas they threaded their way through the tables.

  Approaching Liken’s brother, she noticed immediately that he was the good-looking guy who had given Kate a hard time. Liken nodded his head at the man.He smiled even as his voice comfortably teased,“Sharon, my brother, Tair. Do not let him charm you.” His voice filled with pride as he introduced them more formally. “Tair,this ismy pactmate, Sharon.” Gesturing toward Tair, he said,“Sherree, you remember Tair. He was present at our Oath ceremony.”

  It was easy to believe they were brothers. Both had the same powerful build, although Tair was a little leaner. His dark hair was longer than Liken’s hair, with more curl to it. The arrogant stance and charisma were identical, though. Duel heartbreakers, she decided. She gave him the beginnings of a shy smile.

  Smiling warmly in response, Tair took her hand in his and said, “Welcome, Sharon. It is a pleasure to meet my future link. Liken doesn’t deserve you, but he was ever lucky.”

  Sharon smiled back helplessly. She had no idea what he meant by link, but he really was charming. “It’s nice to meet you, too. Although you’re really jumping the gunsince we only took the oath yesterday.” She added quickly, “We still have three weeks to decide if we’re compatible.”

  Tair arched a questioning eyebrow in Liken’s direction at her comment, and a silent message passed between the two men.“Ahhh. My apologies. Apparently my brother has not worked his magic on you yet.” His eyes were amused.

  When Liken lightly hit his arm, the amusement only grew. “Please sit with me.” With an easy gallantry that reminded her of Liken, Tairpulled out a chair and motioned for her to sit.

  Taking a seat to his left as he gestured, she saw Liken sit down in one beside her. They were each sitting on one side of the square table. She felt dwarfed between the two men.

  Looking over at Tair, she said quite innocently, “You must be the one with magic. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone leave Kate speechless before. She’s used to getting her way. I was impressed at the oath yesterday.”

  Tair laughed. “Well, I can believe she would be a worthy challenge to any opponent at any game. She was quite fierce in her protection of you.”

  Suddenly swamped with missing her friend, Sharon’s smile dimmed. “Yes, she is. She’s a very loyal friend.”Images of the good and bad times she had shared with Kate flashed through her mind. She wished fiercely that she could see her friend and tell her what had happened so far.

  Sensing her longing, Tair placed his hand over hers. He sought to reassure her, although he couldn’t quite contain a secretive smile at the knowledge that the two friends would be together sooner than either of them could imagine. “Sharon, you will always have her friendship. You will be together with her again. You have my oath.”

  Shrugging off her sudden mood, she attempted to lighten the tone of the conversation. With a brisk nod of her head, she said, “Of course. It’s only three weeks. I’m just used to having her around to try to arrange my life. Kate has very definite ideas on making your own happiness.”

  Her smile widening into a grin, she said, “she just happens to think she knows the best way for everyone to go about it.’Her grin slowly turned into a chuckle.

  Tair’s eyes were dark with appreciation. “Yes, I believe she does. That confidence is very apparent. I doubt she gets surprised very often.”

  Sharon laughed. “The horrible part is she’s usually right. Of course, it was her bright idea that got me into this… situation… in the first place.” The memory of a much younger Kate urging her to sign passed through her mind. With a shake of her head at their youthful naiveté, she glanced towar
d Liken.

  Liken was smiling. “So I have Kate to thank for my good fortune. For that I owe her much. Perhaps she will be rewarded in the future for her good deed.” He shot a sidelong glance at Tair.

  Tair’s eyes held a promise. “I have no doubt she will.”

  At that moment a man appeared, asking if they were ready to state their selections. Sharon gave Liken a questioning look. He said to her, “If it pleases you, I will select for you. I know you are not yet familiar with the foods here.”

  He was certainly being careful about appearing domineering. Giving an assenting nod, Sharon listened as he ordered. Nothing was familiar, but she hoped for the best.

  After the waiter disappeared, Liken turned to Sharon. “Forgive me,sherree, but I need to ask Tair about something.”

  He turned to Tair. “What is happening with Bek?”

  As Tair filled him in, Sharon realized they were discussing one of his work cases. Tair must be a cop, too, from the way he talked. As the waiter brought them their food, conversation around the table turned to lighter topics.

  Tair asked how she had enjoyed her time on Shimeria thus far. Fighting off a vivid memory of their activities on the couch that morning, Sharon felt her cheeks warm. Her enthusiastic response to his caresses still mortified her. Making a polite response, she avoided Liken’s knowing gaze.

  Quickly, Sharon began complimenting the food. As they told her the name of each dish, she asked questions and spoke enthusiastically of the beauty of the neighborhood. Both men made an effort to keep her entertained and at ease. Many times, masculine heads turned at the sound of her laughter during the meal.

  Lunch passed quickly. Tair finally said regretfully, “I have enjoyed this time much, but I cannot stay longer. I must report back to my command.” His signaling nod brought the waiter immediately. The waiter took his ID card and disappeared into the other room. Coming back almost immediately, he handed the card back to Tair with polite thanks. Tair stood and gave a little bow toward the two of them. “Please stay and enjoy. I have paid for all of us.”

  Liken made a noise of protest, but Tair overruled him. “It is my right as link of the oath couple.” Offering a slap to Liken’s shoulder, he said, “Guard her well, brother. Else some sneaky male might steal this delight.” With a wink at Sharon, he left.

  Liken’s smile was rueful as he heard Sharon laugh. “Charm in abundance, I know. Should I worry he has swayed you with his tricks?” His eyes were teasing.

  “Maybe. He’s pretty smooth.” Her smile was flirtatious. “Not jealous of big brother, are you?”she asked with false innocence.

  He shook his head. “He might make you laugh,sherree, but you are mine in the end. Besides, that surface charm covers steel. He can be very ruthless. He took great pains to set you at ease. I appreciated it. I trust my brother.”

  His eyes took on a hard gleam as they swept the restaurant. His voice matched his eyes as he said quietly, “I am not so tolerant of others.”At his look and words, several of the men who had been eyeing Sharon quickly turned away.

  Sharon was surprised to hear the conversation around her dip and then pick up volume again. Then she remembered the Shimerian hearing. A little part of her perked up at his jealousy. He was publicly stating his claim. His heart might not be vulnerable, but he was feeling possessive. It was a start.If he could feel jealousy, those feelings could deepen over time. Love might be possible.Feeling a little lighter, she asked, “What do we do now?” Almost immediately she realized she would probably get some embarrassing answer.

  Although his eyes gleamed, he merely said courteously, “I thought I would show you the city. “ She nodded her assent eagerly. Going back to the house would put them in intimate territory. She wasn’t ready to tangle with him again. Of course, she couldn’t put it off indefinitely.

  Chapter 6

  The rest of the day, they exploredGlowen’da.As they walked around the city, Sharon realized the similarities to Earth. The contact and constant flow of travelers between the two planets were slowly blending the cultures. Although the landscape was alien, there was a familiarity she felt as she walked and asked questions.

  She was surprised as well by how much she and Liken had in common. They had both lost their parents at a young age. They both enjoyed reading and similar types of music. As they went from place to place, there was a strange sense of comfort between them. Liken surprised her with his enthusiasm. He seemed to be having a good time just being with her, seeing things through her eyes. It was flattering.

  Inevitably, after a time, Liken turned them toward home. Sharon’s feet and legs were beginning to feel the effects of an afternoon spent walking. When they reached the house, Sharon felt her earlier tension begin to return. Turning quickly toward the bedroom, she said, “I’ll just rest a while.”

  Liken stopped her with a hand on her arm. “You can rest in here,sherree.”

  She looked away from him. Her eyes lighted on the couch and she immediately took a step back. “I don’t think so.”Their conversation after the Oath ceremony, when he said he could repeat any intimacy, flashed through her head.

  Turning her into his arms, he said, “I had hoped we made progress this afternoon. Why do you still fear me?”

  She looked into his face. He seemed honestly perplexed. “I’m not afraid of you. I just think we should take things slowly, that’s all.”In fact, she was hoping they could put off any form of intimacy for several days…or more. She needed time.

  A dawning understanding passed over his face. “I think I see. You do not fear me. You fear yourself.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.” She felt the first stirrings of anger.

  “Very well,then. You fear your response to me.” He sounded understanding, but his face was hardening. He was growing frustrated with her.

  Sharon said, “I don’t want to fight. I just want you to leave me alone for awhile.”It was time to put more distance between them, if she could.

  “This I will not do.” His voice was firm. “You are trying to retreat. You hide from me but more…you hide from yourself. You want me just as much as I want you. You are bound to honor your oath. This is our knowing period. What we do is expected.”

  “I didn't expect it, okay?” Her voice was rising. “I’m tired of you throwing duty in my face. I know what I vowed. Theoretically, I guess just skipping off planet and having sex with a strange alien guy is supposed to be easy. But it’s not. I’m not casual. The two guys I was with before may not have been heroes, but they were decent guys that I cared about. You want me to just get naked and have sex with you like it’s easy. It’s not. I’ve never been with someone like you. You make me feel…” her voice faltered.Sharon suddenly realized that she was afraid of how he made her feel.

  “Out of control? Hot? Overwhelmed?” he suggested huskily.

  Sharon paused at his words, and thinking quickly, nodded.“Okay fine. All of those things.” She didn’t like where this discussion was going.

  “Is that so bad,sherree? The attraction between us is intense. It is our fortune. You say you do not like feeling out of control, but I know sexually, it makes you hot. I know seeing you that way makes me hot. You may not be comfortable and safe like in your controlled world, but you like what I say to you. You like what I do to you. I would wager that right now you are wet from my words. Mayhap you need to learn that there is no harm in giving up control. That you are safe with me.”

  He was right, but she didn’t like admitting it. She was wet from his words. She blushed knowing her tightened nipples were obvious against the thin barrier of her top. There was no way he could fail to notice her obvious arousal. Her body was betraying her.

  Liken could see and sense how affected she was by his words and presence. He reached out and ran his hands along the sides of her body in one slow stroke.Sharon tried to move away, but he merely picked her up and carried her to the couch. Coming down on top of her, he again pinioned her hands as he had earlier.

  P
eering into her face, his voice brooked no argument, “I will not take you tonight. I will bring you to peak with my hands and my mouth on this couch until we grow hungry. We will eat the evemeal with you in my lap, my hands on your body. Then we will return to this couch. You will come for me,sherree. You will ache and come and ache for more. You will get used to this hunger between us. Your comfort with me will be assured. But know this, tomorrow there will be no clothing between us. You will not hide behind the safety of your inhibitions. I am a Shimerian male. We are highly sexual, dominant beings. I will not pretend otherwise. To truly know me, you must be willing to know yourself.” Somewhat angrily, his mouth came down on hers.

  His hard kiss gradually gentled into teasing caresses. As she responded with less reluctance and more enthusiasm, he left no part of her untouched. The feel of his hands and mouth through the thin barrier of her clothes was excruciating.

  The next hours were unbelievable. He was relentless. Using his hands and mouth, he brought her to climax after climax. As he had promised, he never removed her clothes. Even sitting at the table, eating, one hand always roamed her body. Leaning back against his chest, she accepted bites of food, as she arched into the fingers tweaking her nipple or gliding between her legs.

  Later, back on the couch, her body grew exhausted. When he finally sat up and moved away from her, she felt like there wasn’t a nerve on her body that hadn’t been stroked. She was swollen, her breasts tender. Between her legs, she throbbed and felt a pulsing awareness of him with every beat of her heart.

  Looking into his harsh countenance, she marveled at his control. He hadn’t lost it once. It was frightening. His face was lined with the costs of his effort, but he had certainly made his point.

  Early on, her defenses had toppled. She had eagerly sought his caresses, even encouraged them. He had given her pleasure after pleasure, but always stopped short of removing her clothing. He had a deeply ingrained sense of honor. He hadn’t misused her or gone back on his word. She couldn’t pretend to herself any longer. She did know a lot about this man. She did want him. She couldn’t fight both him and herselfany longer.