Hysterian made his way deeper into the hollowed-out halls of the port, lit up by neon signs, smoke, and the occasional exhaust outlet. Hecklers for wares called out to him while exotic scents, mixed with chemicals, invaded his nose.
Ahead, he saw the first strip of pink lights indicating the district change. The crowd wasn’t nearly as big here as it was near the main shops.
He came to a stop in front of a giant, pink neon heart. A partially naked dancer swayed within it. She wore braids of shimmery white lingerie, that reflected the pink glow of the lights.
When she realized Hysterian was watching her, she bent forward and blew him a kiss. Her nipple slipped out.
This was the type of woman he needed. Someone without shame. Someone who wasn’t easily offended, and knew the lascivious dance between a man and a woman. He wasn’t interested in an inexperienced woman. Damsels in white gowns, the kind who needed saving, were better off being saved by a man who wasn’t him. His patience was limited. His ability to be gentle almost didn’t exist at all.
Hysterian rubbed his chest where Alexa had rested her brow. She was better off seeking comfort elsewhere, even with Raul.
His jaw ticked. Anyone but Raul.
It was bad enough knowing that Alexa had kissed him, really kissed him, when Hysterian was desperate for the brush of her lips and fingers on him. He hated Raul, was jealous of Raul, and he wanted Raul’s blood in a jar for that reason alone.
Hysterian was created by some of the best minds, the best tech in the universe, and he couldn’t even have someone like Alexa? He twisted the wristcon on his arm and swiped some credits toward the dancer.
Pink hearts filled the smoky air above her head to shower down upon her. She danced amongst them. He smirked.
“Thank you,” she purred, lifting her arms above her head. “Would you like to meet me inside?”
Hysterian powered off his wristcon. “I have an appointment.”
The dancer pouted. “Too bad.”
“Too bad.”
He couldn’t take her up on the meeting even if he wanted to. She was a human. He couldn’t touch her.
If he could…he’d be fucking Alexa right now, and wouldn’t be here at all.
Hysterian turned toward the entrance as a group of men took his spot. Pink hearts flashed around him as he shoved the drapes of cloth aside to head in. Thick incense enveloped him. The bustle of the port disappeared as the cloth settled back into place behind him. The brothel was dimly lit, with pink, red, and purple cloth draped over every wall and every table. Pillows were scattered across the floor, surrounding little tables where some patrons sat and drank and fondled the females entertaining them.
He went straight for the headmistress, an Amazon of a woman smoking a hookah with several others behind the entryway counter. Hooded eyes met his when she looked at him. Smoke trickled from the sides of her mouth.
She rose and sauntered to him. There was a deep scar on her chin, sectioning off part of her face. It didn’t distract from her appeal, though, instead enhancing it. Hysterian would bet a hefty amount the headmistress accepted clientele—if they were willing to pay enough for her attention. Her enormous breasts alone were a young man’s wet dream.
“How can I help you today, honey?” she asked.
“I have an appointment.”
“Of course you do.” Her eyes slid down his body. “Who’s it with?”
“Your most expensive bot.”
She smiled. “Ah, so you’re the Cyborg. I thought you might be. Right this way.” She turned and swayed her way down a passageway off to the left, past the tables and pillows, and into a dimly lit corridor hidden behind even more drapes of cloth. She lifted them and waited for him to pass through and join her.
Behind him, the sounds of the port rose in volume for a split second, indicating the arrival of another. Hysterian glanced behind him and stopped.
It was Raul.
“You coming sweetheart? She’s waiting for you,” the headmistress said, and hummed. “Just about in a frenzy for you.”
Raul let out an appreciative whistle as he looked around the brothel. When he was about to turn toward Hysterian, Hysterian stepped into the corridor only to shift the cloth aside to watch his subordinate.
Of course Raul would be here. There were other places like this brothel on Libra, but not as well known or discreet. Hysterian had seen the man jerk his dick right out in the open, yards away from where Alexa was sleeping, where she could’ve seen him if she’d left her quarters.
Hysterian’s hands clenched.
