But God, her back was stunning. The floral markings he’d suspected were there traveled from the curve of her lower back, up her spine and spread out across her delicate shoulder blades. He wanted to trace them, follow them with his lips.
Jesus, Phoenix.She’s up for sale and scared out of her wits.He could see the hard tension in her shoulders and slight tremors in her slim legs. She was holding it together, but barely.
Good girl.Hang in there.
The bids were starting to die down. Unlike organized auctions on the central planets, not every bid was higher than the last. It was a mad, lawless jumble of crazed offerings—from money, treasure, even an interstellar ship.
A man in the front row raised a neatly manicured hand. “Five million e-creds.”
The crowd went silent. Big offer. Dathan studied the man. Some dandy dressed in a suit, vaal-skin boots, and a fancy silk vest. The woman at his feet knelt with her head down. Dark smudges covered her body.
No way. Dathan’s fingers curled around the arm of his chair.Big brother, I hope you’ve finished working your computer magic. Dathan didn’t raise a hand or his voice. “Six million e-creds.”
Now the small gathering gasped and heads swiveled in his direction. But he only had eyes for Eos.Don’t react, baby. Play it cool. He saw the slightest stiffening, then she relaxed.
The woman directing the auction peered up at him. God, he’d never seen such a direct gaze. She was experienced at sizing people up.
She took in his Rendarian tailored suit. The real thing cost a pretty penny, but this was a very clever knockoff he kept in his bag of tricks. It had gotten him out of—and into—a few tricky situations.
He let his gaze drift back to Eos. Let the slaver see his desire.
A small smile curled her lips. “Stranger, you may be new to the House of Taarn, but it looks like you just bought yourself a beautiful new slave.”
He stood and took his time coming to the front. Eos had turned and was watching him.
The woman met him. “I’m the Countess. This is my place.”
“Name’s Drake. I’m keen to sample my new purchase. You got a room I can have for a little while—” he let his gaze travel up Eos’ legs “—or a long while?”
“Certainly. On the house.” She held out a Sync. “After the transfer of funds is complete and verified.”
He thought he heard Eos make a small noise, but he ignored her and tapped a code into the screen. “That will take care of it.”
“Here you go.” The Countess held out a slim silver collar and chain. “House policy that all new acquisitions are collared. Many tend to be a little unruly.” She flashed a glance at Eos. “And I’m certain this one will. She injured one of my best guards.”
“Did she?”Well done, Eos. He kept his glee under wraps. “I’m certain all she needs is a firm master. Come here, sweetheart.” He unclipped the collar and held it out.
She balked and stepped backward. He tried to tell her with his eyes to stay calm. He held out a hand.
“I won’t hurt you. Unless you want me to.”
Now her golden eyes burned with fire. She stepped closer and set her hand in his. She let him close the collar around herneck, although her fingers tightened hard on his. He helped her down off the dais.
“This way.” The Countess led them down a long hall. Numerous doors led off the hall and huge screens showed nude females in a number of tantalizing poses.
Most of the doors were closed, but one they passed was ajar. A man sat on a large chair while a naked woman rode him hard. His large cock moved in and out of her. Dathan glanced away and felt Eos’ fingers flex on his.
“Here we go.” The Countess opened a door with a flourish and waved them inside.
It was decorated in rich burgundy and golds. Metal scrollwork that reminded him of Eos’ mehndi covered the walls. A large four-poster bed dominated the room.
He ushered Eos inside and gave the Countess one brisk nod. “Thank you.”
“For six million, you areverywelcome.”
He slammed the door in her face. When he turned, he was blindsided by a fist to the jaw.
“Jesus.” He slammed into the wall.
