For the rest of the week, Sharon tried to keep an open mind. She wasn’t sure that she believed the whole destined mate theory, but she was willing to give it a chance. Her attraction to Liken was more powerful than anything she could ever have imagined. Maybe they could love each other. She didn’t like the idea of leaving Earth, but she decided to consider what living on Shimeria could mean. Maybe they could be happy together. Liken had taken great pains to show her the advantages of a life on Shimeria with him. Each day, he took her on explorations of his home world. They went to museums, restaurants, and even shopping.
The “commerce centers” as he called shops were especially fun. Her face heated and she felt the warmth of desire wash over her as she remembered that trip. It had started out innocently enough when he asked if she would enjoy some shopping. They had wandered into a commerce center in the business district. Walking into the feminine shop, she thought he looked out-of-place and adorable as he seriously considered the women’s clothes.
The shop had a range of colors and sizes, but the outfits were pretty similar to the ones she wore. Like most shops on Earth, the clothing hung from racks. Sharon spied a female clerk toward the back of the shop and was surprised to note that she was human. She was tall and thin, with her blonde hair pulled back into a classic bun. The female clerk came forward, eyeing him appreciatively. “May I assist you,Isshalee?”
Sharon bristled a little at her tone and look, but Liken appeared not to notice. He answered her seriously, “My pactmate would like to purchase some garments. It must be something special, to match her beauty.”
Reluctantly turning her attention to Sharon, the clerk studied her thoughtfully for a moment. “I am sure that we can find something for you,Isshal.” Walking over to a rack filled with outfits, she drew out a halter of shimmering blue, with a very short skirt and panties to match. “I believe this will complement your eyes and fair complexion quite well.”
Sharon studied the length doubtfully. “I don’t know. It looks a little short.” It certainly didn’t look like something a librarian would wear on Earth.
Liken laughed. “I believe it will look incredible on you,sherree. Why don’t you try it on?” He wanted to see her expression when she saw herself in the outfit. Even more than her expression, he wanted to see her long legs and full breasts in that little shirt and short skirt.
Nodding uncertainly, Sharon agreed. She was trying all kinds of new things these days. She might as well go with the flow. Following the clerk into a back area of the shop, she saw that there were a series of buttons along the wall about every six feet. As the clerk pushed one, the section slid back to reveal a dressing room.
Sharon walked in and turned to get the outfit from the clerk. She was stunned to find Liken right behind her, holding the outfit. He walked through and the section slid shut behind him. She asked, “What are you doing in here?”
Liken lifted a brow. He thought it was obvious. “I’m here to watch you try on the outfit,sherree.”
She watched him place the clothes on a hook in one wall and then sit in a chair in the far right corner. There were no mirrors to be seen. This planet was bizarre. “You mean they don’t have mirrors here? I’m just supposed to rely on your opinion?”
He laughed. Pressing a button on the wall next to the chair, Liken waited for her reaction. Her astonished expression as the hologram emerged was priceless.
Sharon was staring at a three-dimensional hologram of herself. As she moved, the image moved with her, reflecting her actions. It was very lifelike, looking real enough to give her the feeling that there were three of them in the room, although two of them looked exactly alike. She cautiously moved around the room, trying to figure out where the hologram would end. As she reached Liken’s chair, the image faded abruptly. She exclaimed, “That is so weird. It’s so real!”
He laughed again. “Indeed it is. As you can see, we have no need for mirrors. You can see for yourself using the hologram how the clothing looks.”
Sharon realized he expected her to change in front of him. He had already seen every part of her naked, she reminded herself. There was no reason to be awkward about it. Resolutely, she pulled her blouse over her head and heard Liken’s breath catch in his throat.
Eyes jumping to his, she saw the raw desire heat his gaze immediately. He looked at her breasts, and she felt her nipples tighten in a tingling rush of response. Embarrassment be damned, she decided. He was looking at her like he couldn’t get enough of the sight. Holding the blouse in one hand, she walked toward him and handed it to him.
He took it automatically and sat it on the floor beside him, although his eyes moved to her face. She knew what that look meant. She was not having sex in a dressing room. She stepped away from him and reached for her skirt, conscious of his eyes on her. Still, it might be fun to tease him a little. She felt her own blood heat at the thought.
Liken watched as Sharon turned her back to him and began to slide the skirt over her hips, slowly. Did she have any idea how crazy she was making him? He read her thoughts, finding them a jumble of conflicting needs, desires, and ideas. He couldn’t sort them out. When she turned around, he saw the triumph and feminine power in her expression and decided she knew exactly how he felt.
He smiled in appreciation and settled back in the chair to enjoy the game. Pasting a calm expression on his face, he tried to appear disinterested. He shifted in the chair as his hard cock throbbed in direct dispute of his efforts.
Sharon wasn’t fooled. She searched his face as she walked toward him clad only in panties, a pair of slender sandals, and a smile. She could feel the pleasant hum of arousal coursing through her. She could feel his eyes roam her body from her head to her toes, lingering on her face, breasts, and those tiny panties.
She was getting to him. Tossing the skirt to him, she stepped back again and reached for one of the bows holding the sides of her panties together. His gaze followed her hand and she saw him swallow.
Abruptly moving her hand away from the panties, she turned her back to him and bent over. She had to clear her throat once, before her husky voice would emerge. “I’d better take off the shoes. They don’t match the new outfit.” Her position hid her knowing smile.
Liken clinched the arms of the chair until his knuckles grew white. She was giving him an excellent view of her round ass, enticingly curved under the small material of the panties. He wanted to stand up, rip the panties off, and plunge his cock into her wet heat from behind. She was going to get the fuck of her life if she kept playing with him like this.
Having removed her sandals, Sharon stood up and turned to face Liken again. Her gaze went from his hungry face to his whitened knuckles on the arms of the chairs. He was barely in control. There was something so arousing about undressing in front of a fully clothed man, watching your every move.
She began to imagine what it would be like if they actually had sex now in the dressing room. She looked at the bulging cock tenting his pants and felt wet with the idea of having him inside her. Some demon was driving her now. She was caught up in the game as much as he was, maybe more. She wanted to feel his hands and his mouth on her body.
Her breasts were aching, the nipples sensitive. Unconsciously, one hand came forward, lightly touching her mound through the panties and then moving from her stomach upward in a caressing motion, stopping at her breasts. When she rubbed one hard nipple, she realized suddenly what she was doing.
Jerking her hand back to her side, she tried to regain a little control. She would never have sex in a public place. It was highly inappropriate. Someone might see them or hear them. Even as she reminded herself of that fact, she felt her arousal grow. She wanted to make him crazy. She wanted to see if she could drive him past that phenomenal control.
Liken gave a strangled moan and shook his head as if clearing it. When he spoke, his voice was pure temptation. “You have forgotten that I am in your mind,sherree. Your fantasies are quite intriguing. I do not share your reservations. Don’t you want to know what it would be like? Take the panties off for me and I will show you. I will touch and taste you exactly as you imagine. Take them off.” His tone started as a sultry request and ended as an order.
She hesitated. Reaching down, she pulled one string and felt the knot come undone. His face grew harsher, a flush washing over his cheekbones. Swallowing past the lump in her throat and disregarding the inner voice whispering caution, she lightly tugged the second string and felt the panties fall to her feet.
Liken stared at the curly hair of her sex for one long moment. Abruptly standing up, he watched her eyes widen as his hands went to his pants. With rough movements, he shoved open the buttons until his straining cock sprung free. Pressing the button to activate the hologram, he stalked toward her.
Sharon felt a wave of apprehension. He looked savage. Seeing a sudden hologram of herself at that moment was a shock, even as the hologram changed to become both of them. He stalked around her until he was behind her, his hands coming up to grip her shoulders so that they faced the hologram together.
She saw an image of contrasts. Her fair skin, although flushed, looked pale in comparison to his darker complexion. His hands looked huge on her shoulders. Her eyes were heavy-lidded and dark. Her breasts were full with hardened nipples thrusting outward, as if begging for his touch.
He loomed behind her, his face etched in lines of aroused hunger. She watched with fascination as his masculine hands closed over her breasts and began to massage. She moaned at the sensation and leaned into his touch.
The woman in the hologram did the same. Liken spoke in a seductive whisper next to her ear. “It is like making love while watching another couple. Or maybe like another couple watching us as we make love.”
Sharon shuddered at the arousing thought. He knew exactly how to make her crazy. This whole thing was crazy. She tried to regain some control.
She stepped back, but that brought her along the hard length of his body. She could feel his shirt and pants against her naked body. She felt his cock press against her lower back and the top of her ass. She wanted him so much it was nearly painful.
Liken moved one hand to her sex and began caressing her heat. She was soaking wet. With a quiet hum of approval he played, teasing and circling her clit. He felt her weight sag against him. The couple in the hologram echoed their movements. It was all too much for him to withstand. He was tired of being patient.
Roughly turning her, he placed her back against the left wall. His mouth latched onto one nipple, sucking strongly. Sharon moaned and looked down at him, but then her eyes were drawn back to the hologram. She watched the man’s cheeks cave in as he sucked, nearly swallowing the woman’s breast. The answering pull on her own breast nearly burnt her alive.
Liken lifted her by the hips with her back still to the wall and then paused with her above his cock. Lowering her, he felt her sultry heat swallow him. He slid into her wetness and sunk to the hilt. As there bodies merged, he merged his mind with hers. Her legs came around him to cling to his waist.
He pulled out and then thrust into her again. Sharon’s head fell back against the wall. He could hear the thoughts in her mind, feel their pleasure building with each stroke. He paused, still buried in her heat.
Leaning forward, he whispered, “Remember,sherree, you must be quiet. If you are not quiet, the clerk will hear you.”
Sharon tensed at his words. She had forgotten her surroundings. They shouldn’t be doing this here. She realized her hands were clinging to his shoulders, her fingers digging into the silky material, and tried to push against his shoulders. She began to protest softly, “Liken…”
Liken covered her mouth in a passionate kiss. When he raised his head, he began thrusting again. He leaned forward and whispered quietly, tauntingly between thrusts, “You must not call out. Someone might hear. There may be others here, too. What if they discovered us fucking,sherree? How would you feel?”
She moaned and then tried to muffle the sound. He thrust harder, his cock slamming into her now. Still his voice, not quite steady, taunted in her ear, “Are you going to scream for me,sherree? When you come will you scream?”
She gritted her teeth as her body tightened. She felt his pleasure grow along with her own. The hard thrust of his length inside her, pumping hard was pushing her toward release. She craved it. The impulse to cry out was overwhelming. She clamped her mouth shut and tried desperately to be quiet.
Liken felt his breath hitch and tried to suppress his own moan. She was so hot and tight around his aching cock. His words, meant to arouse her, were acting on him, too. He moved his legs forward to gain leverage and thrust harder.
Suddenly, they heard the voice of the clerk from one wall away. “Isshal,is the outfit to your liking?”
Liken never paused in his thrusts. He was not stopping even if the entire planet walked in at that moment. His muscles strained with the strength and depth of his thrusts.
Sharon, on the other hand, was nearly hysterical with arousal and fear. Her heart felt like it would pound right out of her chest. She was right on the edge of release, dying to go over, and terrified of being discovered.
The clerk’s voice was closer, rising higher with curiosity. “Isshal, I asked if everything is to your liking?”
Liken growled in a low snarl, “Answer her.”
Sharon whispered hoarsely, “Yes,” and repeated it more strongly. Liken slammed into her and she turned her face away in a desperate bid for control. Her eyes landed on the hologram couple fucking wildly next to them. Her voice rose into a scream as she yelled, “YES!” Her orgasm exploded through her like the detonation of a bomb.
Liken let out a loud groan as he felt his own scalding release. He felt the pressure move from his spine and then outward as he came in an overwhelming flood of pleasure. He was mindless with the pure animalistic relief of it.
Eventually, his legs grew weak and he shifted, making sure he would not drop her. Dropping his sweaty forehead to Sharon’s, he tried to find the strength to move. Sharon was in no better shape. There was a long moment of total silence.
Then, the clerk said with some amusement, “I am glad you are pleased, Isshal. Take as much time with the outfit as you need. I can understand your enthusiasm. I will not bother you again.”
They left the store with the new outfit, although Sharon never did try it on at the shop. Liken took care of the payment with his ID card. Sharon never quite looked the clerk in the eye again, although she thought the clerk sent one or two knowing smiles of understanding her way.
But, neither Sharon nor Liken could stop smiling. When they were walking home, she found out the Shimerian term for a dressing room was a “trial booth.” She had certainly tried something new. Trial booth, indeed.
Coming back to the present with a start, Sharon realized the memory of yesterday was enough to make her wet and aching. She could hear the sounds of Liken taking a shower. She knew she could join him in there, but they were getting ready for a trip to the local Earth library. She really wanted to see it, and Liken had looked so pleased with his little surprise when he announced their destination for today.
Willing her aching body to relax, she focused on how much she had learned this week about Liken and Shimerian culture. It was a strange and beautiful planet, similar to Earth in so many ways and yet so remarkable in its differences. The people she had met were friendly, although seeing so few women and so many men everywhere was startling at times. She had even seen some families with children, although most of the children were boys.
She knew Liken had been careful to shield her from the less pleasant aspects of Shimerian life. Although she had not seen any evidence of it, she knew they had crime, because Liken and Tair were cops. A few times on theshimvehi she had seen angry-looking faces with exasperated commuter expressions, but there had been no outright violence.
She and Liken had gotten along very well He was bad about arrogantly assuming he knew what was best for her, but she pointed it out to him quickly enough. There had been minor disagreements, but most of the week had been spent in getting to know each other and learning the little things about each other that only a lover can know. Liken had discovered that she was scared of heights, secretly read erotic stories, and had incredibly ticklish feet. She had discovered that he loved his job, that he hated Earth television, and that he was a total sucker when it came to small children.
She had been amused to watch as a tiny girl, the daughter of one of his friends, begged him to give her adelheza ride. Liken had given her a helpless glance and then proceeded to place the girl on his back, running and hopping while making “delheza” noises. He looked ridiculous, but the little girl was laughing wildly.
When Sharon and Liken had left his friends, she had teased him a little about it, but he had merely given her a red-faced shrug, as if to say, “What could I do? She asked me.” It was sweet. He could be so sweet.
Sighing, Sharon walked over to the couch and sat down. She could hear the “red water” turn off in the bathroom. She imagined his naked body emerging from the shower. She was ready to either leave for the library or jump him in the bathroom. She wished he’d hurry up.
Sharon noticed his ID card lying on the couch next to her. Picking it up restlessly, she turned it over and over in her hand. The ID card brought her back to the memory of their shopping trip. Watching him hand over his ID card at the shop that day, Sharon had wondered later about the Shimerian monetary system. Liken explained that all transactions were recorded on his card. Later, he showed her the computer in his home where he transferred the information.
His ID card was similar to a debit card from what she could tell, although it also seemed to be a computer disk of some kind. His computer was linked to central computers maintained by the government. His paycheck was deposited in his account on his computer on certain dates. It was all paperless. The librarian in her admired the organization and efficiency of the system.
Liken appeared in the living room archway, interrupting her thoughts. He looked clean and energized. He was wearing the usual black, but he looked happy and boyishly excited. He really wanted this trip to the library to be a special treat for her. He grinned, looking pleased with himself, and said, “Are you ready,sherree? I know you are anxious to leave so I hurried.”
Sharon laughed and nodded. She knew what he had been doing. “You know I am. Don’t pretend you haven’t been lurking in my head.”
He laughed with her and corrected, “I do notlurk,sherree. I was merely enjoying your memories of our time together.”
Crossing the room and extending a hand to her, he grinned shamelessly. “Although perhaps we should squeeze in a quick shopping trip between the library and meeting Tair.”
She shook her head in mock reproof. He had been lobbying for another shopping trip since that day. “You have to be the only man in the universe who loves shopping.”
Putting her hand in his, she let him pull her up from the couch and felt his arms come around her in a hug. Leaning back to look at his face, she said, “Of course, we’ll go shopping again.” Her face went bright red. “Just not to that same shop.”
He threw back his head and laughed. She was such a delightful mix of contradictions – sexy and passionate one moment, and then sweet and shy the next. Leaning down, he whispered into her ear, “As long as we go to a shop with a trial booth.”
Sharon could feel heat spread through her at his words. She had been right when she first saw him. He was sex personified. He had only to look at her or say something to her, and she melted like wax. She cleared her throat. “I believe we were headed to the library, right?”
Liken was experiencing his own surge of arousal at the thought of another shopping trip. Placing a quick kiss on her forehead, and taking his ID card from her hand, he moved away from her and said, “We’d better go. The librarian, Gar, will not be happy if we are late. He is eager to give you a tour.”
The library was a wonder. Walking inside the outer archway of the building, she expected to smell the familiar scent of books. Instead, when they walked in, she saw row after row of disks. In the center of the room there were comfortable chairs in a large open space. Seated in the chairs were maybe thirty or so adolescent Shimerian males. They stared at her in apparent fascination until a warning look from Liken made them duck their heads to the notebooks in their hands. Liken took her by the arm and led her to a counter area.
The librarian was a much older male. He had silver hair and an air of quiet dignity. He looked up with a welcoming smile as they approached. Stepping out from behind the counter, he approached Liken.
Handing the man his ID card, Liken nodded his head respectfully and placed one hand on the man’s shoulder. The man mirrored his movements, which Sharon knew was the Shimerian form of shaking hands. When they stepped back, Liken put his arm around Sharon and said with obvious pride, “Gar, I would like to introduce you to Sharon Glaston, my pactmate. Sharon, please meet Gar Deyzan’can, the head librarian here and an old friend.”
Gar gave Sharon an admiring glance and a warm smile. His voice was strong in contrast to his frail body. “I am most pleased to welcome you, Sharon.”
Sharon gave him an answering smile and said, “Thank you. I’m pleased to meet you and very excited to learn about Shimerian libraries.”
Liken was quick to add, “Sharon was formerly a librarian on Earth. It is a real pleasure for her to meet her counterpart here.” He knew that Gar was aware of that fact, but he wanted to remind him of their earlier conversation.
He was assuming that she would stay here on Shimerian. Sharon didn’t appreciate his use of the words “former librarian”, but she let it go for the moment. She was really interested in the library and didn’t want to spark a disagreement with Liken right now.
Gar seemed to have caught something of the discord in her expression. He said, “It will be a pleasure to show you, Sharon. Let us start your tour.” He walked quickly behind the counter and reached down. Pulling a flat notebook from a stack behind his desk, he showed Sharon how to operate the small reader. The entire front of the notebook was a display screen.
Walking over to a row of disks, he placed one in the side of the notebook. He then inserted Liken’s ID card into a slot on the other side. With a little hum, the screen lit up and displayed the cover of “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens. The words were in English. He handed her the reader.
Placing her finger to the option screen in the upper right hand corner, she learned how to flip from page to page and even how to choose which translation she wanted to read. The language options included Earth languages as well as Shimerian. She learned the disk contained all of Dickens’ works, as well as a biography of the author and all literary criticism.
Gar gave a little sigh and told her, “You should have seen the lists of works and other information first, but someone has neglected to press the reset option to return to the main index. It can be frustrating.”
Thinking of her own library, she gave him a look of sympathy and said, “I know what you mean. Back at my library, we can never seem to keep people from placing books back on the shelf incorrectly.”
Liken saw the look of understanding pass between them and smiled. As Gar led Sharon on a tour of the building, explaining the organization and operation of the library, Liken trailed in their wake. Watching her expressive face, he could see her enthusiasm and love of books. Her curiosity and quiet sincerity charmed Gar just as it did anyone within her orbit. He could tell she was enjoying the outing tremendously. She was happy and he felt a swell of happiness himself that he had given her this experience.
Then, he felt a flash of guilt as he wondered if she knew he had an ulterior motive. He had already spoken with Gar about Sharon working at the library, but had sworn the older man to secrecy. This was, in a way, an informal position interview. Seeing Gar and Sharon in such accord meant she could probably work there on some basis.
It was another step toward convincing her that she could be happy on Shimeria with him. Uneasily wondering if she would accuse him of managing her choices again if she knew, he hoped she would be too happy to examine his motives very closely.
At the end of the tour, Liken and Sharon paused at the main counter. Liken removed his ID card and handed the notebook back to Gar. Placing his hand on the older man’s shoulder and nodding his head, he said, “Our thanks for your kind assistance, Gar. We enjoyed the tour very much.”
Gar returned the gestures and said with a smile, “No thanks are necessary.” He aimed a smiling look Sharon’s way. “It is a pleasure to share the experience with a fellow lover of books. She is quite wonderful, Liken. Best get her pledged quickly.”
Turning to Sharon, he said, “My thanks for your company. I hope I will see you again, Sharon.”
Sharon gave him a bright smile. Gar was a knowledgeable and efficient librarian, and a charming man. She said warmly, “Your library is a marvel and I appreciate the tour. I enjoyed it so much. I’m hoping to see you again, too.” She wasn’t sure if she was staying on Shimeria or not, but now wasn’t the time to worry about it.
With smiling faces, Liken and Sharon exited the building and began walking along the pathway outside. Placing her hand on his arm, Sharon looked up at Liken. “Thank you for today.”
Looking into her shining eyes, Liken felt a fresh wave of guilt. Deliberately reminding himself that he would have brought her just to experience her enjoyment, he placed a gentle hand against her cheek. “You are welcome,sherree. It pleases me to see your happiness.”
The look held for a moment as they stared at each other. Removing his hand from her cheek and grabbing a hold of hers, he moved them forward. After a few steps, he looked down at her. His eyes held a teasing light. His smile widened into a grin and he wagged his eyebrows suggestively. “If you wish it, you can show me your gratitude later in private.”
She laughed and swung their clasped hands as they walked. “Oh, how generous of you. Let’s see…what could I possibly do?” She cast him a sideways look under her lashes. “I could cook dinner tonight.”
He stoppedand with a mock growl, shook his head. “I think you can do better than pushing the meal buttons on our transport machine. I had in mind a more intimate activity.”The look he gave her was hot with desire.
She turned her head and made a great production of letting her gaze roam his body. Her expression was speculative. “I don’t know…what could be more intimate?”
She appeared to contemplate the question. Stepping closer and bringing her free hand to his chest, she brushed her body against his. “This could take some thought.” She pulled her hand from his grasp and ran it teasingly down his chest to the top of his pants. “A great deal of thought.”She could feel his cock start to harden.
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into the hard planes of his body. His eyes were dark with desire. “You are an intelligent woman,sherree. I have great confidence in you.”
Abruptly breaking his hold, she danced away. Her face had flushed with desire as well, but her eyes were teasing. “Unfortunately, I can’t think about it now. We are late for supper with Tair.”
His look said she could expect retribution later. “Yes, teasing does tend to make one forget the time.” He was secretly thrilled with her easy flirtation. She felt comfortable enough to tease him sexually.
With a mock sigh and a glance at his time device on his wrist, he said, “We will continue this later. Now, I am sorry to say, you are right. We will be late if we do not hurry.”
With matching smiles, they hurried along the pathways leading to the eatery where Tair waited. When they entered the building where they had met him the last time, Sharon barely noticed the sudden hush and the fascinated stares. Looking around for Tair, she spotted him in the far right corner of the room. Smiling and waving, she headed for his table.
Weaving her way there with Liken behind her, she never saw Tair’s sweeping look around the room. His predatory gaze froze his fellow diners in place until they looked quickly away from Sharon’s form and focused on eating. The mental warning had been so brief and effective that Sharon reached the table completely unaware.
With a silent nod of acknowledgement for his assistance, Liken sank into a chair next to Sharon. In contrast to just a few seconds earlier, Tair’s face had a gentle smile when he turned to Sharon. “You are looking quite beautiful, Sharon.”
Smiling with obvious happiness, Sharon said. “Thank you, Tair. We went to the library today.”
Tair frowned in mock astonishment. “So that is what has left you flushed and put a glow in your eyes?” He glanced over at Liken and shook his head in reproof. “We need to have a discussion, brother. “
Watching the blush climb into Sharon’s cheeks, Liken said with a laugh. “I do not believe the library is solely responsible, Tair.” He leaned toward her and gently nuzzled her cheek. “Sharon has found other things on Shimeria that are also highly enjoyable.”
Sharon felt like her face was on fire. They were ganging up on her. She was in too good a mood to let them get to her. She felt sexy and happy and powerful. She was not going to give in to embarrassment at their teasing.
Clearing her throat, she decided to fight fire with fire. Placing her hand on Liken’s thigh under the table, she watched his teasing grin begin to fade. She gently stoked the taut muscles in his thigh, her fingers heading up toward his crotch. Liken had turned to stone at the first touch of her hand.
Turning toward Tair, she leaned toward him and spoke in a throaty voice that spelled pure sex. “Oh, yes. I have found several activities to… arouse… my interests.”
Tair seemed trapped in her heated gaze, his heart rate climbing at the sound of her husky voice. Deliberately moistening her lips, she smiled inwardly as both men stared in fascination. This femme fatale business was easier than she thought it would be.
Carefully straightening her shoulders as she leaned back in her chair, her breasts rose to prominent attention. Again, both men seemed unable to pull their eyes away. Feeling the power of her allure, she smiled and raised her free hand to lightly stroke her throat. “Are you guys really hot?” Her mind filled with naughty images, the fantasies making her pupils dilate.
Their eyes widened. Tair stared at her stroking hand and then dropped his eyes to her breasts. Her nipples hardened. Wetting his lips, he swallowed.
Liken was in no better shape. Her hand under the table reached its destination. His bulging arousal was pushing against his pants, flexing under her fingers. He made a strangled sound and quickly moved one hand to hold her in place. He was rock hard and throbbing.
In an innocent voice she exclaimed, “I think it’s hot in here, don’t you?” Deciding she had neatly turned the tables on them both, she looked around for a waiter. Catching his eye, she nodded toward their table. He walked toward them quickly.
The waiter gave her an efficient smile and asked, “How can I be of assistance? Have you decided on your choices?”His wordsforced their attention away from her.
Liken’s grip on her hand relaxed and she took advantage of the moment to pull her hand back into her own lap. Tair sat back in his chair and visibly worked to regain his composure. She looked from one man to the other. Other than the dark awareness in their eyes, they looked pretty normal.
In a cool and natural voice, she said, “I think they could use something to cool off. What kind of refreshing beverage would you recommend?”
As she discussed the various choices with the waiter, Liken and Tair looked at each other. Tair’s eyes were speculative as he spoke in their own language.“That one is deceptive. She has more fire than she knows.” He was still sweating a little from his reaction to her.
Liken’s eyes were gleaming. Sharon was far bolder and passionate than most people realized, including herself. “Yes, I know. She is incredible.”
Tair shook his head in disbelief. “A librarian. I thought she was the quiet one.”
Liken laughed quietly.“She sees herself that way. To be fair, I don’t think she realized she was broadcasting herfantasies to the two of us. She is unaware of our link or the power of such images.”
“You haven’t toldher of linking? Or what it means?” Tair was incredulous. He shocked that Sharon was unaware of the coming link. It was natural to hide the knowledge from prospective Earth mates until after the pact to lesson any fear, but he could not believe Liken had not explained to Sharon about it before now.
Liken was exasperated.“I am only just now getting her comfortable with merging, brother. She was sexually inexperienced.I’m not going to scare her to death.”Sharon had been resistant to intimacy from the start. He had no doubt that she would react badly to the idea of linking. Human culture was so strange.
Tair conceded that point. “Ican understand.You don’t have much time left,though. We must perform the linking tomorrow next. Shocking her at the last minute is not a good idea.”
Liken grimaced. “I know. I have been planning to tell her tonight. I thought after an enjoyable day and some time in your company, she might notbe as shocked at theidea. You could play your part by staying non-threatening and charming.”It was more of a reminder than a request.
Sharon spoke up at that moment, startling the two men. “Hey, guys, I hate to break up your little talk, but the waiter here needs to know what you want.” She was curious about why they were speaking Shimerian suddenly.
When they turned identical charming smiles in her direction, she felt distinctly uneasy. What were they hiding?Although she had picked up a few Shimerian words and phrases, she had no idea what they had been saying. If she stayed on this planet, she would need to learn the language. Being in the dark about what they had been discussing was making her nervous.
When they each had given the waiter their choices for the meal, the waiter left for a back room. Silence fell between them. Liken and Tair could both sense her rising uneasiness. Hitting on something that would divert her attention and make her happy, Tair spoke quickly. “Sharon, I have good news for you.”
His comment startled her. She couldn’t imagine what he meant. “Good news for me?”
“Yes, I think it will make you very happy.” With a glance toward Liken, he turned to face her fully. “Kate is my pactmate.”
Her shock was easy to see. “What?!”
“I will be invoking the Oath after you return to take your pledge next week. You and Kate will be not be separated.” He waited for her look of happiness and relief. He had looked forward to seeing her reaction to this news for some time.
She began laughing, which caught the two men by surprise. As her laughter rose in volume and her shoulders began to shake, their puzzlement grew.
Tair, wondering if he should take insult, could make no sense of her reaction. “You find the thought amusing?”
“I find the thought hysterical,” she choked out. “She’s gonna kick your ass.”
He looked thunderous in response.
Liken quickly cut in, “I am sure Sharon does not mean to insult you, brother.” He shot a reprimanding look at Sharon.
She just rolled her eyes in response. She really hadn’t meant to insult him. The comment wasn’t directed at Tair’s abilities as much as it was Kate’s reaction. Bringing her laughter under control, she tried for a conciliatory tone. “I didn’t mean to insult you, Tair. Really, no offense meant.”
Tair’s voice was still stiff. “You do not know me very well, Sharon.”
Sharon realized he was serious. He felt insulted, his pride injured. Feeling bad, she tried to explain, “No, I know that. Idon’t doubt you or your…uhhhh abilities. I have to point out, though, that I do know Kate. She’s my best friend in the world so I can tell you the truth. Nobody walks on Kate. She can be a cast iron bitch if you try.”
Tair’s shoulders relaxed a little. “I know about her temper, Sharon.”That temper was going to make things quite interesting between them. He smiled at the thought.
She leaned forward. “That’s not really what I meant. Kate doesn’t do submissive. Liken’s domineering ways make me crazy and, believe me, I let him know about it. Kate, on the other hand, would’ve just killed him and been done with it. No need to compromise or explain. She might even be a little sorry afterward, but she’d get the job done. She’d never put up with Shimerian attitudes.” She looked at Liken to see if he, at least, understood.
“Sharon, look at me.” It was an order, given by Tair in a voice that was intense and compelling. He didn’t sound like himself. She watchedas Tair’sface grew harsh. His eyes, which had looked gentle and charming in the past, took on a predatory hardness. His mouth held a touch of cruelty. “Do I look like I do not know how to get what I want?”The change in him was drastic to see.
She said his name with a questioning note, “Tair?” Sharon felt a pang of pure panic. The man sitting next to her had become a dangerous stranger. He stared at her in silence. She swallowed. “I get your point.” She clasped her hands together in her lap and suddenly wondered if insulting him had been such a bright idea.
Liken’s hand covered hers in her lap with a comforting warmth. Aiming a warning glance at Tair, he said, “My brother will make Kate very happy in the end,sherree. Do not worry.”
Sharon wouldn’t place any bets on that statement. She was relieved to see the waiter approaching the table. As he placed their dishes in front of each of them, they remained silent.
Even after he left, Sharon stayed silent, lost in her thoughts. She had no idea if she was staying on Shimeria, regardless of how well things had been going. The last week had been a kind of honeymoon period, but she knew there were bound to be conflicts ahead. She and Liken had spent most of their time in a sensual haze, not wanting anything to spoil the pleasure. They were both on their best behavior. It couldn’t last indefinitely.
She wasn’t sure if she would stay, so the thought of Kate becoming Tair’s pactmate didn’t bring a lot of comfort. If she stayed, Kate might still file incompatible. If Sharon filed incompatible, Kate might choose to stay. It was unlikely, but seeing Tair in a new light, she knew it was possible. Kate was used to calling all the shots with men. Sharon had always figured the right man for Kate would be one she couldn’t walk all over. Maybe Tair was the right man. Or alien, in this case. Either way, the future was still uncertain.
“You are not eating, Sharon.” Liken’s voice broke into her thoughts. “Are you truly upset by Tair’s news?”
Liken knew by her face that she was upset. He was trying to stay out of her thoughts more, since they were both adjusting to the intimacy. He knew it made her uncomfortable, particularly when she was upset.
Sharon made an effort to appear more relaxed. She took a quick bite of her food, but her turmoil made it tasteless. “Not at all. I’m fine.” Her voice said just the opposite.
Tair felt guilty for ruining her mood. She had been radiant when she entered the eatery and sat down at the table. Hisvoice held unmistakable remorse when he spoke. “I thought only to bring you happiness with my news. My apology to you, Sharon.”
She looked into a face that had grown softer. His eyes sought to reassure her. She liked Tair, even trusted him to some degree because he was Liken’s brother. He was trying to regain her earlier comfort with him. She wasn’t fooled.
With serious eyes, she studied him. “Thank you, Tair, but the apology isn’t necessary. What happens between you and Kate will be up to the two of you. I would like you both to be happy. If you end up happy together, that would be terrific.”
She wanted to put them on an easier footing as well. With more enthusiasm than she felt, she picked up another square-shaped bite of mystery meat and popped it in her mouth. In an abrupt change of subject, she swallowed and said, “What exactly am I eating again? This is delicious.” She picked up another bite and turned to Liken to answer her question.
He regarded her solemnly. “I am glad you find it so tasty,sherree. It is calledufrantri and is considered quite a delicacy.”
He waited as she put the bite in her mouth and began to chew. “The literal translation would be yellow worm in your language I believe.” Sharon choked a little as his words registered. Liken winked at Tair.
Worm? They were feeding her worm?! Sharon felt the moist meat in her mouth and nearly gagged. Should she swallow it or find some way to ditch it in her napkin? She was pretty sure it was bad table manners to throw up the main dish in a crowded restaurant. Even on weird Shimeria. She decided then and there that adventure sucked. Exotic cuisine. Yeah, right.
Liken did not let her suffer for long. “Go ahead and swallow it,sherree. It is not really a worm. I said that was the literal translation. It is actually not a meat at all, but a tubular vegetable.” He could not contain his laugh at the killing look she aimed his way.
Tair began laughing, too. “It is similar to your potato, Sharon, but longer in length and more narrow.” As she swallowed and continued to glare at both of them, they laughed harder.
Liken’s voice was apologetic but his eyes sparkled with mirth. “I could not resist.”
Reaching down, he picked up another square shaped bite. This one was brown. Holding it out to her, he said. “Come,sherree, where is your sense of adventure? I would not feed you something abhorrent, would I?”
Taking the brown thing in her hand, she examined it suspiciously. Her voice was dry. She said firmly, “I believe I prefer my adventure between the covers of a book.”
“Not you,sherree. You are a woman of fire.” His voice held a sultry warmth while his eyes dared her to put the bite in her mouth.
Sharon keep feel the heat climbing into her cheeks at his passionate reference. He was driving her crazy on purpose. She was sure of it.
“Oh, that’s right. I’m a new woman these days. I think nothing of interplanetary travel. I seek out new life and new civilizations. I boldly go where…” She slapped her free hand against her forehead in mock surprise. “Whoops, that not me. What was I thinking? I’m just the idiot who tastes whatever you give her.”
She rolled her eyes. Pushing aside any thoughts on what it might be, she put the bite in her mouth. She was relieved to find it tasted pretty good.
Liken watched her with satisfaction. “An idiot? I think not. I would say you trust me,sherree. And that makes you very smart indeed.”
“I trust you not to poison me at least, “she said with an exasperated smile. Her voice was light. She wasn’t about to feed that colossal arrogance of his.
His eyes held hers. “Progress is still progress, however small.” Both had forgotten Tair, who was listening to the exchange with great interest.
She shrugged and looked away. “Or maybe I just can’t resist a dare.”
She felt him lean toward her. His breath tickled her ear as he whispered, “We shall see,sherree. Soon. In that you can trust.”To Sharon, the words sounded part promise, part threat. With Liken, it never paid to grow too complacent.
The rest of the meal went by uneventfully. They talked and laughed, enjoying themselves. When Liken and Sharon left the restaurant, she felt alive and happy in a way she couldn’t remember. Pushing all thoughts of the coming decision from her mind, she basked in her newfound contentment with Liken. They made love that evening with tenderness and passion, both of them avoiding anything that might break their fragile sense of happiness and accord.
That profound sense of harmony made what happened next seem even more painful. Everything went straight to hell the next day. After a lovely evening with Liken and Tair and then a night of incredible pleasure in Liken’s arms, Sharon had no clue the very next day that things were going to change in a heartbeat. Or rather, things were going to change with one word.