Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 89162 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89162 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
“It’ shouldn’t be, though,” Torus said, frowning. “I understand how it would be humiliating for you, for other people to see that video, but do you know what I saw when I watched it?”
Molly shook her head, afraid to talk.
He turned his head and looked at her more fully.
“I saw a gorgeous Elite giving herself pleasure,” he murmured. “There was nothing dirty or wrong about it—nothing ‘sinful.’ It was natural and beautiful. You shouldn’t be ashamed of it—in my culture, you wouldn’t have to be.”
“Thank you,” Molly said. “But I’m afraid my culture is puritanical and judgmental.”
“That’s what I’m learning.” Torus nodded and frowned. “Otherwise we wouldn’t be going through this scenario—not that I mind spending time together,” he added, giving her one of his rare smiles. “I’m actually really looking forward to getting to know you better, little bird. Though in some ways, I feel like I know you already.”
“Well…thank you.” Molly gave him a tentative smile. “I’m looking forward to our time together too.”
“Then let’s go see what our bungalow in Florida looks like,” he rumbled. “And let’s hope it’s not as hot and humid as it was the last time I visited.”
22
MOLLY
The bungalow they were staying in was one of many, lined up along a stretch of pure white sand. It was a private beach that the Kindred had purchased specifically so that their warriors could take vacations with their Earth brides. Molly saw several other couples walking along the beach and holding hands—all of them looked extremely happy.
And why shouldn’t they be, she thought longingly. All the couples they saw were truly Bonded for life and would never leave each other. Also, they had idyllic lives. The Kindred believed in an equitable work/life balance that included plenty of vacation time and a living wage for everyone. They had free health benefits, free childcare, and they were a society almost completely free of sexism and racism. How could anyone be unhappy living in a world like that?
Molly couldn’t help wishing, as she watched the other couples laughing and holding hands as they walked in the surf, that she might really have this life, instead of only pretending to have it. But she knew that this was temporary—after the court case was over, she and Torus were supposed to go their separate ways.
But maybe he won’t want to split up, whispered a little voice in her head. Maybe he’ll want to stay together—to actually form a Bond.
But could they? She remembered her erotic dream again, of the big Kindred stroking his cock. If the real thing was anywhere near the size of the one she’d seen in her dream, she didn’t see how it could possibly fit…
“What are you thinking?” Torus rumbled, startling her.
“Oh!” Molly put a hand to her heart. “Just…nothing,” she said. “Enjoying the view.” She nodded at the beach, where the sun was beginning to slide down in the sky.
“It is beautiful,” he said thoughtfully. “Maybe I misjudged Florida—this is nothing like the crowded, stinking area I visited before.”
“You have to know where to go, I guess,” Molly said, shrugging. It was a good thing she’d been able to keep her thoughts to herself—it would have been extremely embarrassing if Torus had heard everything she’d actually been thinking!
“Why don’t you explore our bungalow while I bring in the luggage?” he suggested. They had packed the night before and Torus had put their suitcases in his ship, so they could leave right from the reception.
“All right.” Molly smiled up at him, a feeling of excitement rising inside her. She loved being on vacation! Her family had almost never gone anywhere when she was growing up due to finances and her parents’ strict beliefs, but she had always longed to take a lot of trips. She yearned to see new places and do things she’d never done before.
Of course, she’d been to a few places with Zach, near the end of their marriage when he began to make the really big money. But those trips were always spoiled by Zach’s unpredictable temper and his constant little cruelties. Not to mention the fact that she knew once they went to bed she would have to let him do anything he wanted, even if it hurt or she felt humiliated afterwards…
No—don’t think of that! What if Torus hears? She had a moment of blind panic but when she glanced up at the big Kindred again, he had a neutral expression on his face.
“I’ll help you down,” he told her and came around to her side of the ship. He unbuckled the harness and lifted her down to the sandy asphalt that covered the parking area.
There were five other Kindred shuttles parked there—most of them had been converted to car form. Molly wondered if Torus’s ship could convert as well. If so, it might be the size of a bus—as opposed to the size of a large SUV, like the other Kindred shuttles.