Emily chewed her lower lip as her sister frowned at her.

“I’m not comfortable doing this, Em.”

“He’s just so confused. I’d rather just help him find his family. We really don’t need to involve the authorities,” Emily argued. Truth was she was terrified the FBI or CIA would show up and haul him away to dissect him or something. She was almost convinced he wasn’t from Earth…as crazy as that sounded.

“He’s a stranger. You’re not safe having him around. You don’t know what he’s capable—“

“Oh, Emma, really?” she scoffed, lowering her voice when a few of the nurses looked their way. Emily turned so that they wouldn’t see her and lowered her voice almost to a whisper. “He’s been so docile and compliant the whole time he’s been here.”

Emma crossed her arms and cocked a brow. “Emily, he throws himself to the ground to kneel every time a female goes into his room. He gets a hard-on whenever one touches him.”

Emily’s face heated. He’d gripped the rails of the bed, spread his legs, and arched his back invitingly the last time she gone in…this morning. She’d gaped for the longest time, shocked more by the deep longing that had gripped her innards. “Rio is staying too. But I know he won’t do anything. Please, Emma. I just want to help him.”

The door to Red’s room opened. Rio looked out and nodded to Emily. “All dressed and ready. It took a little longer than I expected.” Rio shoved his hands into his jeans, his cheeks growing red. “He acted like he’d never seen clothing before, and he’s not too happy to be so covered up either.”

Emily bit her lip and walked past Rio.

The hospital staff had nicknamed him Red because of his hair. He sat on a chair by the bed with one foot up staring at the black Timberland boot Rio had loaned him.

His amazing eyes rose to meet her. Immediately the boot went down with a thud and his fingers turned white from gripping the armrests so tight. His eyes widened, staring at her.

At least he didn’t try to kneel at her feet. He was beginning to realize that kneeling at women’s feet, though charming, was unacceptable.

Her smile wavered when he dipped his head so that a curtain of red silk slid forward to hide his ruined cheek. His lip jutted out in an adorable pout.

Rio had dressed him in dark jeans, with a deep hunter green turtleneck. Emily had a black jacket for him with her and a plaid scarf. It was freezing outside.

“Are you ready to go?” she smiled sweetly when he looked up from beneath dark lashes.

Rio stepped up next to her and took the jacket. “I’ll put it on him. He won’t know what it’s for.”

Emily gaped at Rio. “Um…what do you mean?” What Rio had said when he opened the door to Red's room replayed itself in her mind. "Oh." 

Rio pulled Red to stand. He towered over Rio by a few inches and stood perfectly still as Rio pulled the jacket up his arms. “I had to dress him, Em. He just looked at the clothes like he didn’t know what they were for.”

Emily didn’t know what to say. How could a grown man not know about clothes… or how to dress himself?

A male nurse walked in with a wheelchair. Red looked confused but sat in it. Emily wrapped the scarf around his neck aware of his intent gaze on her face. The swelling around his eyes had gone down, but the bruises were still pretty horrific. Emma’s husband, a plastic surgeon had reopened the wound on his face and resealed it properly to make the scar as minimal as possible.

Emily looked up, unable to resist. He was still so beautiful, those gorgeous vivid green eyes full of so much fear, confusion…vulnerability.

He had every single member of the staff literally in love with him because of that quiet vulnerabilty and heart stopping beauty.

As they wheeled him out of the room, the nurses lined the corridors with sweet smiles.

“Take care, Red.”

“Come back and visit.”

One came over and slid her hands affectionately through the heavy fall of crimson tresses. Emily bit down the surge of jealousy she felt when the tall busty blond slid a small paper into his hand.

“Call me,” she whispered loudly into his ear before giving Emily a smug smirk.

Emily just shoved her hands into the pockets of her thick grey coat, looking away as she felt her cheeks heat. She was accustomed to that. When she’d started gaining weight, the looks she’d get from other women whenever she went out with her husband Mark. She knew what they were thinking. How could such a chubby insignificant female like her be with such a god of masculine virility like Mark.

Rio snorted. “Well, that couldn’t have been any more unprofessional.”

The girl’s face blanched and she took a step back, as they continued forward. Rio gave her a hard glare as he wrapped his arm around Emily.

Emily nibbled her lip as Rio called Joyce on his cell and told her they were on their way down. Red kept his head down, the paper the nurse had given him clutched in his fingers.

As she watched, he lifted his other hand and touched his face, fingers gliding over the long gash. He let out a shuddering sigh and his head dropped lower.

“Was he given something for pain?” she asked the male nurse, worry over Red’s discomfort making her heart clench.

“He should be good for a few hours. Your sister gave you his meds?”

Emily nodded, pulling the strap of her purse higher up on her shoulder. She had an arsenal of pills in her purse and, thankfully, Emma had written out a specific schedule for their administration. Emily sighed out through her nose. Emma had also given her several syringes with heavy sedatives.

“If he so much as looks at you the wrong way, just shoot him with this stuff. He’ll be out long enough for you to call the cops.”

Emily bit her lip, looking down at her new charge. He was so quiet and still. What surprises would he unleash in the next few days? And eventually what was she going to do with him?

* * *

Red Passion stirred from a deep drugging slumber and blinked up at a white ceiling in confusion. His face hurt, but other than that, he felt surprisingly good. He turned his head and blinked.

Soft sunlight filtered in through gauzy curtains illuminating a room with cream colored walls with light blue stripes. Further sleepy inspection showed dark, gleaming wood furniture. The bed he lay upon had four thick wood posters. Red stared at them a moment.

Would she tie him up to those posters? Would she pull his limbs tight until he couldn’t move and then tease him to the brink of oblivion before impaling herself on his cock and fucking herself to ragged completion? Or would she straddle his face…?

Red sat up with a groan. A mirror at the foot of the bed over a tall dresser showed him the truth.

His eyes had dark bruises around them, his lip was spilt on the right side, and the left side of his face bore Kiss’s slash. He was a total ruin. Even when the bruises faded, there was still that slash down his face. What Mistress would want such a hideous pet?

His vision blurred. And yet he was still alive.

When they left the strange structure with its many beds, blipping machines, and strange scents, he’d been wheeled out into a terrible cold world. White ice draped everything. He’d never seen the likes of so much cold and ice. It had been terrifying.

They’d taken him to a transport that, instead of hovering soundlessly over the ground was perched upon four black circles and made a low humming noise. The blond male and Mistress had ushered him into the transport and he’d been shocked when the Mistress slid into the back seat with him. In the front of the transport sat another Mistress. Her skin was dark like Mistress Azana’s, and she was big too, more like the females of the southern hemisphere of Utuduo.

Bewildered, he sat up in the large sumptuous bed, the memories slowly coming to him. Someone had changed his garments. He lifted the thick blankets that covered him to peek. He wore a soft white tunic now with another garment similar to the one he wore earlier that wrapped around and between his legs. It seemed that all of the citizens of this new land favored this particular garment. The ones he wore now were the color of the sky.

He looked at the doors, one to his left, and another at the end of a short corridor to his right, past mirrored panels. He vaguely remembered how he got here. The male had half carried him up a flight of stairs…and then he remembered nothing more.

He frowned and tried to go back in his mind to what happened after leaving the first structure he’d awakened in.

They’d guided the transport through winding roads. Tall trees covered with a blanket of white had lined either side of the road and magnificent mountains lined the view to either side. It was quite beautiful, alien, and savage. After a while he had relaxed, or rather just accepted his unsure fate. What was he now? Pet? Slave? Worker?

They’d arrived at a strange but pretty dwelling. It was two stories high and had many shining windows reflecting the lush wilderness all around.

A strange furry creature had bounded out of the dwelling as soon as the door opened. It jumped and yapped and licked his hands in apparent glee until the blond Mistress scolded it.

Her voice, the stern strong command for the animal to behave had his cock shooting to attention. His heart had hammered in his chest and the longing to fall to her feet, beg to be leashed and commanded almost had him swooning.

They’d removed part of his clothing. He’d wanted to be stripped bare, but they’d only made him sit in a plush throne-like chair by a crackling fire and then, much to his utter shock, began feeding him.

The blond Mistress had planted a platter on his lap and had fed him tidbits. He’d caught sight of the furry creature and its collar as well as the shiny chain around the blond male’s throat. His anxiety had ratcheted higher. Would he get a collar…or a chain? What was the significance between the two? What was he supposed to do to earn one? What did they want of him?

He’d been pulled, terrified, into an eating area, and made to sit amongst them. It was unheard of. Males? Sitting with Mistresses to eat? Was he supposed to feed himself? Slaves had always fed him before, bathed and dressed him, unless the Mistress wanted to watch him be naughty and bathe himself.

Red had practically hyperventilated at the table when urged to pick up a dangerous looking utensil to eat. What if it were a test? What if they cut his hands off for daring to touch a weapon?

They continued to speak to him, but he didn’t understand their language. It all became too much to bear, and he’d fallen to his knees beside the blond Mistress and buried his face in her fragrant lap.

“Please,” he whispered, shaking in terror. “Have mercy on me. Whip me, flog me, anything. Just get it over with.”

It had been pretty gutsy of him, something he’d never done before. He’d never dared be disobedient and force punishment on himself before. He’d always been so careful to avoid it, but the agony of waiting, not knowing what was expected of him was driving him insane. She’d been stiff and behind them was much commotion. He’d jumped in surprise when something sharp pierced his arm and then the world grew fuzzy.

He had let his body go lax against her, and breathed past his terror. Tentatively, her fingers had found their way into his hair and he’d felt lulled by her show of affection. He hadn’t fucked up too terribly yet…much to his astonishment.

And then he’d awakened here.

The bed coverings became a point of interest for him. They were cream colored with tiny blue dots all over. He brought the blankets that covered him up to his nose and sniffed. It had a very peculiar, but pleasant scent. The dark columns rising out of each corner of the bed drew his attention again. Red Passion’s cock sprung to life thinking of the strange tiny little Mistress with the hair like sunlight.

She wore so much clothing it made him wonder what treasures she had hidden beneath. He rarely ever saw females with her coloring, though he knew Utuduo was full of off worlders. He’d heard their queen had a mane of red hair much like his, and that her skin was the color of milk and honey.

His thoughts drifted back to the small Mistress who’d been by his side during the past moon cycles.

She was small and curvy. He could tell that her breasts were big and round as well as her ass. Would her pussy be plump also? Tight, hot, wet, making him fight to keep from coming? Would she deny him his pleasure? Make him beg and pant for release?

Red's toes curled at the ache in his groin. He was fully erect, the tip of his cock already weeping with desire.

His hand came up to the left side of his face. Would she want me with this? I’m ugly now.

On Utuduo the most humane thing to do was to euthanize a ruined pet. What other use would an ugly male have, slave, pet, worker, or otherwise?

He felt confused as to why they were continuing to keep him alive although the thought of death frightened him even more, especially now that he was fully awake and coherent. It would have been so much easier when he’d been delirious and in agony.

The door opened and the pretty blond Mistress peered in. She gave a little jump when she saw him sitting up, but smiled and walked in. Her voice was gentle when she spoke while her furry beast trailed behind her, with its tongue lolling out.

She came to the edge of the bed and sat beside him. She said something else, patted her abdomen, and then remained looking expectantly at him.

Red let his gaze slide up her figure, liking the way the tunic clung to her lush curves. When he reached her face, she was blushing. “I don’t understand what you’re trying to tell me, Mistress,” he told her in a low voice, still not accustomed to speaking to anyone but Mistress Azana without permission. Would this new Mistress spoil him too? Did he belong to her now? Or the other big dark-skinned Mistress that sometimes accompanied her. Did they both own him?

Again, she spoke and gestured to her mouth. Red shook his head slowly, feeling uneasy. “I don’t understand. I’m sorry.”

She rose, with a smile, making gestures with her hands and walked out of the room. The beast bounded out after her.

Red remained blinking at the open doorway, unsure of what to do. Was he supposed to just stay in the bed?

He crossed his ankles, and hugged his arms over his chest, looking around. There were paintings on the walls of mountains and clouds. A dark rectangular panel sat upon a table in the far left corner of the room, and farther left was another narrow table with a single chair that had tiny wheels at its base.

The blonde woman returned carrying a yellow object in her hand. It almost looked like a phallus.

Red clenched his butt cheeks wondering if she was going to play with him. He never did get used to having his ass fucked, but if that made her happy, he’d bend over for her and make the appropriate sounds of satisfaction. His Mistress’ pleasure was his duty.

She sat upon the bed and proceeded to peel the skin-like covering off. What she uncovered reminded him of a cock. Okay, so that wouldn’t be so hard to take up his hole. It looked smooth, and thin, but he hoped she’d let him wet it with his mouth before trying to push it into him.

The Mistress smiled, her fingers going to the tip of the toy. Red’s eyes went round when she ripped off the tip. He almost slammed his hands protectively over his own cock as he stared at her. Punishments that involved hurting a man’s cock were worse than death. Her smiled waned.

Red swallowed. “Please… not my cock. I’ll do whatever you want.”

She spoke; words spilled from her lips in a gentle tone. Lifting her fingers, she offered him the piece she’d broken off. Red thought he’d become ill as he opened his mouth obediently and allowed her to slip the torn tip inside. He brought his teeth down on the bite in his mouth. His tongue rolled the sweet morsel around, continuing to chew. With relief, he realized that it was some type of food and not some poor boy’s cock.

She kept repeating something slowly, as if coaxing him to replicate the sound. He watched her lips carefully and mimicked her actions, then tried to pronounce the alien word.

Red pressed his lips together. “B…” he said, his brows furrowing, “ba…” She repeated the sound while he touched his tongue to his palate. “Baaa-nnna-nna.”

She laughed, her blue eyes sparkling, and then she did something wondrous. Red’s mouth dropped open at the feel of her arms going around his shoulders, holding him tight against her. The Mistress hugged him.

Red Passion closed his eyes, savoring the feel of her warmth. He rested his hands lightly on her arms, feeling his joy soar at having pleased her. “Banana,” he repeated in an awed whisper. She fed him banana, and now she showed him affection. His heart thumped against his ribs at the feel of her breasts pressed against his chest, and her soft scent filling his nostrils.

* * *

Now she knew how a mother felt the first time a child spoke his first word. She was so happy, she was close to tears. Red sighed, his hands on her arms. He felt good against her, his warmth, his scent, the feel of his body… God, his hair is so soft.

She let her hands run down its length until the distinct feel of the swell of his ass filled her palms.

“Sheknia,” he breathed.

Emily’s eyes blinked open. What was she doing? He was still convalescing—and here she was copping a feel.

She pulled away, her face flaming. Standing abruptly, she tucked a stray lock behind one ear, unable to meet his gaze. “Dinner’s almost done. Maybe you’d like to shower before eating?”

Placing the uneaten half of the banana on the nightstand by the bed, she turned to rummage through the dresser by the door. Finding warm sleepwear for him, she gestured for him to come to her.

Red slipped out from under the comforter and padded behind her as she led him into the adjoining guest bathroom. The mid-sized room was similar to hers, though a bit old fashioned with white tiles and a claw-foot tub. Only the vanity was relatively new. She’d found the antique dresser at a garage sale and had it refurbished. Her eyes traveled proudly over the pretty color scheme in this bathroom; shades of indigo, cream, camel, and hunter green.

“The faucets open up pretty much the same here as in the hospital. Right is cold, left hot, pull up this lever for the shower. You can use these towels and I’ll just put your clothes here for when you finish.” Emily placed the flannel drawstring pants and long-sleeved t-shirt on the vanity. “When you’re done undressing…”

The words died on her tongue as she gaped.

Red was just stepping out of his pants, completely naked. Emily’s eyes drank in his beauty. His sinews flowed and rippled underneath skin that looked as soft as rose petals. As she watched, stunned into silence, his cock became erect, lifting to his taut belly. There was no lust in his eyes, only adoration as he went down on his knees, his arms lifting up in offering. His voice was soft, a sighed plea. He bowed his head, ribbons of scarlet flowing over his shoulders to pool in his lap.

Emily’s eyes bulged more. He was offering himself to her… again. Though he’d made no move to touch her, she was still terrified. Here she was, alone in her guest bathroom with a perfect stranger—a perfectly naked, gorgeous stranger, fully aroused and offering himself to her on his friggin knees.

Emily began to salivate, her eyes going over every single inch of exposed flesh. She felt herself begin to throb with delicious desire.

What was she thinking? She didn’t know this man. And Rio was downstairs, within earshot.

She bit her lip and turned the shower on for him. Hoping he’d get the hint, she raced from the bathroom.

* * *

Red closed his eyes in misery when he heard the door click shut. Opening his eyes, he stared at his erection. His new mistress clearly had no intention of using him as a pleasure pet. He would have to become accustomed to his new status and stop acting like one. But what was he?

He rose, doing his best to avoid looking at his reflection.

She’d put out fresh clothing for him and the sound and scent of water beckoned. While in the other place, he’d been tended to and bathed. He looked at the cascade of water before stepping into it. Various bottles in an array of colors sat a metallic basket hanging over the edge of the tub.

In Mistress Azana’s palace, domestic slaves bathed the pleasure pets in large pools within the males’ stable. Since he’d been her prime pet, he had his own private tub in her rooms, and she usually bathed him herself, indulging in teasing him to fevered pitch.

Red pouted with a dejected sigh. Not only would he need to tend to his hygiene himself, but it seemed like he’d be relieving himself solo as well.

Red cleansed his body and hair, dried himself with the big soft cloth she’d left for him, and then pulled on the garments she provided, remembering the order of placement the blond male had used. First, the small stretchy thing that covered only his genitals and ass, and then a second covering that covered all that and his legs too. Strings hung in the back. Since he had no idea what they were for he left them alone. This garment seemed almost too big for him and kept sliding down his ass. Tugging the soft tunic over his head, he pulled out his tangled wet hair. He tried to arrange it with his fingers but gave up after a while with a frown. His hair was a tangled wet mess.

He stared down at his body. Being so covered still felt alien to him. Before, all he’d ever worn were his collar and cock ring.

Now the only thing still worth looking at, his body, was all covered up. Perhaps the Mistresses of this world like covering their pets up to tease them with the constant rub of fabric over their skin. Make them yearn more.

Red shuddered, pulling the garment over his ass again when it slipped over his hips.

Now what? He had no idea what his new duties were.

The scent of food drew him. He padded down the stairs to the cooking galley he’d been in earlier. The Mistress was preparing a meal. He watched her, burning with curiosity, but afraid to move any farther than the doorway.

Why was she cooking? Where was Rio? Didn’t she have any other slaves to prepare meals? The other dark-skinned Mistress was gone too. Perhaps Rio was the other Mistress’ pet. Could this Mistress be too poor to own slaves or pets?

Red quelled the curl of excitement that pulled at his loins. That’s why she kept him. It was certainly better to have a damaged pet than to not have one at all.

He touched his face, feeling the long gash along his cheek. He would do his best to make her forget his ugliness… at least he hoped he could. He was very talented in the art of sex. His cock began to fill, but the memory of her reaction to him in the bathing room had it flagging again. No. She wasn’t attracted to him. Why would she be? Even he couldn’t stand to look at his own face.

She turned and jumped with a start. For a moment, he felt fearful she would become angry, but her pretty lips curled with a smile before turning back to her task. She spoke, and then gestured for him to sit at the table.

Red obeyed, slipping down into the chair he occupied earlier. She placed a steaming plate of food before him, and then sat in the chair next to his.

As he nibbled on the food she’d given him, he watched her feed her furry beast. Smiling and talking to it with great affection. Jealousy left a bitter taste in his mouth. His gaze dropped to his plate with a sigh, fantasizing of sitting at her feet while she fed him bits of food. He would lick her fingers, then her thighs…

Red jolted out of the fantasy and stared at her wide-eyed. Stars above, he’d groaned. What would she think of him?

“I’m sorry, mistress,” he breathed, looking down at his plate, chagrined.

He heard her speak to him, but was too embarrassed to look back up at her. From the corner of his eye, he saw her nibble her lower lip. She returned to eating, casting him glances every so often.

***

He stared at her again. She looked at the TV, and tried to concentrate on the program, but after a few minutes, she realized it was impossible. Clearing her throat, Emily slanted a sideways glance at Red.

Rio had finally left to his own apartment at her urging. She’d called the art gallery she worked in and finally asked for some time off. It was slow season, so her boss had no qualms letting her have three weeks to herself.

Rio and Joyce had called her every day, and things between her and Red were pretty quiet. His terror had seemed to diminish, but the way he constantly stared at her sometimes made her feel really self conscious.

He never tried anything, no more falling to his knees before her, or stripping naked to offer his body to her.

She didn’t know whether to be relieved or disappointed.

He sat on the floor, long legs tucked against his chest, arms wrapped around his knees. Even in the dark, she could see the vivid green of his eyes, so at odds with the deep red of his hair. In the darkness of the room, it looked burgundy. The corner of his lip kicked up, though the smile didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Red reminded her of Tabitha when she’d first brought her home, staring at her with big puppy-dog eyes.

A wet nose nudged her hand, drawing her attention to said puppy-dog. Tabitha’s tail thumped on the floor when Emily scratched behind her ears

Sound drew her attention back to Red. Her eyes went round as she watched him crawl slowly to her. The whole time he watched her face, as if gauging her reaction. All she had to do was say “stop” and she knew he already understood enough to obey.

Emily opened her mouth… and said nothing.

Red Passion came right up to her, lowered his gaze, and put his head on her lap. She felt the warmth of his breath on her thighs, and then the heat of his hand when he curled it around one knee.

Emily stared in disbelief.

Tabitha wagged her tail and ‘ruffed’ at Emily, as if telling her to stroke him.

* * *

Red Passion held his breath, shocked by his own boldness at finally succumbing to the burning desire of feeling his Mistress’ fingers touching him. Would she do it, or would she spurn him once more? Lip caught between his teeth, he waited, and shuddered when he finally felt her fingers sink into his unbound hair.

Bliss. He smiled, closing his eyes to savor the sensation of her hands gripping his heavy locks and stroking. She spoke to him, telling him how soft his hair was. How he longed to turn his head and press a kiss to her knee, but knew that would be going a little too far too soon.

His loins burned with unleashed desire. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d cum. Sometimes he’d felt tempted to take matters into his own hands while he showered, but was afraid to do so. Mornings were especially torturous. He’d awaken, drenched in sweat and rubbing his aching cock against the mattress, unconsciously seeking relief. He knew domestic slaves sometimes fucked each other, no one cared about them, but since he was Mistress Emily’s only slave, he’d have to suffer celibacy until she purchased herself another male. Rio obviously belonged to the dark-skin Mistress he’d met the first few days in Mistress Emily’s dwelling He grimaced, not sure he’d enjoy the attentions of another man. He never did before, but put up with it to satisfy the female's voyeuristic tendencies.

The doorbell rang, making Emily jump, her fingers leaving his hair. Red Passion pouted when she sprang away to open the door. Laying his head on the couch, while Tabitha eagerly licked his face, he heard the familiar voices of Joyce and Rio.

* * *

“Now, this is pathetic,” Rio announced walking into her living room. He put his hands on his hips, shaking his head while taking in the sight. Red sat with his head down on the edge of the couch, looking miserable while Tabitha did a good job of washing his face with her tongue. “Are you trying to bore him to death?”

“We were watching the Sci-fi channel,” Emily defended.

“Mmmm,” Joyce’s lip curved up to one side, her eyes wide, “That boy looks really thrilled for sure.”

Emily let out a long sigh, not wanting to admit the pleasure she’d been feeling moments before petting Red’s gorgeous hair. She was so wet between her thighs, she was embarrassed.

“Let’s go out, Em,” Rio pleaded. “You can’t stay cooped up in your house all the time. Besides, Red needs to stretch his legs a bit. He must be climbing the walls already.”

“Unless he climbing somewhere else.” Joyce’s sly grin had Emily’s face heating up several degrees.

“Joyce.”

Joyce rolled her eyes. “Get off it, Emily. You’ve been separated from Mark for over a year and that,” her finger pointed at Red, “is too damn sexy to resist. You’ve been holed up in here for almost a month with that fine piece of male flesh. Girl, don’t tell me you haven’t at least kissed the daylights out of him yet?”

Emily stood red-faced before her two friends. She probably would have been doing just that—maybe more—if they hadn’t interrupted. Naturally, Emily wasn’t about to admit that to anyone. It was bad enough she was acknowledging it to herself. “I wouldn’t take advantage of him like that. He’s been through so much. Poor thing just needs a warm place and food while I figure out where he’s from.”

“Emily, he’s a human being, not an animal,” Joyce argued.

“Which is why we’re all going out tonight,” Rio added with a smile. His eyes turned to look at Red with undisguised lust. “Who knows, maybe Red will pick up a girlfriend… or boyfriend who might take him off Em’s hands.”

An uncomfortable emotion curled in the pit of Emily’s stomach. If another so much as touched Red… She winced, realizing the feelings of barely repressed violence that surged through her veins. Red didn’t belong to her or anyone. If he wanted to go off with someone else, he was free to do so. He was so beautiful. Why would he be interested in a fat, plain girl like her?

* * *

Emily had indicated he change his clothing. He hated clothing, but it soon became obvious they were going to go out into that icy cold world just beyond the front door to Emily’s swelling.

Downstairs, they all pulled on warm overcoats and stepped outside. It was the first time Red stepped out of the dwelling since he’d arrived. A curl of fear made him hesitate. Was Mistress Emily sending him away? He lagged behind the others, eyes wide. Rio opened the transport door for him and nodded for Red to go in.

Red tried not to hyperventilate, thinking she was going to cast him out for having dared to curl up at her feet like a presumptuous pet. How stupid of him. During the long drive, he had to bite his tongue to keep from begging her to give him another chance.

Music filled the space within the warm transport, along with their laughter and chatter. It was only when Emily reached out and gripped his fingers with a sweet smile directed his way did he begin to relax. Maybe he was jumping to conclusions. He gazed at her with longing.

They arrived at a metropolis, bigger than any he’d ever seen in his entire life. Buildings, lit from top to bottom, soared into the heavens, some so high, no matter how much he craned his neck, he couldn’t see the top. The wide road was crammed with transports and he saw thousands of people walking along the sides before shops and places where both males and females sat at tables eating. The blinding glare of the multi-colored lights took his breath away.

They stopped at a building that had a canopied awning leading up to a wide entry with wide black double doors. A man opened the door for him with a smile. Since Rio, Joyce and Emily were stepping out of the transport he followed suit. Emily shocked him further by slipping her hand into his and following Joyce and Rio into the building.

The pounding beat he heard from outside only intensified when the doors opened to admit them within.

Heat, the scent of sweat, and flashing lights welcomed them. Red’s eyes narrowed on the moving mass before him, a sea of writhing human bodies. Long columns of glass, steel, and mirrors circled the males and females dancing together. The ceiling was a web of steel and flashing lights. Red gasped when he looked down and only saw smoke billowing around his feet.

A tug on his arm brought his eyes back to Mistress Emily. The others were removing their overcoats and he did the same. After leaving their garments with a person inside a small window a few paces from the doors, Emily led him forward into the moving mass of bodies.

“That’s a dance floor, Red,” Emily pointed out, talking into his ear because the music was so loud, “and over there is a bar. See the people sitting around it? They’re having drinks. This how most of our kind socialize.”

“Sooo-shhh.”

“Socialize,” she repeated patiently for him.

“Socialize,” he said, and wondered what that meant.

“There’s an empty table over there,” Rio called out over his shoulder.

They squeezed between bodies. A few males glared, their eyes running over him. Others looked interested and grinned, licking their lips in invitation. Mistresses smiled up at him as he passed, some stroking their fingers across his chest purring “hey, gorgeous.”

By the time they reached a table at the far end of the chamber, Red Passion had been thoroughly felt up, front and back. His face felt flushed and his loins ached from the stimulation. Red had to bite his lower lip as he sat to keep from groaning when his pants pulled tight against his erection. Emily perched herself on the little seat next to him. Instead of joining them, Joyce dragged Rio out to the dance floor where they began to move as though mating to the rhythm of the music. Red watched, wishing Emily would pull him out too. Looking at her, she appeared engrossed in observing the people around her.

A scantily clad female approached them and asked him if he wanted to order anything. Red winced, his eyes darting to Emily. Why was this Mistress directing herself to him and not his Mistress? Emily only smiled at him and asked the girl to bring them something he couldn’t pronounce. Red couldn’t help notice the covetous glances the other Mistress kept giving him, even though he kept his gaze trained on Mistress Emily.

The other Mistress sauntered away, to his relief.

“She seems to like you, Red.”

Dread curled in his stomach. Would Mistress Emily give him away? If only she’d allow him to give her pleasure. He was confident in his sexual prowess. Given the chance to prove himself, he’d make her forget his ruined face, but then she put her hand right over his scar. It took all of his will not to flinch from her touch. Still, he bowed his head in shame. How could she put her delicate fingers on that hideous thing on his face?

“Do you want to dance?”

Red’s head snapped up at the sound of her voice. Emily gestured to the dance floor with a smile. “It’s not too hard. Want to try it?”

“Yes, Im Sheknia, Emily,” he blurted, uncaring that he sounded like a too eager whelp.

Red Passion followed her into the crowd, and then stood gaping when she began to sway her lovely curves against him. With a lusty groan, he placed his hands on her waist and moved with her.

She felt like heaven, her full breasts rubbing against his chest, the sweet curve of her ass beckoning his fingers to slide down and cup her to him. Red closed his eyes, feeling his cock twitch, throbbing with want for her. Suddenly, Emily turned and pressed her ass to his erection, dancing in time to the heavy beat of the music. Red swore softly, feeling the tip of his shaft grow wet for her.

“Oh, Im Korana,” he breathed in her ear. My love.

She shivered against him, laying her head back against his shoulder, her eyes searching his.

Desire heated her pretty, brown eyes. He was sure of it. No longer caring if she flayed him to death, he dipped his head and covered her mouth with his.

He felt her groan, one hand reaching up to tangle in his loose hair as her tongue plunged past his lips. Red moaned in response, letting his hands slide up to cup her breasts. In return, she ground her ass harder against his erection. Red was ready to come.

“Please,” he rasped releasing her lips. “I need…” How did he tell her what he needed? “I hurt.”

She pulled away, eyes wide. “You’re in pain? I-I didn’t bring your meds, Red.” She cupped his face, her eyes searching in earnest. “Do you want to go home, Baby?”

She didn’t understand. For a moment he thought he’d break down in tears. Cupping his straining cock, he grimaced. “I hurt.”

Her look of worry changed to one of realization. Mistress Emily’s jaw dropped. She stared at him, her lips working to form words. Her eyes finally closed as she took a deep breath, and then she reached up on her toes to tell him in his ear, “When we get home.”

The feel of her soft lips brushing over his ear made him shudder, more liquid oozed down his quivering shaft.

He nodded, “Yes, Im Sheknia Emily. I love you.”

She stared at him open mouthed, and he wished he could take his impetuous words back. Mistress Emily hadn’t even collared him yet. It was improper of him to push his love onto her— but goddess help him, he never loved a Mistress more.

* * *

She couldn’t believe what she’d just done. She shouldn’t have kissed him. His taste was still on her lips and tongue, and to make matters worse, he’d said he loved her. He obviously didn’t realize what he was saying. Just repeating what he heard from television.

Emily stared at him, guilt making her squirm. He looked at her as if she were his entire world. She shouldn’t do this. He was alone, a victim of abuse. Of course he’d become attached to the only person who’d fed and cared for him the past month, but he had to have a family somewhere. She’d thought about it long and hard and had concluded that Red must’ve been a victim of slave trafficking. She’d heard so much of people, sometimes children being abducted and sold as slaves.

Joyce and Rio managed to squeeze their way toward them.

“Hey, it’s almost time for the dancers to come out,” Joyce shouted.

“I definitely want a front row seat for that,” Rio added, grinning. “Last time I had a sweet brunette rub his business all over my face, and I’m hoping he’s still around.”

“Hey, Blondie, I don’t want to get kicked out because you’re handling the merchandise,” Joyce warned.

Rio looked insulted. “I never touched the dude. I only closed my eyes and stuck my face out. He was the one who grabbed me by the back of my head and memorized my face with his thong-clad dick. You’re just jealous because it wasn’t you.”

“Sweetheart, Derek always did that to me before I decided to nip the sweet man’s boner with my teeth one night.” Joyce smiled. “He’s scared of me now.”

Rio stared at her in disbelief.

“Oh, come on, if we’re going to see the show let’s get moving.”

Emily suddenly found herself eager for the night to end. She wanted to get Red home… to talk.

They found the perfect spot just as the dancers sauntered out atop the bar that weaved its way around the back of the club.

The dancers at Reirei’s were always a spectacular sight. But tonight, Emily felt they didn’t quite measure up to the devastatingly sexy man by her side.

Red had commanded the stares of male and female patrons alike the moment they entered the dance club. When the dancers made their way on stage, Red Passion was the target of their attentions.

Once more, Emily felt her self-doubts assail her. Red would look at the dancers as they vied for his attention, and then turn to stare at her. Emily pretended to enjoy the show, watching his reactions from the corner of her eye.

Two dancers, the infamous Derek and another black female beauty, extended their hands to Red. Emily’s eyes widened. It wasn’t every night that the dancers allowed a mere patron the honor of sharing the limelight with them. They couldn’t have picked a more beautiful being to dance with them.

Red allowed them to pull him onstage, turning to Emily once he’d straightened his long legs. His eyes lit a fire within her; her own watched, entranced, as his hips swayed to the heavy beat that went in time with the throbbing between her legs. He shook his hair over to one side, the heavy red mass covering his ruined cheek, and then let his fingers stray to the buttons on his shirt.

She knew she wasn’t the only staring, holding her breath. She couldn’t be, when an angel of a man began stripping out of his shirt. Red let the black silk fall from his fingers before he caressed his delectable torso, his fingers playing over his erect, coppery nipples before skimming down a ridged abdomen. A chorus of gasps went around when he threw his head back and let his hands flow down the rest of his body, straying naughtily at the erection straining the zipper of his pants. He spread his thighs, running his hands back up to delve into his crimson mane. His hips moved, fucking the air in slow snake-like undulations.

Emily gulped. God, he was too beautiful. She turned to look around and was shocked when she saw Reirei himself standing next to her, cigar in his mouth, smiling up at Red.

“Who is he?” the gruff voice boomed next to her, puffing out a ball of vanilla scented smoke.

Emily shuddered. He looked the type to have an underground slave trade; big, fat, and greasy, with black beady eyes and a goatee.

She turned desperate eyes to Joyce, but her friend was too busy drooling over Red too.

A hand touched her cheek. Red coaxed her to look at him, his face earnest. Emily’s eyes went round when he went down on his back and began thrusting his hips, blatantly telling her with his shimmering green eyes what he wanted to do with her.

The black dancer straddled his him and helped herself to some of his movements, but he would not break eye contact with Emily.

“Please,” he mouthed to Emily.

She couldn’t take it anymore. Grabbing him by his hand, she pulled him. The dancer bucking over him stumbled when Red scrambled out from under her. Keeping a tight hold on Emily’s hand, he scooted off the stage, much to the annoyance of the crowd.

“Where are you going?” Rio gasped, looking at her as if she’d lost her mind.

“Hotel,” Emily snapped trying to push her way past a horde of people that were trying to paw Red.

“No. Wait.” Rio reached into his pocket and handed her a key with a slip of paper. “That’s the spare key to my uncle’s place. It’s just around the corner practically.” He gave her an evil grin after his eyes drank in the sight of a shirtless Red. “Have fun. We’ll be by in the morning to pick you up.”

* * *

Red Passion wanted to cry. Emily dragged him to the front of the chamber, yanked his shirt back on, and pushed his long over coat back into his arms while she grabbed hers from the clerk. Was she angry with him? What did he do wrong?

They hurried out into the cold and he stared at her while she waved her hands frantically, looking down the crowded street.

“Sheknia Emily? Please,” he begged. “Emordai’.” Forgive me.

A yellow transport with a lighted square on its roof stopped before them. Emily almost pushed him in, and then gave the driver a small piece of paper that Rio had handed her.

“Please. Emordai’, Sheknia Emily,” he sighed again, feeling his eyes fill with tears. He wanted her to give him the lash, stripe his back and ass with her marks of ownership. He didn’t want her to give him away to some other Mistress.

She turned to him once the transport began to move, shocking him when she drove her fingers into his hair and took his mouth in a fierce kiss.

Red went limp under her onslaught. Her hand went to his erection and rubbed, making him see stars.

“Oh, yes, Sheknia. Yes,” he hissed, humping her hand.

“Please don’t call me Sheknia. Just say Emily.” She was panting, staring into his eyes. “Can you say that, Baby? Emily”

He felt hurt that she didn’t want the title of Mistress. She didn’t want to be his Mistress. Emily only wanted to fuck him. He wasn’t a pleasure pet, or domestic slave. He was merely a whore now.

“Emily,” he whispered closing his eyes so she wouldn’t see his tears of pain. Served him right with the way he’d danced before all those people. He’d only wanted to entice her with his body. Well, he’d enticed her well enough. Her lips ate at his and he responded.

Well, then he’d be her whore. He’d paint his face and stay unclothed in her home until she required him to service her. No wonder she’d looked so taken aback when he’d stupidly told her he loved her. What a stupid whore he was. That’s why Rio looked at him with so much lust. Whores also serviced prime pets if their mistresses allowed it.

They stopped before another tall building. Emily gave the driver a small rectangular card, then was ushering him out of the transport. They walked into a big lobby and entered a small room. Red felt dizzy for a moment and looked at Emily for reassurance. Her eyes were closed and she was biting her lip, her face a pretty shade of pink.

* * *

Emily couldn’t believe she was about to let another man fuck her. Mark had been her first and only one. She cast a quick glance at Red Passion. He was holding on tight to the back rail of the elevator, looking very frightened. Her heart melted.

“This is called an elevator,” she explained. “This is a very tall building and this is a quick and easy way to get to the top.”

His hold on the rails loosened and he nodded at her.

Not able to help herself, she reached out to him, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him again. He was the sweetest thing she’d ever had. Red’s kiss was reverent, his body shuddering against hers.

“Do you want this, Red? Are you ready for this?”

He looked at her wide-eyed, then fell to his knees and hugged her. “Yours. Please-please, yours.”

Emily choked back a sob. God help her… the emotions he stirred within her heart.

“Yes, Baby. Mine.”

His hold on her tightened. It was very sweet, but she wanted him to stand before someone came on board the elevator and found a six-foot plus, gorgeous red-head holding onto her for dear life.

“Baby, let me hold you.”

He rose and put his arms around her. She smiled, not sure if the embrace was proper etiquette for a public elevator either.

“What is baby?” he murmured against the top of her head.

Emily smiled. How would she explain that one? “It’s a special name one calls someone… special.” She remained smelling his clean, crisp scent. “What’s Im Sheknia?”

“I’m yours.”

Emily frowned. Maybe he didn’t understand what she asked.

It didn’t matter. The elevator doors slid open when they reached the very top of the building. There was a small lobby with a pair of double doors. Emily slipped the key into the lock and walked into a grand, open loft style penthouse.

The floors were glossy black granite, the kitchen area a sprawling section of glass and stainless steel. A counter made of the same material as the floors, divided the dining area that had a glass table with eight white, leather dining chairs. The rug under the black sectional was a furry grey circle, the same shade of grey as the filmy curtains that hung from the twenty-foot ceiling at every section of the plate glass wall that took up the entire back of the penthouse. A steel spiral staircase led to a second floor where Emily and Red found a breathtaking master bedroom. The king sized bed sat on a platform. To the left was a rectangular indentation in the wall Emily had the suspicions was a fireplace. Another grey rug spread in front of it with two white recliners. A walk-in closet was to the left of the bed with a large bathroom beyond it, and in front of them was the wide expanse of the twinkling skyline of New York City. A pair of sliding glass doors led to a balcony with a few loungers, but the sight of the bed arrested Emily’s eyes again.

Red released her hand and turned to face her. Emily swallowed when he began to undress, baring inch after inch of rippling muscle and delicious male flesh.

He tossed his shirt to the side, holding her gaze, and then went for his pants. The zipper curved over the straining bulge of his erection. Red Passion pulled his pants down his thighs, making her mouth water. Already, his cock had anointed a wet spot on his dark blue briefs. Thumbs hooked into the elastic, Red peeled away the last bit of fabric covering him.

His prick sprung free, long and thick, balls pulled tight at the base. He was so hard, it slapped against ripped abs when he freed it.

Red Passion went down on his knees, as he’d done that day in the bathroom. “I’m yours, Im Sheknia, Emily.”

This time, Emily wasn’t going to run away.