Illicit Desire: Outlawed Realm, Book 2 Read online

The same as his father, Domm Zorr. The man had fashioned his own life, every decision he made based upon an objective appraisal of what duty and honor demanded. His happiness depended upon doing exactly what the rulers wanted. He coveted regulations that strangled a man’s soul and denied all emotion, thinking he’d found freedom.

  Meelo convinced him otherwise, telling Domm the truth about Vakar and the other rulers.

  “At first, your father didn’t want to believe,” Meelo had told Nikoli earlier. “Damir and I showed him images of what had been going on for nearly thirty years without his knowledge. How our rulers had duped all of us. We had a device from Vakar that would take us from E4 to our own realm but no farther. When we learned the rulers marked Lukan for execution, Damir and I begged Vakar to spare him. We promised to bring Lukan back to our lab to conduct experiments so we could perfect the newer slaves not yet born. Vakar agreed. With a chance to save Lukan, we decided to ask your father if he could help.”

  “He told us the truth about you and what happened with Regina,” Damir said to Nikoli. “He misses you greatly.”

  At the time, it had taken Nikoli a moment before he could speak. Too many emotions bubbled up, constricting his throat. He recalled his father’s plea for him to return to E2, then Domm’s resignation that he’d never see his son again. Nikoli knew his death would have been easier for the man to accept than knowing his child had turned his back on their people for a woman from another realm. For love, which E2’s populace were trained to dismiss as useless and possibly dangerous.

  “Is he well?” Nikoli asked. A worry that had plagued him for months, along with so many others. “Is he safe?”

  “Your father’s a brilliant man,” Meelo said. “No one will ever discover what he’s done.”

  “What if they do?” Nikoli frowned. “Will he ever cross over to here?”

  Damir shook her head. “His home is on E2. He’ll fight the corruption from there.”

  “Alone?” Nikoli snapped.

  She touched his shoulder. A gesture of empathy rarely used on E2. “There are others like us…like you, Nikoli. Our government didn’t convince everyone their way was best. Remaining there is what your father wants. The same as his decision to help us.”

  He’d built a device to bring them from the Pleasure Palace and past E2 to here. However, the portal closed more swiftly than they’d predicted. Although Damir and Lukan were already on the other side, Meelo was only halfway through when the gateway narrowed around him. He fought to get loose, but the portal trapped the left side of his body, the intense pressure scarring his throat and cheek, injuring his arm, causing him to drop the device in the void between the dimensions.

  With no desire to ever return to E2, Meelo hadn’t considered it a problem to lose the instrument. Lukan thought otherwise. He wanted a way back to Arez.

  Nikoli watched Damir brushing Lukan’s windblown hair aside, resting her fingers on his cheek as a mother in this dimension might.

  On what looked to be a sigh, Lukan lowered his face, his hunger for affection, his caution in believing it was real playing across his handsome features. Damir said something to him. Without comment or acknowledging her with a glance, Lukan went down the street. She and Meelo followed, all of them disappearing into the night.

  Tomorrow, they’d return. Meelo promised to bring Nikoli the materials he needed to construct the device. No one asked if he’d actually do it, particularly Regina. She’d gone upstairs to their bedroom shortly before the others had left.

  Nikoli no longer heard her pacing.

  The thought of facing her worry or anger daunted him more than returning to his own realm to deal with the consequences of his actions.

  Was she sitting in one of the chairs near the window, calmly waiting for him when they both knew she could be quite agitated at times? Would she argue against him helping Lukan, tangling objectivity and emotion until Nikoli was too confused to know how to respond? Would she withdraw into silence, her thoughts the same as his? That he’d lost all good sense in crossing over and promising to stay here, letting his feelings guide him.

  Perhaps his father and the others on E2 had been right. What had giving in to his lust and love accomplished for Regina? He’d exposed her to vampires, his father’s disdain, and now two genetic scientists and a pleasure slave intent on murdering her and him if Nikoli didn’t help.

  Hardly the future Regina or any sane woman expected. One that would most likely continue. Who else…what else…might cross over from the other dimensions and come here to harm her?

  He should leave. It would be a blessing she’d understand, possibly one she wanted after tonight, giving her a chance to find a man from her own realm. Someone who’d love Regina without exposing her to danger.

  Rubbing his forehead, Nikoli left the living room, thinking he could go to the house Meelo was renting with the cash he’d won. The older man had also purchased fake licenses, social security numbers and identities for himself, Damir and Lukan.

  “At a market that’s dark,” Meelo had explained.

  “Black market,” Regina corrected, sounding as though she might laugh or scream.

  Nikoli couldn’t blame her. He had to do what was right.

  At Meelo’s place, he’d build a device so Lukan could rescue Arez, and then he’d find a permanent place to live. By all that was reasonable, he knew his new home should be far from here, certainly on another realm. However, love—primal and deep—urged him to remain close so he could check on Regina without her knowing it, assuring himself she was safe and happy.

  He stopped at the front door, his hand poised near the lock. A part of him wanted Regina to run down the stairs, demanding to know where he was going…begging him to stay. A greater part knew how sentimental and foolish such thoughts were.

  Go on, get out of here. It’s what best for her.

  He unlocked the deadbolt and grabbed the knob, but didn’t turn it.

  Leave. Now.

  Nikoli couldn’t move.

  Above him, the floor creaked beneath Regina’s weight, breaking his inertia. Nikoli threw the lock and took the steps two at a time, crossing the hall quickly to their bedroom, drawn to her by a force more powerful than reason or honor.

  Nightlights shaped like flowers and cats bathed the room in a delicate glow, sparkling off the brass bed, creating long shadows on the ivory comforter, making the space seem more the stuff of dreams than reality. Regina’s peaches-and-vanilla scent added to the allure. So inviting.

  Her manner intimidating.

  In front of the large window she stood, arms crossed over her chest, hands on her elbows, keeping her back to him.

  He should have left when he’d had the chance.

  He still couldn’t bring himself to do so. In her presence, Nikoli had few defenses but had never minded. Not if she allowed him to continue loving her.

  For the moment, he would have been content to run his fingers through her fiery hair, the red color unknown on E2, the same as her green eyes. He glanced at her reflection in the window to see if she was frowning in concern or irritation at tonight’s events.

  At this angle, her image showed little. Was she going to stand there all night? Would she ever turn to face him?

  Unable to bear his doubt any longer, Nikoli moved behind Regina. He wrapped his arms around hers, loving her body’s sweet warmth and softness. “Talk to me.” Tell me nothing has changed between us.

  She sighed.

  Nikoli couldn’t read the sound as being good or bad. At least the window showed him she looked more concerned than angry or indifferent. Telling her not to worry would do no good, so he didn’t bother, deciding on another tack. “I know how you feel,” he said, his mouth on her ear. “I don’t blame you. On this side, any woman would have reacted the same.”

  She stiffened within his embrace. “Because we’re a pathetically simple race?”

  Nikoli fought a smile at her mimicking Lukan’s words. “Emotional. You can’t help it. I
understand. And I’m not hurt by your behavior with him.”

  Regina turned slightly, her cheek touching his, their mouths a breath away. “Him who? What are you talking about?”

  Nikoli ran his hand over her arm to her breast, reaching her nipple. The tip peaked instantly against his palm. She inhaled deeply. He murmured, “I saw how you stared at Lukan.”

  She spoke on a sigh, “What was I supposed to do? You wouldn’t let me slug him. He insulted me. Hell, he insulted everyone in this dimension.”

  “But you still think he’s a hunk, or is it a hottie?” Nikoli had yet to figure out which was the most popular term on this plane. “I saw it on your face. I accept the fact that you can’t help yourself.”

  She squirmed in his arms, trying to face him. Nikoli held tight, not allowing it. Regina elbowed his gut. “You’re nuts, you know that?”

  He whispered, “I don’t think I do. I haven’t been in this realm all that long. Is nuts a term of praise in your language, or is it an endearment?”

  Laughter erupted from her. It didn’t last. “Are you actually jealous of him?”

  Again, Nikoli fought a smile and continued to tease. “What good would it do if I was? I know I’ll never measure up to his perfection. By his standards, I’m ugly. I’m surprised you’ve been able to look at me this long.”

  “You are nuts.” She managed to turn in his arms and cupped his face. Tenderness transformed her lovely features, giving her a look of wonder and hope. The same he’d seen the first time they’d made love, the night they’d fled the vampires.

  She murmured, “You’re the most beautiful man on this realm and any of the others.”

  Gratitude flooded Nikoli so quickly his throat and face warmed.

  Regina drew her thumb over his bristly cheek. “Are you blushing?”

  What man wouldn’t with such undeserved praise? “I know how I look. You’re just being kind.”

  “Fuck that. I’m not that nice.” She trailed her fingers over his mouth. “How could you think I’d want any man but you?”

  It was a moment before Nikoli could concentrate on her question rather than on how his lips tingled with her gentle stroking. “You want me?”

  Her brow wrinkled. “Of course.”

  Were there any two words more beautiful than those? Nikoli didn’t think so. “Good.” He swept Regina in his arms and carried her to their bed.

  Surprise erased her frown…for a moment. “Whoa. Hold it. We need to talk.”

  No, they didn’t. Right now, that was the last thing Nikoli wanted to do, despite what he’d said a few moments ago. “Later.” He kissed her hard and deep.

  It took her a second to catch up. The moment she did, Regina suckled his tongue as though she’d never tasted anything better. On her first whimper, Nikoli pulled his mouth free and lowered her to the mattress, draping his body over hers, his hands imprisoning her wrists. “More,” he demanded.

  Her cheeks were nicely pink, her eyes unfocused. Pride welled in Nikoli. He knew no other man, not even one as perfect as Lukan, could produce such a response in her. Regina belonged to him. She always would. For Nikoli, there was no turning back, no matter how crazy or selfish his decision.

  Somehow, they’d work through the coming days.

  Now he released her wrists and pulled at her blouse, wanting it gone. Two buttons popped off, landing on the mattress. She concentrated on unbuckling his belt, lowering his fly, freeing his thick cock.

  Her panting was no match for his as she cradled his shaft in her palm. She curled her fingers around the hard column, claiming it, branding him with her heat.

  Nikoli huffed out a sigh, incapable of any other response.

  “Beautiful,” she whispered, her thumb gliding over his pre-come, using it to lubricate the cap.

  He swallowed and fought a shiver. “Fucking A.”

  Her brows arched at him using slang from her side, learned from an HBO program, not the Rosetta Stone. “Wow, you’re pretty sure of yourself now, aren’t you?”

  Her acceptance of everything he was, all that he lacked, gave him the courage to be himself. A gift he hadn’t known on E2, one he needed to continue over here regardless of the consequences. “Damn right.”

  “Prove it.”

  Nikoli liked the way she thought. “Off,” he said, tugging at her blouse and bra. “I want you naked. You’re always wearing too many clothes. Tomorrow, I’m going to burn them all.”

  Propped on her elbow, she regarded him from beneath her lashes. “What will I wear to my practice?”

  “I’m not letting you go in. I’m keeping you here. Tied to this bed if need be.”

  “Prick.”

  He pretended confusion. “More words of love?”

  She grinned.

  How he loved seeing her happy, especially when he’d caused it. Getting serious, he stripped her of the ruined blouse, dainty bra, dark blue skirt, thong, stockings and heels. Deliciously bare, she watched him tear off his tee, mocs, jeans and underwear. He crawled across the mattress to her. Regina met him halfway, pushing him down, keeping him there with her weight.

  “What are you doing?” he asked.

  “Taking charge.”

  His smile wobbled, feeling weird. Was she going to demand that they talk now when they were so close to having fun and forgetting about the bad that could happen? He reasoned. “Not for long. I do outweigh you by eighty pounds.”

  Her fingers trickled down his torso, causing his muscles to jump. “Yeah, I know. You have the strength of a hundred men, or is it a thousand?”

  Was she joking? With her, he had no strength at all. Sprawled over the mattress, Nikoli was helpless against her hands and mouth exploring his body. He groaned at her licking his nipples, her tongue rasping against the tiny tips while she ran her fingers through the dark curls on his groin.

  “Lower,” he blurted, wanting her hand on his cock.

  She scooted down him, licking the line of silky hair beneath his navel.

  Nikoli ground the heels of his hands into his eyes and growled, “That’s not what I meant.”

  “No? Must be our language barrier.” She pressed her face to his dark bush, inhaling deeply of his musk, her whimpers saying she liked it. So much so, she might stay there all night, neglecting the most important part of him.

  She was being deliberately perverse for his earlier teasing. Time to show her who was really in charge of this act.

  Grabbing her arms, Nikoli pulled her up until they were nose to nose. “Fuck me,” he ordered.

  Her mouth widened in a sly grin. “I thought I was.”

  So that’s the way she wanted it. Playfully, he smacked her ass.

  Regina didn’t even blink. Rubbing her moist cunt against his cock, she purred, “Gonna spank me now?”

  In answer, he rolled them over until she was beneath him. Regina’s hair fanned over the comforter, her lips parting on a startled gasp. Using her surprise to dominate, Nikoli captured her mouth, thrusting his tongue inside even as he lifted his cock to her opening and penetrated.

  The pleasure was instantaneous and indescribable in her language or his. Nikoli’s head buzzed and his body trembled. How had he survived so long without her? What would he do if she ever left him?

  No. He wasn’t going to consider such a thing. Not now. Not ever. Deeper and deeper he sank into her tight heat until he couldn’t go any farther, and it still wasn’t enough. He feared it would never be with her. More things separated them than had brought them together—their differing backgrounds, cultures, beliefs. Was love enough to overcome that and the danger those from E2 would always pose for her?

  Greedily, Nikoli kissed Regina as though it would be the last they’d ever share.

  She responded in kind, pressing closer, her nipples poking his chest, her hands digging into his back. Not good enough. He wanted her to know she’d never get away from him. Wrapping his fingers around her wrists, he pushed them to the bed, imprisoning them with one hand while he pushed
the other between their bodies, rubbing her clit.

  She panted around his tongue, the sound muffled and wanting. Nikoli thanked the gods of the universe for that. He was too far gone to stop. With a lack of control he’d rarely shown, he pumped into Regina, telling her without words that she would always be his.

  Their bodies jostled the bed, causing the springs to squeak and the legs to scrape the wooden floor. Beneath him, she moaned and writhed, her pussy clenching his cock, her kiss as frenzied as his.

  They came together, not a second apart, both of them damp with sweat. Regina gulped air, swallowed and made deliciously sated noises like a woman in love. Nikoli pulled in as much air as he could, then licked the beads of perspiration between her breasts, savoring the salty flavor.

  She quieted finally, her breasts barely moving with her calmed breathing. Meeting his eyes, she ran her fingers through his mussed hair, easing it from his forehead. “You need another haircut.”

  One she would give him. Because of his different physiology, Regina feared anyone on this side touching him even for something as minor as trimming his hair. “It can wait. I don’t mind looking like a bun.”

  She worked her mouth, trying not to laugh. “That’s bum.”

  Yeah, he knew that and how much he treasured each of her smiles. This one disappeared faster than Nikoli would have liked.

  “You’re going to help them, aren’t you?” she asked.

  Her resignation and worry cut through him, leaving a thread of panic in its wake, erasing his contentment. Propped on his elbows, he pushed his groin against hers, making certain they remained joined, that she couldn’t pull free. “Not because of Lukan’s threats. He’s desperate. I understand exactly how he feels. His world is Arez. He loves her.”

  Regina studied a strand of his hair, easing it behind his ear. “And do you love me?”

  “What? How can you even ask?”

  If his frown bothered her, she didn’t show it. “You know what creating the device would mean, don’t you?”

  He feigned ignorance. “Lukan would be able to rescue—”

  “Don’t play dumb with me, Nikoli.” She brought her hands back, tightening them into fists. “The scientists who worked with you, the ones who now work with your father might discover what you’re doing. They’re not the rulers. They still believe the crap that’s spouted in your dimension. They may fight you to stop what you intend. They may come over here to do so.”