Retribution (Kall Alien Warriors #3) - Sue Lyndon Page 0,25

saying, “and checked on you. Did you have any further pain after I ran the dermal regenerator over your back?”

Her eyes darkened and her smile faded. “Um, no, I didn’t experience any pain after you left.”

Her tongue darted out and she licked her lips in a nervous manner, and this time he couldn’t restrain his growl.

A look of immense surprise came over her, but she didn’t appear overly frightened.

“Is there anything that I might bring you to make your stay more tolerable, human?” he asked. “Is the food adequate? Would you like reading material or perhaps some games?”

“The food has been good, thank you.” She appeared to hesitate for a moment. “But, um, perhaps some reading material. I’m fluent in several Earth languages, and I can read books written in Kall as well.”

“I will download an Earth library, as well as a Kall library, onto a tablet for you,” he said, strangely excited by the prospect of bringing her a gift. Not just a gift, but one that required some effort.

Her eyes lit up. “Wow, that would be wonderful. Thank you, General.”

“What is your favorite genre? I’ve always enjoyed historical accounts of early societies on planet Kall, and Shessema usually preferred poetry,” he said wistfully, and for a change he wasn’t stricken by overbearing sadness when he spoke of her. She’d been a part of his life and he needed to talk about her sometimes. He couldn’t speak to any of his men, but Layla appeared willing to listen. Her eyes softened and she gave him a compassionate look.

“I’ve read lots of Kall poetry,” she said, “and enjoyed it very much. Particularly works by Erommti of Faia District. When it comes to books written by humans, I must confess I enjoy romance novels. Before the war, Betsy Carson and I used to constantly trade books with one another.”

“I will ensure the tablet contains plenty of Kall poetry, particularly works by Erommti, as well as human romance novels.”

“That’s very kind of you, General.”

General. She usually called him ‘General,’ though sometimes she addressed him as ‘General Zamek.’ But what he wouldn’t give to hear her simply call him ‘Zamek,’ as if they were friends, or possibly more.

“It would be the least I could do after…” His voice trailed off. After I forced you to remove your clothes and then beat you savagely. Shame filled him. He prided himself on being an honorable Kall warrior, but if he’d fulfilled the ancient Custom of Retribution, he would have forsaken his own vows as a warrior. Perhaps Ambassador Merokk was correct, and this old custom needed to be abolished.

An awkward silence filled the room. Layla’s breaths became unsteady, and he was very aware of her tiny body so close to his, as well as the floral aroma that clung to her hair. He wanted to press his face into her locks and take a long inhale.

“I will go prepare the library for you, human, and I will return soon.” Without thinking, he leaned down and brushed his lips across her forehead. Her breath hitched. He didn’t quite kiss her though.

A shudder moved through her and an instant later, he swore he detected the scent of her arousal in the air. Stunned, he pulled back and stared down at her. Her breathing had increased, her pupils were slightly dilated, and her cheeks were flushed a deep shade of pink.

He was rock hard at this point, and he stepped closer, allowing her to feel the evidence of his desire. Her eyes widened and she tried to step back, but he grasped her hands firmly in his, not allowing her to pull away. They stood close for a long, tense moment, both of them undoubtedly conscious of the other’s desire.

“I’ll never take the strap to you again, Layla,” he said, meaning it, as well as wanting to gain her trust. However, he wouldn’t promise never to punish her—should she defy him in the future, as her master it was his duty to enforce her compliance. But a thrashing with a leather strap? He wouldn’t put her through that again.

If the time ever came when he must discipline her, he would do so gently and apply his flattened palm to her bottom. Of course, he didn’t share these thoughts with her just now, as he wished to calm her fears. Later on, once they became better acquainted, they would discuss his expectations for her while she lived under his roof.

“Do you really promise?” Tears wavered in her eyes and