She was slumped over in the back. âBut worse will come when they realize their precious Rosabelle is gone.â
âIâll bet. Losing your personal whore can really shit on your parade.â
Ryderâs jaw clenched and he resisted the urge to defend her. But why? She was exactly that. Whore to the Governing Council that was planning an attack on his home planet. No. She didnât need his defense. If anything she would need protection from him by the time he finished with her.
âWhen will we arrive on Belton, Lieutenant?â
âApproximately two hours of travel and then the half hour of detox after arrival.â
He nodded and closed his eyes. âGood. Sheâll be out for at least the next five hours.â
3
âT he money has not arrived.â Ramirez glanced up from the computer, his expression worried.
âSon of a bitch.â Franklin pounded his fist into his desk, his blood pounding as he stood up. Gods, he had known from the beginning what a shit idea this was. âI told you we could not trust him. We must bring them back at once.â
âWait.â Victor paced the floor and glanced at the hologram clock on the wall. âIt is only a few minutes past the hour. Perhaps we should give him the grace of a few minutes more.â
âNo, perhaps we shouldnât,â Franklin snapped harshly. âThere was never going to be any money transfer, it was all just a ruse to convince us to offer him a complimentary hour-long fuck with our property.â
âWe donât know that for certain.â Victor hesitated and looked out the window. âIf we interrupt him and he becomes angry, he will likely withdraw all support.â
âYou idiot, surely you cannot be that naïve,â Franklin snarled.
Gods, he regretted the day heâd signed on as one of three members in the Governing Council. Victor was often too soft, and Ramirez was growing weak as the years passed. His eyes narrowed. But that would all change soon. Being one-third of the highest power just wouldnât do anymore.
âFranklin may have a point.â Ramirez sighed and stroked his chin. âWorthington did tell us we may come get him if the transfer had not gone through.â
Franklin strode to the middle of the room. âYes, he did. And as we speak that filthy Earthling is probably tainting our Rosabelle.â
Having to share Natalia with Victor and Ramirez was maddening as it was, but to have given her over to some filthy Earth pig brought his blood to boiling point. Natalia was his, and when the day came when he became the absolute power she would be touched by no one save him.
Already, he intended to bring her to his chamber tonight and spend time alone with her. He had not missed her reaction to the foreignerâshe had been attracted to him. His fists clenched at his side. That was completely unacceptable and she needed to be punished. The blood in his cock stirred as he imagined the marks he would leave on her skin, right before he fucked her sweet ass.
âI must agree with Franklin at this point,â Ramirez finally agreed wearily. âWe should speak with Mr. Worthington.â
âAll right. We should go speak with him.â Victor nodded. âBut if this deal goes badââ
âIt will not go bad.â Franklin strode toward the door, confident the other two men would follow.
He walked through the corridor, heading straight for Nataliaâs chamber. Perhaps the rich Earthling should be taught a lesson in what consequences could come from lying to the Governing Council of a planet.
Franklin pressed his hand against the palm recognition security box and waited until the doors slid open. He strode into the room, but one glance around showed it was empty.
âI hear the shower running.â Ramirez spoke from behind him. âShould we wait for them to finish?â
Irritation pricked at Franklin and he swore under his