Mercenary: Entwined Fates, #6

By Trista Ann Michaels

Sex slave auction hall, Veenori.

Kidnapped, humiliated and scared, Kiley plans to beg the mercenary who'd just bought her to take her home. Promising money beyond his wildest dreams, she haggles for her freedom. Unfortunately, her new master isn't interested in money. He has enough of his own. Instead, he plans to use her body as reimbursement.

Kiley doesn't know her father sent them, so Lucien and his first officer Syeer decide to use that to their advantage and teach the brat Kiley a lesson. With bondage and dominance, they hope to express just how dangerous the galaxy can be for a headstrong princess--especially when another mercenary is determined to use her in his vendetta against her father.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trista Ann Michaels
• Release date: Jan 27, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393505112

Book preview

Chapter One

With a cautious glance around the packed, smoky bar, Captain Lucien Amanpour headed toward the small table in the back corner. He’d been here numerous times, both with his crew and without, but he never failed to check out his surroundings for possible threats. That’s how he’d managed to survive for as long as he had.

Choosing the chair with its back to the wall, he dropped into it and casually studied the busy establishment. This place always had a crowd. Nestled in the center of the space station Odin Five, it was the entertainment hub for transport pilots, military, and general travelers.

As his gaze worked its way around the room, he spotted his reason for being here. Count Stefan Marcone of Tilarus, one of the few royals he would gladly work for. His tall frame took up the doorway as he scanned the room like a king surveying his lands. Long, platinum blond hair hung down his back —a Marcone trademark. He had gray eyes the color of gunmetal that could stare a man down and instill fear quicker than any laser pistol. The Marcones were definitely a family you never wanted to be on the bad side of.

To catch his attention, Lucien waved. Stefan gave a nod of acknowledgment, then headed his way.

Well, well, Lucien drawled with a grin. "This must be important if you’re slumming." He loved to tease his royal friend about his unorthodox meeting places. Most men of his lineage wouldn’t be caught dead in a place like this.

You call this slumming? Stefan snorted and dropped his muscular frame into the chair across from him, his lips twitching in amusement. I’ve been in worse.

Lucien grinned at the former rebel leader turned senator. I have no doubt. Now what was so important you had to come all the way out here? Why couldn’t it wait for my usual run to Tilarus?

I need a favor.

With a cringe, Lucien shifted in his seat. "Last time I did a favor for you, it almost got me killed."

Had fun, didn’t you? Stefan’s lips twitched as he raised his hand, catching the attention of the barmaid.

If you consider getting chased halfway across the galaxy by the prime minister’s goons fun, but that’s beside the point.

Shaking his head, Lucien glanced toward their barmaid, a tall, beautiful, blue-skinned Volurian. She strolled over and placed two glasses in front of them teeming with synthetic ale. He reached out, grabbing her thin wrist, and smiled.

Do you think it’s possible we can get the real thing? I think I’m going to need it.

He winked and she smiled seductively, her golden eyes flashing interest. With a wave of her hand, she brushed her black hair over her shoulder. I would be pleased to get that for you, of course for a price. You know the real thing is much more expensive.

Lucien nodded toward Stefan. He can afford it. Stefan raised an eyebrow at Lucian’s teasing grin. This meeting was his idea, after all.

Her attention shifted to Stefan, her gaze wandering down his muscular frame with the same lustful interest. Shall I get that for you?

Stefan nodded, an amused grin tugging at his lips. If that’s what it takes to get him to agree to my request...so be it.

I’ll be right back with those drinks, as well as anything else you might like.

Lucien watched the exaggerated sway of her hips as she walked away, then turned to his friend with narrowed eyes. It never ceases to amaze me.

What? Stefan asked with a snicker.

You and women.

With a laugh, Stefan leaned back in his chair. I seem to recall losing a few women to you.

Lucien’s lips lifted in a half grin as he too remembered all the times they’d fought good-naturedly over women. For a royal, Stefan had been quite the hell-raiser; that is, until he met Krista. Does your wife know about our little escapades?

No. Stefan shot him a firm look that would cause most men to quake in their shoes. And I want to keep it that way.

Damn, never thought I’d see the day you were whipped.

It’s not being whipped. The barmaid placed their drinks in front of them and Stefan nodded his thanks. When she walked away, he continued with a sly grin. It’s called keeping peace within the household.

Lucien chuckled and lifted his glass to take a sip. With a cringe, he raised the glass to study the murky liquid with the sour taste. You’d think as much as they charge, it would at least be good.

I have a stash in the cargo hold of my ship. Good stuff from Rhinari. I’ll give you some before you leave.

Lucien stared at his friend. If you’re offering to give me ale, this must be one hell of a favor.

Stefan leaned forward, resting his elbows against the table. King Shaba of Delnista needs his daughter brought home.

For a moment, Lucien was silent, his mind working. Except for the Marcone family, he hated royals. Hated princesses even more. They were spoiled, meek, and for the most part, a pain in his ass. He shook his head with a frown. He needs a mercenary to bring his daughter back?

Well, it’s a little more involved than that.

Out with it, Stefan.

It seems she’s gotten herself into a little bit of trouble.

Lucien watched as he lifted his glass and took a sip of ale. What kind of trouble?

Slave trader trouble.

Ah, shit, Lucien growled and glanced toward the dark ceiling. So you want me to... He raised his fingers, forming quotes. Rescue her?

No. I want you to buy her.

Lucien choked. Excuse me?

Delnista doesn’t want that kind of trouble or publicity. They want it kept quiet for her reputation. You’ll have to buy her.

Lucien rubbed his fingers across his ever tightening forehead. Damn, he felt a massive headache coming on in the form of one spoiled princess. How the hell did a princess get herself kidnapped by a slave trader?

The corner of Stefan’s lips twitched and a knot of apprehension formed in Lucien’s stomach. He had a feeling his friend wasn’t telling him the whole truth about something, but what, he didn’t have a clue.

Kiley’s father dotes on her, and I’m afraid she’s turned out to be quite the handful. She’s impulsive, unpredictable, headstrong.

Lucien dragged his hand down his face. Great, he grumbled.

Sounds a lot like someone else I know, Stefan said with a cheeky grin, and Lucien curled his lip, making his friend chuckle. Her father was throwing a party in her honor so she could meet her future husband —

Lucien held up a hand. Wait a minute. How old is she?

Twenty-seven.

She’s twenty-seven and unmarried? Is she that undesirable?

Stefan shrugged. I don’t know, haven’t seen her close up. Like I said, her father dotes on her. She put off getting married, but her father is now insisting before she gets any older. She wanted to buy a new dress and apparently got impatient waiting on her guard and went alone with her companion.

Lucien raised an eyebrow. That was stupid.

I agree. They were robbed, her companion killed, and she found herself kidnapped. Security cameras caught the whole thing so we know who has her.

Why doesn’t Delnista do something?

They’re mostly a peaceful planet, Lucien. They’re not really equipped for this sort of thing. Especially if it doesn’t go well.

Lucien tensed. What makes you think it won’t go well?

Because Jenik is the one who has her.

With a snort, Lucien lifted his glass and gulped down a huge sip. Jenik was a well-known tyrant —one he’d rather not deal with too much.  You’re just a fountain of good news tonight, aren’t you?

Stefan grinned. Come on, Lucien. She’s a princess. You’re a prince. Right up your alley, don’t you think?

He narrowed his gaze at his friend. As oldest son of a king, he should have taken his rightful place and married, produced an heir, but none of it felt right. Despite being raised as Solaris’s next ruler, he hated the confinement, the constant parties and social events, the diplomacy. He knew he wasn’t king material, and it wasn’t just the arranged marriage issue. It was all of it. Catching his brother and fiancée in bed together had been the last straw. He did them —and himself —a favor by abdicating. He’d left, joined a mercenary vessel, built a formidable reputation, and never looked back. Now he owned his own fleet of ships and only returned home when necessary.

Jenik always sells his slaves on Veenori, Stefan began and pulled a small chip from his pocket. If you leave tonight, you should beat him there.

So he doesn’t know she’s a princess?

There’s been no ransom demand, so I’m assuming he doesn’t.

You know as well as I do, if Jenik knew who she was, there would be no ransom demand. The man hates royals more than I do. He’d kill her, then leave her body where she fell. If she’s smart, she’ll keep her mouth shut.

He hasn’t killed her yet. I spoke with my contact on Veenori just before getting here. Jenik has already told the bar where he sells the slaves he’s on his way with another one to auction off. The woman matched Kiley’s description.

Why me?

Because you’ve dealt with Jenik before and I know you’ll see her safely home in one piece. You’ll buy her on Veenori, take her back to Delnista. You’ll have her two weeks tops, Lucien, then you’re done. Stefan slid the chip across the table.

What’s this? Lucien asked, nodding toward the gold chip.

Unlimited currency. The king said to pay whatever is necessary.

Lucien picked up the small chip, studying the way the light flickered against the metal. He hated royals, especially spoiled royals, and it sounded like this one was spoiled beyond belief. There’s no way I can...get myself out of this? he asked, arching a brow.

Stefan grinned. Look at it this way. If you do this, you’ll be able to claim ‘I owe you one.’

With a snort, he dropped the chip into his pocket. "Not just one, my friend. You’ll owe me two for this one."

* * * * *

Kiley took deep breaths, trying to keep herself from falling into a fit of panic. The cold air of the room hit her mostly naked flesh and she shivered. Her trembling fingers tugged at the collar around her neck to no avail. Looking down at herself, she adjusted the sparse material covering her breasts, then moved to the thong, tugging at the thin string of material as it crept deeper into the crease of her ass.

God, she hated these things. Only a man would come up with something so annoying and uncomfortable. They’d arrived on Veenori just a few hours ago. The small planet nestled on the outskirts of the charted galaxy played host to thieves, pirates, and criminals looking for a place to hide. Its desert environment made the climate almost unbearable, especially for someone used to one that was more temperate.

Two minutes, slave.

She cringed as her kidnapper attached a long leather leash to her collar. His thick fingers trailed down her cheek, making her shiver in disgust. Narrowing her eyes, she stared into his black ones, refusing to show fear or back down. She was a princess, after all, although she hadn’t mentioned that to Jenik. She knew of his reputation, his cruelty.

Jenik hated royalty and despite the money he would receive from her father if he ransomed her, the man would rather see her dead than returned home. So she’d kept her mouth shut and her true identity a secret.

Your beauty will bring quite a price, he murmured. She jerked her head away and he gripped her chin, making her flinch in pain. I know many men who would love nothing more than to tame that pride of yours, that arrogance. You will learn to submit, slave, or die. The choice is yours.

She swallowed, wondering how in the hell she’d gotten into this mess. Kidnapped, her best friend and royal companion killed. Guilt ate at her insides like a hungry animal. She should have never left home. She should have waited for her escort, but she had been so agitated.

She’d been able to avoid marriage, using the time to try to find the man of her dreams. She wanted love, not some aristocrat who was only after her money and the right to proclaim Delnista as an ally. She wanted a man to be her hero, her lover, her friend. She wanted a man who could stand up to her temper, fight back, not cower and give in so his wife wouldn’t nag him. But that man had not materialized and she’d begun to come to terms with the arranged marriage her father wanted. She loved her father dearly and would do what he asked of her, despite how sad it made her. She’d looked long enough. It was obvious her knight just wasn’t out there.

It’s time, Jenik, the bar owner yelled from the stage.

With a tug, he pulled her past the curtain and in front of the roaring crowd. She coughed as nasty smoke filled her lungs, making her eyes water. Squinting past the haze, she stared at the mass of men hovering close to the stage. Lust shone in their eyes as they watched, making her tremble in trepidation.

Oh, God, she murmured.

"The bidding will begin at four hundred kilnotics," Jenik shouted and the men around the bar scoffed loudly at the sum and a small part of her bristled.

She’s worth every penny, Jenik continued. Notice these breasts.

Her top fell to the floor and with a gasp, she raised her palms to cover herself. Jenik’s hand landed across her cheek with a loud slap. Lightning flashed behind her eyes, and she blinked to try to clear the tears beginning to well.

You will not cover yourself, slave, he snarled in her face, his nasty breath making her want to gag. Is that clear?

When she didn’t answer, he slapped her again, making her cry out in surprise. Jerking her head around, she glared at him in anger. Fuck you, she snapped.

Jenik’s eyes narrowed in hatred and he lifted his hand, ready to strike again. Kiley braced herself for the blow.

Six hundred kilnotics, a voice called and she searched the crowd, anxious to see who had bid.

Her gaze landed on the man who arrogantly worked his way through the crowd and her heart skipped a beat in surprise. Is that the man who’d bid? He now stood just below her at the base of the stage. He was tall, with tanned flesh and blue eyes as hard and cold as the arctic ice on her home world and boring into Jenik with glaring hatred.

Lucien, Jenik snarled.

The man nodded. Jenik.

Kiley continued to watch the man named Lucien, surprisingly intrigued with his dark good looks and smoldering eyes. His shoulders were broad and his waist trim. Black hair hung around his shoulders, giving the bidding stranger a roguish appearance.

He wore black leather pants and a white shirt open halfway down his chest, showing off smooth muscles that any other time she’d want to run her fingers over. Around his neck hung a medallion of gold that spoke of wealth, while the blaster attached to the upper portion of his thigh spoke mercenary. They were the only ones allowed to carry such weapons.

Mercenaries thought of money first. They were greedy. Maybe this man would be her best bet to get back home. She could offer him much more than he could ever dream. She just hoped he didn’t share Jenik’s opinion that the galaxy should be rid of royals.

Seven hundred, another voice called, this one much higher pitched, almost whiny.

Well, well, Jenik drawled with a half-smile. Now we’re getting some bids. Apparently, they like your feisty attitude and look forward to taming you.

Curling her lip, Kiley rolled her eyes and watched in shock as the bids continued to climb.

Eight hundred, Lucien called.

Nine hundred, another bid and Kiley squinted, trying to get a better look at the faces in the dark, smoke-filled room

Eleven hundred.

Fifteen hundred, Lucien said.

She gasped and turned her gaze back to Lucien.

Stop bidding against me, mercenary, a man growled as he stepped forward from the crowd.

Kiley’s eyes widened in fear as she stared down at the Veenorian. Oh, God no. His green-tinged skin rippled as he moved forward, his oddly bent, thin legs carrying him even closer to the stage. Golden eyes dilated then retracted as he took in her figure and exposed breasts. She prayed the mercenary would bid again. The thought of that lizardlike man laying a finger on her made her ill.

Three thousand. Lucien’s deep voice carried across the room, making the Veenorian scowl in growing anger.

Four thousand, the Veenorian growled, his gaze narrowing on Lucien as he strolled forward with more arrogance than any man should possess. I thought I told you, mercenary, she’s mine.

Only if you outbid me, Milash, Lucien