The Gravity of a Kiss: Mail Order StarBrides

By Betsy Love

His kiss changed her destiny…
Camille, the only heiress to the Beaumont trillions is betrothed to the vicious Amahrian prince. With only a few days before her arranged marriage, she has a chance encounter with Luc, a handsome stranger who kisses her for luck.
Afraid to return to the man who will dispose of her once she produces an heir, Camille stows away on Luc's spaceship.
Luc is attracted to her, but his bruised heart has left no room for love. Unable to return Camille to Earth, he has no other choice but to take her to his home planet. Can they break down impossible barriers and find a home for love?
You will love this strangers-to-lovers Space Opera Romance.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LoveLight Press
• Release date: Feb 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201530945

Book preview

Prologue

Whose idea was it to allow the Amahrians to take control of Earth? Just because they brought incredible technology to heal the wounded planet, it did not give them the right to rule over humans.

Some believed the Amahrians were actually humans and had left Earth before the wars and colonized Ainerth. The watery conditions of their new planet necessitated genetic engineering to their physical make-up in order to survive. Gills helped them adapt to their new world.

When they arrived on Earth, humans called them benevolent. Benign. Compassionate. Philanthropic. Some went even as far as to refer to them as saviors to the broken planet. The Amahrians hadn’t conquered Earth. They’d simply stepped in and assumed control over the dying planet, bringing with them pluerial technology.

At first, gratitude filled most human hearts. Now regret echoed among those fighting for renewed autonomy. Earther Rebels.

Chapter 1

Camille should feel some gratitude that her father had ingratiated himself at the top of the economic food chain. How else would she have had the privilege to marry the Amahrian prince? She wished she felt as honored as her parents.

Elliat Beaumont, seated beside her at the banquet, stood and raised his wine glass toward her. To my lovely daughter and heir to the Beaumont fortune, and to her soon-to-be-husband, Prince Teag.

Her future in-laws held their goblets high. To his highness, Prince Teag. To Camille. Their Amahrian eyes whirled with excitement. Others around the room toasted them as well.

Prince Teag squeezed her hand under the table, his fingertips cool against her skin. She forced herself not to pull away from his dutiful kiss.

Would she ever get used to his abnormal body temperature? Would it be even worse lying in bed with him? A shudder rippled through her body.

Why would anyone, Amahrian or human, envy her position? Because they only saw his position, his money, his birthright and his perfect face. She studied him for a moment. His nose, not flat like his father’s and unlike most Amahrians showed barely a sign of the gills along the side. His strong jawline, and dark hair against his pale skin with a hint of blue, gave him a face any man of either species might covet. The thing that set him mostly apart from his race was that he looked more human than Amahrian.

The emperor rose from his seat of honor and smiled, his teeth ultra-white behind thick, full lips. Yes, indeed, to my future daughter-in-law who will grace our nation with an heir to unite our races, a child worthy to one day be called ruler of Earth.

Camille could think of two reasons their families would desire a unity such as this. First, the royals wanted a new bloodline. Rumors had spread across the globe that Earth’s conditions was making it hard for the Amahrians to have children. If what people said was true about them originating from Earth, then perhaps they needed human DNA to create a new strain of viability to continue the emperor’s posterity.

Secondly, her parents had made it clear how important it was to them that the union with the royals would raise their prestige in the world. She looked into their beaming faces. Camille shook her head. As if they hadn’t already reached the pinnacle of success.

Human or not, Camille hated her parents for forcing her to marry him.

Was that all they considered her? A baby breeder? An alliance between their two families? Camille snorted in disgust. Teag had no intention of remaining faithful to their marriage vows. Camille had caught her intended with Zabri, his mistress, who already lived in the palace.

She stared at Zabri with her long slender legs and voluptuous, full figure. Her smile, directed at the prince, spoke of already possessing him. Did the prince dare to make eye contact with her seated among their guests? A quick sidelong glance at Teag said the minute this magnanimous event came to a conclusion, he’d race into her arms. Good. That meant all she needed to do was provide one child and then she wouldn’t have to have anything to do with him. Maybe she’d get pregnant within the first week so he could find his pleasure with Zabri.

Her parents dismissed her accusations against the prince, reminding her she had a duty to fulfill. Either they hadn’t believed her or didn’t care. Most likely, the latter.

What would happen to Camille once Teag got his hands on her inheritance? Nothing would stop the Amahrians from taking complete control of Earth. He who ruled the sinas ruled the universe.

Teag released her fingers and placed his hand on her upper thigh, sliding it higher up her leg. Seriously, here? Now? With everyone’s eyes on them? With Zabri shooting daggers at her? Camille swallowed and pushed his hand away. Couldn’t he wait a few more days until their wedding? Couldn’t he find gratification with his mistress?

He grabbed her hand and squeezed it to the point of nearly breaking her fingers. Once we’re married, you will not push me away.

Not wanting to cause a scene, she squirmed away from his bold touch. He would have to release her if she rose. I thank you all for your kind words. It worked. She’d escaped him once again. My mother’s work in reuniting the Has’e with their families has been a great success.

Her mother smiled and nodded, then took a gulp from her goblet. By the end of the night, she’d have her nose on the bottom side of the table. Either her father or half-brother would have to drag her out in secret and cover her crapulence with the press.

Camille continued. The generosity of the Beaumont family is long known for their contributions for the betterment of humanity. She emphasized the last word.

A man in the back raised his fist. Earthers Unite. Bring down the alien scumbags.

Her mother brought her hand to her throat as if the words choked out her life essence.

Elliat leaned over and touched her arm. I don’t think he meant the Has’e.

An enforcer grabbed each of the man’s arms, and yanked him from the room.

He continued to holler. We can’t let them continue to enslave us… His voice fell away.

A series of twitters carried around the room, starting closest to where the man had sat.

Teag rose from his chair, and put a firm arm around Camille’s shoulder, firm enough to let her know he hadn’t finished with his earlier demands. A disgruntled employee, I’m sure. He laughed and the others followed suit. As my fiancée started to say, we are pleased you have come to thank the Beaumonts for their assistance in bringing all races together here on our wonderful planet.

Nice platitudes, Teag. Camille rubbed her temples.

And we shall celebrate our union in three more days, bringing unification to not only Amahrians and humans but will show the universe that all races can and should be accepting of each other.

Cheers followed his words. Her father stood and clapped.

Camille wanted to escape this phony merimeyah. Her mouth twitched, and she leaned in close to Teag. I’m not feeling well. That stupid man and his accusations have given me a horrible headache. She placed a hand over her stomach. And the caviar did not sit well, either.

He took her hand, this time the grip he held her with, wouldn’t allow her to escape as she’d hoped. I’ll walk you to your room. Perhaps I can help you forget your pain.

Placing her hand against his chest, she pushed away and glanced at Zabri. Surely you have someone else who can satisfy your lusts tonight?

His eyes whirred. Whatever do you mean?

She motioned for Tyrel to join her. I’ll have my brother take me to my quarters.

You mean half-brother?

Her mother stood and hurried to her. Is everything all right?

Camille feigned a weak smile. All the excitement, I suppose.

Mom leaned in and whispered. Pre-wedding jitters. Every bride anticipates her wedding night.

Really, Mom? She hadn’t a notion of how Camille thought or felt and no idea how the thought of Teag’s touches made Camille’s stomach lurch.

Tyrel joined her and took her free hand. What’s the matter, sis?

Nothing a good night’s sleep won’t take care of. Although, sleeping forever might be a better option. Camille turned back to Teag and looked down at his hand where he still clutched hers.

Prince Teag leaned in and kissed her cheek, his lips like the cold caviar she’d eaten. Rest well, my darling. He released her hand; his eyes shot to his mistress’s face, hunger evident in his expression. He turned to the audience. Please forgive my fiancée’s untimely illness.

Relieved, she clutched Tyrel’s hand and leaned into his shoulder, acting the part of the ill aristocrat and cast a wan smile at her parents.

Tyrel put his arm around her shoulder and escorted her from the ballroom. Once they reached the hall, Tyrel released her. You’re not going to be able to pretend to have a headache if you two ever want to have a baby.

Camille gritted her teeth. I don’t ever want to have a baby. I’ll only do it because it’s what’s expected.

Her brother nodded. Too bad you couldn’t actually love the guy.

Mimicking her mother’s voice, Camille waved her hand in the air. This is one of the downsides of being in the limelight. One does not get to choose one’s companion.

Tyrel snorted. There’s no way anyone will ever choose my wife. He gave her a side hug and ruffled her hair like he used to do when they were younger. I wouldn’t want to be a Beaumont for all the sinas on the planet.

A pang of envy shot through her. You have no idea how lucky you are.

Speaking of luck. He released her once they reached her room and put his hand on her shoulder. I’ve got a game of Jahali lined up tomorrow.

Camille leaned her head against the door before turning to him. You realize once I’m married, I won’t be able to help you cheat anymore.

I know. He shrugged. But let’s keep it fun while we can.

She put her hand on the doorknob. One of these days you’re going to get caught, and your father’s money won’t be enough to pay off the Amahrians. And her father would refuse to bail him out.

I won’t get caught.

That’s because you have me. She managed to produce a half smile. But you won’t in a few days.

Then I guess I’ll have to find another way to procure extra sinas. Tyrel leaned in and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, his lips warm like a human’s should be.

She would miss that.

Chapter 2

Luc paced around the company lab, raking a hand through his hair. It doesn’t matter whether I’m twelve or twenty-nine, Dad will never get it.

Elishia dropped the eneoji crystals back into their container and stood from her place behind the lab table. He’s just concerned about your future.

I have a future with this. He held out his PIP and shook it in her face as if showing it to her for the first time.

Mom closed her hand around the personal interplanetary portal. What if you never get it working?

She couldn’t be serious? He and Joseph were close to solving the minor glitches in the device that would revolutionize space travel. Luc snatched the device from her. When will you stop siding with him?

Her hand dropped to her side and her mouth slid down into a frown. He’s my husband.

Even when he’s wrong, you’ll let him control my life? Luc gripped the orb, the ridge along the top digging into his palm.

Luc… Mom hesitated. Your father only wants what’s best for you.

No, he wants me to give up on my dream. He eased his hold on the PIP and tucked it into his coat pocket.

Elishia chuckled. Now you’re being dramatic. I expect that out of Joseph, but you’ve always had a level head. She crossed back to the table and picked up the crystal. Eneojis have served our family well. Without your father’s ingenuity, he would never have created the empire he has. You wouldn’t even have the opportunity to try your hand at your own projects.

Luc huffed. I don’t want to rely on his fortune. I want to make it on my own.

Examining the crystal, Elishia didn’t look up from the lab table. If you had listened to your father the first time, you’d have a wife whose fortune would have financed your project.

Luc crossed the room and snatched the crystal from her. I tried that once. Now my wife and son are both dead because of the gravity here. I didn’t want to take that chance again.

Mom shook her head. It’s too bad that you rejected your father’s suggestion to marry an Earther. That young woman would have survived Kalpathian gravity.

He slammed his hand on the table When do I get to live my own life? You and Dad have never let me be my own person..

His mother jumped, dropping the crystal. It rolled away from her and landed on the ground, shattering into pieces. She bent down to gather the shards.

The door behind her whooshed open and his father, Ayden, stepped into the room. His eyes fell first on Elishia where she knelt on the floor, to Luc and then rested on the pieces. Do you have any idea how expensive these are?

Elishia scooped them into her hand, stood and dumped them back into the container. It’s not what you think…

Ayden balled his hands into fists. I know exactly what it is.

Mom swiped the dust from her hands. I should have been more careful.

Stop trying to protect him. He glared at Elishia.

For once, Luc wished Ayden would have faith in him, to allow him space to be who he was meant to be. I’m taking a ship to Earth and collecting on your bad debts.

Ayden relaxed his hands and leaned against the table. It’s about time you took an interest in the business.

Luc glared at his father. I don’t want your business, and I’m not coming back. I’m taking what I collect to Jesighe to work on the PIP. What Luc planned to do with the sinas his father already promised he could keep must have shocked Ayden. Luc turned and left the lab, not waiting to see his father’s reaction.

Chapter 3

Camille stood at the railing, watching her brother’s opponent struggle to catch the round jahals that darted across the playing field. For the second time in as many days, she’d managed to avoid her fiancé and join her brother at the Drome.

So far she’d secured her brother’s success with three different off-worlders, and even if she hadn’t rigged the game, none of them had been a match for Tyrel.

Today, however, this man was different with his muscles and brawn. He should be trouncing the bunkam out of Tyrel, except that, like the rest of the games, she’d rigged this one as well. She fingered her WD. Should she change the code so the game could be more evenly matched? Her mouth twitched to the side.

Trying to score against Tyrel, the man flexed, his sinews bulging like the Borean Mastigo from the planet he came from. His brown hair, several shades darker than his beard, glistened from the sweat of exertion. Just watching him made her pulse quicken. Why couldn’t her father have matched her up with someone like that, and not the Amahrian prince?

Camille left the rail and ascended to the spectator’s platform. She slipped into a lounger for a better view of the arena.

A robo-waiter hovered up next to her. Would you like to order?

Mimosa analep. Her eyes never left the game between her brother and the stranger.

Shall I put this on your account? the waiter asked.

Camille nodded, and he whirred away.

Waiting for the next set of jahals to be shot from their cannons, the man on the field glanced toward her. Even without seeing the color of his eyes, they pierced her soul as if delving deep into