Flora Mann waited as the door to the space cruiser opened. The warm, humid air of Vega greeted her. Ahead of her, a large hover cruise ship waited in port for the passengers who’d be joining them for the weekend getaway. She still couldn’t believe she’d allowed her husband, Conner, to talk her into this.
A swingers party? She rolled her eyes and clenched the strand of pearls wrapped around her neck. Dear me. What would her parents think if they could see her now? It’s quite obvious. They’d admonish me, then send me to bed without any supper.
Over time, she’d learned not to say a word to them about her wants and needs. She kept her deepest fantasies to herself. No one should know the depravity she craved. The edge of debauchery. Lordy, Flora. You’ve gone and gotten yourself worked up.
A bead of perspiration slid down her neck and gathered at the divot of her throat. She untangled the floral kerchief wrapped decoratively around her wrist before dabbing her neck and cheeks. A proper lady finds comfort in decorum and poise. Never let them see you sweat, dearie. She smiled, remembering her grandmother’s words. Her grandmother had been locked in a Venusian Sanatorium for the infirm for ten years before she passed away peacefully.
Since her parents wouldn’t handle the messy details, Flora went in their stead and dealt with the final arrangements. She’d learned so much about her grandmother in those final moments. Along with signing paperwork and determining where her clothing should be donated, a box of trinkets had been located and left for her to peruse. Flora’s name had been scrawled lovingly in her grandmother’s handwriting on the top of the box. Inside, above the tissue paper, sat a parchment envelope. She opened it carefully, and she swore she learned more about herself and her grandmother in those four transcribed pages.
I hope I make you proud, Gram.
Flora took a deep breath as she stepped onto the small pad. The scent of jasmine and honeysuckle clung to the air, perfuming it perfectly. She didn’t have to close her eyes to imagine paradise…she was already there.
“Are you ready, darling?” Conner came up beside her, wrapping a protective arm around her middle.
“Oh yes,” she said a bit breathlessly. “It’s really amazing, isn’t it?”
As the sun began to set, shades of orange and red glimmered off the pristine waters, casting shadows on their ship. The patrons waiting to board the boat waved at those already on it. It reminded her of old film streams she’d enjoyed as a child. Some were losing their luster after many years of repeated use, but she believed it added to their charm.
“It is.” He kissed her temple. “Remember, this weekend trip is for you, darling. You dictate what happens.”
“I remember, Conner.” She turned slightly to gaze up at him. The soft sea breeze ruffled his blond hair. She still couldn’t believe she’d married him.
After she’d collected her grandmother’s belongings and made arrangements for her, she went home, and put her foot down—a bit. She changed her major from accounting to engineering and mechanical drawing. She wanted to learn how to build engines for the aerospace industry. She didn’t know what possessed her to pick such an ambitious career choice, nor did she believe for a minute she could do it. However, once she stepped into her first class, it all clicked.
It’d also been where she met Conner, a fighter pilot, who’d tested the thrusters they built as a side hobby. She’d been mad about him, with his piercing blue eyes and all-American boyish magnetism. She didn’t fear bringing him home to her parents; he’d fit right in. Yet, he had a wicked side. He rocked her world and once again made her question what she wanted to do with her life.
All those depraved, debauched ideas seemed to constantly fill her mind when he growled her name at night. With one word, he could make her toes curl and butterflies fill her tummy. He was a dangerously delicious man. A thrill of anticipation slid down her spine and settled at the apex of her thighs.
“Naughty wife,” he whispered, as though he knew her innermost thoughts. His lips brushed across the shell of her ear.
She giggled. “It’s all you.”
“Mmm, better be.” He pressed a kiss to her temple.
“Your bags.” One of the attendants from their flight placed their luggage in front of them.
“Thank you.” Conner fished some credits from his pocket and paid the man before grabbing both bags in his right hand.
“I can carry my own, my love.”
He flashed her one of his panty-melting smiles. “I know you can, but I want to do this for my wife.”
“Such a gentleman.” She wrapped her arm through his as they walked down the wooden dock toward the arrival line. “What do you think this trip will be like? Up there. With them.” She gestured to the people standing near the railing.
“We’re about to find out,” he answered. “Are you having second thoughts?”
She appreciated his concern, but no matter what, she wouldn’t back out of this. It had only been a couple of weeks since she told him the truth about her fantasy. He’d been curious for a while, biding his time, subtle with his inquires. Then after a vigorous session of lovemaking, she’d spilled the beans. Told him from beginning to end what she wanted and how she wanted it.
It seemed like forever before he spoke. Are you sure, darling? She hadn’t been more sure of anything in her life. When she answered in the affirmative, he rolled her onto her back and began anew. The passion he’d ignited within her blew her away. It left her shaking and hungry for more.
“Welcome to Vega Space Vacation Cruise Line. Name?” The petite U’epti woman’s brilliant smile filled Flora with an inviting warmth. A large passion flower sitting on her right ear held her hair away from her angular face and her pretty, almond-shaped brown eyes. The same type of flower had been fashioned into a lei around her neck, and it matched the beautiful floral frock she wore.
“Conner and Flora Mann,” her husband answered, patting Flora’s hand.
“Mr. Mann, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Ali’ikai.” She tapped on the e-screen in front of her. “You will be in cabin 3-C, the Lover’s Suite.” The seductive way she announced their accommodations had pleasure coiling low in Flora’s belly.
“Thank you.” He placed their bags on the hover conveyer, which would transport them to the ship.
“Enjoy your trip.” She motioned them forward.
“Thank you,” Flora replied.
The emotional rollercoaster she’d been on peaked as she stepped onto the gangplank. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, hoping it would settled her riotous nerves and rapidly-beating heart.
“Hey, now.” Conner stopped them midway up. “Are you okay?”
“I feel like a hummingbird; my heart is beating so fast. I’m happy and excited. I’m anxious and equal parts nervous.” She pressed her hand to her chest and laughed. “It’s…invigorating. Almost liberating.” Flora laughed again. “I feel so free.”
“You are, darling.” He tucked her into his side and they continued their journey to the interior of the ship. “Do you have any ideas of what you’d like to do first?”
“Food.” Her stomach gave a hearty rumble, agreeing with her.
“Then you shall eat like a queen.” Conner winked at her, then ushered her inside.
If the tropical island had been beautiful, the ship was amazing. Done in cranberry, marble, and cream-colored paint, it was like stepping onto a holodeck and visiting the New York Metropolitan museum. Opulent chandeliers hung from strategic places around the main lobby. The marble pillars sectioned off small sitting areas, while the cranberry carpet directed them to check-in desk.
“Wow,” she murmured.
“Indeed.”
“You remember that Titanic virtual reality tour we took on our second date?”
Conner nodded. “How can I forget?” he growled. “You were a naughty little bird.”
She tsked and gave him a playful shove. “Oh, shush.” Heat crept into her cheeks while simultaneously flowing down her neck to settle across the top of her chest.
“Red was always your color.” Before she could protest, he dropped the bags and gathered her up in his arms for a sensual kiss. His tongue swiped at her bottom lip, demanding entry, and when she acquiesced, he attacked.
His tongue tangled with hers as he fisted her hair, tugging her bound locks. Pinpricks of fire morphed into bliss as it slid across her scalp. She moaned, giving him access to deepen the mating of their mouths. She tingled from head to toe as her nipples tightened and her sex ached for attention. Arousal dampened her panties. Yes, her husband understood exactly what she needed.
Just as quickly as he’d picked her up, he placed her back on her feet. “Let’s get checked in, then we’ll grab dinner.”
“Let’s,” she agreed. Only now she was hungry for something more than food. Perhaps they could be delayed for a little while. It wasn’t as if anything truly closed on a cruise ship.
“You’re thinking again,” Conner stated. “What’s got you wrapped up?”
“I was contemplating a late dinner.”
He narrowed his eyes as they stepped to the counter. “Oh?”
“Yes.”
“Say it, Flora. Tell me what you want.” The power radiating from him made her weak at the knees.
“I want you to fuck me outside, on the balcony of our room, as we leave port.”
“There’s my risqué girl.” He pulled her to him. “Kiss me.”
She did. He pushed her past her proper ways. Past the embarrassment. Past the timidness she’d experienced in the beginning of their relationship. She blossomed in his arms. Flora nipped at his bottom lip, teasing him, before settling into a leisurely sipping of his lips.
“Good afternoon, and welcome to Vega Space Vacation Cruise Line. Checking in?” A man appeared in front of them. Like the U’epti on the dock, this man wore a floral print shirt and shorts. His tanned skin accentuated the beautiful pink and blue flowers on his top. His kind brown eyes and smile welcomed them.
“Good afternoon,” she replied in kind. “This is absolutely amazing.”
“Thank you. If you wish to learn the history of the ship, there is a holodeck on the third floor.”
“I’d love to.” The rush of excitement had her practically bouncing where she stood.
“Conner and Flora Mann,” her husband stated, handing him the disk Ali’ikai gave him.
“Ah, the Lovers’ Suite.” The man winked at her. “You are in for a treat, madam.”
“It’s our anniversary,” she said.
“Even better.” He placed the disk on his e-pad, and within seconds their pictures and information popped up. “Your bags are already in your room.” He placed two keycards on the counter in front of Conner. “Enjoy your stay.”
When they were finished, they strolled over to the bank of elevators and waited. Fourth floor, upper deck. The man hadn’t explained everything the room came with, but she could imagine. Her husband always went with the best, and she knew once they arrived, he’d give her exactly what she wanted. The thought thrilled her.
The elevator dinged and he ushered her aboard. The doors slid closed moments later, with no one joining them. “Now, I have you to myself.” The predatory gleam in his eyes had her creaming her panties. He stalked her into the corner, his gaze locked with hers as he placed his hand between her breasts. Slowly he lowered it, until he was gathering the hem of her summer dress. He drew it up, exposing her flesh an inch at a time. “Take your panties off, darling.”
Flora swallowed hard. She hooked her trembling fingers into the waistband of her lacy thong then lowered the scrap of material. The cool air hit her overly-sensitive sex, and she hissed. “Conner.”
“Shh, enjoy it.”
She dropped the lacy scrap of fabric to the ground then he dropped to one knee. He nuzzled her mound then gave her slit a single lick before retrieving her panties.
“One lick will never be enough.” He released the material of her dress and straightened it, seconds before the elevator dinged their arrival.
She shook from head to toe. No, one lick wouldn’t be enough. With each shift of her hips as they made their way to their room, she grew more aroused. They stopped in front of their destination, and he pressed his thumb to the pad. The light on the door turned green and the lock disengaged.
Whatever she’d been expecting paled in comparison. The grand space boasted a bed bigger than anything she’d ever seen. To the right, they not only had a balcony, but it was literally an entire deck with a small jacuzzi. A plush lounger sat near the huge bay window overlooking the ocean. Flower petals were artfully arranged on their bed, while gauzy material had been draped from over the canopy of the four-poster bed. The same cream paint and marble drew her attention to the bathtub situated near the master bathroom.
“Wow.”
“Only the best for you.” He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. “Happy anniversary, darling.”