Nixie sighed as she left the suite. She hadn’t been apart from Mekai for even a day, and now emptiness washed over her. And guilt continued to build. What would he think if he knew she was about to service another man? The idea tore her up inside. Yet, she had to go, had to keep her word to Garesh.
With each measured step, she tried not to falter. How could she even think about keeping this appointment when she’d given her heart to Mekai, accepted his marriage proposal and beautiful, hand-made crown? She leaned against the wall in an effort to regain her composure. She couldn’t show up with hunched shoulders and a quivering lip. No, she had to be happy, filled with lust, ready to fulfill her client’s desires. Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a bottle of ipsum massage oil and rubbed it onto her face. Anything to improve her mood.
Taking a deep breath, she stood up straight and attempted a smile, one she couldn’t make happen. No! Do this for Cyresse and Garesh. They’d always been there for her. She had to make them proud.
Reining in her guilt, she continued down the hall. This was her last appointment. She could do this for her makeshift family. The client hadn’t booked her for the entire night, so she’d be in long enough to give him a massage, release his arousal, and then she’d be done. And if her life didn’t work out with Mekai, she could return, become a level Four Suavita.
She arrived at the door and retrieved her card from her bag to disengage the lock. But she couldn’t. The man on the other side of that door would not be Mekai. She’d already promised him she would be with one man for the rest of her life, a promise she’d break almost immediately if she stayed.
Mekai mattered more to her than anything. He held her future. No, she would have to go back on her word to Garesh. As she turned to leave, the door opened.
An older man, covered in scales, stepped from the suite. He wore nothing but a towel around his waist. “Are you my Suavita? I’ve been anxiously awaiting your services since my quarantine period ended.”
A tear trailed down her cheek. She couldn’t leave now. “Yes, sir. Let’s get started.” She followed him inside and set up the massage table.
The sooner she finished, the sooner she could return to Mekai and discover what her future held.
***
Mekai turned the corner as Nixie followed an almost naked Elikashe man into his room. The door slid closed behind them.
He narrowed his eyes. Fire burned through his body. How could Nixie keep clients after what they’d shared? After agreeing to return with him? His heart ached as if splitting in two. Would she ever be able to leave this lifestyle behind, or would she continue to service others on Carbae? He couldn’t bear the thought.
Clenching his fists, he spun around, marched back to his suite, and packed his belongings. He had to leave, to get out. To clear his head, or for good, he wasn’t sure which. Why had he come here anyway? How could he have thought a Suavita would fall in love with him when obviously he’d been just another client to her? Not the woman of his fantasies, but a fake. He stormed through the halls, down the stairs, and out into the street. The air in the hotel was so thick with ipsum, he couldn’t think clearly. Yet, his anger cut through any desire.
All around him, blissful tourists and Schedarn citizens paraded around. Their joy only made him angrier. He had to get away, find some place secluded where he hadn’t shared tender moments with Nixie. As he raced through the streets, his heart pounded. Why did she have to betray him? And to think, he’d been willing to give up everything for her, including his parents’ blessing. For they would never accept her as his future wife. Most likely, they already had him betrothed to another.
Reeling to stop, he sank to the ground. Why hadn’t he thought this through? Nixie could end up shunned on Carbae. She’d never forgive him, then. Even if he forgave her first.
“Hello, handsome.”
Mekai took in miles of blue legs coming to a halt underneath a short, black leather skirt. As he continued his gaze over her flat stomach and barely-covered breasts, he cock stirred. Until he saw her face. “Madelia, what are you doing here?”
“Having a good time with Ben. You can join us if you’re interested.”
“No, sorry. I like the outfit, though.”
She grinned, swaying her hips in front of his face. “Ben looks even better in leather. I must thank you for setting us up together. I never expected him to enjoy taking orders.”
He cringed. “I didn’t need to hear that.”
“I thought you two knew everything about each other.” She eyed him up and down. “Every intimate detail.”
“We weren’t that close.” Could she darken his mood any further?
“Hey, don’t be grumpy with me. This is Schedar, the planet where all of your desires can come true. Go find yourself a Suavita.”
“I already have.” And she broke my heart.
“Well, go find another to wipe that scowl off your face. The first one obviously didn’t do her job.”
She’d done more than just her job; she’d loved him, made him fall in love with her.
He winced. Nixie.
No matter what he’d seen, he had to get back to her rather than let her be with another man. He loved her too much to give up without fighting for what he wanted. “I’ve got to go.”
“Well, be quick about it. Your parents are here, too, looking for you.”
“Shit.” He rushed back to the hotel, peering around every corner first to ensure he would not run into the king and queen of Carbae. Not before he claimed Nixie as his, and his alone. For he could never share her with another.