Free Her Alien Commander by Ashe Barker Page B

further, and by the time she padded across to the hospitality station wrapped in a huge, thick towel, she believed she could have eaten a Galeian’s tail.
    Not that she would order such a thing. “Breakfast, please. To include meat products and caffeine.”
    “Please specify.” The device appeared far less cooperative that it had for Phahlen.
    “Bacon, and, and …”
    “Try the eggs Benedict. I gather it’s a popular Earth delicacy.” Phahlen appeared behind her, the outer portal sliding closed at his rear.
    “I wanted bacon. Am I allowed—?”
    “That too.” He leaned past her to operate the food station. “We’ll have two portions of eggs Benedict. No, make that three. With bacon, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Fresh coffee too, with synthacream and sucrose substitute on the side.” He turned to face her, his smile lopsided. “I had some Terran nutritional data input into the system. If you have particular preferences just let me know and I’ll have those added too.”
    “Thank you.” Caria’s mouth watered as the food crystallised before her. The aromas were every bit as appetising as the overall presentation. “Petros used to make a fabulous morning meal…” She paused, uncertain if she should mention her past life.
    Phahlen merely smiled. “I shall endeavour to live up to his high standards. Shall we eat?”
    The meal was companionable, a fact that Caria found nothing short of astounding. The Vahlean was pleasant, attentive, and she found him to be excellent company. He was happy to chat to her about Solarian literature, hoped she had slept well, and enquired after her general state of well-being. Caria was at a loss.
    “I… I am fine, sir,” she managed at last. It was not entirely true, but neither did it seem too outlandish a claim. She was alive, pleasantly full, no part of her anatomy hurt unduly. Her captor seemed inclined to consider her comfort, and he could be kind when he chose to be. Her standards might have slipped in recent months, but yes, she was ready to settle for that.
    Phahlen set aside his empty plate. He had not sampled any of the bacon, but ate some of the eggs and clearly enjoyed his coffee. Her own meal finished, Caria tugged the towel up around her breasts, conscious of her state of near nudity. Phahlen smiled at her, his eyes dipping to her cleavage.
    “Lower the towel, please, Caria.”
    “Sir…?” She gripped it tighter.
    “I am about to fuck you, little human. Are we to make a fight of this?”
    She gazed at him. His features bore no hint of threat, but she saw certainty of purpose there. She could plead with him, might even now attempt to make a run for it though there was nowhere to go. He would tolerate the pleading perhaps, and he would punish any attempt to escape. Ultimately the outcome would be the same. Caria swallowed, held his gaze, and relinquished her hold on the towel.
    “Good girl.”
    His approval warmed her, but only slightly. Apprehension coursed through Caria’s stiff body. She had had a couple of sexual partners prior to Petros, but would never describe herself as experienced. And no one of her acquaintance was even remotely similar to this male, either in stature or size. She didn’t know what to expect, but anticipated the worst.
    “Your body is quite lovely, little human. Somewhat delicate, perhaps, though that is to be expected and I will make allowances. Please stand.”
    Allowances? What might that mean? Caria got to her feet and stood before him, fighting the urge to cover herself.
    “Come,” he commanded, as he stood also. He strode across the room toward the sleeping chamber, not looking back.
    Caria followed him, and paused just inside the door. Phahlen was already tugging the tight tunic of his uniform over his head. The alien was impressive enough when clothed. The sight of his naked torso took Caria’s breath away. He glanced at her and straightened, allowing her ample time to look her fill.
    “In the future, when you enter