Take Me by Shelli Stevens Page A

silent for a moment, then reluctantly released the breast he cupped. A warm confidence spread through him, knowing that he’d gotten to her. Had begun to pierce through that thick shell she retreated behind when a man touched her.
    He ran the pad of his thumb over her lips. “No, Talia, I think not. When you are in my bed, you will be willing and eager—be damn near begging me to take you. You will not be playing the role of Rosabelle.”
    He stood up, noting how pale she’d become. “I will send food and the numbing leaf in shortly. Tonight we will begin the first line of questioning.”
    At the door he turned and gave her a slight smile. “Until then, princess.”

4
    T alia watched the door shut behind him and then threw a pillow toward it. It fell short by at least a few feet, but it did relieve some of her frustration.
    The one time she was away from her planet and still she was a prisoner.
    She fell back against the pillows, brushing tears out of the corners of her eyes. Crying solves nothing . If she had learned one thing being a Rosabelle that would be it.
    How was she going to escape? Surely there had to be a way to notify the Council, inform them she’d been abducted.
    The tracker. Her throat went tight and she lifted her foot into the air to view the bandage again. She’d truly had a tracker planted inside her foot? As if she were some purebred dog?
    And are you really so different? Bought and groomed to become the perfect pet for a pampered Council?
    A Council that was probably quite upset right now. Would they take it out on her when she returned? If she returned. Damn Ryder Jacobs for doing this to her.
    More beeping noises came from the door and she reached for the small lamp on the table next to the bed. She scowled and glared at the door. This time when Ryder walked into the room he’d better be prepared to duck.
    The door swung open, and she lifted her arm to throw it.
    â€œPlease, don’t!”
    Talia lowered the lamp, her hand shaking as she stared in amazement at the doorway. It was not Ryder who stood there, but a young woman, half hiding behind the door, having seen the lamp in Talia’s hand.
    â€œI mean you no harm, Talia.” The woman hesitated and then stepped into the room. “In fact, I have come to help. I have brought food and a numbing leaf.”
    Talia’s jaw went slack as the woman crossed the floor. Her steps were light, her glossy brown curls bouncing while dark brown eyes glittered with excitement. But it was what she was wearing that truly had Talia shocked: a band of purple fabric that wrapped around her small breasts, leaving her shoulders and navel bare, and then a flowing white skirt that ended above her knees.
    â€œSurely no Rosabelle is allowed to dress in such a manner?” Talia sputtered.
    â€œRosabelle?” She lifted an eyebrow questioningly; the gesture seeming somewhat familiar. “You must have me confused with someone. My name is Krystal, not Rosabelle.”
    Did this woman have no idea what a Rosabelle was? Perhaps women were referred to with a different term on Belton.
    â€œWhere is your assistant, Krystal?”
    â€œAssistant?” Krystal set the tray on the bed. “Do you mean my chaperone?”
    â€œYes. Chaperone.” They must call their assistants something different as well.
    â€œI look that young, do I?” Krystal grimaced and poured some tea into the cup on the tray. “I turned eighteen years two months ago, so the chaperone has been reassigned. Thank the gods! Though my brother is not pleased. If he had the powers, I’m sure he’d have it fixed that I remain his kid sister for eternity.”
    Talia frowned, confusion swirling in her head. The girl had her chaperone removed at eighteen? But that made no sense. Eighteen was the age when the few women of Zortou were given chaperones. It was then when they were sold and their faithfulness to their owner