In Enemy Hands Ch. 03

"I can't believe how... It's so natural."

"Of course. I had the bathing pool excavated, and the engineer added a plug to the bottom. I can drain and refill the water as needed," Adlar said.

"Astounding. And the used water?"

"There's a drainage system to take care of the old water. It's released outside of the dwelling, as is the water from the falls. The stream cascades down the whole mountain face, so we just diverted it a bit for my use."

"I had no idea. We just assumed since your people lived in caves..." Varo gulped.

"That we were animals? You'll learn not to make such assumptions." Adlar took Varo's elbow and walked him to a sink. "I need to check your wound."

Adlar held Varo's hand still as he unwrapped the bandage. The cut looked much better and was healing well. Satisfied, he disposed of the sullied bandage.

"It looks good, but if it starts to bother you I need to know. Most do not have such a reaction as you did. For now, we'll let it breathe."

He then escorted Varo toward the waterfall. There was a long bench with shelves above it near the falls. Several bottles lined the shelves along with other bathing type needs.

Adlar stopped near the bench and turned to face Varo. "Strip."

* * * *

Varo jerked his gaze from the shelves. "W-what?"

"We're going to bathe. Strip."

Those strange yellow eyes of Adlar's pierced him. Strip? In front of Adlar? He didn't know if he could. But if he didn't, Adlar would think he was resisting and activate that cursed collar. He knew that, he did, it was just... his body didn't want to move.

"I-I-I..." Varo gulped, waiting for the pain to slap him to the floor.

Adlar narrowed his eyes. "Did you hear me?"

"I-I..." Varo cringed at the slight growl in Adlar's voice. He heard, he did. He just couldn't move. He didn't want to hurt as he did earlier, but his body wouldn't respond. Struck dumb and frozen, he whimpered, waiting for the pain to come. At least that might snap him out of this.

Adlar rubbed his hand up and down his arm. "Ah, I see. You want to, yes?"

Varo nodded frantically, hoping Adlar understood.

"I told you, I won't rape you."

And that was why he was standing there doing a fine imitation of a statue. He wasn't afraid of Adlar's reaction to his naked body.

He was afraid of his own.

Adlar stepped closer, staring into his eyes. "I want you to take your uniform blouse off."

The gentle command swept through him. Unable to resist, he lifted his hands and pulled the sleeveless vest over his head.

"Put it on the bench for me, Varo."

He dropped it where Adlar pointed. A shudder ripped through him—he certainly couldn't blame it on the cold this time. It was actually very warm and slightly humid in the bathing chamber. No, the shudder came from how gently Adlar spoke to him, and his reaction to it. That velvety soft voice wound like smoke around him. Goddess, he had no idea Adlar could sound so, so... sexy. And his body reacted; he was hard.

"Good. Now, I need you to sit and take off your boots."

Varo found his ass on the bench before he had a chance to think about it. If Adlar had shouted the command, he could've resisted. Fought. But he had no defense against the low, sexy voice that tempted him to want things he had no business wanting.

"You can do it, Varo."

Hands shaking, he leaned over and unlaced his boots. Questions flitted though his mind. Was this some sort of mind control the Helkans were capable of? He hadn't heard of such, but then, what did any of them really know about the species as a whole? Flimsy excuses, nothing more. You know you could resist. You don't want to.

And the truth of that scared him to the bottom of his soul.

He pulled off his socks and looked up at Adlar. "I..."

"I know. Stand for me." Adlar held out his hand, patience written on his face. "Come on."

Varo took his hand and let Adlar pull him to his feet.

Adlar continued to stare into Varo's eyes. "Now the uniform pants."

Unable to look away, Varo reached for the buttons. His mind was curiously blank—no thoughts to distract him as he unbuttoned. Those odd eyes of Adlar's held him trapped as he finished unbuttoning and slid his pants down his legs.

"Good, very good." Finally Adar broke eye contact.

Varo stood trembling as Adlar's gaze slowly worked down his body. Every spot on his body Adlar paused at warmed. His cock stood proud, nearly reaching to his belly button, eager for attention.

The stupid thing never had much sense, but this was on the outer edges of ridiculous. How could he yearn for his enemy's hands on him? An enemy who had collared him? But he did, and now Adlar knew it.

"You are..." Adlar shook his head. "Simply stunning."

A warm flush rose on Varo's face. No one had ever told him he was stunning. Hardheaded? Yes? Arrogant? Absolutely. But stunning? Never. His own father barely considered him worthy as the third heir to the throne. The words threatened his battered heart, and that was dangerous. As Adlar finished his examination, he looked back into Varo's eyes. Varo was surprised at the glazed look in Adlar's eyes.

Adlar blinked several times. A small, bemused smile lifted the corner of his lips. "And yes, I'm as surprised as you by that. Now, let's get you cleaned." He lifted a bottle off one of the shelves.

Still unresisting, Varo allowed Adlar to lead him to the waterfall. At a guess, he figured the falls were five feet across. He wasn't sure there was enough force in the water coming over the edge to get his hair clean. He'd just have to make do, somehow.

Adlar flipped a hidden switch and the water stopped crashing over the edge of the fall and suddenly came tearing out of a showerhead he hasn't noticed since it fit into the hardscape so well.

Openmouthed, Varo stared.

"Go ahead. And here, use this on your hair." Adlar handed the bottle to Varo, then patted Varo's ass. "You'll learn not everything here is as it seems."

Varo snapped his mouth closed even as he flinched at the touch on his bare ass. Indeed, he was finding that out. For one thing, he hadn't expected Adlar to be so... nice. Maybe if he weren't quite so nice, he wouldn't have this problem.

Turning, he stepped into the water, relieved at the pounding warmth. Quickly he squirted the liquid in his hand, the smell pleasant and light, something else he hadn't been expecting. Regardless, he didn't dally. He worked up a lather. The sooner he washed his hair, the sooner he could get out of there.

So when a warm body pressed against him, he nearly jumped through the ceiling.

"Shhh," Adlar whispered. "Let me help. I'm going to anyway, so there's no point fighting."

Chills raced over his skin as Adlar's hard cock rubbed against his ass.

"Hand me the bottle, Varo."

Mindless, he handed it to Adlar over his shoulder. That light scent teased his nose as Adlar got a lather going. He held his breath, waiting, his heart thumping in his chest. When Adlar's hands worked their way into his hair, he reached out toward the walls of the waterfall for support.

Adlar scrubbed his scalp, just hard enough to feel good. Closing his eyes, he relaxed into the feeling. Gods, he had no idea such a thing could feel so decadent. He never dreamed Adlar would pamper him. He'd expected force; what he received was seduction.

"Okay, now turn. Time to rinse."

He could withstand torture. But seduction? Seduction was much more insidious. Varo opened his eyes and stared at the stone in front of him, unable to deny that it was working—he was still achingly hard. Adlar tapped his hip, startling Varo.

"Come on, you have to get the shampoo out. Turn around for me."

How perfectly reasonable that sounded, but he knew it wasn't that simple. The grip on his hip tightened, reminding him that he really had no choice. Slowly he turned, afraid of what he'd find. But another part of him knew, and couldn't wait. How in the galaxies had he missed this dark, twisted side to his nature?

Pale, pale skin greeted him, stunning in its purity. He knew the lack of sunlight, along with living in caves, was the reason, but he had no idea he'd find it so tempting. Adlar's long, black hair was tied back in an effort to keep it dry.

"Very good."

Facing Adlar, he tilted his head back so the water could do its job. He stood silently, eyes closed through the rinsing. Water rushed over his trembling body. As much as he wished the trembling came from fear, he knew better.

Adrenaline jack was one thing. That wasn't what was happening here. Adlar finished rinsing his hair, and Varo opened his eyes, unable to hide any longer. He found himself staring at Adlar, focused on that perfect body in front of him. He desired Adlar.

He hadn't really paid attention to how long his hair truly was. His gaze traced Adlar's face. And those eerie yellow eyes were so different from his, with their slitted pupils. The pointed ears were odd too. Long and lean was a perfect description of the male standing in front of him.

Long, lean, and hard as stone.

For him. Adlar was hard for him. The idea both thrilled and scared him. Lost in thought, he flinched when Adlar ran a pale green sea sponge, heavy with suds, over his chest. His gaze snapped up to lock with Adlar's.

"There's nowhere to run."

He was well aware of that. Regardless, that didn't stop him from backing slowly away. His mind screamed that allowing Adlar to touch him was wrong, that he should fight, even though he knew what the result would be. He wasn't one who actively sought pain, and the cursed collar around his neck promised just that.

For every step he took back, Adlar followed, pacing him as they danced around each other in a predatory game of give and take. Eventually, Varo found his back pressed against the stone wall of the shower with Adar inches from him.

Trapped, Varo waited to see what would happen. He shuddered when Adlar casually wrapped his fingers around his throat, every ounce of blood draining to his cock. Adlar stood in front of him, not touching, but close.

Adlar held him trapped there while he lazily worked the sponge slowly over his body. Chest heaving, he dropped his graze... then threw his head back when that soapy sponge trailed down over his stomach toward his groin. Oh stars, don't... don't...

"Careful. You knock yourself out, and I won't be happy," Adlar said.

...don't stop. A strangled groan escaped Varo as the sponge bypassed his dick and continued down one leg as far as Adlar could reach. Varo clutched the stone walls, desperate to keep himself grounded.

The next several units of time passed with Adlar touching every inch of skin he could reach. Varo struggled not to react to the passion rising in him, but it was as useless as trying to stop the tide. The grip on his throat wasn't tight, but the threat was implied. Which was silly with the collar, but at the same time, he couldn't deny it thrilled him.

Adlar finally tossed the sponge and pressed his body against Varo's. "Mmm, so nice."

Varo closed his eyes again in an effort to escape his very blatant reaction to his enemy. He didn't understand why this was happening.

Adlar tightened his fingers on Varo's throat. "And you make me hard too. No more hiding. Look at me, Varo." Adlar shoved his groin forward and rubbed his cock against Varo's. "You make me need."

Shocked, Varo's eyes flew open. The press of a hard dick against him sent his desire sprawling out of control.

"Tell me no." Adlar wrapped his free hand around their cocks, stroking slowly. "Tell me no, and I'll stop. But you have to tell me no."

Varo opened his mouth to do just that, but a long, needy moan slipped out instead.

"That doesn't sound like no to me." But still, Adlar held back.

Varo knew Adlar waited to see if he would speak, if he would say no. If he would say something. Instead, he strained in Adlar's grip.

"Last chance to tell me no."

Varo whimpered.

"So be it."

Adlar, still holding both their cocks, stroked his hand over them. Friction built, and Varo wished desperately they had lube, even though he leaked precome like mad. They both did. Adlar's fingers on his throat, his hand on their dicks... The need to come grew.

Adlar was so near to him, and his scent teased Varo ruthlessly. Adlar's breath fanned over his cheek as water still pounded at them. Panting, gasping, they both stared into each other's eyes, neither willing to back down. Adlar jerked them off faster.

Varo wondered if passion showed in his eyes as it did in Adlar's. That pale skin was flushed pink from the heat and pleasure. Varo thrust his hips, unable to stay still any longer. He needed to come, wanted to come. The pressure built. Nothing else mattered. Nothing else could.

But by the gods, he refused to be alone in this. If he was going to lose control then so was Adlar.

Small whimpers fell from his lips, demanding more. Thrusting hard in the tunnel of Adlar's fist, he mindlessly sought his pleasure.

Adlar leaned closer, plastering their bodies together, but somehow still stroked them. Varo moaned when Adlar nuzzled his throat. He was going to come; all he needed was just a little more pressure... then fangs scraped his throat. Fear slammed his mind even as his orgasm roared through him.

Reality faded, and all there was to see was whiteness, and a buzz was all he could hear. His breath froze as his body jerked and twitched, as his balls emptied. In the distance, he heard a rumbling yell and heat covered his groin. Time stopped.

Had anything ever felt this good?

Everything came crashing back as Adlar held him. Goddess knew, that was the only reason he was still on his feet. He was boneless and satisfied in a way he'd never felt. And wasn't that a soul-sucking conclusion to come to?

"Frack. Are... are you okay?" Adlar asked, still leaning against Varo, his breath rather rough.

Varo was relieved to hear Adlar sounded as affected as he felt. The small tremors were satisfying too.

"I'm fine," he gasped.

They both stood there.

"Thank the frack." Adlar huffed and a chuckle crept out. "I'd bend you over right here, but I'm afraid we'd both end up on our asses."

A bucket of cold water couldn't have sobered Varo quicker. He'd let his enemy jack him off. Stars, he practically threw himself at the other male. All he had to say was no, and he hadn't. Instead of saying no, he nearly humped Adlar to death.

Horrified, he shoved at Adlar. "Get off me."

Adlar stepped back, eyebrow raised. Oh, Varo was starting to hate that arrogant look.

"I guess it was too much to hope you'd be docile after coming."

Varo fumed, the heat of his glare should have made the water steam.

"You didn't say no, princeling."

Of course Adlar threw that in his face. "I'm well aware of that!"

Adlar paused, staring at Varo. "Indeed. Well, come on then, I think it's time to get out."

Varo followed, wishing they'd gotten out before he made such a fool of himself. The problem was, he knew it was just a matter of time before this happened again. He couldn't, couldn't, allow himself to forget again that Adlar was his enemy.

Adlar led him to cabinets along one of the walls. He opened one and handed Varo a towel. The material was just as soft as any he had at home. After they dried off, Adlar wrapped the towel around his waist, so Varo copied him.

Adlar walked out of the bathing chamber, and Varo followed him to another room. Immediately, he saw this was Adlar's sleeping chamber. Again, instead of starkness, he found wealth and luxury.

A bed on a platform dominated the room. Over the bed a large, sheer white netting encased the bed, hung from the ceiling. The bedding was also white. The stone walls had been whitewashed. Even the furniture was white, and there were white rungs strewn around the floor.

Stunned, he looked around. "This is amazing. I thought you'd, ah..."

Adlar smirked. "What? You thought what?"

"Well, I was expecting darker colors, more masculine woods. Not this light and, ah... well, delicateness."

"I live my life in darkness, Varo. But even I want a retreat. This is mine." Adlar walked to the door in the room and opened it. "Come on."

Varo followed him through the door and into a closet that might have even been bigger than his. He snorted out a laugh. Again, he was surprised. He'd assumed Adlar wouldn't have many clothes. The male just didn't seem the type. What a wrong assumption that turned out to be. Rack upon rack of clothes took up the space.

While most of the colors were dark, as he'd imagine they would be, Adlar also had dozens of things in bright colors too. Vibrant reds, emerald greens, sunny yellows... he was frankly surprised at the amount of silky fabrics to shiny, unbending ones.

"Surprised?"

"Well, yes."

"I told you things weren't often as they appeared."

"Yes, you most certainly did." He needed to remember that. Assumptions were dangerous, and as he kept finding with Adlar, often wrong.

Adlar handed him a pair of black pants. "Try those. I think we're close in size, but they might be somewhat long on you."

The pants looked amazingly like his uniform pants. For some reason, that too surprised him. His enemy wore the same kind of uniform pants as he did. Why having that in common bothered him he didn't know. Maybe because it made Adlar seem more... normal. More like him. But he wasn't; Adlar had fangs. There was nothing normal about that.

He tried the pants, and they did fit, if a little long. Once he tucked them in his boots, it wouldn't show.

"Hmm, this may be tight, but it's all I have."

Adlar handed him a black long-sleeved shirt. Since it was cooler than what he was used to here, he was glad to see the sleeves. He slipped the shirt on.

Adlar frowned at him. "It's a shame to cover up the tattoos on your arms, but you may be more comfortable until you adjust to the cooler weather. It is tight, I see. You're bigger in the chest and arms than me. We'll need to get your measurements too."

"Why?"

Adlar stepped into a pair of pants and buttoned them. "Why? For clothes, of course." Adlar slipped on a shirt but then paused, an amused look in his eye. "Unless you'd prefer to be naked?"

Varo scowled. "I'd prefer to be on my own world."

The amusement vanished, and a shuttered look dropped over Adlar's face. "Well, unfortunately for both of us, you didn't stay on your own world. You took a shuttle, penetrated our shields, and crash-landed on my planet in some harebrained attempt to cause harm, I assume. Now we have to live with your actions."

"But your people—"

Adlar held up a hand. "And I do not wish to get into another discussion as to why that's my people's fault."

Varo pressed his lips tightly together.

Adlar handed Varo a pair of socks. "Let's get your boots. I need your size for footwear too. Come." Adlar turned and walked out of the closet.

Varo was tempted to see what would happen if he didn't follow along, but decided it wasn't worth it. He was sure he'd find plenty to take a stand over later. Plus, he was hungry and wanted information on his men. Angering Adlar wasn't the wise thing to do right now.

They returned to the bathing chamber and retrieved his boots, which he quickly laced. The room was almost too warm with so many clothes on. They then went to the kitchen. He noticed a small communications center off in a corner.

Adlar sat. "Give me your sizes, please."

Varo rattled off the numbers. "Oh, and underwear. Don't forget that. I, ah, feel odd without them."

"Better get used to it, princeling. I prefer my access unobstructed."

Varo goggled at Adlar. "But that's... that's..." sexy, deviant?

"That's how it's going to be." Adlar typed in a security code then let out a small high-pitched screech.