I don’t think there is much else to say. He’s huge, brawny and sexy as hell. He’s also an alien warrior refusing to give into tyranny. And he wants the human female who defies him at every turn. My latest rough and rugged science fiction romance. See what you think. Oh, and as always, FREE to read if you have a KU Subscription.
GLADIATOR
“Whip her.”
“Punish her!”
The words in English came fast and furious from all directions, although I had no understanding of how they knew our language. They. The creatures were nothing more than ugly beasts. I gasped as two then three more strikes were given, the strap hitting 
exactly on my sit spot. I was still in panic mode, although my rational mind kept trying to resolve the puzzle of who they were and what I was doing here.
With every hard smack, I was shoved hard against the coolness of the pole, my body flinching as I clenched my fists. I refused to cry. They would not break me no matter how many strikes they inflicted. The punishment didn’t fit the crime, although in this world, I didn’t think they cared. Their concept of justice was fighting to the death.
I counted numbers in my head, concentrating on doing math problems in an effort to ward off the anguish even as the punishment continued. From somewhere I could still hear the growls and roars of the warrior, furious that I’d been made an example of. He wouldn’t save me. He needed to worry about his own life.
“Five more!” the king called out, much to the chagrin of the entire crowd. They wanted to see me burned at the stake, given an entirely different level of discipline.
I held my breath, tears forming in my eyes as the lashes were given. The sound of the alien’s wrist snapping and the whoosh as the strap was brought down in the air was almost as horrible as the act itself.
Almost.
When the ugly round of spanking was over, there was no one to comfort me, no savior waiting in the wings. I was simply turned around once again to face the crowd and the game that had started. I hung my head, blinking several times as I endured the aftermath, my skin seared from the brutal discipline. Heat radiated all throughout my body, leaving me sick to my stomach. I almost laughed thinking how many times my sassy mouth had gotten me in trouble over my lifetime.
Maybe I’d been sent to purgatory for my sins. A bitter laugh finally developed in my throat as the barbarian battle began again.
Swords slashing.
Two fighters growling.
Audience members cheering.
And one of them would die.
Except it wasn’t the warrior as the entire crowd expected. The moment the brawny Cryton warrior stood over the fallen alien, the entire audience sat silently. Until the warrior wielded his mighty sword, shoving the sharp blade through the monster’s neck.
Then the arena went wild, stomping as if they were two-year-olds in a temper tantrum, their vile and crude screams in their own language. But I could gather exactly what they were saying.
I managed a smile even through the pain as the warrior threw up his arms, walking around the arena, snarling as he celebrated his win. His muscles gleamed in the odd sun, the sweat beading off his face, neck and arms shimmering as he basked in his glory.
“No one ever wins, not against the gladiators,” the girl next to me said freely, wiggling in her bindings as her face beamed from glee. Her laugh gave me chills. “A hero. A hero.”
God, I wanted nothing more than to shut her the fuck up.
All the other girls seemed eager, their expressions almost serene. What in the hell was going to happen now?
Sadly, the moment was short-lived for the warrior as he was dragged toward the king, his weapon jerked from his hand. He kept a knowing smile on his face during the forced approach, rebellious in every manner. One had to admire the man, the strength needed to defeat such a tough opponent.
The king swept his arms into the air, silencing the near melee. He moved slowly down a set of stairs until he was merely four feet from the warrior, glaring at him intently.
“You’ve done well, Cryton beast,” the king stated. He sucked in his breath, his gaze traveling all the way down the length of the warrior’s body. “What is your name?”
The warrior chuckled, shaking his head. When he finally spoke, the crowd seemed to be in awe. “Thor.”
“Thor,” I whispered, more to myself. No one had that name. An amazing ancient movie with a Godlike creature, a myth from ancient times. Then I realized he was fucking with the king, usurping the man’s authority in every way he could. My admiration increased.
“Thor. Fitting for such a useless barbarian,” the king said, laughing.
Thor held his shoulders back, his head high and his smile turning into a smirk. “Not as useless as your gladiator it seems.”
The crowd went wild once again, forcing the king to throw up his arm. Instantly, the spectators were silenced.
The king’s nostrils flared as he leaned forward. “You have won the right to attempt your freedom. If you so desire.”
“Then free me,” Thor demanded.
Holding up one of his fingers, the king offered his own cunning smile. “But there are rules, even for a Cryton animal. If I had my way, every member of your species would be exterminated.”
Once again, the crowd began to cheer, the heavy thumping of their boots reverberating throughout the arena.
“What the hell is going on?” I thought I’d whispered but the girl next to me shot me a look.
“It’s all about the game. Phase two is one very few prisoners ever reach.”
“Game? What else could there be?”
The girl giggled in a maniacal tone, undulating her body perversely. “You’ll see, but you won’t be the chosen one. I will be.”
I narrowed my eyes, glaring at her as she rocked her hips and licked her lips, trying to be a seductive vixen. She looked ridiculous, disgusting in every manner.
“You will choose one as your mate, but choose wisely, Thor, for she could be your ultimate demise.” The king pointed toward the line of girls, raking his eyes over each and every one of us.
“Mate? What in the hell?” I was sickened at the thought, my entire body quivering but even in my fear, my nipples hardened. My God, I was aroused at the thought. This couldn’t be happening. Shame tore through me as I realized my legs were damp, slickened from the juice trickling down my inner thighs. Oh, no. I wasn’t this kind of girl. Hell, I could barely stand men. And an alien man? No way. I didn’t care if he was kissed by the very gods above. He was still some kind of a beast. All men were cranky, messy, and had no work ethic. I was a scientist, ready to take on the world. Just not this one.
But they’re sexy and rough, dominating in every manner. Look at him. He’s incredible. Imagine his cock buried deep inside of you.
My inner voice was going to piss me off.
A little tasty treat. I hope you enjoyed!
Kisses and spanks…
Piper
Dark, Dangerous, Delicious 