Page 57 of Trove’s Purpose

Chapter 19

Trove

Watching Chee was a pleasure. She was so strong and proud and in control. Rinnicks was certainly powerful. Even if one didn’t include her near limitless wealth and resources, the interplay of muscles under her rich, green skin spoke of easy, casual strength.

She was a nerrit. Her species was a complete meritocracy. The strongest, smartest, most talented people were the ones who led. The top of their society was a bloodbath – sometimes literally – of people taking power in whatever way they could. And though Rinnicks wasn’t on her home planet, she had clearly left it with that same mentality.

All of this, everything she had done, was a show of her power. She stayed nude not out of some sense of perversion or anything sexual – it was a display. She was demonstrating her own lack of shame, her pride in her well-maintained body, and was trying to throw them off. The males moaning and rocking together were for the same, as was the bed, the dim room, the handsome males she employed to block the way to her.

Look at me, it all said. Look at all I can buy. Look at all I control. Witness it and be struck by your own inferiority.

It didn’t really affect Trove or the others. They dealt with wealthy, eccentric people a lot in their line of work. More than that, however, they simply didn’t care. It was a display of power that Trove couldn’t be impressed by because he had seen Tanin display his power, and it was far more impressive than simpering males grinding for her pleasure.

No, it was all just a show, and not really a very good one. Trove was content to ignore it as Chee started her negotiations. Sorbet and Tebros were acting as security, he knew he could trust them to watch out for any problems against them all. He’d rather just watch out for Chee.

So, he did. Strangely proud as his mate refused to cow to this female who, objectively, was much more powerful than her. He was barely paying attention to the actual conversation.

Until Rinnicks looked directly at him-

“You must be Trove.”

Starting, he focused on the dark-haired female. She was smiling lazily, leaning back on one hand, heavy breasts on full display.

She was eyeing him up in a way that was very familiar.

But he just smiled. “I’m sorry. I usually remember a beautiful face, but I’m afraid that I don’t recognize you.”

“Oh, we haven’t met before.”

“Ah. I see. Then, how do you know me?”

Rinnicks chuckled, tongue pressing back on her teeth as, again, she let her gaze rake slowly up and down his body. Taking her time. Enjoying the sight of him to her full pleasure. Focusing, he couldn’t help but notice, on his fingers.

On his lack of claws.

The gleam of interest in her eyes was undeniable. A hunger that made his finger twitch. He knew what she was thinking. He knew what she wanted.

And it made him sick to his stomach.

“Your reputation proceeds you,” she finally said.

Trove couldn’t miss the way Chee’s shoulders tightened. He played dumb.

“I didn’t realize my reputation as a delivery male was so good.”

Rinnicks just laughed. “You’re adorable. I help provide some of the workers used in high end brothels. Or just helping clients find particular… interests. With full consent from both parties, of course. It’s all legal.”

“I’d never imagine otherwise,” Trove said, and was rather certain she wasn’t lying. She wasn’t on her home planet anymore, and her business worked throughout the Coalition. Which meant she was beholden to Coalition law. And Coalition law against trafficking and slavery was harsh. If the people she traded weren’t willing to go, Rinnicks would be at risk of losing a lot more than just her business or wealth.

No, he believed her when she said it was all consensual. Wealthy people paid for certain kinks, and she sought out the pleasure workers to fulfill those kinks. It was all business. But-

“I don’t really seek out the high-end brothels,” he said. “A bit too rich for my tastes.”

“Ah, but the workers don’t always stay at the same brothel. They move between businesses, searching out their specific clientele. And you’re famous,” she hummed eagerly, her belly clenching with undisguised desire. “All the females mention your name. Your skills. Your… generosity.”

“I’m sure the rumors are all exaggerated,” he smiled neutrally. “They always are.”

“I’d love to find out for myself.”