The Reluctant Empress

Published by: eXtasy Books

Author : Gabriella Bradley

ISBN :978-1-4874-4295-8

Page :190

Word Count :58000

Publication Date :2025-01-20

Series : #

Heat Level :

Available Formats :

Category : Fantasy Romance , Science Fiction Romance , Coming Soon

BrandsExtasy Books
Product Code: 978-1-4874-4295-8

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Acelia’s desperate bid for freedom leads to a deadly confrontation with her abusive husband.

Acelia is determined to escape her oppressive life and abusive husband and secretly fulfills a lifelong dream of going to the space academy. After graduating, she is accepted for the position of communications officer onboard an explorer that will embark on a five-year mission.

Perfect…

But her plans go awry when Mitah shows up unexpectedly and unleashes his fury…

Seeking refuge at the hotel near Space Dock, Acelia crosses paths with Ezra, a charming science officer who is waiting to depart on his ship.

They arrived at the nightclub. It was very busy and at first Ezra had trouble finding a table for them. The dance floor was crammed with dancers. Once she sat, Acelia watched them. The only dances she’d ever learned were ballroom dancing, a waltz, a tango, the quickstep. She’d seen this type of dancing in movies but seeing it in real life was so different. And no one danced the same. If you could even call it dancing. A couple, not far from their table, stood about four feet away from each other just making movements with their arms and legs. In a way she found it comical. They looked like marionettes, robots.

Ezra ordered drinks for them. She had no idea what the green liquid in her glass was, but it tasted good, sort of minty. The music was so loud it was impossible to talk. Acelia wasn’t at all sure if she liked this type of atmosphere.

A large glittering spinning ball hung from the ceiling sending colored lights flashing throughout the club. She sipped her drink. And then finally the music changed to softer, slower tunes. Ezra stood and held out his hand. Hesitantly, shy almost, she placed her hand in his and he pulled her onto the dance floor and into his arms.

How different this was from the times she’d danced with her elderly tutor. The slow music, the ambience, his cologne, his arms around her pulling her tightly against him—she couldn’t place all the sensations coursing through her, feelings she’d never had in her life. His head rested on top of hers and she didn’t want it to end. Ever.

When the music stopped, then changed again to fast tunes, he stopped, walked her off the floor and back to their table. “You don’t like that type of dancing?” she yelled loud enough so he could hear.

He shook his head. “No, I prefer to hold you in my arms.”

Not long before they left, they danced one more time. Slowly, he steered her around the dance floor. She rested her head against his shoulder, reveling being in his arms, at the romantic ambience and music, when they danced past a table with several men sitting at it, her gaze fell on one of the guys. Shock shot through her body. One of the men was Mitah. It can’t be! He’s dead! Lifting her head, she took another good look and yes, it definitely looked like him. The light in the club was dim. Maybe I’m wrong… It’s just someone that looks like him…

It was after midnight when Ezra suggested they leave. Acelia was glad. Though the men at that table had gone, she couldn’t get the image of the one guy out of her mind.

It seemed almost natural when his arm slipped around her shoulders in the airtaxi, and he pulled her against him.

And then at the hotel, he walked her to her room. “Thank you for a wonderful evening, Ezra,” she said, and meant it. She’d never ever enjoyed herself so much except for that one dark moment…when she thought she saw Mitah.

He looked down at her and didn’t say anything. He was so much taller than her making her realize how short she was. Suddenly, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her. On the lips. Shocked, she wriggled away. Never had anyone kissed her like that. Not on the lips. Matter of fact, she’d rarely been kissed by anyone, even on the cheek. Her father had occasionally kissed her when she was still a kid. She’d seen couples kissing in movies, had fantasized about a man kissing her like that, with passion, desire, but now that it actually happened, she was totally unprepared.

“I’m sorry,” he said in a husky voice. “Am I being too forward? I thought you felt—”

“I do. I mean, I…you took me by surprise, and—”

He didn’t let her finish and pulled her back into his arms, his lips seeking hers again. Her lips parted under his and she felt his tongue entering her mouth, seeking, exploring. Wild feelings coursed through her, longing, a thirst for something she couldn’t yet place, wanting, needing…what? Him? Did she finally desire a man to take her to bed? No, not like this. Not a one-night stand. She’d learned about those from the TV. That’s not how she wanted her first time with a man to be. Not even with one as desirable and handsome as Ezra.

Acelia managed to wriggle loose again and gazed into those wonderful blue eyes, eyes that were now as dark as the depth of a sea, eyes that told her he wanted her. “I’m really tired, Ezra. Thanks again for dinner and a great evening,” she managed to get out.

He stood back. “Maybe I’ll see you at breakfast?”

“Maybe. If I wake up in time.” What did she see in his eyes, written all over his face. Surprise? Disappointment? Had he expected her to invite him into her room?

Digging in her purse, she pulled out her keycard. He took it from her trembling fingers. “Let me.”

He inserted it, then pushed the door open. She quickly stepped through the opening. “Thanks for a great evening. Goodnight again,” and closed the door before he had a chance to say anything.

Leaning against the door, Acelia let out the breath she hadn’t even realized she’d been holding. Her heart beat a staccato rhythm against her ribs and her body felt like it was on fire. Occasionally, when watching a very romantic bed scene in a movie, had she felt such stirrings. Now…she was feeling them in real time, and for a hotter than hell guy…a guy she had just sent away. But she’d be gone in a few days, and so would he. They might never ever see each other again.

Well…maybe tomorrow.

There is still a whole day and evening before I have to report for duty. That’s if I haven’t turned him off…

She kicked off her boots, stripped off her bodysuit, went to the bathroom to wash the makeup off her face, brushed her teeth, then crawled naked into bed.

After pulling up the duvet and snuggling into the pillow, all she could think about was her very first kiss, and about the handsome guy she’d spent the day and evening with… A guy who had no idea that at her age she’d never been kissed, had never been romantically touched by any man, not even her husband. Mitah had not even consummated their first night together, for which she was more than thankful at the time. He had gone to sleep in the spare room and left her alone and when she woke up the next morning, he was gone…

Had Ezra only been interested in bedding her? If so, would he even want to see her again tomorrow? As Acelia lay in bed, her mind raced with thoughts and emotions stirred up by the whirlwind evening she had just experienced. The memory of her first kiss, the electrifying sensation of Ezra’s lips on hers, left her both exhilarated and uncertain. Her thoughts drifted to the expensive perfume he had given her and his compliments about her being different from most women he’d met.

With a sigh, Acelia closed her eyes, trying to push away the thoughts that swirled in her mind. She needed rest, and tomorrow was a new day with unknown possibilities. As she drifted off to sleep, her last conscious thought was of the handsome officer who had turned her day into an extraordinary adventure.

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The Reluctant Empress

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