Carnevale and Subterfuge Read online

  Table of Contents

  ~ Acclaim for Selena Illyria ~

  ~ Look for these titles from Selena Illyria ~

  Copyright Warning

  ~ Dedication ~

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Epilogue

  ~ About the Author ~

  ~ Also by Selena Illyria ~

  ~ More Romance from Etopia Press ~

  ~ Acclaim for Selena Illyria ~

  For Renny's Mate

  “With fun and engaging characters, this was a cute short story.”

  —Gabrielle of You Gotta Read This

  For Seven Sins Inn: Pietro & Callisto

  “[A] definite page turner and one I would recommend to anyone looking for an interesting and sizzling tale.”

  —Fuchsia of Long and Short Reviews

  For Dragons at Midnight

  “Right from the start I was immersed into the wonderful world that this author brings to us and I hope that it is not my last.”

  —Gabrielle of You Gotta Read This

  For Dragons at Samhain

  “I loved seeing that connection. The two men knew just what Carissa needed and were not afraid to give it to her.”

  —Gabrielle of You Gotta Read This

  For Dragon Ugly

  “The sparks fly from the moment they meet and grow into an intense love. Not only did I enjoy meeting Brent and Carissa but the rest of the characters endeared themselves to me as well. I really enjoyed my visit to this world and hope to return again soon.”

  —Gabrielle, The Romance Studio

  ~ Look for these titles from Selena Illyria ~

  Now Available

  Dragon New Year

  Dragon Ugly

  Dragons at Midnight

  “Dragons at Samhain” Halloween Heat II

  Mate Not Wanted

  At Drogan’s Command

  Renny’s Mate

  Seven Sins Inn: Pietro & Callisto

  Fallen Lovers: Roman

  In Print

  “Dragons at Samhain” Halloween Heat II

  Renny’s Mate (Beach Bums Anthology)

  Seven Sins Inn: Pietro & Callisto (Demon Heat Anthology)

  Carnevale

  and

  Subterfuge

  Hades Helmet Crew Book Two

  Selena Illyria

  Copyright Warning

  EBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared, or given away. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is a crime punishable by law. No part of this book may be scanned, uploaded to or downloaded from file sharing sites, or distributed in any other way via the Internet or any other means, electronic or print, without the publisher’s permission. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000 (http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/).

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are fictitious or have been used fictitiously, and are not to be construed as real in any way. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales, or organizations is entirely coincidental.

  Published By

  Etopia Press

  1643 Warwick Ave., #124

  Warwick, RI 02889

  http://www.etopia-press.net

  Carnevale and Subterfuge

  Copyright © 2014 by Selena Illyria

  ISBN: 978-1-941692-01-1

  Edited by Julian Smith

  All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

  First Etopia Press electronic publication: May 2014

  ~ Dedication ~

  To Soph, Thank you so much for all your help. For Lissa Mathews and Jodi Redford. Love you guys.

  Chapter One

  Anarrae took in the glittering city of Zero Branco bathed in the light of millions of candles. The streets were awash from the golden glow of votives drifting down the canals. Large metallic gondolas moved slowly through midnight-blue waters as the various alien life-forms turned their heads this way and that. The spirit of Carnevale was in full effect, and Anarrae couldn’t wait to take part.

  The captain had given strict instructions for everyone to party and blow off as much steam as possible. Their next assignment would a long and arduous one: transporting one diplomat from his home planet to the intergalactic conference on Veritas 10. Just the thought put Ana on edge. With a deep breath, she focused on the festivities before her. People in costume lined the streets, wearing masks in various colors and styles.

  While walking down the plank of the transport ship, she readied herself for what was to come. Ana was to go to the Settima Sosta bar and wait for a man dressed all in leather and wearing a black mask made of feathers. He would be her gondolier for the night, showing her the pleasures the planet could offer her—for the right price. Money was to be paid up front. No names would be exchanged. In other words, a perfect encounter.

  A glance at her GPS cufflink showed her the direction she needed to go. Winding her way through the crowd, she headed for the bar rather than her hotel. Ana had no reason to check in. No luggage and no need for a room. From what she understood, her guide would be keeping her very busy. A small smile curled her lips as she avoided vendors and street musicians. Another glance at her GPS directed her around the next corner. She rounded the bend and continued walking, trying to keep very aware of her surroundings. The city was also infamous for conmen and women, pickpockets and thieves.

  Worn brick buildings clashed with new metallic high rises. The inky black sky was dusted with glittering diamonds and showed off the florescent pale green, yellow, and brown rings of the planet. Double moons hung, their full orbs casting a silvery glow over all. Ana sighed. If only she had more time. The beeping of her GPS informed her she had arrived at her destination.

  Ana looked up at a large wooden slab above an ancient looking door, the words Settima Sosta carved in deep grooves in the weather worn lumber. A shiver of excitement raced down her spine. The front of the building showed large windows covered in dirt. Shadows moved behind the glass. Nerves chased away the excitement. What if he didn’t show? What if this weekend was a disaster? Doubts assailed her as she stood before the door to the pub. She was asking some stranger to kidnap her, tie her down, and use every seductive technique in the book to make her come.

  Ana paused as she remembered the words of her last lover. He had accused her of being frigid, which was why he had gone to another. After having many talks with her friend Rena, she’d figured out why she couldn’t get into sex with her past lovers. She needed more—as in “tie her down, add a little pain to the pleasure, and fuck her senseless” more. Her arousal increased as she thought about being dominated. After doing research, reading some books and watching a few “special” films, she’d made her decision to try it. That’s what this holiday was all about for her.

  Just the thought of leather cuffs encircling her wrists while she was bound to a bed and fucked hard made her breathless. Anticipation sang through her veins. Determination stiffened her spine. With a deep breath, she pushed the door open and walked into the bar. The inside was unexpected. It wa
s dark, yes, but it was more intimate than sinister. Soft lighting from candles gave the place a seductive feel. The crystal chandeliers overhead gave the place a touch of class. Worn wooden furniture gave it a touch of Old World, like Earth. She loved it.

  Her heart tugged as she thought of her old home planet. She missed it so much, and yet she loved traveling on the Hades’ Helmet. With a great effort, she shoved her nostalgia to the back of her mind and walked toward the counter. Hopping up on the stool, she flagged down the barkeep. “I’ll have whatever’s on tap.”

  He was a wizened fellow with wild blue hair streaked with white. His dark eyes glittered at her from behind tiny circular spectacles.

  “You sure you can handle it? A little thing like you may pass out.” He started to laugh, a high-pitched cackle that sounded as untamed as his unruly hair.

  “I may be small but I can handle whatever you give me. Now pour before I go behind there and do it myself.” Ana narrowed her eyes, daring him to deny her.

  The bartender just shrugged, pushed a button, and filled up a tall glass with frothy, crystal-blue liquid. Tiny silver specks danced and twirled in the fluid. He slammed the glass down and stepped back. Pale blue froth sloshed over the rim of the cup, spilling to the warped wood.

  Not one to back down, Ana picked up her drink and downed about half the glass before pausing to take a deep breath. With the back of her hand, she wiped away the traces of the liquor before placing her cup down. Bitterness was the first thing she tasted before the sweet chased it away. And then the burn hit. Light-headedness descended on her and she had to hold onto the counter to keep from falling back. She blinked several times as the room began to spin and shake before her very eyes.

  A loud cackle sounded and she tried to focus on the origin of the noise. Her gaze locked onto the small barkeep who was doubled over with laughter, pointing at her.

  “Outworlders, so damn stupid.” He straightened, pushing up his glasses to wipe tears from his eyes.

  “Barkeep, enough playing with tourists and serve me,” a deep, gruff, lightly accented voice demanded.

  Warmth washed over Ana’s body as her nipples tightened. Her breath hitched. Her stomach tightened. She peeked at the newcomer from the corner of her eyes and she gasped. She had to look up and up and up. He was tall and swathed entirely in black leather. Half his face was hidden by a mask covered in slick black feathers.

  It was him! He had to be the one.

  Wavy black hair was brushed back to show off a large silver hoop earring. His profile showed Ana tanned skin and a strong square jaw. The newcomer turned and her gaze locked on his lips, full but not overly so, and shaped in a Cupid’s bow. A large spiked collar encircled his throat; the wicked looking tips of the spikes glittered even in the dim light of the tavern.

  Ana licked her lips and watched his Adam’s apple bob. He moved and his face was in front of her. She looked into pale green eyes, the color of olives from Earth. So beautiful and so guarded.

  “See something you like?” he asked. A thick tendril of midnight hair fell into his eyes. Ana had the strongest urge to reach up and brush it away. She wanted to see his face so badly, but if this was him, that wasn’t part of the deal. He was allowed see her but she couldn’t see him. Ana licked her lips as she tried to remember what she was supposed to say to him.

  “I am in need of gondolier to guide me tonight,” she said softly, surprised that her voice was husky.

  The man’s gaze swept over her face and she felt a spark of heat under his scrutiny. He straightened up and she followed the movement. “Sorry, love, not a prossy. If you want one of those, I’m sure you’ll find them somewhere out there.” He nodded his head toward the door.

  Horror—pure unadulterated humiliation—rose within Ana. Her throat closed up and words left her. She had just hit on a complete stranger. Her face burned and she turned away. Head hung low, she picked up her glass and downed the contents. Tears glittered in her vision, and she mutely placed five credits down to pay for the drink. It was much more than what would have been asked for but she didn’t care. The night had started off on a bad foot, and her plan to get tied down and fucked had just gone up in smoke. She had no desire to stick around and wait for her true gondolier. Ana doubted he would be as intriguing as the man standing next her.

  “Thank you,” she muttered before hopping off the stool and heading for the door.

  * * *

  Diego watched the woman walk away. His cock pressed against his pants, urging him to go after the small package of deliciousness. He had to admit, he would have gone for her in a heartbeat if he hadn’t had somewhere to be. She was curved in all the right places. Her milk chocolate complexion had him wanting to see her naked and to run his hands over her body.

  The beauty’s voice, soft and sweet, edged in huskiness, only enflamed him, and it had been so long since someone had caught his attention like that. A soft fire burned through his veins.

  Screw it.

  He paid for his drink and left the bar in search of her, despite the fact that he had a job to do. He hated the thought of some other man spending the night in her bed. The only problem he could see was whether or not she’d be interested in what he had to offer.

  At first the crowd obscured his view of his prey. He looked left and then right. All he saw were masked revelers celebrating the planet’s annual Carnevale festivities. Frustration made him clench his jaw. He waded into the crowd of people, cursing himself for not going after her as soon as she’d left. There were too many people. With a sigh, he went around the side of the building into an alleyway, ignoring a couple currently fucking against the worn brick face.

  Diego brought his wrist up to his mouth. “AI, show me all the hotels within a five mile radius.”

  He lowered his arm and watched the mini device search its database.

  “Closest hotel is two blocks away,” the AI’s soft female voice replied. “San Marco. Go west.”

  “Thank you, AI. Send a message to my appointment that I will be late,” Diego ordered. He refused to say he wouldn’t be there.

  “As you wish.” The machine automatically went into sleep mode, and he headed west. It didn’t take him long to come to one of the gaudy new metallic hotels that had been built by the nuovi ricchi of the city, who had wanted to modernize everything. He shook his head and went inside.

  Diego made a beeline for the front desk. Once there he cursed himself. He didn’t know her name. The receptionist tuned to him, expectation on her face. Which approach should he use?

  “Good evening, love. I’m new to the city and am in need of directions. I’m looking for the Il Grifone gardens? I’m hoping you could help me.” He gave her his most winning smile and watched as she grinned back at him. Her overly large violet eyes turned to her computer console and she typed in a few things. Frown lines creased her brow as she continued to type.

  “I’m sorry, sir, I don’t see anything with that name.”

  “Please,” he pleaded. “I must find this place. My grandmother, the Universe rest her soul…it was her favorite place in all of Il Doge. She asked me to see it for her and gaze up at the double moons on Carnevale night. She claimed it would bring me luck in love.” He knew he was laying it on a bit thick, but an honorable grandson worked better than a horny man.

  The receptionist’s gaze softened. “I shall do whatever I need to do. Excuse me while I go check with my boss.”

  Diego nodded and watched her retreat through the office door. That would keep her busy for quite some time, since there was no such place as the Il Grifone gardens. With a big grin, he rushed around the large counter. “AI, give the security team something to keep them busy. I’ll hack into the system and look for my girl.”

  “Don’t you think you should just find someone else?” his AI asked.

  Diego frowned. “Just do it. I don’t need your sass.”

  He swore he could hear the device sigh. The lights dimmed and the various screens on the walls began
showing porn. He couldn’t help but chuckle. He searched until he found the security footage and scrolled through the last hour until he found who he was looking for. He accessed and memorized her info. With that done, he ordered his AI to erase his tracks and dashed to the stairs.

  By the time he got to her floor, sweat was dripping down his brow, making his skin itch behind the mask.

  “She better be a good fuck, for all the trouble you’re going through,” his AI muttered, coming out of sleep mode.

  “You can shut up before I put you in pause mode.” Diego threatened. His eyes roamed over the LED panels on the doors.

  “You do that and I’ll take my sweet time coming back online when you need me,” she said.

  “I should never have insisted you have an AI core. Keep this up and I won’t find you a body.” The AI had no come back to that.

  Diego finally found Anarrae’s room and pondered whether to knock or break in.

  “AI, access her file and find out why she was looking for a prossy.”

  “First you threaten me and now I’m supposed to help you? Cristo, cosa non faccio…” she sighed and brought up the files.

  The clear lens on Diego’s mask scrolled through the information. “Interesting. She’s come here for some sort of sexcapade. She wants to be tied down, fucked…oh, no names to be exchanged. Kidnapping optional.” Diego’s lips curled into a smile. “What the lady wants, she’ll get. Wait, what’s this? She’s a crewmember on the Hades’ Helmet. Oh, this night just keeps getting better and better.”