Belinda McBride: First Peek: The Bacchi

The Bacchi

Science Fiction, LGBTQ (intersexed)

Release date: July 31, www.loose-id.com

BLURB:

The Bacchi Lefi Dhrahn lives a life of luxury and decadence, but is tortured by memories of a lost love. He survives the pain by surrounding himself with sex, beauty and all forms of self-indulgence. When he meets the alluring Inspector Afton Teris, Lefi believes the detective will make a very nice addition to his string of conquests.

He doesn't count on falling in love.

Afton Teris is a Valoran hermaphrodite and like all members of his species, is stern, cerebral and disapproves of the frivolous prostitute. Afton orients as a male, but the beautiful Lefi Dhrahn stirs him sexually, making him question everything he knows about himself. To further confuse his emotions, Afton finds himself tempted by the forbidden pleasures surrounding the Bacchi.

When a kidnapping ring strikes close to home, the two go undercover on a brothel barge to investigate a slavery operation. There, Lefi is confronted by painful memories from his past, while Afton is faced with a horror that threatens his future, and perhaps his very life.

Their survival lies with one another, but only if Lefi can set aside his pain and listen to his heart.

EXCERPT:

"If what they say is true, you have advanced degrees. You could make your living in a legitimate fashion."

"I do make my living in an honest fashion. The woman you watched me with was not a client. She was a patient."

"But not all your clients are patients."

"No. And not all my patients have sexual issues. Within my culture there is no dishonor in making a living in the sex trade. After all, it's what our bodies are best suited for." His gaze slid along the length of Afton's body. "Oddly enough, it's what Valoran bodies are best suited to as well. I find it odd that your people have developed such revulsion of their nature."

Afton frowned at him. "There is no revulsion, and the tendency to identify with one gender over another is normal."

"Then why are you so disturbed about having a strong attraction to me?"

"It's normal to become aroused when people are having sex." Afton wiped a damp palm along his leg. Catching himself, he clenched his fist.

"You are most disturbed that you respond to me as a female. You've been wet all afternoon."

"That is untrue." Suddenly Afton's throat felt tight. His voice was quiet in his stress.

"Your female scent is as light and sweet as the sophris you drank."

Afton swallowed hard and changed the subject. "That human you were with…"

"Judith?"

Afton nodded. "She was much older. And not very desirable."

Lefi's smile faded. He carefully chose a small rolled dumpling, bit into it, and chewed slowly. "You are surprised that I enjoyed fucking her because she is middle-aged and plump." He took a sip of his wine. "There is beauty and desirability in all forms, Afton. Judith… Her skin is soft, and she has a gentle touch. When I kneel behind her, her buttocks jiggle delightfully at my blows. When she's on her back, her breasts shake every time I thrust into her body. And when I cover her, penetrate her cunt, she is soft and pillowy and warm. She's only just learned to climax, and sometimes it makes her cry."

"Why?"

"Why does she cry?" He lifted an arched brow slightly. "It's new to her. The intensity of the physical sensation overwhelms her. The emotional impact is painful; she never experienced culmination with the man she loved. She feels a bond with me because of the trust we've developed, but that connection frightens her. She's afraid of the eventual parting, yet looks forward to it as well. She's nearly ready to move on."

Afton studied the Bacchi's face. "You didn't climax."

"That would be rude unless my partner asks me to do so." He drank again. "But I restrain myself only with paying clients or patients. I expect to fully enjoy my lovers." His gaze again roved Afton's body, leaving no doubt as to what he was imagining.

"With you, there would be many delights. If you wanted to fuck me, I'd cherish the feel of you inside my body. I'd love to taste the hard flesh of your cock…the sweet juice of your pussy…"

"I'm male, Lefi."

The Bacchi continued, ignoring Afton's terse words. "Have you ever wondered what it would feel like, Afton, to have a hard cock up your cunt? To feel your breasts tingle and soften? To part your legs to a male?"

"That is enough!"

"Have you wondered what it would be like to feel a man's face at your sex, licking the wine from your flower or nipping at your sweet, tiny clit?"

Afton set his jaw and looked away, looked anywhere but at that tempting face…that body…

"Would you like me to kiss you?"

"Stop."

Lefi grinned and set his glass on the table. Despite the fact that they were several feet apart, Afton felt as though every inch of his body had been touched and stroked and set ablaze. The Bacchi reclined, his arm casually resting across the back of the sofa. In the distance, Afton heard the strains of soft music.

"Your words lack conviction."

"I will not be seduced, Lefi."

"If I choose to seduce you, Inspector, you will be unable to resist."

And Afton knew the truth for what it was. If the Bacchi wanted him, he would have him. Afton would have no will to resist.

"Are you emitting pheromones?"

"Of course. All creatures emit pheromones. That's how I know of your attraction to me, Valoran. But I'm not doing so to ensnare you. However, if we were to kiss—"

They were interrupted as the twins arrived to clear the table, and they left behind a small tray of sweets. They refreshed Afton's drink and presented Lefi with a tiny glass on a golden tray. He picked it up and held it to the light of the candles.

"This is a dessert wine of sorts. Very potent and a strong aphrodisiac." He smiled at Afton's surprise. "I have clients tonight. The wine in my system will heighten their arousal."

He downed it in one swallow. His eyes dropped closed as his entire body shuddered. Lefi exhaled and shivered. When he opened his eyes, they were heavy and languorous. "It is called chalus. A gift from the Goddess of the Garden." His smile was sin itself.

"But never fear; it takes several hours to work through my system. When the judge licks my skin, the wine will penetrate the membranes of his mouth and tongue. When his wife sucks my cock—"

"The judge? Again?" Afton rolled his eyes, lifting his glass to his lips.

"Of course. One thousand credits and a gemstone buy a good deal of my time." He smiled gently at Afton. "And your company now will be a welcome memory later tonight. I will see your face instead of his." Lefi dropped his gaze to Afton's mouth.

"Are you finished?"

Lefi brought a napkin to his lips. He then rose gracefully and picked up the soft leather boots he'd left by the door.

"I'll never be finished provoking you, Inspector Teris."