with them. Earth Government attempted to cover it up and the investigator they sent to track some of them wasn’t even told the exact number of models that are unaccounted for from the storage facility where they’re kept.”

“They can’t be that big of a threat, or why wouldn’t they just attack Earth and steal more androids, if they want them so bad?”

“It’s too well guarded. We’ve theorized that after we defeated them, they hunt for the location of our home planet to leak it to Earth Government. They’d send every battle cruiser toward Garden to exterminate us.”

Venice grimaced. “Say no more. I see where this is going. It would leave Earth unprotected while they attacked you. The Markus Models would have an easier time of getting through their defenses and stealing whatever they want from the surface if the patrol battle cruisers were too far away to be of use.”

“Exactly. Earth Government should destroy every model and the manufacturing plants that created them, but it’s doubtful they’ll do so.”

“They wouldn’t want to waste that much money. They’ll try to fix the flaw in the first batch.”

“That is our exact fear. They won’t give up on the idea of having intelligent artificial life with flesh exteriors that they believe they’ll be able to control. They attempted to annihilate us because we are living beings. That’s not so with the Markus Models. They’ll want to save the bodies and reprogram their brains.”

“Damn.”

“I’m sorry for alarming you. You asked why we must go on missions. That’s a big part of it, aside from acquiring supplies.”

“You said you grow your own food.”

“We refuse to strip our planet of minerals and other resources. We’d rather trade for them or take what we need. Our city is made from vessels we salvage for building materials.”

“You don’t live in tree houses?”

He chuckled. “No. They are not structurally sound or long-lasting. We do enjoy our comforts, and Garden is our home. We have no interest in ever leaving it.”

“Why were you at the station? Were you there to steal something?”

“We traded fresh food supplies for data chips and other upgraded equipment we need. We also were seeking information about the Markus Models. There have been no recent attacks in the area. That is good.”

“It was really lucky for me that you came there.”

Deviant leaned in and brushed his lips over Venice’s. She returned the kiss eagerly, opening her mouth so he could explore her with his tongue. He felt lucky as well that he’d gone to the station, and that his father had insisted upon him visiting that brothel. Venice was the best thing that had ever happened to him.

The tray between them got in the way so he just pushed it to the floor. It clattered loudly but he knew the sound wouldn’t carry through to the hallway or other quarters next to him, potentially allowing Stag to learn she was onboard.

He drew Venice closer. He couldn’t touch her enough. Her soft moans excited his libido. Blood rushed to his dick and his clothing in that area quickly became uncomfortable. He broke the kiss and began to strip. Venice didn’t need any urging to do the same. He enjoyed watching her bare every inch of her skin.

She lay back on his bed and lifted her arms, inviting him to join her. He couldn’t wait to stretch out along her side and run his hand over her belly, then lower. She spread her thighs to allow him to touch her sex. He leaned over and brushed wet kisses on her shoulder.

“That feels so good.”

“I love your soft skin,” he admitted. He traced the line of her pussy with his fingertips and grew more aroused when he discovered she was already wet and ready to take him inside her body. He applied a little pressure on her clit, rubbing. A louder moan came from her parted lips. “You’re perfect, Venice.”

“I think you are too.”

He gazed into her eyes and noted no deceit. She really did find him attractive.

He took care to bring her pleasure, the need to please her more important than the desire to be inside her body. The bundle of nerves swelled, hardened under his fingertip, and she restlessly shifted her hips, wiggling against him.

“Yes!” She reached out, placing her hand on his chest. Her fingernails lightly raked his skin. “Deviant…”

He watched her climax then shifted his body, coming down on top of her as she recovered. He hiked one of her legs up, spread her thighs