Tracy St. John's Blog, page 26

WIP Wednesday - CyberServed: Mine to Keep - Pre-order Now

 

Playing cyborg games

He smacked her rear as he bore her toward the fuck chair. She yelped at the stinging pain, then groaned as the massager switched on again. Jupiter’s storm, she was dying to come.

Alek settled her on the fuck chair, as she’d suspected he would. The black leather chair, with its multitudes of straps and restraints, had been a design project between the two of them, built to their specifications. The seat was firm with no give, and Lillian squirmed as her weight settled on her poor, sensitive ass.

Alek pinched her nipple in punishment. “Problem, slave?”

“No sir,” she moaned as sharp agony lanced from her tit. “I’m sorry.”

“Behave or you’ll go in the cage for the rest of the night.”

Lillian glanced at the wire enclosure he referred to. That particular contraption had been one of her worst ideas, especially when she was desperately aroused, as she was at that moment. In the cage, manacled to its crossbars, Alek would torment her with fucking, vibrators, anything that he felt would punish her…and deny her orgasm no matter how much she begged.

She whimpered another apology.

He stripped her of the clit massager. With her already well bound, Alek only needed to strap her legs in position: black restraints that circled her legs above her knees and secured them to the top of the chair. Her hips were tilted forward, her knees bent to her ears, her legs spread to afford access to her pussy and ass…to anything it suited him to take. He tilted the chair back forty-five degrees, and raised it to his crotch level.

Alek looked her over. She semi-reclined, her arms tied so her breasts were lifted, thrusting upward. Legs wide and bent, displaying her wantonly. His gaze held weight, especially as the seconds ticked by and he didn’t move.

Alek, in sexual master mode, had an evaluating stare that held no emotion. Lillian was used to that; she rather enjoyed it, actually. It allowed her to dive deeper into the fantasy she was his to do with as he chose.

He didn’t look any different from their earlier trysts. On the surface, he was the same old Master Alek who put her through her paces in so many delightful, dirty ways. Yet she sensed a greater attention than usual…more of an assessment. As if her appearance deserved greater contemplation than in the past.

He murmured under his breath, a hint of syllables that she caught only the barest trace of. Had he muttered beautiful?

 

Releases June 3. Pre-order from Amazon, Amazon UK, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble. Now available in print.

 

He was the most hated cyborg on Earth, and love is far from his original design. But when old enemies hunt the woman he’s sworn to protect, he discovers a passion for vengeance…and her.

 

CyberServe’s president Lillian Kwolek enjoys Alek on her terms: no love, no strings attached. It’s easy to keep him at a distance and guard her heart from hurt until an extremist group determined to right old wrongs targets her. Alek is loaded with a security program to keep Lillian safe, and it opens the cyborg to learning emotions. 

Alek doesn’t like these feelings, which include a confusing mix of devotion to and wariness of Lillian. She doesn’t like his developing emotions either. The new Alek, who fulfills desires and her need for safety from increasing threats, is too intoxicating a temptation for a woman who can’t trust men, whether they’re flesh or machine. 

They can’t resist each other, but past hurts threaten to destroy what they could have…and open the door to killers bent on annihilating cyborgs and Lillian.

Releases June 3. Pre-order from Amazon, Amazon UK, Smashwords, Barnes and Noble. Now available in print.

On sale now, the first of the CyberServed series: Made to Order

Available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Print is also available.

She’s marked for death. He’s her only hope. But can a de-commissioned cyborg once programmed to kill humans be trusted with her life…or her heart?

They called him the Wall, part of a cyborg army that terrorized humans during a long war waged by those intent on wielding power. When Tosha Cameron, owner of a multi-billion corporation, first sees the deactivated cyborg, he’s a tattered remnant of a horrific past.

Most would prefer to see cyborgs destroyed, but those with vision see a valuable resource. When Tosha’s business rivals target her for assassination, the Wall—whom she renames Brick—is her best bet for protection.

Reprogrammed, Brick proves he’s more than a mere machine. Programmed to guard Tosha, he can supply her every need. He soon develops beyond his learning matrix and software, becoming capable of humanity…and more.

Dark secrets from a bloody past are waiting deep in his circuitry, however; secrets that could kill the woman he loves and has sworn to protect.

 

 

WIP Wednesday - CyberServed: Mine to Keep

 

The perfect play partner

She scowled at her workload and mentally vowed she wouldn’t stay late in the office. Lillian wanted to play with her latest sex program. Cyborgs for sex were all the rage among the ultrarich at the moment. Fortunately, the ‘we’re not getting laid because of cyborgs’ protest contingent hadn’t yet formed to harass Lillian.

As she went over the latest sales charts, she considered what her night with Alek held in store. Lillian was an unapologetic mechasexual, a human who accepted only cyborgs as sexual partners. Alex had been her first, and thus far, was still the best she’d taken home. Though such dalliances were as impersonal as a hired dick, at least Lillian no longer had to pay to score her jollies.

Otherwise, it would be a menage of me, myself, and I.

No human men. No romantic entanglements. She’d learned her lesson where that was concerned. Life was on the lonely side, especially with her at the helm of CyberServe. Being its president took up far more of her time than her job as an engineer had, but at least she didn’t have to worry about being hurt.

“Security program has completed downloading,” Alek said.

She glanced at him. “How do you feel?”

“The matrix says I’m operating within system parameters.”

Good old Alek. Unlike the human race, he gave her nothing to worry about.

 

He was the most hated cyborg on Earth, and love is far from his original design. But when old enemies hunt the woman he’s sworn to protect, he discovers a passion for vengeance…and her.

 

CyberServe’s president Lillian Kwolek enjoys Alek on her terms: no love, no strings attached. It’s easy to keep him at a distance and guard her heart from hurt until an extremist group determined to right old wrongs targets her. Alek is loaded with a security program to keep Lillian safe, and it opens the cyborg to learning emotions. 

Alek doesn’t like these feelings, which include a confusing mix of devotion to and wariness of Lillian. She doesn’t like his developing emotions either. The new Alek, who fulfills desires and her need for safety from increasing threats, is too intoxicating a temptation for a woman who can’t trust men, whether they’re flesh or machine. 

They can’t resist each other, but past hurts threaten to destroy what they could have…and open the door to killers bent on annihilating cyborgs and Lillian.

Tentatively scheduled to release June 2022.

On sale now, the first of the CyberServed series: Made to Order

Available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Print is also available.

She’s marked for death. He’s her only hope. But can a de-commissioned cyborg once programmed to kill humans be trusted with her life…or her heart?

They called him the Wall, part of a cyborg army that terrorized humans during a long war waged by those intent on wielding power. When Tosha Cameron, owner of a multi-billion corporation, first sees the deactivated cyborg, he’s a tattered remnant of a horrific past.

Most would prefer to see cyborgs destroyed, but those with vision see a valuable resource. When Tosha’s business rivals target her for assassination, the Wall—whom she renames Brick—is her best bet for protection.

Reprogrammed, Brick proves he’s more than a mere machine. Programmed to guard Tosha, he can supply her every need. He soon develops beyond his learning matrix and software, becoming capable of humanity…and more.

Dark secrets from a bloody past are waiting deep in his circuitry, however; secrets that could kill the woman he loves and has sworn to protect.

 

WIP Wednesday - CyberServed: Mine to Keep

 

A business executive and her favorite cyborg

Alek knew the soft tread of Lillian’s step, and he turned to greet her as she entered her office. She left the guard detail outside her door, which closed behind her.

Assessment: Lillian Kwolek appears tense and ill-humored. Experience dictates this unit display a low-level concern approach.

After a year of functioning and learning, Alek’s matrix wasn’t required to tell him how to cope with Lillian. Nevertheless, it was good to have a scientific appraisal of her state of mind. “Good morning, Mr. Kwolek. I trust the ambush in the shuttle bay didn’t inconvenience you too greatly?”

“It would have been far worse if you hadn’t sent in the cyborgs. Good call. Thank you, Alek.”

“I’m pleased to have been of service.” He gave a stock answer humans expected to hear. Alek was pleased about nothing. He was also never irritated, peeved, or upset. He simply was.

He watched as Lillian slung her carrycase on the top of her polished desk. Her spiky silver hair, its ends tipped in black and red, was its usual artfully messy state. Her tie matched its coloring in alternating stripes, as did her long fingernails, which tapped nervously on her desk.

Lillian was unlike her contemporaries in many ways. Alek found her defiant non-corporate style interesting, but not enough to ask her about it. Despite the hair, which could change color daily, weekly, or monthly depending on her whims, she tended toward more of a natural look. She might go in for body contouring every month or two, depending on whether she had put on a few extra pounds, but she wasn’t rabid about it. Indeed, she was a far cry from the current trend of looking like a svelte gym maven. Her shape was a top-heavy hourglass. Alek had noted the gazes of most men and quite a few women went to her ample bosom, like moths attracted to a flame. Her breasts were impressive, he supposed.

He should know. He’d seen them close up and naked. He’d mauled and sucked them numerous times. He’d even fucked her cleavage, those impressive mounds pressed together to enfold his erect cock.

He was the most hated cyborg on Earth, and love is far from his original design. But when old enemies hunt the woman he’s sworn to protect, he discovers a passion for vengeance…and her.

 

CyberServe’s president Lillian Kwolek enjoys Alek on her terms: no love, no strings attached. It’s easy to keep him at a distance and guard her heart from hurt until an extremist group determined to right old wrongs targets her. Alek is loaded with a security program to keep Lillian safe, and it opens the cyborg to learning emotions. 

Alek doesn’t like these feelings, which include a confusing mix of devotion to and wariness of Lillian. She doesn’t like his developing emotions either. The new Alek, who fulfills desires and her need for safety from increasing threats, is too intoxicating a temptation for a woman who can’t trust men, whether they’re flesh or machine. 

They can’t resist each other, but past hurts threaten to destroy what they could have…and open the door to killers bent on annihilating cyborgs and Lillian.

Tentatively scheduled to release June 2022.

On sale now, the first of the CyberServed series: Made to Order

Available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Print is also available.

She’s marked for death. He’s her only hope. But can a de-commissioned cyborg once programmed to kill humans be trusted with her life…or her heart?

They called him the Wall, part of a cyborg army that terrorized humans during a long war waged by those intent on wielding power. When Tosha Cameron, owner of a multi-billion corporation, first sees the deactivated cyborg, he’s a tattered remnant of a horrific past.

Most would prefer to see cyborgs destroyed, but those with vision see a valuable resource. When Tosha’s business rivals target her for assassination, the Wall—whom she renames Brick—is her best bet for protection.

Reprogrammed, Brick proves he’s more than a mere machine. Programmed to guard Tosha, he can supply her every need. He soon develops beyond his learning matrix and software, becoming capable of humanity…and more.

Dark secrets from a bloody past are waiting deep in his circuitry, however; secrets that could kill the woman he loves and has sworn to protect.

Made to Order: Scenes Two and Three

 

A little extra for you! The beginning scenes of Chapter Two:

Tosha sped through the black wash of space in the luxurious company shuttle. Jeff had assured her he’d call a company pilot to pick him up when he was ready to leave. He had remained at CyberServe to start the process of discovering the partnership possibilities.

Her vessel practically flew itself. Tosha barely expended a single thought as she navigated between the blinking route buoys that dotted the area within the silver ring of Space Station Alpha. Their metal housings glinting from the distant sun, shiny breadcrumbs showing her the way to the office.

Flying on instinct, she contemplated sending her self-appointed guardian a case of champagne and hand-rolled cigars for putting up with her nonsense. Heaven knew she owed Jeffrey Rourke more than she could ever repay.

He had every reason to be jealous her father had left control of Life Tech Industries to her. Evan Cameron had been the visionary behind the company and its founder, but Jeff had been the force who’d turned his ideas into a behemoth worth trillions of dollars. He’d figured out how to make custom zero-gravity metal alloys to replace limbs and replacement organs affordable for vast numbers of people left injured or sick from war-torn Earth. Then he’d done the same for those forced to venture into the violent frontier of settled space and beyond. The government contracts had poured in afterward, filling Life Tech’s coffers to overflowing. If someone found himself needing a heart transplant or fully-functional bionic arm, it would come from Life Tech over seventy-five percent of the time.

If Evan had been the architect of Life Tech, Jeff was its builder, delivering it on schedule and under budget.

It had been a foregone conclusion Evan would will his company to Tosha, making her its owner. What hadn’t been expected was him giving her control as well. The board and shareholders were astounded when Jeff hadn’t been named chief executive officer.

Chaos followed. The board of directors had screamed at the company lawyers to challenge the will, alleging Tosha was unfit to run Life Tech. Her degrees, sobriety, and accomplishments since joining the company four years earlier were ignored in favor of her well-publicized decade of decadence, arrests for minor offenses, and half a dozen accidental overdoses.

She could have fought it, tying up Life Tech in legal limbo for several years. She might even have won. But after a lot of soul-searching and conversations with her best friend Adrienne, Tosha had decided to refuse her father’s wish she take over his legacy. She respected what her father and Jeff had built too much to damage it.

A year ago, she’d marched into the board meeting, ready to announce her decision. Before she got the chance, Jeff had addressed the group to announce his support of Tosha as CEO. He’d pointed out the good she’d done since coming to the company. Furthermore, he’d made it clear that if she went, so would he.

Everyone, especially Tosha, was stunned by his speech that was alternately angry with her detractors and praising her for how far she’d advanced. It had been difficult to hold back the tears, but she’d managed. She’d sworn then and there before the board that she’d make no big moves without their and Jeff’s blessing.

The board backed down. The crisis passed. For the past year, she’d held to that promise.

I still have. Life Tech wouldn’t bring on CyberServe as a partner until Jeff and the other departments did their due diligence on its feasibility. Then, if it proved worthwhile, she’d present it to the board for their approval. She’d only started the research ball rolling. She hadn’t committed to anything beyond that.

Tosha resolved anew to keep from making any deals without at least consulting Jeff beforehand. She owed him everything.

 

* * * *

 

Passcode accepted. System online. Functions within normal parameters. Awaiting sensory calibration. Calibration complete. System ready to respond.

Input: sound.

“Open your eyes, TWM-22121.”

Input: sight.

Brightness. Blinding. Automatic dimming for maximum response enacted.

This unit is located on a raised, round platform.The bright light beamed from overhead. Beyond, a long stretch of a stone-colored podium. Two figures stood behind it.

Living beings detected. Analyze.

Humans. Male. The sentients are smaller than this unit. Matrix identifies Alexander Beauchamp, this unit’s owner. Standby for further orders.

The chamber they stood in felt small despite the darkness hiding whatever was in the room’s further reaches.

Scanning.

Tables. Computer units. Chairs. Tools for adjustments. Tools for repair.

“Say hello, TWM.”

Input: speech.

Subjects’ language identified: ITCS common speech, fourth generation.

“Hello.”

“How are you feeling?”

Input: tactile sensation.

Warning: multiple sites of damage to unit.

Right elbow joint system inoperable.

Right shoulder joint system inoperable.

Right hip joint system compromised; seventy percent operational.

Right torso casing damaged, still within operational parameters.

Multiple outer skin and base covering lacerations, thirty percent of endoskeleton exposed, no operational anomalies occurring as a result.

Unit’s memory grid of operations and orders: zero percent.

Operational programming: baseline for understanding and carrying out simple orders only.

Appropriate response computed.

“I’ve felt better.”

Auditory input: laughter from male on left identified as Alexander Beauchamp. Humor response graded as positive interaction.

“It took a couple of seconds before it answered you. That’s some serious lag.”

Auditory analysis: skeptical tone, male on right. Response graded as negative interaction. Searching files for appropriate response.

Data insufficient for appropriate response. Maintain silence and do not respond.

“It’ll get faster as the matrix comes up to speed. It’s an eighty-two-year-old unit, shut down for thirty of those years. We’ll be boosting the performance ratio as well. In a couple of hours, it’ll answer at a perfect conversational level.”

“Conversation is the least of my worries. Tosha Cameron’s life hangs on how well this thing can protect her.”

“When we have the TWM repaired and upgraded, she’ll be in the best possible hands, Mr. Rourke. You have my word on it.”

“Make sure of that, Mr. Beauchamp. I’ll hold you personally responsible otherwise.”

Auditory analysis: male identified as Rourke issuing threat directive to male identified as Beauchamp. Graded negative. Searching files for appropriate response.

Data insufficient. No directive exists for answering threats. Maintain silence and do not respond.

CyberServed: Made to Order is now available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Print is also available.

She’s marked for death. He’s her only hope. But can a de-commissioned cyborg once programmed to kill humans be trusted with her life…or her heart?

They called him the Wall, part of a cyborg army that terrorized humans during a long war waged by those intent on wielding power. When Tosha Cameron, owner of a multi-billion corporation, first sees the deactivated cyborg, he’s a tattered remnant of a horrific past.

Most would prefer to see cyborgs destroyed, but those with vision see a valuable resource. When Tosha’s business rivals target her for assassination, the Wall—whom she renames Brick—is her best bet for protection.

Reprogrammed, Brick proves he’s more than a mere machine. Programmed to guard Tosha, he can supply her every need. He soon develops beyond his learning matrix and software, becoming capable of humanity…and more.

Dark secrets from a bloody past are waiting deep in his circuitry, however; secrets that could kill the woman he loves and has sworn to protect.

CyberServed - The Making of a New Series

 

I'm not one for jumping on bandwagons. Cyborg romances have been popular for some time now, and while I'd read a few and enjoyed them, they haven't been on my radar to write. I have my hands full with Kalquor, after all, and time to write anything else is in incredibly short supply.

But the muse showed up uninvited with an idea involving cyborgs. Specifically, cyborgs that had once been humanity's greatest enemy but were now programmed to serve. It included a future with strong women who ran the biggest companies and wielded the greatest power...but could let that go behind closed doors in the security of their strong cyborg attendants. The idea of man-machines, programmed to deliver assistance and pleasure to those who own them...if that's not a delightful fantasy for us women who need a break from the real world, I don't what is.

I couldn't resist diving into such a project, but again, little time was to be found when there was Kalquor to write. So when I had a few minutes here and there, I wrote about cyborgs. It happened slowly, but little by little, Made to Order took shape. When the first book came together so well, I decided I'd write three in total before releasing the first...because if Made to Order resounded with readers as it did me, I didn't want you guys waiting a year or more for the next story.

At this point, it's been a little more than two years before Tosha Cameron had her first glimpse of the Wall, aka Brick. Book Two, Mine to Keep, is almost ready to go to beta readers. Built to Last will soon follow. I've had a ton of fun with these stories, and I hope you do too. I believe I've delivered enough of a new twist on cyborg romance to keep the CyberServed series from repeating the well-trodden ground of other stories featuring mechasexual fantasy.

As always, thank you for reading. I appreciate you indulging me in wandering into this realm of SFR and giving CyberServed a chance. And yes, I am working on the next Kalquor, so don't worry about that.

CyberServed: Made to Order is now available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Print is also available.

She’s marked for death. He’s her only hope. But can a de-commissioned cyborg once programmed to kill humans be trusted with her life…or her heart?

They called him the Wall, part of a cyborg army that terrorized humans during a long war waged by those intent on wielding power. When Tosha Cameron, owner of a multi-billion corporation, first sees the deactivated cyborg, he’s a tattered remnant of a horrific past.

Most would prefer to see cyborgs destroyed, but those with vision see a valuable resource. When Tosha’s business rivals target her for assassination, the Wall—whom she renames Brick—is her best bet for protection.

Reprogrammed, Brick proves he’s more than a mere machine. Programmed to guard Tosha, he can supply her every need. He soon develops beyond his learning matrix and software, becoming capable of humanity…and more.

Dark secrets from a bloody past are waiting deep in his circuitry, however; secrets that could kill the woman he loves and has sworn to protect.

Now on Sale - CyberServed: Made to Order - Read Chapter One Now

 

  

“Think of it as a rite of passage. They’re taking you seriously when they try to assassinate you.”

Tosha smiled grimly. “Thanks for cheering me up. Give those long legs a rest, won’t you?”

“Sorry. I forgot your stiletto heels era is over.” Jeff slowed his pace with a chuckle, allowing her to catch her breath.

She thought about telling him she could run a mile in stilettos, had been doing so since she was thirteen, but that would bring back the days she was trying to leave behind. Not that the press would ever allow her to do so. She’d always be “Untamed Tosha” to the paparazzi, despite her tailored suits, silk ties, and shined oxfords that looked no different from Jeff’s daily business wear. They were the male and female versions of executive perfection, their outfits nearly identical but for his red and her blue ties.

Tosha Cameron had come a great distance in four years, greater still in the last year since her father’s death, which had left her the owner and CEO of Life Tech Industries. To most, she was still the wild child, the party girl whose escapades overshadowed the work she’d done to redeem herself.

Tosha shoved aside the angst that awoke when she turned reflective. Her expensive black shoes tapped an accompaniment to Jeff’s heavier thudding as they crossed the cavernous shuttle bay of CyberServe’s space factory. With Life Tech Industries, she had a multi-trillion-dollar company to run, a board to keep happy, employees to feed and house. And now, assassins to thwart.

Lowering her voice so their wide-eyed guide wouldn’t hear, Tosha murmured, “Are you sure this is the way to go? Peace was reached less than thirty years ago on Earth. Plenty survivors remember these things.”

“No kidding.” It was Jeff’s turn to look grim, the lines etched deep at the corners of his eyes. Most of the scar on his jaw was hidden by his graying beard, but it peeked out where it came close to his cheek. Got that when I danced too close to a cyborg, he’d told her when she was a little girl already unafraid to ask questions. Jeff referred to his past on Earth, where he’d been born, as the Cyborg Ball. His years fighting in unceasing rebellions against the corporate armies that battled each other for control over dwindling resources had led to many dances with cyborgs. For fifty years, the man-machines had been the rival corporations’ preferred soldiers. They’d damned near danced Earth to death.

“Sorry. No one knows about the wars better than you.”

They left the bay and entered a corridor. Worn carpet. Bare walls, with doorways slitting them at regular intervals. CyberServe was a new startup, long on potential, short on credit. Tosha wondered what this part of Alpha Space Station had been before the engineer-heavy company had moved in.

“Mr. Beauchamp hopes you don’t mind meeting him where we store the units.” Their guide’s spidery fingers adjusted a tie that wasn’t black enough to hide the darker spot of a stain.

“That’s fine. I appreciate viewing the product right away.” Especially since this was a private matter she was seeing to on company time.

“Um, well, it isn’t the finished product, you understand. They’re the raw materials. The product chassis, so to speak.” The guide, most likely an engineer or mechanic when he wasn’t playing escort, cleared his throat and adjusted his tie again.

“Of course.” Tosha and Jeff exchanged a smirk.

Tosha hadn’t asked how CyberServe had come to Jeff’s attention. He was a numbers man, Life Tech’s CFO, buried in ledgers and accounts. Hell, he’d helped build Life Tech into the behemoth it had become, working alongside her father for years to take a small medical manufacturing plant into the largest supplier of bio-printed organs and metal-alloy limb replacements. Life Tech was bigger than big when Earth’s every square inch had seen war and much of space beyond Station Epsilon on the other side of Mars remained a lawless frontier.

“Here we are.” Their escort, whose name Tosha had already forgotten, ushered them into a room more cavernous than the parking bay.

Tosha stopped short a few steps into the storage bay. She gaped at the bodies hanging by the hundreds—maybe thousands—from the ceiling. Rows upon rows, like slabs of beef in a butcher’s shop.

She swallowed and focused on the metal glints peeking from several bodies. Not corpses. Cyborgs, salvaged from Earth’s warehouses.

It still looked like a madman’s abattoir. She glanced at Jeff.

His gaze moved over the macabre display, mouth and eyes pinched with controlled emotion. Tosha wondered what he saw as he stared at the monstrosities. The bloody past? The terror of being a vulnerable human? Did he feel triumph that his former foes appeared ravaged, that they hung inert, impotent? Or was there only pain and hatred that he’d lost so much to them?

Tosha stared up at the nearest row, at the large, muscled bodies designed to strike fear into a target city or town with their impervious appearance. From what she’d read, the warfare between competing corporations, which vied for absolute control over Earth’s resources and people, had been just as much mental as physical. A cyborg army marching down the streets, each component over six feet tall and bristling with musculature, would have been terrifying indeed. Yet men like Jeff, often starving from the endless embargoes, had dared to “dance” with such imposing beasts. Using ancient or improvised weaponry, they’d fought state-of-the-art manufactured soldiers. And they’d won in the end.

She touched him. “Are you okay?”

His lips twisted into a snarl. The arm under her hand thrummed with energy. He jerked, as if he’d snatch free of the contact. Then he relaxed, and calm settled over his somehow harsh yet attractive features. A slow, satisfied smile pulled at his lips.

“Everything’s great.” He patted her hand. “Everything’s exactly as it should be.”

She grinned at him. “The enemy put in its proper place?”

“Damn straight, Skippy. Let’s hear the sales pitch.”

They nodded to their waiting escort, who’d wisely kept his mouth shut as they absorbed the shock. He twitched his tie, smiled and bobbed his head uncertainly, and led them through the rows of inert forms to the room’s center, where a podium and Alexander Beauchamp the III waited.

It was hard to focus her attention on CyberServe’s owner and CEO, due to the figures standing on the stage behind him. Somehow, Tosha forced herself to do so. Beauchamp was perhaps five years older than her, in his mid-thirties, all angles and pointed joints. His white coat hung badly on stooped shoulders. He was balding, his hopeful smile hovering beneath his long, crooked nose. No doubt he’d go for a full body contour and refacing if his venture panned out. There were no successful homely men within the Interplanetary Trade and Commerce System, commonly referred to as the ITCS.

The woman next to him was buxom with fashionable purple-tinged silver hair. She hadn’t been totally contoured, but had hit the highlights to voluptuous appeal. Her suit, while nowhere as expensive as Tosha’s, was nicely made under her technician’s white coat. Her tie was purple to match the ends of her layered hair.

“Welcome to CyberServe, Mr. Cameron, Mr. Rourke.” Beauchamp offered a slightly trembling hand. “I’m Alexander Beauchamp. This is my head engineer, Lillian Kwolek.”

“Mr. Beauchamp. Mr. Kwolek. It’s a pleasure.” Tosha greeted them warmly, envying Kwolek the freedom to indulge in the latest styling trends. Her own black hair was arranged in a conservative chignon. She’d have traded one of her twice-monthly body contours to get away with something more daring. Respectable corporate norms were stifling.

Kwolek nodded, as cool and professional as Beauchamp was hectic with hope. “We’re delighted you’re considering purchasing a unit for your personal security needs. CyberServe cyborgs are recycled from the old Earth wars, but they’re upgraded with the best modern technology. Programming options are state-of-the-art, allowing you to tailor your unit exactly as you see fit. It can be as utilitarian or as personable as you desire.”

The word desire hung with neon colors in Tosha’s brain. The cyborgs, each under a spotlight’s glare as they stood motionless on the platform, were naked. She blinked to note three were equipped with lifelike sexual organs. The fourth had apparently been outfitted similarly, but the collagen xenograft material that remained was in shreds.

“I never realized cyborgs were anatomically correct.”

“Oh, yeah, um…” Beauchamp flushed.

“What better way to demoralize your enemies than an automaton wielding a fully functioning cock?” Jeff growled.

The hair rose on the back of Tosha’s neck. “You don’t mean—”

“I do mean. Male and female victims alike. And their sacks? Capable of thawing frozen sperm within seconds. They could add insult to injury nine months later, should the current ruling corporation refuse embryo transfer.”

Tosha swallowed hard. Beauchamp and Kwolek appeared as sickened as she felt. Like her, they were probably starkids, born on space stations or long-range ships. Few starkids visited Earth.

She gestured at the lineup. “Any idea if any of these took part in such crimes?”

“Almost all records, both from their memory banks and the central operations hubs, were erased when the FPC government seized control of Earth,” Beauchamp said.

“Didn’t matter. The FPC executed anyone directly involved with the cyborg armies.” Cold satisfaction oozed from Jeff’s voice. Tosha thought his sole regret was having escaped Earth before the Free People’s Coalition, known as the FPC, finally defeated the last corporate kingpin and established a democratic government.

“It’s astonishing the cyborgs weren’t dismantled when they were ruled illegal on Earth.” Tosha eyed each in turn.

“After decades of fighting, the planet’s in shambles. Its resources barely sustain what’s left of the population. Everything’s for sale, past be damned. Including these monstrosities.”

Tosha was glad to have remained ignorant of the horrors of a Terran life. She’d been born eight weeks early on Space Station Nu, at the far edge of the galaxy’s settled area…a region with its own dangers from pirates and criminals eager to avoid justice. As soon as she and her mother Kiara had been well enough to travel, they’d fled to Space Station Epsilon, in civilized territory halfway between Nu and Earth.

She knew few people who’d lived on her ancestors’ planet. Jeff had so many horror stories, she was comfortable in her ignorance. The independent ITCS was perilous with companies dispatching assassins to intimidate or eradicate rivals, but at least there was no open warfare. The Secure Defense Department saw to that.

Tosha’s reluctance to choose a cyborg for a bodyguard mounted, but as Jeff had pointed out, it was damned hard for a successful business owner to know whom to trust with his life. Assassins regularly infiltrated private security companies.

“Tell me what we have here,” she sighed.

Beauchamp and Kwolek were at her side in an instant, eager to impress. “These four were chosen because they’re in the best shape of what Earth sent us. We can have any of them report for duty within a week. On the far left is SIF-3806, the earliest cyborg model.” Beauchamp licked his lips. Tosha wondered whether it was because of the bay’s dry air or because the SIF was as shapely as a porn star.

“It was originally an infiltrator and spy unit,” Kwolek specified.

“Good thing I don’t have serious esteem issues. She’s stacked and stunning,” Tosha joked.

“It had to look good to get close to the right people in order to carry out its function of information gathering and assassination.”

Beauchamp was quick to change the subject. “This model might be to your liking if you prefer a female presence. With our exclusive full programming package, she could protect you, along with behaving as a confidante who’ll keep all your secrets. Our human emotion protocol design is ahead of any other artificial lifeform behavioral tech. Models indicate the cyborgs might achieve actual sentience with the advanced programs in our full package.”

“Full package, huh?” Tosha bit back a smile at the bait.

“My business plan includes programming tiers, starting from the bare bones needs of the client to all-inclusive access of our entire library, with new updates provided for the life of the purchase. Or the customer can buy a unit and purchase single programs as their needs change.” He beamed.

Kwolek nudged him, and he blinked, his expression blank. “You forgot the special offer for Mr. Cameron.”

“I did?” He turned a blistering red. “I could have sworn—I didn’t tell you that as our first customer, you’d be getting the all-inclusive with whichever unit you choose?”

“It must have slipped your mind,” Tosha said, her tone smooth. The poor guy was embarrassed enough without her laughing at him. “Most generous, Mr. Beauchamp.”

“It’s in the hope you’ll endorse CyberServe once you’ve had your own cyborg for a few months. If a major client such as yourself is happy with a unit—”

“An excellent proposal, Mr. Beauchamp. Tell me about this next model.”

It was the cyborg with his manly bits ripped off. Now that she knew what had been done with those manly bits, Tosha could imagine someone taking some measure of revenge.

“CCM-121162. Originally built to capture and contain those its masters preferred kept alive. You notice the streamlined body? It was fast on any terrain. It would make a good tennis partner, if that’s your sport.” Kwolek eyed it with appreciation.

“Our next candidate is PSM-3437. These were the cleanup guys and builders, used to clear rubble and erect structures used by human area commanders. Rarely implemented for combat, so there’s that.” Beauchamp beamed hopefully.

“Those were also the guards and wardens for captured prisoners used to gain ransom. Or they tortured captives for information on the resistance.”

Beauchamp cleared his throat nervously. “Of course. The initials indicate prison and security, the PSM’s main function.”

“They were the corporations’ most intimate tools to terrorize on an individual basis, if you get my drift.” Jeff stared at the blushing Beauchamp until the poor man’s gaze skittered away.

Kwolek smiled with easy nonchalance. “I work with a PSM daily to test my newest programs. He’s a lamb.”

“Well, this guy’s a brute.” Tosha gaped at the last potential candidate.

He was huge, at least six-feet-five and all bulky muscle where it hadn’t been torn off, allowing the metal chassis to show. One lens was missing, showing a baleful orange eye. The other was tawny brown, still intact. His rugged features were brutishly masculine, terrifying.

Tosha was almost afraid to look between the behemoth’s legs, but curiosity won out. It was big, but far from the battering ram she’d half-feared she’d see. Perfect, in fact. Too bad it was attached to such a frightening creature.

“The face of the wars. The Wall is the most recognizable of the cyborgs.” Beauchamp also gawped at it with awe.

“The Wall?”

“The collective nickname for the ground fighting force. This beast is TWM-22121. Imagine a battalion of these guys marching into your city. Fully shielded and armed, programmed to steamroll over any resistance, he could have taken out a dozen human fighters by himself.”

“More,” Jeff muttered.

Tosha sidled close to him. “Are you sure you want to see any cyborg on a daily basis? After all, I’ll be bringing my protection to the office with me.”

“You need the best. If CyberServe has their shit together, and I think they do, a cyborg will be the ticket.” Jeff drew up tall and offered her a reassuring smile. “I’ve dealt with worse circumstances. I can handle looking at these ugly bastards if it means taking care of you.”

“Okay.” If Jeff was certain, then she should be too. She regarded the cyborgs in turn.

The SIF was beautiful. Any would-be assassin would be surprised to find himself facing off with the elegant stunner. Which was why Tosha crossed her off the list almost immediately. It would be far better to warn off as many enemies as possible with a show of power right off the bat. She wanted a bodyguard whose very presence shouted “don’t fuck with me.”

The CCM was toned, a decent but far from intimidating presence. Or maybe it was because he was missing his manhood. Tosha wondered if she’d ever be able to look at him without visualizing his tattered crotch. She mentally filed the unit away as a maybe.

The PSM had more presence. Yet Jeff’s assertion that the model had been most tasked to carry out personal violence made her stomach churn. It was silly to strike him from her potential list since such programs had been deleted, but she couldn’t quell the disgust he inspired.

The CCM’s lone competition was the TWM. If Tosha wanted to intimidate her enemies, he certainly fit the bill. No one would doubt the bruiser meant business.

Beauchamp had called him “the face of the war.” A potential PR nightmare if she had to deal with those who’d been through those terrible decades.

“What’s a full-face skin graft go for?” she asked Jeff.

“From our company?” He mused only a second before rattling off a substantial but reasonable amount. He gazed at her approvingly. “It would be a good move, all things considered.”

His praise rolled off her because an idea had just blazed with brilliance in her mind. “Mr. Beauchamp, where are you getting replacement parts for your cyborgs?”

“Do you mean the metal endoskeleton?”

“All of it. Molded body shaping, organs, skin.”

“We’re contracting with a few manufacturers to start with. We’ve been getting bids from everyone, including your company. In the long run, it would be great to take care of it ourselves, once we get the capital.”

“What about partnering with a medical-technology company long term? That is, if its CEO is pleased with her trial run of your product.”

Beauchamp and Jeff gasped simultaneously. Kwolek squealed, losing a few coolness points in Tosha’s estimation. But she earned a gold star for merchandise enthusiasm.

Tosha held up a hand. “I need to evaluate the cyborg before making an actual offer. Finance has to crunch the numbers, Marketing has to research how lucrative it would be for Life Tech to branch out from our purely medical mission statement, and so on. But if you’re interested—”

“Yes, Mr. Cameron! Absolutely. I’m grateful you’d consider such a thing.” Beauchamp looked ready to simultaneously blast off and pass out. “Tell me what you need, and consider it done.”

“We’ll start with anticipated material costs per unit,” Jeff said. “Then your sales projections and—we’ll go over it all after we finish with this business.”

Tosha winced at his tight tone. “Sorry I sprang this on you without warning. It shot straight from my brain to my mouth.”

“In my experience, those are usually the best ideas.” He forgave her instantly. “It’s worth a preliminary investigation.”

“A lot of hurdles.” Tosha regretted having spoken out so impetuously. She’d worked hard to curb spontaneous impulses.

“The first is which of these you’re taking for a test drive.”

“The big boy. I’ll take the Wall.”

She grinned up at her lifeless acquisition. For all her apologies, she was excited about the potential to branch out Life Tech’s product line, to put a personal stamp on her father’s company.

Cyborg security was only the beginning. Based on Beauchamp’s assertions, the sky was the limit on the work such automatons could perform for humankind’s benefit. Tosha Cameron, former wild child and scandal-ridden party girl, would be on the revolution’s ground floor.

 

Now on sale at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Print also available.

She’s marked for death. He’s her only hope. But can a de-commissioned cyborg once programmed to kill humans be trusted with her life…or her heart?

They called him the Wall, part of a cyborg army that terrorized humans during a long war waged by those intent on wielding power. When Tosha Cameron, owner of a multi-billion corporation, first sees the deactivated cyborg, he’s a tattered remnant of a horrific past.

Most would prefer to see cyborgs destroyed, but those with vision see a valuable resource. When Tosha’s business rivals target her for assassination, the Wall—whom she renames Brick—is her best bet for protection.

Reprogrammed, Brick proves he’s more than a mere machine. Programmed to guard Tosha, he can supply her every need. He soon develops beyond his learning matrix and software, becoming capable of humanity…and more.

Dark secrets from a bloody past are waiting deep in his circuitry, however; secrets that could kill the woman he loves and has sworn to protect.

Releasing Tomorrow - CyberServed: Made to Order

 

  Brick no more...now a cyborg controlled by a killer 

The cyborg, given his orders, hurried to the balcony door. He stood at the top of the stairs leading down to the garden. Tosha Cameron was nowhere in sight.

Scan for target.

Target not acquired. Concentration of trees and foliage interfering with scan. Target most likely hiding in foliage or in cave behind waterfall. Program R-F-T-D has been brought online. Program commences in two minutes.

The TWM had started down the stairs as soon as the matrix narrowed its search parameters. It had been programmed to obey its new master's orders to the letter. All other considerations were cast aside.

It reached the pool the waterfall fed. It glanced at the water to make certain she hadn’t jumped in to attempt avoiding him by hiding underwater. The matrix assured the cyborg she wasn’t there.

The next likely place was the cave behind the waterfall. The TWM marched to it.

Movement behind waterfall detected. Acquire and dispatch target.

The cyborg ran through the waterfall. Tosha Cameron screamed and tried to dash out of the cave, but the TWM grabbed her by the shoulders and tossed her. She collided with the stone wall and crumpled in a heap.

For an instant, she lay still, stunned. Then she sat up, gaping with fear. The cyborg approached her, its steps measured. She was trapped. There was no hurry to carry out its orders.

“Brick, wait. Stop. This isn’t you. Try to remember. You love me. I love you.”

The TWM bent over her.

“Brick! Think, damn it. Remember making love in this cave?” As she pleaded, she kicked. His sensors registered the blows.

The cyborg reached. She lunged to escape. It caught her easily.

Releasing tomorrow. Pre-order now available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Print on sale now.

She’s marked for death. He’s her only hope. But can a de-commissioned cyborg once programmed to kill humans be trusted with her life…or her heart?

They called him the Wall, part of a cyborg army that terrorized humans during a long war waged by those intent on wielding power. When Tosha Cameron, owner of a multi-billion corporation, first sees the deactivated cyborg, he’s a tattered remnant of a horrific past.

Most would prefer to see cyborgs destroyed, but those with vision see a valuable resource. When Tosha’s business rivals target her for assassination, the Wall—whom she renames Brick—is her best bet for protection.

Reprogrammed, Brick proves he’s more than a mere machine. Programmed to guard Tosha, he can supply her every need. He soon develops beyond his learning matrix and software, becoming capable of humanity…and more.

Dark secrets from a bloody past are waiting deep in his circuitry, however; secrets that could kill the woman he loves and has sworn to protect.

Releasing Friday - CyberServed: Made to Order

 

  A slip of the tongue 

“I think you’re perfect.”

“Sure you do. It sounds as if your schmooze program has already finished loading.” She winked at him.

He rose and joined her in front of the mirror. His arms circled her waist, and he gazed at the two of them together.

Brick thrilled at what he saw, especially the way Tosha smiled at his reflection. Her dark eyes sparkled, and her casually styled waves framed a smile he’d come to recognize was only for him. She smiled at no one else that way.

He no longer resembled a monstrous thug who had no business around such a beauty. He’d sensed Tosha’s initial uneasiness with the change, but she’d adjusted to it. The night before, sucking his cock as he’d lounged on the bed, she’d punctuated the eager slurps with remarks about his gorgeous body, his perfect prick, and his handsome face.

“You are flawless in every way. Don’t ever think otherwise,” he whispered in her ear.

She turned to face him. The kiss made Brick consider the many ways he could prove his assertion. To start with, he could toss her on the bed behind him…

She must have sensed where his thoughts had gone. She giggled and slapped his chest. “We have work to do.”

“I know. I just can’t get enough.”

“You do a girl’s ego good, big guy.”

“It’s the truth. I perform hundreds of computations every second, but you’re always right at the top.”

She beamed at him. “How did I get so lucky?”

Before his matrix could weigh his words carefully, he said, “I guess it’s because I love you.”

The world froze.

He’d told her.

What have I done?

Releasing April 8. Pre-order now available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Print on sale now.

She’s marked for death. He’s her only hope. But can a de-commissioned cyborg once programmed to kill humans be trusted with her life…or her heart?

They called him the Wall, part of a cyborg army that terrorized humans during a long war waged by those intent on wielding power. When Tosha Cameron, owner of a multi-billion corporation, first sees the deactivated cyborg, he’s a tattered remnant of a horrific past.

Most would prefer to see cyborgs destroyed, but those with vision see a valuable resource. When Tosha’s business rivals target her for assassination, the Wall—whom she renames Brick—is her best bet for protection.

Reprogrammed, Brick proves he’s more than a mere machine. Programmed to guard Tosha, he can supply her every need. He soon develops beyond his learning matrix and software, becoming capable of humanity…and more.

Dark secrets from a bloody past are waiting deep in his circuitry, however; secrets that could kill the woman he loves and has sworn to protect.

Releasing Friday - CyberServed: Made to Order

 

  Anomaly detected 

“Problem, big guy?” Tosha ventured a couple steps closer.

“I don’t believe so. There is a program I was unaware of. I have no idea what it does. It doesn’t seem to have been activated, and the matrix is unable to access or analyze it.”

Though Tosha appeared concerned, Dr. Bergman was nonchalant. “You’re probably classified as a high-level potential threat. Any defense system that can offer a lethal response has to include a failsafe. That’s most likely your mysterious program. If only humans came with those, huh?”

“What would that mean?” Tosha asked before Brick could.

“If Brick was to be loaded with a program that can damage him or command him to perform an act of sabotage—in his case, attack the person he’s designed to protect—the failsafe would shut him off. It makes sense his matrix has no access to it, since you wouldn’t want him to disable such a program if he were to be compromised.”

“Systems check is complete. No anomalies detected,” Brick reported.

That unknown system is a hell of an anomaly.

Shall I attempt another scan?

Negative.

To Tosha, he grumbled, “I understand the need for a failsafe, but the idea I could be offline when you need me doesn’t sit well. We need a backup plan. Do you have any defensive training?”

 

Releasing April 8. Pre-order now available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Print on sale now.

She’s marked for death. He’s her only hope. But can a de-commissioned cyborg once programmed to kill humans be trusted with her life…or her heart?

They called him the Wall, part of a cyborg army that terrorized humans during a long war waged by those intent on wielding power. When Tosha Cameron, owner of a multi-billion corporation, first sees the deactivated cyborg, he’s a tattered remnant of a horrific past.

Most would prefer to see cyborgs destroyed, but those with vision see a valuable resource. When Tosha’s business rivals target her for assassination, the Wall—whom she renames Brick—is her best bet for protection.

Reprogrammed, Brick proves he’s more than a mere machine. Programmed to guard Tosha, he can supply her every need. He soon develops beyond his learning matrix and software, becoming capable of humanity…and more.

Dark secrets from a bloody past are waiting deep in his circuitry, however; secrets that could kill the woman he loves and has sworn to protect.

Releasing April 8 - CyberServed: Made to Order

 

Naughty girl

“You’re a star,” Tosha gushed as the segment ended. “Can I have your autograph? I’ll let you sign my tits.”

Brick snorted. “I have other means of putting my mark on you, dirty girl.”

His warning made her wet. Her insides squirmed at the thought of him putting her over his knee. Or maybe a paddling. Did she dare push her luck?

Of course she did. After all, there was still more than a little Untamed Tosha in her, though she was kept leashed in the public eye.

“Big man. You think you’re so tough. You’re a bully.” She pushed away and slid to the end of the sofa.

His eyes glinted as he looked her over. “Come back here.”

“Make me.”

Brick stood, his expression displeased. Part of the game. One long stride, and he loomed over her. Damn, he was huge. Real fear mixed with excitement, as it usually did when rough play started. Tosha couldn’t wait to see what sort of discipline he’d opt for.

“Take my belt off.”

“Why?” Her tone wasn’t bratty anymore. It was soft. Helpless with fright.

“Because I’m going to spank your bare ass with it. Now, Tosha. Don’t make me tell you again.”

Her mouth went dry, even as her pussy clenched. Tosha had never been strapped with a belt before. Nevertheless, when Brick said he wouldn’t repeat himself, she knew to jump.

She unbuckled the dark brown belt and noted how wide, thick, and stiff it was. Surely it couldn’t hurt more than a paddle. Could it?

She’d soon find out.

“Faster. Delaying earns extra strokes.”

Tosha whimpered and pulled the belt from its loops. She handed it to him.

He set it aside to roll up his shirt cuffs, displaying his thick forearms. He picked up the strap again and motioned. “Around to the back of the sofa.”

Tosha scrambled to obey, though she’d have preferred to put it off as long as possible. One, because Brick’s spankings hurt, especially when there was no vibrator or dildo to distract herself with. Two, because the build of anticipation, working herself up to absolute terror, added to the excitement.

The peculiar mix of need and dread left her shaking, and she stood behind the sofa. She cringed as Brick looked her over.

“Pull down your pants and panties. Bend over the sofa.”

Already whimpering, she did as she was told. The air was cool on her naked ass. She clenched the soft upholstery. Brick’s palm settled on her spine and held her in place.

 

Releasing April 8. Pre-order now available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Print on sale now.

She’s marked for death. He’s her only hope. But can a de-commissioned cyborg once programmed to kill humans be trusted with her life…or her heart?

They called him the Wall, part of a cyborg army that terrorized humans during a long war waged by those intent on wielding power. When Tosha Cameron, owner of a multi-billion corporation, first sees the deactivated cyborg, he’s a tattered remnant of a horrific past.

Most would prefer to see cyborgs destroyed, but those with vision see a valuable resource. When Tosha’s business rivals target her for assassination, the Wall—whom she renames Brick—is her best bet for protection.

Reprogrammed, Brick proves he’s more than a mere machine. Programmed to guard Tosha, he can supply her every need. He soon develops beyond his learning matrix and software, becoming capable of humanity…and more.

Dark secrets from a bloody past are waiting deep in his circuitry, however; secrets that could kill the woman he loves and has sworn to protect.