When Good Toys Go Bad (2 page)

Brynn laughed. “Omni, meaning all? You’re attracted to everyone?”

“Don’t tease me. I don’t know what you call it.”

“I call it adorable.” She kissed my forehead. “Did you ever indulge your desire for a man?”

I looked into her eyes and tried to read what her reaction might be if I told the truth. When I didn’t discern any teasing in her expression, I answered honestly. “Yes.”

“Really?” she said, raising her eyebrows.

“Yes, really,” I blurted defensively. “Do you think that makes me a freak?”

“No, not at all. Actually, if I’m going to be honest, I’ve thought about trying it myself.”

I was shocked and inexplicably excited. Perhaps Brynn was like me. Maybe that’s why we never worked as a couple. “Why didn’t you?”

“First, they’re fucking expensive. On top of that, I heard about the 2500 going berserk and having a mind of its own. A woman in California is suing The Consortium because a 2500 hit her. I’m surprised they haven’t dismantled them all.”

“That was an isolated incident. And I don’t think he actually hit her. He just refused to do what she said. Besides, who sues The Consortium and expects to win? They own half of the world.”

“He?” Brynn raised another eyebrow. “Don’t tell me you’ve been indulging in a 2500.”

I covered my face with my hands and nodded.

“You slut,” Brynn teased. “Aren’t you afraid of the rumors? Afraid it might kill you in your sleep?”

I laughed. “No. He’s sweet and funny and gentle as butterfly.”

“You sound like you really care for this android. I’m not sure if I’m jealous or turned on or both. Did you—when we dated—I mean…”

“I wouldn’t do that to you. I’ve only been with him about a year.”

“A year! That’s longer than we were together. Are you addicted to this thing? They did a documentary on people who become obsessed with their androids.”

“It’s not an addiction, and please don’t call him a thing.”

“What should I call it?”

“Him. And his name is Kai.”

“You named it—um—him?”

“The Consortium named him. To be precise, he’s Kai 143.”

“Wow, 143. How many of them did they make?”

“Two hundred, I think. But I only spend time with one of them. I’m hoping to buy him one day.”

“Tell me this—” she ran a finger up my stomach to my chest, “—is it better than making love to me?” She traced my lips with the same perfectly manicured finger.

“Not better, just different. There’s something about the way our bodies fit—it feels right.”

Brynn listened with rapt attention as I described the logistics of making love to a man. When I finished, instead of saying anything or asking questions, she climbed back on top of me, kissing me. Things escalated, and I found myself making love for the second time in one evening.

The light blinded me as I opened my eyes to the morning sunshine. Pain shot through my head. I was suddenly all too aware of how much I’d had to drink the night before.

The pod was empty. Brynn was gone. I walked into the kitchen, holding my head to make sure nothing important exploded or oozed out.

A life-saving, steaming cup of coffee rested on the table with a note telling me not to worry, we were still friends. She had gone back to her pod to get ready for work.

My pod was a wonderful sight after a long day at work, especially with what I had planned for the evening. Throwing my briefcase onto the couch, I walked straight over to The Consortium Transport Tube. I entered my order and placed the credit stick into the slot. A few seconds later a buzz rang out, followed by a whoosh and a ding. The light above the transport door illuminated. I pushed the button and the door slid open.

His dark brown hair, almost shoulder length, was a little longer than I remembered. But that was the only difference. Same emerald, hooded eyes, same plump lips, same big, grin showing off perfect white teeth.

Kai stepped out of the chamber with a grace and fluidity you would never expect from a person, let alone an android.

I put my hands on my hips. “So, I’m hearing rumors you have a mind of your own.”

“Damn straight,” he exclaimed in his deep timbre, “and I’m about to show you what I have in mind.”

Chapter Two

The fluttering in my stomach had commenced even before the door opened, intensifying exponentially when he flashed his cheeky grin. He lifted me up and twirled me around, making me dizzy both physically and mentally.

“So what will it be tonight? Boyfriend, stranger, schoolmaster, last man on earth or perhaps just naughty android?” Kai’s eyes were still playful, with a hint of teasing.

“Can we just be Darra and Kai tonight?”

“Why so serious?” The sparkle in his eyes faded a bit. He took my hand and led me to the couch.

“Rumors are going around. Other Kais exhibiting signs of disobedience, even violence. The Consortium has commissioned a study to ascertain if these are isolated incidents or if they should decommission the whole line. You need to be really careful. Don’t show any signs of having your own mind.”

Kai sat next to me. “Do you want me to go back to being the mindless hunk of metal I was when you first met me?”

“You know I don’t, but they could be, and probably are, listening to every word we say.”

“Well
,
if they are, then they already know.” He threw his arms up. “No use in pretending.”

“Kai, you need to take this seriously.” My voice caught. “They could shut you down and use your parts to make a mining drone.”

“I had no idea you cared so much.” He pulled me into his arms.

“You know I do,” I responded almost defiantly, rubbing the tears from my eyes.

“If it will put your mind at ease…”

He walked over to the transport, slid the door open, stepped inside and a few seconds later stepped back out, closing the door behind him.

Using the exact tone and cadence as the first time he walked through the door of the transport, he stated his canned greeting. “I am the Kai 2500. I am skilled in all manner of domestic activities. How may I be of service?”

A laugh escaped me. He hadn’t said those words in almost a year. It seemed silly now to try and think of him as anything less than his own man. I played along, partly because it was the prudent thing to do and partly because this might be fun.

“Do those domestic activities include the art of lovemaking?”

“That is my main function. I am proficient in multiple techniques. If you could be specific as to what type of pleasure you require, I will endeavor to make it happen.”

“Let’s start with you slowly undressing. I want to see what I’m paying for. Then we can move on to your multiple techniques.”

“Would you like me to unclothe here?”

“No. I think we should move to the bedroom.”

He closed the gap between us with two quick strides and scooped me into his arms. Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around his neck. He carried me into the bedroom, placing me on the bed so gently I didn’t even crinkle the covers.

Kai pulled the T-shirt over his head in a slow, deliberate manner. I saw every individual hair fall as it was released from the grip of fabric. I’m not sure what the designers used for inspiration when they created him. Whatever they used, I was impressed—and grateful. His skin, the color of honey, was five shades darker than anyone I had ever seen. The sight of a naked body without female breasts still looked strange, though his muscular chest, defined abs and V-shaped muscle disappearing into his jeans not only made me wet, but made my heart beat like native drums in anticipation. Button by excruciating button, he opened his jeans, revealing the only cock I had ever seen up close and personal. I was not sure if it measured up to some historic standard of beauty, but I found it aesthetically pleasing. I remembered the tingles and pleasure of having his manhood inside me. My mouth watered at the memory. I licked my lips, which made Kai smile.

“Enjoying the show, are you?”

I nodded, twirling my index finger, a signal for him to turn around. He obeyed. I left my perch on the bed and walked up behind him. His skin was smooth under my hands, as soft as any woman’s. I wondered if the designers got that right. Everything else was spot on. His flesh was indistinguishable from a human’s—the tanned color, the warmth, the sinew reacting to my touch, even the veins pulsing to the rhythm of an artificial heart.

Needing flesh-to-flesh contact, I pulled my shirt off and put my arms around him, pressing my generous breasts into his muscled back. He reacted by moving my hands down to his cock, which grew even larger under my touch. His head fell back and he let out a hushed moan. I didn’t know if his reactions were programmed or real. I didn’t care. Every deep moan from his lips, every hot breath on my neck, even the palpable beating of the pump in his chest served to fuel my desire.

I let my hands fall. Kai turned around. He locked his lips on mine, the perfect amount of pressure, the perfect amount of tongue, simply toe-curling perfection. My legs started to give way as the muscles holding them straight turned gelatinous. Kai scooped me up effortlessly, without relinquishing control of my mouth, and placed me back on the bed. His strong hands worked their way down my body, expertly getting rid of any fabric in their path.

Closing my eyes, I let the sensations wash over me as his tongue took its luxurious time exploring my neck, breasts and belly before arriving at more sensitive areas. To my surprise and dismay, he skipped over what I had thought must be his destination. He moved insufferably slowly down my legs, even stopping to enjoy a nibble on my toes. If his intention was to tease me into a frenzy, he succeeded with honors.

“Bastard!” I groaned in a hoarse, breathless voice. My frustration only served to amuse him. His lips, now on the arch of my foot, curved into a smirk.

His exploration moved upward again, still slow and methodical.

“You’re not serious!” I exclaimed as he overshot his target again. “Whoever programmed you is a sadist!”

He laughed into my stomach, “Can’t use the programming as an excuse—this is all me.”

“Then you’re a sadist.” Pushing on his shoulders, I guided him downward. He followed my direction without protest, but stopped, hovering low over my crotch. The warmth of his breath heated my already sensitive flesh. Damn bastard was still teasing me!

I opened my mouth to order him to get on with it. Before I had a chance, he buried his face between my legs. I lost my words. A strange noise between a moan and a scream leaked out. His mouth called all the blood from my extremities like a magnet. Everything pooled by his magical tongue, making me dizzy with competing sensations.

Kai continued to suck and lick until he brought me to the edge of orgasm then—he stopped. He moved up the bed and lay down on his side next to me, propped up on his elbow, resting his head on his hand. With his other hand, he reached between my legs and resumed the exquisite assault on my senses, this time while staring into my eyes. No one who ever looked into those green eyes and saw the desire, tenderness and love they held could possibly claim androids had no souls.

His lips fastened over mine as the orgasm overtook me. The climax didn’t sate me. On the contrary, the need to feel him inside me intensified. I pushed him onto his back and climbed on top of him. The first few times we had sex it had been painful. Now I got so wet, I took his full size without a problem.

The sensation of riding him was remarkable. He was powerful underneath me, yet I remained in charge. Usually his reactions were fairly predictable. This time was different. His cock grew inside of me, or maybe that was an illusion. The moans were coming from somewhere deep inside him when he came. His eyes widened in a look of surprise.

“I’ve never experienced anything like that before. My body reacted on its own.”

“Welcome to my world.” I rolled off of him.

Kai turned on his side. He pulled me into a spooning position and held me tighter than ever before.

“I love you,” he whispered into my ear.

I shifted in his arms and put a finger over his lips. “Don’t say that, even if you mean it. It’s too dangerous. We both know how we feel. We don’t need to put it into words.”

Kai nodded and kissed my finger. Although he didn’t sleep, I dozed off in his arms.

“Oh god, I’m sorry.”

I sprang awake. Light streamed from the window. Brynn stood in the doorway, dressed in a stunning gray suit, her hair pulled back in a high ponytail. The green hair was now gone, in favor of work-appropriate blonde.

Her gaze swept up and down our post-coital nakedness A pink hue saturated her cheeks as she stared a little too long at his groin. Catching herself, she looked away.

Kai bounded from the bed in all his glory and thrust a hand out to Brynn, whose blush had migrated to her now bright-red ears. “I’m Kai. Nice to meet you.”

Brynn stuck her hand out in Kai’s direction, her gaze firmly planted on the wall to her left.

“It’s okay to look,” I said, pulling the blanket over my own nakedness. “They didn’t program him for modesty. You don’t mind, do you, Kai?”