Melissa Combs

Torc has been hired to retrieve a Delicant-a prized pleasure slave-and return her to her birth family. Rescuing the beautiful slave is easy for the hardened mercenary. Being able to harness his lust as she constantly offers herself to him is another story. Enslaved as a small child, Ailyea has no concept of life without a Master ordering her every move. She's completely selfless and knows only how to give pleasure.
When she comes into the hands of the terrifying but strikingly handsome Torc, she's beside herself-not only does he not abuse her, but he doesn't even want to use her for sex. What's more, she finds herself wishing he would. Torc is determined to teach Ailyea to become her own person before he leaves her alone in a dangerous, often bloodthirsty universe where females are scarce and in high demand.
Ailyea has a few lessons for him, too. Each must confront their reservations, hers about making her own choices and his about taking a woman who can't give herself freely, as they struggle to understand a new concept for both of them-falling in love.