When Good Toys Go Bad Read Free

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