DFRAT – When Good Toys Go Bad by Debbie Cairo

In a world without men, one man stands out.

Dara Athol should really get over this heterosexual thing. After all, in her twenty-third-century world, men are but a distant memory. Yet she can’t help it; she’s a self-admitted throwback.

She tried the “couple” thing, but though she and Brynn are still friends with benefits, Dara finds true solace only in the arms of Kai143. A limited-edition android sex toy, an expensive service provided by The Consortium for those who want a taste of the exotic—making love to something with a Y chromosome.

When Kai grows beyond his programming and begins to think and feel for himself, his feelings for Dara grow into forbidden love. Forced to go on the run from The Consortium, the police, and society itself, Dara and Kai fight for survival—and for the elusive possibility of a different kind of future.

~~~*~~~*~~~

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.”

~~~*~~~*~~~

To find out more about Debbie and her books, visit www.debbiecairo.com. And for a chance to win a digital of When Good Toys Go Bad, just leave a comment below. Good luck!