“Yes.” His voice was sure, strong, apologetic, almost. “I can.”
“I gave you what you wanted,” she cried out, taking a step away from him.
“Not everything,” he said quietly, the dark intent in his eyes frightening.
“They won’t allow it. The government will demand my release. I have rights.”
“There’s nothing your government can do. Accept it, Liv. It’ll be easier if you don’t fight it.”
“Fight what?” she cried out, close to hysteria now. “What the hell am I? A hostage?”
“My charl.”
She gasped, taking another step back and almost stumbling when she stepped on the sheet. He gripped her shoulders, straightening her, but she jerked away.
“Your what? No. No, no.” She shook her head. “Never.”
The tenderness from earlier disappeared, making place for a hardness that settled around his mouth. “There are worse things you could be.”
“I don’t consent!”
He advanced on her, stopping so close she had to crane her neck to look up at him.
“I don’t need your consent.”
Her mouth opened in shock, but not a word came out. She was incapable of making a sound.
“I’m sorry if the idea doesn’t appeal,” he said icily. “I’m sure it’ll grow on you.”
“Why?” she whispered when she’d found her voice again.
Instead of answering, he simply stared at her. Slowly, the realization hit home. Her skin turned cold and damp, as if she was going to be sick.
“Oh, my God,” she said on a whisper. “You planned it. You planned it all along.”
He didn’t even bother denying the statement. “Information wasn’t the only prize I was after.”
“Since when?” she said, the delicious food stuck in her throat. He reached for her again, but she pushed him away, slamming her palms on his chest. “Tell me, damn you. Since when did you decide, you were taking me?”
“Since the beginning.”
The hysteric feeling threatened to escape. “Since the day we met?”
“Yes.”
“Why me?” was all she could get out.
He considered her for a moment, his superior, cruel eyes playing over her face. “We have chemistry.”
“You’re out of your mind. Chemistry isn’t enough for a lifelong commitment.”
“There are other things.”
“Such as?”
“You’re pretty, and you amuse me.”
“I amuse you?” she cried in indignation, hurt blooming in her chest. “Like a pet? Like a monkey?”
“Like a kitten.”
Tears sprang to her eyes. She hated herself for it more than she hated him. “Fuck you.”
“Better watch that mouth, kitten. There are consequences for bad behavior.”
“Yeah?” She hated the tears that spilled over, demonstrating her weakness. She cringed in shame even as her chest heated in anger. “Even better, go fuck yourself.”
“Actually, more like a cub than a kitten.” His smile was evil. “Yes, I’d say even better. That feral fight in you really turns me on.”
“You…” She couldn’t think of a worse enough insult. “You’re despicable. Dishonorable. We made a deal.”
“Sorry, darling. I don’t make deals.”
“You deceived me. You lied to me!”
“I’ve done worse.”
“You’re a…a devil.”
“Then I guess you made a deal with the devil.” His tone was cold. “Make yourself comfortable. It’s going to be a long stay.”
Without another word or glance, he stalked toward the wall. It disintegrated, and then he was gone. The wall formed back in place, locking her into her prison.
Chapter Eleven
“You don’t look like a man who’s just taken a charl,” a female voice said behind Zavir.
He turned from the garden where he’d been observing charl strolling through the greenery, some with their cheren, and others together in small groups. Xita, his childhood friend, leaned against a gazebo pillar, observing him with a smile.
“Keep your comments to yourself,” he growled. “I need none.”
“Nope.” She straightened and sauntered his way. “You definitely don’t sound like a man on honeymoon.”
“Who said anything about a honeymoon?”
“Isn’t that what taking a charl is supposed to be like? At least, that’s what the other cheren say.”
“Exceptional circumstances,” he mumbled.
“Yes, I heard.”
“Heard what?”
“You took a female against her will.”
He scoffed, turning his back on her again. “I’m not the first, and I have my reasons.”
“Your libido?” She stopped next to him, nudging his shoulder. “If I recall correctly, it’s quite high, but it’s been a while. Maybe it’s changed.”
“What do you want, Xita?”
“I’m just passing through. When I heard you were here, I thought I’d look you up. I thought maybe we could catch up.”
“Not this time.”
“Ah. So, the libido is waning.”
“There’s nothing wrong with my libido.” There was only one reason Xita would be here. “You’re doing the rehabilitation on the Resistance fighters.”
“With Saret out of the picture after his arrest, is there anyone better for the job?”
“Word is Haron is taking over Saret’s lab.”
“Haron’s not here yet, is he? Besides, everyone knows I’m the best. That’s why the Council sent for me.”
Her cocky attitude, which he’d always liked up to now, suddenly irritated him. “How are the twins?”
“Good. When I’m done, there won’t be a resisting cell left in their bodies.”
His body tensed involuntarily at the next question. “How about their leader?”
“Hans? I’m doing a pretty good job on him, even if I have to say so myself.”
“What have you found?”
“You know I’m not at liberty to discuss that. All information is encrypted and going directly to the Council with a big, fat confidential stamp on it.”
He scoffed again. “You watch too many human television series.”
“What can I say?” Her smile was sultry. “I like to be entertained.”
He chose to ignore the suggestive remark. “Then all is set for letting the rebels go tomorrow.”
“You don’t sound pleased.”
He clenched his fists. “If I had my way, they wouldn’t be going anywhere other than the graveyard.”
“That’s a bit harsh, seeing that they haven’t actually executed any attacks.”
“That’s not the point. It’s what they planned. It’s what they did to Liv.”
“Wow.”
“What?”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you feel something for the weak Earthling.”
“Liv is anything but weak, and yes, there’s chemistry between the Earthling and me.”
“It’s not going to work, Zavir.”
“One, I didn’t ask for your opinion, and two, you’re a scientist, not a relationship expert.”
“You should undo your claim on her and set the girl free. It’s not too late. You haven’t yet given her the nanocytes that will make her immortal.”
His back turned stiff. The mere mention of letting Liv go had him tenser than at the verge of an ambush. “Why would I do that?”
“Because to keep a charl, you have to care for someone other than yourself.”
He smiled but put no warmth in the gesture. “I like you better when you’re full of flattery.”
“I’m talking to you as a friend.”
He lifted a brow. “As they say on Earth, with you as a friend, who needs enemies?”
She brushed it off with a shrug. “Never heard the expression.”
“Anyway, it’s too late. I’ve already given her nanocytes to h
eal, enough to make her immortal.”
“Without the Council’s permission?”
“There was no time to consult the Council. She was injured. What difference does it make if I did it before or after I declared I was taking her as charl? In the end, they would’ve agreed.”
“I bet the only reason you didn’t get into serious trouble for that is because Korum put in a good word for you.” She almost sounded bitter. “Am I right?”
“There’s also the part about the Council being grateful the Resistance cell was brought down without any loss of lives.”
“Mm, arrogant, as always, I see.” Crossing her arms, she stared at the garden. “Are you bringing the girl to the lab?”
“Her name is Liv and no.”
“Why not?”
His temper flared. “I already told Korum, I won’t submit her to testing or brain probing.”
“I meant to see her family.”
He made a conscious effort to calm himself. “How did they respond to the procedure?”
“Leaving a portion of their memories blank would’ve been too traumatic. I had to fill it with something.”
“What are you replacing their memories with?”
“The easiest was a holiday.”
“I don’t want her to see them. I can’t face them. The risk that I’ll break their necks is too big.”
“You have to let her see with her own eyes that they are well. It’s in her best interest.”
“You mean in your best interest for her to cooperate, should you want to run tests?”
“There’s that, too.”
“No. No tests.”
“Fine. I can’t force you to bring in your charl, but if you want her to trust you, you have to keep your promises.”
“How do you know what promises I made?”
Tilting her head, she gave him a quiet smile.
“We’ve been watched.”
“My apology, but it was necessary.”
He clenched his teeth.
“Bring her around tonight and no more watching. I promise.”
“Why are you so keen on seeing this meeting happen?”
“I’m just curious about how her brothers will react upon seeing her. It will be a good test.”
“You don’t need tests. The method is fail-proof.”
“We always need more tests.” She blew him a kiss. “I’ll see you and your little charl tonight.”
Watching her walk away with a sway to her hips, he couldn’t help the renewed anger festering in his chest. No one touched Liv. Not without his permission.
There wasn’t anything to do but pace the room. The apartment had cleaned itself after Zavir had left, and despite her numerous tries, it didn’t respond to her requests as it had responded to Zavir’s command for food. The entrance to the bedroom was sealed, and she was stuck in the living area, desperate for the bathroom.
After what seemed like hours, Zavir returned. She both dreaded and was relieved at his return. Stepping into the room, his gaze fell on her where she stayed at the far end. How was it possible that those slate-gray eyes both sparked and seemed so flat at the same time? She couldn’t place the look he gave her. He seemed perfectly indifferent, which only made her want to behave childishly, preferably by throwing something at him. Fortunately–for both of them–there was nothing in the ivory-colored room she could aim at his head.
Ignoring her, he walked to the bedroom. The wall disintegrated as he approached.
“Zavir?” she said, opting for politeness. Irrational spitefulness wasn’t going to help her situation.
He paused to look at her.
“I need to use the bathroom.”
His eyes ran over her sheet-clad body.
“If you’re planning on keeping me here,” she said, throwing out bait for a fight despite her resolution to aim for civility, “you’ll have to give me access to at least the basic facilities.”
Instead of reacting on the accusation, he simply said, “Consider it done.”
She managed a defeated, “Thank you.” What else was there to say?
A sliver of warmth heated his eyes. “You’re welcome.” Turning abruptly, he entered the bedroom. “Come, Liv,” he said when she didn’t follow.
Like a dog. No, wait, a kitten. If she had a tail, he probably would’ve expected her to wag it. Keeping her thoughts to herself, she obeyed grudgingly. Two walls had disintegrated, giving access to a bath and dressing room.
“You’ll find everything you need in the cleaning room,” he said. “I’ll be back for you in an hour. Be ready.”
She clutched the sheet to her chest. “Ready for what?”
His eyes darkened. “For seeing your brothers.”
“Really?” She could barely contain her relief. “You’ll let me speak to them?”
His answer was curt. “Yes.” He motioned at the shower. “I presume you can figure out how this works?”
“Yes.” She definitely didn’t want a demonstration.
“If you need anything, say my name, and the house will contact me.”
No way. She wasn’t calling his name, not even if she was as desperate as she was now for the bathroom.
When she didn’t answer, he gripped her chin. “Say yes so I know you understand.”
“May I please use the bathroom now?” She couldn’t resist a jibe. “Unless you want me to soil your fancy toe-massaging carpet like a naughty pet. I guess I haven’t been housetrained yet, huh?”
At the last part, the earlier warmth evaporated from his eyes, leaving them colder than a dark moon on a frosty winter night. “Careful, kitten. I’ll only let you push me so far.”
She jerked her face from his hold, hurrying to the bathroom before she could say something that would really get her into trouble. How she hated the big, arrogant K. She longed for a door to slam, but there was only the sleek opening of the wall and silence as it closed behind her.
She took a moment to freshen up, but also to gather her composure. Losing her cool wasn’t going to get her out of here. Neither was aggravating Zavir.
When she was done, she tested her newly lifted restrictions by ordering the room to open. This time, the house obliged. A quick walk-through told her Zavir had left, again. Dropping the sheet, she went to the dressing room and selected one of the many pastel-colored dresses and a matching set of underwear. It had been ages since she’d worn a skirt, and she enjoyed the feel of the soft fabric around her thighs. She did nothing else to improve her appearance, as Erik and Karl were used to her in mud-stained clothes and her hair pulled back in a ponytail. She couldn’t help but notice how silky her hair felt and how it fell down her back in a straight curtain, all the kinks and frizz gone.
The wait was excruciating. To pass the time, she sat down on a plank and asked for something to read. The house responded by sending a tablet her way. She snatched it from the air, half worried it may disappear again. She wasn’t sure if Zavir intended for her to have permission for anything other than the bathroom and food. She was, after all, his prisoner. Checking the library list on the tablet, her mouth dropped open. All her favorite books were included, even the ones she’d always wanted to read but had never gotten around to. How did Zavir–? No, she didn’t want to know. Maybe it was the house. Maybe it had access to her thoughts.
She was halfway into the first chapter of a memoir when Zavir returned.
Approval marked his tone. “I see you’re settling in.”
“Keeping busy,” she corrected.
He held out his hand. “Let’s go.”
She got to her feet but ignored his proffered hand. “I can walk by myself.”
“It’s for your protection,” he said patiently.
“My protection?”
“Many Krinar are unhappy that you’ve not been rehabilitated.”
“Do you mean I’m not safe?”
“As my charl, no one may touch you, but it doesn’t mean someone won’t try.”
Her insides
shook a little at the knowledge. Great. As if her life couldn’t get more complicated.
He kept his hand extended. “Take it or leave it. Of course, if you don’t want to see your brothers, we can stay home.”
“It’s not home.”
“My patience is running low, Liv. You have two seconds to decide.”
At that, she reluctantly slipped her hand in his. His fingers closed around hers–firmly, but not too tight.
A pod waited in front of the dwelling. She’d never been in one and couldn’t help a case of nerves as a floating seat shifted beneath her, and Zavir took off, heading south. The floor was transparent, allowing her a view of the jungle and isolated, oblong buildings below. Thanks to the map Hans had had of the Center, she could orientate herself. They were heading toward the medical center.
They landed and entered the off-white building. Sunlight filtered through the walls that were transparent from the inside. The Krinar they passed stared at her, some expressionless, and others openly hostile. She couldn’t blame them. She had been with the Resistance, after all. She felt increasingly ill at ease. When they finally entered the restricted area, she blew out a strained breath. At least she was hidden from the curious eyes. In here, the medical personnel only regarded her with clinical interest.
Zavir squeezed her fingers. They’d stopped in front of a digital number on a wall. “Ready?”
How could he even ask? “Of course.”
Her heart flapped wildly in her chest as he uttered a command for the access to open. Stepping over the threshold, she took in the room. Karl was sitting on a plank next to a hovering surface, facing a female Krinar with striking features. The woman got to her feet when they entered.
“You must be, Liv. I’m Xita.”
Zavir’s hand tightened around hers to the point of pain. For a moment, he held her back, as if he wouldn’t let her go, but when Xita shot him a look, he lifted his fingers one by one. Liv rushed to Karl, putting her arms around him.
He uttered an awkward laugh. “Hey. What’s going on?”
She blinked back tears. “I’m just so happy to see you.”
He seemed confused. “We only saw each other yesterday.”
She glanced at Xita, not sure how to respond.
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