What kind of question was that? “Of course, I was happy. Has there ever been a cyborg who wasn’t? As long as she lived, everything was fine, but the moment her life ended, my world collapsed. All Fighters share the same story, and all cyborgs share the same fate. Sooner or later, the bound one will die, and we will remain if we survive. That’s one of the reasons why the bond needs to be eliminated.”
She licked her lips again and grabbed the linens before shifting slightly on the bed.
Silver frowned. Was she nervous?
“What was she like?” Faye asked.
He sighed. Memories of his beautiful Claire filled him. She, who always had a smile for everyone, and a gentleness in her big brown eyes that made everyone trust her. He’d loved her with pure devotion, but he’d also been blind to the reality around him. It wasn’t until he’d met Nightmare and the other Fighters that he’d understood why he’d almost died with her.
“Claire was an outgoing and loving woman. She was everybody’s friend, and no one ever seemed to think lesser of her.”
Faye blinked. “That doesn’t sound like a woman who’d create a cyborg like you.”
Silver snorted. “I haven’t always been like this. Back then, I was more like her, but she wanted a cyborg who’d flirt and tease. Someone who was just as outgoing as she was. Someone who’d enjoy life to the fullest.”
She swallowed. “What did she do for a living?”
“She was a freelance journalist, so we traveled a lot. Those were amazing times.” He took a deep breath. Warmth filled his heart when he remembered Claire’s smiling face. The way she used to look at him always made him feel as if nothing mattered more than him.
Faye’s deep sigh brought him back to reality.
His bond to Claire was since long gone. He desired Faye now. Not by choice, but there was nothing he could do about it. All he wanted was this hell to end. The torment was almost worse than what he’d gone through when he’d lost his bound one, probably because it had gone on for so long now.
“How did she die?” Faye wondered.
When was she going to stop asking him questions?
He needed her to kiss him!
Now!
“She got shot while she interviewed a man. I saw it happen, but I was too far away to prevent it. She died a few days later in the hospital, and I died with her.” He glared harder when he spotted sadness in Faye’s eyes. The last thing he needed was her pity.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it. I woke up in MedAct a few days after with Jade by my side. She claimed to do everything in her power to save me, but I’d realized what the bond really was. Somehow, I barely remember how I managed to escape. Nightmare found me and saved me with that little signal of his.”
“You mean the signal he put in Wind to block his old bond from trying to kill him?”
Silver nodded. “Exactly. It helped me, until you kissed me. Now my bond is in havoc because of you.”
She straightened her back. “Well, you had it coming.”
Faye seemed to refuse to look him in the eyes, and if she did, it only lasted a few seconds before she looked away again.
She wasn’t behaving like he remembered her. Where had that brave and forward little Faye gone? She seemed more nervous than ever.
It didn’t matter. Right now, he just wanted that damn kiss.
A heaviness was starting to fill his head, and a headache wasn’t far away. The way his heart pounded worried him. It hurt, and not in a good way.
Faye looked down. “I guess Claire and I have nothing in common.”
“No, you don’t.”
She clenched her fists, and it was impossible to miss the hurt in her eyes.
Realization hit him, and he grinned. “Oh, I see. Don’t tell me you’ve fallen for me? That’s why you’re asking about Claire?”
Her gaze shot to his. She stared with wide eyes and an open mouth. Her fingers trembled.
Silver widened his grin. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll be madly in love with you soon. You just have to kiss me.” He pouted with his lips and made a kissing sound. “Come here. I’m waiting.”
Faye flew to her feet. “You son of a—”
He raised an eyebrow. “What? Am I wrong?”
“You really believe I’m asking about your late bound one because I’ve fallen for you? I wanted to get to know you.”
His grin shifted to an irritated glare. “You can get to know me later. Right now, I’m really craving that kiss, you know.” The pain in his chest increased and it felt like a miracle Silver hadn’t died from the pressure his body was put through yet. His mind started to fog.
The room was spinning, and something told him he only had minutes left.
All thanks to her being here.
Near, but far away …
A glimpse of worry crossed Faye’s gaze. “You look sick.”
He wished he could dry away the sweat on his forehead. “It’s the bond. It’s tearing me apart on the inside, longing for you … so badly …”
She remained silent for what felt like an eternity, just studying him, then she moved closer.
Anticipation awakened within him.
“Fine.” She grabbed his face. “But if you try to bite me, you’ll regret it.”
He couldn’t hold back the gasp that left his mouth when she entered his personal space. His bond instantly started to scream. The craze from before was nothing compared to what it put him through right now.
Her gentle fingers pressed against his cheeks, and Faye looked him straight in the eyes. She slowly opened her mouth and tilted her head slightly to the side as her gaze turned to his lips.
His body started to tremble.
Her touch awakened a need greater than what he’d ever felt before.
He loved it.
He hated it.
In the end, it didn’t matter what he felt. It was all the bond’s doing. It controlled him, controlled his feelings and needs.
There was no other way but to bind himself to Faye. Only if Celise and Nightmare managed to figure out how to remove the bond would he finally be free.
Silver didn’t miss the insecurity that shone right through her. Did she dislike this just as much as he did?
It was hard to tell. Faye had said she wanted nothing to do with him, but her body language spoke another story.
It was impossible to miss the tiny piece of interest in her eyes, but maybe he was mistaken. Maybe it was just insecurity.
He hoped it was. There was no future for them, no matter how much he’d soon love her.
She inhaled and pressed her lips to his.
Every muscle in his body instantly tensed. Silver pulled at the chains and pushed himself closer. The need was too great for him to care about anything anymore. He just wanted the pain to go away.
The sweet scent of her warm skin filled his nose, intoxicating and calming the bond. Her nearness was exactly what the bond wanted.
Her soft lips felt like pure heaven as he claimed them, demanding more. Another type of need grabbed ahold of him. A need to make the second flash happen.
Faye didn’t disappoint. She responded, pushing her tongue inside his mouth, claiming him instead, kissing him with eagerness and passion, and he couldn’t help but smile.
His feisty little bound one sure knew what she wanted.
Silver winced.
His feisty little bound one?
Already?
He cursed. This was going to be a long week.
Heat started to build up in his eyes. The flash was seconds away.
The bond was responding, and not a moment too late, Silver interrupted the kiss; turned his head away to not blind Faye.
The heat intensified, and he let out a deep groan as his eyes flashed. Relief washed over his whole body as the agony faded away. His muscles relaxed, and for a short moment, his mind went blank.
He had no grasp of how much time had passed when reality grabbed him again.
/>
Silver leaned his head against her shoulder. The pain was gone, but he was exhausted. His body was warm, sweaty, and ached all over. “Oh, thank God,” he mumbled.
Faye didn’t move. Instead, she put her palm against his chest.
He shivered. He’d never imagined it’d feel this good to be touched again, even if the one touching him was Faye. Her gentle fingers were like the sweetest drug.
“Better?” she asked.
Silver groaned again, closing his eyes and just allowing his muscles to relax even more. “You’ve no idea.”
Moments passed, neither of them spoke.
Silver was grateful for these few minutes in peace. He needed it, and something told him he’d sleep for days once Nightmare released him.
Thankfully, the bond remained quiet. Usually, he’d be craving sex now to seal it, but his exhaustion was complete, and maybe the bond sensed that.
His knees trembled. They’d give in soon, but Faye supported him with her small frame as his body leaned heavily against hers.
She groaned. “What’re you doing? I can’t hold you. You need to stand.”
“I can’t,” he murmured. “I’m so tired.” Somehow, he managed to turn his head and inhale her scent. It was amazing and filled every part of him. For a split second, it felt like he was home.
Then, darkness claimed him.
CHAPTER 5
Faye groaned when Silver’s heavy body went slack in her arms. Desperately, she tried to hold him up. If she’d let go, he’d be hanging by his wrists because of the chains. He could dislocate his shoulders, and he didn’t need more pain. “Phoenix!”
The door flew open and the cyborg entered with wide eyes. He stopped in his tracks, took in the scene, and hurried to her side, grabbing Silver.
She exhaled when his weight eased from her. “Thanks.”
“What happened?” Phoenix held him up with ease.
“I kissed him, and he just went out.”
He looked peaceful in his sleep, but his messy hair and sweaty face spoke of how much he’d been through these past few weeks.
Guilt filled her. It was all her fault. Faye straightened her back. Yes, it was her fault, but it was Silver’s fault as well. She wouldn’t allow this to pray on her anymore.
Footsteps filled the hallway outside the room.
Nightmare entered. The Fighters’ leader raised an eyebrow, studying them before grinning. “Well, I see everything turned out well.” He took a keychain from his pocket and approached. “Let’s remove the chains.”
He released Silver, and together with Phoenix, they lay him on the bed.
Silver didn’t stir.
Faye watched her would-be cyborg. That was all she could do. A part of her wanted to help him further, but she’d done what she’d come for.
Hopefully, Silver wouldn’t need the third and final flash, but deep down, a voice whispered he would.
She sighed. Kissing him again had sent butterflies through her. Being near him had done the same, even if she didn’t trust him one bit.
He was just as feisty and cocky as she was.
“Now what?” Faye asked.
Nightmare checked Silver, and after a short moment, straightened to his full height. “He’s asleep. The kiss did him good. We should just let him rest.”
She licked her lips. “Can I go home now?”
The leader’s gaze shot to her. “Go home?” His eyes darkened. “Don’t start with me again. I’m sure you’re smarter than you look and know very well that the last thing you can do is go home.”
Faye opened her mouth to protest but closed it.
He was right. She couldn’t go home, even if it was what she wanted most. Getting even more involved with Silver wouldn’t end well. Did she really want him in her life?
Maybe some small part of her did, but she doubted anything good would come out of it.
She shrugged. “Whatever.”
Nightmare went cold. “Go back to your room. I’ll make sure Silver’s taken care of until he wakes up, but be ready. He’ll come for you once he opens his eyes.”
Nervousness swept over her and she swallowed. An image of a barbaric Silver with messy hair and naked torso crossed her mind.
Faye saw him throwing her over his shoulder and carrying her away to his room to have his way with her.
She’d heard how primitive newborn cyborgs were, and since this bond was new to Silver, she doubted he’d be any different.
He’d have only one thing on his mind.
Faye sighed.
There really was no way out of this bond.
Silver still lay where he’d been placed, unmoving. His handsome face was peaceful, and it made funny things to her lower parts.
She really enjoyed watching him. His full lips and strong jawline were exactly what she found attractive in a man.
When his eyes had flashed, and he’d made that deep groan, she’d gasped. The sound had awakened every nerve ending in her body, making her tremble with need.
“Maybe it’s best if I stay here and wait for him to wake up. That way, he won’t have to run around looking for me,” Faye told Nightmare.
The leader frowned. “Do you intend sitting in here for a few days?”
She winced. “What?”
“He’ll be out for days. Silver’s body has been put through so much, it’ll take some time for him to wake up. You can ask Blaze if you doubt me, but he’ll tell you the same thing.” He glanced at Silver. “Besides, it’ll be dangerous for you. Who knows how he’ll behave. Worst case scenario, he’ll be out of his mind.”
Faye swallowed again. “So, what do you want me to do?”
“Nothing. Stay in your room and stay away from the Fighters. Don’t try making friends. They might seem friendly, but eventually, one, or several of them, might snap and take you against your will, and that’s the last thing you want, right?”
She clenched her fists. Staying in her room for several days sounded like a complete, well, nightmare. She couldn’t stay in one place for too long without going crazy. She needed air, but being in her room sounded better than being attacked. “Fine.”
Nightmare raised an eyebrow. “You’re not going to fight with me?”
“No.”
He snorted and grinned. “I’m kind of disappointed. I was almost looking forward to a yelling match with you.”
Faye didn’t find his attitude amusing—in the slightest. “I can fulfill your wish if you want me to.”
The leader grabbed her arm. “Don’t even think about it.” Nightmare dragged her out of the room.
Phoenix followed without a word.
CHAPTER 6
Faye paced near the elevator with her arms behind her back, waiting for it to come down. Wind and Celise would be there in moments.
Blaze had gone up to the surface to bring them down.
It’d been three days, and boredom was making her go out of her mind. For once, she’d obeyed Nightmare, and had spent her time reading books, and watching TV in her room.
Food had been brought to her. She hadn’t been allowed to eat with the Fighters, and maybe that’d been for the best. Some of the rogue cyborgs enjoyed her company, others held their distance.
Faye had no issues with any of them, but Edge’s weird gazes sent cold chills down her spine. She didn’t want to be near him, but at least, she hadn’t been completely abandoned.
Phoenix and Sense had visited her several times, and they’d spent a few hours talking and laughing, sharing tasty food.
The buzzing sounds from the elevator told her it was on the move. Any second now, she wouldn’t be alone anymore.
The elevator finally stopped, and the doors opened.
Wind, Celise, and Blaze exited.
The redheaded medic cyborg had a wide smile on his lips. There even was a spark of excitement in his eyes.
Was he happy to see Celise again?
“Finally!” Faye jumped her friend, hugging her hard.
Cel
ise winced but smiled. “Happy to see me?”
“Oh, you have no idea! It feels like I’ve been here for years.”
Her friend gave her a onceover. “Well, you seem to have been well taken care of.”
Faye gave her a onceover too, and grinned.
Celise cheeks had a healthy glow, and her eyes sparkled. Her cute and heart-shaped face was full of life. Her blonde hair hung down her shoulders, and she even had some makeup on, something she usually didn’t wear.
“You too. I see Wind has a positive influence on you.”
She blushed and cleared her throat.
Faye’s gaze turned to her friend’s new cyborg.
Wind’s shiny eyes watched her, and even if she noticed a tiny pinch of sadness in them, he seemed fine. His brown hair was in a ponytail, and he wore a simple T-shirt, and jeans. He held a bag that he held out to her. “Here, we brought you the things from your house that you wanted.”
Faye took the bag. “Thanks. I can’t wait to change clothes.”
Phoenix had offered her some of his clothing, but she’d turned it down. Somehow, that’d felt way too intimate, and Silver would probably not appreciate the gesture. So, to save her cyborg friend’s life, she’d said no.
“How are things going with Silver?” Celise asked as they walked down the hallway toward Blaze’s infirmary.
She licked her lips. “Well. Things are rather boring right now. He’s been asleep for the past three days.”
The doctor frowned. “Three days?”
Faye nodded. “He’s been out since I kissed him.”
Her friend’s eyes widened. “That sounds rather worrisome. I think I should take a look at him.”
“Don’t worry,” Blaze said. “I’m checking him several times each day. He’s fine, just exhausted to the point that his system has shut down. He needs to regenerate, and that might take some time. After all, ever since Faye kissed him, he’s been under more pressure than any cyborg before him. I’ve never heard of an unfinished bond before.”
Wind nodded. “Activating the bond did that to him, without a doubt, especially since he didn’t get his mad frenzy satisfied at once.”
Faye crossed her arms over her chest. “Don’t try to blame me for it.”
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