His grey eyes crinkled and the hair at her nape curled with unease. “No thanks needed, my dear. I was just speaking with Zadal about you.”
Lindsey shivered and crossed the room with him. Her gaze frantically searched for Baruk or Zadal but both men were suspiciously absent.
“Um…so how do you know my husbands?” she asked into the silence between them.
Pollan stopped them in a shadowed corner of the ballroom. Tall plants hid them from view. She recognized the yellow striped blooms from Baruk’s indoor garden.
“Zadal and I don’t associate with one another for obvious reasons outside of work.” His smile tightened at the corners. “As for Baruk, my family and his are close.”
“That’s lovely.” Lindsey fanned her overheated face, wishing she could go to her room and put this entire evening behind her.
“You look flushed.” Pollan ran a knuckle over her cheek.
Lindsey jerked away from the intimate touch. His smile fell and his grey eyes darkened like a coming storm.
“I’m fine. A little warm.”
Pollan leaned closer, placing a palm against the wall to her right and blocking any escape. His gaze dropped to her exposed cleavage. “Feeling heated, I take it.”
This time his knuckles trailed over her shoulder. Lindsey leaned back further, hitting the wall behind her. “I—I should find Baruk and Zadal.”
“Let’s not play games. Zadal won’t care. After all, he only married you to tie himself to Baruk. At least that’s what the rumors claim.” Pollan’s blond head tipped to the side. “I can’t figure out Baruk’s rationale in all of this though.”
Giving up any attempt to be nice or kind or anything of that nature, Lindsey shoved at his chest, clearing enough space to ease around him. The distance gave her a sense of safety. “I think you have the wrong idea about me, Mr. Pollan.”
He stepped forward, eliminating the space she’d created. His brow lifted. “I can keep a secret if you’re concerned.”
At the moment his sanity was Lindsey’s only concern. Her heart raced. Did he really think she wanted him? And what kind of friend was he to Baruk to make such a move on her?
“Maybe it’s too soon, Lindsey. You don’t mind if I call you Lindsey?”
Pollan chucked her chin and Lindsey gritted her teeth to hold back her words. Kind thoughts. Kind thoughts only. She bared her teeth and returned his smarmy smile. “I see Zadal now. Excuse me.”
She ducked under his arm to escape but he grabbed her elbow, keeping her near. Lindsey winced as he leaned in. “You better learn to play the game if you want to last. The gutter rat you call husband is not on my level.”
Lindsey snatched her arm away, breath coming in deep rasps. As she walked across the room, the lights around her spun. The floor rolled beneath her feet and she stumbled into a laughing woman who screeched when her drink spilled.
“S-sorry.” Lindsey pressed a hand to her brow but her mouth filled with saliva and the warmth heating her skin turned into an all out blaze.
Blackness threatened to engulf her. She stumbled another step, searching the ballroom until her gaze fell on Zadal. “Zadal.”
His gaze zeroed in on her as if he heard her weakened cry from across the room. Danger flashed in his eyes as he broke off his conversation mid-sentence and headed directly for her. Relief crashed into Lindsey and she loosened her control enough to succumb to the pain in her head and wilted to the floor.
Chapter 16
Zadal bottled his anger. Another of Baruk’s business associates felt the need to corner Zadal and counsel him. Most of the guests had the same questions. How did he manage to trap Baruk? What leverage did he have on Baruk? Clearly the only reason his fellow Senate Leader would align himself with Zadal was under duress.
The entire thing was beneath Zadal and yet he’d expected this exact treatment. No one had to warn him of how people would react to his marriage. But he’d given his promise to Baruk to try and make this work. For Lindsey. Although if Zadal listened to one more word from the pompous man rattling in his ear, he’d snap.
In hopes of easing his growing rage, Zadal’s gaze sought Lindsey’s roaming form once more. She never stayed in one spot for long. Observing her this evening became more than a fascination for him and he needed the distraction. She represented the only light in this disastrous evening of subtle and not so subtle slurs tossed his way.
When she stumbled and the female guest yelled at her, Zadal instinctively headed in her direction, ignoring the squawk of protest behind him. Lindsey formed his name on her lips. Happiness flared inside his chest at the visible relief she exhibited for him then faded to horror as his wife folded to the floor. Zadal ran, closing the remaining distance between them.
“Lindsey!” He shoved aside the startled men and women clustered about and went to one knee beside her slumped form.
“Lindsey!” Zadal tapped her colorless cheeks. Her skin burned to the touch.
“Move back. Summon a doctor.” The crowd obeyed Baruk’s determined orders in an instant, widening the growing circle around Lindsey.
Baruk kneeled next to him and murmured, “What happened?”
Zadal’s trembling hand hovered over her forehead, afraid to touch. “I’m not sure.”
Baruk stroked back the blonde waves. Baruk was brave enough to do what Zadal didn’t dare. His head shot up. “She’s burning hot.”
Baruk slid his arms beneath her and rose to his feet with Lindsey in his arms. “Kimsha, take care of our guests.”
He strode out without a backward glance. Zadal stood and hesitated. Zumei approached with mincing steps and a frown. “This is highly unacceptable, Senate Leader.”
Fearful with worry, Zadal’s temper flared. “Pardon?”
Unaware of the danger he tempted, Zumei waved his hands about. “She’s ruined an important event without a care to how this will affect you both.”
The people milling about paused to listen. Peers from his work, associates from Baruk’s corporate holdings and gossip mongers all eager for some juicy tidbit to spread.
“Are you implying my wife’s illness is inconvenient?”
“N-no. I would never.” Zumei’s protest lacked weight.
Kimsha approached Zadal, worry evident in his gaze. “What do you need from me, Senate Leader? The guests, do you want them to stay or leave?”
Zadal was eternally grateful for the professional response. “Send everyone home with our regrets.”
Word flew about Lindsey’s collapse and no one missed Baruk carrying her out. People called out Zadal’s name, tried to stop him for questions as the murmurs built in volume. Kimsha’s voice reached over all of them, issuing directions.
A stranger in a black suit holding a bag came up beside Zadal. “I’m a doctor and can offer my services.”
“Follow me.” Zadal didn’t bother pretending a calmness he lacked and hurried from the room in search of Baruk and Lindsey.
He checked Baruk’s room first only to come up empty. Low voices led him to Lindsey’s room, a space fit for royalty. It didn’t take a genius to figure out his spouse partner had the room designed for his future wife well in advance. It was pure luck that it fit Lindsey perfectly in all its overly feminine décor and Zadal couldn’t imagine it any other way.
“A doctor was here among the guests,” Zadal announced, hesitating once more. He didn’t like how awkward he felt in this situation. Rage and helplessness at the need to do something filled him.
Baruk smoothed a thin sheet over Lindsey’s pale form lying on the bed. He looked up and sadness reflected in his normally cheerful blue eyes. “She’s not waking and she’s hot to the touch.”
The doctor hurried over to the bed and Baruk moved to make room for the man to sit beside him. “I’m Thoma by the way. I worked at the health clinic in Teeva many years ago.”
Zadal stepped closer and waited at the bottom of the bed where he had an unobstructed view of Lindsey. Hours earlier she’d smiled at him
, called him a hero and now he stood useless. “Are you sure you can help her?”
“Maybe. Now was there anything out of the ordinary?” Thoma asked. “Anything she ate or complaints of not feeling well?”
Baruk shook his head and turned to Zadal. “Nothing. You?”
“No.” Zadal knifed his hand through his hair. “She was fine earlier. Nervous but she probably wouldn’t say because she’s…she’s sweet.”
No other word fit better.
“I may have the problem here.” Thoma’s fingers brushed back her hair to reveal a column of red streaks extending from behind her ear and down the side of her neck. “Is this a recent injection?”
Zadal and Baruk answered at the same time. “Translator.”
Zadal cursed himself for all kinds of fool. He backed up until he hit the wall. How could they have missed this?
“It needs to come out,” Thoma murmured and reached for the bag he’d brought in with him. “I can do it now. Actually, I don’t recommend waiting because this is a nasty infection she’s fighting.”
‘You destroy everything you touch.’
His mother’s voice filled his ears. Zadal gritted his teeth. It wasn’t true. He’d worked hard to become Senate Leader. Slaved behind others, advising them in every job he held. Zadal had even worked as first assistant to High Council Jakil during his years as a Senate Leader. The man disliked Zadal because of his lack of social standing but Jakil’s business sense won out after Zadal helped him negotiate a tricky land deal saving the government millions of likos.
When the time came to replace Senate Leader Darvis, it was Jakil who contacted Zadal and insisted he leave his labor job and apply. Determination and votes from the others combined with his usual drive, secured the seat despite public misgivings but now this. His marriage not a week old and his wife struck ill.
Lindsey’s pale face mocked him.
She looked weak. Innocent. Not for him.
This was why he should have refused her desire for a Triad.
‘You destroy everything you touch.’
Zadal turned to the wall with a growl and drove his fist into it. The material cracked. He did it again and again, destroying the painted scroll work. Throat tight, he strode from the room and slammed the door behind him.
***
The doctor jerked at the first loud boom. Baruk froze but his spouse partner stormed from the room. His gaze went to the fist-sized holes in the wall and the muscles across his shoulders tightened.
Thoma cleared his throat and returned his attention to Lindsey. “This is an unusual allergic reaction. I can remove the standard translator and implant one of a different material that shouldn’t cause a similar reaction. Plastique is expensive but easily ordered.”
Baruk stared at his wife. This was a decision he should make with Zadal or Lindsey for that matter. “Take it out. We’ll decide later what to do.”
“Alright.” Thoma prepared his equipment, swabbed the front and back of Lindsey’s ear and began.
During the procedure, Baruk held his wife’s hand and prayed as he’d never prayed before. Every twitch and wince sent worry rushing through him. Thoma only paused twice to wipe sweat from his brow and then held up the small device he’d removed.
Baruk’s stomach rolled as the doctor quickly tucked it away in a bio-bag then used a sealant to close Lindsey’s incision. Two shots later and Thoma slumped back.
“The antibiotics will take care of the rest and she’ll make a full recovery.”
Baruk closed his eyes and whispered his heartfelt thanks.
“I’m glad I was here, Baruk.” Thoma climbed to his feet and gathered his things. He held up his bag. “My spouse partner teases me because I never leave home without this. Old habits.”
He didn’t practice medicine any longer, Baruk learned. Thoma was the head of one of the medical research plants Baruk owned. He was never more thankful that his guest list had included him.
They walked toward the door together. Thoma patted Baruk’s shoulder. “She’ll more than likely sleep all night.”
After a short goodbye, Baruk climbed into bed with Lindsey and hugged her close. She was warm but not overly. He stroked her silky hair and murmured in her ear. “I’ll do a better job protecting you. I promise.”
She didn’t stir but he didn’t expect her to. Baruk rested his head on the pillow, staring into her face. Long lashes lay on her cheeks, twitching occasionally. Color returned to her cheeks, taking away the waxy look of death. He heaved out a breath and drifted off.
A disturbance at the door jerked Baruk awake. “Enter.”
Kimsha came in, concern darkening his usually animated features. “Is she alright?”
Baruk eased out of the bed, eyes bleary and tired. Lindsey rolled to her side and continued to sleep. “An allergic reaction. She should be fine in the morning.”
He stretched and remembered Zadal’s hasty exit. “Will you sit with her? I need to find Zadal.”
Kimsha eagerly took the chair from Lindsey’s white writing desk and pulled it next to the bed. “Of course I’ll stay.”
Baruk searched Zadal’s room first. Empty. As was the ballroom and the man’s office. His assistant, Zumei, came up to Baruk as he closed the office door.
“Is Lady Lindsey going to be fine?”
Baruk couldn’t put his finger on why he disliked the man as much as he did. Never rude and never out of place, Zumei’s tone always managed to set Baruk off. “She’ll recover.”
Something wicked shifted in Zumei’s gaze. “That’s good. Well, good night.”
Baruk watched his departing figure until he disappeared down the hall, presumably to the rooms he’d been given. Shaking his head, Baruk continued his search and found Zadal in the least likely place he expected. Baruk’s private interior garden.
Palms pressed flat on the glass walls and head lowered, Zadal appeared a man defeated. A quick glance around showed everything to be in its place, no physical damage or signs of the temper he’d displayed earlier. Baruk observed him a moment longer and decided to give him the time to regroup his defenses.
Returning to Lindsey’s bedroom, Baruk dismissed Kimsha for the night. He stood in Lindsey’s doorway for a while, shoulder braced against the jam as she slept with the innocence of the young. Golden blonde hair splayed about the sheets, her face partially buried in the pillow and her nose scrunched. On the heels of today’s debacle, Baruk vowed to watch her closer. Missing the infection from the translator was careless on his part but he wouldn’t fail her again.
“How is she?” Zadal came up behind him, gaze on their sleeping wife.
Baruk wasn’t the only one feeling anger over this and chose not to address the disappearing act. Zadal’s strained features probably showed more than he’d want another to witness. “She seems better. Resting without pain.”
“Have you asked about another translator? One made of different materials.”
Baruk nodded. “Plastique is a viable option. Expensive but possible. The problem is she may refuse to get another.”
Zadal cursed. “I knew she didn’t look well at the party but I didn’t question it.”
Neither did Baruk. He’d assumed with devastating results that Lindsey’s pallor came from the party, the crowd and the fact this was all new to her. “Did she mention anything? Feeling sick?”
“Not after the one time during the marriage signing.”
They were both to blame. Baruk sighed and pushed away from the door. “I have a few contracts to review before I’m done for the night. Are you staying with her?”
It was a pointless question, since Zadal was already moving toward the side of her bed and removing his clothes. Perhaps he didn’t need to have a talk with his spouse partner after all. Baruk stayed long enough to see Zadal remove Lindsey’s gown, leaving her in another pair of tiny underwear. He didn’t hold her as Baruk did, choosing to rest on his side to face her with only inches separating them.
Baruk left them
alone. He headed for his office and sat at his desk, staring off into space. How had the evening changed so drastically? This should not have happened. Lindsey deserved special care. He wasn’t blind to her gentle disposition.
In a few days, Lindsey brought something Baruk didn’t know he wanted in his marriage. Humor, balance and a joy of life he’d become accustomed to doing without.
His desk communicator buzzed. The hour was late but Baruk swiped and the holo screen opened.
“Senate Leader!”
Despite his heavy thoughts, Baruk smiled. “Mala, how are you?”
Her face bounced around on screen. “Relaxed. In fact, I return to work soon. I’ve also heard the news of your Triad.”
He heard the silent question behind his first assistant’s light hearted tone. “You’ll like her, Mala.”
Her shoulders eased. “Good. Very good, Senate Leader. I will see you then.”
***
Zadal rested his head on the pillow, gaze fixed on Lindsey’s face. Knowing she’d make a full recovery lessoned some of his anger with himself. He slid the covers up higher around her shoulders, pleased that she no longer looked sickly. His thumb brushed over her cheek. Skin pink, she glowed with health again. Aside from the thin, red line on her neck no other bruise marred the perfection of her skin.
Tension flowed from his taut shoulders, strained muscles slackened and Zadal allowed himself to exhale in relief. Staring at her, he envisioned the plucky smile she often wore. Soft, frail, sweet. Not for him.
With a harsh groan, Zadal rolled onto his back. He shouldn’t have married her. Women like Lindsey deserved a man who knew how to care for them and Zadal debated if he was such a man.
Lindsey whined in her sleep and curled onto her side. His glance sharpened as he checked the slow rise and fall of her chest. Another whine and then she settled, facing the wall away from him. An unknown impulse compelled Zadal to roll toward her and wrap his arm around her thin waist. Her legs parted slightly as one knee bent and slid forward. Zadal’s thigh skimmed between the small space as she pushed back, bringing her butt in close contact with his awakening desire.
Lindsey's Rescue: A World Beyond Book 3 Page 10