Andromeda's Rebel by Debra Jess

Author:Debra Jess
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-64898-023-7
Publisher: City Owl Press

Chapter Twenty-Six

Tamarja blinked against the low light.

I can blink! I can see!

While her eyes adjusted, her body tried to snuggle deeper under her covers as Rory faded from her dream.

"Oh no, you don't. Time to wake up."

She tried to curse the hand that pulled her blankets back, but even now her words drooped, dropping from her lips in formless syllables. It had been a rough night.

"Why is it every time I get you into bed, you're too senseless for me to take advantage of it?"

Why was Daeven still here? He knew she was a prisoner, and after the hassle of having him bring her back to safety again, she figured he'd leave. Maybe he'd call Jita to watch over her, but at least he'd be away from her―a worthless criminal.

She sat up, her night clothes bunching around her. Trying to get out of bed was no easier than trying to fight Daeven for the blanket to keep herself covered. "W-W-What? W-Why?" Her throat rasped and tightened. She couldn't get out an entire question. Her legs jerked under the blanket, almost unseating Daeven. "S-S-Sorry."

"That'll stop soon. Your body's reacting to overloaded senses. Manitac only activated the agent to reverse the paralysis four hours ago."

Four hours ago, she'd felt the slight tingling of her limbs, which slowly built to the harsh bite of needles ceaselessly jabbing her flesh and her bones and her muscles. Even now, her body jerked around with the need to move, but she was unable to control the movements.

She decided to try speaking again. "W-Why are you s-s-still here? S-S-Security neeedsss you."

Daeven nodded. "I reported you as a medical emergency at Facility Prime. You fell down the stairs when Manitac activated the transmitter that controls all ‘pet collars. With so many ‘pets having difficulties, I was able to keep your name out of it. I've been ordered to remain here for the rest of my shift. Keep an eye on things."

That's when she noticed his jacket. He'd been wearing black anyway, so it only took the addition of his field jacket to make it look as if he was back in uniform. She tried to shift her position, but her lack of coordination wouldn't allow it. She settled for curling the fingers of her right hand. It spasmed for a second and then locked closed as a fist. Using the heel of her other hand, she tried to stretch her fingers open. "W-Why do you s-s-stay?"

Daeven wrapped his larger hands over hers, gently massaging her fingers. "You needed help. How could I not give it to you?"

"You s-s-stay b'c-c-cuz you're a s-security officer?“ She looked up at him as her fingers started to loosen.

He shook his head. “I stay because I care about you.“

“Even t-though I wear a collar?"

"I already knew about the collar."

Her fingers opened, and she spread them wide, stretching them. Daeven moved his hand to her wrist, the second hand joining the first, kneading the muscles of her forearm. She felt the pins and needles disappearing under his gentle touch.

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