Atrophy by Jess Anastasi

Author:Jess Anastasi [Anastasi, Jess]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: sci-fi, sci-fi romance, forbidden love, Jess Anastasi, SFF, Select Otherworld, romance, Entangled, futuristic
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC
Published: 2015-12-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Tannin followed the crew as they walked along the darkened streets, passing restaurants, shops trading late, and other social gathering places. He was antsy about being out, knowing Raleigh and any number of IPC officers were still looking for him, but Rian insisted everyone had to come on this little excursion. From the chatter he’d overheard, it had been a while since the crew had gotten the chance to go out together, and apparently they’d meant it earlier when Lianna and Callan had told him as the newest crew member, he owed them all a round.

A small woman strode next to him with precise steps. She had dark brown hair, mid-brown skin, stunningly beautiful features, and the calmest air about her that he’d ever encountered. Though he didn’t see her blatantly looking around, he got the sense she took in everything. The priestess was an enigma. And what Rian planned to do with her a total mystery.

Tannin looked forward to where Zahli walked, one arm linked with Kira’s. She might not have the perfect beauty and form of the priestess, but Zahli was far more arresting. Something about her struck him as earthy and sensual, without any artifice. Just the thought of her curves made his mouth water.

Which was why he had to keep his distance.

How had he forgotten, even for one second, that the IPC would never stop looking for him? Raleigh’s surprise visit had reminded him of that like taking a nucleon blast to the face.

Rian had given him a chance to keep his freedom, and one veiled warning about no fraternization was more than enough. He had to keep his place on this crew, because he’d be the one kicked out if rules were broken. And if he wasn’t onboard the Imojenna and hidden in plain sight with an ex-war hero, his chances of staying free would be that much smaller. And the very last thing he wanted was to take Zahli down with him if he got caught.

Because of Sherron he was as free as he’d ever get. On Erebus he could only have imagined what it’d be like to have the liberty he’d found now. And Rian had given him that. The gratitude he felt went beyond words.

No doubt he’d left Zahli confused after he’d abandoned her in the cargo bay. But realization had struck him like a physical blow. Now he really was part of the crew. Rian had given him a new future, so he couldn’t go against the man’s orders, not for anything.

Not even for the sake of his own heart.

Nothing else could develop between them. And the only way to enforce his decision would be to stay away from her, not be alone, even for a moment. Because he had no control where Zahli was concerned. It would only take one of her smiles, or a breath of her summer rain scent, and all his resolve would go up in smoke.

Rian turned to a doorway with a sign reading O’Mara’s flashing over top.

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