Kept by the Zandian by Renee Rose & Rebel West

Author:Renee Rose & Rebel West [Rose, Renee & West, Rebel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Burning Desires
Published: 2019-05-24T04:00:00+00:00

* * *

Taisha

“Here are some holos.” His voice is gruff, but his gestures are gentle as he hands me a stack of shiny discs and touches my arm.

The contact gives me that tingly shock as always. “Thank you.”

“Information about our planets. Made by humans, for humans.” He’s standing close enough that I can see the details in his eyes, the way the golden brown and purple work together. Gorgeous.

“I know you are probably bored here when I am not present.”

I nod. “I… would be grateful for diversion. I have thoroughly investigated the nutrition center a dozen times, organized the foodstuffs five different ways, and memorized the layout and things inside this domicile.” I laugh. I don’t mention the panic attacks and the tears that come at odd times, making me quake and sweat and shiver. The flashbacks to being trapped on their ship, nearly dying of thirst.

But he steps closer. “Your eyes are red and puffy.” He touches the skin next to my lid. “What is wrong? Are you ill?”

I look down. “Nothing. I am grateful to be here.”

“Were you weeping?” His voice drops. “Taisha?” He touches my chin. “Answer me.” But his voice is not cruel or harsh. “What is it?” He sounds… concerned.

“It is nothing. I promise, I am ready to see the planet. I won’t do anything wrong, Master.”

I’m dying to get out of this room. I can see part of the city through the window, where I sit most of the planet rotation, at least, until the panic attacks come. When they do, I crouch in the corner, sobbing and clutching my knees, until the terror passes.

“I have heard that humans sometimes… have emotional triggers from bad memories.” It’s like he’s feeling out the words, unsure of what he’s saying. “Post traumatic stress.”

I chuckle, although it’s not funny. “You could say that.” Moments of abject terror. How anyone learns to manage it is beyond me.

I know better than to ask him for help. He has made it clear that he is here to guard me, assess me. Nothing more. He may have a physical attraction to me, but he’s fighting even that. Clearly he doesn’t care about me in a special way. Plus, I have to stay strong, just like Leylah cautioned me. Alone.

“Bayla said…” he pauses. “Humans acclimate better when they are around others.” His voice strengthens. “I will take you to meet her and Dr. Daneth at the laboratory. They have requested your help.”

I immediately straighten. “Really? Oh, thank you. I would love that.” My voice cracks with gratitude. “Please, I really need that.”

I didn’t want to beg, but now that he’s said it, I recognize how starved I am for company… and distraction.

“I am sorry I didn't do it earlier.” He sits down in a hoverchair and regards me for a second.

I am unaccustomed to hearing him apologize. I don’t answer, because I don’t know what to say.

“So, tell me something about your planet. Tell me more about… life. There.”

He puts his hands on his knees.

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