Lifer by Beck Nicholas

Author:Beck Nicholas [Nicholas, Beck]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science fiction, space, dystopian, young adult, teen
Publisher: Month9Books
Published: 2014-12-16T08:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twelve

[Blank]

A knock on the door startles me awake. I stretch, the accompanying pain in my leg makes me wince. My movement causes the girl in bed with me to stir.

The girl in bed with me!

Megs’ in my arms. The last thing I remember is talking about nothing. Lulled to sleep by her lyrical voice. I don’t remember lying down. Or her lying beside me and allowing me to take her in my arms. I will remember this though. Everything about it.

Her scent’s sweet but earthy at the same time. Maybe she hasn’t washed since the game. Whatever, it makes my whole body tight. On edge. I arch away from the curve of her back so she doesn’t notice my response to her closeness. It takes all my control not to press closer to her. Her hair’s only an inch away from my face. I lean forward, allow the silky strands to brush my nose.

Guilt and pain from my leg wars with the perfection of the moment.

The knock sounds again, louder this time.

She wakes and sits up. I bite down on a curse. She felt good. Damn good.

“Come in,” I call. I cough to clear my throat; thankful the darkness hides Megs’ reaction. She must know the effect she has on me. It’s not like I’m doing a brilliant job of hiding it. I have no idea if I’m usually this hopeless with girls. Probably.

The nagging hint of a memory tinkles with another girl’s laughter in my brain. It brings a wave of guilt that I’m so into Megs but I tamp it down. If I agree to Keane’s plan I’ll have my memories back later today. Now belongs to Megs.

The door swings inward without a sound. Light from the hallway outlines Toby’s familiar silhouette. “Rise and shine kids.”

“Morning already?” asks Megs with a groan as the overhead light flickers on.

I’m concentrating on willing my body back under control. Think Eliza; think Eliza. The image of the crusty woman who attempted to kill me cools my blood and I stand without betraying myself.

“Do we have time for a wash?” I ask.

I must smell pretty bad by now and I need some balm for my leg.

“If you’re quick.” Toby hooks a thumb back over his shoulder. “Across the hall. Keane’s waiting.”

I cross the hallway and hear light feet following. With my hand on the door to the wash area, I turn. It’s Megs, looking rumpled and stunning all at once.

Sweetness fills her shy smile. “I figured the wash was a good idea.”

My mouth dries and I can’t form words. I didn’t imagine her joining me in the bathroom. I’m relieved the cubicles filling the once-white room are private. Mostly, anyway. I duck into the first one. Dark stains mark the corners of the small space but it’s clean.

There’s a disposable washcloth and I use the small sink, not wasting time on a shower. I’m out before Megs but wish I had clean clothes. Mine reek of adrenaline and fear.

Toby waits for me in the room.

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