“Really.” Janet smiled. “It’s about time you learn how to protect yourself. Isn’t that right, Mr. Heartface?”
“Yes, Mistress Janet.”
Lily smiled back, showing off her baby teeth. “Can we start now?”
“When everything is settled.”
“But I’m sooooo bored.”
Janet rose back to her feet and ran her hands over the dress, smoothing the hem. She pushed her long hair up then let it fall, trying it again, unsure of how she should wear it. She’d never worn anything so fancy and had no idea if this was what Zeph meant by‘dress up.’No matter what she did, she just couldn’t settle on the right look without fretting about how he’d react.
“You look good in sparkly green things,” Lily piped up behind her.
Janet’s nerves settled a little. “I love you.”
“Uuuugh.”
Lily peeled herself off the floor and went back into the bedroom. When her footsteps faded, and the sound of video game music fired up in the distance, Janet focused on her reflection. What did Zeph want from her?
He appeared in the doorway as if her question summoned him. Their eyes met in the mirror.
Her pulse jumped, her heart stumbled over a beat, and she weakly swallowed. She straightened her back and ran her hands over the dress, suddenly feeling out of place and overextended. He didn’t move, which sent a blush creeping over her skin.
“What?” she snapped, annoyed that he remained silent. She glanced back at her shimmering dress and realized how ridiculous she actually looked.My shoes don’t even match.“Every outfit in this closet was made for a sex doll. I did my best.” His face remained stony in the mirror, and she turned to face him, wishing Lily would come back and save her. “Well?” She spread out her arms. “Is this what you wanted?”
“It’ll do.”
She frowned but managed a nod, feeling her heart slip into her already butterflied belly.
Zeph reached out his arm toward her, and she took it, hooking hers over his. The potent heat from his body flushed her skin. She wanted to nuzzle into him and vanish, but he led her into the main room where the creepy, ornate human statues lined the walls.
“Are you going to tell me what’s going on? I don’t see how me dressing up like this has anything to do with getting a ship.”
“Raphael requested your presence tonight. We’re going out to his headquarters,” he told her without a hint of emotion.
The flush coursing through her body strengthened, hurt, and she took her arm back, coiling it around her middle. “Is that safe?”
“No, but he won’t sell me a ship otherwise. I’ve dealt with him before. He’s a stubborn fuck but with connections and resources that rival the local planetary Governor.”
“So, we go through him or come up with a new plan.” She chewed on her lip.
“Elyria is no place for you or Lily, and my old ship is compromised. We leave immediately.”
“Wait! What about Lily?”
Zeph rounded on her and crowded her space. She hugged herself harder.
“She’ll stay here with the android. We can’t risk taking her to Raphael without sparking his interest further.”
Worry filled her mind. Janet looked back the way they came, where her sister’s music played. “Are you sure?” She absolutely hated the thought of leaving Lily alone.
“I’ve spent the last several hours hacking and overriding the security in this building and the nearby buildings as well. It’s the best I can do.”
“We won’t be gone long?” If the EPED came when she left, she’d never forgive herself. Lily had proven to be stronger than Janet ever imagined but she was still a child, and still very ignorant of the real world. Janet envied her baby sister, and because of that, she’d do just about anything to protect what was so easily taken.
“No longer than we need to be,” Zeph said, capturing her hand and pulling it toward him as he led her to the front door. “Part of my consciousness will remain in the android the entire night—you have my word on that. I’ll be in two places at once, for as long as I need to be.”
Janet allowed herself to be led out the door and into the world beyond, feeling her dress sashay around her thighs. His words filled her head and eased the worry.I believe him.
