Kira dropped her feet from the desk. "I can go then?"
Graydon bared his teeth at her.It isn’t going to be that easy,coli.
Graydon studied his nails. "They've released you into my care."
He didn't have long to wait.
"What does that mean?"
"I'm so glad you asked. Let me explain." He invaded her space, watching as she barely concealed her flinch at the merciless expression on his face that even his gentle smile didn’t fully hide. "It means your ass is mine."
Graydon straightened, enjoying the temper rising behind her eyes. "At least for the remainder of your time on this planet."
"No." The words were clipped, and her movements jerky as she stood from her chair, reaching over and snagging Jin off the table.
Graydon waited until she'd reached the door. "Speak to your niece lately?"
Kira's spine went ramrod straight as she stopped a foot from the exit.
"Because I have,” he said.
That got a reaction.
Kira whirled, looking like an avenging goddess as she strode toward him. "We don't speak of her where it's not secure."
A meaningful look at their surroundings made it clear what she meant.
Graydon leaned closer, saying into her ear. "I cut off the surveillance feed the moment I entered."
Kira remained motionless as he straightened.
Graydon found he was rather enjoying that look of impotent rage on her face.
"I wanted this conversation to take place in private," he finished.
Caution entered Kira's expression. "Why?"
"Because there are a few items that need to be clear before you step out of this room,"
Her eyes narrowed. "And they are?"
"We're getting to that," he assured her. "But first, tell me what happened with the swarm."
"Do you really have Elena?" she asked instead, shooting him a hard stare.
Graydon gave a one-word answer, knowing it would get on her nerves. "Yes."
Kira went motionless.
Graydon counted. One. Two. Three.
A harsh exhale left her as she glared out the window.
There she was. Kira hid her anger well, but Graydon could see the frustration and resignation she tried to cover. Mixed throughout it all was love and concern.
"What was Elena thinking?" Kira muttered.
"I imagine she thought she was helping you."
