"Ah yes, Dr. Makari's work. Excellent methodology, though limited to single-trainer facilities. My own published data shows a 15% improvement in compliance with proper cycling of training intensity," Aefre says, interrupting me. "The key is understanding that conditioning isn't about breaking. It's about revealing what's already there."
Jin Kol, clearly under my pheromone spell, asks me, completely ignoring Aefre."Tell me, Madame Eve, does the Shadow Sovereignbind you in his shrine to create such divine defiance? Or do the Sovereigns simply take turns polishing you until you shine like this?"
The question catches me off guard, and my cheeks go hot. The dress's gravitational weave loosens in response to my sudden self-consciousness, and I worry my boobs are going to fall out for a second.
"Ah, there it is," Aefre says. "That delicious human blush. No amount of pheromone enhancement can fake that particular response." He turns to Jin Kol. "Well, Tribune, I believe we both have a new fantasy for our evening meditations. I noticed Madame Eve’s likeness is available in the hotel's pleasure suite options. Though I suspect the hologram doesn't do justice to what lies beneath those clothes, no human should be wearing. But I always appreciate the way the Sovereigns push boundaries. It keeps us all on our toes. None of us ever know, if they are laughing with us or at us.”
I don’t quite understand what Aefre means by that, but before I can ask, he continues, while his eyes rake me over, “Still, such elaborate wrapping for what should be displayed naturally. But the Sovereigns have always enjoyed keeping their treasures hidden."
"Trainer Aefre." Rafe's voice cuts through the air like ice as he materializes at my side, his hand settling possessively on the small of my back where the dress leaves me bare. The touch is light, but his claim is unmistakable. “You mustn’t corner our human liaison. Make no mistake, she’s still a human and will not take the upper hand, even when dressed like a Reima Two woman of worth.”
Aefre inclines his head gracefully. "Of course, Sovereign. I wouldn't dream of monopolizing your liaison's valuable time." He pauses, then adds with a trainer's precision, "Though I do hope we can continue our academic discussion another time."
Jin Kol turns to me, unperturbed by Rafe’s presence, and says, “Tell me everything, Madame Eve. I would like to hear your interpretations of the Championships and humanity’s place in the galaxy.”
I smile. "With pleasure, Tribune. Let's start with mandatory consent protocols. Every competitor has consented to compete in theChampionships, and they understand the risks. However, I feel they would be more enthusiastic if they received more of the winnings and it wasn’t up to the trainer’s discretion.”
“What an interesting idea,” Jin Kol says. Then to Rafe, he says, “Thank the goddesses. You finally hired a human who is worth talking to.”
While I talk to these alien men, I can’t help but thinkthe galaxy is fucked beyond measure.But maybe, just maybe,I can unfuck a small piece of it starting tonight.
42
THE DRESS, RAFE
The dress is wrong.Everything about it is wrong.
I watch Eve cross the ballroomas if she's declaring war. The fabric, what little there is of it, clings to her curves in liquid midnight, and the neckline plunges past decency, past professional, past anything remotely appropriate for her position. Half her breasts are exposed, the soft curves catching the bioluminescent lighting as she moves, and those breasts belong to me.
My hand tightens around my glass until I'm surprised it doesn't shatter.
"Breathe," Lorian says beside me.
"Did you know about this?"
"Not exactly. She asked me for some credits an hour ago for supplies. It looks like that dress and makeup were the…supplies.”
She moves through the crowd with a confidence I've never seen from her before. Trainers turn to watch her pass, their pets momentarily forgotten.
My jaw clenches. "She's making a spectacle of herself."
"No, she's making a statement," Lorian corrects. "And she’s done it all for Jin Kol. We should be congratulating ourselves, Rafe. We’ve taught her well.”
"Tribune Jin Kol," I hear her say, her voice carrying despite the crowd. "I've been thinking about our earlier conversation."
And just like that, she has him. Within minutes, Jin Kol is actively engaged in conversation, even laughing at something she says.
"Remarkable," Lorian observes. "She's doing more for our diplomatic relations in one evening than we've managed in months."
I know he's right. I can see it working, see how the other VIPs are gravitating toward her, drawn by Jin Kol's unprecedented warmth. She's playing the game brilliantly.
But I still want to throw my jacket over her and carry her out of here. She’s mine, and I don’t want to share her.
When she laughs at something Aefre says, her head tilted back to expose the column of her throat, something in me snaps.
"I'm done," I tell Lorian.
"The party isn't over."
