I blinked at how open he was being, then realized why. With our heads outside the forcefield, the wind would drown out any attempt to listen in. This was as private as anywhere in Wardal’s hive.
“If you kill me, the Collectors will investigate,” I said. “Your ID’s good, but notthatgood.”
He shrugged, and let me tell you, when the man holding you above a deadly drop shrugs, it’s anything but casual.
“If I don’t get my chip back, I’m done anyway.” His eyes narrowed, but then he sighed. “It doesn’t matter. I will not hurt you, human. I just need to speak with you in private. Stay out of my way and I’ll stay out of yours.?”
A surprise, though a welcome one. Even if he was squeamish about murder, he could have threatened me. Instead, he reassured me. What the hell was he up to?
Before I could guess at his motives, Varok lifted me back through the forcefield and set me down. I staggered, legs shaking from the adrenaline, and swore at him again. He laughed.
“Some people would show gratitude to their rescuer,” he said. “Or at least be polite about it.”
“Somewould have to ignore the fact that you tripped them.” My gaze hardened into a glare. Sure, he was playing to the cameras. He was still an asshole. “Others might wonder what you’re doing lurking outside my room. If you hadn’t been here, I wouldn’t have needed saving.”
Still grinning, the asshole raised an eyebrow. “I am on the most direct route from my rooms to the party. If you don’t believe me, I’ll happily show you the way after the celebration.”
Something about his arrogance was oddly compelling. Perhaps it was his smile, the little quirk that made it look like we were sharing a joke?Or maybe going to his room sounds pretty appealing.
My cheeks burned at the thought. Sometimes, I want to slap myself. This was a perfect example, and if I’d been alone, I’d have done it. Of course, if I’d been alone, I wouldn’t have reason to.
“Not a chance, Mister Amzar,” I said, tone as cold as I could muster. “I’m here to write about your art, as well as the Collection. And I most definitely do not sleep with the subjects of my stories.”
There, that sounds plausible, right?
“I agree entirely, Miss Halford.” The arrogant smile widened, and his eyes twinkled. “If you come to my chambers, it won’t be tosleep.”
He purred the last word, leaving no doubt about his meaning, and I struggled not to let the effect the sound had on me show. I squeezed my eyes tight shut and drew a deep, steadying breath.
A terrible mistake—Varok’s scent filled me, a hot, spicy musk that did things to me no artificial scent ever could. I bit my lip, tried to step back, and only then realized his hands were still on my arms. The gentle grip held me motionless, and the worst thing about that was, Ilikedit.
“Get your hands off me or I’ll snap them off at the wrists.” When I’m stressed, the Londoner in me can show through. Usually, that’s all it takes to make someone back off and reassess.
Not Varok. He chuckled, a dark, musical sound. “Gladly, as soon as you let go of me.”
Crap.Yes, as soon as I thought of it, I realized I still had my hands on his forearms, the muscles smooth and powerful underneath the fabric of his suit.
I dropped his arms as though they were red hot, and true to his word, Varok let go as well. As he did, he slipped his hand into my purse with the ease of a practiced pickpocket, coming out with his datachip between his fingers. I groaned as he bowed.
Okay, yeah, it’s not like I had many other places to hide it.One careful step back put me out of easy grabbing range, though given the way he towered over me, I didn’t pretend it would keep me safe if he tried something.
His cocky grin didn’t go anywhere, but he didn’t follow. He just slipped the chip back into his comm.
“I’ll see you at the party,” he said, turned, and walked off. I watched him go, glaring at his back. At least, that’s what I’d claim I was looking at. My gaze drifted lower, to the firm and enticing muscles of his ass.
As he turned the corner, he glanced back at me. My face burning, I tore my eyes away and saw Debbie hovering there, recording everything.
“It’s a good thing I was already planning to erase your memory files,” I snapped at her, rubbing my arms and glaring after Varok. I gave myself time to warm up and recover before setting off after the silver-skinned alien.
Except once I’d turned a corner, the corridor irised shut in front of me. I turned back, and of course it had shut behind me too, trapping me. I nearly screamed in frustration. “What the fuck? You’re meant to recognize my press pass, you stupid AI ice cube. I’msupposedto go to the party, and my invitation is stored on my…oh, youfucker!”
Yes, obviously my pass was gone, stolen from my purse smoothly enough that I hadn’t even noticed. Cursing in a steady stream that would have made my father blush, I waited for someone to let me out.
4
VAROK
Iarrived at the commencement party with a grin on my face, twirling an ID tag around my fingers.Turnabout is fair play.A human phrase I’d heard somewhere, one I loved putting into practice.
