Ijerked awake at the sound of scraping, blinking up at a wood-paneled ceiling. When had I fallen asleep?
It took me only a moment to remember that I was hiding in a secret room inside a theater, and another moment to recall that the sound was the hidden door sliding open. I bolted upright, patting myself to find the blaster I’d tucked into my belt earlier, but the red cloak I was wearing got in the way.
“Son of a thawsoft?—”
“I do not think it is the Zagrath.” Kolt already had his blaster trained at the door, and his words were a low murmur.
He was right. I’d never known Imperial soldiers to be quiet about anything, and whoever was opening the door was tryingto do it quietly. That didn’t stop me from finding the blaster under the layers of red fabric and holding it at the ready.
When Athena’s face appeared in the opening, I sagged and released an audible sigh. “You scared us half to death.” I glanced at Kolt, who had lowered his blaster, his face placid. “Well, you scared me.”
“Sorry,” she said as she ducked into the room and straightened. “I wanted to wait until almost everyone had gone.”
The actress had changed from her ornate gown to a simple, sleeveless blue dress that belted at the waist, although it made her look no less striking. Some women always looked stunning no matter what they wore, and she was clearly one of them.
By contrast, I was sure that I looked like a hot mess. Not only were my clothes ripped and blood smeared on my skin, but I wore days’ worth of dust and grime. I didn’t even want to think about what my curly hair was up to. It was unruly on the best of days.
“No sign of Imperial guards?” Kolt asked, not indicating that he’d noticed her change of outfit.
She shook her head. “Their search was cursory. They don’t believe you came in here.” She held out one hand that held a mass of leather. “I hid this for you.”
Kolt actually grinned. “My battle kilt and belt.” He took it from her. “I was afraid I would have to wear this uncomfortable garment forever.”
“It hasn’t even been a day,” I said, shaking my head.
The Vandar really didn’t like to wear a lot of clothing. I thought back to them walking around the ice planet of Lexxona. Theironly nod to the freezing temperatures had been fur capes that had blown open in the bitter wind. The Vandar battle chief might not have all his memories, but he knew that much about himself.
The ebony-haired woman held out another hand, and this one contained a large paper sack. “I brought food and water. I’m sure you’re hungry.”
Since Kolt was busy holding his kilt and belt as if they were long-lost treasures, I took the bag. “Thank you. We haven’t eaten since last night.”
“I thought as much.” She tipped her head toward the bag as I opened it. “It’s not fancy, but Kashara is known for its street food, and this is some of the best.”
I drew a greedy breath, the savory, spicy scents provoking a painful rumble in my gut. “This is perfect. Thank you.”
She dipped her head as if bowing. “I’m the last one here, and I’ll lock up when I leave. After that, you don’t have to worry about making noise. Since we have rehearsals and performances at all hours, the neighbors are accustomed to sounds.”
“We don’t have any reason to make noise,” I said. “I’m sure we’re going to eat and pass out. It’s been a long day.”
Athena slid her gaze between us, her lips quirking as she nodded. “Whatever you say.”
I blinked a few times, awareness hitting me. “Oh, we’re not…” I glanced at Kolt so he could back me up. “We’re just…we happened to be taken at the same time, but we’re not together together.”
The woman didn’t respond, but one brow did arch.
“Tell her,” I said to Kolt, my voice higher than usual.
He shrugged. “She claims we are not lovers.”
I groaned. Well, that wasn’t the denial I’d wanted. “We weren’t, I mean, we aren’t.”
Athena smiled fully, clearly amused. “I work in the theatre, darlings. I do not judge, nor do I shock easily.”
Before I could explain that Kolt had been pretty unhappy to be trapped with me before he’d lost his memory, Athena turned to leave. “I should go. We have rehearsal in the morning.” She paused at the door. “You are welcome to leave the room at night. The bathroom is the door next to my dressing room. Just be back inside when the stage manager opens up tomorrow.”
“The guy with the orange hair?” I asked.
“Hal. He’s a decent sort, but he’s a bit excitable.” The woman stopped at the opening and glanced over her shoulder. “No one at this theater would turn you in. You aren’t the first people we’ve hidden from the Imperial soldiers, but the fewer people who know, the better.”
