“It would be even better if they let us do the inseminating,” the other soldier replied, elbowing Richards. “Am I right?”
The private grinned and looked me up and down. “Not gonna lie. I wouldn’t mind a taste.”
Marc’s grip on my arm tightened, and his entire body turned to stone. I could actually hear him grinding his teeth, and I was positive he was going to tell Richards to go to hell or possibly say something worse, but before he could, Miller spoke up.
“That’s enough, Private,” he barked. “The women here are a vital part of saving the human race and deserve your respect. Do you understand?”
Respect? Miller hadn’t shown an ounce of respect since the day I met him.
Richards’ mouth scrunched up like he wanted to spit, but instead said, “Yes, sir.”
He didn’t sound very repentant, but Miller let it go and focused on Marc. “Get Miss Murphy to the first floor then get your ass back up here. We have a whole other hall to get ready, and there isn’t a lot of time.”
“Sir,” Marc said, then started moving, pulling me past the soldiers.
When he was sure they were out of earshot, he said, “Sorry. It was the best lie I could think of, but I had no clue Miller was going to be there. Shit. If I don’t turn you in, he’s going to know something is up.”
“It’s okay, really,” I said, although I had a feeling Hilary wouldn’t think it was okay. She was going to be pissed.
We reached the staircase and Marc loosened his grip on my arm but didn’t let go. It was for looks, but I still felt like a kid being marched to the principal’s office. Detention wasn’t even that unlikely considering the consequences Hilary had listed duringour first meeting.
“Do they say things like that a lot?” I asked as we descended.
Marc’s eyes darted my way. “Like what?”
“You know, wishing they were the ones doing the insemination.”
He winced. “It’s come up.”
“I bet,” I said. “It’s honestly not even that far-fetched.”
He shook his head like he didn’t believe it, but since we’d just reached the third floor and there were other people around, couldn’t comment. It also meant I couldn’t tell him about my past, which I was both pissed about and grateful for.
People shot us looks as Marc escorted me down the stairs, most of them sympathetic, but some smug. Most of the women weren’t happy about being here, but there was a portion of the population that thought we should be grateful. That group pretty much kept to themselves, eating together, and judging the rest of us. They also got special privileges from the minders and soldiers like Miller, which made women in my shoes hate them even more.
When we reached the first floor, Marc glanced around and, deciding no one was paying attention, pulled me to the side of the staircase and said, “What did you want to talk to me about?”
Shit.
Was there time? I looked around, took in the other women, as well as the minders and soldiers and decided that no, there was not. I had no idea how Marc would react to the news, and the last thing I wanted was for him to cause a scene and possibly let my secret slip. I was risking enough by telling him in private.
“Later,” I said. “The next time we’re alone.”
He frowned. “I don’t know when that will be.”
“We’ll figure it out.”
He glanced at my lips like he wanted to kiss me, but not being alone, it was impossible. Instead, he pulled me from the shadows and led me to the front desk.
The soldier on duty eyed me warily. “Problem, Corporal?”
“I found her on four. She gave me attitude when I told her the floor is off limits tonight, but it really wasn’t a big deal. In fact, I’m not even sure it’s worth reporting her.”
I appreciated him trying to get me out of this but knew it wouldn’t work even before the soldier sighed and said, “Her minder will want to know. Go back to what you were doing. I’ll take care of it from here.”
Marc nodded, but it was stiff, and I could tell he wasn’t happy. Not that I was either. It would have been nice if I could have gotten out of this without Hilary finding out, but I supposed it could have been worse. Someone could have seen Marc and me together or found out my secret. At least this would only lead to me losing privileges.
Forty
