“Pricks like the one that tried to kidnap you yesterday are dealt with harshly here, under my leadership,” he added.
I nodded curtly, and it was then that I realized that I was beginning to respect him. He was strong and powerful, but under all that bravado, he might actually be a good man. I didn’t say anything about that though. Wouldn’t want to give him a big head or anything.
I smirked.
“I’d have given that bastard a piece of my mind, sooner or later,” I replied.
“Sure, you would have,” he countered, not believing me. That was fine. I’d happily let him underestimate me until I could find my way out of here.
Shortly thereafter, we finished our breakfast and made our way out the door after I pulled on my boots. We walked outside and were greeted by several guards stationed outside the doorway. At the end of the front walkway was a small, metal-plated flyingshuttle. I looked at it with trepidation, eyeing the rusty shell. I mean, I’d flown in way worse-looking things before but this one looked like it was ready to fall apart in the next five minutes.
“Get in. It’s disguised,” he explained, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. I sighed and then he pulled aside the dingy-looking curtain. I climbed in first and gasped as I saw the luxurious interior, red velvet-lined seats, and gold trim. I reveled in the cool artificial breeze circulating inside the shuttle.
“This is nice,” I murmured as I took a seat.
“Freed it from some nice Coalition folk,” he said with a wink and I laughed.
“Yeah. Sure, ya did,” I replied with a grin.
“That was back when I was doing the smuggling myself,” he added.
“Explains why it looks like a hunk of junk then,” I retorted, my tone light.
He chuckled as the shuttle rattled a little as it rose into the air. I leaned toward the side and moved the curtain, peeking outside the filthy window. Below, the abandoned suburban sprawl of Dryac spread out, people walking the streets toward the city center. Off in the distance were the landing fields. Where I had arrived only yesterday.
“What is it you want me to do as your assistant?” I asked then, dropping the curtain and turning back to him.
“I want you to be my eyes. I want you to watch for signs of deceit, for money exchanging hands other than my own. In my line of work, people underestimate women like you. They let down their defenses,” he answered.
“How will I know what to look for?”
“You’ll know. You’re a much smarter woman than you let people believe,” he said, his tone sincere and I chewed the inside of my cheek, analyzing him from my seat opposite his.
“If I see something, how will I let you know?” I asked.
He grinned.
“I’m sure you’ll find a way,” he replied.
I was quiet for the rest of the journey. Several minutes later, the shuttle rattled again, and I felt it settle on a cushion of air. The door slid open. Bane pushed the curtain aside and then turned to me.
“After you,” he said with a smirk, running his eyes up and down my body.
I bet he just wanted to see my ass in this slutty little skirt. I shook my head and climbed out, making sure to wiggle my ass just a little for him. He laughed and slapped my backside, catching my right cheek with a solid spank.
I squealed and straightened, reaching back and covering myself.
“Just remember one thing, Cara. You’re mine and no one is going to take you away from me. Ever,” he said darkly, and a thrill raced down my spine.
I wanted to hate him, but I couldn’t because when he talked like that, I liked him even more. Even now, I could feel liquid heat gathering between my thighs and I flushed just a little at the realization.
I shook my head and started walking in the direction of the landing fields.
“Mine,” he growled. “And when we get back, I’m going to fuck that tight little body until you beg me to stop. And then I’ll fuck you harder.”
A shiver raced down my spine and I swayed my hips a little more as I took the lead, knowing his eyes would be on me. The skirt was so short that I was sure he could see the bottom curves of my ass cheeks. Hell, he could probably see the red handprint he’d just left on my backside too.
Honestly? I kind of liked it.
