She was feeling scared and vulnerable, and he was clearly capable—and dangerous, two things guaranteed to make a woman go a little wild.
He had literally saved her life. Of course, she was attracted to a man who had carried her out of real and lethal danger!
He was sexy.
So very sexy.
Knowing all the reasons why her body might be reacting to his had not helped her to stem and dam that attraction though. She had hoped it would.
Blade said, “I didn’t have time to gather fresh supplies I’m afraid, and so it’s all printed. It’s a little bland and stiff, but it’ll fill your stomach. That’s about the best thing I can say about it.”
She regarded the food on the table. There was some sort of protein-rich loaf, a small bit of printed bread that did look very dry, and a container of recyc water. She said, “I’m so hungry that I don’t think it will matter how it tastes.” That was true. She was ravenous, and she said, “Thank you for saving my life, and for…for all this too.”
He reached for the bread on his plate and picked it up. “It’s fine.”
She bit into her food. It was heavy and thick and dry, but she didn’t mind that at all. She swallowed down some water and asked, “Why were they chasing you?”
“The Wallens?”
“Is that what they are called? Is that…I mean, are they a species?’
He roared laughter. His laughter was rich and full and very wonderful. He said, “They’re human. Barely.”
She shivered. “I couldn’t tell.”
His face went grim. “Most who run into them can’t either. Were they the ones in whose house you were held?”
She chewed her bottom lip before answering. “I don’t know. There was this thing there, and it tried to make me drink this stuff, but I got loose. They hadn’t tied the restraints tight enough. It kept trying to get that stuff down my throat, and I panicked so I…I got the bowl from it and poured it down its throat. I killed it. I didn’t mean to. I swear I didn’t.”
It all came flying back to her, and she sobbed out, “I am a murderer, and I don’t know how I am going to live with myself!”
Blade reached across the table. His strong fingers clasped her wrist, sending a shockwave through her. His voice held a soothing note. “What you killed was a Bleck addict. They call them Shamblers and the reason they use the Bleck on slaves and serfs is because it is instantly addictive. The ones who drink it will do anything to get that garbage. It’s not only addictive; it is incredibly dangerous. The reason you are likely alive and were able to get out is because that creature probably drank a lot of what was earmarked for you.”
Her mouth hung ajar. “Why would they give that to me? To anyone?”
Blade drank half his container of recyc water before saying, “They pour it down the slave’s throats to keep them desperate and addicted so they can control them.”
She had been partially right then. The sobs tapered off. She applied herself to the food again, wiping her face with one shaking hand as she asked, “If they have Jack, would they have given it to him?”
Blade chewed his food carefully and only nodded instead of answering. Tara poked at the remaining bread. Her forehead wrinkled in thought. “It killed that creature. Why would it not have killed me?”
He leaned forward. The tunic clung to his broad shoulders and chest. “It would have, had it given you too much. I can promise you they never give too much. They, the ones who watch the new arrivals, generally sip at what they are supposed to give out. It’s a stupid way to do things.”
The meal was over. Blade said, “Go lie down. You’re safe here. I promise you that. I will wake you soon. I will need to rest before we get to Merital.”
Safe. It was a strange word. She had never known danger in her life, and now that she had, she knew very well what safety meant, and she believed him, that she was safe with him. At least she was safe from others while he was near.
But she was not safe from that crazy physical tug she felt every single time she looked at him, and that made her feel defensive and worried.
She stood. “I will. If you will wake me up, I’ll stand watch or whatever it is you need me to do.”
His lips tugged upward again, spearing her with wonder and lust. “I think we’ll be fine even when I’m sleeping.”
She turned and fled without another word, but that desire would not let her go no matter how much she wished it would.
