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An icy chill of worry spread through Daisy’s veins. “Does Cleo consider me to be dangerous? Is that why I’m tied up?”

“You’re not a threat. I’m sure of it. This is a precaution. It’s an unnecessary one.”

“You didn’t answer the question.”

Rexx frowned. His hand traced over one of the wrist restraints. “Yes, Cleo considers you dangerous. I don’t.”

“Then let me out. Help to get me out of here. I don’t need to be tied up. Rexx, you know me. I wouldn’t hurt anyone on this ship.”

His hand hovered over a wrist restraint, but he didn’t let her loose.

“We’re partners. Damn well help me. You always say you’ll look out for me.”

The sigh that slid from his lips pinged her straight in the heart.

“I can’t. Not until they know what’s going on inside you,” he said.

“I can tell you exactly what’s going on. I’ve had a few tough days. Maybe I’m in need of a vacation. What I don’t need is to be tied down and treated like an enemy.”

The door behind Rexx slid open again. Cleo walked in, accompanied by Angel.

“Cleo, care to explain why I’m shackled?” Anger rose inside Daisy. Cleo was losing her touch if she thought this was acceptable. Daisy was one of the best in her crew. Hell, she was maybe the best biologist on this floating piece of tin.

“I’m sure Rexx has told you what’s going on. Angel has found an alien implant inside you.” Cleo walked over to the bed. “That’s the reason for your irrational behavior.”

“I’m only being irrational because of this.” Daisy shook the wrist restraints.

“That’s not true. We’ve watched the mission recording. You weren’t acting like yourself.”

“So, I was off my game. But it’s the implant changing my behavior. Get it out of me. I didn’t ask for it to be jabbed into my neck.”

“Do you know how you got it?” Cleo said.

Daisy’s stomach churned. “I didn’t put it there, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“No, no one thinks you have anything to do with this,” Rexx said. “What about your time on the Gente ship?” Angel said.

Daisy squeezed her eyes shut for a few seconds. She’d blocked out most of the memories of her capture and the terrifying time she’d spent on the examination table. She was ashamed that she hadn’t been able to get away immediately. If she hadn’t grabbed that scalpel and sliced off one of their fingers, she’d never have made it out of there in one piece.

“We understand it’s hard to talk about,” Angel said softly.

“There’s nothing to talk about. I’ve moved on from it. It’s forgotten.”

“Daisy, we want to help you,” Angel said. “But we need to know everything.”

“You can help me by getting the implant out.”

“I will, as soon as I know what I’m dealing with. I don’t want to risk doing you harm.”

“Rexx, you’ll back me up. Tell them I’m fine. Tell them to take it out. It can’t be that complicated. Please, I feel like a prisoner.” She grabbed Rexx’s hand.

His tight grip reassured her. Then he shook his head, dashing her hopes.

“The Doc’s right. We have to know what we’re dealing with.”

“So, until then, I’m trapped here? You’re happy about that?”

“Of course not. I hate to see you like this.”