Page 27

“That’s not true. Otherwise, you’d get me off this damn bed.” Daisy turned her head away as he went to touch her face. “Get out of here. All of you. If you won’t help me, I’m not interested. There’s nothing wrong with me. I don’t deserve this.”

“Don’t see this as a punishment. We’re being extra cautious,” Cleo said. “It won’t be for long.”

“Go. I need to be on my own.” Daisy kept her head turned away, embarrassed by the tears in her eyes. There was something wrong with her, but she wouldn’t admit that to them. And it hurt more than it should that Rexx had sided with the others. He was her partner. He should be looking out for her.

Daisy didn’t move until the door slid shut. She was alone. She’d figure this out on her own. Everyone she cared about always let her down. Johnny had screwed her over when she couldn’t give him what he wanted. Her only sister was marrying him to get money and social status, even though she knew what a monster he was. And now Rexx and the whole crew of the Apocalypse were against her.

She didn’t need them. She’d get out of these restraints, off this ship, and away from the Apocalypse. If they weren’t on her side, then they were her enemy.

***

Rexx stood over Striker. Striker was flat out on the training mat, his stunned gaze fixed on the ceiling.

“Get up.” Rexx held out his hand. “You’ll live.”

Striker pulled himself upright. He shook his head and backed away, his hands held up. “When you said you wanted to spar, I didn’t think you meant you wanted to pound me into the ground until I stopped breathing.”

Rexx rolled his shoulders. “You’re going soft.”

“No, I’m just great. You’re the one who’s working out his rage. And it’s directed right at me.” Striker touched his arm and winced. “You ready to talk about what’s going on with Daisy?”

Rexx ran a hand down his sweaty face. It had been almost twenty-four hours since he’d brought Daisy back to the Apocalypse. They’d been long, frustrating hours. He didn’t know what was going on. She’d refused to see him each time he’d been to visit. She was angry with him, but he needed to do what was best for her. And until Angel figured out what the alien implant was, he didn’t want Daisy going anywhere.

“I take that as a no?” Striker grabbed two bottles of water and tossed one to Rexx.

“Daisy doesn’t want any company.” He downed the water.

“It’s got to be confusing, having some weird alien tech in control of you.”

“It’s not controlling her. She’s still Daisy.”

Striker raised a hand. “I get it. You’re worried. You need to make sure she’s doing okay.”

“Of course I do. She’s my partner.”

Striker was quiet for a few seconds. “Are you ever going to get together with her?”

Rexx slid him a glare. “It’s not like that with us. We’re not like you and Wren.”

“Yeah, and you remember exactly what Wren and I were like. We danced around each other for so long, I figured I’d never get a chance with her. She’d always see me as a fucked up joker, who had no staying power.”

“She’s still not figured that out about you?”

“Funny guy.”

The training room door opened. Wren strolled in, a smile lighting her face when she spotted Striker. She walked over and kissed his cheek. “Eww! You’re all sweaty.”

“Blame Rexx. He’s been trying to kill me.” Striker kissed her forehead. “What are you doing in here?”

“I came to see how Daisy was doing. I stopped by the medical room, but Angel said she was asleep. I didn’t want to disturb her.” Wren turned an expectant gaze to Rexx.

“He knows nothing,” Striker said. “Or if he does, he’s not talking.”

“There’s nothing to say,” Rexx said. “Angel is still running tests.”

“Daisy will get through this,” Striker said, his attention on Rexx. “It’s a tough time, but she’s strong.”

“She’s one of the strongest,” Wren said. “You’ve got nothing to worry about.”