Trying to control his impatience, he strolled nonchalantly down to the end of the row, selecting the last ship. It looked dusty from disuse, probably because it was an older model than the others. So much the better—no one would miss it.
Reddix pressed his palm to the silver metal side, and the front hatch slid open soundlessly. He stepped inside and took a quick look around. There were food cubes and a rehydrator, which was good, as well as adequate sleeping arrangements. Clearly the shuttle was meant for long range missions and was equipped accordingly.
But the most useful piece of equipment he found was in a cabinet marked “Restraints” in glowing red letters near the back of the cockpit. Inside were a gleaming pair of copper-colored wrist cuffs with a tiny copper release mechanism, which Reddix pocketed. The cuffs had obviously been made for a Kindred male, but they were adjustable—they should fit Nina nicely. There were gags too, but he hesitated to use one. A hard gag could be dangerous, and he didn’t want to hurt her.
Of course you don’t, whispered a sarcastic little voice in his head. You just want to kidnap her and take her to the swamp witch so she can drain her blood for your own selfish reasons.
Reddix frowned. Can’t think like that. If he didn’t get cured of his RTS, at least enough to father a child on Tilla, his entire damn society was going to crumble into a bloody civil war. He had to push his guilt to the side, push away the awe he’d felt at seeing her beauty, and remember that Nina was nothing to him—nothing but a means to an end.
Settling himself in the pilot’s chair, he strapped in and began the lift-off sequence. Time to get things done.
Chapter Seven
“You have a walk-in client, Nina. I hope that’s okay.” Cherri the front desk receptionist looked up at her appealingly. “I know it’s closing time, but he begged so hard, and besides, he’s really good looking. Seriously, like movie star looks.”
Nina tried to hold back a sigh. Her arms and hands were aching from all the massages she’d given that night. And then that run in she’d had with Mr. Witherspoon…she shivered in disgust at the memory. God, she had to get him banned from Massage Envy or at least make sure he was only allowed to have male masseuses in the future. He’d hinted around about wanting a “happy ending” before, but he’d never been quite so blatant about his desires. Just thinking of what he wanted made Nina feel like she needed a hot shower to wash the slime off.
It’s not forever, she reminded herself. Just until you get into the PA program and get through it. After that, she could use her “healing touch”, as Mr. Witherspoon called it, for actually healing people instead of just rubbing them down.
Not that her massages didn’t do people good, though. She had many clients who came to see her over and over, claiming that she was the only one who could help them. Many of them had chronic pain that no medicine seemed to touch. But after Nina worked on them, they felt better for weeks at a time. So maybe Mehoo-Jimmy was right about her…at least in a way. But it’s silly to think I could take away someone’s pain just by touching them, it’s just that I have good technique…
“Are you mad at me?” Cherri asked in a small voice. “I’m really sorry…”
Nina realized she still hadn’t answered the girl.
“No.” She sighed. “It’s just been a really long day. Let me know before you add one next time, okay?”
“Okay.” Cherri brightened. “But seriously, just wait ‘til you see him. He is so hot. You’re gonna thank me for adding him—you’ll see.”
“I’m sure.” Nina tried to smile. At this point, she was so tired she wouldn’t have cared if it was Ryan Gosling or Brad Pitt naked on her table—she just wanted to go home. But whatever. Just get it done, she told herself. Then you can go take a nice hot bubble bath and eat a big bowl of Special K with strawberries for dinner. She knew she shouldn’t eat carbs at night, but damn it, it had been a rough day. Just this once, she was making an exception.
“I already put him back in your room,” Cherri said, grinning. “And told him to get naked for you.”
“Cherri!” Nina tried to frown but Cherri’s naughty little grin was catching. “You’re lucky Bob has already gone home,” she told the girl, shaking a finger at her. “If he heard you talking like that…” Bob was the manager of Massage Envy and extremely strict.
“I know, I know—we’re a professional place and no talking about the clients.” Cherri sighed. “But seriously, Nina—”