Warrior's Pain (Cadi Warriors Book 4)(24)

“Oh, they did. Unfortunately, it’s doing the opposite of what they expected. For example, based on your comment about how the chattel usually behave, I’m thinking this isn’t your first visit to Distraho. That doesn’t make me think warm and fuzzy thoughts about you. I’m working really hard, repressing the urge to take this funny fork, and come at you across the table.”

“Is that so?” Aculus appeared more amused than worried.

“Yes, it is. I’m sure it would be a foolish endeavor, considering your armored skin. Although your eyes look pretty vulnerable.” Riley smiled as she fingered the wavy pronged utensil.

It probably wasn’t smart to threaten the bony tank, but she wasn’t lying. Keeping her anger under wraps, along with her mouth was difficult. Riley had never been good at filtering what thoughts made it out of her mouth, now it was twice as hard.

Aculus’ eyes widened at her audacious reply, then chuckled.

Well, I guess it’s good I didn’t offend him.

“Fascinating. You are such a small, fleshy, delicate thing, and yet you don’t seem to fear for your life.”

“I’m a rare commodity. But I’m not delusional. I know that won’t keep me from getting killed.” Riley thought about Exo with a grimace. “The reality is, none of us make it out of this life alive. The threat of death is the only leverage these people have. Well, kill me, don’t kill me, I’ve ceased to care what they plan to do to me. The Overseer and whoever my buyer is, will do whatever despicable thing their lack of morals dictates. What I do, or don’t do, really won’t influence that. A bastard is a bastard.”

Riley wanted Aculus to know that if he bought her, she wasn’t going to roll over and beg. Maybe she shouldn’t advertise that she would be trouble, but then again, Riley didn’t really care. All Riley had left of herself was her verve. She’d be better off dead if she let that little spark die.

The drinks arrived and Aculus passed her a white and pink swirled concoction. Riley took a hesitant sip. It had two distinct fruity flavors, one sweet, one slightly savory.

“Based on your expression, it must be good.”

“It is. Thank you. It’s leaps and bounds better than the dirty water spigot in my cell. They can cram stuff in my head, but somehow a cup is too much to ask.”

“Riley, I am pleased to see that you aren’t simple minded,” Aculus chuckled. “I wasn’t sure, considering the way you fought then danced.”

“Oh?” Riley said as she took another sip.

The comment made her wonder if Aculus needed a slave that had a functioning brain.

“Yes. There are many creatures that I have encountered that are ruled by their baser instincts. The fact that you are fighting the implant’s effects is encouraging.”

“Since you appreciate my intellect, you won’t mind if I ask you a question. Tell me, Aculus, why are you at a slave auction?”

“There are more than slaves going up for sale.”

With the way his thin mouth turned down, Riley wondered if she hit a nerve.

“So, you didn’t plan to buy a slave, but somehow I caught your eye. I’d like to say that I’m flattered, but I can’t.”

“I have only purchased a moment of your time,” he gritted out.

The conversation went quiet. Aculus didn’t appreciate his dirty laundry being aired.

The truth hurts. Doesn’t it, buddy?

The server arrived at the table carrying a box, rather than their food.

“What is this?” Aculus asked.

“It is for the female. The Overseer expresses his gratitude.”

The Verrater waitress looked impressed as she set the tiny box on the table. Riley nodded to the woman in appreciation, as she opened the box. Riley smiled as she pulled out her necklace.

“Tell the Overseer thank you,” Riley replied.

She quickly put on the necklace concealing her thumb drive, then sighed in relief. Riley didn’t realize how much tension she’d been holding in check, till it all fled her body with the one sigh. She glanced up at Aculus to see him staring at her with narrowed eyes.

“The Overseer is sending you gifts?”

“Returning my property,” Riley replied.

“That seems rather generous, considering you are a slave.”

“You know our earlier discussion, well I informed my host of the same thing. I wanted my necklace back. It’s junk, but it’s my only connection to home. I informed Cuttles I could either help him make a small fortune off me, or I could be a tiny little nightmare.”

“Cuttles? You call the Overseer, Cuttles?” Aculus chuckled.

“Yes. He reminds me of a cuttlefish from my home-world,” Riley snickered, feeling happy for the first time in days.