Warrior's Pain (Cadi Warriors Book 4)(25)

“I think I underestimated you, Riley. Not only are you not a simpleton, but you are shrewd.” His thin-lipped mouth smiled.

“I am not pleased by my situation, but I’m not a moron either. If you have plans to bid on me, fine. I’m sure we can come to some sort of accord, like I did with Cuttles.”

“Really? You think you will be able to bargain with your new master?” His bony brows rose. “What do you think your purpose will be after you’re purchased?” Aculus asked.

“I’ve tried not to dwell on it. I don’t know. Maybe I’ll be the new exhibit in some sort of crazy zoo.”

“Perhaps, if you weren’t humanoid. But it’s more likely you’ll be warming someone’s bed.”

“Thanks for the reminder,” she murmured.

Riley recalled hearing the video list all the people she was compatible with, when it showed her in all her glory.

How could I forget? Riley frowned. You didn’t forget, not really. You just pushed it aside.

Riley knew exactly what she was doing when she used her sex appeal to lure the crowd. At the time, all she could concentrate on, was getting back her necklace and the hidden map. Now that she had it, she was cruelly reminded of the position she was in. Somehow the thought of dying was less frightening.

“It could be worse. You could be being sold into harsh labor, or as food.”

Riley cringed.

“It’s just like a man to say something like that. So, tell me Aculus, when you buy me, are you going to hold me down and force yourself on me, or are you going to take the time to woo the exotic slave girl?” Riley snapped.

Riley was glad dinner arrived. Aculus looked angry, and she really didn’t want to hear his response to her flippant question. She was starting to think she should’ve kept her mouth shut, except there was no putting those bullets back in the gun. Hopefully Aculus wouldn’t complain. She never promised Cuttles that she’d be a pleasant conversationalist, just that she wouldn’t hurt his guest. Still her mouth was going to get her into trouble.

Riley was no longer in the mood to eat, but she knew she needed to.

At least it tastes decent. Sort of like Thai, Riley thought as she shoved another bite in her mouth.

The second dinner was done, Hoda collected Riley, and took her back to the viewing gallery to shake her ass some more. The hours onstage passed quickly, and she was soon being led back to her cell. Her uneasiness grew with each step toward the dank chamber. Riley feared Cuttles was going to show up to take back the necklace, after her shitty behavior at dinner. The thumb drive was like a weight around her neck. She entered her cell and collapsed onto the ratty mattress, then curled into a ball.

I can’t do this, she sobbed. It’s too much.

Riley was trying hard to hold it together. It had been easier when Exo was around. She’d forced herself to be brave for the both of them. But now she was all alone.

Riley opened her eyes when she felt a wad of fluff nuzzle her arm.

“Hey, Speck,” Riley sniffed. “At least you didn’t leave me.”

Riley cuddled the furry little cor close to her chest, as she prayed for the oblivion of sleep.





Chapter 4. Sacrifice




Cyprian de Praefectus

Cyprian’s handheld pinged, rousing him from a fitful slumber. He walked into the washroom and shut the door before answering.

“Good day, Tytus,” Cyprian greeted the tech savvy warrior. “I don’t guess this is a social call.”

“No, but it’s good to hear your voice.”

“Hello,” June, Tytus’ mate, said as she popped her head into the screen besides Tytus. “Did you seriously find Riley and Exo?”

“Yes.”

“Thank god.” June nodded. Her eyes looked like they might spill tears at any moment.

“Kagan is taking the threat you reported seriously. He moved Dagaa, Madhava and myself into the manor, with our females. He didn’t want to tip off the traitor, so he’s using the excuse that the human females insist on being close, to care for baby Graca.”

“It’s true, in a way,” June added.

“Good. Whoever this traitor is, I doubt they’ll question some unfamiliar human custom.”

It was a very good precaution. All of them clustered together would not only protect Kagan and his family, but also Dagaa, since the threat likely extended to him as well.

“When we started this mission, I never imagined this was the direction it would go.” Tytus shook his head in disbelief. “The cruiser with the palladium to buy the Toufik is making good time. Since you reported last, they’ve made it over a third of the way to Ashtoret’s location.”