Page 63 of What Makes an Alien a Dad?

“I’m coming with you,” he announced, promptly bringing the aircraft into motion.

“What? Why?” I bristled.

It wasn’t what we’d agreed on.

“It’s best that I personally escort you, Maya.”

“I’d be just fine on my own,” I snapped, annoyed at him for forcing his company on me when all I wanted tonight was to be left alone.

“Probably,” he retorted. “But isn’t being with me more fun than sulking all alone?”

Irritation buzzed through me. I found Egus pleasant enough. And normally, I wouldn’t have minded his company. But I didn’t appreciate how pushy he acted right now.

Turning away from him, I stared into the night illuminated by the city lights. There was nothing I could say that wouldn’t potentially start an argument, so I kept quiet.

Heartbroken from Kear’s deception and irritated by Egus’s behavior, I didn’t pay much attention to where we were traveling. After a while, it felt like the sprawling building of the hospital should have come into view already. But it was nowhere in sight.

“Where are we going?” I asked Egus.

“Just a small detour.” He flashed me a smile. “I hope you don’t mind.”

“Oh, I do mind,” I protested. “I want to go back to my apartment.” I didn’t leave a busy dinner party to go on a night tour with a man who was largely still a stranger. “I’m tired and want to be alone.”

“And I will deliver you right back to that dreadful hospital as promised. After a short stop on the way.”

“A short stop where?”

We had flown all the way to the edge of the city, it seemed. The buildings here were shorter and spread wider, with a complete darkness lying beyond.

“Right there.” Egus pointed at the tall tower that stuck out from the sea of low-rise buildings.

“What’s there?”

“Just one of the many places where I do my work. It’d be an honor to welcome you to my lab.”

Apprehension tensed my muscles.

“Your bringing me here like this is not ‘welcoming,’ Professor. What you’re doing is kidnapping.”

“Oh.” He looked genuinely offended. “That’s such a harsh word, Madam Maya Gupta.”

“It’s not just a word. Kidnapping is a crime. I don’t consent to you bringing me here. Take me back to the hospital right now.”

He pouted but didn’t whir off course, steering the aircraft straight toward the rooftop of the tower.

“It won’t take long.”

Dread prickled my skin with icy needles.

“What won’t take long? What are you planning to do with me?”

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