Page 40 of Across the Crimson Sands

I clenched my fists, fighting the urge to scream. How could I have ever thought escape was possible? Gorin’s smug face on the screen reminded me of all the times he’d crushed my hopes before.

“I have the credits,” Rokan insisted. “Name a place, and we’ll make the exchange.”

“You misunderstand, bounty hunter,” Gorin snapped. “You don’t have any room to bargain here. The girl is mine, legally and completely. Your credits mean nothing without my willingness to sell.”

I watched the muscles in Rokan’s jaw tighten, his teeth bared in a snarl, his anger radiating hotly enough that I thought he might smash the comm unit.

My heart sank. Of course it couldn’t be that easy.

“When?” Rokan asked, his body tense.

“Let’s say... twenty standard hours from now. And Rokan?” Gorin’s voice hardened. “Don’t be late.”

The screen went dark.

I sagged against Rokan, my legs suddenly weak. His arms came around me, steadying me.

“Are you okay?” he murmured, his breath warm against my ear.

I took a shaky breath, trying to steady myself. Rokan’s arms around me felt like a sanctuary, but I couldn’t let myself get lost in that false sense of security. The reality of our situation crashed over me like a tidal wave.

“Rokan,” I whispered, pulling back just enough to meet his gaze. “You know this is probably a trap, right?”

His eyes narrowed, the small horns at his temples catching the light. “Of course it is,” he growled. “Gorin isn’t stupid enough to play fair.”

I swallowed hard, remembering all too well the depths of Gorin’s cruelty. “Then why are we walking right into it?”

Rokan’s grip on me tightened, his gray skin warm against mine. “Because it doesn’t matter. I’ll protect you. I promise.”

I wanted to believe him so badly it hurt. But years of abuse and betrayal had taught me better than to trust easily.

“How can you be so sure?” I asked, hating how small and weak I sounded. “You don’t know what he’s capable of.”

A low, dangerous rumble emanated from Rokan’s chest. “I have a pretty good idea. And I promise you, Arilee, he will never lay a hand on you again.”

I pulled away from him, wrapping my arms around myself. The room suddenly felt too small, too confining. I paced to the window, staring out at the cityscape beyond.

“You can’t guarantee that,” I murmured. “No one can.”

I heard Rokan move behind me, his footsteps nearly silent on the plush carpet. He didn’t touch me.

It didn’t matter. Just his presence drew me, called to something in my blood.

“Look at me,” he said softly.

I turned, meeting that mesmerizing golden gaze.

“I am not like the others who have failed you,” Rokan said. “When I make a promise, I keep it. No matter the cost.”

A lump formed in my throat.

“Why?” I asked, searching his face, trying to understand what was happening. “Why go through all this trouble for me? I’m just a human. I’m nothing special.”

Rokan’s expression softened, just a fraction. He reached out, his fingers ghosting along my cheek. “You’re wrong about that,” he murmured. “You’re extraordinary, Arilee. And I will move the stars themselves to keep you safe.”

My chest felt unbearably tight.

The intensity in his gaze, the gentleness of his touch – it was all too much. I pulled away, needing space to think clearly.

---