Page 28 of Across the Crimson Sands

As the call ended, I felt another caress across my backside. This one was playful, as if Rokan relished toting me around like some prized human.

“Told you he was a bastard,” I quipped, my matter-of-fact tone aimed at provoking his reason. It wasn’t just for kicks that I kept running. Gorin terrified me, and I knew if Rokan returned me, the fiend would relish killing me himself.

“Bastard or not, you’re going back,” he said.

Yet, I clung to hope that maybe, just maybe, the situation was getting to him. His voice lacked its usual frosty edge.

“Great. If he slaughters me, it’s your funeral.”

Rokan exhaled heavily. “Why would he go to such lengths just to end you? That’s illogical.”

I squirmed, desperate to talk to him face to face, but his expression remained hidden. “Unless he decides to use me as a cautionary tale for the next girl.”

He halted, a throng of travelers blocking our path into the spaceport. I held my breath. Had that struck a chord? Would he finally show a shred of compassion?

At last, I felt myself lifted off his shoulder and placed beside him as he scrutinized my face.

“Quit being so melodramatic,” he muttered, approaching the ticket counter to secure our passage back to Gorin, back to the nightmare that had driven me to wander the wasteland in search of freedom. I tossed my head back, drinking in one final glimpse of my almost-escape.

Rokan shoved me into the queue, forcing me from the sunlight into the dank gloom of the spaceport.

I planted myself in front of him, digging in my heels to make him face me. If I was destined to return, I’d be damned if I didn’t speak my mind.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” I hissed through clenched teeth. “Gorin does as he pleases. I’m his property, after all.”

Rokan responded with a curt nudge against my chest, urging me forward in line. My feet scraped the floor as I neared the counter where a Mondian woman manned the till.

“Destination?” she inquired, her fingers dancing across the holo-screen.

“Quixa,” Rokan answered, presenting his percomm to transfer the credits. “And ensure our seats are adjacent.”

The Mondian’s fingers froze, her scaled forehead wrinkling. “I’m sorry,” she said. “There seems to be a mechanical issue with that flight. It’s been delayed until morning.”

Rokan’s grip on my arm tightened, his frustration threatening to break through. “When in the morning?”

The Mondian tapped a few more keys. “The earliest departure is scheduled for 0800 hours. We can book you on that flight if you’d like.”

I forced my face to stay calm, not daring to show my relief. A whole night. A whole night before I’d be dragged back to Gorin. A night to plan, to think, to... what? I wasn’t sure yet, but it was more than I’d had moments ago.

“Fine,” Rokan growled, clearly displeased. “Book it.”

As the Mondian processed our tickets, I chanced a glance at Rokan. His jaw was clenched, eyes narrowed. This delay was throwing a wrench in his carefully laid plans.

Sure, it was petty of me, but the surge of satisfaction that bubbled through me felt great.

“This is your doing,” Rokan snarled, his grip on my elbow tightening.

I couldn’t resist needling him. “Oh sure, I control the universe now. Didn’t you get the memo?”

He muttered under his breath, dragging me along like a rag doll.

Inside, I danced with glee. More time. More chances to slip away.

Rokan’s eyes narrowed. “Wipe that smirk off your face. You’re not getting away from me again.”

A crazy idea struck me. I wrapped my arms around his neck, savoring his shocked expression.

“I’ve got some ideas for that waiting time,” I purred, brushing my lips against his.

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