Page 15 of BaOBy

Bao took a slow breath. “And Cat would see how many of us are working to save her. It is a good plan.”

Chapter Ten

Catalina

She couldn’t stop crying. She wanted to. It was really pissing her off that she had no control. No spine. Sobbing uncontrollably made her head hurt. Her body ache. If she didn’t stop soon, she’d make herself sick.

Earlier today, after Jacanas left, she crawled down the hall and to her room. Cat managed to shove the heavy dresser in front of the door before she allowed herself to fall into bed. It wouldn’t keep the guards from coming into her room if they wanted in. But she’d have a few seconds of warning.

She’d done this before. When she wanted privacy to shower or just couldn’t deal. They were used to her antics. The first couple of times Cat did this, they pushed their way in. Just to make sure she hadn’t gone out the window. They made a few jokes about her being too big to fit through and left her alone after that.

Cat figured they wouldn’t bother her until morning. Then they’d force her to eat something and drink some water. Jacanas had decreed she wasn’t allowed to starve herself. Starvation had been one of her earlier attempts at self-termination and lasted a week before he caught on.

The anger and sorrow in her soul exploded out of her. Cat couldn’t do this anymore. She absolutely wouldn’t sit through what the Andaran had planned for her in three days. She didn’t have time to wait for Baby to come up with a solution for her. Besides, there wasn’t one. She would allow herself this night to cry. To wail at the evil and unfairness.

Then she had to figure out how to kill herself.

Cat turned her face into her pillow and screamed. She couldn’t do this anymore.

BaOBy

He felt Jay’s uneasiness. Captain, you need to get here. Your mate is making herself sick.

Bao was already on his way. Now he sped through the flower forest, running for all he was worth. He didn’t bother to ask what was wrong. He’d be there in moments. At the end of the field, he slowed his pace. Not wanting to attract attention.

True dark was an hour or more away. He couldn’t take Catalina up to the rooftop, not yet. Not unless she was ready to leave that prison for good. If so, he’d take her to the ship.

Rounding the corner, within moments he slipped behind Jay’s illusion and into the alley. Immediately, he heard Cat’s muffled screams and sobs. Jay put his hand on Bao’s arm to stop him from blasting into the house in a mindless rage. He looked down, realizing he’d pulled out his stun gun.

Whispering, Jay explained, “No one is hurting her now. I told you earlier, the Andaran hit her. Once. Then he left. No one has said anything to her or approached her since Jacanas left the house. I looked inside her room. She’s barricaded her door and is in bed. The emotional breakdown stops for a short time, but then she starts up again, stronger than ever.”

Bao met his brother’s gaze. “Do you have the strength to cover me with illusion?”

Jay nodded. “Enough for the night. I’ll eat, rest, and come back at sunrise to strengthen it. I don’t think you should leave her alone during the day.”

Bao set one foot in Jay’s linked fingers and climbed onto the windowsill. He turned and whispered. “Let Lan know we must have an update tomorrow. We need to give Cat some hope.” Swinging his legs through the small opening, he squeezed through and carefully slid to the floor.

Cat wouldn’t see him. Jay had set an anchor for the illusion in Bao’s skin. Gliding silently toward the bed, he murmured. “Don’t be afraid, Cat. It’s Baby. I’m just going to scoot in beside you so I can hold you. Jay made me invisible so no one will see me if they open the door.”

He stripped off his shoes and hid them under the bed. Once something was taken off his body, it would become visible. He set the stun gun on top of the shoes and pulled back the covers. “It’s okay, Catalina. It’s just me.” Gently, he touched her shoulder and then wrapped his body around hers.

Cat moaned and turned. Without opening her eyes, she nuzzled her cheek against his chest. A few moments later, the wracking sobs turned to hiccups and silent tears. Eventually, she fell asleep in his arms. Exhausted.

Catalina

She woke, knowing Bao held her, but unable to see him. What the man had done for her was sweet and a little creepy. Cat figured she slept longer and harder than she had in years. Certainly deeper than she had since being ‘gifted’ to Jacanas.

Moments after Baby explained why he was invisible, the guards knocked on the door. Demanding she come to the kitchen and eat.

Cat sighed. Her appetite was better, too. The depression was gone. In its place was a firm resolve. After breakfast, when she returned to her room, she closed the door and looked around.

“Baby,” she whispered.

His arms wrapped around her, and he nuzzled her ear. “I’m here.”

Lightning shot through her system and she gasped. His simplest touch made her body pleasantly vibrate. Before he could ask her what happened, she stepped away. “Thank you, Baby. For last night. It really helped me. I feel so much better this morning. You can go. I’ll explain everything tonight. But I can’t do that now. I have to go check on the girls and then get cleaned up. It’s already past noon. Can Jay make it look like I’m in bed, asleep? I could come to you a little earlier.”

She felt his arms go around her waist for a quick hug. Once again, he whispered in her ear, “I’ll leave. Within the hour, Jay will be back outside your window. Whenever you are ready to go, he can definitely create the illusion of you on the bed. Just let him know you want to leave and I’ll come get you. We’ve set things up in the flower forest, just as you suggested.”

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