Page 18 of Pyne

She pouts, her full lips glistening in the light. “Oh, come on, Pyne. Don’t be such a spoilsport. I promise I won’t bite… unless you want me to.” She tips her head in a manner she must imagine is seductive. I’m not mean enough to tell her she’s quite easy to resist.

“I said no, M’Berra. Now, let’s go to dinner before we miss it.”

With a huff of annoyance, she detaches herself from my leg and stalks ahead of me, her tail swishing in agitation. I follow at a distance, my thoughts consumed with Becca and the lava-hot anger that claws at my insides when I think of that Saurian breathing the same air as her.

As we enter the dining room, my gaze immediately seeks her out, my heart clenching at the sight of her sitting stiffly beside Klst. The Saurian leans close, his tongue forked tongue licking his lips obscenely before he leans to whisper something in her ear. Becca’s face remains blank, but I can see the tension in her shoulders, her white-knuckled grip on her utensils.

Every fiber of my being screams for me to go to her, to yank Klst out of his chair and toss his ass on the floor so I can gather her in my arms and rescue her. But I force myself to remain in my seat, my nails digging into my palms as I watch the scene unfold.

To my surprise and pride, Becca holds her ground, her chin lifted in defiance as she meets Klst’s gaze head-on. She says something, too low for me to hear, but the Saurian’s eyes narrow in response, his posture stiffening.

A flicker of satisfaction sparks in my chest. That’s my girl, I think, a fierce surge of admiration welling inside me. She’s stronger than she knows, and I don’t doubt she’ll find a way to keep Klst in his place.

Beside me, M’Berra clears her throat, drawing my attention back to our table. “You seem awfully distracted, gladiator.” Her purrrumbles loudly as her foot slides up my calf. “Perhaps I can help take your mind off things.”

“I’m not interested, M’Berra,” I bite out, my patience at its limit. “And if you don’t stop with the unwanted advances, I can use the sheets to tie you up when we’re back in our room.” I spear her with a look that has made seasoned gladiators take a step back in fear. Her eyes widen in surprise, then narrow in anger.

“For fun?” She tosses her head flirtatiously, showing her feline fangs in what must be a seductive move in her species.

“I don’t think you’d enjoy that level of discomfort.” I give her my most serious stare.

“You wouldn’t dare.”

I hold her gaze, my expression unwavering. “Try me.”

For a long moment, we stare each other down, the tension crackling between us. Then, with a huff of frustration, M’Berra yanks her foot away and turns her attention to her plate, stabbing at her food with unnecessary force.

I release a breath, my shoulders sagging with relief. One problem dealt with, at least for now.

As dinner winds down, I watch Becca and Klst rise from their table, my hand itching for the weight of a gladius sword to make short work of him. Every instinct in my body screams at me to follow, to make sure she’s safe, but I can’t risk causing a scene. Not when Becca’s freedom is at stake.

Instead, I force myself to return to my room with M’Berra, my mind racing with possibilities and plans. Though I can’t be by Becca’s side right now, that doesn’t mean I’m powerless. I’ll find a way to keep her safe, to make sure she comes out of this twisted game unscathed.

As I lie on a palette on the floor, staring at the ceiling and trying to ignore M’Berra’s soft snores coming from the bed, I make a silent vow. No matter what it takes, no matter what sacrifices I have to make, I’ll find a way to free Becca. Because in this dark and twisted world, she’s a bright light, something worth fighting for.

And I’ll be damned if I let anyone, especially a scaly bastard like Klst, take that away from me.

Chapter Fifteen

Becca

I jolt awake, my heart slamming against my ribs, cold sweat plastering my hair to my forehead. For a disoriented moment, I don’t know where I am. Then last night’s events come crashing back and dread settles like a lead weight in my stomach.

Klst. The leering looks, the not-so-accidental touches, the barely veiled threats. I shudder, bile rising in my throat as I remember the predatory gleam in his reptilian eyes.

I slept on the couch last night, the steak knife I took from the dining room clutched in my hand. Wincing as I stand, I roll my head, trying to work out the kinks. Not only was the couch hard and uncomfortable whenever I dozed off, but I jumped awake at every creak and rustle.

My heart clenches as my thoughts drift to Pyne. There’s a physical ache in my chest at his absence, which is crazy, really. We’ve only known each other a matter of days. But, what I wouldn’t give to have his solid warmth beside me, his strong arms around me making me feel safe. Protected.

I can’t think like that. Not now. I have to focus on getting through today. On surviving whatever fresh hell Arisha has in store for us.

As if summoned by my darkest thoughts, Klst chooses this moment to emerge, naked, from the bathroom, his scales glistening with moisture. Luckily, his genitals—whatever they look like—are hidden in some kind of chitinous pouch. He catches me looking and grins, then thrusts his hips at me while looking at me as though he could eat me up.

“Sleep well, little human?” he rasps, stalking closer. “I know I did, with such sweet dreams to keep me company.”

Nausea roils in my gut, but I force myself to meet his gaze, to keep my voice steady. “Let’s just get to the arena. We have an immunity challenge to win.”

His eyes glitter coldly. “Oh, I haven’t forgotten. But don’t worry, pet. I’ll keep you safe. After all…” He leans in, his fetid breath hot on my cheek. “I take care of what’s mine.”

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