Page 18 of Escape Velocity

“I could have lived with it.”

“I could not.”

Really? The past few minutes had made him want to understand her better. Was she concerned about him? Or was she trying to make sure she stayed on his good side?

He turned his head away as she sat up and put her clothing back together.

As he zipped his fly, he wondered—what would he do if he were in her position? She was entirely at his mercy, yet at the same time, he sensed qualities in her that he admired. She was strong and resourceful. But was she telling the truth about her experiences as a slave? He guessed most of it was true—at least from her reactions during the short time she’d been on the ship. But was she trying to create an impression that would get her what she wanted?

Which was what?

Neither of them spoke for several moments.

Finally, he cleared his throat. “Is there no hope for slaves on Naxion?”

A guarded expression crossed her features.

He closed his hand around her wrist. “What are you hiding from me?”

He saw her swallow. “Some slaves escape.”

“To where?”

“I am not sure.”

“How do you know they escape? Maybe they just got taken somewhere—by their masters.”

“No. A slave would be missing, and the household would be in an uproar. You could tell something bad had happened. Something they didn’t plan. And after that, security would be tighter for a while, until they slipped back to their old ways.”

“Okay.”

“What did your friend want to do with me?” she suddenly asked, changing the subject.

He had his suspicions, but there was no point in speculating. He said, “I don’t know.”

But Amber was smart, and she had come to a logical conclusion. “I could not believe you threw those jewels on the ground. He paid a lot for me. I think he wanted to sell me.”

“Too bad for him.”

“You will not turn me over to him?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“As soon as I realized you were a commodity, I knew I wasn’t going to let you be sold.”

She took that in and said, “And now what will you do?”

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