Page 17 of Chained

“This is good!” she says, enthused, taking the piece from my fingers while further destruction is wrought in my crotch area. “Gladiators eat well. Retah will be interested.”

I dislike her speaking of this other male in such fond terms.

“Retah should not be interested in what you do,” I say before I can stop myself.

“He’s my boss.” She glares at me. “And my friend. He helped me out at a time when I thought no one would help me.”

“And he is excited you are with young?” I ask, hating every word which comes out of my mouth.

Cleo says nothing, her head dipping and her hands dropping from the table into her lap. It disconcerts me she is no longer eating as she has hardly consumed enough to keep a pikrat alive.

“He doesn’t know. You’re the only one who knows.” She lifts her head up. “And if you tell anyone, I will shove your sword somewhere you will regret for a long time.”

This little female is an absolute delight. Fierce, violent, willing to protect her young at any cost.

And she’s mine.

She might think she has a say in what happens next, but she will not. Cleo belongs to me, every single delicious part, including the young which grows within her.

“I will not say a word, little scrap. Not with such a threat hanging over me.”

Cleo goes back to her platter, which is pleasing.

“Like I said, Maxym, you’re transparent as hell, but I will do it if you breathe a word to anyone about the baby. You’ll be watching your back night and day.”

“I’d prefer it at night, if you insist. Preferably in my nest.”

Vrex! Did I just mention nesting?

CLEO

He is infuriating. Dragging the truth out of me, giving me food I can eat. Looking at me like he actually cares.

And his offer of a nighttime visitation…well, my treacherous lady parts absolutely throw me under the bus.

“A nest? You have a nest?”

Maxym looks away and clears his throat. “Forget I said anything,” he mutters. “Your employer will be wondering where you are. I will escort you out.”

He gets to his feet and holds out a hand in a way which is so old-fashioned, for a second I don’t know what to do. My head feeling scrambled at his sudden change of pace, I take it and he helps me up.

I follow him obediently as I’m led through a maze of passages until we pass through a door and we’re out in the service courtyard of the dome, where Retah’s transport is waiting for me.

“Why not come and meet Retah?” I blurt out suddenly. “He’s a big fan. He’d love to meet you.”

Maxym shakes his head. “Alas, I cannot, little scrap,” he rumbles. “I am not permitted to leave the dome.”

“Oh, because of the games?” I ask.

His gaze is piercing, as if he’s trying to see right through me.

“Because of the games,” he says in his gravel wrapped in velvet voice as we approach the transport.

As I reach it, I turn to give Maxym my thanks and find myself caged against the cool glass. The huge gladiator gazes down at me.

“You will be back tomorrow,” he says, and it’s not a question. “With more weapons.”

“I will.” I should hate this, being pinned by him in this manner, but I don’t.

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