Page 43 of Warrior

“Nonsense,” he replied with an equally fake smile though his eyes came back to my braids.He tried to cover the dislike, but I could see it in the downward turn of his lips.“You’ve done exactly as we asked.It took longer than I anticipated, but we’re pleased to have you back.Especially glad those savages didn’t harm you.”

His brow arched slightly, as though posing a question he didn’t dare ask outright.

The word savages made my stomach churn, and Ms.Beast let out a faint, warning rumble beneath my skin.

“I was treated reasonably well, for the most part,” I said, keeping my tone neutral.

Lying didn’t come naturally to me, but I needed to get better at it if I wanted to survive this deadly game.

“They’re very cautious of us, but I was as thrilled as you were when King agreed to send his Warriors.”

He nodded, satisfied, and we continued walking, joined by several of his staff.We passed through a door into a large boardroom I remembered from before my departure to Cuba.

“Please, have a seat, Ms.Church,” the president said, pulling out a chair for me.

When I sat, his hand landed lightly on my shoulder, and he gave it a brief squeeze before moving to his own seat.

Is it the hooker clothes that make him think he can be so handsy?

President Barnes adjusted his suit jacket, a nervous tic that grated on me.It was time for the next round of games to begin, and I mentally prepared myself.

As of now, we were in a tie.

“Ms.Church, you have the appreciation of the entire Federation for what you’ve accomplished.”

He gestured to the men seated around the table, all of whom nodded or smiled as if they’d rehearsed their expressions.Again, their eyes lingered on my braids which gave me an internal smile, while their synchronized responses left me unsettled.

“There will be a more extensive debriefing tomorrow,” Barnes continued, adjusting his jacket again.“We want you rested beforehand.Unless, of course,” he added with a thin smile, “you’d prefer to provide the critical information now and render the extended debrief unnecessary.”

What he really meant was that tomorrow’s debriefing would be a nightmare if I didn’t provide satisfying answers right now.

King and Axel prepared me for moments like this, coaching me on how to handle their probing questions.I put on my best shy, uncertain demeanor, letting my voice quiver just enough to sell the act.

“They’re savages, as you called them before,” I began, casting my eyes down briefly for effect.“I wasn’t treated badly, but I was terrified the entire time.They have filthy habits and these braids,” I tugged on one, “we’re the only way to keep vermin out of my hair.I’m so thankful to be home, but more than anything I need to feel clean.I’m sure everyone here understands.”

There, take that.I was sure President Barnes was thinking about the hug he gave me and could feel creepy crawlies on his skin.Before he could latch onto this narrative, I pivoted, steering the conversation in another direction to keep them off their game.

“I couldn’t help noticing that no one has used my title, the one that once belonged to my father.If I’m no longer needed as defense secretary, will my old job still be available?”

His eyes narrowed slightly, just enough to confirm I’d hit a nerve.That small victory filled me with a sense of satisfaction.

“Nonsense,” he said, the fake smile remaining firmly in place.“You won’t be going back to your old job.We’ll find something for you here.You’re a hero to our people, and we take exceptional care of our heroes.”

No mention of my title, no explanation as to why it was being stripped away.The avoidance was glaring.

I batted my eyes and feigned teary gratitude.“You’re so thoughtful,” I murmured, my voice dripping with contrived sincerity.“More than anything, I was worried about being assigned a red stripe.You’ve eased my mind so much.”

I reached out and lightly tugged on his sleeve.A flicker of distaste crossed his face, but he instantly returned to the stupid smile.

“Now, now.”He patted my hand patronizingly, then pulled it back a little too sharply.I could tell he wanted to wash the hand and wasn’t sure what to do.“Their technology.Can you tell us anything about it?”

I shook my head and added a dramatic shudder.“They’re as smart as we are but refuse to use anything that could attract hellhounds.Honestly, I was terrified just communicating with you on the machine they used to send messages.I had to return to my room afterward because my stomach felt queasy.”

This scared, whiny persona act grated on my nerves.

“For the most part, they live in the dark ages,” I continued, barely resisting the urge to gag on my own words.“They don’t have any of the luxuries we enjoy.”Then, with an even brighter smile, I added, “Cuba was the perfect place to send them.”

“You flew back on one of their planes?”the president asked, his eyes sharp, looking for me to slip.

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