Page 43 of Salvation
“Why would I do that?”
She seemed to deflate a bit, then grinned. “I think Storo’s veiled threat helped. The administer looked a little worried at the thought of rioting Anferthians.”
“She should be worried, especially with the crowd outside,” Storo growled as he paced the width of the common room.
The conference room door opened and Dante beckoned. “A decision has been rendered.”
That was fast, and there was a satisfied gleam in Dante’s eyes. Hope fluttered to life in his chest.
Once Nick and Sakura were seated, Ambassador K’nil spoke. “It is the decision of this committee that it is in the best interests of the community of dissenters to leave Healer Bock and Disipula Yamata in place until the situation is resolved and the perpetrators have been caught.” He gave them a pleased smile. “I suggest you two inform your own as soon as possible.”
~*~
That evening, Sakura sat on the couch sneaking side-long glances at Nick in the kitchen as he made tea. He was almost finished, then he would come over and sit with her. What was she going to do? How should she act? She had enjoyed the time they had spent kissing on this very couch almost two weeks ago, but a small part of her was also relieved they had not had any alone time since.
Now they were not only alone but they also had a free evening. K’rona had insisted upon it, and promised only to disturb them if a new case arose.
She caught her lower lip between her teeth. What would Nick expect from her? What didsheexpect from him? The palpable tension between them was tempting, sensual, and she did want to explore that more. But, sooner or later he would want to know about her past, things she had never intended to share with anyone. Not even Yukiko knew about the choices she had made, what she had done. How would Nick react once he found out?
Nick carried the steaming mugs into the living room area. “Green tea for you, my lady.”
She accepted the mug. “Domo.” What was past could stay there. She valued his companionship—the way he looked at her—too much to risk telling him.
His thigh brushed hers as he sat, then he raised his mug. “To all our recent victories, especially today’s.”
“Yes.” She tapped her mug to his and took a sip. Perfectly brewed. He was getting good at this.
He slipped his arm along the back of the couch behind her. Tension gripped her shoulders. This was it. What was she going to do?
Nick set his mug on the table, then leaned closer and tilted his head to stare into her eyes. “Who was he, Saku?” he gently asked.
Oh, no. She held his steady gaze and swallowed. “Who?”
“The man who…hurt you?”
A clawed hand seemed to close around her stomach. This could not be happening.
“He did more than that, I’m guessing,” he said.
She lowered her gaze to stare into the depths of her mug. It was only a guess; it had to be. There was no way he could have figured it out. Even if he thought he knew, she did not owe him an answer. But, every time he talked to her with that caring tone, called her Saku, she melted just a little.
“You are not alone anymore, Saku. There’s no reason for you to carry those scars anymore. Let me help you.”
Why was he insisting she talk about it? How could she tell him anything when thinking about it made her stomach hurt? This was not something she wanted to discuss, not now. He was putting too much pressure on her. She set her tea on the table and fixed him with a stern glare. “No one hurt me, Nick. There is nothing wrong.”
He did not believe her, she saw that much written all over his face. If she did not leave quickly, there would be no escape. Even now the truth welled up inside, eager to betray her desire to keep it locked away.
She pushed herself off the couch and clenched her fists so hard her nails dug into her palms. “You do not need to ‘fix’ me, Nick. I am not broken.” She turned and stalked toward her room.
“Where are you going?”
Was it so difficult to figurethatone out? She pushed her door open. “Good night, Nick.”
