Page 63 of Freedom Mine
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KAYO
A cold shower. That’s what he needed. Or better yet, a stiff drink. But she’d done away with his bottles, and he’d sworn he’d stay dry. He needed to follow through, for both of them, but especially for her.
She was still trying to please herowner. It would take time, but she would learn to do what she wanted, what she needed, for herself and not for others.
Kayo hobbled into his office. The pain in his leg was enough to drive a man to drink. He had to get his mind off of the pain and Alli. Maybe a card game with Jace?
No, that would turn into another ‘discussion’. Jace hadn’t cooled down yet. Jace hadn’t agreed with his plan to save the operation, but he would in time. He had no choice, really, as it was Kayo’s decision, not his.
Kayo sank into his chair, unlocked the middle drawer of his desk, and withdrew the scanner. With a quick swipe at his neck and the beep, he set the scanner down on the desk. The word ‘free’, flashing in green, stared at him, as if to mock him.
The creak of his door opening startled him.
Alli entered the office and closed the door behind her. She stood there, biting her lower lip as she leaned against the door, exposing a vulnerability that made him want to wrap his arms around her and shield her from the world.
That was the worst thing he could do. She needed to learn to navigate freedom, as she had slavery.
“You shouldn’t be here,” he said.
“Twice you’ve walked away. Just tell me one thing, and then I’ll leave. I can move out of the house so you won’t have to put up with me.”
Put up with her? Move out? No, he didn’t want her to go. He wasn’t sure he could go through his plan without her. Seeing her, knowing she’d be safe is what motivated him, gave him the strength he needed. He didn’t want to hide in the bottle anymore. It felt good to remember the cause again, and why he had taken up the fight. Mac had set him on this path, but it was up to him to follow through, to succeed for those men out there and for Alli.
“Ask your question,” he said, his tone clipped. This wasn’t how any of this was supposed to go. He was supposed to help her, make her feel safe, teach her to befree, but instead, here she stood, confused and vulnerable because he couldn’t keep his hands to himself.
She stood there, breasts pushing out against her top, long legs drawing his eyes higher and higher, making his cock twitch with need. He was a drekking ass for letting lust rule when she needed more from him.
She pushed off from the door, edged her way over to the desk and picked up the scanner. Her finger ran over the display and his status. As she drew the scanner to the back of her neck, he placed his hand on top of hers and eased the device from her grip.
“It doesn’t matter what it says. You’re free. When your chip is updated, you can see the scanner, but not before.”
He slid the scanner back into the drawer. “Now, ask your question.” He didn’t mean to be so harsh with her. If anything, he wanted to run his hands down her arms and draw her to him and kiss her.
Blue eyes rose, cautiously searching his face. “Do you care about me? I mean as more than just another worker here.”
He swore he’d never lie to her, but the truth would only make matters worse. She finally spun around and headed toward the door, angry or maybe disappointed.
“I’ll ask Ranth if I can stay with him in the stables. I’m sure there’s room for a second cot in that small room of his. If not, there’s an empty stable.”
Kayo jumped from his chair and slammed the door shut, essentially trapping her, something he swore he’d never do to her. One arm braced against the door, he leaned over so his head was level with hers.
“Don’t ever try to make me jealous.”
“If you’re not interested in me, then you have no reason to be jealous. And if you are interested in me, then stop playing games. I need honesty, Kayo, perhaps more than freedom at this point.”
Hells, how had she turned that around so easily? He felt like an idiot, an idiot who’d lose her if he didn’t fix this fast.
“I’ve never lied to you.”
“You avoid the truth.”
“What truth? What are you talking about?”
“When we were trapped in the mine, you told me that you wanted me. Well, here we are, Kayo. We both made it out alive, yet you’re pushing me away.”
“It’s not like I have a choice,” he said, sorry he hadn’t kept his mouth shut. The thought of her sleeping anywhere, except in his house had pushed him too far.
