Page 94 of Taken By the Convicts
“Melina, are you ready to go?” Zev asked.
“I thought Reece was walking me to the med-center today.”
“He had an errand.” One Zev had concocted to get rid of him. “The seal on the cooler is defective. The fresh meat Reece brought back will spoil if the seal isn’t replaced.”
“Okay, give me a minute,” she called out from her room.
He sensed eyes on him. Zev tried to turn casually as if this were any other day.
Ivan stood there with his arms folded over his chest and a face void of emotions. Zev knew what Ivan was thinking. He was debating if he should allow Zev to escort Melina. Ivan didn’t take risks with her safety. Melina was a rare gem, and the animals on this planet would destroy her if Ivan and the others weren’t careful.
“I’m late for second shift, Ivan. Can you escort Melina?” Zev asked.
“I’m late as well.”
“Then we can walk together,” Zev suggested.
“No, I’ll drop back, make sure no one’s watching,” Ivan said. He suspected Zev was a threat and wouldn’t let Zev escort Melina alone.
Zev sighed. Perhaps this was best, letting go now. “Speak your mind, Ivan. Now, before Melina returns.”
“I’ve held off from locking you out, Zev.”
Zev raised a brow. Not at the news, but at the fact that Ivan was being forthright about his decision. “I guessthank youis the correct response.”
“You’re not even going to ask why?”
“No need. Melina’s swayed you somehow. I’d love to tell you to listen to your instincts and not change for her, for anyone, but I know how hard she is to resist.”
“She’s my responsibility. Along with Reece and Jayce.”
“Find a way to get her off Veenith, Ivan, before it’s too late.”
“Don’t you think I would if I could?”
“She doesn’t belong here. The Company sent her here to shut her up, the same as you.”
“How do you know all this?”
“Jayce deals in assets, I deal in information. I don’t know anymore, but I have my suspicions. If you love her, like I think you do, get her to tell you the full truth.”
Ivan’s eyes narrowed. “Full truth?”
“Ask her why you and three others survived.”
“Luck, I suppose.”
“That drug killed all of her lab rats, but you and the other three men survived. Why?”
“I don’t know why, but I swear, Zev, every time you open your mouth, my life gets more complicated, and I can’t help but think it’s part of some scheme you’ve got going. I grew up with Jayce. I can smell a scheme a planet away. And right now you wreak of subterfuge.”
Zev thrust his hands behind his back, hiding his anxiety. He liked Ivan, respected him, and the man was giving him a chance, which was more than Zev would do if their roles were reversed. Then again, Zev had never led men. His talents hinged on his ability to change tactics on the fly, adapt to the situation without worrying about the consequences to those around him.
“Give me a reason not to lock you out,” Ivan said.
“I can’t.”
Ivan looked disappointed, like he wanted to give Zev once more chance. “If it hadn’t been for Reece, I would have locked you out the day you showed up here. He depends on you, but he’s too trusting to see you for who you are.”
