Page 86 of Rescued By the Convicts
One of the new arrivals was a female therapist from Argus. She’d been working with Jayce, helping him through his trauma. He seemed to be more relaxed, optimistic these past few weeks. Even Ivan commented on how Jayce had been more himself lately, less cynical and angry than the Jayce he’d become on Veenith and more like the Jayce from their teenage years.
“I’m proud of you. For working so hard,” Melina said, slipping her hand in his.
Jayce intertwined their fingers. “I like working in communications. No breaking into the computer necessary.”
“I meant with the therapist. Though I’m glad you like your position in communications too. Any word from Foley yet? It’s been two weeks since he approved Reece to stay long-term.”
“I think my stunt with the masks gave him pause.”
Last week, a transport filled with masks for the miners arrived. Jayce accomplished in days what Foley hadn’t been able to do in months.
“He should be grateful for what you did,” she said, sounding irked. “Especially since you didn’t do anything illegal to obtain those masks.”
Jayce grinned from ear to ear.
“What?” she said.
“You’re defending me.”
“Of course, I’m defending you.”
He dragged a finger over the side of her breast while waggling his eyebrows. “I like it.”
“Don’t get used to it,” she said, playfully slapping his hand away. Jayce didn’t usually break their rule of no public displays of affection. “Prove to Foley you’re not a risk.”
“No need to. He’s already approved me staying long-term, but he hasn’t notified me yet. He wants to see how far he can push me. What lines I’ll cross.”
“How do you know he’s approved you staying?”
Another smile. Damn, Jayce was already working the system here. He had contacts, or he’d hacked some file he didn’t have access to.
“He’ll catch you.”
“There’s nothing to catch. I send him updates. I tell him exactly what files I peek into and what I’m trading. I’m not hiding anything.”
She opened her mouth, wondering about Jayce’s tactics, but the man was as confident as ever. He’d found his stride again. Melina let the worry go. Foley wasn’t a fool, but neither was Jayce. They had come to an understanding, apparently.
Reece and Ivan planned to meet them at the commissary for third meal once they finished their shifts. Between hunts, Reece worked alongside Ivan in the mines. Soon enough, they’d have a full kitchen and could start making meals at home.
“Are you Dr. Archer?” a guard said from behind.
She and Jayce turned to see three guards with blasters at their sides. She didn’t recognize two of the guards. Foley had been rotating guards with another prison planet, to ensure none of the guards became lax.
“Yes. Is someone injured?”
“You’ll come with us.”
As she and Jayce turned, the guards motioned for him to step away. “Alone,” the guard added.
“I’ll be fine, Jayce,” she said, placing a hand on his chest. Whatever this was about, she knew she hadn’t done anything wrong. “Don’t do anything rash.”
“Where are you taking her?” Jayce asked, his face tight with worry.
“None of your concern.”
“I’m her mate. It damn well is my concern.”
“Speak with Manager Foley,” the guard said as they led her away.
