Page 11 of Hidden By the Convicts
“She has scars on her lower back and ass,” Harlis said, looking away when she glanced at him.
“Old scars,” Teagen said.
“Those were recent. I know the difference,” Harlis added, having trouble containing his anger. He didn’t want it coming out at her.
Bowen shoved the dirty dress at Harlis. “Bury this where we buried that kuvak carcass.” He turned to Teagen next. “Show me the scars.”
“I’d rather not.”
“It wasn’t a request,” Bowen clarified.
Shit, he’d gotten Bowen involved without meaning to. The man never let up when he wanted to know something.
“She’s not part of our unit,” Harlis said, jumping to her defense.
Her brows pinched together as if she was trying to figure out what he was up to. She didn’t trust him. Fair enough. He’d been an ass before. . . before he’d seen the evidence of what had been going on. He hadn’t believed Gavin’s explanation of how she’d been used by the guards. The Company did some shitty stuff, but he never imagined they’d send a woman to Narkos to be used. He’d thought she was a prostitute brought over by the guards.
“She never agreed to your terms of staying, Bowen,” he added. “And even if she had, seeing her scars won’t change anything.”
“I hate when you’re right,” Bowen mumbled as he shot a look at Harlis that told him to watch his step. Then he turned to Teagen with his hands on his hips. “Show me, don’t show me. It’s up to you. You’re in charge of your body, but I’m in charge of this unit. If you want to stay more than the night, you’ll follow my terms.”
“Terms? You mean obeying your commands. That’s a lot to ask,” she spoke up, shaking even though her voice held strong.
“It’s less than what you were offering,” Bowen shot back.
She sucked in a deep breath. “Are there any limits on those commands, sergeant?”
“It was lieutenant, and there are no limits. But I won’t abuse my power.”
“And I’m supposed to just trust that?”
“It’s not like you have a lot of choices. I’m responsible for everyone here, including you if you stay.”
“What do you mean,if?” Gavin asked, stripping down to his boxers.
“I’m leaving tomorrow,” Teagen said.
“To go where? Back to the guards?” Bowen asked, his voice heavy with sarcasm.
She shuddered and looked fragile, more so than when Harlis had seen her naked in the bathroom. “Leave her alone,” he said. “You’re pressuring her.”
“Now there’s a switch,” Gavin said. “You think by playing her protector all of a sudden she’ll invite you into that bed?”
“Well, no. Though, it is my bed.”
She jumped off the bed, which made him chuckle. “I didn’t know,” she said, her eyes wide.
Fuck, shefearedhim. She looked so terrified that he didn’t have the heart to tease her like he wanted.
“It’s yours tonight, Teagen. Bowen’s put me on watch since I don’t have to report for work until second shift. I’ll sleep when you wake up.”
Her eyes sought out Bowen. “This agreement of yours, this pledge, does it include protection if I sayyes?”
“You mean protection from Harlis?”
“From all of you.”
“Yes.”
