Page 44 of Between Earth and Eternity
He lifts his chin, a small smile on his lips. “I get it. You don’t likeusvery much,” he says cooly, “but what exactly didIdo to deserve this strong sense of dislike?”
His intensity almost swallows my ability to speak, but somehow, I do. “I don’t know you. Not really,” I say, even if the reasons for dislike are a mile long.
He scoffs a laugh. “You don’t, so explain this . . .” He motions a hand over me. “This animosity.” Like every inch of my being is a display of hatred. He’s not wrong in that assumption. I’ve made a bad habit of forgetting that most people would have been delighted to be a Lottery winner.
“I know enough.” He cocks an eyebrow. “Or at least I know what peoplethinkof you,” I add.
His eyes narrow for a moment. “Then tell me. What do people think of me?”
I should walk away. Instead, I lift my chin and choose my words carefully. A bit of the truth and perhaps enough flattery so he won’t lock me away in some prison cell, which I am sure Zenith is equipped with, or worse.
No doubt he could if he wanted to with little cause.
“People pay you all that money, and you save them from a dying world, so you are praised.”
He ponders for a moment, folding his arms across his broad chest.
“It must be gratifying, being their savior,” I add.
He inches a step closer, a subtle move, but he might as well have run toward me because my body locks up, defensive and unsure.
“Technically, they pay my father. It’s his company, not mine, but call me your savior if you’d like. I enjoy it.”
I want to make it clear he certainly is no savior of mine, but I won’t, because what he says is true. The Mannoxes did save me, even if it was luck that brought me here. And yes, officially,Mannox Industries may belong to Alister, but it will all be Vallen’s someday.
He watches me, as if he sees that realization on my face, and he smiles. The first full smile I’ve seen, not all shocked to find he has perfectly straight, white teeth, his canines just slightly sharper than the average person’s. A chill runs through me as goosebumps skate across my skin.
I want to know how to make him do it again, and I can’t explain why.
“My brother and his friends are idiots. Ignore them,” he says, and I’m grateful he changed the subject. “They shouldn’t be giving you any more trouble.”
Interesting. Did he say something to his brother or did Runa?
“Ignore you and your brother. Got it,” I say, hoping the conversation is over.
He bites the inside of his cheek before a sly smile plays on his mouth. “You misunderstand, Miss Andrews. My brother is easy, a bit of a bore.” He places his hand on the shelf near my head before leaning in, an expensive cologne and leather scent lightly hitting my nose. “But, honey, you couldn’t ignore me if you tried.”
I swallow again, my body betraying me. His stare never wavers from me, almost as if he’s memorizing this moment.
“Val, are you ready to go? You have a meeting in a half hour. Your father wants your thoughts about the worksite on Eden’s moon.”
I peer over Vallen’s shoulder as his steward approaches. Vallen keeps his eyes on me a moment longer before stepping back, revealing me to the steward’s line of sight.
“Ah, Miss Andrews. So nice to see you again.” The steward’s buzz-cut hair and golden brown skin only highlights his bright bluish-gray eyes.
“Yes, Bex. I’m ready.” Vallen turns without a second glance my way, rushing down the row.
Bex gives me a wink. “Have a good day, Miss Andrews,” he says, turning to follow.
“Skyler,” I correct, and he pauses. “My name is Skyler.”
“Oh, I know.” A playful smile on his lips. “I’m Bex.” I shake his hand. “I see one encounter with Mr. Mannox wasn’t enough. You’re certainly a brave one.”
I shrug, hoping it comes off innocently. “Is he always like that?” I ask.
I don’t even have to specify what I mean by “that” because Bex promptly responds, “Always.”
Good to know.
