Page 19 of Dustwalker
“Oh. Brooks. Lara Brooks.” She tugged at the wet fabric around her neck, loosening it. “What’s…yours?”
“I told you yesterday.”
Is that a hint of offense in its tone?
No, that isn’t possible… Bots don’t work that way.
Lara eyed it suspiciously. “I was a little scared, okay? I wasn’t really paying attention to names and all.”
“Do most humans threaten violence when they’re a little scared?”
She folded her arms across her chest. “Yes, actually.”
Especially the ones who’ve had bad experiences with bots.
“So, you gonna tell me your name again or not?” she asked.
The bot tilted its head, never taking its eyes off her. Dread balled in her gut, a crushing weight. What was this thing going to do?
“Ronin,” it said.
It sounded familiar, now that he mentioned it. “So now we’ve officially met, or whatever. The answer is still no. You can leave.”
Ronin blinked. “Look around you, Lara Brooks.”
She pressed her lips together and looked around.
Stupid, she scolded herself. The thing was just reminding her how shitty her life was.
“I’m only asking you to dance for me,” he said. “No more advances from other humans, no?—”
“You saw that, huh?”
“You weren’t very aware of your surroundings this morning. Neither was he.”
“Obviously.”
“You’ll be safe with me. All for doing something you enjoy.”
Lara bit her tongue to keep from scoffing. Safe with a bot? They were the last things she’d ever feel safe with. Yet here she stood, in the home she and Tabitha had made together, having a conversation with one. Though Ronin had put his hands on her against her will, he hadn’t hurt her, hadn’t forced himself upon her. He wasn’t bullying her into an arrangement…he was attempting to be persuasive.
When the hell did I start thinking of this bot ashim?
“I will consider it,” she said measuredly, “with a couple conditions.”
He nodded.
“I will be dancing. Nothing more. You willnottouch me.”
“What else?”
“I want your help finding my sister.”
“You don’t know where she is?”
“Would I be asking for help if I did?” Lara took a steadying breath. This was a negotiation, and she needed to maintain her calm. “She was taken in by a bot, just like you’re trying to do with me. I haven’t seen her in weeks.”
“Individuals who disappear in this world aren’t usually found.”
