Page 28 of Sworn to the Alien

She had cried for days, wailing about how first Raymond had left her and now I was doing the same thing too.

But it was necessary, although I didn’t explain it to her that way at the time.

She didn’t even have a part-time job at the time and there was no way my corporate job was going to pay for both meandher — never mind her kids!

I made the move and began recruiting clients.

I didn’t stop until I hooked the biggest fish I could find — Sleii.

But now that I had lost him, I needed to find another.

Maybe I would change my mind and try to seduce the Governor but if there was one thing I refused to do, it was allow myself to become embroiled in a serious relationship.

I had seen the damage a disloyal partner could do.

I didn’t want someone to leave me the way Raymond had abandoned my sister.

I got to my feet, barely able to walk, and stumbled into the bathroom.

I washed the grease from my lips and decided not to stay the rest of the night.

Tomorrow, I would have to decide who I would pursue next.

My next big fish.

Someone who represented less of a threat than the Governor and his electric lips.

I packed my things and moved to the door.

I placed my hand on the handle and looked back over my shoulder at the room, smiling faintly at the memories it contained.

And that I would never feel again.

A little sad, I pulled it open.

I stepped out and immediately bumped into someone.

It was a short but thickly-set Chi with a scar across one cheek and horns so polished they glittered.

“Sorry,” I said reactively.

“There’s no need to be sorry, Miss,” he said with a warm smile.

I bowed my head to move around him.

He stepped forward, blocking the way out.

I pulled to a stop. “Excuse me,” I said, going the opposite way.

When he didn’t budge, I looked up at him.

His smile remained fixed in place. “If you don’t mind, I think we need to have a little chat.”

My instincts screamed at me immediately.

And somehow I knew he was no good.

I jammed my hand in my purse, found my sick stick, and pulled my arm out to jab him with it.

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