The Kiss: An Anthology About Love and Other Close Encounters(125)

She nodded and fought the desire to cry and beg. Just in case he might see the emotions within her she kept her eyes fixed on the speck of dirt less than a foot in front of her.

“Now you've had some time to think about what's happened, do you have anything to say?”

She shook her head.

“Auraylia, you really aren't helping yourself.” He almost growled the last word and his shadow moved across the floor towards her. She took a step back before she could stop herself.

“Why won't you sleep? I've ordered you to twice now.”

She closed her eyes, wanting to block him out, although she felt relief at this question. The Thorian must have kept her secret if the Captain was still confused by her behaviour.

“Answer me, Auraylia. Why won't you sleep?”

“I don't want to,” she whispered, finding her voice didn't want to come out any louder. “But please, can I be guarded by the Thorian?” For this request she lifted up her eyes and stared at him, hoping he would be moved somewhere inside. She knew it was wrong to try and manipulate him like that, but it was all she could think of doing. With the Thorian there she could at least relax a bit.

After focusing on her face for a minute he nodded his head.

“All right, I will ask Varl if he minds guarding you, but it will be his choice, if he feels any compassion for you.”


“Thank you,” she said and gave him a smile. He didn't return the gesture, instead leaving her alone again with Thomas.

“What do you want with the Thorian?” Thomas got up and came to the bars. She fixed her previous glare back on her face.

“That's between me and him.”

“Was it him you attacked?”

“Perhaps, but if it is, you've got to wonder why I've been locked up. Surely a Thorian wouldn't need protection from a slave?”

Thomas didn't back up this time but she hadn't expected him to. His male ego wouldn't let him show her any fear. It would, however, keep him from going any further and it bought her some time for the Thorian to show up.

The Crime and Punishment Officer left her alone and paced while she sat and waited. Seeing the Captain and having to respond to his questions had charged her body with enough emotion that she felt more awake. She also felt more afraid.

A trial would mean she might be punished. Or, if she could explain her actions well enough without having to admit the truth, it would lead to her being released and forced to sleep in her bunk amongst the others. Even if she could gain some respect for attacking someone, she'd attacked the Captain and all of them appeared to like him. Unless she could stop the trial, she was in danger of being severely punished or putting herself at the mercy of one or more of the men in the crew.

Telling the Captain the truth would be tough and in her previous experience, telling tales of what superiors had done only ever made the situation worse. Her slave master had always forced her to sort out her own problems in her own way. She also knew the Captain was kind and would expect her to try and get along with her fellow crew mates, and that was exactly what she was trying to avoid.

Another option came to her mind. The Captain liked her and was a protective sort of man. If she gave him something in exchange for his protection he might halt the trial and give her some leeway. It would also provide her with an alternate place to sleep. It appealed to her more than being forced to share someone else's bed sometime, whenever they decided to take it that far.

Before she could formulate an exact plan of action the Thorian came through the door and dismissed Thomas. Within seconds the knot in her stomach unwound and she found she could sit down.

“You can't let something like this lead to a trial,” The Thorian said as soon as they were alone.

“I know.” She frowned.

“Talk to the Captain. He can help you.”

“You think so? He won't be cross with me?” She stood up, surprised the Thorian was on the same wave length as her.

“I know you can change his mind. He doesn't want to see you harmed, but you've got to give him something to work with.”

She nodded. His comments made her feel better, even if it was unexpected to have him agree with her.

“Will you take me to his room?”

“Now?”

“I think it's better to do this while I feel like I can.”

The Thorian stopped leaning and fetched the keys from the pocket he'd stowed them in.

“Stay close to me. I don't want to have to catch you,” he warned as she walked over the threshold of her cell. She nodded her acquiescence and allowed him to lead the way to the Captain's quarters.

As she went she felt the first flutterings of nerves in her stomach, but she knew she had to ignore them. This was the best decision to make considering the place she found herself in. Since the moment she'd set eyes on Dylan she'd sensed she could trust him, and the time had come to rely on that initial hunch.

When they arrived at the cabin the Thorian knocked but no one answered and when they stepped inside they found the cabin empty. She took in the desk, small dining table, sofa and bed, and small bathroom off to one side.

“We'll wait here for him to get back.” The Thorian sat down on one of the chairs while she stood in the middle of the room, not sure what she dared to touch.

“Can you leave me alone in here?” she asked after a few minutes.