Page 134 of Riv's Sanctuary

“Then how did they not find me? I was in the room.”

Pointing behind her, Riv moved forward and took up a small cube that was hidden behind some gadgets on the floor.

He pressed a button on the top and the corridor that led to the rooms disappeared. Only a smooth wall stood there.

Lauren could feel her eyes grow in her head.

Moving forward, she touched the space and her hand went through.

It was just a hologram.

“How did they not realize this was there?” she whispered, still eyeing the space in awe.

“Easy.” Riv shrugged. “I stood in front of it.”

Fuck.

She turned her gaze back to him.

If it hadn’t been for his quick thinking, where would she be right now?

But before she could thank him, he was moving again.

“I saw them at the perimeter. Knew why they were here. Set up the holo box.” He grabbed his blaster from somewhere underneath the table and checked it. “Couldn’t deny them entry. It would look too suspicious.” He glanced at her. “Grab your cloak. We have to go.”

Lauren nodded, moving back to the bedroom for the garment without question.

When she returned with the cloak over her shoulders, she asked, “Where are we headed?”

“To the exchange.”

“Why?”

Riv’s eyes met hers. “To get you your freedom.”

* * *

As the hovercar sped across the plain, Lauren couldn’t help but keep glancing over her shoulder.

She half expected to see the alligator guards in pursuit and it was making her anxious.

When she glanced at Riv, he had a look on his face she’d never seen before.

She knew his anger. His rage. His annoyance.

But this look was pure, raw, fury.

“Riv? I—” She didn’t know what to say and when he turned to glare at her, flashing fangs, she grew silent.

Glancing behind them again, her brows furrowed.

It was getting late but she couldn’t see the lights of another hover vehicle at least.

“They won’t catch us. We’ll get to the exchange and have you registered before they even realize your location.”

Lauren swallowed hard.

He was doing so much for her; she didn’t think he understood just what it meant to her.