Page 35 of Aliens Love Curves

We scramble to look presentable. Casey straightens her clothing while I try to smooth my dishevelled hair. When she opens the door, I walk casually from out of the bathroom, as if I'd been in there all along.

Harlan enters like he owns the place, his eyes taking in every detail. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything?" They linger on the couch where a pillow and a blanket are crumpled, as if I’d just been on there. A ghost of a smile flickers across his lips.

"Not at all," Casey lies smoothly. "I was just about to review race strategies with Stryker."

"Ah yes, about the race." Harlan's smile doesn't reach his eyes. "There's been a slight change to the course. More intensive anti-gravity zones."

My tail twitches. "That wasn't in the specifications."

"Last-minute adjustment." He waves a hand dismissively. "Nothing Casey can't handle, but..." He turns to her, all concern. "You'll need to get an immunization shot in the morning. Standard procedure for the new conditions."

Every muscle in my body tenses. "That won't be necessary. Casey's handled worse conditions in training."

"I'm afraid it's not optional." Harlan's voice hardens slightly. "The shareholders are quite insistent. Either she gets the shot, or she doesn't race."

Casey's eyes meet mine, understanding passing between us. This is it – their move to get her into their program.

"Of course," she says, her voice steady despite the fear I can smell on her. "Whatever's required."

"Excellent." Harlan moves closer to her, too close. "I'll send someone to escort you to medical first thing."

"I'll accompany her," I cut in.

"That won't be necessary." His smile is all teeth. "Manager duties don't extend to medical procedures,Stryker."

The way he says my cover name sets off warnings in my head. Does he suspect?

"Still," Casey interjects, "I'd feel more comfortable with him there. Performance anxiety and all that.”

Harlan studies her for a long moment. "As you wish. 7 AM sharp." He heads for the door, then pauses. "Oh, and Casey? Wear something... comfortable. The procedure can be quite... intensive."

After he leaves, we stand in tense silence until his footsteps fade completely.

"They're not even trying to be subtle anymore," Casey says finally.

I cross to her in two strides, pulling her against me. "We're not letting them inject you with anything."

"No," she agrees, her hands fisting in my shirt. "But we need to play along until we can think of a way to get me out of it. The race is just days away. If they suspect we know..."

"Those pilots in the pods might disappear forever." I close my eyes, conflict raging in my chest. "I hate this."

"I know." She rises on tiptoes to kiss me softly. "But we're so close. Three more days, and we can end this."

I hold her tighter, my tail wrapping around both of us. "Promise me something?"

"Anything."

"If something goes wrong tomorrow... if they try to force that shot..."

"I'll fight." She meets my eyes fiercely. "I'm not letting them turn me into one of their experiments."

I kiss her then, pouring all my fear and love and desperation into it. She responds with equal fervour, and soon we're stumbling back toward the bedroom.

This time, there are no interruptions. Just us, learning each other's bodies in the darkness, making promises with touch that we're afraid to voice aloud.

Later, watching her sleep curled against me, I send a silent prayer to whatever powers might be listening. Three more days. Three days to keep her safe, to save those pilots, to bring down Harlan's operation.

Three days until everything changes.