Page 6 of A Savage Bargain
“Are you saying I’m talking too much?” Of course I was, I knew that. But I was on my way to meet the kingpin of sex trafficking in outer space. Anybody would be nervous!
“Yes.”
My face flushed and my embarrassment put me on the defensive. “You aren’t answering any of my questions. Do you have a sex slave? Is that why you’re on the ship? Why don’t you want to answer my questions?” I placed my fisted hands on my hips and glared at him. Anger was always my safe spacewhen uncomfortable emotions overwhelmed me. Like now. That didn’t often endear me to others. Also like now.
He gaped at me. “You are making many assumptions.”
“None of which you are disagreeing with.”
“It is not your place to ask questions.”
“Because I’m going to be a sex slave?”
“That is not how this works.”
“Then tell me how it works,” I begged, the anger no longer sufficient to bury the anxiety. “I’m terrified.” I dropped my gaze with that admission, horrified that I’d shown that much weakness, but also hopeful that maybe it would convince him to give me more information. His fingers lifted my chin to meet his gaze.
“The Collector procures beings from around the known galaxy for sexual entertainment. The Collector is paid well for this service. The individuals procured are paid well when they first sign the contract, and then they negotiate their ongoing contract with their new employers who purchase them.”
“Ah-ha!” I pointed at him. “The Collector is kidnapping and selling beings.”
“No, it is not like what you think of on Earth.” He began walking again, and I scurried to keep up.
“It sounds exactly like what I think of on Earth,” I retorted.
We’d reached a set of red double doors. “Only speak when spoken to. Answer all questions honestly. You must pass the interview to be accepted by the Collector.”
As if the Collector wouldn’t just kidnap me—a thought at least this time I wisely didn’t share with Krake.
The red double doors slid open noiselessly.
Chapter Three
Krake hadn’t liedthat sexual entertainment paid well in outer space if the penthouse was any indication. The cavernous room’s hidden light sources gleamed softly off the pearlescent walls, floor, and ceiling. A half dozen couches were scattered about the space, each a different color, from deep red to vibrant violet. I had no idea what the material was, but somehow it looked expensive. Like outer-space high-quality leather. Aliens lounged on three of the couches. I considered myself a fairly worldly Earthling, but I wasn’totherworldlyyet. The aliens appeared humanoid, but in a range of sizes, colors, and shapes.
“Do not stare,” Krake ordered.
My eyes snapped forward.
At the far end of the space sat an actual throne.
“Are you kidding me?” I muttered.
“Do not speak,” Krake responded, a low click following. I assumed that was a noise of displeasure.
I clasped my hands in front of me and tried not to disobey any of the rules. Krake and I walked toward the throne.
“Walk faster,” he ordered.
I hadn’t realized I’d been slowing my pace.
All too soon, we reached the throne, and the alien that sat upon it. Except…
“You’re a human!” I exclaimed when I saw the woman sitting on the high-backed, sparkling chair.
Her long brown hair cascaded over a black t-shirt. She uncrossed her legs and leaned forward. Hands on her jeans, brown eyes now glaring at me, she frowned at my outburst. “Who is this woman?”
“She was hiding in a shipping container. Instead of disposing of her, as is customary with stowaways, I would like the opportunity to train her to be an Obedient,” Krake said, sounding formal.