Page 14 of Adored By the Alien Warlord

“You’re small. Strong, though.”

“Not strong enough to survive this for long. I’m beginning to have doubts I’ll make it, Davon. This . . .” She fiddled with the hem of her tunic. “The clothing? The food? It gave me hope. Shoes, even. Funny how odd they feel on my feet, though I’ve worn something like them all my life. But these tangible things aren’t my sister. They’re not my home with a door I can lock at night. They’re not my fridge full of tasty food or the money I’ve saved in the bank for my future. I have nothing, Davon. Nothing.”

“That’s not true,” I said gruffly. “You have me.”

Chapter 7

Maggie

Iwasn’t sure how to reply to his declaration that he was here for me, so I said nothing. He was a friend. Nothing more. If things got tough, he might bail on me, not once looking back.

And despite how appealing I found him; he was basically an unknown. Sent to find me by my sister, but one other person on this planet who might just as eagerly use me as help me.

I shouldn’t let despair get to me, but it socked me in the belly.

His sturdy presence filled the spaces I hadn’t realized were empty, and I wasn’t sure I could trust in that. I was an independent woman. I didn’t need anyone else. I loved my sister, and I was grateful to have her in my life. But if I had to get by without her, I would. A lesson learned after our parents were killed, and we’d had to find a way to survive.

Was Talia safe with the Zuldruxians? I hoped I’d have the chance to find out.

“You need to turn so I can change,” I said in a sharper tone than I meant to. I wasn’t angry with him but with my situation. He’d stepped into this torturous life and offered me hope I wasn’t sure I dared to cling to.

Anger was better than curling up on my bunk and sobbing.

He spun, presenting me with his backside, and I changed quickly, grimacing as I tugged on the clothing stiff with dried sweat. Despite having water in my room, I hadn’t been able to wash it. How could I be naked or wear only the thin nightie for the time it would take the clothing to dry?

I slid my shoes beneath the bunk, all the way to the wall, and the tunics and pants beneath the stuffed mattress.

“I’m ready,” I said, though was I? I used to love dancing, but being tied to a pole to perform on command tended to beat that joy out of a woman quickly.

He released the lock on the wall and held the end of my chain loosely in his hand. We walked upstairs, where I was assaulted by the sharp tang of spilled liquor, the gyrating beat of Veerenad music, and the heavy gazes of the patrons.

I minced my way across the floor and from the tightening of Davon’s jawline as he glared at my feet, I suspected it was all he could do to resist carrying me over to the platform where I performed each night.

“Dance,” Wortek hissed as I passed him. “Perform well, and I’ll reward you in the morning.”

With what, another rancid meal?

But I nodded and kept a veil of respect on my face, something I’d quickly learned kept him from making threats. He hadn’t hit me. He hadn’t threatened anything sexual. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t.

Davon secured me to my pole, and I worked the stiffness from my body quickly, trying to make the moves seem like they were part of my dance. I couldn’t perform all night if I didn’t do at least the basics to warm up my muscles.

Then I closed my eyes and let the discordant music sink beneath my skin. I twirled and spun, pretending like always that the pole was my dance partner.

Except tonight, I kept picturing it was Davon holding my hand. Him supporting my back as I dipped to the side. His body shielding me from the leers of the crowd.

Dawn cracked open the world, spilling light through the bar’s dingy windows. The lingering patrons were told to leave or, if they couldn’t stumble to their feet and go outside on their own, they were tossed out onto the street. The bartender capped all the bottles, and the lights came on. Soon, workers would stream into the room and start cleaning.

And I was finally released from my pole.

“You did well.” Wortekcame over to stand beside me and Davon, the latter holding the end of my chain. He thrust out a wrapped package. “Clothing. This is more attractive than what you’ve got on. Wear it three nights from now. I’ve got a special guest coming, and you need to look good.”

“When will I be given a night off?” I asked politely. “Every worker deserves at least one per week.” More than that, but I’d start there. If I could get out of this bar, I might be able to find a way to get free. Davon had insisted he’d help me, but he still may not have a plan.

“You don’t need time off.”

“I do if you don’t want me to collapse from exhaustion.”

Wortek snarled and advanced on me, his claws lifted.