Page 27 of Loving the Alien Spy
I continue ignoring him. For some reason, his comments are worse than normal. Usually, he glares at me, but today, his hatred has been far more vocal.
“Nothing to say, traitor?” Arvik shoves me hard, and I stumble forward, barely maintaining my balance so I don’t fall to the ground.
I whirl on him. “Don’t touch me again.”
He gets in my face. “Or what?”
“What is the problem here?” Horek strides toward us with a storm brewing in his gaze.
“No problem, Commander.” I don’t need him to rescue me or give Arvik any greater reason to hate me.
He glances between the senior officer and me. I hold his stare and communicate without words to let it go. Finally, he dips his head. “The prince would like a word with you, Bannik.”
“Yes, sir.” Not because he deserves my respect, but because he’s my direct commanding officer, I turn to Arvik. “If I could be excused…sir?”
His lip curls, but he dismisses me. “Go.”
I salute him and trail Horek, who has already taken off in the direction of the palace. With only a few hasty steps, I come alongside him. He doesn’t speak until we are far enough away from the senior officer. Then, he looks over.
“What was that about?”
“Nothing you need to be concerned about.”
“If there is an issue between you and Arvik, I need to know.”
“The only issue is that I’m a traitorous former rebel. Nothing more.” I wave off Horek’s concern. “I can take care of it myself.”
“Not if it interferes with your new assignment.”
New assignment? It would appear then that he and Janik have decided the next step. “Whatever it might be, I’m sure it won’t.”
“We will see.”
Neither of us speaks the rest of the way to the palace. At least, not until we are nearly to the throne room.
“Have you spoken with Lindsey?” he asks.
I cast him a swift glance. “I am certain I said my relationship with my heart’s fire is none of your business.”
“You did, but my heart’s fire is concerned for her. Especially since she saw you exit the females’ dormitory and wouldn’t let it go until I told her why you were there. Anything that causes Quinn to worry becomes my business.”
“If you knew I had been there, then why did you bother asking if I’d spoken to her?”
“Perhaps she shut the door in your face.” Horek raises his shoulders in a far too human gesture.
“She did not. You can tell your mate that she may speak with mine if she has any concerns. It is Lindsey’s choice on what she wishes to share.” I stop and stare at him until he meets my gaze. “However, she will not be pressured into sharing more than she is comfortable with. Is that clear?”
The commander stiffens, and his eyes flash with fire. “You think my heart’s fire is that kind of friend?”
“I know nothing about your mate, but I do know something about mine. I am merely telling you how it will be.”
After several ticks, Horek slowly relaxes. “It is good that Lindsey has you to look after her.”
He opens the door and steps into the throne room, leaving me in shock.
Chapter 14
Lindsey
