Retribution (Kall Alien Warriors #3) - Sue Lyndon Page 0,37

to come to terms with all that had happened today. Part of her felt detached from the reality of her time spent with General Zamek, as if it were all a dream. Surely this couldn’t be real? Surely he couldn’t have come to her cell and slept with her? Surely she couldn’t have said yes?

But the soreness between her legs told her it wasn’t a dream at all. It had actually happened. And not only the sex, but he’d held her for at least an hour afterward.

With a deep sigh, she ran her fingers through her damp hair. She didn’t have a comb, so she always had to settle for using her fingers. At least her hair wasn’t too thick and as long as she straightened it at least once a day, it didn’t become a hopeless tangled mess.

She stepped back and observed her appearance further. The clothing General Zamek had given her really did fit perfectly. With the slightly billowing sleeves and the empire cut of the gown, as well as the intricate white embroidery at the neckline, it looked like something an ancient Kall princess might’ve worn.

And he’d promised to replicate even more clothing for her. She could scarcely believe his kindness when just a few weeks ago she’d been so sure he would kill her.

In a few more weeks, they would reach planet Kall, where he would take her to his home in Sumlin District. He hadn’t told her outright that she would be a slave yet, but she could see no other alternative. Which was why the fancy dress and the promise of more didn’t quite make sense. A slave wouldn’t be given such fine items.

A disturbing thought came to her. What if he wanted to dress her up in Kall finery while she was aboard the Tammusha and he visited her regularly to satiate his desires, only to strip her of everything once they reached his planet? Maybe he would take another lover and he would no longer have need of her. She would then spend her days cleaning his house and performing other manual labor that befitted a slave on the Kall homeworld. Her heart sank at the prospect.

God how she wished she could talk to Aunt Colleen just one more time. She missed her aunt’s advice and guidance, even if she’d sometimes felt it intrusive. Aunt Colleen had always tried to protect her and had only wanted the best for her.

Tears burned in her eyes. Aunt Colleen is gone. So is everyone else I ever cared about. Even if they’re still alive, they are gone to me, because I’ll never get the chance to speak with them again. I’m alone.

She swallowed hard and wiped away a lone tear that trickled down her cheek. The uncertainty of her status with General Zamek bothered her and she decided that she would summon her bravery and ask him to clarify what would happen to her once they reached planet Kall.

She took a few deep breaths to calm herself and then exited the bathroom, only to gasp and jump in place at the sight that greeted her.

General Zamek.

He was seated on her bed. All seven-plus feet of him.

He frowned and stood up quickly, eyeing her with worry.

“You’ve been crying.” Guilt shone in his expression and he hurried toward her.

Before she could ask what he was doing, he’d already pushed her onto the bed and was trying to pull down her leggings with one hand while he held a dermal regenerator in the other. She scrambled away, pulling up on her leggings.

“Please, General, stop.” She peered from him to the dermal regenerator. “What exactly are you trying to do?” She had an idea but wasn’t entirely certain.

“I caused you pain,” he said. “I made you cry. For that, I am sincerely sorry. I know I said I wanted to fuck you raw, but it was just an… expression. Please, allow me to heal you.” He held the medical device up and gave her an expectant look.

“I’m fine, General, really.” She held her dress over her leggings, lest he get it in his mind to try removing them again. “I-I wasn’t crying because you hurt me. You didn’t hurt me.” Oh crap. Now he would probably ask why she’d been crying. She exhaled a shuddering breath.

He tucked the dermal regenerator into his pocket and scooted closer, reaching for her face. He cupped her head in both hands, his manner gentle, as he stared down at her, his eyes gleaming