asshole? Because if he was your enemy, I don’t think you would’ve spent the last couple months in his company.”
A laugh burst from her throat. “I wish it were that simple.”
God, if only.
Pigeon placed a finger under her chin and tilted her head so she had to look at him. The wrinkles on his brow deepened.
Old eyes searched hers. “Why did you take the job knowing what you know? Are you in some trouble?”
“Why does everything think that? I’m not in any trouble.”
“Well, knowing the history of your—umm—alien ancestry, it is a strange choice to make. It’s dangerous enough for you to be around humans, but Cyborgs? You’d have to have a reason, unless you enjoy the risk. In the time I’ve known you, you’re not a risk taker, Alexa. It only makes me believe it more that you’re not here of your own volition.”
“That would be easier, wouldn’t it? If I had an excuse.”
“You’re saying you don’t? You risked yourself for nothing?” Pigeon shook his head. “That’s not the Alexa I know. Despite your reasons, you’ve been found out, and now you only have two choices.”
“Beg him to save me? Or face my fate head on?”
“Tell him the truth.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“There’s some things I can’t explain because they’re too hard to put into words. If I try, I find myself drowning…”
“You’re scared.”
Her breath hitched. “I’m scared,” she agreed. “I’m scared that if I tell him everything, the world will end. I’m scared that he knows I’ll break—I’m breaking—and that if he waits me out, I will tell him everything, and then what? He may kill me then, take me to the authorities. Or worse… I’m scared that if I tell him, he’ll look at me with disgust and break my heart.”
“I see. I don’t think the captain will hurt you…if he hasn’t already, but I’m not sure. He was” —Pigeon rubbed his mouth—“a mess when you were in sickbay. He rarely left your side. It was exceedingly difficult to hide any abnormal indicators on your readouts. It was only possible because he was so focused on you that he wasn’t aware of anything else. Not even me, the job, anything. But if you think his feelings for you have changed because of your blood…?”
“I can’t tell him. I can’t.”
Pigeon slumped. “Dear, if you won’t tell him how you feel, and you don’t think you can fully trust him, then you need to do the next best thing for your safety. Leave.”
The air fled from her lungs. But on her next breath, they expanded, and a calm came over her. Leave.
“The sooner the better,” Pigeon said. “Before anyone else finds out what you are. We’re due to arrive on Atrexia tomorrow, I’m told. Horace has been bringing me my meals and keeping me updated. Atrexia is an unregulated planet. It isn’t privy to the same laws as Earth, or one of the main colony planets. It’s small. Private sects of people live on Atrexia, mainly those in research and resource harvesting. You’ll be able to find someone to help you at the port. There will be private and personal ships. Go to the terminal desk and see if anyone is willing to take on an extra passenger. It might be your only chance.”
Alexa’s heart raced. “What about you? I won’t leave while you’re locked up. You’re there because of me.”
“I don’t think I’ll be locked up much longer, so don’t you worry about that. When I’m out, I’ll lead him astray if he doesn’t just let you walk out on your own, and I’ll do my best to destroy any evidence you leave behind so he’ll have nothing to give to the authorities.”
“He’s a Cyborg, Pigeon. Hysterian is probably watching us right now. I won’t leave without you, I can’t.”
“Let him, and you can, damn it! If he harms me, he’s never met my daughters, but he will, and it won’t be pretty.” Pigeon visibly shivered. “I’ll be fine. I’ve lived a long life anyway, seen a lot of things. Had too many kids. If he’s got an inkling of good in him, and you’ve done nothing wrong but keep a part of you secret that isn’t hurting anyone else, you won’t come to any harm, especially if he feels the same about you as you do him. I think he might.”
Her throat constricted. Wouldn’t that be something? Even so, he wouldn’t feel anything for her if he knew what she knew.
“Please,” she breathed.
“Pigeon! Time’s up,” Horace’s voice came from