keeps track of everything we do. But he’s not a boss like the Earth definition of someone who gives orders in a domineering manner. Even though Payak keeps track of what we’re doing, he isn’t ultimately responsible for us. He can’t fire us or punish us. He can make recommendations if he thinks something isn’t going well.”
Nikon rubs my knee, his fingers trailing up my leg as his gaze flickers to the apex of my thighs. He promptly settles my other leg in his lap and begins the same treatment to my punctures. “We’re all responsible for ourselves. No one makes us do anything. It’s a choice. Being here is a choice. Becoming a Guardian is a choice. There are other professions a Sinth can go into, but most begin as Guardians. Our controlled cycle of the life process keeps a balanced number of Sinth as representatives of our species.”
All of this is said with no expression, only concentration toward the task at hand—my legs. My mind spins with questions, but honestly, I don’t even know where to start. And there are so many other things to worry about right now—like the aliens in the ocean who almost tore me apart. “We need to get back … don’t we?”
I think about where Stefan took us to. All along the coast there are places where those beings could really hurt people. But, as usual, my first thought goes to Eva. “Is there someone you need to report to? I mean, I’d like to make sure none of those things have showed up at the school again …”
Nikon’s already nodding, gently setting my legs down. “Let me put your clothing in the replicator and get dressed. This is the perfect opportunity for me to show you how to phase properly. I spoke with my squad last night, and according to Payak, it’s important to make sure that you feel comfortable with that …”
His voice fades as he heads into the bathroom. I slide off the bed and stand, amazed by how great I feel. My legs don’t throb or feel like I’ve been attacked. I don’t know what’s in the stuff he put on my cuts, but I feel super. Even after that intense round of sex, I don’t feel exhausted. Perfect.
Following Nikon’s path back into the bathroom, I see my bag lying on the floor. I pull the soggy material to me and start digging out my belongings. I kept it light knowing we’d be going out on the boat today, so everything looks fine. Even my identification card had gone into a waterproof container inside the nylon backpack. But what I really want right now … yes!
Standing, I look at myself in the mirror. Disaster! Unbraiding my hair, I run the comb through it, noticing Nikon coming up behind me. I’m impressed to see my clothing, now dried, in his arms as he places them on the countertop next to me.
He slides his hand under my wet hair, sliding his fingers down my spine, slowly and sensuously. My nipples perk up, tightening at his touch. Staring at me in the mirror, a cocky smirk adorns his face. “Can I get you anything else?”
I laugh at his double meaning and turn to smack him on the butt with my comb, sidestepping away from where he’s crowding me into the sink. Snagging my clothing, I look down at my bag sadly. “Fortunately, I don’t have anything ruined, but … will this be alright?”
I hold up the trakoline he gave me yesterday, waving it with a cringe. I hope I haven’t ruined it. It sounded almost like a family heirloom.
“I missed that.” Nikon picks up the small bag, looking at me. “Oh, sure. That’s fine. None of our weapons can be hurt by water or moisture. Is everything out of this?”
When I nod, he leaves the room, and I put the clothes down, pulling out the underwear sitting on top. I don’t know how he got them dry so quickly, but at this point, I don’t care. I’m just dressed and putting the finishing touches on my hair when he returns, already dressed and carrying my bag.
Setting it on the counter next to me, Nikon smiles. “As soon as you load this up, we can phase over to the school. I think it might be a good idea for us both to report back to our superiors. Let them handle the mess out there.” Wrapping his arms around me from where he stands