under his hand. Another form of control he’d used with other
residents of Prevelor. Sovereign loved to break not only women, but men as
well.
Jacob glanced to the doorway as Heat ducked to enter the
room. He admired his seven-foot-tall friend and had welcomed him to Prevelor
several years earlier. A space rambler by his own admission, Heat had adapted
to the ways on Prevelor quickly, needing the structure and camaraderie.
“Jacob,” he said in his baritone, thundering voice, “you’ve
been demoted.”
“So I’ve been told.” He admired the easygoing nature of his
friend. While he worked to train Sovereign’s men in moves to make them
vulnerable, he displayed a tireless smirk. Even when he’d been restrained and
beaten for insubordination, he’d smiled as they tore the flesh from his back.
“So while you pet and play in the comfort of your rooms,
I’ll spend the hours outside in the dirt doing your job.”
“You’ve about summed it up.”
“Do I get to see her at least?”
“Yes,” Sovereign agreed. “Let him see what will occupy your
time for the next few days.”
Heat would never make a situation worse on purpose. Perhaps
he wanted to see the woman to determine how much of a hindrance she’d present
to their plans. In reality, his request would’ve been considered quite common
under normal circumstances. Jacob walked to the relief area and opened the
door. Had Sovereign not been present, he would’ve knocked. As he’d anticipated,
his rude entrance both startled and angered Sage. He swept her from her feet.
Her muscles tightened as if preparing for a war.
“Fear, respect,” he whispered. “This is common.”
As he carried her to Heat, she relaxed, wrapped her arms
around his neck and buried her face in his hair.
Very good.
She even trembled appropriately.
Heat’s smile broadened. “My, my, my, Jacob. What did you do
to earn her?”
Sovereign laughed, enjoying Heat’s envy.
“May I?” Heat asked, reaching out to her.
Jacob didn’t deny his friend’s request quickly enough and
Heat touched her chin, forcing her to turn toward him. He stroked the side of
her face while making a tsking sound. Thankfully she didn’t try to shove him
away. His gaze traveled the length of her body, taking in every detail not
covered by the oversized shirt. Surprisingly, she tolerated Heat’s touch and
perusal without incident.
“Has she been so bad, Jacob? A mark on her face and a
bandaged ankle?”
“Yes,” Sovereign interjected. “At the very least, she’s been
impertinent.”
Heat didn’t give Sovereign any attention as he took her
delicate, wrapped ankle into his huge hand. “How do you expect to forge a
relationship with her if she’s hurt like this? For shame, friend. I’ve never
known you to be abusive.”
Heat placed his hand on Jacob’s arm, urging him to lift her,
exposing her ass. “And to whip her so early on? You’re setting her up for
failure.”
“Our Sovereign,” Jacob replied, forcing his teeth to
unclench, “ suggested the whip be used.”
Heat’s penetrating gaze met Jacob’s. “She’ll be in bed for
the next several days. Precious time wasted if you ask me. Why not place her in
a med unit so you can begin her training?”
“An excellent idea,” Sovereign interjected as if he hadn’t
denied her the use of the unit yesterday. “We want to give Jacob a fair chance
with her.”
Heat turned toward Sovereign. “To form an attachment?”
“Indeed. It will allow the best possible outcome for the
demonstration I’ve planned.”
“Of what nature?” Jacob asked.
“My men have worked hard. They need a diversion. Some
entertainment. I’ve decided to allow you and the woman to provide it.”
Jacob held her tighter and she squeezed his neck.
“In the meantime, I’ve decided to repair the main gathering
hall.”
Why now? It was damaged from laser blasts when Sovereign
took over Prevelor. What did the bastard have planned?
“I expect the hall to be
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