Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 79941 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 400(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79941 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 400(@200wpm)___ 320(@250wpm)___ 266(@300wpm)
“Where are you going?” Addison sounded both angry and desperate. “Are we leaving the office early?”
“We aren’t going anywhere,” Courick said stiffly. He was still so angry he could barely speak. “I am going up to the Mother Ship. During the call with Commander Sylvan which you did your best to interrupt, he offered me a position as the new diplomatic liaison to the Veritans in the Driftlight Galaxy. I was going to turn it down, but now I think I’ll take it.”
“What? You’re going to leave me and go to a whole other galaxy?” Addison exclaimed.
The pain in her big green eyes was so intense that for a moment Courick almost felt sorry for her. Almost. But then he remembered how she had lied to him and used him—manipulated him into playing a part for her. Hell, he’d even moved her into his home! What in the Seven Hells was wrong with him, being so gullible?
“I would take any position that would get me away from you,” he growled. “You lying, duplicitous little ferrath!” (A ferrath was an animal on his home planet of Rageron, known for its sly and devious behavior and its poisonous bite.)
He stepped towards the office door, but Addison threw herself in front of it. She was crying now—tears rolling down her flushed cheeks.
“Courick, please wait! Can’t we just talk?”
“There’s nothing more to talk about. I’m leaving.” Courick pushed past her, even though part of him longed to sweep her up and kiss her tears away. But he told himself he wasn’t going to fall for her act a second time.
He left the office and kept on going, trying to block out the sound of her sobs.
He never intended to see his assistant again.
17
ADDISON
After he left, Addison collapsed on the floor, crying. Gone—he was gone! He had walked right out of her life and it was all her fault. She was never going to see him again and she was getting exactly what she deserved.
For a few minutes she was utterly inconsolable. Only knowing that one of the other girls who worked in the HKR building might find her in this undignified and embarrassing position finally got her off the floor. Somehow she managed to get herself to the bathroom and fix her makeup. Then she had to decide what to do and where to go.
In the end, she decided to go back to Courick’s home. She wanted to go back to her apartment instead, but all her clothes and things were at his bungalow. As painful as it was, she would have to start packing everything up for the move back to her own place.
Telling her coworkers she felt sick, she called a ride which drove her to the big Kindred’s house. But once she was inside the neat little bungalow, she started crying again and couldn’t seem to stop. She knew she ought to pack, but she couldn’t help hoping that Courick might change his mind and come back and let her explain.
But the hours ticked by, and there was no sound at the door. Clearly, the big Kindred wasn’t coming back.
At last, Addison curled up in the middle of the big king-sized bed. Pressing her face to his pillow, she breathed in Courick’s scent and cried herself to sleep.
18
COURICK
“Are you sure you want to take the assignment?” Commander Sylvan frowned uncertainly. “You didn’t sound at all like yourself during our call—I thought you might be upset I’d even offered it to you.”
“Not at all—and I apologize if you got that impression,” Courick said firmly. “I’d like to accept the position and go at once. I, er, trust you can find someone else to run the Tampa HKR building?” he added.
“Well, yes—I’m sure we can find someone,” Sylvan said. “But you don’t have to leave for the Veritans’ home world immediately, you know.”
“I know, but I’d prefer to go at once,” Courick said. “If you’ll give me the briefing file I can read it during the journey.” He held out a hand and Sylvan started to drop the small chip file into his palm…but then he drew back.
“Commander Courick, I hope you won’t take this the wrong way, but you almost seem like a male who’s running from some kind of trouble or problem,” he said.
“What?” Courick felt his face getting red. “Of course not! I’m just…eager to get back to diplomacy. I’ve been a bureaucrat long enough—I’m ready to follow my true calling again. That’s all.”
“Nevertheless, let me urge you to go to the Sacred Grove and say a prayer to the Goddess—seek her wisdom before you accept this assignment,” Sylvan told him. “If she gives you peace, then come back to me and I’ll give you the file.”
Courick wanted to grit his teeth with frustration, but Sylvan was his direct superior and the Head of the High Council—his word was law.