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capable of premeditated murder? He was undeniably ambitious, he could be ruthless,
but she had never known him to intentionally hurt anyone. Well, anyone who didn t
deserve it.
 Two weeks have passed since her sister was taken, Theos explained.  Her mother
has given up hope for their family, but yesterday two more girls were taken. Her
mother went to the magistrate and demanded that he take action.
 Did he respond?
 Oh yes. He locked her up, claiming she was hysterical, a danger to herself and
others.
 This is horrible. What will become of the girl? Temple of Venus is no place for one
so young.
He took her hands and gently squeezed.  She can stay with her aunt until her
mother is released. Do you think we are too late to help any of the others?
 We have to do something. She was too anxious to accept his comfort. Drawing
her hands out of his, she began to pace. The workday was ending. The shops were
closed or closing, so Elaina felt relatively secluded.  Did the girl mention any of these
people by name? What does Felicia expect you to do? If only she had a datapad to help
organize her thoughts. How did these people survive without electronics?
 The girl said I bested her brother, so I had to be strong enough to take on anyone.
 Do you know who she was?
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Aubrey Ross
 I have fought many men. He shook his head.  I scarcely remember their faces,
much less their names. I think you should report these things to your brother just to see
how he reacts. If nothing else, it will warn them that their actions are not going
unquestioned.
 Do we really want to tip our hand?
 If you mean let him know we are suspicious of him, I think we have no choice. He
will not know how much we know. He will only know that we are uncomfortable with
this particular situation.
She heaved a frustrated sigh. Wishing they had a clearer strategy.  I need to update
Naloni and find out what she s learned. She will definitely want the names the little girl
gave you.
 Can you not speak with her through the image maker?
She smiled at his description of the combooth.  The founders can monitor
transmissions whenever they feel like it. I don t dare risk it. I ll have to leave you for a
few hours. She paused and met his gaze.  Unless you come with me.
His features iced over until no hint of emotion remained.  Would it not be less
suspicious if I return to the ludus?
Her excitement faded as quickly as it had flared. He still didn t trust her, still feared
she had some nefarious motive for luring him beyond the barrier. In truth, it was far too
risky. If Theos was detected beyond the barrier, she would not be facing her brother s
wrath. She d be facing an official tribunal. This wasn t about breaking the law so she
could be with her lover. She was trying to change the law so an entire race of people
could live in freedom.
One task at a time. And the first objective was exposing the horrors taking place
inside the House of Morpheus.  You re right. It makes more sense for you to go back to
the ludus.
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Pleasures
He took her hand and brought it to his lips, pressing a kiss against her knuckles.
 Why do you look so sad? You said you would be gone a few hours. Is there more to
your errand than you are saying?
 No, at least I don t mean for there to be. I just have a bad feeling about this.
 What can we do to minimize the risk?
Allowing his pragmatism to ease her fear, she finally managed to smile. He was
always the strategist, always searching out strengths and weaknesses. He wasn t
avoiding her. He was being practical.  We have to keep our emotions out of this as
much as possible. You are obviously doing a better job of it than I am.
He bent and brushed her lips with his.  A good performer must appear in control at
all times regardless of the situation.
She glanced at the rapidly setting sun and nibbled her bottom lip.  We could call it
a night and start again bright and early in the morning.
His warm fingers stroked down her arm, but he shook his head.  That is your
passion speaking, not your mind. People are in danger. It is not right for us to indulge
our bodies while they are still in peril.
 I know you re right. She wrapped her arms around him and pressed her cheek
against his chest, savoring the solid warmth of his strong body. He immediately
returned her embrace, resting his chin lightly on top of her head.  But I can t help
feeling if we walk away from each other tonight, I ll never see you again.
 Do you want to see me again?
 You know I do.
 Then no force on this world will keep me from your side.
She pushed back and tilted her head, looking up into his eyes.  Now who is making
promises about things they can t control?
 We are meant to be together. He raised both hands to her face, his gaze boring [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]