Page 38 of Elias

Now Hayley had gotten over her shock of seeing him again, everything she’d previously found attractive vanished. She needed to find a way to get out of her baby-sitting responsibilities before she said something she’d regret.

“My work keeps me busy. I can arrange for a station bot to show you around at your earliest convenience.”

“I insist on you. I was assured by Diadora that all my needs will be met while I am here.”

Hayley forced a smile. “They will be. This way, I can show you some highlights of the station as we walk.”

“Excellent. And I trust we will spend time together before my official coupling takes place. I have been looking forward to catching up with you and reliving old memories, perhaps even making some new ones.”

Hayley grimaced. She was determined that wouldn’t happen. “I don’t remember much about the old days.”

“I’ll be happy to jog your memory.” He grinned at her and winked again.

There was not a snowball’s chance in hell that would happen. Hayley kept her tone light and the conversation on easy topics as they walked through the station. She pointed out the dining hall, offices and stores, the bar and recreation areas until they reached the living quarters.

Her nerves fluttered as they left the buzz of the main sections. Hayley couldn’t feel more alone and unsettled as she walked alongside Raymond. She hated him for screwing things up for her and for being here now. Why did it have to be him? This was going to be harder than she’d thought.

“This is you,” Hayley said as they stopped by a door. “The entrance pad can only be activated by your hand. The scan is unique to you. No one can come in without your permission.”

Raymond nodded his gaze on her. “It sounds like everything is in order.”

“I hope so. I’ll leave you to settle in, and we can meet later to go over your induction training.”

“Oh, about that. Is it necessary? I’m experienced with women, as you know.” His smile turned predatory as his gaze flicked over her. “I don’t want to spend my time here being lectured at. Is there any chance I can skip the lessons?”

“No, it’s a part of your contract. Everyone takes them. You will not be the exception.” Hayley stepped away, keen to put plenty of distance between them. “I’ll see you later, Professor.”

“Yes, you will. We have a lot to talk about.”

As Hayley hurried away, her stomach churned. There was nothing she wanted to say to him. She’d request not to be involved anymore. A sense of dread settled over her as she turned and saw Raymond watching her.

From the glint in his eyes, he wanted something from Hayley that she wasn’t prepared to give.

Chapter 16

Elias scanned the repair log for the day. He was up early, and there were only two other engineers in the docking bay. He’d tossed and turned all night, occasionally drifting into sleep. Whenever he’d done so, nightmares sprung up involving Princess Isolt and her sharp teeth digging into his flesh.

He’d been glad to roll out of bed and occupy his thoughts with something else. Work was one distraction he was happy to have. The sooner Elias made the repairs to the Retar ships, the sooner they could leave. He didn’t want Princess Isolt to have any reason to stay longer than she needed to.

He looked around the docking bay at the numerous ships waiting for his attention. If only he could repair this mess as easily as he could a ship’s engine or the damaged insides of a watch. At least they made sense to him. He could fix a broken part, and everything worked fine. This nightmare he was in with Princess Isolt wouldn’t be solved that easily. Elias couldn’t forget the cold look in her eyes when she’d seen him. She wasn’t done with him. She’d come for him to make him pay for that one shameful night.

As Elias sorted through his tools, he recalled how nervous Hayley had appeared when she’d met that old guy who came off the ship yesterday. She’d seemed twitchy and hadn’t been able to stand still, running her hands down her jumpsuit and over her hair as if wanting to make sure she looked presentable. She always looked gorgeous. She had nothing to worry about.

Elias hadn’t been able to hear them talk, but Hayley had clearly known the human, and he’d been friendly, hugging and kissing her. He’d noticed the way the guy’s hand had drifted to Hayley’s butt and fondled it possessively. A shudder of jealousy hit him at the memory. Elias hated the thought of any other man touching Hayley.

She wasn’t his, and he had no claim to her, but seeing the way that guy had been so free and easy with her unsettled him. And he could tell Hayley hadn’t enjoyed it. She’d made it clear she didn’t want the old guy touching her, but he didn’t seem to care. His hands kept finding places to settle on her.

Elias squeezed the handle of the wrench he held so hard it dug into his skin. He released his grip and shook out his fingers. He still needed to talk to Hayley and sort things out. But with the work needed on the Retar ships and Hayley occupied with her job, there didn’t seem much time for them to get together.

He was determined to make sure she was okay and things were good between them. Or at least as good as they could be after he’d spilled his guts to her in that dumb moment of weakness. It might not work, but he was determined to give it another try.

Elias raised a hand when he saw Tegor stride into the docking bay.

“You’re here early.” Tegor dropped his work bag on the bench.

“We’ve got a lot on.”

“We always have a lot on. That doesn’t mean you’re an early starter all of a sudden.” Tegor grinned at him. “Something on your mind?”