She hesitated. “I’ve been told by a few of your women that they’ve seen you outside watching the dorm. Why are you out there?”

His cheeks flushed as if it embarrassed him but then his features blanked. His hand pulled away, dropping to his side. “I like to know where my enemies are. Come,” he growled. “The blood wasn’t yours. You have bruising and some scratches but you will live. I have a job to do. I need to see what is happening.”

It felt as though he’d slapped her with his out-of-the-blue harsh words, letting her know they weren’t even friends. She tore her gaze from his. “I’ll put on my shoes.”

“Don’t. They have blood on them and I just cleaned you. I can’t do that again. I’m not that strong,” he muttered.

What does that mean? Ellie wasn’t sure as she walked toward the bathroom door. Fury stayed at her side but didn’t touch her as he slid his gloves back on as they crossed the room. He opened the bathroom door for her and then walked away, leaving her to follow him. She stared up at the back of his head, wondering what his thoughts were. He had been nice to her up until the enemy comment.

The four NSO officers guarded the damaged entrance. Darren Artino and a dozen of his security guards waited. He glared at Fury.

“Your men wouldn’t allow me to go inside.”

Fury gave a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. He showed sharp canine fangs. “You may enter now.”

Artino uttered a foul curse and waved his men into the dorm. His angry gaze traveled down Ellie’s body and he visibly tensed. His focus zoomed in on the men’s briefs she wore, just an inch or so of them displayed at the bottom of the shirt, and his mouth gaped. He spun to glare at Fury.

Fury shrugged. “She needed clothes. You should put showers and towels inside the bathrooms on the lower floor if you have shitty security. When the people you fail to protect need to clean up the blood that was spilled, they can do it in comfort after they save their own asses. Paper towels weren’t going to cover her modesty afterward but my underclothing was much preferable to walking around naked.”

Ellie put her hand over her mouth to hide the smile. Artino’s face reddened as the words sank in. The head of security could be a real self-righteous prick sometimes and she enjoyed him getting a good verbal kick. She let her hand drop as she watched Fury nod at his men. They walked out of the women’s dorm without a backward glance.

Artino faced her. “Can you believe he said that to me?” He glared at Ellie in outrage.

She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. She wasn’t in a position to tell him his security had failed big time. “You really should put in at least one shower and real towels on the first floor bathroom. It would have come in handy.”

Ellie tore her gaze from his stunned expression to head over to one of the couches. She collapsed onto the soft material. Exhaustion and the need for a good cry set in. Or a stiff drink. Maybe all of the above.

* * * * *

Fury paused outside on the sidewalk to face his men and to stare over their shoulders at Ellie. She sat on the couch looking tired and pale from her traumatic ordeal. It had taken every ounce of his willpower to leave her when he really wanted to wrap his arms around her to give comfort. If she burst into tears he knew he’d go back inside regardless of how stupid it would be to cuddle her until her fear eased.

His phone rang and he snatched it up. “Yes, Justice?”

“What did you do with the human female while you were inside the bathroom? The cameras followed you when you carried her there but there is no footage inside. Are things well?”

“Yes.” Fury tensed.

“You should have sent one of our men with her if she needed assistance. We’ve had long talks about her, my friend. Are you all right?”

He lowered his voice. “They touched her and hurt her but I kept my cool.”

“Good.” Justice paused. “You did a damn good job, Fury. I’m proud of you. The humans are a tad upset that our team saved the woman. They weren’t happy when they realized we have our own security now.”

“It’s our Homeland. We were told by the President of the United States that this is our home and, when we’re able, we can run it ourselves.”

“I know. They feel guilty for funding Mercile Industries without knowing exactly what they paid for. They want to make it right with us and it would be very bad publicity worldwide if we pointed a finger at them. We need to tread lightly still until we’re in a position to govern ourselves. The conversation with Darren Artino appeared unfriendly. What was said?”

“He wasn’t happy we succeeded where his security failed. It displeased him that I ordered my team not to allow anyone access to the dorm until I made sure of Ellie’s safety and well-being.”

Justice hesitated. “Are you in control? I need you to be. Our people need leadership and guidance the most right now while we learn to thrive in the world outside captivity. I chose you to be my second in command because you’re respected, you usually keep your emotions on a tight leash, and you want what is best for our people as much as I do.”

“You have nothing to worry about,” Fury swore, his gaze still locked on Ellie. “I know I can’t have her.”

“I wish you could.” Justice sighed softly. “You deserve happiness. Return to the male dorm. I’ll be there soon to address our men.”

Chapter Eight

Director Boris glowered at Ellie. “I want an explanation for your refusal right now.”