She seemed to think about that for a long time before she spoke. “I’ll stay but I can’t share a bed with you. Everyone will get the wrong impression.”

“What does that mean?”

Her cheeks turned pink and her gaze dropped to his throat. “They will think we’re having sex.”

“I don’t care what they assume.”

Her gaze lifted. “I do. I work here. Or I did.”

Anger stirred instantly. “This would cause you shame to have them believe I touch you?” A growl tore from his throat. “This is your idea that we are equal? I was told humans here don’t look down on us.” His hold around her waist tightened. “You—”

“Stop it,” she hissed, interrupting his anger. “It’s not because you’re New Species. I wouldn’t flaunt a relationship with anyone but especially not someone I’ve treated. You just don’t understand. It has nothing to do with our differences.”

880 searched her steady gaze but couldn’t detect deception. “Explain it.”

“It’s unprofessional. You’re not technically my patient anymore but you were. Doctors lose their licenses if they have sex with people under their care. It’s unethical and just not done for the most part. I hate the ones who have. I don’t want anyone to think I may have taken advantage of you and they would.”

He lifted her off his lap and allowed her to move out of the circle of his arms. His body tensed in case she tried to flee but she wouldn’t make it to the door. He’d catch her first. Alli slowly turned around but stayed close. He rose to his full height and stared down at her. She was small and weak, not a threat. He laughed.

“What’s so funny?” Her arms crossed over her chest.

“Who would believe you could force me to do something against my will? That’s what you meant. ‘Take advantage of’ means force.”

“It means you’re emotionally vulnerable right now and someone could easily manipulate you.” Her focus shifted to his arms before meeting his gaze again.

All humor vanished. “It wouldn’t happen. I am in control and you couldn’t make me do anything. Let them worry about how I might manipulate you. I know that word.” He glanced down her body. “It would be easy.”

Her mouth parted but she didn’t bite her lip. He studied her face closely and finally identified a little fear. He could live with that if it kept her from attempting to flee his room. He pointed to the bed.

“Sit. I will tell them you are staying with me.”

“I should g—”

He stepped closer and nearly bumped into her. “Sit,” he growled.

She paled and scooted around him, perching meekly on his bed. He smiled. “That is manipulation.”

Anger narrowed her eyes and he turned away to hide a smile. He liked that she had some spirit. He strode into the hallway and studied the two males who waited at the end of it. Both of them turned when they sensed him.

“Alli will stay here with me. Double my food and she will need more clothing.”

“No,” Destiny hissed, instantly challenging him as his hands fisted and he tried to storm closer.

Tiger grabbed the male’s arm to halt him. “Don’t,” he ordered softly. “Stay put.” He drew closer, each step calculated to be nonthreatening.

880 backed into his room and glanced at Alli. She remained seated where he’d ordered her to stay. Tiger paused in the doorway and visually examined her, obviously checking her health.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes.”

Tiger held his gaze. “Why is she staying here?”

“She is familiar to me. I won’t harm her.”

Tiger looked indecisive as he peered at Alli. “Are you okay with this? We should talk.” He swallowed. “In the hallway.”

Alli glanced at 880 and he gave her a sharp nod. He hoped she wouldn’t betray him and ask the male for help. It wouldn’t do any good. He was still weak but he would fight to keep her. He’d made up his mind on the matter. She paused outside the door and Tiger lowered his voice.

“What is going on?”

“He says I’m the only thing he knows. It’s okay.”

Tiger lifted his gaze to stare at 880 before addressing her again. “He’s an adult male and healthy. Do you understand? You’re a female.”

Alli’s cheeks pinkened again. “We’re not involved that way.”

Tiger backed up and she followed him out of 880’s line of sight. She didn’t go far. He tensed, ready to go after her if she bolted. He’d deal with the male if he tried to stop him from returning Alli to his room.

Alli was nervous and she knew exactly what Tiger’s concerns were as he frowned.

“He could try to mount you. He probably will if you stay. Do you understand that?”

The idea left her scared but she tried to hide it. She wasn’t 880’s favorite person. “He said he wouldn’t hurt me.”

“I doubt he’d associate sex with harm.” Tiger hesitated. “I smell fear on you.”

“He’s big and kind of intimidating.” She debated on asking Tiger to take her away from 880. She’d be returned to her house. “He’s, um, different.”

“How?”

“He’s kind of crude and rude.”

“He’s newly freed. Has he said anything to offend you? We are trying to teach him better conversation skills.”