Darkness Read online

  She glared at him then. “I’m done just being screwed by you.”

  His nostrils flared and he advanced a step. “You wanted to share quarters with me.”

  “That was before I knew the only interaction we’d have was you waking me up by snapping handcuffs on my wrists and fucking me. You don’t even talk during. I’d rather just skip it.”

  “You enjoy it.”

  “I also enjoy talking, spending time with someone and not being avoided. You don’t give a damn about my needs. You seem to be punishing me, Darkness. I’ve had enough. You get the bedroom and I’ll take the couch. Make sure you set up that appointment for me to get a blood test the day after tomorrow. I’m out of here the moment we’re in the clear.”

  “I’m not punishing you.”

  Some of her anger faded. “That’s how it feels. I didn’t come here to be driven out of my head. I haven’t left your apartment since you brought me here. The only outside time I’ve seen is standing on your balcony. I’m not big on television but it’s the only entertainment I have. I’m going stir-crazy. I thought we’d be able to get to know each other better.”

  “I know every inch of you.” His expression was ruthless when he jerked his focus up to stare into her eyes. “I’ve learned everything you like.”

  “I want more than just sex. I’m pretty sure I made that clear.”

  “I told you I don’t have anything else to give.”

  It hurt. She didn’t want to fight with him anymore. He was stubborn and determined to keep her at arm’s length. “You win. I give up. I thought there was something more between us but I see you’re never going to allow that to happen. You can sleep alone from now on. That should thrill you.” She spun, entered the kitchen.

  He lingered for a few moments but then the door opened and closed after him. She fixed a sandwich and took a seat on the couch again. The dull ache in her chest was disappointment and sadness. She’d given it a shot at least, knew she couldn’t regret making the effort. Darkness wouldn’t meet her halfway.

  Her appetite fled and she cursed. She dumped her food in the trash, walked to the door, opened it and leaned out. A New Species sat in a chair about ten feet away holding an electronic device. He peered at her curiously.

  “Do you need something?”

  “I’m not allowed to leave the building, right?”

  He stiffened in his chair. “Correct.”

  “Does this building have roof access?”

  He hesitated. “Yes. Why?”

  “I need to stretch my legs. That balcony isn’t big enough to do that. I’d like to see some sunshine and breathe fresh air. Can you take me up there? That technically wouldn’t be breaking the rules, right? Don’t make me beg. It wouldn’t be pretty.”

  He hesitated a moment then closed the device and laid it against the wall. He stood. “Just promise you won’t try anything.”

  “I don’t have wings to fly and I sure as hell wouldn’t jump because of Darkness.”

  The guy grinned. “I’m Field.”

  “It’s nice to meet you.” She stepped out and closed the door. “Call me Kat. It’s short for Katrina.”

  He indicated the direction and fished out his identification badge from his front pocket, swiped the lock and opened a door. The stairwell led up. He went first and she followed. He had to swipe the card again at the top and push a flat ceiling panel up.

  “We don’t use it often. Just stay away from the edges. It’s a long fall down and the sides are sloped. They didn’t install safety walls to enclose the space.”

  Kat sucked in a deep breath as she stepped out into the sunshine. It was a warm day, just as Darkness had said. The view from the roof showed her more of Homeland. She could even spot the tall walls that enclosed it from the outside world. The park showed to the left, in the distance.

  “Thank you.” She flashed him a smile.

  “I understand feeling closed in and needing an open space. I could contact Darkness to see if he’ll allow me to take you somewhere else.”

  “Don’t bother. This is great.” She walked a few feet away from the door and stretched, turning her face into the sun, eyes closed. She just stood there. A light breeze stirred. It felt great to be out of the apartment.

  “Have you left his home at all?”

  “Nope. He’s gone all the time.” She turned to look at him. “Is he friendly to everyone?”

  The guy’s expression showed his surprise. “Um…”

  “That was a poor joke.”

  He smiled. “Darkness is Darkness.”

  “That’s a polite way to put it.” She turned to enjoy the view.

  “He’s a good male. Just…not very outgoing.”

  She nodded.

  “He’s respected by all.”

  “I’m sure he is.”

  “May I ask you something?”

  She faced him. “Sure.”

  “Are you going to teach more classes? I enjoyed the one I was able to attend.”

  She didn’t remember him. There had been a lot of faces though. “I don’t think so. I’m going home in a few days and doubt I’ll be back.”

  “That’s a shame. I don’t work in Security but everyone who does liked your classes.”

  “What do you usually do or are you not allowed to say?”

  “I’m a nurse.” He grinned. “Darkness asked me to be one of your guards. I’m well acquainted with human females. He knew I wouldn’t be a threat to you in any way.”

  “A threat?” That piqued her interest.

  He blushed. “Some of our males wouldn’t understand what you living inside his quarters means. Darkness didn’t want any males to make the mistake of believing you were available for them to approach since you’re not his mate. He has earned a reputation of not being the type to grow attached to others. Our males are used to our females sharing sex with other males. Our females don’t have monogamous relationships. Some males would be confused about your status.”

  She let that information settle. “I’m not anything to him but an annoyance.”

  Field shifted his stance. “He threatened to rip off any body parts we touched you with. He cares about you. He also handpicked every male assigned to stay outside the door. Medical is short-staffed today because I’m here instead.”

  That surprised her. “Why would he do that?”

  The guy swallowed and glanced away, looking uncomfortable. “You live with him. May I speak freely?”

  “Sure.”

  “You’re the first female Darkness has shared sex with since we were liberated. He avoided them to the point that others believed he might be interested in males.” His cheeks flushed. “Please don’t tell him I said that. He has a temper. I’m not a good fighter. It’s why I chose nursing as a profession. He’d pull me into the training room to get even.”

  It confirmed what Darkness had told her. “I won’t repeat anything you say. I swear.”

  Field stepped closer and lowered his voice. “I was also ordered to tell you that there is no guest housing available if you asked.” He licked his lips and glanced back at the open door, then gave her an intense stare. “That is a lie.”

  Her mind reeled a little.

  “He wants you to stay with him. I assume from those orders he gave me when he left that you might ask to be moved. He doesn’t talk much but it’s clear that you matter. He’s a good male. He’s just difficult to relate to. He keeps everything inside.”

  She approached him and kept her voice low. “He asked you to lie to me?”

  He nodded. “He is known for his honesty. I was surprised by the order. My take on it is that he’s desperate to keep you inside his home. He might not feel comfortable admitting that to you or even know how.”

  “He’s never there. Don’t you think he’d spend more time with me if that were the case?”

  “He’s Darkness. I’m telling you this because I’d hate for him to lose the one thing he’s shown interest in. I would tell a female s