The bags they’d brought from the supply store contained a bunch of T-shirts and some size-medium cotton leggings. She’d been given two white exercise bras. They were stretch material designed to accommodate various breast shapes. The only dress that had been included made her gape as she pulled it out.

“I like that. Wear it.”

Jeanie frowned. “It’s got bright purple and pink flowers all over it. I think a satellite from space could spot me in this, True.” She thought it was dreadful. It reminded her of something found in a Hawaiian tourist trap that someone with poor eyesight might buy.

“It’s easier to take off when we return.”

“Yeah.” She dropped it on his bed. “I know I wouldn’t want to wear it for long. That’s for sure.”

He grinned. “Wear it.”

“I think I’ll go with one of the gray shirts and the black pants.” She searched the bags but still didn’t find what she was looking for. “That guy didn’t pack me any panties.”

“Most males don’t wear lower undergarments. He probably didn’t give it a thought. I like you without them.”

She grinned. “Less to take off later?”

“Exactly.” He glanced at his watch. “You must hurry. We don’t want to be late.”

“You’re the one who insisted that we eat and take separate showers.”

“You’re still healing, Jeanie. You need to eat often and I knew I wouldn’t keep my hands off you if you showered with me.”

Warmth spread through her entire body, remembering the hours they’d spent in bed together and the way he’d left it to bring her food. He hadn’t understood that she couldn’t eat nearly as much as he could consume so they’d argued a little when she’d said she was full. He was sweet but she hadn’t underestimated his dominant personality.

“I feel surprisingly well and healed. I wanted to see you wet though.”

She loved the way he made sexy noises in response as his gaze lowered down her body when she dropped the towel to get dressed. No man had ever made her feel as wanted or as sexy as True could, just with his hungry stare. The intensity behind it made her feel special and highly desirable.

“We need their help to find the agent who used you.”

The sobering statement killed her teasing mood. It was easy to forget everything bad when she spent time with True. “Right.” It also reminded her of the times they’d been together in the presence of other Species. “I just don’t want you to get into another fight defending me.”

“These are Species from Drackwood. They know you, Jeanie. There won’t be any aggression.”

“I’m sure some of them don’t care how nice I was to them. They were locked up against their will and I was a part of that.”

True stepped forward to gently caress her cheek. “You were a part that made our captivity bearable. Don’t forget that. There is always that one spark that gives hope for better things when life is bad. You were that to us. Don’t ever deny how important that is.”

She stared up into his eyes, grateful for the kind words. “I won’t.”

His hand dropped away. “There’s no need to worry about being harmed by anyone we’re about to meet. I’d never allow that to happen.”

“Thank you.”

He scowled. “Don’t do that. I don’t want or need your thanks.”

“Okay. Why does that make you angry?”

“We’ll discuss this later. We must go. They will be waiting and I like to be prompt.”

She followed him out of the apartment. The guard was one she hadn’t seen before. He gave her a quick once-over before nodding at True. “Where are you taking her?”

“The library. We have a meeting.”

The New Species frowned. “No one informed me.”

True grabbed her hand and put his body between her and the other man. “She’s not a prisoner and I’m with her. I thought Jericho was on shift.”

“Darkness asked me to cover for him.”

Jeanie hoped she hadn’t hurt the primate enough that he wasn’t able to return to work. She opened her mouth to ask but didn’t, afraid it would only make things worse. True steered her in front of him and kept her away from the other New Species. The guard attempted to follow them into the elevator but True blocked him.

“Back off.”

“I should keep her within sight if she’s not inside your home.”

“She’s no danger to anyone,” True snarled.

The doors closed, leaving the guard on the other side. Jeanie studied True when he turned. “Maybe we shouldn’t leave your place. It’s totally understandable why they are suspicious.”

“My word is all that should matter and I vouch for you.”

She swallowed the urge to thank him yet again for having faith in her. It didn’t seem fair that he’d have to deal with so much animosity on her behalf. All the sacrifices she’d made had been her choice. She could have walked away once Drackwood had been taken down but the thought of not helping more New Species when Agent Brice had told her about Cornas had been a no-brainer. Someone needed to save them and she was in a position to do it.

She’d even considered the possibility of the backlash if her role was ever publicly exposed. Some people hated the New Species, forming organizations in protest of them being given human rights and some churches had even stated they were abominations. She’d been willing to withstand their biased, bigoted judgment if it came down to it but it had never entered her mind that the people she loved would have to pay as well. True shouldn’t have to defend her, yet he was. Her family would probably suffer the same fate, be targeted due to her actions.