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“What?”

“Providing me with food, shelter, and clothing so he can continue to receive sex whenever and wherever.”

“That’s it? My mother was covered in gemstones.”

“He is waiting for me to make demands, and I won’t, so we are stuck.” She felt the tear slowly track across her skin.

The woman finishing the manicure looked alarmed.

Ranna looked over and said softly, “You are crying.”

“Yeah. It happens a lot. Emotional release valve. I can’t punch anyone, so I cry.”

The manicurist smiled weakly. “You are done, Lady Riley.”

“Thank you, Haruska. I am sorry for the emotional outburst.”

“I am sworn to secrecy, my lady. Can you seek another male for emotional enforcement?”

Ranna shook her head. “My father would not go for that.”

Riley said, “Are you coming for dinner tomorrow?”

“I am. Why?”

“I have created a top-five list of defenders and guardians. I just have to ask your father about it tonight. I hope he comes home at a reasonable time.” She yawned.

“What does he do if you are asleep when he comes home?”

“He wakes me up, we have sex, and then I go back to sleep.”

Ranna smiled. “With him curled around you?”

“Um, no. He is energized, so he gets back to catching up on all the time he missed on the rescue.”

“Come on. Let’s get you home, and you can tell me all about the selection criteria you have been using.” Ranna put her arm around Riley, and they headed for the transport that took them back to the residence.

Ranna had lunch with her, and then, when Riley went for a nap, her friend said she had business to attend to.

* * * *

Ranna knocked on herfather’s office door.

“Come.”

She walked inside, and Rath looked up. He was vibrating with good health and energy. “Father, I wish to talk to you about Riley.”

“What is it? Do you wish to add a second spa day per week?”

“No. I want to know why you are torturing your breeding partner?”

His head whipped up. “What?”

“She is struggling. Her body is rioting, and you are not paying attention to notice.”

“What do you mean?”

“She’s building a child, but you are draining her daily, and she has to rest during her waking hours. She’s ill due to the pregnancy as her body fights to accept it. She’s lost weight. She cries in front of strangers.”