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SAVVINE

Savvine paced the length of her new, small, clean, impersonal quarters, feeling like a prisoner inside a locked cage.

The walls gleamed with ship-grade polish, it had all the latest mod cons, including a tiny bathroom and kitchenette, but all she perceived was its confinement.

It was nothing like Xander’s cabin or his executive-level suite.

Not that she missed the refined luxurious space.

Nada, she yearned forhim.

She rubbed her arms, trying to rid herself of the lingering chill Xander’s words left behind.

Her heart still thudded with agonizing ache, the echo of their fight hammering in her skull.

The room was too quiet. Too sterile.

She crossed to the comm panel and tapped her neural link, hoping, praying, for a signal link to Abby, her parents, anyone on theEterna.

No matter what she tried, all she got was static, thick, grating, and cruelly absolute.

Her chest constricted.

She turned in a tight circle, breath catching.

Her soul was screaming for motion, space, air, and freedom.

Just then, a chime sounded at the door.

Not expecting a visitor, she startled.

Composing herself, she walked to the keypad interface, her brows rising at seeing who stood outside.

She inhaled, her heart rate going wild, and then she touched the door, authorizing it to open.

It slid ajar to reveal Xander.

One shoulder on the jamb in a nonchalant lean.

Looking like sin poured into a tailored, dark jumpsuit.

His muscles sinewed, his presence magnificent, his sensuality undeniable.

His face, however, was worn, weary, and the fire in his eyes dimmed somewhat.

She was hit with emotion, wanting to reach for him and soothe his pain away.

The desire to surrender to him thrummed through her as they stared at each other for an extended moment.

His jaw ticked, her lips pursed.

When she couldn’t handle it anymore, she turned and walked in, not waiting to see whether he followed.

She sat at the small dining set and crossed her hands over her chest, nerves on edge.

He took his time, loping with those thick, sinewed long legs over the compact room, inspecting it.

He sat beside the couch on the edge of an armchair, studying her.