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“It’s not the pain.” She backed farther away from him, adamantly shaking her head. “Do you understand phobias?”

“Nadzia, it’s so you don’t contract any diseases on our world. Our planet is rather harsh and all foreign races must be vaccinated.” He took several steps toward her.

“Then I’ll stay on the ship!”

Before he could grab her, she darted for the door and escaped into the corridor.

“Vasta,” he cursed, then quickly checked to make sure he was shelled and went after her.

So, this is what Carol was laughing about.

Nadzia

She wanted to cry that such a wonderful moment had been ruined by such horrible news.

Well, it’s not happening.

As she jogged down the hall, rapid, determined footsteps sounded behind her. Aculus was chasing her. If he caught up with her, there was no way she’d get away, he was too strong. With her heart thundering in her chest, she started to run.

“Nadzia, it will be all right,” he insisted.

“No!” She darted down the next intersecting hallway.

When she hazarded a glance over her shoulder he was gone. A ragged sigh burst from her lips and she came to a stop.

Where is he?She suspiciously looked down the hall. It wasn’t like Aculus to suddenly give up.

I’ll just go to my room and lock myself inside.She nodded and started that way.That’s not going to work, he’s the captain of this ship, he can get in anywhere.She scowled.Then I’ll get naked. He won’t drag me out of there naked. Maybe I can distract him,she plotted.

“This is so stupid. You’re running down the hall, like a coward,” she mumbled, frustrated with herself.

She rounded the corner, headed toward her quarters, and nearly ran smack into Aculus’ chest.

“Oh, God!” Startled, she jumped.

Despite knowing she was being foolish, she spun and took off the other way.

“Nadzia,” he called, jogging after her.

She didn’t reply, she just ran faster.

“Are you all right?” a passing crewman asked.

“No, Aculus is chasing me,” she huffed, out of breath, as she darted around the man.

“What do you mean?” he called after her.

She turned to discover Aculus was gone again.

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.She kept going.

When she was nearly to her quarters, she slowed at the intersection and peered hesitantly around the bend. Relieved Aculus wasn’t waiting to ambush her again, she raced toward her door just up ahead. Suddenly a massive pair of arms banded around her.

“No!” she shrieked and started struggling, her breath heaving in and out as she hyperventilated.

“I will go with you. I promise it will be all right,” Aculus assured her as he spun her to face him.

“I know it will be okay, but it won’t,” she stammered, looking wildly around for someone who might help her, except there was no one.