Page 56

My Weakness

Aculus

He tried Nadzia’s door but it was sealed. When she didn’t respond after he rang the comm, he really started to worry. Merus said she hadn’t looked well. It could be any number of things, like stress, something she ate at the party, or worse, she could be having a reaction to the vaccine. Aculus swiftly headed to his suite and swiped his palm over the access panel beside his bed. The wall gave a soft protesting whine as it slid open and he stepped into the hidden corridor. The dust was thick in the unused passage. He had to count off the doorways to assure he had the right one, then pressed the panel and eased the wall open. Quietly he entered Nadzia’s suite, not wanting to startle her, then froze. There she was, curled up on the bed, looking so small and alone.

“Nadzia,” he said gently, but she didn’t reply.

Tarsus climbed from the shelter of her arms and mewled, extending his paw. The way Tarsus behaved, even the kitten knew something was wrong, and it almost felt like he was telling him to help her.

“Nadzia, are you all right?” he repeated, his brow furrowed in concern as he sat on the bed.

“Go away,” Nadzia mumbled.

“Please. Are you ill?” He brushed her hair away to reveal her face.

His heart clenched seeing her red-rimmed eyes and the forlorn expression on her face before it turned dark.

Nadzia scrambled off the bed, startling Tarsus, who scampered beneath the settee.

“Why would you play games with me, when you’re already married to all those women?” she snapped, her green eyes flashing angrily.

“Infernal vasta,” he groaned.

The moment his conclave showed up he knew there was going to be trouble. He should’ve instantly gone after Nadzia, like he wanted to.

“Don’t cuss at me! How did you get in here anyway?” she demanded, standing with her clenched fists on her hips.

“I wasn’t cussing at you. I was cursing at myself.”

“I told you I was fine with us just screwing around but you made it personal, saying stuff like I’ve changed your life.” Her chin trembled as she spoke.

The sight of her angry and hurt tore him apart, especially knowing he was at fault.

“Nadzia, I meant everything I said.”

Nadzia’s gaze narrowed in disbelief then widened. “I’m so stupid. It makes total sense. I’m sorry. This is how your people are. You probably don’t even consider what we did cheating.” She paused. “Or do you? On the ship, you said you only reveal your quick to your mate.”

“Nadzia!” He attempted to capture her attention as she ranted.

“No!” She danced back when he reached for her. “It doesn’t matter.Ifeel like it’s cheating. I don’t even know what I was thinking.” She gestured between them.

That last comment hurt.

“Infernal torment, female! Would you let me get a word in?” He snagged her and swung her into his arms despite her protest.

“There’s nothing you can say.” She adamantly shook her head as he sat in an arm chair with her in his lap.

“I have kept some things from you because you’ve been through enough,” he began.

“I knew it. I knew it. I can’t believe I fell for your smooth flirty bullshit,” she berated him as she squirmed to get off his lap, then stomped toward the door. “I think you need to leave.”

He looked at the ceiling in exasperation, then yanked the covering off the nearby table and ripped it into wide strips.

“What are you doing?” Nadzia demanded as she eyed him suspiciously.

“You aren’t the first hostile combatant I’ve had to subdue.” He swiftly moved in, the scraps of fabric in hand.

“What?!” she barked incredulously and attempted to dart past him.