With a long exhale, she stacked out everything she’d need on the still-damp table.Time ticked by.She shuffled on her feet then huffed, sinking into the chair again.
“Resume audiobook.”
‘“I am Ms.Anna Zeta, and I will escort you to Lord Field’s office.”
“He’s meeting with us personally?”
Gibs hissed at Naomi for beating him to the punch.He wrapped his fingers around her wrist and tugged with as much gentleness as a pissed-off divorced male could muster.“Let me ask the questions, rookie.”
Naomi stared at his grip, then raised her gaze to meet his.“Of course, Detective Shaw.”Instead of stepping back and breaking his hold, she closed the distance between them, her breasts an inch from his chest.“Synth.”She nudged her head at Ms.Zeta.
Not liking Naomi’s citrus scent tantalizing his nostrils, he released her wrist.Nor did he like the fall of her hair feathering across his shoulder.He shrugged off her tendrils as if they held magical powers, as if where they touched, they enchanted.’
Footsteps preceded the guest.Dieter’s stomps were recognizable, but the more delicate tap-tap told her she was about to meet Vic.
“Pause,” Tiny said but didn’t jump up, just in case Dieter strode past the med bay for the bridge.
A waft of sunbaked scent with a feminine musk made Tiny smile.Yes, she needed someone other than Leah to chat to.As much as she tolerated the taciturn woman, talking to her for too long became tiresome.The topics up for discussion were restricted to weapons, work, or food, and Tiny was never to ask personal questions.That hadn’t been a pleasant experience.Leah had avoided Tiny for days, all because she’d asked if Leah had anicechildhood.
“I thought Dieter would never bring you.”Tiny beamed at the doorway.
“Had to see the chickens first.”A woman chuckled.“But we saved the best for last.”
Such sweetness lifted Tiny’s hopes.“Wait outside, Deets.”She rose from her chair to slide her hand along the steel table.
“I’ll check on lunch,” Dieter called, but he hesitated.A few moments passed before he marched down the passage.
Ah, now that was telling.Tiny forced a giggle, wishing she had such an effect on her hero.“I see you’re making an impact…”
“Sorry about yesterday.I saw bullies scaring the shit out of a weakling.”
Tiny froze, then checked if she gaped.Vic wasthatwoman?What bullying?No, Nikko and Dieter wouldn’t do that.It all had to be a misunderstanding.
“Nikko’s scowl is quite intimidating, or so I’m told.”Tiny pointed to the med bay gown.“Please strip and put that on.”
“Nudity doesn’t bother me.”
Fair enough.It wasn’t an issue for Tiny either.“It may appear like I’m intruding on your personal space, but I see through my hands.I apologize if they’re cold.”
The texture, the amount of information her fingertips gathered, the super-fine scarring said so much, not to mention, the clear delineation of muscle.
“Mm, you are in prime condition.The implants are new and well done.I’ve never encountered such a masterpiece of craftsmanship.”Tiny grinned.
“How do you know about the implants?”
Tension thickened the air, but Tiny dismissed it, finding it hard to believe Vic would hurt her, regardless of yesterday’s antics.She held up her hands.“Cybernetics respond differently to flesh.Yours are almost imperceptible, along with the barest of scars.Your new limbs must have cost a fortune.”
“Yes.”Though it was a one-word answer, humor laced Vic’s tone.
“I’ve documented everything.You may dress.”Tiny sprayed her hands, sterilizing them.She bit her lip, not sure what to say.Dieter’s interest in Vic made sense.The woman had the body of a goddess.“Be gentle with him.He’s a sweet man.”Tiny winced, wishing she’d shut her mouth.
The rustle of fabric and the magnetic clips of boots snapping into place confirmed Vic was dressing.“Who?”
Tiny squeezed her eyes shut, then blurted, “Dieter.”
“I’m not interested in him.”Vic’s smothered voice had to mean she was putting on her shirt.
Tiny released her breath in a whoosh.Thank goodness though that didn’t mean Dieter would turn to her for some…companionship.Despite it being forbidden.He hadn’t even tried.That smarted, too.
