If I had another glass of wine I would glug that sucker right now.
“He was my friend’s brother.”
“So, the two of you have a history?” He sipped his wine again.
“No,” I assured him. “He was older, so I didn’t see him much. And when I did, we fought a lot. Our personalities are very different.”
“Opposites attract. Isn’t that what humans say?” His eyes were watchful, but his demeanor was still calm.
“Opposites make for annoyance,” I told him, though when I thought of Tater these days, I felt warm concern, not annoyance at all.
He made a temple of his fingers. “The three of you are the only people in Primo Town who know each other from before. We were careful about this factor.”
Blood drained from my face, chilling me. I clasped my hands in my lap. “I can understand why. But when it comes to the three of us, we don’t talk or anything. I hope you’re not worried. We were stuck in that prison together, betrayed by other humans. I’m sure they feel the same as I do—grateful to be given a second chance—and willing to do whatever you need.”
My heart banged until he gave me a slow nod, as if I’d passed a test.
“Would you tell me if anything were awry in the Town?” he asked.
“Of course.”
“Have you heard of any misconduct?”
I shook my head, glad to be sitting because I might’ve passed out otherwise. “No, sir. But I can be your eyes and ears.”
Could he tell how nervous I was? That I was sweating a little? ThatIwas the one breaking rules?
I reached for my water and accidently knocked over my stupid wineglass with a clatter. We both reached for it, and his hand touched the top of mine. I froze with a silent gasp, and he went completely still. I stared at his hand on mine, feeling the urgency to pull away and run, but knowing something huge was happening.
Because after several seconds, he was still not pulling away.
I made myself look up at him, and we were both breathing hard. His hand was warm and strong on top of mine. Slowly, so slowly, I turned my palm toward his, and I pushed the back of his hand to the table. I lay my palm softly against his, then straightened my fingers to touch as much of his hand and wrist as possible. Ever so slowly, I dragged my fingers down his, letting my nails scratch lightly, and then I swirled my pointer fingertip in a circle around his palm.
When I looked at him again, he had a bead of sweat running down his neck and into his shirt. His whole body was tense.
I nearly came out of my skin at the sound of a knock at the door.
“Bahntan? I heard a noise. Is everything well?”
I stared at the Senator, whose eyes were now on fire as he stared at me, his eyes blazing a trail down over my chest.
“Senator?” I whispered. “Answer him.”
“Bahntan?” The guard called.
I leaned across the table and smacked the Senator on the cheek. “Answer him!”
He blinked and rocked back, yanking his hand to his lap. His eyes cleared. “All is well, yes. I knocked over a glass.”
I sat back in my seat with my hands clasped tightly, trembling all over. From the corner of my eye I saw him wipe his forehead and neck with the napkin and throw it down on the table.
“I apologize,” he said in that low, husky voice. He wouldn’t look at me now.
“Please don’t,” I told him. “It was my fault. I should go.” I stood, taking deep breaths to settle my trembling before the guard saw me.
Without a word, the Senator stood and walked me to the door, opening it.
“See Ms. Haines back to Primo Town,” he ordered, then turned away and did not glance back.
I left him, still feeling the warmth of his hand against my palm and fingertips, and wondering if I’d just ruined everything.
