Page 15 of Adored By the Alien Warlord
Davon slipped between us, making it look like he’d inadvertently stepped forward and just happened to get in Wortek’s way.
“She’s right,” he said. “Can you see the lines on her face? She needs better nutrition. Time to rest.”
“She sleeps all day long already,” he snapped.
“She needs more than that.” How could Davon sound so reasonable, so ingratiating? “Think. If she’s exhausted, she won’t perform well. Customers will be unhappy, and they’ll drink elsewhere. Your special guest will not be impressed with that, will they?”
Wortek scowled. “Alright. You can have half a night off but not for a few days. Dance well, female, between now and then, or you’ll feel this.” He lifted his fist. “Once my important guest leaves, you can take the rest ofthat night off.” His gaze sought Davon’s. “She can pace around inside her room. That’s time off.”
“On a short leash?” he asked. “Not to be unkind, but that’s not much of a break. Do you pace a room during your time away from the bar?”
“I sleep. Find a willing Veerenad female. Walk around the market.”
“Let her do that,” Davon said.
“Find a willing Veerenad?” Wortek’s low, chittering laugh rang out.
“I could take her to the market. Walk her around. Let her see the beauty of this city.”
Now he was laying it on thick. Yet I watched them both with a spark of hope flickering deep inside me. If Davon could get me away from this bar, we’d be able to make a plan.
Or escape. How long would it take for Wortek to realize we weren’t coming back?
“I’ll keep a close grip on her chain and bring her back by morning,” Davon added.
“Not much of a market at night.”
“I’ve seen some vendors open at all hours.”
He grumbled before he nodded his snout. “Alright. You will stay with her. Don’t let her get away or I’ll find you.”
Wortek never made empty threats.
“Take her back downstairs.” He turned away. “Don’t linger with her this morning.”
I froze, keeping my face neutral. Did Wortek knowDavon had helped me, how he was giving me the hope I needed to make it through this alive?
“Why would I linger with a human?” Davon elbowed Wortek as if they were buddies talking about their latest lay. “She’s too puny for a Zuldruxian male. Have you seen our females? Four breasts, and they’re not projectiles on their chest. Flat like they should be. And I’m partial to blue skin.”
“Scales are far superior, but I see what you mean.” Wortek released a cackle, sharing a fang-toothed grin with Davon. “I can’t imagine how human males find them appealing enough to plant their eggs.”
Eggs? But they were lizard people and maybe closer to crocodiles than I’d realized. Although, crocs laid eggs, they didn’t plant them inside a female.
Veerenad procreation didn’t matter as long as it wasn’t directed my way.
“I appreciate your willingness to interact with this human,” Wortek said, turning back. “Especially when you can’t stand to look at her.”
Davon grunted and escorted me downstairs. He lingered in the doorway while I washed my hands and splashed water on my face. It trickled down beneath my top, cooling my overheated body.
“I’ll bring food soon,” he said softly. “Wait for me.”
Don’t fall asleep like always, then. I was so exhausted, it was all I could do to remain on my feet, but my belly spasmed with hunger. I was incredibly thirsty. And the meal Davon had brought was not only filling but tasty.
Once he’d left for the day, I’d wash quickly in the sink and dress in one of the outfits he’d given me. Then I could sleep. Blessed, wonderful sleep—the only escape I could find from this wretched place.
“Thank you for everything,” I said softly. “Do you have a plan yet?”
“The start of one,” he whispered. His tusks flashed in the low light when he smiled, stunning me until I shook my head to clear it. “I’ve got provisions ready. Clothing. Your skin would burn in the desert.”
