Page 84 of Alien Burn

“I thought you might ask.”

“No.”

There was no hesitation in it.

He leaned back enough to give her room, though she found she didn't want the extra space.

“The housing staff can give you a room of your own in the secured wing,” he said. “It's being offered to everyone. You don't need to justify wanting one.”

“She'll know.”

“She'll know you've moved. She doesn't have to know what you told me.”

“And if she asks why?”

“You want your own room.”

The answer was so simple that Sereya almost laughed. He watched her mouth tremble and didn't mistake it for amusement.

“It won't be simple with her,” she said.

“I know.”

“No, you don't.”

He accepted that with a small inclination of his head.

“Then tell me what I need to know to help you.”

Her past rose so sharply that for a moment she smelled another room, another world's flowers. She pressed her thumbnail against the edge of the chair.

“I can't tell you everything.”

“Then start with what you can.”

“She knows things about me. Things I don't want other people to hear.”

He didn't ask what things.

“Has she threatened to tell them?”

“She doesn't have to say it like that.”

“I understand.”

“She can make it sound like concern. As though she's only trying to keep me safe.”

He glanced at her hand against the chair, then back at her face.

“Would sitting somewhere else help? Walking?”

She shook her head.

“Your hand,” she said, barely audibly.

He put it beside hers, palm up.

She took it.