Most were female, but there were a couple of larger male models at the end of the line. They were all powered down, staring blankly ahead. Made of a mix of steel and plas, they weren’t anywhere near as lifelike as other syndroids she’d seen in the galaxy. But they were all anatomically correct.
She stared at the larger male at the end and couldn’t stop herself from glancing down. Well, she’d never seen a male with any…appendages quite that large, but it was the right shape.
Justyn’s low chuckle sounded in her ear. “Come on, Captain Smooth.” He threw an arm over her shoulder and tugged her deeper into the large tent.
He seemed to have shrugged off his mood easily enough. Instead of focusing on all the curiosities in the tent, she focused on Justyn. Was he able to keep such a cheerful outlook because he honestly found enjoyment in everything life had to offer? Or was it that he didn’t care enough? She just wasn’t sure.
There were quite a few people in the store, wandering, viewing the offerings.
“Maybe I should get you a gift from here as well,” Justyn said. “Maybe a string of those pearl?—”
She elbowed him in the ribs. Hisoofwas music to her ears.
“We have quite a range. I’m sure we have something to tempt you.”
The low melodious voice had them both turning. Nissa barely swallowed her gasp.
This could only be Lady Curiosity.
Half her face was flawless, creamy skin, the other smooth, polished metal. The metal cut along the diagonal, leaving her lips plump and rosy and her nose half-metal, half-flesh. One green eye watched them from her human side while an ocular device sat on the metal side, glowing with a faint blue light. Dark, curling hair was pulled up in a complicated style with tendrils falling down to frame her extraordinary face.
Her torso was entirely metal and not covered with any clothing. She had perfectly shaped breasts of metal and one mechanical arm while the other arm was the same creamy skin as the left side of her face. Her bottom half was covered in a fall of red and black striped skirts. Nissa wondered what was original and what wasn’t beneath the fabric.
“You sure have an…interesting place here.” Justyn shot the woman a smile.
Her red lips tipped upward. “Thank you.” She eyed him up and down, then gave Nissa the same treatment. “What are you looking for today?”
“We’re just browsing,” Nissa said.
Lady Curiosity tilted her head. “Really? Sure you aren’t searching for what you really want?”
Nissa stilled. Had she guessed why they were there?
“We’ll keep looking around.” Justyn tugged Nissa closer. “I’ll see if I can talk my girl here into something a little sexy.” He waggled his eyebrows.
She wanted to smack him.
Lady Curiosity tapped a long red fingernail against her lips. “I don’t think you’ll want the pearls for her. She needs wooing.”
Wooing? What the hell? “No, really that’s okay?—”
The woman spun. “Come, follow me.”
Justyn shrugged and reluctantly they followed the swish of Lady Curiosity’s skirts.
“Here.” The woman waved an arm above a small, circular table cluttered with tiny vials and bottles. “Take a look at my sensual oils. Find a scent that appeals.” She eyed Nissa again.
Nissa had the uncomfortable feeling the woman’s eyes—mechanical or not—could see straight through her.
“I think this one—” Her long-nailed hands plucked out a tiny bottle made of amber glass that had a long, slender neck. “My own special blend of senawood and geisha blossom.” With a final nod, she walked away, headed for the next group of shoppers.
When Justyn picked up the bottle, Nissa gripped his arm. “What are you doing?”
“I just want to smell it.”
She scowled at him and turned to scan the tent, looking for any sign of Solomon.
“Huh, the woman was spot-on. This reminds me of you.” He sniffed the tiny bottle again. “Strong, sensual, with a hint of vulnerability underneath.”
