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“We occupied this house until we left, and it hasn’t been that long.”
“Occupied but not maintained. I do not mean to imply any fault on your part, female. But if this place was properly looked after, you would not have so much work to do to make it livable.”
The truth of his statement did not make her any happier. She looked uncertainly around the kitchen for a moment, then lifted her chin.
“Matthew made the last few years… difficult for my family.”
Unexpected anger filled him at her comment. Perhaps it was just as well that the previous owner was long gone or he would have been tempted to teach the bastard the consequences of harassing an innocent female and her family.
“But regardless of how it looks,” she continued, “This house belongs to me and I intend to live here. So if you’d kindly see yourself out, I’ll get back to work.”
“You do not have the strength to do it alone.”
Her brows drew together, those perfect little lips compressing into a thin line.
“You seem to think you know an awful lot about me. I don’t recall asking for your advice - or your help.”
“You did not. That does not change the fact that it would be unwise to allow you to stay here.”
The words had barely left his mouth before she turned on her heel and left. He watched, slightly bemused, as she slammed out the back door, only to come stomping right back in.
“Allow me? How dare you! My life and my choices are none of your business.”
Her whole body radiated fury and indignation, her fists clenched at her sides, and she suddenly reminded him of a fojii - a small animal native to his planet that would puff up its fur to appear larger and more intimidating - and his lips curved in an unwilling smile. Her eyes narrowed.
“Are you laughing at me?”
“Of course not, female.”
“And stop calling me female! My name is Mary.”
“Mary.” He liked the taste of it on his tongue. “I am Borgaz, of House Carnak.”
He found himself taking her hand and bowing, some long forgotten lesson in etiquette surfacing as his tail wrapped around their joined hands. Her small fingers trembled in his and she suddenly looked uncertain rather than angry.
“Borgaz…”
His name had never sounded as sweet before, but he forced himself to focus on the more important subject of her safety. Before he could pursue the conversation, his wrist comm buzzed, the tone indicating a call from Temel. He cursed under his breath as he reluctantly dropped her hand and answered it.
“Yes?”
Temel’s image appeared on the small screen.
“How is the survey proceeding?”
“Fine, Commander. There’s very little on this part of the property that can be reclaimed,” he said, not looking at Mary’s stiff figure.
“We expected as much. Did you finish your initial sweep?”
“Not quite yet. I’ll complete it tomorrow. There was…” he hesitated.
“There waswhat?” Temel asked sharply.
“Nothing, Commander. I will report back when I’m finished.”
Temel did not look convinced, but he nodded.
“Good. I know you did not intend to return until tomorrow, but I would like to hold a meeting tonight with all of us, including Harkan and Rosie. If you can return before then, please do so.”
