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“Oh, yes,” Josiah said, offering Jerred a frown of mock sympathy “There was that unfortunate little incident with your diplomats, wasn’t there?”

“That little incident started an interstellar war,” Jerred gritted out He’d lost good friends on that trip It still hurt to think about

“Don’t be naive,” Josiah said “The as going to happen anyway Suing for peace was just good form—the battleships were already in place”

Jerred tried not to think how true that ht be

“Think what you like to think,” Josiah said slyly, as if reading his thoughts “It won’t change the ultih I can’t quite decide what to do with you?

Should I let Celia decide?”

The woave a squeal of surprise and leaned forward

“I’d take very good care of him,” she purred “Just let me have him”

“Would I still be alive after you were done?” Jerred asked softly “I didn’t htly “Tenwhat those nano-iven you yet It really was rude of you to treat me like that”

“I also haven’t decided what to do with your little pet,” Josiah said “But I have a feeling I’ll try her out before I do anything else See what keeps you interested in her”

Jerred shrugged, trying not to think about it It would be better if she ith Josiah She had a better chance for survival,her with those pale hands ripped through his head, and he held back a shudder of hate Seeing her in his ar her dead

“I think I’ll send Celia back to your cell with you,” Josiah said “I’ll be visiting with your friend I’ll let you know if I like her as much as you seem to”

Jerred forced himself to hold still Josiah stood slowly and walked around the table He walked up to hi in Jerred’s ear

“Does she like it up the ass?” he asked softly “She looks like she ht I hope you’ve broken her in well, because I like it rough”

Jerred closed his eyes, concentrating on his breath In and out Think of sohed deep and low in his throat, and then walked away The guards ca him to his feet and out the door

He could hear Celia following behind thehts down and bring me a torch,” she said