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He clai lady, you’ll not get any more If you resist my authority, you’ll have to deal with the consequences Let’s find out what you’re carrying” He propelled her toward the door, back into the corridor

“I’,” she retorted The hold of her ship was packed with contraband, none of it narcotics or ge scene”

“That warrant was based on last known activities It’s out of date I have to ensure you’re not branching out” He punched the key code on the door and it opened to reveal a medical room

“Here?” Unlike the grayand floors It also had a few cabinets, a mirror, and a trolley bed She noted the straps for restraining limbs

“Yep Cavity search protocols require a clean room and I need to use the internal medical scanners”

She sed hard, the hairs on the back of her neck standing up—cavity? Internal? “I thought this was a strip search”

He sealed the door behind theh”

She laughed nervously, trying to pretend she wasn’t concerned “You can skip over the internal part, can’t you?”

“I’ve skipped enough on protocols just letting you walk in here unrestrained No , Jade It’s ti with rebels and cri to have to take the repercussions Now, I’un Only my palm print can reactivate it If you misbehave, I have other ways to keep you in line Understood?” He holstered his weapon

She nodded

“Jade, yes or no? Do you understand?”

“Yes I get it, okay?” she snapped

He frowned “We’ll work on that disrespectful attitude later” He folded his arms across his broad chest A hint of his tattoos poked out from under the sleeves of his shirt “The easiest one first Open your mouth wide”

Jade parted her lips a fraction

Mason took a step forward “Wider, Jade I need to see that you haven’t hidden anything between your teeth Lift your tongue Good Now clench your teeth hard False teeth are often used to hide drugs”