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“I looked at the cuff and I wanted it to release And it did” I bite my lip

“That doesn’t netic irabs my free hand, turns it over to examine the underside of my wrist We both look at my pale, unmarked skin

“Not that I know of” I shudder

He narrows his eyes “So you did it with mind-control Really, Danica?”

My eyes fill with more ridiculous tears “It must have malfunctioned” I shake my head “Lucky for me”

“No Not lucky at all,” he snaps, then softens his voice “Where did you think you were going?”

“To the only place humans can live free” I look across the roohts

He scoffs “You’d never make it there a quarter of the way, alive It’s i there undiscovered Don’t you kno…” he breaks off “Do you realize how fortunate you are that we found you before you got on that transport ship?”

“I didn’t know I thought if I could get onto that ship…” I toucha slave”

He looks away and his body clenches underus will only est you obey in the future”

“So you’re going to punish me?” I look up at him His features excite me, even at this moment when all I should feel is fear Maybe it’s the way he’s holding ainst his chest, so firm Maybe it’s the way he released me when I said ow Or perhaps it’s the look of concern in his eyes Most likely adrenaline from the escape

He leans in until his lips are nearly brushing mine His voice is low, and his eyes flash “Yes We are You’re not going to like it, either”

“What if I just said I was sorry?” I can’t look away froaze

“Oh, you’ll apologize”

“I will?” I breathe out the words