Read 3013: MENDED for Free Online Page B

groan, he slid her down his body until her feet touched the floor. “You’re trying to kill me, angel.”
    “Not kill. Rescue.” Taking his hand, she pulled him toward the exit, grunting with impatience when he didn’t move fast enough. “Hurry up.”
    Curious, Tariq picked up the pace, allowing her to lead him out of the bay and through the corridors to the atrium. “What are we doing here?” He remembered too well what had happened the last time, and he wanted no repeats of the previous night. Well, he wouldn’t mind another kiss, but he never wanted to see his angel in that kind of pain again. “Are you sure about this?”
    Cami nodded. “It’s okay. I’m in control today.” Her cheeks flushed a bright red, but she met his gaze unblinkingly. “Your angel?”
    He didn’t want to lie to her, but nothing good would come from admitting the truth. “I told you to stay out of my head.” His admonishment lacked heat, though, and he couldn’t stop himself from caressing her cheek when he spoke. “Now, what do you have for me?”
    Taking both of his wrists, she squeezed gently before releasing him and dancing away. “Stay right here.” Then she hurried across the atrium to the entrance of Starscape.
    “She’s sweet.”
    Shifting so that he could speak to the newcomer and still keep an eye on Cami, Tariq nodded. “How are you, Scarlett?”
    “Better than you.” She crossed her arms over her ample breasts, stressing the material of her gauzy yellow blouse. Her gaze followed his to Cami, and her chocolate-brown eyes softened. “She’s fine, Navarra. That little bird has been here most of the morning chatting up the vendors and store owners.”
    “She was here alone?” His imagination had no problem conjuring all types of awful scenarios. “Did anyone bother her?” He’d shed blood without a second thought if someone had hurt her.
    “Relax. She’s a breath of fresh air in this rattrap. Everyone loves her.”
    That worried him almost as much as the thought of someone hurting her. “Scarlett, do me a favor?”
    “I’ve been keeping an eye on her.” Scarlett’s large, hoop earrings swayed and her shaggy, blonde spikes bounced when she looked up at him. “I’ll let you know if I see trouble coming.” She tapped the center of her forehead with her index finger.
    “I appreciate that.” Tariq didn’t talk to many people on the station, and he trusted even fewer. Actual friends were a luxury he neither wanted nor needed, but he’d trust Scarlett Nikandros with his life. More importantly, he’d trust her with Cami’s life. “There are a couple of elite tentaks who gave her some trouble last night.”
    “Becks and Parsons.” Scarlett nodded. “They were following her this morning, but Naila hid your little bird in the kitchen at Starscape. We’ll keep an eye on her, but Tariq? I saw her mark this morning, and it won’t be long before others figure it out as well.” She rubbed absently at the star near her own eye as she turned to watch Cami again.
    He didn’t need to be reminded of the precariousness of the situation, or the list of problems that damn tattoo presented. “What exactly would you have me do about that?”
    Scarlett went rigid, and her eyes became glazed and unfocused. A few seconds later, she shuddered and shook her head. “Time for you both to go. Becks and Parsons are on their way here, and they’re looking for Cami.”
    As much as he’d love to have another go at the two, Tariq knew it would be better for everyone, especially Cami, if it didn’t come to blows. “Thank you, Scarlett.” He ruffled the female’s short hair, something he knew she hated, and ducked out of the way when she swung on him. “I’ll see you around.”
    Pushing his way through the crowded common area, Tariq slipped up behind Cami where she stood at the counter in Starscape. “Angel, we have to go.”
    “What are you doing here?” Spinning around, she stared up at him with all the defiance