Gordon had been kind to us, but it was obvious his second in command, Mart, wasn’t so trusting. Still, I was grateful of no talk about a trade. It was obvious by how the battle went down they’d chosen my side. But it still was nerve-racking to be questioned so much.
Yet, in moments of quiet, I relaxed. The ship rocked in a steady, soothing beat under the ocean. It was different than any of my mother’s ships. I was shocked they possessed the technology to create such a large ship that could operate on land, sea, and in the air.
The guard had become more lax about escorting me around the ship, and after following several wrong passageways, I now stood outside P25, the room I’d been informed was Ryder’s new private quarters.
I took a deep breath. The stale odor of the ship entered my lungs.
I paused by his door. Even after all we’d been through, my heart still fluttered at the thought of seeing him.
“I’ve been looking for you.”
Ryder stood directly behind me. Goosebumps erupted all over my skin. I swallowed hard and inhaled. A familiar earthy scent mixed with fresh soap invited me to lean back. I fought the urge.
He pushed a clear plate and the door slid open. One hand slipped into mine and he led me into his room before the door slid shut.
We were finally alone.
He winked. “Like my upgraded quarters? You can visit me now.”
My pulse quickened. My breath hitched. He dropped my hand and walked over to the glass. “Never thought I’d be aboard an ENR ship, let alone one beneath the ocean.” He shifted back and forth between feet and looked at the floor.
What was bothering him?
“Sit?” He directed me to a chair and sat across from me on the bed. “I don’t know if you believe this, but I didn’t know about your father, my uncle, Bendar, none of it. I’d never keep something like that from you.” He took my hand in his. “I can’t imagine how you must feel discovering your father is alive.”
“I’m shocked, but also a little disappointed.” I fought the grief that threatened. “Why did he let my mother take me? Where is he?”
Ryder ran his thumb along my palm and my emotions steadied. “I promise you, I’ll help find out where and why he isn’t here with you.”
His gaze locked with mine and my insides turned to mush. I knew one thing with absolute certainty. He’d never lie or keep the truth from me. I trusted him and Raeth completely. “I feel the same way.”
His lips curved into a teeth bearing grin. He shot up and hauled me into him. Strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me against him as his lips claimed mine.
To be continued…
Table of Contents
Copyright
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Escapement (The Neumarian Chronicles)
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two