Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 121146 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 606(@200wpm)___ 485(@250wpm)___ 404(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 121146 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 606(@200wpm)___ 485(@250wpm)___ 404(@300wpm)
“Well…that’s certainly a different way of looking at things,” Celia said. She tried to imagine a world in which she never had to look over her shoulder or be scared that a man who was bigger and stronger than her might take advantage…and found it very hard to do.
To be honest, one of the reasons she’d been attracted to Peter was because he was so small and weak-looking. She’d taken one look at him and thought, I could take him—no problem. And so when he had asked her out, she’d said yes without hesitation.
“I just can’t believe that the human males are such fucking degenerates that they’re constantly forcing themselves on women,” Fierce growled. “I’m so fucking sorry you had to grow up that way, lelka.”
Celia lifted her chin.
“It was rough for a while, but it’s over now. I’m an adult with a good life and I’ve put my past behind me.”
It was a line she told herself often, when the pain and loneliness of her childhood tried to creep into her memory and poison her peace. But now, even in her own ears, it sounded false. It surprised her that she’d talked about the awful old memories to the two big warriors. She’d never shared that part of herself with anyone—not even Peter. Not that he’d asked, of course…
“I don’t think we ever get completely over some pain,” Hold said softly and Celia felt him stroking her hair. “Fierce and I lost our parents too,” he added.
“You did? How?” She twisted her head to look up at him.
“No—you have to say ‘Truth or Dare’—remember?” Fierce pointed out.
“Oh, right…still playing the game, I guess. Okay, Truth or Dare?” Celia asked the Light Twin.
“Truth,” Hold answered at once.
“Okay…but first, can I turn over so I can look at both of you?” Celia asked.
“I think that would be all right, as long as you stay between us so we can keep you warm,” Hold murmured.
“Good. Scoot a little then.”
The two of them made some room and Celia was able to turn on her back. This way she could look up and see both of the big warriors without craning her neck. However, it also made her aware that her bare breasts were now on display. Not only that, her nipples were poking straight out.
She had large breasts and they normally would have fallen to the sides, but Kat had given her some “float dots” to wear. They were tiny, anti-gravity devices that worked to keep her breasts looking perfectly perky no matter what position she was in. But right now they were making her feel extremely exposed.
Stop worrying—it’s dark, she comforted herself. There’s no way they can see you. She certainly couldn’t see them—the two warrior’s faces were just shadows with softly glowing eyes above her.
“All right now,” she said, looking up at Hold, who was propped on one elbow looking down at her, as was Fierce on the other side. “What happened to your parents?”
“Our fathers died in a shuttle crash,” Hold answered. “Our mother followed soon after.”
“What? But how?” Celia shook her head.
“The Soul Bond she had with our fathers was very strong,” Hold answered simply. “She couldn’t withstand their death.”
“To be fucking honest, I don’t think she wanted to,” Fierce added moodily. “They loved each other so much, she just couldn’t live without them.”
“So…she died of a broken heart?” Celia asked, raising her eyebrows.
“More like a broken Bond. But yes, something like that.” Hold nodded.
“How old were you?” Celia asked him.
“We were sixteen,” Fierce answered again. “We were sent to live with relatives but our lives were never quite the same afterwards.”
“Though I’m sure it wasn’t as bad as your experience, my lady,” Hold added. “At least we were with family and no one tried to assault us.”
“It’s still tough to lose your parents, no matter what age you are,” Celia said. She felt suddenly closer to both of the big warriors, knowing the three of them had the shared experience of being orphans. “That’s why you have to go out and find a new family to love and care for.”
“The way you found Peter’s family?” Fierce asked flatly.
“We’re not talking about that!” Celia snapped, feeling immediately put on the defensive. “And you didn’t even say ‘Truth or Dare’,” she added.
“Fine,” he growled “Truth or Dare, lelka?”
“Truth!” Celia shot back.
“All right—why do you put up with that bunch of spoiled idiots that Peter calls his family?” Fierce demanded.
“Brother…” There was a note of warning in Hold’s voice.
“What? We’ve seen the way they treat her!” the Dark Twin protested. “Like she’s their fucking servant or something.”
Celia glared up at him.
“That’s enough! And just when I was starting to like you!”
“I’m just telling the truth of what Hold and I have seen in our dreams,” Fierce growled. “The game is ‘Truth or Dare’—not ‘Truth and Pretty Lies.’ And you never answered my question—you’re supposed to, you know. Those are the rules of the game as stated by you.”