“Tregeo insisted you be brought up on anti-chaos charges for your little display.” Shinclus waited, as if watching for some terrified reaction. She merely stood, watching him in return. “I intervened on your behalf, though the man had every right to charge you. I assured him that your outburst toward him would not happen again, but he has been transferred for his safety out of your presence.”
Had her plane always been so overly dramatic? She frowned. Then, belatedly, she nodded at Shinclus and mumbled, “Many thanks.”
Shinclus smiled, the kind of benevolently irritating look people got when they thought themselves powerful and bestowing. “If you assure me you can behave yourself, I’ll let you out of there.”
“Tregeo is dramatic,” Cecilia said very calmly. “Did you see the papers he left on the floor?”
“I did. They don’t look like you at all. Your endowments are smaller.” Shinclus lifted his hand to give the command she be released.
The sliding door brought with it a rush of cool air. She took a deep breath. “Has there been any word from Plane 187?”
“Not since your arrival,” he answered.
“Linnea Nel? Should we attempt to make contact to get her back? I can go since I know everyone.” She kept the hope out of her voice.
“I think it’s for the best they keep her. She can’t be scanned, you know.” He didn’t meet her eyes as he walked faster.
“She was an asset,” Cecilia insisted. “We can’t leave her there.”
“It has been handled.” He refused to look at her.
“Wait, that’s why no one asked me about her? You made arrangements that they should keep her.” Cecilia stopped in disbelief.
“The Medical Supreme agreed that he would find a place for her in his home,” Shinclus said. “It’s more than someone like her could hope for. I daresay the crime rate will drop by fifty-five percent now that she is gone. Do you know how many times she was caught reading in the library? Medical texts even. She is not authorized to study medicine. An untraceable woman cannot be given such knowledge. Who knows what she would do with it. Order must be maintained, and with her permanently off plane it has been.”
The fact the elections were coming up and Politician Shinclus would personally take credit for the fall in crime probably had a lot to do with it.
“Don’t look so stricken,” Shinclus scolded. “She knows all about it. She was ordered not to tell you and distract from your mission. She’ll be much happier there. She wants to read medical texts, and there she can.”
The man’s words made sense, though she didn’t trust him completely. Linnea had seemed fairly comfortable at the biosphacility and she hadn’t come to Central Hospital with Dr. Swift.
“What I want to know is why you haven’t told us more about Dr. Fauchet.” Shinclus paused at the end of the hall, waiting for someone to open the door for him. A guard grabbed the handle and pulled it open. She followed Shinclus into a small waiting area that would take her outside the facility.
Cecilia tried to remain calm. How could they know about her relationship with Gerard? Had she given something away? Cried out his name in her sleep? “What do you mean? I listed him as a contact in my reporting of events.”
“You did.” Shinclus didn’t stop. He kept going, past the chairs to another secure door. A guard held it open when he saw them coming. Cecilia noticed the man eyed her as she passed, as if her crazy reputation with Dr. Tregeo preceded her. Why hadn’t she noticed her plane’s anti-chaos extremism before? No wonder Linnea wanted to leave.
As much as she’d wanted to come home, now it felt empty. She didn’t belong on 187 but now she felt displaced on her own world. She looked at the people she passed. They had no idea what she had been through, what she had seen, what was really out there. She looked at the walls and imagined she could see Central Hospital’s walls. It shifted from reality. Was Gerard standing where she was now? Unseen? Untouchable? As much a ghost to her as she was to him?
“Dr. Markos?” Shinclus looked at her expectantly.
“Where are we going? I’m ready to go home. My family—”
“Your family does not expect you for another two weeks.” The politician led the way into the secure hall, away from the waiting area, deeper into the facility. He went through several doors.
“There is nothing more I can do,” she said, hesitant to follow him. It was possible they’d lock her in another cell.
“Nothing?” Shinclus asked. Then stopping, he frowned. “I understand now. Your psychological work-up did not have you marked for political shrewdness, but now I see we underestimated you. They wondered why you were withholding key information about your contacts, but I see how you want to negotiate. Well done, Dr. Markos. I see my choosing you for this mission was well done indeed. So, what do you want?”
“What do I want?” she repeated slowly, trying to figure out what he meant.
Shinclus gave a small, knowing smile. Cecilia had never been more confused. “I can offer top-level housing. The movers will pack your belongings and have you in the new south tower complex today.”
“I—” Cecilia began, only to be cut off. South tower was very high end. People would spend a lifetime on a waiting list just to get in to a place like that.
“No, before you try to negotiate, hear the rest.” Shinclus stopped walking. “This alliance is important to us. You more than anyone understand that. You’ll get an executive office and laboratory at your disposal in the most secure facility. You will be provided with a key to the private tram.”
The private tram? Only top-level government officials used the tram. It had spa services and fine dining and delivered its passengers to private decks at the most luxurious places in town.
“You are a hard negotiator,” Shinclus said at her silence. “This of course will mean you receive more compensation, trip allowance, and your own staff.”
“Thank you.” Cecilia tried to sound assertive, but really she was more worried now than before. They thought she knew more than she did.
“This way.” Shinclus seemed pleased with himself. “You begin work immediately.”
“Immediately,” Cecilia protested. “What exactly is it you expect me to do?”
“Your job.” Shinclus motioned to a guard. The man stepped to the side.
Cecilia slowly walked into the room, not sure what to expect. Seeing a man with his back toward her, she first noticed his lab coat. It was 187 issued. Her breath caught. Her eyes flew up toward his head. It wasn’t Gerard.
“Dr. Swift,” she acknowledged, racked with disappointment.
“Dr. Markos.” The man smiled. “I’m pleased to see you are well.”
“Cecilia?”
Cecilia turned, gasping at the sound of Gerard’s voice. He stood in the corner of the room. She made a weak noise. All thoughts left her. She rushed forward. She didn’t care where she was, or who watched. Once she put her hands on him she was never letting go again.
“Gerard,” she whispered, reaching for him. She wound her arms around his shoulders. The depths of his brown eyes caught hers and she knew she never wanted to look away. She kissed him, deep and passionate. She heard words around them but she ignored them. His hands found her hips, pulling her close. The last two weeks disappeared. Tears filled her eyes. When she leaned away from his mouth, one drop slid over her cheek. “How?”
“I understand now,” Shinclus said behind her. “Well played, Dr. Markos.”
Cecilia touched Gerard’s face, ignoring Shinclus. “How?”
“Cecilia,” Gerard whispered. He smiled at her and she felt her insides melt a little.
Sam cleared his throat. “Dr. Markos, I came with good news. Your proposal was accepted by the Medical Supreme. You made a fine argument.”
Cecilia blinked, glancing over her shoulder. She pulled out of Gerard’s arms but took up his hand and held it in both of hers.
“We are very grateful for your plane’s hospitality. Dr. Fauchet’s two-week quar
antine, though inconvenient considering out stringent health guidelines before travel, is understandable. I came to check up on him just as soon as I could get away. I’m happy to hear he will be staying with you.”
Two weeks? Gerard had followed her through the portal? Why hadn’t anyone told her? She opened her mouth to respond, but there was a seriousness to Sam’s words and expression, an insistence that she go along with what he was saying, so she stayed quiet.
“Yes,” Gerard said quickly. “Completely understandable.”
Cecilia didn’t speak, finding it best to try not to look too confused. It was then she noticed the streak of purple in Gerard’s brown hair. He’d been groomed and he smelled of government-approved soap. Then she noticed his clothing—a one–piece, pale blue suit that looked very much like her quarantine garb.
“There are some formalities, naturally.” Shinclus puffed out his chest. “An identification number will be assigned and a chip implanted immediately. We will also need you to file papers regarding your sexual relations status. 187’s consent forms cannot be entered into public record, as 187 technically does not exist. I am assuming you filed all of the correct forms before initiating contact?”
“Of course,” Gerard said mimicking Shinclus’s serious tone. “Dr. Markos is very thorough with her paperwork. It is my intention to conform to all 303 laws and regulations.”
“Dr. Markos will be your liaison.” Shinclus gave a small laugh. “I assume that is agreeable. As long as you abide by all our anti-chaos laws there will be no issue. Will you require your own home?”
“He’ll stay with me,” Cecilia said finding her voice.
“Very good,” Shinclus agreed, looking at Sam. “Dr. Markos will keep him from wandering into the wrong neighborhoods. Now that is settled, I will leave Dr. Markos to begin orientation. Dr. Swift, I believe you mentioned something about technology.”
“Yes, but we have very strict guidelines as to how and who may use it. All devices will be biocoded to Dr. Markos and Dr. Fauchet.” Sam glanced in her direction and gave a small smile before moving to follow Shinclus out of the room.
“Wait,” Cecilia beckoned him. “Sans Nel? Is she…?”
“She is well. She has agreed to stay with us as part of the exchange program.” Sam looked sideways at Shinclus. “As you proposed.”
Cecilia nodded. When Shinclus turned his back, Sam mouthed, “She is well taken care of.”
“Thank you, Dr. Swift,” Cecilia held Gerard’s hand tighter.
“Until we meet again, Dr. Markos.” Sam left, closing the door behind him.
When they were alone, Cecilia pulled Gerard closer. “What is going on? Is the virus cured? When did you get here? How did you come through the portal? They were closing it down. I saw you disappear when I was pulled through. How did you manage to convince the Medical Supreme to let you come? I thought he would never agree to it. I thought I would never see you again. How is this possible? Is the Medical Supreme dead? Is that why you are allowed to be here? And is Linnea really all right with the trade? I didn’t get a chance to talk to her. Though, I’m not giving you back. They can’t take you. They won’t try to take you back, will they? How long can you stay?”
Gerard’s smile only widened until finally he cut off her rush of words with a quick kiss and a laugh. “Are you nervous? Is that why you are speaking so fast?”
“You said the same thing to me in the transport my first day on your plane.” Her body heated at the memory. They had made love for the first time on the trip. It felt so long ago. So much had changed.
“I remember. You were so flustered.”
“How are you here, Gerard?” She stroked his face and neck before touching the colored streak in his hair.
“Do you like it?” he asked, clearly excited. “I couldn’t decide which kind to get, so I let the groomer choose. Did you know that I could have my whole head green?”
Cecilia nodded. “Yes, I did know that.”
“Of course you did.”
“Gerard? My questions? How much time do we have?”
“Only forever,” he answered. “I am 303’s new permanent liaison, thanks to Sans Nel’s excellent work on 187. She is very well, by the way. You have no need to worry about her. The Medical Supreme is alive. The virus is under control. I came through about two seconds after you did. They wouldn’t tell me where you were and I refused to talk to anyone but you. Strange though, they wanted to groom me before a health check. We should probably work on getting that protocol changed. Then Sam showed up with a trade agreement two days ago. Aside from the required trips back, I’m now a member of New Order Society.”
“Only forever?” she repeated. Her heart beat fast. “I don’t know if that is enough time.”
“We better not waste it then.” He playfully brushed his nose against hers. “I remember the first day you came to my plane. You couldn’t keep your hands off me and I knew that first second I wanted to be with you.”
“You kissed me,” she protested, trying not to laugh. “It was very presumptuous of you, Dr. Fauchet.”
“You kissed me back, Dr. Markos.”
“Mm.” She lifted up on her toes and let her mouth move against his. “Yes, I did. I will always kiss you back, Gerard. I love you. Only forever.”
“Only forever, my love.” His lips met hers in passion.
The End
The Series Continues…
Linnea’s Arrangement (Divinity Healers 3) by Michelle M. Pillow
Beautiful, intelligent Linnea Nel wants what most women want—a career, love, respect. But coming from a plane where order and all things anti-chaos reign, the untrackable, untraceable and highly rebellious Linnea is considered a threat—to her family, society and her world. When her numerous arrests for reading library books become a public embarrassment to her politically minded sister, Linnea is forced on a dignitary mission to an alternate reality.
There are only two classifications of people on plane 187: Doctors and Not Doctors (Sans). Dr. Sam Swift is one of the highest ranking officials on the medical plane, answering only to the Medical Supreme. When the Medical Supreme becomes ill, it’s up to him to find a cure. Nowhere in this equation is there room—or time—to fall in love. And then he meets the exquisitely frustrating Sans Linnea Nel.
In the midst of the worst outbreak 187’s society has faced in decades, two people who never should have met fall in love. How can Linnea stay where she may be in danger? But how can Sam let the love of his life go?
Divinity Series
Divinity Warriors
Lilith Enraptured
Fighting Lady Jayne
Keeping Paige
Taking Karre
Divinity Healers
Ariella’s Keeper
Seducing Cecilia
Linnea’s Arrangement
Divinity Magic
Divining Helena
More Coming Soon!
About the Author, Michelle M. Pillow
Michelle M. Pillow, Author of All Things Romance™, is a multi-published, award winning author writing in many romance fiction genres including futuristic, paranormal, historical, contemporary, fantasy and dark paranormal. Ever since she can remember, she has had a strange fascination with anything supernatural—ghosts, magical powers, and oh… vampires. What could be more alluring than being immortal, all-powerful, and eternally beautiful? After discovering historical romance novels, it was only natural that the supernatural and love/romance elements should someday meet in her wonderland of a brain. She’s glad they did for their children have been pouring onto the computer screen ever since.
She has been on the Amazon bestseller list multiple times, nominated for the Romantic Times Lifetime Achievement Award 2011, the winner of the 2006 RT Reviewers’ Choice Award, nominated for the 2007 RT Award, a Brava Novella Contest Finalist and a PAN member of RWA.
Michelle is a journalist for Paranormal Underground Magazine. She has a BGS in History/Business with an English Minor, a
nd a Photography degree. In 2009 she and fellow author Mandy M. Roth started their own highly successful self-publishing endeavor named The Raven Books.
Michelle has titles published with The Raven Books, Pocket Books, Random House, Virgin Books, Adam’s Media, Samhain Publishing, Running Press, and more.
She loves to hear from readers. They can contact her through her website www.michellepillow.com.
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To learn more about Michelle M. Pillow please visit her website www.MichellePillow.com
The Raven Books’ Complimentary Material
The following material is free of charge. It will never affect the price of your book.
Divinity Warriors I: Lilith Enraptured by Michelle M. Pillow
Alternate Reality Romance
Sorin of Firewall lives in a land forever at war. In fact, the Starian men are so busy fighting, their marriage ceremony has been reduced to a “will of the gods” event where they simply pick a woman out of a lineup and claim her as a wife. With women becoming scarce, it’s necessary to trade the offworld Divinity Corporation for brides. Duty-bound to attend the ceremony, he has no intention of picking a bride, let alone one from another dimension. Duty-bound to attend the ceremony, he has no intention of picking a bride, let alone one from another dimension. That is, until he sees Lilith, the bewitching woman sent by the gods to reward—or punish?—him.
Lilith, a data analyst for Divinity, is betrayed by the Corporation and wakes up in a primitive, uncharted dimension filled with warriors who only know war and duty. But her initial fears of becoming a sex slave to a big beefy knight become all too real when a warrior of god-like proportions claims she’s his new woman. As Lilith discovers, there are worse fates than being the focus of Sorin’s skillful and earthy seduction.
Seducing Cecilia (Divinity Healers) Page 9
