by Zara Zenia
She was a snake in the grass, ready to pounce. She was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, or any other common phrase used to describe people like her. Well-meaning as my coworkers might have been, I didn’t trust any of them not to repeat my complaints to her to save their own skin. It just wasn’t worth the risk.
I could almost laugh, looking back at how misguided and naïve my first impressions of her had been. She’d seemed so genuinely interested in being friends, checking in with me through training, even coming over to our apartment and meeting Corinne. The reversal had slapped any foolish notions of friendship clean out of my mind though. It was as if Darla had flipped a switch and completely altered her demeanor in a flash.
You’d think it wouldn’t have surprised me so much. After narrowly escaping a violent, bloody war that claimed my parents and scrounging to survive as a thirteen-year-old taking care of her baby sister, there shouldn’t be much optimism left in me. I’ve seen enough backstabbing, enough betrayal, enough violence to last ten lifetimes. Maybe I was just too tired, too relieved at the idea of someone looking out for me for once, that I didn’t want to see it.
Either way, Darla reminded me of the truth. No one would ever have my back, no one except Corinne, and for Corinne, I had to endure. There was no other option. We were family, and we had to preserve that tie at any and all cost. I’d do anything to keep Corinne under the umbrella and blanket of my security.
I started plaiting the dough for another tray of brioche and let my thoughts drift back to that happy place, the place that didn’t have to be tainted by reality. My hands were shaking with anger and anxiety, but after a few minutes, I began to plateau and calm down.
I wondered what Prince Gardax would look like at the party, whether he’d eat the cakes and tarts I’d made while dreaming of him . . . if he’d find his bride. Envy lashed at me like a whip, but it was no use in dreaming that he’d ever be mine.
With a sad smile, I let myself imagine what it would be like to be one of the guests, to have his eyes upon me, to be the focus of his attention. The sigh that escaped was entirely involuntary, but I was fully immersed in my own little world while I worked.
“Contents of bay four have surpassed maximum preparation cook time,” the automated voice announced.
Sure enough, the distinctive smell of charred dough filled the space. I rushed forward and sent up a silent plea that Darla wouldn’t smell the burned fumes and come charging back into the kitchens.
I pulled the pan out and singed my wrist in the process, a painful reminder to get my head out of the clouds and back to reality. I lived to dream but dreamed to live.
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About Zara Zenia
Zara Zenia writes steamy, sexy, and suspenseful sci-fi romances! You will find her writing alien romances from intergalactic planets, bionic romances, superheroes and time travel romances too.
Please see her Author Central Account on Amazon for a full list of her titles.
Sign up for her mailing list and find out about her latest releases, giveaways, and more. Also get a free book! Click here!
For more information, be sure to check out the links below!
zarazenia.com
[email protected]
Also by Zara Zenia
Sleepy Hollow Academy Series:
Magic and Misconduct (Book 1)
Spells and Shenanigans (Book 2)
Trilyn Fairy Tales Series:
Alien Prince Charming (Book 1)
Alien Prince’s Mermaid (Book 2)
Beauty And The Alien Beast (Book 3)
Alien Aladdin (Book 4)
Aliens of Dragselis Series:
Zaruv: A Sci-Fi Alien Dragon Romance (Book 1)
Karun: A Sci-Fi Alien Dragon Romance (Book 2)
Ragal: A Sci-Fi Alien Dragon Romance (Book 3)
Pavar: A Sci-Fi Alien Dragon Romance (Book 4)
Rizor: A Sci-Fi Alien Dragon Romance (Book 5)
Royally Blue - Celestial Mates:
Blue Alien Prince’s Mate: A Sci-Fi Alien Romance (Celestial Mates)
Alien Gladiator’s Mate: A Sci-Fi Alien Romance (Celestial Mates)
The Blue Alien’s Mate: A Sci-Fi Alien Romance (Celestial Mates)
Blue Alien Prince’s Captive Bride: A Sci-Fi Alien Romance (Celestial Mates)
Blue Alien Prince’s Mail-Order Bride: A Sci-Fi Alien Romance (Celestial Mates)
Reverse Harem Romance Series:
Fire, Blood, and Beauty (Book 1)
Fangs, Flames, and Allure (Book 2)
Alien Abduction Series:
Alien Zookeeper’s Abduction (Book 1)
Alien Mate’s Abduction (Book 2)
Alien Captive’s Abduction (Book 3)
Alien Auction House Series:
Sold To The Alien King (Book 1)
Bought By The Alien Prince (Book 2)
Owned By The Alien Prince (Book 3)
Warriors of Orba Series:
Benzen: A Sci-Fi Alien Romance (Book 1)
Jarick: A Sci-Fi Alien Romance (Book 2)
Voland: A Sci-Fi Alien Romance (Book 3)
Draygus: A Sci-Fi Alien Romance (Book 4)
Ethazol: A Sci-Fi Alien Romance (Book 5)
Khargals of Duras Series:
Rock My World
Standalones:
Bionic Outlaw’s Baby: A Secret Baby Sci-Fi Romance
