Read Online Embracing Ember by Astrid Cielo - Free Book Online Page B

fit to breathe let alone own an animal. They looked at her with pity. They were all thinking how stupid she was that she didn’t leave him. She could see it all in their faces that accused her of becoming the victim. I didn’t ask for this. All I wanted was to be loved and he promised me that. He promised me a home. Then he took it all away and left me broken. I couldn’t leave; you see what happened when I did try. I was caged in the home he promised me. She wanted to tell them. Show them all that they could save their pitying looks, because any one of them could have become the victim. It angered her that they felt this way and it angered her more that she allowed herself to warrant such attention from them.
     
    Ember was afraid to look at Ceylon, afraid to see the censure and pity in his gaze. Those blue eyes accusing her just like the rest. She couldn’t help herself, however and did look. She was surprised to find compassion and concern in his gaze. He even gave her an encouraging smile. He didn’t hate what she had allowed to happen to her. She finished her meal and answered all the questions posed to her. When she yawned Ceylon stopped them all, “Ember needs her rest. While the Medical Scanner does repair the injuries, it does use the body’s natural mechanisms and that is tiring. Ember will need much rest for the next couple of days. Ember if you will follow me, I will take you to your quarters. I believe Silvius dropped off some clothing for you. If you need to contact someone, I’d be happy to allow you to do so.”
     
    “Thank you. But I don’t have anyone to contact. I don’t have any family.” Ember relayed sadly as she stood to follow Ceylon. He grasped her hand in his and rubbed soothing patterns in her palm as he spoke.
     
    “What do you mean you don’t have anyone?” he asked with genuine curiosity.
     
    “My mother died when I was born and she didn’t have any living relatives at the time. I was placed in the foster system. Landon was my only family, and I was trying desperately to get away from him.” She replied her voice trailing off to a whisper at the end. He squeezed her hand as they stopped in front of her room.
     
    “I know this is probably not how they do things on your planet, but I was wondering if you’d like to stay with me at the apartments the government gave me while I toured your hospitals,” he said and he placed his finger on her mouth effectively quieting her when she would have interrupted. “I wouldn’t mind having a guide to explain some of the culture to me, and it would make me feel better to know that you were safe. I don’t really understand how he could have hurt someone like you, but I feel this need to protect you. I’m not sure why, and I will understand if you don’t feel comfortable. I would like for you to continue to see Lindsay. I have a feeling that she will be able to help you. Oh and there are two sleeping quarters. I believe that is important.” He finished and looked down at her expectantly.
     
    Ember let the idea tumble through her mind. Would staying with him keep her safe? If he did hurt her then his whole diplomatic status would be revoked and the alien’s given a bad name. He was watched more than most people, so that would make it safer to be with him. She could use this time to place her affairs in order and start a new life, one without Landon. “I think that’s a good idea.” She said with a slight smile. He nodded and kissed her briefly on the lips before ushering her into the bedroom. The telltale swishing sound of the door closing marked his departure. Ember touched her lips which still tingled with awareness from his very brief kiss. She lay on the bed and went back to dreaming about Ceylon.
     
    ***
     
    Maria watched as Ceylon led Ember out of the mess hall. She wondered if they knew how much they complimented each other. Probably not. Her attention was snagged by the male who walked by. Before she could catch herself