Page 42 of Close Encounters of the Hot Kind

CHAPTER 14

VARAK

The message flashes on my beeper's tiny screen. 911 AILEEN. My hearts skip a beat.

"We'll have to continue this another time." I shake hands with the suits across the conference table, already heading for the door.

The elevator takes forever. Each floor ticks by slower than the last. I pull out my compad, ready to call the moment I hit the lobby.

And there she is. Leaning against my limo in that little black dress I bought her last week. Something's off.

"Hello, handsome."

"Aileen, we talked about using the emergency code-"

She presses against me, her perfume cloying and wrong. The scent hits my nose - acrid, chemical. Like burning plastic mixed with rotting fruit.

"I missed you." Her voice purrs but lacks Aileen's natural warmth. Her movements are too fluid, too calculated.

My stomach turns. This close, there's no mistaking that smell. Grolgath. The shape-stealing zealots who'd kill their own mothers if it served their goddess.

I keep my face neutral even as rage builds in my chest. This imposter wearing my Aileen's face means the real Aileen is in danger. Or worse.

"Is something wrong?" Not-Aileen tilts her head, studying me with eyes that are perfect copies but empty of the spark that makes them truly Aileen's.

"No." I force a smile. "Everything's fine."

I hold the door open for Not-Aileen, sliding in beside her. My finger finds the hidden panic button under the armrest. Three quick taps - our code for "Plan Echo."

"Where are we headed?" Not-Aileen's hand slides up my thigh. The touch makes my scales crawl under my holographic disguise.

"I know the perfect spot. Somewhere private."

The limo turns onto Lake Shore Drive, heading for the abandoned development project on the south side. No civilians, no collateral damage. Just me and this abomination wearing my Aileen's face.

"Private sounds perfect." Not-Aileen leans in close. That chemical stench grows stronger. "I've been thinking about getting you alone all day."

"Have you now?" I trace her jaw with my finger, fighting back the urge to snap her neck right here. Need to wait until Marcus is clear. Need to know where the real Aileen is first.

The fake's eyes light up with predatory glee. She thinks she has me right where she wants me. Her fingers drum against my chest in a gesture that's almost Aileen's, but not quite right.

"Oh yes. I have such plans for you tonight."

"As do I." I pull her closer, playing my part. "Such special plans."

The limo turns down the access road toward the construction site. Soon. Very soon this creature will learn exactly what happens to those who dare harm what's mine.

"Kiss me," Not-Aileen purrs, her lips seeking mine.

I capture her mouth, suppressing my revulsion at the taste - like licking a battery. Nothing like the sweet honey of my Aileen's kisses. This creature's movements are mechanical, rehearsed. No passion, no fire.

"I want to try something." I reach under the seat, pulling out the leather cuffs I usually save for much more pleasant activities. "Do you trust me?"

"Of course." Her smile doesn't reach her eyes.

The first cuff clicks around her wrist. Then the second. She doesn't resist - probably thinks this is foreplay. The rope comes next, weaving between the cuffs in an intricate pattern that would make escape impossible even for a shapeshifter.

"Kinky." She wiggles against the restraints. "I like this side of you."

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