Page 12 of Capture of Capricorn

With that ominous announcement, Adam left and Capricorn understood Sage’s concern for the future. What kind of damage could a man like Adam Crius do if he had the power of the stars to call upon?

CHAPTER 4

Zora wokein the punishment cell, a by-now-familiar eight-by-eight cement box where Crius always sent her when she misbehaved. Along with the confined area, she could expect slop for her next meal, and a sore body, as the thin mattress did nothing to cushion. No television. No window. Nothing to distract. Usually.

The one difference this time? She wasn’t alone.

“About time you woke, Sleeping Beauty,” the man from the hospital bed drawled.

The comment startled her into rolling over and popping to her feet, where she blurted out, “What are you doing here?” Zora noticed he didn’t wear any restraints. Hopefully, that indicated he wasn’t a danger. Then again, if he tried anything, good-looking or not, she’d slug him.

“I assume our good friend Adam is hoping we’ll become fast friends given our shared dilemma. He’s probably listening to see if we spill any secrets.” He glanced at the camera inset in the ceiling.

“Adam?” She didn’t recognize the name.

“The guy in charge. Wears a suit. Salt-and-pepper hair. Looks like a dick.”

“Oh, you mean Crius,” she exclaimed, recognizing the description. “He’ll be disappointed since I don’t have any secrets, or pockets,” she lamented as her tummy growled. She missed the snacks she usually kept stashed in her cargo pants.

He stared at her. “You know most people would be complaining about their captivity, not their clothing.”

“I can bitch about whatever I like. After all, I’ve been here longer than you.”

“We weren’t properly introduced at our last brief meeting. I’m Capricorn.” He held out his hand, and she pursed her lips before gripping it and giving it a firm shake.

“Zora.” She didn’t bother with a last name since he hadn’t, but she did question, “What kind of hippy-dippy parents name their kid after a Zodiac sign?”

“They didn’t. I used to be called Chester.”

She snorted. “Damn, never thought I’d say Capricorn is probably the better choice.”

“Right?” His grin took an already good-looking face and turned it into something that sent tingles throughout her body. Apparently, her libido decided to wake at the most inopportune moment.

“As I recall, before the whole getting-tasered thing, you claimed to have handed yourself over to Crius because some chick told you to.”

“I did.”

“Bet you’re feeling pretty dumb now,” she blurted out. Figured the hottest guy she’d spoken to in ages would have a few screws loose. That, or this Sage broad must be smokin’ hot.

“Sage wouldn’t have told me to do it if she didn’t think I’d succeed. Apparently, my capture was necessary for me to beat Cetus.” He glanced at the ceiling. “Hear that, Adam. I’m going to dismantle your operation, and there’s nothing you can do to stop me.”

“It’s like you have a death wish,” she muttered.

“Says the woman who intentionally pissed off Mr. I’m-so-important and got zapped into la-la land.”

Her lips twisted. “Mama always did say I was stubborn and mouthy. But back to this chick who convinced you she sees the future. How much does she charge an hour? Because damn, I never knew people could be so easily suckered. I could make a fortune convincing idiots to do dumb shit.”

“Sage tells us what she sees for free and is usually right about her predictions. Which means my new friend Adam better watch himself.” Once more he shot a feral grin at the camera.

“Pissing him off will only make your punishment worse,” Zora said with a shake of her head.

“Bah. I’m a big boy. I can handle it.”

“Hope so, because I see you’ve got some new jewelry.” She indicated the bands around his wrists. A pair to her one.

“I noticed. Any idea what kind of range they have?”

She shrugged. “Don’t know because I’ve only ever gone from this cell to the lab. Or, when I’m not being punished, my room to the lab.”

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