Page 30 of The Lone Cyborg
“I know, but our lives are more important than my scientific curiosity.”
He gave her a sympathetic hug, but he was clearly turning over the idea in his head.
“I think it’s worth trying. With any luck we would eliminate both of them. If it’s the gang I heard about, that would only leave two more men and I should be able to deal with them. Where are the explosives?”
“There’s a cache of them in one of the caves off of the lava tube,” she admitted. “I was hiding them.”
“So you could violate government regulations?”
“Possibly.”
His chest vibrated with laughter.
“I suppose it’s just as well you’re a rebel. Let’s go back down below and get you out of this cold. Then I’ll retrieve the explosives and we can set our trap.”
Sylvester landed on her shoulder with an inquisitive chirp, and she stroked his small head.
“Sorry, sweetie. We’re going back inside for a while. We’ll use your tunnel to escape tomorrow.”
He gave another chirp, then settled down on her shoulder as they returned to the mine.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Jeb carefully tightened the trip wire, then stepped back to check its position. He’d fastened it across the tunnel at ankle height and even with his enhanced vision he could barely see it. He was sure the two men wouldn’t notice it until it was too late. A grim smile curved his lips. He didn’t believe in taking a life unless it was necessary but after their initial ambush, let alone their plans for Mattie if they found her, he had no regrets about their fate.
One final check and then he returned to where Mattie was waiting for him further up the tunnel. Her initial suggestion had been to hide and set off the explosion once the men passed them but he’d refused to even consider it. He trusted her expertise with explosives, but there was always a chance of something going wrong. The tripwire had been their compromise even though she was worried about them spotting it.
“Everything’s ready,” he told her, and she gave him a tired smile.
They’d spent the night in the small cave at the beginning of the escape route and even though he’d settled her on his lap, he knew she’d slept very little. He hadn’t slept at all, not willingto take the chance that the active part of his brain might miss something.
“Shall we try taking Sylvester’s passageway again?”
The bird immediately chirped an agreement and she smiled.
“I think he’s ready to get out of here. I know I am. Do… do you think they did much damage to our shelter?”
“If they did, we’ll fix it,” he said firmly and won another smile from her.
“You’re right. I did it once, I can do it again.”
“Wecan do it.”
“Even better. I can tell you’re going to be very useful. Maybe I can teach you to knit,” she teased as she followed him into the tunnel.
“I already know how.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Oddly enough the government taught me. They had lessons in a number of different handcrafts on the transport ship that brought us to Mars.” He flexed his fingers reminiscently. “In my case it helped train me to use my cybernetic hand more accurately, and gave me something to do during the voyage. I can knit and sew and weave a basket.”
“I can see you have many hidden talents.” Her hand snaked around his waist and brushed lightly over his cock. “Although I think this is my favorite.”
“One I will make full use of as soon as we have your claim back.”
“Ourclaim. We’re a partnership now.”
Her words filled him with warmth and he couldn’t resist pausing long enough to kiss her. She was breathless and smiling when he finally raised his head.
