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They have no idea. Probably none of the slaves do. Each day their debt grows, while their owners grow richer. Maybe they make 100 bits a day. But they must pay for their food, that takes 30 bits. Oh, they have their room, that is another 50 bits, then they need clothes- 10 bits. You need a medical exam, that is another 40 bits. By the time the day is over they owe more than they could ever make.
Meanwhile what their owner has made on that same day is usually five times greater. I know because I once was caught in this same cycle. Seeing Umbri brings the memories bubbling to the surface. Being forced to go out and steal. I was one of the best they had, so I brought in the most. But I had to fit in, so I needed high-end clothes. I needed to look healthy so had to bath daily and eat better than the others.
Yes, I know how this planet works and it makes my blood boil. But Jax is right. I can’t change it and taking my anger out on Umbri will just send us to the auctions, again. With a deep breath I turn to look at the guys that are standing on the stairs.
“You guys ready to go? I don’t think I can stomach being in the same airspace as this piece of shit anymore.”
Jax takes my arm in his, “More than ready! Let’s blow this bagnio and swizzle with the stars!”
His outrageous statement makes me laugh as we head out the door. “I can say that so far my first trip to Xistrosie has been a definite surprise.”
“Darlin’, you have seen nothing yet. We didn’t even get to give you a private show.” Jax says, wiggling his eyebrows. I can feel my face heating. Cute as he is, he doesn’t make me go hot the way Fynn does.
Speaking of Fynn, he pushes his way between Jax and me, his hand wrapping possessively around my arm as he glares at Jax. “Stop being such a nerf herder.”
Jax goes from the flirty clown to pissed in a flash. ‘Who are you calling a nerf herder? Just because you tipped the velvet doesn’t make you the one to say who she has.”
His attitude instantly has the hairs on the back of my head raising and my blood pressure rising. Yanking my arm from Fynn’s grasp, I spin to face the two men, not caring we are in the middle of the street. “Look you two! I did what any sane, moral person would do and freed you. But I am not a toy to be fought over. Once we are off this damn planet, you five are free to go wherever you please. I fly solo.”
I glare at them for a minute, the look of shock on their faces almost humorous, then turn and climb into the hover coach. The men still haven’t moved after my outburst, forcing me to yell, “You flyin’ or stayin’?”
The five men scramble to get into the coach, with Fynn winning the spot next to me. Boy is he going to be upset when we get to Zanthia. No matter how much of a hunk these guys are, I’m not interested.
Roberd leans over the seat, his arms supporting his chin. “So Akiyra, now that you have saved us from the wolf, where do we go from here?”
I punch the accelerator hard, jolting us forward and Roberd back into his seat. “We go on the next run and then you guys go your own way.”
I feel Fynn’s eyes on me but refuse to look at him. I know what he wants to say, I can feel his tension through where our legs touch. But I am not going to lead them down a rose-strewn path. I’m the love ‘em and leave ‘em type girl and these boys are all grown up. It’s time they unfurled those wings and fly. Okay, Akiyra! Enough with the overdone cliches.
Slowing down to a crawl as we near the main street where more people crowd the road, I ask “I plan to jet in the morning. Is there anything you all need before we leave?”
Coaches are designed to pilot on their own, allowing the driver to swivel the front seat to face the passengers. I’m old school and prefer to pilot on my own, so have no way to see Roberd’s face as he speaks. But his tone is all bitterness, “No need to go out of the way. We will pay our debt to you, wouldn’t want to add to it.”
His words set my blood boiling as I stomp on the break. I turn to look at him over the back of my chair. “Look. You don’t owe me anything. I am not keeping a tally. So whatever your thinking, stop.”
He nods his head, but the scowl doesn’t leave his face. What kind of person does he think I am? That I would buy him and use him?
Fynn’s hand on my thigh reminds me where we are. “Akiyra! I think we should get back to the ship.” I look in the direction he is facing and see Relly and two goons with him.
“I think you’re right.” I punch the knob that is for emergency use only, sending a loud wail through the streets. The crowds part as I push the wheel forward and we shoot down the road.
“What the hell are they doing?” I yell.