“Varga will come and get you once the fight starts,” he said as they ate breakfast together. “He will have clothes that will help disguise you. As soon as the fight is over, I will find the two of you, and we will head for the audience exit.”
She nodded and tried to conceal butterflies tumbling through her stomach. Unable to eat, she pushed her plate to one side.
“You must eat, my aria. You will need your strength.”
“I can’t. I just keep thinking of all the things that could go wrong.”
He smiled reassuringly at her. “Nothing is going to go wrong.”
The door alarm sounded just as he finished speaking, and she jumped nervously.
“I’m sure it’s just Mehexip,” he said reassuringly as he got up from the table.
Before he reached the door, it slid open, and Relkhei swept in. Izzie shuddered, remembering his last visit, but did her best to keep her face impassive.
“I hear congratulations are in order,” Relkhei said coldly.
“What do you mean?” Baralt asked.
“Today is the last fight under your present contract. Although, I am sure you are quite aware of that fact.” Despite his smooth tone, Relkhei’s anger was obvious. “And I assume that since you have not come to see me, you do not intend to sign another contract with me.”
“Or with anyone,” Baralt said calmly. “I have family obligations that will take me back to Hothrest.”
The annoyance on Relkhei’s face seemed to lessen.
“You are not going to another stable?”
Baralt shook his head. “I will not be fighting for the foreseeable future. I am afraid the situation on Hothrest will not resolve itself quickly.”
“I see.” Relkhei’s gaze swept over the room, and for the first time, he seemed to notice her. “This looks very…cozy. I find it a mistake to encourage a slave to share a meal.”
Baralt shrugged. “Our time together is growing short. Her next master can correct any bad habits I may have instilled.”
“I shall do just that.” Relkhei walked over to the table and put a cold hand under her chin, lifting it to study her face. Remembering Master Napunsa’s instructions, she kept her eyes down and didn’t look back at him. “In fact, I’m looking forward to it.”
Relkhei’s hand slid casually down to her breast as she did her best to remain still. He found her nipple and gave it a sudden vicious twist, and she instinctively tried to knock his hand away. He didn’t release his grip and instead twisted harder. “Oh yes, I’m definitely looking forward to it.”
Baralt growled and clamped his hand around Relkhei’s wrist until the male released her. “Do not touch her.”
A flash of rage threatened the fight master’s usual suave urbanity before he could control it. “You forget yourself. She is my slave.”
“She is mine until tomorrow, and I do not want her damaged. Once I’m gone, you are free to have your fun.”
“You won’t be sorry to leave her behind?” Relkhei asked. “You are acting as if you care for her.”
Baralt gave a casual shrug. “She has been entertaining, but I will have access to females of my own kind once I reach Hothrest. I prefer one of them to any alien female.”
Even though she knew Baralt’s speech was intended to make Relkhei believe that he had no lasting interest in her, the words stung more than she would have expected. And even though he seemed happy with her company, was he secretly longing for a Hothian female?
Relkhei laughed. “I prefer a variety. She will be my first human. Are you sure you do not wish to give her to me now? Since you are so looking forward to your Hothian females?”
“Ah, but they are not here now, are they? This one will do to satisfy my needs until it is time to leave.”
“Very well.” Relkhei started for the door in a swirl of perfumed silk, then paused. “Since this will be your last fight for me, I thought we should make it a memorable one. I have arranged a special opponent for you.”
Unable to help herself, she darted a quick look at Baralt’s face. He looked as impassive as ever, and she admired his composure.
“Who do you have in mind?”
“I believe that I would prefer to surprise you.” Relkhei looked back at Izzie. “And I think it only fitting that your slave attend as well. I will send Master Napunsa to make sure that she is suitably attired.”
“I prefer that she remain here so that she will be available immediately after the fight.”
“I will make her available to you. In fact, she can watch the fight from my box and you can…use her in one of my private rooms afterward.”
This time, she had to clench her nails into her palms in order to avoid reacting. How were they going to leave with the crowd if they would be with Relkhei? And she certainly did not want to spend any time with the bastard. Her nipple still throbbed painfully.
Baralt darted a glance at her. “I said I don’t want her damaged, Relkhei. You are rough with your toys.”
“I assure you that I will not lay a hand on her. Yet.” And with that ominous promise, Relkhei departed.
Chapter Twelve
Izzie experienced a depressing sense of déjà vu as she was led into the arena once again. At least this time, she wasn’t paraded around the entire arena or chained to the posts. Hopefully she would even avoid having her dress ripped away.
Shortly after Relkhei had left, Tugtai had appeared with Master Napunsa himself. Baralt had given her a rueful look, but he hadn’t protested.
“I have to leave to prepare for the match,” he said, shooting a glance at Master Napunsa. “Don’t forget I have plans for you after the fight.”
Plans she could only hope they would still be able to carry out.
“Yes, master,”
