“How in the name of the Gods was that not discovered?” he all but shouted.
The government kept extensive records of all its citizens. It was how they managed to round up the family members of anyone involved in the rebellion.
“Because my father had the documentation altered before I was born,” she told him, anger and disgust flashing across her face. “He couldn’t be associated with someone from District Twelve, let alone have married one. Not if he wanted to be a Supreme Judge.”
Ranvir was surprised at her vehement tone. “You don’t believe D-Twelvers are beneath you?”
“No. Why would I? The only difference between them and me is where they were born.”
He could tell she honestly believed that. How was that possible when she’d grown up the daughter of a Supreme Judge? Gods, she was incredible. And she wasn’t Nas’s. Before his processors could stop him, he leaned down and pressed his lips against hers.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Momentarily stunned, Taly didn’t immediately respond. When his tongue swept across her lips, she readily opened them. As their tongues tangled, she sank her fingers into his hair, surprised at how thick and silky the short strands were. Her legs wrapped around his hips when he lifted her off her feet, pressing her hot center against the bulge in his pants.
Gods, it felt so thick and hard. It had been so long since she’d been with anyone, and she wanted to be with…. Her entire body stiffened. Gods, she didn’t even know his name.
The major felt her tense and lifted his head far enough to search her eyes. “What’s wrong?
“This… this isn’t right.”
“Why?” he growled. “Because I’m a cyborg?”
“What?” Her expressive eyebrows drew together in confusion before they shot up in shock. “No! Don’t be stupid. It’s because I don’t know yourname.” She unwrapped her arms and legs from around him only to find herself still suspended. “Please let me down.”
He slowly lowered her, never breaking eye contact, but he didn’t step back. “It’s Ranvir, Ranvir Somerled.”
“I’m Talyani,” she began, but he cut her off.
“I know who you are,” he ground out.
“But I prefer Taly,” she continued as if he hadn’t interrupted.
“Major, sensors are picking up a long-range contact. A big one.” Tane’s voice came over the ship’s comms system.
“We’ll finish this later,” Ranvir told her, then spun on his heel and walked away.