New Contacts Read online

  The butler showed her in without hesitating, making at least that part of the process easy. On the way over, her mind had played her several scenarios, most of them involving him refusing to see her, but as he strode down the sweeping staircase from the floor above she pushed all those out of her mind. One hurdle managed.

  “Hello, Simon,” she said, noting her voice sounded a little strained. If he picked up on it, he didn't show it. Instead he remained impassive, cold, his eyes doing one quick sweep over her before fixing on her face.

  “I see you're back on Netera. Have the military let their lapdog off the leash for a bit?”

  Matt clenched her fists behind her back, the only outward sign his words had got to her, and gladly, one he couldn't see. It was obvious she needed to ignore the question.

  “Do you have some time to talk?”

  “You actually want to talk now?”

  She nodded, again fighting to rise to the bait.

  “Very well.” He pushed open the doors to the study, evidently expecting her to follow him into the ornately furnished room. Books lined each wall; most of them she knew hadn't been pulled out and read since the initial owner had purchased them. It was sad in some ways, but very like Simon.

  He walked over to a large antique leather sofa and sat down, spreading his arms out so it was clear he expected her to remain standing in front of her.

  “So, what is it you wish to say?”

  “I know you're deliberately pulling funding for things I care about and am involved in. What will make you stop?” She watched his face for a reaction, but there was none. A telltale sign in and of itself. He'd expected her to say this and he wasn't shocked by the accusation in her words. It was a confirmation without directly being one.

  “Are you really suggesting I would be so petty and waste so much of my time sorting out my finances if I didn't think it necessary? I have a business to run, and as always I'm running it to the best of my ability.”

  “So you're struggling financially, not punishing me?” she asked, failing to keep the bite of anger from her voice and knowing at the same time he would like neither option, but he merely gave her a fake smile, somehow staying calm and cool.

  “Of course I'm not struggling, but I won't deny, having you gone from my side has reduced—how should we put this delicately—people's willingness to invest in the ventures I'm involved in. I would never wish to force your cooperation,” he said as he got up and stepped closer to her, “but I won't deny, having you in my bed and on my arm when I wish it would benefit both of us.”

  Matt bit down on her lip, trying to keep her anger at bay as her brain frantically tried to think of a response. Taking her silence as submission, he came even closer and ran a finger down her cheek, his eyes lingering on her torso just a moment too long. The knot in her stomach tightened as her body shook with all the different emotions running through her.

  “I always made sure you were looked after before. Give me what I want and I'll take care of your problems,” he whispered in her ear, his breath hot on her cheek as his arm snaked around her waist to pull her body close to his.

  Finally the dam burst and her hands raised to push him away. For a moment he gripped her, keeping her near him, until their arms met.

  “Go to hell,” she said, using just enough force to make it clear she was done. With a growl she stormed from the house, flinging her body back into the transport pod and punching the buttons to get it to take her home.

  If she had to, she'd find another way, one that didn't involve a playboy who thought everyone was there for his amusement and pleasure. If Matt was going to allow herself to be used to save the human race, it definitely wasn't going to be his way.

  As the transport pod ground to a halt in front of her house, she noticed Xander stood by the front door, leaning there like he had all day and didn't mind waiting for her.

  “We'll find another way,” he said as soon as he saw her. She felt most of the tension drop out of her shoulders instantly. He understood, and she didn't have to say a word.

  “Drink?” she offered. In reply, he reached for the bag at his feet and pulled out a bottle of scotch. She laughed, feeling the rest of the tension slip from her body. It seemed her commanding officer knew her well, and she'd never felt more grateful.

  ~

  Thank you for reading Episode 13 of the Adamanta series. Episode 14 is out on August 15th 2018, which you can purchase (or pre-order) here.

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  Books by T. Y. Carew

  View on Amazon

  In the Adamanta series:

  Episode 1 – Adamanta

  Episode 2 – Shafts of Kudos

  Episode 3 – Excelsior

  Episode 4 – Anathema

  Episode 5 – Iridia

  Episode 6 – Corda-Mara

  Episode 7 – Pharo

  Episode 8 – Phoenix

  Episode 9 – Belshazzar

  Episode 10 – Going Solo

  Episode 11 – Rokku-Sai

  Episode 12 – Trident

  Episode 13 – New Contacts

  Episode 14 – Darkness – Coming August 15th 2018

  Episode 15 – Coming September 15th 2018

  Episode 16 – Coming October 15th 2018

  Episode 17 – Coming November 15th 2018

  Episode 18 – Coming December 15th 2018

  About the Author

  T.Y. Carew is the pen name for an entire group of authors. They've come together to write the Adamanta series and other works in the same universe. So far they consist of Stephen P. Scott, Andrew Bellingham, Ella Medler, Brendon Berg, Cameron Lowe and Jess Mountifield. They're a quirky bunch of writers, with a variety of genres under their belt and different elements to their styles we'll hope you agree make an interesting blend. One thing they definitely have in common is the love of diving into a book and going on an adventure, be that reading or writing one!

  This episode has been written by Jess Mountifield.

  About Jess Mountifield

  Jess was born in the quaint village of Woodbridge in the UK, has spent some of her childhood in the States and now resides near the beautiful Roman city of Bath. She lives with her husband, Phil, and her very dapsy cat, Pleaides.

  During her still relatively short life Jess has displayed an innate curiosity for learning new things and has therefore studied many subjects, from maths and the sciences, to history and drama. Jess now works full time as a writer, incorporating many of the subjects she has an interest in within her plots and characters.

  When she's not working she can often be found with friends, enjoying a vast array of films, ice skating or trekking all over the English countryside.

  You can find out more about the author and her upcoming projects by following her on twitter or her fanpage on facebook or at her blog www.jessmountifield.co.uk.