3013: MENDED Read Online Free PDF

circular atrium. Pale blue lights transitioned into a warm, amber glow and Cami’s senses exploded with the sights, smells, and sounds of the common area. Not since the Academy had she seen so many people gathered in one place, and the sheer volume of noise alone threatened to overwhelm her. 
    Cami hadn’t realized she’d stopped walking until Tariq gave another little push between her shoulder blades. “There are so many people,” she breathed, digging her feet in and refusing to go another step. “I don’t think I can do this.”
    “Don’t be afraid.” Tariq gave her another gentle nudge. “No one is going to hurt you,” he promised.
    “I’m not that hungry. Really.” Her stomach gave a painful squeeze in protest, but she ignored it. “I just need some rest.”
    Stepping in front of her, Tariq used his broad, muscular frame to block her view of the atrium. Then he took her chin between his thumb and forefinger and tilted her face up to meet his gaze.
    “No one is going to hurt you,” he repeated. With his free hand, he pressed two fingers against her temple and nodded. “I’m not going to let that happen.”
    Cami didn’t need to search his mind for the truth. She could hear the sincerity in his words, but more than that, she felt it in her heart. “Okay. I can do this. I’m not afraid.”
    “Good girl.” Moving to stand beside her again, he placed his massive hand on the small of her back. “Now, let’s go.”
    Vendor stands of every type dotted the center of the atrium. Sunglasses, sweets, exotic jewelry—anything she could possibly want could be purchased at these booths. A human woman with a star tattoo at the corner of her eye claimed to be able to see the future…for the right number of credits.
    “Who is she?” Cami pointed to the woman with spiky blonde hair and oversized earrings. “Do you know her?”
    Tariq nodded at the woman as they passed her. “That’s Scarlett Nikandros. She landed here about two years ago.”
    “Is she a Precog? I mean, can she really see the future?” Cami couldn’t fathom why the woman would tout such incredible abilities as cheap entertainment. “Where did she come from?”
    “We don’t ask questions here, angel. Whatever she was running from isn’t my business.”
    “If no one asks questions, then how do you know she was running?”
    “Easy,” Tariq answered, his tone devoid of any emotion, “because everyone on board is trying to escape something.” He pushed a little more insistently to hurry her across the court. “You talk too much.”
    Trying to distract herself from the urge to peek inside his mind, Cami turned her attention to the shops that lined the curving wall of the atrium. Four pubs in such a small space seemed a bit excessive, but the lone restaurant had a certain charm. Other storefront windows displayed an array of clothing from casual to functional, though she doubted she’d find any of the latest fashions on their racks.
    Not that it mattered. She didn’t have a single credit to her name anyway. Worse, she didn’t know how to contact her family to ask for help. By now, Lucas and her father would know she hadn’t arrived on X4, and both were probably losing their minds over it.
    “Starscape,” Tariq announced, interrupting her thoughts.
    “Hmm?” Shaking her head to clear it, she looked up and smiled at the sign over the entrance. “Oh, wow.” The restaurant’s name stood illuminated in shades of purple and blue against a backdrop of twinkling stars. “It’s so pretty.”
    “The food isn’t bad, either. Come along, angel.”
    The way he said “angel” sounded more mocking than endearing. “I have a name, you know.”
    “I know.” A smug grin tilted one side of his mouth. “Angel suits you.”
    Winding his way through the crowded, softly lit dining room, Tariq led her to a circular two-top table at the back of the restaurant. He didn’t hold her chair out for her, nor did he wait for her to sit before