Gamble Read Online Free PDF

the entire package to life.”
    “Thank you for the flattery, but your elegance far trumps my perkiness.” Kora politely but firmly removed herself from Jeeni’s grasp.
    There was a flash of irritation in her features, but Jeeni inclined her head and surrendered for the moment.
    The halls gave way to a dining room with a vaulted ceiling. Two men sat in low conversation, and on the other side of the table, Neuro was waiting. He got to his feet the moment that he saw her.
    “Gamble, I am so glad you could make it.” He came around the table and took her in his arms.
    Jeeni huffed. “She would like to go by Kora here, Neuro. Not everyone is as stuck up as you.”
    He snorted lightly before kissing Kora in greeting. There was a deliberateness to it that told her he was staking his claim. When he lifted his head, his eyes were that same blue that had so fascinated her on the ship.
    “Kora, this is Steerak and Leddaken. Guardians of Keylan.” He kept one arm around her, and she didn’t fight him.
    Guardians were pledged to take care of their populations and the citizens of the Nyal Imperium. Kora was not any of those things. She was not even a living being by the standards of several worlds she visited. The level of flesh versus tech was in favour of tech. Her body had the same rights as a game console in the eyes of some Guardians.
    Being thought to be Neuro’s lover was the only protection she would get, so it was a role she was willing to play.
    As he held her seat out for her and she settled on the chair, the Guardians all looked at her with differing levels of hunger in their eyes. Why did I think dinner with strangers would be a good idea?
    The ship sent her calming signals of blue and lavender, her favourite colours. If she needed it, the Star Fairy would come to her aid. Oddly enough, knowing that a battle-ready shuttle was standing by gave her the courage to keep her seat.
    She smiled and put her napkin in her lap, preparing for the barrage of questions. With the idea of the ship attacking the Guardian Base, she felt at ease about the coming evening. It was funny how life could be made better by the little things.
     

Chapter Six
     
     
    The bots that served them were efficient and silent. Kora kept her hands in her lap until her glass was filled. It was wine. She fought a grimace.
    “Would it be plausible to get water?”
    The three Guardians of Keylan scowled at her, and she sighed. “Never mind. The wine is fine.”
    She lifted her glass with the others and let the liquid touch her lips. She didn’t let any inside her mouth. Tech didn’t mix well with alcohol.
    Neuro put his glass aside. “I believe that I would prefer water as well. This vintage is not to my liking.”
    The bots immediately brought out water for everyone at the table. Jeeni frowned, but she allowed the change to the table.
    Kora sipped at the water while the other Guardians had wine, and Neuro joined her in her beverage choice. The bots brought out the meal, and the dinner guests ate slowly and in silence. Apparently, idle chitchat was not something to be engaged in during the meal.
    Once the frozen dessert was served, Kora’s nerves were stretched to the breaking point. When someone finally spoke, Kora jumped.
    “Well, Kora, how did you come by such excellent markings?” Steerak broke the silence.
    She smiled slightly and placed her hands in her lap once again. “It is the design used to reinforce my facial structure to reduce fracturing and maintain cohesion.”
    He blinked. “Oh. It is lovely.”
    She inclined her head. “Thank you.”
    Leddaken took up the conversational gambit. “I have never met a cyborg before.”
    “Ah. Well, there are more of us than you would imagine, though few are as extensively altered as I am.”
    Under the table, Neuro took her hand.
    Leddaken didn’t give up. “Are many of your people altered in such a way?”
    “No. Only four others that I know of. We are all part of the transport project for