Revealing Eden Read Online Free PDF Page A

wanted to see the Real Eden. She had hung on his every word.
    —All right. I understand you don’t trust me. Not yet. Why don’t we spend some time together so we can solve that problem? This isn’t what you think. I’m different and I’m going to prove it to you
.
    —Okay
.
    The confidence, the bold grin, and the way his eyes followed her when she’d exited the gate had dazzled and unnerved her. She’d stumbled into the lab, dumbfounded.
    True to his word, Jamal had persisted and their clandestine visits had begun a few months ago. Now, he lay beside her, as amazing as the sight of a lone flower pushing through the baked concrete.
    He settled back and looked thoughtful as he began. “I was thinking about what you said your father always tells you—‘wait and see.’ Maybe the good doctor’s onto something.”
    “Uh huh.” Eden wanted to talk about their future together, not her father.
    “I mean, look what happened. You got probation—”
    “I didn’t start it.”
    “I’m not accusing you, pet.” He tucked her into the crook of his arms. “I’m just saying bad news can bring good news. Wait and see. For example, tomorrow night, you’re off work.” His eyebrows arched with anticipation. “Which means you and I should go to the Moon Dance.”
    “Really? Are you serious?”
    “Dead serious.”
    It was all that Eden had hoped for. A Coal didn’t takea Pearl out in public unless he or she intended to pick up the other’s mating option. And what more public event to show his intentions than at a Moon Dance? By law, everyone had to attend at least nine a year. The Uni-Gov insisted these events reduced the frequent violence that naturally resulted from the crowded conditions in the tunnels.
    Eden squealed with delight. She could almost picture a white dot on her dusky-coated forehead. Mated, and with a desirable Coal!
    “But I’m on probation,” she said, suddenly remembering. “Bramford hasn’t—”
    Jamal lifted a finger to her lips. “Who’s in charge of clearance?”
    “All right. But tomorrow night my father’s experiment takes place. You’ll be on guard.”
    “I’ll put someone else in charge, take the company craft, cut out to meet you, be back in time for the Big Bang.”
    “But I’ll have to go alone.” The thought terrified her.
    “Don’t worry,” Jamal said softly. “As soon as you get off the 19:00 transport, I’ll be waiting.” He cupped her chin and looked deep into her eyes. “It’s time for Jamal to make a righteous move. Do you understand?”
    She gulped. “Yes.”
    “Good.” He gave her a peck on the cheek. “See you tomorrow night, Little Bunny.”
    She reached for him but he was gone. Stunned, she lay there, going over what he’d said.
Time for Jamal to make a righteous move
.
    Her Life-Band tingled again. Eden accepted the incoming signal, thinking it was Jamal, even as she realized her mistake. Instead of his heart-warming face, she saw the dreadedlogo of the Federation of Free People: a swirl of black that spun around until it erased a small white circle.
    Quit, quit!
It disappeared but she sat there, reeling. Horrific stories about murdered or missing Pearls ran through her mind.
Breathe, Eden
.
    She moved robotically to open the door. Austin scrambled to his feet, his soft eyes on hers. At least he’d never be killed because of his color. But she couldn’t think about that now. Soon they’d be safe.
    “Oh, buddy,” Eden said, hanging onto his neck. “Please, be nice to Jamal. If I’m lucky, he’ll be my mate.”

 
    E DEN FORCED herself to concentrate on the staccato-like tapping of her high heels against the concrete floor in the busy, wide pedestrian tunnel. If she focused on her feet moving ahead, she wouldn’t give in to the paralyzing fear that gripped her. What if one of her co-workers saw her and reported her illegal leave to Bramford?
    She couldn’t think about the risk or she might lose her nerve and return home. Never mind, she