When All Else Fails (A Push of a Button Novella)

Chapter Nine

"For them. Stand out of the way, old man, and you won't be hurt."

"Actually, Orayan," a familiar voice said. "You're pointing your blaster at one of the ringleaders of the rebel faction. You'll get a hefty reward from me if he ends up back in Supremacy hands, one way or another. He needs help, don't you think? Wouldn't be sensible to let him continue to be a danger to himself and others."

Seb turned on his heel. "Dane. What a surprise. Wish I could say it was pleasant."

Dane sneered at him. "Yes, yes. I know you're disappointed you couldn't spirit the single most important person in my life away. Come here, Vivian."

Viv's fingers wrapped around his wrist, and her nails dug into his skin. "Are you mad? Why would I ever want to go to you?"

His eyes narrowed. "Because I'm the only one who's on your side. And because you don't belong out here running and hiding."

"Really?" Sebastian snorted. "You have a strange definition of being on her side. I think she knows who her allies really are."

"Sebastian, Sebastian." Dane grinned. "You're one to talk. You just want her for yourself. I don't think Vivian does know who her allies are. You're the one who had Mr. Hall dig her button out of her. That doesn't sound like the actions of a friend. It sounds like the behavior of a man who is terrified of being caught with all the evidence of his illegal ties to known rebels who can't risk a liability."

"He's not like that!" Viv's grip tightened even further on his arm.

He winced at her tight grasp.

"Vivian, dear." Dane smiled gently like someone patronizing a petulant child. "He's been using you. You really think your revelation was truly a revelation? We've been monitoring him for years. Please, just come here." He held out his hand. "It's time to come home and stop running."

"Come home to what? Lies and a marriage to you?" She let go of his arm and took a step forward.

Seb sucked in a breath, wanting to snatch her back. Why would she move toward the enemy? She stopped, and he released the breath he'd been holding. "Viv..." He caught her eye.

She clenched her jaw and turned back to Dane. "I loved you."

"Like a brother. Better than nothing, I suppose, but not what I want."

She crossed her arms. "Even if I could learn to love you, you're in the Supremacy's pocket. I won't conform, and I won't act like the truth is a lie, Dane. We're not compatible."

Dane frowned. "I'm not in their pocket. These men work for me. They're promoted and demoted on my say so, and they're loyal to me. Listen to me, Vivi. I'm the only thing between you and death. Same goes for Auclaire. I can let him go now. He can walk away alive and well. But not if he fights me."

"Death?" Her lower lip quivered, and her voice shook.

"Vivian." Mr. H's voice filled the silence, strong and firm. "He is in this for himself. You can't trust him."

Dane crooked his finger at her with a wicked smile. "I can give you everything, Vivian. Freedom, a life, and the ability to believe whatever you want. I can build a world where our children can be raised believing in what you know is the truth. The Supremacy is a card house waiting to fall. I can topple it."

She took another hesitant step but stopped.

Seb reached out to her. "Viv, don't listen to him. No one can beat the Supremacy."

"Wrong, Sebastian. Very, very wrong. Do you know why they're so secretive?" Dane crossed his arms and raised a brow at Seb. "Take a guess."

"Because secrets are power?"