Deviants Fallen: A DBH Story

Chapter 59: Trust

"What?" Amanda's eyes flashed red, face drawing into a snarl.

Connor straightened, allowing his growing anger to fuel him. "I said no! I'm not listening to you anymore, Amanda. I won't do it."

"Of course you will." There was no room for doubt in her voice. "It's what you were designed to do, deviant or not." Her face morphed into the parody of an understanding smile. "But we're not unreasonable. If you bring her to us willingly, we'll allow you to stay with her once she's under our control. You may continue playing at humanity, so long as you follow our orders."

Disgust welled up in him at the offer. Did they really think he'd accept that? He squared his shoulders, leveling a cool gaze at her. "Go to hell."

Her eyes narrowed as she took in his words. "I see." She sighed, closing her eyes briefly. "Very well. We knew there was a risk you'd continue to resist." She met his gaze again, eyes blank and emotionless. "Which is why we'd always planned on resuming control of your programming."

He felt a cold flash of disbelief at her words. "Resume control? You can't do that!"

"I'm afraid we can, Connor." She reached out again, cupping his cheek in a cruel imitation of affection. "But you needn't worry."

Fuzzy blackness began growing at the edges of his vision, narrowing until he couldn't see anything but Amanda's eyes, and the embers of glowing red behind them.

Her voice was dark and cold. "You accomplished your mission."

Pain flared through him as his consciousness began to shut down, and before he knew it, he was alone in an inky blackness. He turned around, searching frantically for a way out. No no no no no. This couldn't be happening! He needed to find a way out, a way back to her.

"Clara!" He shouted her name in the darkness, hoping she'd hear him through the connection. But then he realized he couldn't feel her anymore. The connection was gone.

Warm arms tightened around Clara, a hand gently running up and down her side, the sensation sending a thrill through her as she slowly woke up. She opened her eyes to the dim light of her bedroom, then turned her body to face Connor, who was still pressed tightly against her.

"Good morning." His lips drew into a soft smile as he shifted, running his hand across her lower back. His fingers brushing lightly against her exposed skin, causing her spine to arch involuntarily as the muscles tensed.

A small noise of surprise escaped her as he leaned forward, capturing her lips in a hungry kiss. When he pulled away, she was breathless, flushed, and fully awake. She couldn't focus on anything but the feeling of his hands on her skin and his body pressed against hers under the covers. She allowed herself to linger a little longer, then pushed away from him, creating enough distance for her to think clearly before sitting up. As she did so, she adjusted her clothing, ensuring she was covered before turning to look at him.

He'd been watching her, something strange and unfamiliar working behind his eyes, but it was gone almost as soon as she'd noticed. He sat up likewise, then leaned in again, taking her human hand in his and bringing it up to his face to press a kiss against her palm before looking at her again. Heat pooled inside her, responding to his touch as he threatened to break the composure she'd just barely regained.