’ ‘You got it, I take it.’ He was incredulous. ‘Of course I did. I told you I was good. I tracked her and I got it. But that gold chain was ke...eping blue stone that looked alive. Light swirled in currents in its center. Idiot child that I was I thought it was some special jewel that belonged to some grand House. If I could offer that perhaps some family would adopt me and I’d be all right.’ Neral almost said she was sorry again, but stopped herself as that one really would have been nothing but. "How was the trip?" asked Mark as Barbara walked into the house, arms full of packages."It was wonderful! And I found a great outfit for the ball. It's a designer exclusive and one-of-a-kind." Barbara said."Don't tell me it what cost, tell me what it looks like." Well," said Barbara coyly "I don't want give all my secrets away, but I'll tell you it's rather form fitting and black." Now that sounds sexy. When do I get to see you in it?" asked Mark."Oh I think the night of the ball will be soon. Oscar leaned over and whispered, “I have to act like a big shot now.”She giggled and replied, “They’ve been talking about you all the way here. They are ready to show you how a real soldier fights.”He nodded and turned to see the six men standing at ease watching him with wry expressions. There was no doubt that they were looking for a chance to show him what they could do. He pointed to three of the men as he said, “You three, come over here.”The three men grinned at each other and took their. "I tried to move and I got another blast of pain."Stop that!" Sheri snapped. "You'll tear the stitches, even if you don't start internal bleeding again." How bad was it?" I asked."If the idiot on top of you knew how to use a knife, you'd be dead now," she snapped. "Then where would I be, you stupid asshole? Why couldn't you have waited for the others?" They ... they were touching you." So what? I've been touched before. More than touched. If you ever do anything that stupid again ... I'll ....