WIP Wednesday - CyberServed: Made to Order

 

After an attempt on Tosha's life, she and Brick discuss ways for him to calm down

“We were discussing dealing with anger. I don’t drink to drown my pain the way I used to. Okay, so a glass or two of wine to take the edge off an occasional burst of rage, but I don’t get drunk.”

“What does responsible Tosha do about her anger in the present?”

“Any number of things. I might talk it out with Adrienne. I might go for a walk in the garden. I might just sit around and sulk.” Or call Snuggle Buddies and screw the angst out, unless there was a cock-blocking cyborg in the house. She suppressed a sigh. “Do any of those options match up with what your matrix suggests?”

“A couple, but none seem helpful to me. I’m talking to you as you might with Adrienne, but the anger that you could have been hurt remains. A walk in the garden would give me too much quiet to dwell on the attack. I don’t believe I’m capable of sulking at this point in my evolution.”

“I wouldn’t be able to watch you mope, Brick. I’d have to try to pull you out of it, and that might make matters worse.” She couldn’t help but tease a little to lighten his mood. Damn if he wasn’t brooding, just a bit. “Run your suggestions past me. Maybe I’ll have some insight on what might work.”

“Thank you. I’m sure this must be an inconvenience to you, coping with your cyborg’s emotional awakening.”

“Not at all. I owe you for taking those bullets.” She held up her hand as he opened his mouth. “I know, it’s what I bought you for and what you’re programmed to do. I feel obligated to appreciate it.”

He seemed pleased.

“Hit me with your programming’s best ideas.”

“Revenge. I believe we can discount that, along with fighting someone.”

She chuckled. “Agreed.”

“Exercise. I don’t require exercise, and it wouldn’t be any different to me than cooking a meal or piloting your shuttle. Also, there’s meditation. The purpose of meditation is to quiet thoughts. Since my matrix is incapable of ceasing to run various programs and inform me continuously of the status of my functions, the closest I could come to such tranquility is to shut down entirely. Upon rebooting, I’d likely revert to my present condition.”

“I guess nirvana is out of your reach.” Tosha clucked sympathetically. “Anything else?”

Did he hesitate for an instant? An expression she couldn’t identify flickered over his face. His tone was nonchalant. “Sex.”

“Ah.” She caught herself looking him over. “I see.” Her gaze met his and skittered aside. “Interesting.”

“I agree. You enjoy sex. If you provide me a program in that regard, I’ll be capable of serving your needs. You won’t have to pay strangers—or allow them in your home—for that requirement.”

“Uh huh.” The room was too hot. “You, uh, have any thoughts on what that would do for your anger?”

“I hope you aren’t concerned I’d take it out on you during intercourse. Your safety is my priority.” A deep line appeared between his brows. Concern, perhaps.

“Of course you wouldn’t.” Tosha’s leg bounced nervously. She made it stop. “I meant, you didn’t believe exercise or meditation would help. Why would sex?”

“From what I understand, there are various nuances to be learned during the act. Each human is different in their preferences. While the programs would inform me of scores of techniques—”

Oh boy…

“—a library of positions—”

Great storm of Jupiter…

“—sensitive areas to thoroughly explore—”

Stop…

“—the experience itself would demand a great deal of my attention. It would be a compelling diversion from the anger.”

“Right.” She licked her lips.

The silence between them hung heavy. At least it did for her. Brick waited for her reply, his expression that same friendly cast she’d gotten used to since his latest interaction upgrade.

Sex. Naturally, she’d been engrossed in his astonishing physique since the night before when he’d trotted around without any clothes. A gal could have a lot of fun with a guy called “the Wall.” Especially when he possessed entire catalogs of techniques and positions.

 

Releasing April 8. Pre-order now available at Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords. Print on sale now.

She’s marked for death. He’s her only hope. But can a de-commissioned cyborg once programmed to kill humans be trusted with her life…or her heart?

They called him the Wall, part of a cyborg army that terrorized humans during a long war waged by those intent on wielding power. When Tosha Cameron, owner of a multi-billion corporation, first sees the deactivated cyborg, he’s a tattered remnant of a horrific past.

Most would prefer to see cyborgs destroyed, but those with vision see a valuable resource. When Tosha’s business rivals target her for assassination, the Wall—whom she renames Brick—is her best bet for protection.

Reprogrammed, Brick proves he’s more than a mere machine. Programmed to guard Tosha, he can supply her every need. He soon develops beyond his learning matrix and software, becoming capable of humanity…and more.

Dark secrets from a bloody past are waiting deep in his circuitry, however; secrets that could kill the woman he loves and has sworn to protect.