Tropes include: Slow Burn, Age Gap, Genetic Engineering, Older Woman Younger Man, Forced Proximity, Feminist Sci-Fi
Excerpt
This scene takes place after Joe was rescued by Shohn and taken to her home for safekeeping. He had awakened to find an intruder in his hotel room. Shohn received an alert and decided he needed a safer place. After all, this man holds the possible key to two conflicting missions that Shohn must deal with. This scene is right after she settled him in and then left the room.
Hands behind his head, Joe lay on the bed. He couldn't sleep if he tried, so he hadn't bothered pulling down the sheets. Faint light from around the door cast a bit of light on the ceiling. Before long, that went out, and he found himself in darkness.
He pulled out his mobile and brought up Imperinet. "Search people," he told the device. "Basic background on Kin Shohn Lexius."
The unit made an answering ping. "Full name Lexius, Shohnahki, born 4624 on Felidae, Lexius Township, age forty-four years. Employed by idBot 4645. Volunteer at Kin Kids Healthcare. Do you require current address?"
"Think I've got that pretty well covered. What's her position at idBot?"
"Ms. Lexius is the Senior Liaison on the Lucsondis security team."
"What is Lucsondis?"
"Lucsondis is an umbrella company owned by Luc Saint-Cyr."
"Saint-Cyr?" Joe rubbed the tight spot between his eyes. Wasn't that just great? "Is there a civilian world equivalent of her position?"
"Comparative titles include Senior Vice President of Security, Senior Vice President of Security and Transport Division, Executive Director of--"
"Okay. I get it. She's powerful and she works for Saint-Cyr." Hadn't his father often lamented not being able to seek research grants outside the TCF? Saint-Cyr's interests in firestorms was a matter of public record. More specifically, in the crystals created during firestorms. "Okay, idBot. Is Ms. Lexius married or dating anyone?" He gritted his teeth, waiting for the answer.
"According to Idle Time Ezine, Ms. Lexius is not and has never been married. She is listed as number seven on a list of the ten 'Most Sought After Businesswomen of Tarth City.'"
And why did that give him such a feeling of satisfaction? Joe set aside his mobile.
So she worked for Saint-Cyr. What would it take to get Shohn to set up a meeting with the man? And if she did, what would it take to keep the TCF from firing him on the spot?
She might be helping him at Saint-Cyr's behest, or because of the research of Joe's father. Maybe even his own. After all, why would an executive that high up in the company take on a missing person case like his? And then bring him right into her own home?
What were her ulterior motives? Was she planning corporate espionage on Saint-Cyr's behalf? But how would she have known Joe would end up in a vulnerable position, the victim of a break-in?
Unless she set it up in order to gain access to him. Or had herself been the one in that room.
No. He'd felt the vibes. Definitely male.
If she was spying on him, why did she have to be so damned attractive?
Joe swallowed. He'd been right. He wouldn't sleep for a week.
