CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Laney was forced to wait another long twenty-four hours before she heard from the Marquis again. She awaited his judgment, what he’d do with her, since she’d so grossly violated his code. She had lied and stolen the two forgotten books and tried to force her way into this life, without invitation. She still couldn’t understand what was so terrible about what she’d done. But she had learned to humble herself, keep her lips shut and accept whatever pronouncement he deemed right.
She entered The Forum again, after being summoned by one of the mindless, naked female robots who served the household and her with acquiescent diligence. Laney cringed now every time she saw one.
There were fewer men in the room this time, maybe a half dozen, Alex, of course, and the Marquis who w
