Grace didn't respond, shooting Kira a seething glare before stepping close and pulling Jace's head to hers. The two shared a long, drawn-out kiss. The seconds ticked by as the rest stared at them.
Kira shifted, uncomfortable. "Have the rules of fraternization changed since I've been gone?"
Blue snickered. "Ignore them. Grace is insecure since she knows Knight had a thing for you."
Kira frowned. “No, he didn’t.”
Blue rolled her eyes. “It always amazes me how you can be so perceptive, yet blind to the things right in front of you.”
Kira’s frown didn’t lessen. She found it hard to believe Blue. Kira and Jace had always been friends, close friends, but that was as far as it ever went. There had never been anything remotely romantic on either side.
Blue dropped the subject and bumped her with her hip. "Nixxy, where have you been?"
"Don't answer her," Tank said. "She's trying to win the pool."
Kira blinked.
"Don't listen to him," Blue said. "It's not just because I’ve got a couple hundred credits riding on you answering correctly. I'm genuinely curious."
"There's a betting pool?" Jin asked.
Blue smirked. "Yup. Most of the boardheads think you two are dead. Those who knew you, know better."
Blue looked at her expectantly.
"Here and there," Kira said finally, her throat feeling tight from suppressed emotion.
Jace saved her from having to say anything further as he untangled himself from his paramour and walked toward them. Grace shot Kira another hostile glare before disappearing down the corridor.
“Ask where our quarters are and then stow our things,” Jace ordered.
Blue snapped a salute before bouncing toward the Tuann ship. Tank followed.
Jace paused next to Kira. "You really going to be all right with this?"
Kira shook her head. "I don't really have a choice, do I?"
