I laugh at that mental image. As I take another sip of water, I glance around and realize we are alone. “Where is everyone?”
“Mmm. Rukh made Har-loh return to theLadyto rest. She wanted to keep working, but he would not let her. And I believe Trakan is still digging around in the bowels of the ship. I hear noises from that direction every now and then.” She shrugs and snuggles against me. “I thought I would let you keep working. You seemed to enjoy yourself.”
“I want to get as much done as possible before I have to leave,” I tell her, capping the water-skin and handing it back.
“Then do you wish to stay here tonight? I can build a fire and we can camp out near it.”
I like the idea. There’s something about this old ship that eats at my mind, and I don’t want to leave it until I can get more done. Plus, the thought of being here with Farli instead of on the ship, where it feels like all eyes are paying attention to where we sleep? “Let’s do it.”
Her eyes light up with pleasure, and I realize I’ve said the right thing. This is what she wants, too. “Rukh brought back some fresh meat, and I still have some of it. It will not take long to make a fire.”
So she can cook it? If this is my last night with her, on this planet, I want to try how she’d eat it. “I can do raw.”
“Are you certain?”
“I’m sure I’ve eaten worse on a few low-end space stations.I want to enjoy it like you do.” I pull her close to me and press a kiss to her forehead. “Live like you do, even if just for a night.”
“And tomorrow?” she asks in a faint voice.
I don’t want to think about tomorrow. I just want to think about today. I touch her chin, tilting her head up so I can gaze into her luminous blue eyes. She’s different from anyone else I’ve ever met, and it’s strange how little time it’s taken for us to become so close. I’m obsessed with her. I…don’t know what I’m going to do if she doesn’t go with me. “Farli—”
She throws her arms around me and kisses me, silencing my words. Fair enough. I slick my tongue against hers and devour the little moans she makes as our kiss grows deeper, more intense, more erotically charged. I love the rub of her lips against mine, the accidental scrape of our teeth as we grow too enthusiastic. Even when we kiss badly, it’s still keffing amazing. I need this—and I need her—like I need air. I wrap my hand around her thick, wild hair, pinning her against me as lust drives through my body. It’s not enough to claim her mouth; I need more and—
Someone coughs behind us.
Grr. I pull my mouth from Farli’s soft one reluctantly and glare over at Trakan. “What?”
He gives us a dopey grin as he saunters past, a lumpy sack slung over his shoulder. “Don’t mind me. Don’t wanna interrupt snuggle time. I’ll just be heading back to my chambers.”
I put a hand out and flick my fingers toward him. “Let me see what’s in the bag, first.”
Trakan sighs heavily, as if I’m being completely unreasonable. He holds the bag out and gives me a cross glare, which I ignore.
“Come on,” I tell him, indicating he should head out. “Time for you to go back to the ship.”
“You staying out here?” He frowns. “You’re not going to take anything while I’m gone, are you?” My glare silences him. “Right. Because you’re so noble and brave. Big hero of the savage people. Go you. Can I have my damned bag back now?”
I pick through it, but it’s small, useless junk and nothing worth worrying over. Rusted utensils and little mementos of an old age that aren’t worth anything to anyone except collectors. I hand back the bag, but when he reaches for it, I prompt him, “And where did you find this stuff if anyone asks?”
“Salvaged it off a wreck floating in space. Don’t know the coordinates. Pretty sure it flew into the nearest gas giant. Luckily I managed to get there just in time.” He gives me a smirk. “Will that do?”
“Yeah.” I release the bag. “Buy something nice for your girl back at the station.”
His sneaky expression softens, and a genuine smile creases his face in what feels like the first time. “Blantah? Yeah, she deserves something nice. Gonna buy her something shiny and watch her eyes light up. That’s the best thing, you know? Making your girl happy.” He glances back behind me. Farli’s moved off to one side and is busy making a fire. She crouches low, blowing on a tiny flame, and her features are lit up by the orange flickers. Any other girl would look ghoulish, but Farli just looks…well, she looks keffing perfect.
But then, she’s always perfect in my eyes.
“She’s a good girl and deserves better than a long-haul crewman,” Trakan continues, and for a moment, I think he’s talking about Farli. I narrow my eyes at him only to realize he’s still got that faraway look on his face, thinking about his lover.“Which is why,” he says, “I’m quitting.”
I’m surprised to hear this. We’ve all been crew on theLadyfor years now, and even though we’re not close, Trakan’s afixture in my life. “You are?”
He nods. “Gonna give her the life she deserves, you know? Settle down, have a few kids, get a place. Talked to a buddy of mine and we’re going to do local deliveries. Planet hops in the same system. Not much of a stretch for a navigator, but I’ll be home more. This haul’s my last one.” He glances back at Farli again and then over to me. “Can I give you a piece of advice?”
Uh oh. “Is it going to piss me off?”
Trakan chuckles. “Nah, man. Just gonna tell you that when you find the right girl, don’t let her get away. This job’s just a job, you know? The moment I leave, Chatav’ll have me replaced and won’t give it a second thought. Won’t think about it again. Niri won’t give a shit. I know you won’t care. It’s a job, but it’s not a home. My home’s with my girl. I’m a big kef-up a lot of the time, but I know that me being home is going to make her happiest, and that’s what I’m going to do. If you like the barbarian girl, let her know. That’s all I’m saying. We’re not gonna be here for much longer, and regrets are a shitty thing to sleep with at night.”
“Thanks,” I say dryly. I think he means well, but the advice isn’t necessary. I know I want Farli with me. I just have to convince her that she needs to leave withThe Tranquil Ladywhen I do. And tonight, I need to work hard on convincing her. I don’t know what I’m going to say, only that I have no choice. Leaving her isn’t an option. She’s got to come with me. I need her.
