He turned, reluctantly.
“I love you. I want you, just the way you are.”
He reached out, his fingers brushing her face. “You’re something special, Dr. Rai.”
She closed her eyes. He was saying goodbye. Her hand clenched on theMona Lisa. Once she’d thought it was one of the most important things in the galaxy.
Now, while her heart was breaking, she realized that yes, it was important, but it was just a fragment of the past. The present and the future mattered more.
“Tell me you don’t want me.”
His face tensed. “Doc, there’s no room in my life for a woman?—”
“Say it.”
“What I do is too dangerous. Surely you realize?—”
“You’re a coward.” She moved to pull away, but he held her fast.
“What did you say?”
“You’re a coward. Just like your father.”
Dathan hissed in a breath.
The horrible pain inside her urged her on. “He gave up on life, on love, on everything after your mother left. You gave up on it without even giving it a chance.”
“Hang on.” Dathan’s hands slid over her shoulders. “You’re too good for me. One day you’d wake up in my bunk and wonder what the hell you’re doing here. You’d become bitter and twisted.”
“I’m not your mother.” His past was still there, a huge black void that wouldn’t let him go. Just like hers had been…up until this treasure hunt.
His jaw tightened, but he didn’t say anything else. Then he yanked her forward and his mouth was on hers. His kiss was urgent, rough. She clung to him, gripping him as she returned the kiss, pouring all her churning emotions into it.
He groaned, his hands cupping her jaw, his teeth sinking into her bottom lip.
Then he pulled back. “Take care of yourself.”
Her heart shattered. A million tiny pieces.
“Don’t go ending up on any more slave blocks, okay?” He headed for the door.
From somewhere she dredged up some strength and forced herself to function. “Wait.”
He turned.
There was so much she wanted to say, but she knew it was pointless. He’d made his choice. Instead, she held out theMona Lisafragment. “This is yours.”
He stared at it for a minute, then slowly raised his arm. He was careful not to touch her fingers as he took it.
“You earned it,” she said.
“Didn’t think you’d part with it.”
“I always honor my promises. No matter what.” She held out another small parcel wrapped in protective cloth. “This is for you too. Open it after…after I’m gone.” She looked into his eyes, committing that beautiful color to memory. “I learned an important lesson on this adventure. The pieces of the past are important, but living our lives, not being afraid to love, that’s precious.”
There was a loud clang and the ship gave a slight shudder.
Eos scooped up her bag and slung it over her shoulder. “That’s my ride. Goodbye, Dathan.”
