Made sense. It was actually brilliant given what he faced.
“So, what happens if you’re asked for ID?”
He handed her his comm.
She glanced at it, then laughed. It was a photo of him wearing glasses . . .
With the name Derring Orrin. That picture looked nothing like the adorable rogue she’d found. He was definitely a creature of many facets.
Still laughing, she handed it back. “Nice forgery.”
“I have several.” Of course, he would.
“Your brother?”
He narrowed his gaze on her. “Why would I tell you?”
“Because I’m flying your ship?”
“That gets you my respect. Not any names.”
He was smart and quick. She liked that in a person. It wasn’t often anyone could keep up with her.
“Fine. Be that way. I have secrets, too, you know.”
Hadrian felt a corner of his mouth lift at her petulant tone. He had no reason to be amused by her and yet he was.
She’s after your head.
Yeah, but she’d saved his life.
Don’t trust her. You can’t afford to be that stupid.
Trust was for imbeciles. People lied and they deceived. His entire family had been slaughtered by one single betrayer they’d made the mistake of letting into their lives. His entire race had been brought down by their own.
For no real reason. Petty jealousies. In-fighting and just plain stupidity.
Worse? The ones who’d sought the destruction of his planet had destroyed themselves in the process. No one had won.
Maybe it was karma.
Or just plain sick.
But it had taught him one thing. In a game of war, the best option was to avoid it. Everyone got dirty in a fight, and no one walked away uninjured.
The only thing it showed was the ones who were willing to bleed with and for you. It culled the pretenders from the herd so that you knew just how rare true loyalty actually was.
“So . . .” He leaned forward to check their heading. “What’s our plan?”
“Get to a bathroom, then find out who’s after you and get your contract canceled.”
“That a thing?”
“It’s what I was told.” She handed him her comm. “Are you sure you’ve never heard of the person who opened the contract on you?”
He reviewed the contract again. Anicetus Scalera . . . While Scalera was his father’s surname, he’d never heard Nero mention an Anicetus before. “I don’t recall anyone by that name.”
“You sure?”
