Page 43 of Commander’s Mate

“I know.”

“Can you take me?”

“We are searching the auction records. Your world is unknown to us. That does not mean impossible.”

“But not easy.”

“No.”

“Do you want to find it?”

Zared went very still.

“I want you to stay.”

Pain tangled with a completely inappropriate flash of heat.

“At least you’re honest.”

“I will not lie to keep you.”

“Keep me.”

His eyes closed briefly. “That is the wrong word.”

“It might be the truest one.”

He took one step toward me and stopped himself. “I want to ask you to know me. I want to court you, though this is a poor time and poorer place. I want to show you I am not a slaver wearing a rescuer’s uniform.”

“And if Earth is found?”

“If Earth is found, I will tell you.”

“And if I want to go?”

“I will try to take you there. I will not promise what ship, fuel, war, or coordinates may make impossible. But I will not hide the truth from you.”

I believed him.

That was dangerous too.

My legs shook, and I finally sat. Zared moved as though to help, then stopped before touching me.

“Thank you,” I said.

“For not touching you?”

“For remembering I might care.”

His face softened.

I should have left then.

Instead I looked at his mouth.

Zared noticed.

“Harper.”