that it's stuffy. It's that I'm absolutely terrified. My hands are so slippery Adiron's blaster could fall from my grip at any minute.
One of the men leaves, and the other casually walks toward Adiron, his hand on the weapon at his waist. "You know what this ship is?" he asks, voice all casual.
Adiron lifts his bowl to his lips. "Keffing death trap is what it is. I've had to rejig half the control panels just to keep the air flowing. You planning on towing her to port?"
"Depends on what the captain says," the man replies, voice cool. "She'll let us know her plans soon enough."
Footsteps echo on the floors, and I see Adiron's tail twitch.
"Captain," the soldier says, his body turning toward the door. A long, lean pair of legs and another blue tail enter the room. It's a woman, and judging by the whipcord strong-but-slim build and the tail, it's another mesakkah. I can't see her face, though.
At the table, Adiron starts to choke on his food.
"Thought you'd be surprised to see me," the woman purrs. "Imagine finding my favorite va Sithai in the ass-crack of the universe."
"Shaalyn," Adiron coughs, his expression stunned.
61
ADIRON
Well, if this isn't my worst nightmare, I'm not sure what is.
I stare at my old lover, unable to believe my eyes. Shaalyn vos Nimai is as beautiful as ever, her long, smooth ponytail high between her horns and flowing down her shoulders. Her ears are studded with hoops, just as I remember, and she's got a tiny one on her septum that glitters when she smiles. She doesn't look one bit different, despite the fact that it's been eight years since I saw her. Those bright eyes still sparkle with intelligence, her body is as lean and strong as ever, and her expression is just as hard and ruthless as the last time I saw her, when she had her knife in my gut and cooed an apology even as she left me for dead.
Funny how I used to find that ruthless nature of hers so exciting once. I loved that she was a bossy female who knew what she wanted and would step on anyone to get it. Now, though, I can't help but compare her to Jade, who puts the needs of others ahead of her, and who leads simply because someone has to, and she feels the weight of responsibility. Who cares genuinely for everyone and wants all of those she's in charge of to have a fair shake, even Crulden the Ruiner.
Shaalyn is nothing compared to Jade. Nothing at all.
"Hey there," I manage to choke out. "Crazy how we keep running into each other after you tried to murder me."
A smile curves her mouth, and she looks genuinely delighted to see me. "Holding grudges, darling? You really shouldn't. You know it wasn't personal."
The sad thing is, I know she's right. Shaalyn has always been all about herself. Even when I was madly in love with her and helping her rob others blind, I thought she didn't give a shit about anyone except me. Turns out, I was mostly right. She didn't give a shit about anyone, INCLUDING me. Ah well. That's what happens when you think with your cock. "Doesn't matter if it was personal or not. Can't say we left on good terms after you betrayed me, knifed me, and stole my ship."
She tuts, moving forward and brushing her long, graceful fingers over my cheek. "You would have done the same to me if you were in a pinch."
"No, I wouldn't have." At the time, I truly thought myself in love with her. I'd have done anything for her. Now, of course, I see that she was just using my enthusiastic obedience as another tool.
Shaalyn shrugs. "Then you're a fool. Speaking of fools…" She gestures at my surroundings. "What are you doing out here, darling?"
I pull away from her touch, though it might be smarter to let her think I still have a measure of affection for her. It takes everything I have not to look over at Jade's hiding spot. I can't give away her location. Even if she manages to shoot one or two of Shaalyn's crew, there's more than she can safely handle. I can't risk her getting hurt. Time to bluff my way out of things. "On this ship? I could ask the same of you."
She leans over me, her tail swishing. I'm not surprised to see she's got a few rings on the tip of it.