Rick would make a crude joke to show he cared.
Dev didn’t want his friends flying into harm to save him. He didn’t wish to risk them to save himself. He would find his own escape before that happened. In a way, the quiet tin can of a room was comforting and familiar. The isolation reminded him to be self-reliant.
He lay on the metal floor, limbs stretched out, cheek pressed to the ridged surface. It was uncomfortable and chilled, and he refused to find anything better. At least now he was no longer squished into a crate. He closed his eyes and evened his breathing. Vibrations along the floor would wake him up if anyone came close to the door.
When he opened his eyes, it was to see legs in tight red pants. Well, more correctly, it was to see in-between legs in tight red pants. He started to smile before he caught himself. Not such a bad view.
Violette sat on the floor. Her back pressed against the door, and her hands draped over her knees as she watched him. Was this an invitation?
“What have you decided?” she asked.
Dev pushed up from the floor. Blast it. Not an invitation. “What makes you think I’ve decided anything?”
“You’re sleeping. You don’t strike me as the type to sleep if there is work to be done.”
Whatever drugs Gil had managed to get into his system while he was trapped like cargo must have dulled his senses. “And you don’t strike me as the type to watch a man sleep. Or are you that starved for entertainment?” He pretended to be unconcerned as he stretched his arms. His muscles were tight and achy.
She motioned to her cheek and then pointed at his face. “You have floor marks on your cheek.”
Dev touched his skin, feeling the imprinted texture of his hard bed on his flesh. It would go away. “You have green marks around your waist.”
She laughed at the observation. “A teenage indiscretion, an old style tattoo artist, and a stolen bottle of whiskey.”
Dev gestured at the darker line on his arm. “Born that way.”
She nodded behind him. “You can use the bed.”
He glanced over his shoulder. “So can you.”
“Quick escape.” She pointed her thumb behind her to the door. Though, she hardly looked concerned and there was nothing quick about her position. She’d have to stand to reach the door scanner, and the room was small. He could snap her neck before she even thought of leaving. Of course, he wouldn’t.
“This is not who we are.” She slowly stood, keeping an eye on him as she tried to act unconcerned.
Dev arched a brow. He mimicked her previous position, resting his arms on his knees as he sat on the floor and leaned against the frame of the bed. “You’re not trying to convert me to some strange calling, are you? Which one is it? We’re all pawns to the gods? Do we belong to the space overlords?”
“You’re surly when you wake up.”
He tried smiling at her. It was a weak effort, but it did cause her to relax her posture. Damn the woman was stunning. He wished she’d smile. Hell, as long as he was wishing for stuff, he wished she’d take off her clothes and let him do naughty things to her again.
“Besides, Salebinaben Johobik en Dehauberkelsain en Thoraxian en Yyrtolzx Devekin, everyone knows the space overlords are in a battle with the almighty whiteholes. It is our duty to join the fight.” Her tone was wry, and it took a moment for him to realize she was teasing him.
“You remembered my full name,” he said in surprise.
“What can I say? I’m impressive.”
“Your pronunciation could use a little work.” He chuckled to lighten the insult. “So, who are we then?”
“We, as in my crew. We are not kidnappers. We don’t ransom or traffic in life. I have no quarrel with you or the other members of your crew. My dispute is with Josselyn.”
“Josselyn is a member of my crew.” Dev had expected they would eventually have this conversation. He’d much rather be warring with her in bed, but he saw the pain in her eyes. She had to try, and he had to protect his family. Josselyn was now his family. She was with Evan. That is all he needed to know.
“Then she’s a new member. I can’t imagine she has proven herself very valuable.” Violette began to pace.
“Depends on how you define value.” Dev stayed on the floor, observing her. He enjoyed watching