B Clones (Clones #1) - Laurann Dohner Page 0,66

abandon ship and need assistance to survive. That, or…”

“Or what?”

He glanced at her. “Or there are more pirate ships close by and they ceased attacking because others will reach us soon. Freighters are bulky and harder to maneuver to avoid being fired at. Smaller shuttles and transports will be more difficult for me to target.”

She pushed back in her seat, her gaze fixed warily on the two ships as they passed them. They kept their distance, and Blade was right—the two ships were moving next to each other, probably docking to allow people on the damaged freighter to reach the other one.

“I’m not reading any other ships on long-range scanners but they could be hiding behind a planet or other obstacles that will conceal them.”

“What do we do?”

“I’m adjusting course to give us a cushion between anything big enough for them to use as a shield. We should have enough of a warning to act if that’s the case.”

“But that happened so fast. I thought long-range sensors would warn us if ships were like an hour or so away?”

“They normally would, but do you see that moon?” He pointed to a large white moon coming up on the far right.

“Yes.”

“They were probably traveling on a path that blocked them from our sensors, and they didn’t show up until they passed that moon.”

She stared at the big white ball. “Do you think more of them are on the other side of it?”

“We’ll find out soon enough. It’s a good thing we just ate. I’m not leaving the cockpit again until we’re far from the Nornor Sector. I want to be right here in case we’re attacked again.”

She turned her head to study him. He relaxed in his seat and actually unbuckled his belts.

“We’re safe right now?”

“Yes.”

Hailey feared that could change any second.

Chapter Five

Hailey carried two drinks back to the cockpit. Blade had been serious about staying in there in case more pirate ships tried to attack. It had been almost an hour since they’d passed the moon. She entered the room and walked up next to him, offering him a cup.

He flashed her a smile. “Thank you.”

“Let me know when you’re hungry or need anything.” She peered out the front window. Two planets were in sight. Both were beautiful in their own ways but now she also realized they represented danger. It was possible that pirate ships were using those globes as a place to hide on or behind.

The sense of danger had her on edge. It also had her replaying all her life regrets if they didn’t survive another attack.

She took the other seat, sipped her tea, then placed it in a cup holder attached to the side of the seat, her gaze fixed on Blade. He kept checking the sensors and adjusting their course. She couldn’t miss the tension in his body as she studied him closely.

“Blade?”

“Yes?”

“Once we’re out of this sector, will we be safe?”

“Some could decide to follow us.” He glanced her way, worry showing in his eyes. “The good news is there are fewer planets and moons in the next sector.”

“Fewer opportunities for them to sneak up on us, right?”

“Yes.”

“How long before we’re out of this one?”

“Just beyond that green planet.”

She nodded and got comfortable.

Time passed, roughly two more hours, and finally Blade stood. He lifted his arms up and stretched, making his chest arch forward and his firm rounded butt stick out a little. Hailey’s attention mainly focused on the way his tank top rode up to reveal a flash of golden skin on his flat stomach. He had the best body she’d ever seen…and the more she thought about her regrets, the more she wanted to touch him.

“We’re safe for a while.” He lowered his arms and took a step closer to her, standing between their seats. “Are you ready for lunch?” He held out his large hand to her. “I’ll prepare it.”

Hailey reached for him and he clasped her hand, gently pulling her to her feet. She inhaled, loving his masculine scent. Her gaze locked with his. He tried to release her hand but she clung to him, refusing to let go. Not only did he look practically perfect but he’d just offered to make her lunch. He definitely wasn’t like any other man she’d ever know.

“Blade? Will you kiss me?”

She’d surprised him. There was no missing the way his eyes widened a bit, and he sucked in air sharply.

“I mean, if you want to,” she rushed on, dropping her attention to the