so there wasn’t a chance of being returned to it to serve her sentence on the awful dirt farm that had been her fate.
She’d never been particularly talented at seduction; she hadn’t had much opportunity to practice, since she’d avoided most males since she deserted from the Fleet. EJ searched for courage and eased a little closer to the Xaravian in front of her, although not close enough for him to grab her. “I don’t have to hide here, of course. I mean, I could hide in your quarters.”
His dark eyebrow arched and his head tilted. Like he considered it.
EJ smiled and softened her expression, tried to think herself into a sexier mindset. Which wasn’t easy when she really had to pee and hadn’t had a good shower in three days. The damn gen ship was stingy on water for washing. “You’re right that I don’t know much about Xaravians, particularly the males, but I’m interested in learning more.”
She hoped he picked up on the hints so she didn’t have to just flat-out proposition him. There was no telling what Xaravian innuendo sounded like.
The big Xaravian’s shoulders and arms flexed, just reminding her of how big and strong he actually was, and he studied her without much expression. “You want to stay in my quarters?”
“Well, it would be nicer than these,” she said, and gestured to take in the somewhat battered room around them. She didn’t want to meet whatever had busted the door and practically folded it in half. “And I would like some company.”
She bit her lower lip and glanced down, hoping against hope that he’d understand. How the hell did Xaravians flirt? Rattle their scales at each other? Tie more bones and beads into their dark hair?
“You’re offering yourself in trade,” he said slowly, head still tilted, as he waited for her reaction. “For safe passage to the next port.”
Well, when he said it like that, she felt like a whore. EJ wanted to dance around so she wouldn’t embarrass herself even more as the call of nature nearly deafened her. “Could I just use the water closet quickly? Please? It’s been a long day.”
The corner of his mouth twitched, but he tilted his head at the small door next to him that hid the facilities. EJ held her breath; it would take her within grabbing reach, so it was a chance for him to get her without having to chase her.
He watched her, then snorted and retreated a step, though he still blocked the door so she couldn’t make it into the corridor.
But at least there was enough space for her to get to the water closet. EJ darted in, keeping an eye on the Xaravian, and made it safely to the small space so she could gather her thoughts and take care of other business. Maybe his quarters had more room and plenty of hot water so she could shower. Her mind wandered for a moment. He would probably be very talented with his hands and a hell of a back-scrubber. Sharing a shower didn’t strike her as a bad idea.
The thought distracted her enough that she stepped out of the water closet without paying attention to where the Xaravian stood. So she stumbled right into his arms, bumping into his chest. EJ sucked in a breath and tried to untangle herself, but it was too late. The Xaravian was as moveable as a damn boulder, and withstood her best efforts to evade without even noticing she wanted to flee.
His arms wrapped around her chest and he abruptly lifted her off her feet and simply held her in the air, letting her legs dangle despite how she kicked. “Calm down.”
“Saying that never actually makes someone calm down,” EJ muttered.
He chuckled and the rough sound slid over her skin and gave her goosebumps all the way through her. The scales of his chin and jaw scraped against her shoulder and throat, then up to her jaw as he seemed to explore the side of her face. “Is that so.”
“Yes,” she said, suddenly breathless. He felt like a furnace surrounding her. Very, very solid—all up and down his body. Her body flushed in reaction to his immense strength. She wanted to keep fighting but forced herself to relax against him, to rest her head back against his shoulder so she could maybe encourage him to feel more protective. “I’m surprised you don’t know that.”
The Xaravian made a rusty noise, the kind that vibrated through her and made