In The Corsair's Bed (Corsairs, #2)

by Ruby Dixon

The man stares at me, not moving. For a long moment, I think he’s going to murder me. Just reach across the bed and choke the life out of me. Instead, he smiles again. “Did you just try to kill me? Kef, that’s cute.” “Fuck you,” I tell him, frightened.

Sentorr's jaw drops. Alyvos scowls. “Newest crewmember? Did you forget that this is a four-person runner?” “It was. Then it was five when Fran came on board. Now it’s six. See how that works? I’m good at math.” I wink at him and then put my hands on his shoulders, firmly moving him aside so the little human has someplace to walk.

Cat gives me a reluctant look as Fran tries to lead her away, and that funny feeling starts in my chest again. I’m not used to someone looking at me like I’m the only bright spot in their world, the only person they trust. Normally my ugly mug scares everyone away. Tarekh’s not ugly, Cat told them defiantly.

I head to her door and knock again. She doesn’t respond, so I move to one of the air ducts and call up, “If you don’t let me in, I’m going to remove the door to your room. I have all my tools.” That gets her attention. A moment later, the door to my old chamber opens and she scowls at me. “I’m flashing back to my high school days, so thanks for that.” I have no idea what she is talking about. “I wish to speak privately with you.”

He smashed everything he could because he couldn’t hurt those that hurt me. I should be upset, but I’m fucked up in the head because it makes me happy.

“You’ll never lose me as a friend, Cat. I promise.” His voice is warm, slightly rough, but so good I want to use it as a blanket and wrap myself in it. “I’m here if you want me. I’m here if you don’t. I’m here if you change your mind about all of this and just want a buddy. And I’m here if you want more. There’s no pressure.”

"You get used to it," Fran says in a tired voice. "That's why I stick with the people I know and don't much care about anyone else." "We'll scandalize all of them," Kivian promises her. "Watch me break seven sanitary laws in a single swoop, my pet." He pulls her wrist to his mouth and licks it sensuously. "Done."

So I reach out and grab at his wildly thrashing tail, sliding my hand over it in a caress. Tarekh stops. His big frame openly shudders and he drops the alien. Kivian immediately grabs the stranger by his collar, hauling him away from us while Tarekh turns to me with an incredulous look on his face that’s half outrage, half heat. I just lick my lips and give him a look of longing. “Take me back to the ship?”