Enticed By The Corsair (Corsairs, #3)

by Ruby Dixon

“Promise me,” Tarekh says in a low voice. When I glance over, he continues. “Promise me that if she’s dead, you’ll put an end to me, too. I won’t live knowing that I failed her.” I stare at him. We’ve been through a lot, he and I, and Tarekh’s always been light-hearted and easy-going. This isn’t him. But I’ve never been mated. I don’t understand what it’s like. This sits wrong with me. But I also know what it’s like to want to die. So I nod.

Her eyes aren’t hidden by shadows. They’re gone, nothing but dark, angry scars remaining in their place.

Something deep inside me instinctually recognizes her as mine. I’ve heard other mesakkah talk about it. How when they meet their female, they just know in their gut that she’s the one. That the connection is lightning fast and soul-wrenchingly deep. Always thought that was garbage until now.

My heart skips a beat at that smile. For that, I’d do anything. For her, I’d move asteroids and fly through black holes, unafraid. I’m hers in that moment. Completely and utterly hers.

“Oh, I'm not fixed. I'm as broken as ever. But you get better at hiding it. And you get better at being broken.”

“Someday it'll happen for you, too, my friend.” He just snorts.

No wonder there's no fight left in her. They broke her and she hasn't had time to mend. I'll always be here for her, I decide. Always.

She slaps me. Her hand darts out so fast and quick that I'm surprised she even moved. Of course, she's smaller than I am so her hand smacks my chin more than my cheek. We're both stunned into silence. The air hangs heavy between us for a long moment. I laugh, the sound rumbling up from my belly. I'm thrilled.

“It's not to prove a point,” Alvos says. “It's because I love you and you're mine.”