by Susan Hayes
“What my charming crewmate is saying, sweetheart, is whatever you want to take with you better be in your hand in the next ten seconds or you’re leaving without it.”
“Everything I own is currently scattered around my pitch b-black room. All I have w-with me are a bunch of blankets and several layers of clothing I managed to gather up.” She noticed her teeth had almost stopped chattering. Not a good sign. She needed to get warm, fast. If she started showing signs of hypothermia or frostbite, her rescuers would bring her to their med-bay for treatment. She couldn’t let that happen. Her implants and nanotech were closely guarded secrets.
No one but her father and the medical team who had done the work knew what she was, and all of them would face repercussions if her secret was discovered. They’d be barred from their professions, blacklisted, and likely jailed. Astek’s stocks would plummet, and her father’s legacy would be jeopardized.
“Then be ready to move. Royan, I hope you’ve got our exit planned?” Owen’s question was punctuated by a long metallic screech that pierced to the marrow of her bones as Owen forced the hatch open.
The mechanism gave way slowly, the noise almost drowning out Royan’s reply. “We’re out of here the nanosecond you give me word you’re both on board. Which better be fraxxing soon. Our new visitors aren’t responding to hails, and they’ll be within weapon range in less than a minute.”
Adrenaline coursed through her, temporarily banishing the cold and its effects and letting her think clearly. She was positioned badly for a rapid exit. There was nothing to push off of to give her any kind of speed. She peeled off her outermost blanket and threw it toward her feet. The action sent her in the opposite direction, and by the time the first rays of light streamed through the newly opened hatch, she was close enough to the ceiling to use it as a launching pad.
The light hurt her eyes, and she belatedly remembered to cover them with her hand as light, warmth, and atmosphere poured into her cabin.
“Tianna?” Owen called through the door.
She cracked open an eye, but all she could see was a massive silhouette in the doorway.
“Up here and coming your way.” She pushed off with her legs, aiming for the threshold of the hatchway. If she got the angle right, she’d cross into the artificial gravity field of the other ship close enough to the floor to avoid a hard landing.
She didn’t get the angle right.
Adrenaline and the desire to reach safety made her push off too hard, and she hurtled straight toward Owen and the upper half of the doorway. She expected him to get out of her way, but instead, he threw out his arms and caught her just as she crossed into the gravity field.
“Oof!” He grunted and took a step back as they connected.
“Sorry. And uh, hi.” She looked up at the big man holding her and was struck by a totally inappropriate surge of lust. From the strong line of his jaw to the amused gleam in his steel-blue eyes, Owen was all rugged good looks and solid muscle.
“No apologies necessary. I did tell you to move fast,” he said, grinning as he set her down on her feet.
“I appreciate the catch. I’m so damned cold right now I might have shattered if I hit the floor.” She stepped to one side as he moved past her to slam the airlock door shut.”
“Royan, Tianna’s on board. Haul ass.”
“My favorite words. Grab hold of something, we’re gone.”
“Why would I need—
Owen grabbed the airlock door handle with one hand and wrapped his free arm around her waist, pulling her into his side just as the engine noise rose to a roar and the entire ship surged beneath her feet. She uttered a surprised squawk and held onto the only thing she could – him.
“Inertial dampeners are acting up,” he said by way of an apology.
“I noticed. Any reason you two haven’t fixed them?”
“We’ve got deadlines to make and no time to stop for major repairs. We’ll get them fixed when we get home.”
Once they were in motion, things stabilized quickly, and he released her, but she had dropped her blankets when she latched onto him for balance, and she wasn’t ready to move away from the only available heat source, yet. So she allowed herself a brief moment of contact as she continued their conversation. “Where’s home?”
“Ass end of the galaxy. A place called the Drift.”
“Which station?” she asked, hardly able to believe her change in fortune. Could this freighter get her to Astek station without anyone being able to find or attack her again?
“Home base is Astek station, but we deliver cargo to every platform and station out there. Not many people flying around the galaxy in private cruisers even know the place exists.”
“I was actually on my way there before…” she trailed off and swallowed to clear the lump in her throat. “Before everyone died.”
He enveloped her in a bear hug that nearly lifted her off her feet. “Not everyone. And when the guilt about that hits you – and it will – you need to remember there’s no shame in being the only survivor. If you need a reminder, Royan or I will be happy to tell you so.”
“I’ll be fine,” she lied. Now she was around people again, she had to be strong. Astors never showed weakness. They were always in control of themselves and their situation, no matter what.
Owen chuckled. “Yeah, that’s what I said, too. Come on, let's get you checked out in the med-bay, then find you some food. You must be starving.”
“I don’t need a med-bay, just a hot shower and food. And coffee. Please tell me you have caffeine on this ship. Coffee. Tea. Hell, right now I’d happily down a mug of ja’kreesh if that’s all you had.”
“We’ve got all of the above, though in your current state I wouldn’t recommend the ja’kreesh. You need to rest and recover, not bounce around the Sprite for the next few days.”
“This rescue keeps getting better.” She let go of him, squaring her shoulders as she stepped away. “Thank you for saving me. When we get to the Drift, I’ll see to it you and Royan are both rewarded.”
“Reward? You want to reward us?” Royan chimed in, reminding them both that the comm-line was still open.
“Of course. I’m grateful for what you did for me, and once he hears about it, my father will be, too.”
Owen raised a sandy brow. “And who is your father, exactly? Apart from someone who can afford to send his daughter to the Drift in a space cruiser that probably cost half a planet.”
She smiled and held out a hand still shaking with cold. “I should probably introduce myself properly. My name is Tianna Astor.”
His eyes widened. “As in, Astek Corporation? Those Astors?”
The fun of announcing herself to one of the few people she’d ever met who didn’t already know everything about her was dulled by her adrenaline crash. Not even her nanotech could keep her on her feet forever. The floor tilted and she staggered forward, only to be caught again in Owen’s strong arms.
“That’s it, you’re going to the med-bay.”
“No. I just need rest.” What should have been a commanding tone came out a shaky whisper.
He slipped an arm under her thighs and cradled her against his chest. “Are you always this stubborn?”
“Pretty much.” She forced herself to speak louder this time. “Please? I don’t need scans, I just want to get warm.”
He didn’t look convinced. She was trying to think of another way to convince him when Royan joined the conversation.
“There’s nothing in the med-bay that will help her warm up. Take her to your room, Owen. I’ll meet you there.”
“Your room?” she asked, her fatigued mind suddenly filled with thoughts she had no business thinking about a man she barely knew.
Owen shrugged, already heading for the door. “This is a working vessel. We don’t do passenger runs, and whatever space there is, we need for cargo. My quarters aren’t much, but the bed is comfortable.”
“But where will you sleep?”
“I can still hear you, you know,” Royan commented drily.
“Good. I won’t have to repeat myself later.”
She was obviously missing something. “Why would he want to make the two of you share a room?”
Owen looked down at her with bemusement. “It’s not the room. It’s the damned bed.”
“I don’t – oh.” She blushed so hotly it felt like her skin was on fire. “So the two of you?”
“Are friends.”
“And then some,” Royan chimed in, only this time, his voice sounded much closer. “Hi, sweetheart. I’m Royan. Welcome aboard the Sun Sprite.”
Chapter Three
Tianna turned her head and found herself looking at a dark-eyed hunk with a wicked smile. Royan was leaner and shorter than Owen, but not by much. He looked like he was seconds away from committing any number of sins, and the gleam in his eye told her he’d enjoy every second. “Hi.” She reached out her hand to him. “Thank you for rescuing me.”
He took her hand, but instead of shaking it, he lifted it to his lips and grazed a feather-light kiss across her knuckles, his brown eyes gazing straight into hers. “My pleasure. Truly.”
The way he uttered the word pleasure sent a thrill chasing down her spine.
“Behave, yourself. She’s been through enough without having you drool all over her,” Owen muttered.
“I don’t drool, thank you. But you’re right, our lovely guest needs to get warmed up. Your hands are freezing, sweetheart.” Royan squeezed her fingers and then released them to point to a nearby door. “I’m afraid it’s not what you’re used to, but at least Owen’s room is tidy. My quarters are in a state of chaos at all times.” He winked. “We’ll save that part of the tour for later when you’re back to full strength.”
“That might be best,” she said, inwardly wincing at how weak she sounded. The relief of being rescued, her fatigue, and the discovery that her two saviors were both ridiculously attractive had her off-balance.
Owen carried her through the doorway, and she looked around the cramped space that made up his quarters. It wasn’t much. A bed barely wide enough to fit a man his size, a small table, a stool, and a doorway that must lead to a sanitation room.
“The blankets were laundered today, and I can come get my clothes later, after you’ve rested.” Owen set her down in the center of the room. “Shower and head are through that door, and we’ll be just down the corridor. Turn left and walk until you run out of ship, or just ask Sprite where we are.”
Royan crowded in behind them. “Actually, I’d rather not leave you on your own. Not until you’ve warmed up some.”
“I’ll be fine. Really. Shouldn’t you be making sure we’re not being followed by that other ship?”
“Oh, they think they’re following us, but they’re chasing a phantom.” Royan grinned. “I muted our transponder the moment they appeared on sensors, and when we left, I launched a drone that’s broadcasting a fake transponder code. It can’t travel too far, but by the time it runs out of fuel, we’ll be long gone and untraceable.”
“No one’s supposed to be able to mute their ship’s transponder. That’s illegal,” she said.
Royan chuckled. “Then every ship in the area should be getting fined. The ship that appeared as we were rescuing you had no transponder signal, and your ship’s transponder was muted, too. Didn’t you know? Even your distress beacon was scrubbed of identifying information.”
“We don’t even know the name of the vessel you were on. I assume you’re going to want to report what happened and tell your father you’re safe and sound,” Owen said.
She turned to face them, sank on the edge of the bed and gripped her hands in her lap to stop their trembling. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea. The last time we met, he warned me to be careful who I trusted. Right now, I have no idea who might have been in on the attack, but to get the explosives on board, there had to be someone on the inside.”
“We can send an encrypted message. Nothing fancy or long, but our people can make sure it gets to your father,” Royan said.
“That sounds good, thanks. Since someone seems determined to kill me, my best chance is to stay quiet and hitch a ride with the two of you back to the Drift. I know that puts you both at risk, but I promise I’ll make it worth your trouble.”
“You don’t need to bribe us to see you safely back to civilization,” Owen stated.
“We’ve got another delivery to make before we head home. You okay with that?” Royan slid past Owen and joined her on the bed.
“I think taking the long way around might be the smartest thing I could do right now.”
“No, the smartest thing you could do would be to let us help you warm up.”
Despite her fatigue, she couldn’t help but smile. “You can help by leaving me alone so I can have a long, hot shower.”
“I have a better idea. Shared body heat will warm you up faster than anything else. Showering will drive the cold from your limbs to your core, and that will just push your body temperature lower. Trust me, my way is better.”
Owen snorted with laughter. “Has that line ever worked, Roy-boy?”
Royan winked at her. “Is it working?”
Even though a small part of her was intrigued by the offer, she was too cold and tired to take him up on it. “Afraid not.”
“Damn. You’re sure?” Royan leaned in close enough their shoulders touched. “If you need anything, just ask.” He raised his voice slightly. “Sprite, add Tianna Astor to the ship’s roster as a guest. Full access to crew areas.”
“Done. Welcome aboard, Tianna,” the ship greeted her in a soft, sultry voice that sounded more like a sex bot’s than a ship’s AI.
“Thank you, Sprite. I’m glad to be here.” She looked at her two rescuers and smiled. “Truly. I really am grateful. If you hadn’t come for me, that other ship would’ve finished me off by now. You saved my life.”
“Try not to think too much about what could have happened. You’re safe, now.” Owen reached over and stroked her cheek with a calloused hand. “I’m glad we got to you in time.”
“So am I. But unlike my crewmate, I am happy to discuss all the ways I can be rewarded for saving your lovely self.” Royan rose to his feet and smiled at her. “If you’re sure you don’t need our help warming up, we’ll give you some space. Later, we’ll send a brief, encrypted message to my boss, who can see that it reaches your father. Then, we’ll find you some more clothes. Most of Owen’s won’t fit, but I think I’ve got a few things that should work, and Zura left a few things onboard the last time she took the Sprite for a joyride.”
“Zura? You have a woman on your crew?” She felt an irrational flare of jealousy at the idea. The name seemed familiar to her, too, but she couldn’t recall from where.
“Zura’s not crew, she’s my sister,” Royan said.
“She’s also our boss,” Owen added.
“So this is a family business? I know all about those.”
“Same idea, different scale. We can compare stories over the next meal. Sound good?” Royan asked.
“Sounds great.” She ignored the way her stomach growled at the mere mention of food.
“You got it. What’s your favorite food?”
“Cherry pie. If you have that on board, I may never leave.”
Royan laid a hand on his chest and sighed dramatically. “A woman after my own heart. Cherry pie it is.”
They left a few seconds later, after a few last-minute instructions from Owen on where to find what she’d need for a shower. As much as she wanted to get warm and cleaned up, she didn’t leave the bed. The last time she’d been in a shower, her ship had exploded. She wasn’t ready to relive that moment. No
t yet. Instead, she removed her bracelet, pulling out a small wire from the back and plugging it into the nearest power source.
“There you go, Tink. You should be back up to full power about the same time I am.” It was the first time she’d spoken to the AI since putting her on silent mode in the moments before the Sprite had docked with the Alacrity.
“I have been monitoring the situation. It appears you have been rescued by reliable beings who will see you delivered safely to your destination.”
“I agree with your assessment. We were damned lucky.”
“Agreed. I did not wish to mention this earlier, but the odds of rescue were highly unfavorable.”
“I appreciate your discretion. Since you and I both think this is a safe haven, I’m putting you in standby mode. If I need your assistance, I’ll use the voice command to wake you. Please confirm.
Tink was silent a split second longer than she should have been, which was a sure sign she didn’t approve of Tianna’s plan. “As you wish. Activating standby mode in ten seconds.”
“Consider it a vacation, Tink. After what we just went through, we could both use one.”
With that, she crawled into Owen’s bed and burrowed under the covers, still wearing several layers of clothing. “I’ll just rest for a little while before I shower. A few minutes, that’s all I need.” She closed her eyes and was asleep within seconds.
Royan barely made it ten steps down the corridor before Owen broke the silence. “What do you think you’re doing, exactly?”
“Me? I’m headed to the galley to figure out what to feed our guest. What goes with cherry pie?”
Owen moved past him, pivoted, and planted himself in the middle of the hall. “That’s not what I meant. Why are you doing the charm and smarm routine with Tianna?”
The glib answer rolled off his tongue before he could switch gears. “Why? In case you missed it, she’s fraxxing gorgeous.”
“She’s also been through a lot. Give her a chance to at least get cleaned up and settled before you go full Romeo on her.”
