Trial and Temptation (Mandrake Company)
Page 23
“Sounds like she’ll be a great fit then,” Sequoia said. “I’ll let the captain know.”
The comm light winked out, leaving Gregor with his mouth hanging open. “That was… brief.”
Val grinned. “I’m beginning to like that Lieutenant Sequoia.”
“I hope that you find all of your colleagues satisfactory.” Gregor rotated his seat, facing her more squarely. “Before we get back, there’s something I wish to offer. I’m worried that I might offend you though, and I wouldn’t wish to do that.”
Val didn’t know what he had in mind, but the graveness on his face made her nervous. “You’re not going to critique my bedroom performance, are you?”
“No.” Gregor blinked. “That was marvelous. Thank you.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” And it amused her that someone who so rarely said thank you was using it in this context. Still, she didn’t relax all the way, not certain what offer he could have in mind. It wasn’t marriage, was it? Surely it was premature for that. She still had to find out if she minded sleeping in a room full of model spaceships. Though it would doubtlessly be better than sharing a room with Private Whatshername and her walls full of bladed weapons. At least if a model ship fell on her in the middle of the night, it wouldn’t impale her.
“When I was… eavesdropping on your conversation with Summers, I came in at the point where you were mentioning your brother’s financial difficulties.”
Ah, so that was what he had in mind. Normally, Val would have found it cute that he had used the word eavesdropping—did he not know it had a social stigma, or did he simply not believe in being anything except honest?—but she got caught up in wondering what he was going to say.
“The captain will be responsible for assigning your combat pay this week and deciding which rank to give you, so I couldn’t calculate what you can expect for your first deposit, but I would like you to know that if you would wish to have some money to ensure your brother is not being subjugated to unpleasant experiences while he waits, I would be pleased to give it to you. I have few expenses, and my savings are sufficient.”
Give? She might have considered a loan, knowing she could pay it back within a few months, but she didn’t want him to simply give her that kind of money. Or any kind of money. “That’s kind of you to offer, Gregor, but when you want to demonstrate that you enjoyed a night with a woman, chocolates, sexy lingerie, or cute stuffed animals one hangs in the cockpit are sufficient. You know, gifts that cost less than five aurums.”
He gazed steadily into her eyes. “But I enjoyed our whole week.”
“We spent most of the week getting shot at.”
“Yes, but that happens to me often. I enjoyed this week because I was with you.”
Val had never considered herself the type of girl to melt into a gooey puddle at a man’s professions of love—or enjoyment—but damned if his straightforward earnestness didn’t make her throat tighten up with emotion. It took a moment before she managed to say, “I had no idea the average mercenary week was so eventful. I should have lots of opportunities to receive combat pay. No need for you to pay my brother’s debt for me.”
Gregor’s brow crinkled, as if he were contemplating some navigational math problem. Although this, she suspected, was more difficult for him to grasp. “You wish to remain financially independent. Or you wish not to be beholden to me. Or both.”
A good effort. She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. He still looked faintly perplexed.
“Of the items I mentioned, I think the lingerie would be most appreciated by both of us,” she offered, though she wondered what Gregor might pick out if he were left to his own devices on that front. Something sexy? Or something… practical? If they were headed to any more glacial planets, she might receive long wool underwear, complete with footies. “Or chocolates,” she revised. “Chocolates do get a girl in the mood. Sweetness of all kinds does.” She kissed him again, this time on the lips.
“This is good to know.” He cupped the side of her face, his thumb brushing her cheek.
“What’s the ETA for our arrival now?” Val pressed the tab to release her harness and eyed the bank of seats again.
“Forty minutes.” Gregor followed her gaze, though his brow crinkled. “Are you suggesting we do something that would require removing our safety harnesses? The GalCon Military Pilots’ Handbook advises against that, especially for the lead pilot.”
“Good thing we’re rule-breaking mercenaries, isn’t it?” She stood up, leaned over, unfastened his harness, and waited, curious and amused, to see what he would do. Anyone else would say to hell with the rules, but this was Gregor.
After gazing thoughtfully down at his slack harness for a few seconds, he refastened it. Before Val could sigh with disappointment, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her onto his lap.
“There are many things that can be done with the lead pilot in a safety harness,” he announced.
“Oh?” Val draped her arms over his shoulders. “It’s not a problem that I’m not in my harness?”
“You’re not the lead pilot.”
“I’m glad we found a solution that doesn’t breach the rules too badly.”
“Yes,” Gregor said, his smile pleased and contented.
Val kissed him, wriggling to find a suitable spot on his lap, and within a few seconds was reasonably certain safety was no longer the primary thing on his mind.
THE END
Afterword
Thank you for giving Trial and Temptation a read. I hope you enjoyed the adventure.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Title Page
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Epilogue
Afterword