“Your own cabin,” he said again. “I think it’s better for both of us if you sleep in your own cabin. That way we won’t get confused.”
Any more confused, he thought darkly. He wanted her, wanted her to want him. But this was just a little more than he’d pictured. She rolled off the bed and stood stiffly. Every line of her body radiated affronted dignity, and he sighed in disgust. He’d just made a fool out of himself again.
She started to walk out of the room, and paused as she reached the door.
“You know, Jerred,” she said. “You almost made me believe you’re a human being tonight. Thanks for the reminder that you’re not.”
Then she stalked out the door and it slid shut behind her.
“Shit,” he muttered to himself. He really was an ass. Hell, he deserved to sleep alone.
* * * * *
Giselle woke up the next morning feeling out of sorts, and more than a little hung over. That Imperial wine might taste pretty good, she thought as she examined the circles under her eyes, but it packed a hell of a punch. Or maybe that was just Jerred.
She’d never felt anything like what she’d felt with him last night. The man was incredible, a force of nature.
And a complete jerk.
“Remember, it’s all about survival,” she muttered to herself as she showered. He might be the biggest idiot she’d ever met, but at least he was pleasant to look at. More than pleasant. Every time she thought of last night her entire body clenched. Even if he was a jerk, being trapped with him on the ship could be a hell of a lot worse. He could cook, for one. And he was better in the sack than anyone she’d ever been with.
As a woman who didn’t have many of options, things could be worse.
She finished in the fresher quickly then looked around her cabin. There was no way she’d be able to spend any extra time in here. It was simply too small. His cabin had been small, too. For a man who lived on his ship and enjoyed his comforts, he certainly hadn’t put much time in designing his cabins. Then again, he was a smuggler. Perhaps the smaller cabins allowed him to hide more cargo.
Not that she’d ask.
Smugglers were just a step above pirates, and she didn’t want to know the details of his little business operation. Only a fool asked questions like that. She pulled on another jumpsuit, realizing she needed to retrieve the other from his cabin. He really could have picked out nicer clothing for her, she thought in disgust. These jumpsuits were functional, but hardly attractive. Not that she wanted to attract to him, of course. But she always liked to look her best. It was just a point of pride.
She opened up her door and walked out in the main room. He was nowhere to be seen.
She stuck her head in the small library and then made for the galley. Hangover or not, she was hungry.
The night before the lights and the holo-projectors had hidden things, but now she could see that his galley was unusually well stocked, especially for a ship. Among other things, he had a stasis chamber.
She’d never seen one of those outside a restaurant, and she ran her fingers over it lovingly. She’s always wanted one. But even when she’d owned her bar, she couldn’t afford it. His smuggling business must do very well, indeed.
She rummaged through the cold storage, surprised to find a wide selection of foods. Within a few moments she had a nice plate of food ready, complete with what looked like fresh bread and fruits. She took the plate with her into the main room, and then sat down the couch and flicked on the vid screen.
“Jenna, please show our course and current destination,” she asked.
“I’m sorry, but that information is not available to you at this time,” the computer replied in smooth, modulated tones.
Great.
“Where is Jerred?” she asked.
“The Captain is in the cockpit,” the computer replied. “Would you like me to call him for you?”
“No,” she muttered, focusing on her food. She’d go and talk to him herself when she was done eating.
She wanted to know where they were going and when they’d get there. Time to start researching her new home, and figuring out whether or not she needed to find another ship to a better destination. She’d signed on to crews more than once to get transportation, and for the most part it wasn’t a bad way to travel. Lots of work and crappy food, but she’d survive.
She finished up her breakfast and dropped the plate into the galley’s cleaner. Then she marched purposefully toward the cockpit. The door was open, and she stepped in without asking permission. He sat in the pilot’s chair, apparently waiting for her to arrive. Just looking at him was a shock—every time she saw him, his face surprised her. It was as if her mind’s eye never remembered his scar, the way it slashed across his face and twisted his expression into a perpetual snarl.
Why didn’t he get it fixed?
She almost asked the question, but managed to catch herself in time. Just because he was an ass didn’t mean she needed to act like one, too.
“Where are we headed?” she asked, settling herself down in the co-pilot’s chair as is if it were the most natural thing in the world.
He turned away from her, studying his instruments for a moment, then he spoke.
“It’s probably better if you don’t know,” he said finally. “I’m meeting with someone, and it really isn’t relevant to your situation.”
“Well, I think it’s rather important,” she replied. “I need to do some research, find out if it’s a good place for me to settle for a while.”
“It isn’t,” he replied coolly. “You’ll need to stay with me a bit longer than just this first stop, I think.”
“You may think that, but I’d really like to judge for myself,” she replied firmly. “I agreed to give you sex in exchange for a ride. I didn’t agree to become your indentured servant.”
“I’m well aware of that,” he said slowly. “But in this case, you won’t be able to get off quite yet. We’re meeting in open space—it’s been planned for months. There’s nowhere for you to go.”
The way he said it was so smug, so annoying, that it made her teeth clench. Smug bastard.
“Maybe I’d rather go with whoever you’re meeting,” she said pertly. Instead of getting angry, though, he just burst out laughing.
“I sincerely doubt that,” he said finally. “This guy makes me look pretty damn good. I think you’d be better off if you just stay out of sight while he’s here.”