Page 25 of Rogue Starfighter

“You held me all the way here,” she said.

“You were unconscious.”

“There were restraints in the transit bay.”

I said nothing.

“You could have put me down.”

“Your response to the implant required monitoring.”

“Bullshit again.”

I was beginning to dislike that word. Priya stepped closer. The bond warmed. Her dark eyes searched mine with the same focus she used on a radar screen.

“I’m not afraid of you, Vesh.”

“You should exercise caution around unknown warriors.”

“You’re not unknown. I’ve flown with you for a year.”

“A simulation of me.”

“The real version is grumpier. Otherwise, the match is pretty close.”

“Priya.”

“If you want the door locked, you lock it. I'm not afraid of you. And, for the record, I like you. A lot. We're bondmates, whatever that means. But it sounds permanent. So, I guess what I'm saying is I wouldn't kick you out of bed, if you decided to join me.” She walked into the larger bedroom and turned at the connecting door. “Good night, Vesh.”

“Good night.”

She closed the door. Did not lock it. I stood in the common room staring at the unlocked panel like it was an enemy bomb I had not been trained to disarm. Eventually, I went to my own bed. I did not lock the door, either.

Then I lay awake for three hours listening to Priya breathe on the other side.

This pair bond was going to kill me.

4

Priya, Moon Base Arturri, Recon Bay

The Wraith looked like someone had taught a knife to fly. I fell in love immediately.

She sat in the center of the reconnaissance bay, sixty feet of matte-black hull, swept-back wings, and engines built for speed rather than a fair fight. Light seemed to vanish against her surface. No shine. No visible seams. No markings except the black on black Velerion crest near the cockpit.

“She’s gorgeous.”

“Yes,” Vesh said behind me.

His voice sounded odd. I glanced over my shoulder and caught him looking at my ass in the fitted black Starfighter uniform Jamie had delivered that morning. He lifted his gaze to mine without apology.

Oh. He had not been talking about the ship. Heat rushed into my face. And other places.

“Were you staring at me?”

“Yes.”

“You’re supposed to deny it.”