Page 54 of Captain's Companion

“Yes, absolutely,” Plav said. “Look. You’re a captain and she’s just a companion. Don’t hit me.”

Ulrik’s fists clenched as he turned to Plav for the way he talked about Gwyn.

“It’s how she sees your relationship,” Plav said.

Ulrik closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “It is.”

“Then you have to figure out a way to show her it isn’t the way you see the relationship,” Plav said.

“How do I do that,” Ulrik asked.

“Don’t hit me,” Plav said. “I know you’re in the I must be planted in her stage but what needs of hers are not being met?”

“She loved the parties,” Ulrik said. “Maybe I’m too possessive.”

“Talk to her,” Plav said as they stopped at the door to Ulrik’s ready room.

Ulrik nodded, slapped Plav on the shoulder. “I will,” he said.

When he stepped into his ready room, he took a deep breath. He loved his first smell of her at the end of his day but today something was wrong.

Frowning, he stepped through the lounge and into their bedroom. She sat on the floor sorting out clothing and packing.

“Gwyn,” he stopped short shocked. “What are you doing?”

She didn’t turn to him. “I’ll be done shortly,” she said. Looking at the time, she swallowed and tucked more clothing in her suitcase.

Ulrik felt the room close in on him. She was leaving him. Squatting, he took her hands. “Tell me exactly what you’re doing,” he demanded softly.

“You should know,” she said refusing to look at him.

“I haven’t any idea,” Ulrik said. Pulling her up, he tugged until she sat on the bed. “Tell me why you’re packing, please.”

“It’s in the message,” she said. “I got a message.”

“Message? What message,” Ulrik demanded.

“From the controller,” she whispered. “I’m sorry you’re dissatisfied. It doesn’t matter. I’ll be done packing in a few minutes and then at the next stop I’m to vacate the ship.”

“FUCK NO,” he bellowed. She jumped when he did. “I’m not dissatisfied. I never... What fucking message?”

She reached for her tablet and showed him a message from the controller. His hands shook when he took it from her. “I never said any of this. I’ve sent in your reviews and all have been raving. I’ll show them to you,” he said as he read down the message.

“Do you mean you don’t want me to leave,” Gwyn asked.

“Never,” he said. Logging in to his account, he pulled up her reviews. “Look. Here they are. I want you to stay forever. What do I have to do to convince you?”

She stared at him, read the reviews on her tablet, stared at him and then back at the tablet. “You want me to stay,” she said.

“Yes,” he said.

Dropping her tablet, she flung herself into his arms. Wrapping her arms around his neck, hot tears she’d been fighting flooded down her cheeks. “I thought... I decided to tell you... but then I got this... I...” She hiccupped between each group of words.

“You’re mine,” he said. “I will do anything to stay with you. Anything. I love you.”

“Oh Ulrik,” she kissed him as more tears washed down her cheeks.

“You thought what,” he asked gently cupping her face.

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