Page 59 of Captain's Companion

“Soon to be former,” he said.

She kissed him, “A lot of people don’t like the profession.”

“You’ve got a couple options,” he said. “You could write under a pen name or you could be upfront about it.”

“A pen name seems like I’m ashamed of what I’ve done,” she said. “I’m not.”

“Didn’t Mina say she worked with a writer,” Ulrik said. “Ask her and the writer.”

“I will,” she said. She turned in his arms and hugged him close. “Thank you.”

They sat cuddling for long moments. Ulrik felt connected and loved. His possessiveness diminished from the moment she told him she loved him. Now it just grumbled a little. He still wanted her naked.

“We need to talk about the rules,” she said.

“You’re committed to me,” he asked.

“Yes,” she said kissing him as soon as she did. Long moments passed as she kept his mouth busy.

“The only rule I have is we’re honest with each other,” he said.

“But you like watching me naked in the bedroom when you’re busy working,” she said.

“How did you know,” Ulrik asked.

“Why else would you care what I wear and where I am,” she said.

“Good point,” he said. “There may be times...”

“Like when I’m ovulating and you can’t stand to be away from me,” she said.

“Yes,” he said.

“Your needs are as important as my needs,” she said. “I don’t mind the naked in our room sometimes, but I want the option to do as I want.”

“You always... No, I see what you’re saying. I was demanding when we first met,” he said. “I never intended to have you naked. It surprised me when I said it. My only excuse was we were in a crowded corridor and all I wanted was you naked.”

“Instincts,” she said. “I never want to cause you anxiety or pain or harm. Ever. That’s my first and last rule. I want to know what you need as much as you want the same from me.”

“Agreed,” he said.

“Good,” she said. “I’m contacting the controller.”

“Are you sure,” he said frowning.

Recognizing the tension in him, she realized he wanted to protect her. “We could do it together,” she said.

“Excellent,” he said. He felt the tension inside him ease back.

“Let’s get it over with,” she said. “We both have a lot of work to get done.”

They stood behind his desk to make the contact. The communication screen lowered from the ceiling and activated.

The bot receptionist asked them to hold and insipid music played while a scene replaced her image. Ulrik put his arm around Gwyn. “We’re sticking together,” he murmured.

“No matter what they say,” she said.

Controller Bracken appeared on the screen. “Companion Meinen, why are you still with Captain Tonason? You were ordered off at the station to return here.”

---