“And you’re proof that your clan aren’t all rampaging pirates,” I admitted in a slightly wistful tone. Part of me wouldn’t have minded being taken as a pirate’s prize. “So maybe it’s time this stupid feud ended?”
Every time I thought Krell’s frown was at its deepest, he proved me wrong. “What do you mean? My kin will never surrender to yours.”
“Nor mine to yours,” I agreed. “But, well, how are they going to compete with us? You have no ship, and without one, how long can you hold out against the big guilds?”
“About as long as your kin will manage without a hyperdrive.”
“Exactly. If our families carry on the feud, we’re all ruined. The only way out of it is together.”
Krell froze at that, and I swore I could hear the crunch of gears shifting in his head. Was that my euphoria talking? Or did I really have something?
When Krell’s frown lifted, it was like watching the sun creep over a planet’s horizon from orbit. His brow cleared, his hands flexed as though he was grappling with the problem, and his lips parted into a grin that made his eye sparkle.
“Everyone will hate that. Your kin, my kin, everyone.”
“Yes. Scared of a fight?”
That surprised him into a booming laugh that shook the room. “Isadora Maria Doran, you are going to get me into so much trouble.”
“Oh, I do hope so,” I said, laughing with him. We had a plan, then. And I knew exactly how I wanted to celebrate.
Launching myself at him, I almost caught my fearsome warrior by surprise. Almost. His reflexes kicked in at the last second, and he spun me around, kissing me and squeezing me gently. I squirmed against him, kissing back passionately, arms and legs wrapped around his torso and leaving no doubt what I wanted.
“Again? Are Earthwomen insatiable?” Krell laughed with a rough and lusty undertone.
“Don’t know,” I answered, and sank my teeth into his neck, muffling my next words. “No one’s managed it yet.”
“A warrior does not shy from such a challenge,” Krell informed me with all the dignity he could manage while being gnawed on by an eager, wriggling Earthwoman. “Which of these bunks is most expendable?”
My heart fluttered, and I moaned as I gestured. Oh, this is going to be a fun journey home.