Page 75 of Alien's Love Child

He raises an eyebrow. "Normally you at least buy me dinner first."

"I made you breakfast yesterday." I snap on a pair of sterile gloves. "Now strip or I'll cut it off you."

"So aggressive." But he complies, smirking as he peels off the blood-soaked fabric.

The wound looks worse in the better lighting, angry and raw. I clean it thoroughly, trying to be gentle despite his stubborn attempts to act like it doesn't hurt.

"You know," he says, watching me work, "most people would be traumatized after killing a dozen men."

"Most people didn't grow up running contraband through pirate territory." I press a bandage over the exit wound. "Besides, they shot my husband. What was I supposed to do, ask them nicely to stop?"

"Husband?" His free hand catches mine. "When did that happen?"

"Well, technically not yet. But I figure after everything we've been through, you owe me a ring."

The smile that spreads across Davin's blue features makes my heart skip. His silver hair catches the dim light as he tilts his head, studying me.

"A ring?" He takes another sip of whiskey. "Is that all?"

"Well, I suppose you could throw in a proper honeymoon. Somewhere without gunfire and explosions." I squeeze the med gel tube, watching the clear substance ooze onto his wound. "Though knowing our luck, trouble would find us anyway."

"I was thinking more along the lines of a ship."

My hands freeze. "What?"

"This one's nice enough." He gestures vaguely to where mine is docked. "But I've got something better in mind. Military grade. Top of the line. Been sitting in storage since I retired."

"You're telling me you had a fancy ship this whole time and you've been bumming rides on my rust bucket?"

"Your rust bucket has its charms." His muscles tense as I spread the gel, but his voice remains steady. "Besides, I needed to maintain my cover."

I press the bandage into place. "And now?"

"Now I'm thinking it's time to upgrade. That is, if you're interested in co-captaining."

"Co-captaining?" I arch an eyebrow. "Last I checked, I outrank you on maritime experience."

"True. But I outrank you in actual rank." His free hand catches mine again, thumb tracing circles on my wrist. "Former Commander Davin, at your service."

"Commander?" I snort. "And here I thought you were just some grunt."

"Disappointed?"

"Impressed." I secure the bandage.

I finish taping the last bandage in place. "There. Try not to get shot again for at least a week."

"No promises." Davin's fingers trace the edge of his glass. "But we're not done here."

"What do you mean? The boss is dead, his crew's dead." I peel off the medical gloves. "I'd say that's pretty done."

"The day crew, yes." He leans forward, wincing slightly. "But the Lightyear Gang has chapters all over this sector. This was just their headquarters."

"So? They'll find this mess and get the message. Nobody wants to tangle with whoever took out their leadership."

"You don't know these people like I do." His blue features harden. "They won't back down. They'll hunt us - hunt Leo - until they either succeed or die trying. It's how they maintain their reputation."

My stomach drops at the mention of Leo. "There must be hundreds of them. We can't possibly track them all down ourselves."

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