Page 13 of His Clever Captive

“We’re ahead of schedule,” Vex announces abruptly, glowering at the control screens. “Let’s take a detour. Stretch our legs on Xeljanz-9.”

“The oasis planet?” Nor’Veth pipes up, silver eyes gleaming. “Abouttime. The ship’s filters reek of Faylid’s boots.”

Faylid flexes all four biceps. “That’s the scent of victory.”

“It’s the scent of a war crime,” Af’soq mutters, dabbing an oily balm under his nostrils.

Vex turns to me. His violet eyes are full of storm clouds. “You’ll need proper shoes.”

I glance down at my feet, still clad in the slippers from yesterday’s haul.

His smirk is a flicker of the usual Vex. “Snake-wyrms will swallow those dainty toes in one bite.”

I feel the color drain from my face.

Three hours later, I’m standing in a valley so violently lush it feels like Mother Nature exploded a rainbow. Crystal waterfalls cascade into turquoise pools, surrounded by trees with iridescent leaves that tinkle like wind chimes. The air smells like jasmine and fresh-baked croissants—though that might just be my sleep-deprived brain hallucinating comfort.

Vex appears beside me. “Stay close.”

“Why? I don’t plan on wandering off if there are snake-wyrms around.”

“No, but I could lose you to a carnivorous shrub.” He juts his chin toward a nearby bush that snaps its thorns hungrily.

You’ve got to be kidding me!

I take an obedient step closer, and grab his arm. He leads me away from the crew, who’ve already started a roaring debate over which poison berries are edible. Faylid commenting that “If it burns, it’s flavor”.

The path narrows, winding upward until the roar of water drowns out all sound. We crest a ridge, and my breath evaporates.

A massive waterfall crashes into an emerald lagoon, mist painting the air in glitter. Bioluminescent fish dart beneath the surface, and the rocks shimmer like they’ve been dusted with diamonds.

“This is…”

“My favorite place,” Vex finishes. Not many know about it. It’s…peaceful.”

I glance at him surprised. Peace isn’t a word I’d associate with Vex.

Then he strips off his tunic, his bare chest glowing in the fractured light, muscles shifting like liquid gold.

Damn, he’s gorgeous.

He grins, all wicked intent. “Get naked and swim with me.”

Before I can formulate a reply, he’s diving into the water with a predator’s grace. He surfaces, slicking back his hair. “Coming in, my dear? Or do I have to enjoy paradise alone?”

Screw it.

I yank off my tunic and trousers, then tell him to turn around as I peel off the nano-weave camisole and underwear.

“Fine,” he huffs.

Once I’m nude, I slide into the water. It’s like silk, warmer than a bath.

Vex turns back and is suddenly right there, fingertips skimming my waist. “Still worried about snake-wyrms?”

“Just the one in front of me.”

He barks a laugh, deep and unguarded, and it fills me with joy. We drift, the current tugging us toward the waterfall’s thunder. His thumb traces my hip, his eyes searching mine.

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