Page 17 of His Clever Captive

She whirls, eyes blazing. “I’m done.”

My gut twists. “So this is goodbye?”

She shrugs. “That’s what you want, isn’t it?”

The lights flicker, painting her in jagged shadows. She’s a silhouette against the chaos—tiny, beautiful, clever, mine.

Mine.

I step closer. “What if I’m here to renegotiate?”

She hugs the satchel like a shield. “The deal’s done. You get your stuff. I get my freedom and my friends. Congrats on the successfultransaction.”

The word cracks something open.

“It’s not like that.” My throat rasps. “Not with you.”

I touch her wrist, half-expecting her to vanish. I swallow, the galaxy lodged in my throat. “You called me a coward. You were right.”

“Obviously.” She huffs.

“I’ve got some issues.” I tilt her chin up. “But I want your clever tongue. Your infuriating optimism. I want…you. Forget that. Ineedyou. If you’ll have me.”

“Really?”

I nod. “It’s time for me to stop running…and scheming.”

She freezes. “What about your ship? Your crew?”

“Berrix can have the ship. She’s been plotting a mutiny for years.”

A snort echoes from the bridge. “Accurate!”

Lacey smothers a laugh. “And yourtreasure?”

I rub my thumb over her cheek. “All I need is right here.”

She swats me. “That’s the worst line yet.”

“Stick around. I’ll top it.”

Her smile fades. “What about Ryz? Xi?”

“We need to work things out. They’re my family. And if I want to start one of those with you, I’m going to need some guidance.” I smile.

Tears fill her eyes, but she’s grinning.

“Now let’s go meet up with everyone.” I take a deep breath. “But I’ll need your protection.”

She chuckles. “Of course. No one messes with my Kraetian.”

I grab her and we kiss until I’m sure she knows she’s my clever captive. Forever.

EPILOGUE - LACEY

The dressing room hums with cheerful chatter and chaos, the energy bright and lively.

It’s quite different from poor Gabe’s doomed wedding—which seems like years ago, but it’s probably only been a few months in Earth time.

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