Page 4 of His Clever Captive

Her brow furrows. “Negotiations?”

“Between me and my half-brother, Ryz.” I tilt my head, grinning as her grip tightens.

Lacey's eyes narrow, her curiosity obviously piqued. "What does your brother have to do with anything?"

I chuckle, the sound low and husky. "Well, it so happens that Ryz is the Royal Commander of Ydris and he married your friend Gwen. She's now a Queen."

Her jaw drops. “What? Gwen is married? That’s impossible,” she hisses. “Gwen always said she thought marriage was a glorified hostage situation!”

A bark of laughter escapes me. “Well, survival’s a hell of a motivator.”

Lacey's eyes flash with skepticism. "What about Iris?"

"Oh, Iris is doing marvelously," I say with a grin. "She's married to Tak, Ryz's best friend and top tracker. Another... convenient arrangement, I assure you." Let her think it’s all strategy—not love…or fate—keeps things simpler. Safer.

Lacey's face contorts in confusion. "Iris would rather die than marry a man.”

“He’s not a man,” I offer. “He’s a Kraetian. Like Ryz and me.”

“You know what I mean.” She shakes her head. “This doesn't make any sense."

I lean in, my breath stirring the loose strands of her hair. “Your friends traded freedom for protection. Smart move, given the alternative.”

Her eyes narrow, searching mine. “And what about you? Are you just…helping me out of the goodness of your heart?”

“Goodness?” I snort, squeezing her hand. “I’m a pirate.”

I lean forward, my elbows on my knees, and my eyes locking onto hers. "Let's just say I have a few... unresolved issues withmy brother. I want a trade, something that'll even the scales between us. I want Ryz’s treasury unlocked, one of his biggest ships, and his ego bruised. And with you, I have the upper hand for the first time in a very long time.”

She recoils, snatching her hand back like I’m molten. “So I’m a bargaining chip?”

“The shiniest one.” I trail a finger along the blanket draped over her shoulders, my knuckles brushing her collarbone. Her breath hitches and I stifle a pleased smile. “But don’t worry—you’re incredibly safe with me and my crew. Though we do need to work on cleaning you up and getting you into some more appropriate attire. Can’t have you looking…” I let my gaze linger on her lips. “…disheveled.”

A flush blooms across her cheeks.There it is.That blend of outrage and…something deeper that makes my pulse skitter and my cock thicken.

“Careful, Vex,” Faylid rumbles from across the cabin, tossing a plasma cartridge between two of his four hands. “Human’s liable to bite if you keep sniffin’ round her like that.”

Berrix flicks her tail, eyes glued to her holoscreen. “Statistically, youareoverdue for a stab wound, Vex.”

“Jealousy doesn’t suit you, Berri,” I drawl, never breaking eye contact with Lacey. She’s edging closer to the bench’s corner, clutching that blanket like armor. It’s adorable.

Af’soq chirps as he adjusts the med-kit straps, plumage shimmering. “Youdohave a habit of provoking your paramours.”

“Paramours? Please.” I smirk. “They’re called ‘regrets,’ and I’ve got a galaxy (or more’s) worth.”

Lacey huffs. “Charming.”

I twitch my ears. “And you’re staring.”

“Am not! I’massessing,” she retorts. “Trying to decide if you’re more con artist or clown.”

Faylid wheezes, slapping a meaty thigh. “Oh, she’s good!”

I shoot him a glare.Traitor.

“Vex,” Lacey says, drawing herself up. I’m torn between eyeing the expanse of smooth shoulder exposed as the blanket slips and the movement of her mouth as she says my name. Since it’s not a translated word, I hear the purity of her voice as she says it. I shiver and blink hard.

Why am I reacting this way to her? Has it been that long that I’ve been with a female? Where is my restraint?

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