Page 38 of Krin

My brain didn’t want to work.

“Sorry. What?” I chewed my lip, noticing him glance at them before meeting my eyes again.

Krin stroked my cheek, giving me a heated gaze.

Every physical interaction with him was something I savored. I never imagined someone could desire me so much. Being around Krin made me feel capable and strong, not vulnerable or weak.

“You had your first run-in with the enemy, and you fought back.” His lips were pressed into a smile.

“Oh that. It was nothing,” I joked.

I paused before grinning from ear to ear, adding, “Okay. It felt amazing to get to kick Krilex butt at last.”

With a single step backward, a deep purr-like rumble emanated from his chest. I missed his closeness at once.

Krin put his hands to his hips, looking down at me thoughtfully.

“Now that you have spent most of the rotation on the bridge, do you know which position you will choose?”

I pushed my shoulders back. “Ship security.”

In a sudden gesture, his head flew back. A brief frown crossed his face before vanishing without a trace. “Is that so?”

I chuckled with relief. I’d expected him to be resistant to my choice.

“Yes. It’s what I did on Luna base. It feels like a good fit. I will be stationed on the ship.... So, I’ll be safe.”

Krin seemed to ponder my words and his face pinched. “Have you met Rothr? The security chief is not as laid back as crewmembers like Dril or Aza.”

One corner of my mouth curled as I scratched my head.

I wasn’t sure Krin would be okay with my choice to work on the bridge, let alone in security. His supportiveness surprised me.

“Uh. Yeah. I briefly met him. He wasn’t too keen about training a woman... I mean a female.” I rolled my eyes recalling Rothr’s gruffness towards me.

While Dril was teaching me about the helm, the security chief arrived unexpectedly. When I asked about security positions on the ship, he introduced me to Rothr. Despite being older than many of the warriors, the guy was just as intimidating as the rest of them. Shame he appeared to wear a permanent scowl.

“Do you want me to have a word with him?”

I laughed, shaking my head. “No. That’s the last thing I need. I don’t want special treatment just because I am the Captain’s mate.”

Krin’s lips rose in the corners, and he gave me a quick nod. “If you change your mind, tell me.”

“Sure. Do you think the crew will accept a female working amongst them?” I asked.

“They will. I will make sure they welcome you.” He grimaced. “I am sorry that I am the reason they avoided you. I promise to make it up to you.”

“Yeah. Why did you do that, again?”

Krin ran a hand along his head, then the back of his neck, scratching at it self-consciously. “It was a foolish mistake. One which I will remedy.”

I placed a hand over the straps that crossed his chest. “Good. Because there is no reason to be jealous of anyone on the ship. You are the only one I think about.”The only one I want.

A joyful expression lit up Krin’s face as he listened to my unspoken words.

His cheeks took on a darker shade of blue-green and his eyes burned with a passionate glow. Krin swallowed, his throat bobbing up and down. “I am not jealous.”

Patting his arm, I teased. “Right. Keep telling yourself that.”

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