Rogue Pursuit: A Space Opera Adventure (Shades of Starlight Book 1), page 32
“Apparently you do. Can’t imagine how that might’ve happened.”
“Then I won’t say thank you.” She met his gaze.
He nodded, his eyes warm.
She didn’t know if she had Tai or his mom to thank, but either way it was a relief. “Does this mean I’m not in trouble?”
“Neither of us in the brig, so that’s a win.” He appeared as relieved as she felt.
She pressed her hand into the edge of the counter. “Are we going to talk about back there on the bridge?”
He shifted closer. “When you thought about shooting me?”
“When you thought about arresting me.”
“I never planned to arrest you.”
“Really? Because I seriously considered shooting you.”
He smiled, but the expression faded to a more serious one. “I realized you and Kel were right. Just took me a while to see it.”
His somberness descended on her as well. “I hope Kel will be okay. I can’t believe he did that.”
Tai broke the intense eye contact long enough to rake a hand through his hair. “He found something he believed in. I guess I admire that, but…” He trailed off, mouth twisting and a frown between his eyes.
She hesitated a heartbeat before placing a hand on his arm. “You can worry about him and still be mad at him.”
“Seems like a waste to be mad at someone you’ll never see again.”
“You were friends for years. That doesn’t go away.”
He nodded. Then shrugged. “Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll find a way to reach him.”
There was a goal. One that would let her explore. She’d need a ship, though. “What’s next for you? Back to Prime?”
“Actually, I asked for a new assignment. The scientists’ families are being held on Belara Six. Sort of an unofficial job.” His lips quirked, and he angled his head to give her a sideways glance. “I hear the Belara system is pretty remote. I could use a navigator. Know anyone who might be interested?”
Joy swelled in her chest. “I happen to know an amazing one who has time on her hands. And who might be searching for something to do after informing her staff she’d be taking a break as head of her company.”
His eyes widened. “Really?”
She bit her lip. “This trip made me realize I was running around so hard out of loyalty to my dad, to my workers, to the Network. But my dad would want me to be happy, the workers deserve a boss who’s passionate about the business, and the Network might not have been what I thought it was. I need to be loyal to myself and the people I do care about. Mak will take over for now. She’ll be great.”
“And the smuggling?”
Perrin held up her hands. “I’m not in charge anymore. I have no idea.” Maybe Mak would find her own way to help. Like Perrin planned to. “I don’t know how yet, but I’ll find some way to keep helping people. Revolution is still brewing. We might’ve stopped one dangerous plot, but that doesn’t mean others won’t try again.”
His frown deepened.
Now wasn’t the time to worry about that, though. She nudged his arm. “So… new assignment. Does that mean you’re staying with the Agency?”
“I don’t know. This isn’t technically an Agency mission. I wasn’t ready to go home, and I talked my mom into letting me see it through. I haven’t decided on anything yet.”
“If I agree to join you, will we get a cool ship?”
“I’ll even let you keep the stunner.” He trailed a hand toward her thigh. “With your expertise, maybe we’ll even try to reach Kel.”
“And your father.”
His gaze heated up several degrees. “Maybe one day. If anyone can do it, you can.”
She lifted her chin, bringing her face closer to his. “You need more adventure? Haven’t had enough?”
“Haven’t had enough of something.” He trailed a finger down her cheek, and she shivered.
“You know, there are some amazing wormholes between here and there.”
His head dipped farther. “I can’t wait for you to show me.”
“I’m happy to show you something else.”
She rose on her toes as his hands found her waist. His lips lowered until they met hers. The kiss started slow and leisurely, the taste reminding her of open spaces and freedom. They lingered a moment before Tai pulled away.
“Who knows,” he said as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “We might run into more shooting. Chases. Explosions. People to help.”
“Mm,” she said. “Sounds perfect.”
She pressed her mouth to his.
“Once again,” he said against her lips, “your definition of fun does not match other peoples’.”
She hooked a finger in his belt and tugged him closer. “Stop talking and kiss me again.”
“Aye-aye, Captain.”
As his lips captured hers, colors flashed behind her eyelids, and happiness curled through her core, the shades and swirls more tantalizing than the wormholes, promising countless adventures to come.
The story continues in Pirate’s Code.
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Also in series:
Rogue Pursuit
Pirate’s Code
Shadow Games
Final Break
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