Page 110 of Escape From Pirate Station

“Get rid of the armor my dear so I can undress you.”

I grimaced at the grime on the metal, but did as he asked. He made quick work of my clothing. The shower was human normal with a rainfall shower head on the ceiling and I didn’t miss Rathal’s disgusted frown at the mundaneness of it all.

“Not up to your standards, love?” I asked, chuckling as he adjusted the water temperature before stripping himself of his clothes. He turned, gathering me close and pulled me under the water.

“It's disgraceful. This ship is capable of the height of luxury and it looks like this? Horrible. I’ll make some adjustments later. Nanotech like this is incredibly malleable. I can’t wait to show you the kind of technology the Rijiteran were known for.”

I leaned into him. “Sure, babe. Whatever you say.” I pressed my cheek against his chest and closed my eyes, letting the water wash away all the sweat and stress from the day.

Rathal’s hands swept over me in a soothing gesture. “You truly are tired, aren’t you my dear? Let’s get you washed and in bed before you collapse.”

He leaned over me, grabbing something and then a warm soapy cloth was sweeping over my skin, scrubbing away all the grit. Once that was done, firm yet gentle fingers scrubbed at my hair, careful not to pull at the dense curls. I half dosed until he finished with both myself and his own body. He shuffled me out of the shower, dried me and set about finishing my nighttime routine of lotion, hair oil, leave in conditioner and then my wrap that he seemed to manifest out of thin air. I stopped him short when he tried to brush my damn teeth for me.

He hurrumped but allowed me that small task before sweeping me into his arms again and carrying me out of the bathroom to the bed where he tucked me under the covers and crawled in beside me to press his naked body to mine.

I snuggled in closer, throwing my leg over his hip. “Do you think it will be over as quick as Hella thinks it will be?”

Rathal thought for a long moment before answering me. What he said had goosebumps rising along my body.

“There is an Earth saying that I have long thought wise. No battle plan survives first contact with the enemy.”

Wasn’t that comforting?

I guess we're going to get the chance to find out.

One way or another.