“This ain’t no med center, ya know.” The Taxalian had a heavy, broad accent.
“Just get it.” Justyn was used to the bartender’s grouchiness. He was all bluster. Seconds later, Justyn was pressing ice wrapped in cloth against Nissa’s ribs.
As they stared at each other, boots sounded on the floor beside them. Two young uniforms from theFreedomappeared.
“All finished, Captain?”
“Yes, Ensign. Please take Krudon and get him settled in the brig. Again.”
Justyn arched a brow. “This is a usual occurrence?”
“Krudon likes to dance with me at least once a month. I stun him, then throw him in the brig. Rinse and repeat.”
Justyn’s brow creased. “Nissa, the guy could kill you!”
“He’s pretty harmless, really.”
Justyn shook his head and studied her face again. “Your ribs might beg to differ. You’re going to need a medscope.”
“I’ll check in with my chief medical officer when I get back to theFreedom.” She cleared her throat. “Can you help me up?”
With an arm around her, he helped her to her feet. She glanced over at his table and he saw his brothers on their feet, waiting to see if they were needed. He waved them off.
“I thought you were ignoring me,” she said quietly.
He looked back at her. She’d turned her head away, staring above the bar.
“I was,” he said.
She wrapped an arm around her middle. “I was out of line earlier. You’ve been nothing but helpful in this whole Constitution mess and…I appreciate what you did to help me.” She nibbled at her bottom lip. “You have my apology.”
Jesus, this woman could turn him inside out in a blink. “Nissa?—”
“I know better than anyone that you hide a lot under your charming scoundrel persona. I shouldn’t have said what I said.”
She’d hurt him. And with a simple, honest apology, the ground leveled under his feet again.
She glanced past him. “Your girlfriend’s trying to get your attention.”
Girlfriend?With a frown, he followed her gaze and saw Aurina waving them over. He turned back to Nissa, watching her carefully. There was something there, shifting in her unique yellow eyes. It made a slow smile break out on his face.
He leaned in closer. “You really think I’d have a girlfriend and run my hands over you, and help you rub your clit until you came all over our hands?”
Nissa jerked, her cheeks flaming.
He ran a finger down her nose. “She’s my sister.”
“Sister?” Nissa started. “I didn’t know you had a sister.”
“Half-sister.” Not that the distinction made any difference to Justyn and his brothers. “It’s a long story that I’ll tell you another time. Aurina’s the scout for our convoy.”
“Oh.” Nissa shot another glance at Aurina. “She’s very pretty.”
“Let me check your ribs again.” He pulled the ice away and without warning her, yanked her shirt from her trousers and pulled it up.
“Justyn!” She slapped at his hands.
“Hold still.” He studied the bruise and swelling forming on her sleek side. His gut cramped. He hated seeing her skinmarred, but even worse, he hated seeing the bruises in her eyes. “You spoke with the brass at GSS?”
