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I lean in close. “You don’t get to touch me. You lost that privilege years ago. Understand?”
Tears spill from her eyes. “Bethy —”
“No. You and I are done. I know how you work. I know that you’re going to look out for number one, which is yourself. I know you’re going to try and fill my Dora with doubts and insert yourself into our lives. I know you’re going to try and make yourself invaluable because that means safety to you.” I give her a menacing smile. “But I’m not the same person you left behind, and I’m going to suggest you think real, real hard about touching me ever again.”
I release her and she clutches her throat, sobbing.
“You’re here on this ship because I felt sorry for you, all right? Not because I have feelings for you beyond that. You’re only here because I’m not a heartless sack of shit. But if you try to wedge yourself between me and Dora, I will space you and keep all your shit and dress Dora in all your finery instead. Got me?”
She lets out a choked sound, giving me a look of pure betrayal. “You’ve turned into a monster.”
“Maybe so. Doesn’t matter. You know the rules of being on this ship now. Stick to them.” I point at the floor. “And you’re not to come into my private quarters unless you’re invited, understand? And I don’t plan on inviting you.”
“I don’t know you anymore,” she says, weeping, and I realize her tears don’t affect me like Dora’s. Huh. That’s interesting.
I guess I really have gotten over her. Hooray for that.
Eighty-Seven
JAMEF
I’m not good with emotional shit. I don’t know how to handle a ship full of upset females. Dora hangs out with me on the bridge, as if she’s hiding, and curls up into the comms chair, hugging her legs, and takes a nap. I haven’t seen Bethiah and our guest, and I rather feel like hiding on the bridge myself, but I know that’s not a good idea.
Already I can tell that bringing Rhonda onto the ship was a mistake, but I’m hopeful that we can get her bounty completed quickly and send her back to her master safe and sound. Until then, I suppose I have to make sure that she’s settled, even if I want to fling her out the airlock. I’ve done bounties for worse people in the past. I can manage this one.
I kiss Dora’s brow and she rouses, looking up at me sleepily. “Stay here and watch the bridge for me,” I murmur. “I’ll bring you back a cup of noodles.”
Her expression turns to one of frustration as she sits up. “I don’t know how to read the screens, Jamef.”
“I know. But it’ll make an irritating sound if there’s a problem. If you hear anything, come get me.”
She brightens, nodding, and I wonder why we didn’t do this before. Every system has tonal alerts to wake up a pilot that’s drowsing in his chair. Dora can listen for those. It might make her feel like she’s doing her share if she takes a shift on the bridge. I touch her cheek, pleased at this temporary solution, and head out into the hall.
I head to the new guest quarters first, bracing myself. I’m just being polite. I don’t want this female starving to death because she doesn’t know how to use the particular model of food dispenser I have on board. It’s just politeness, even if I want to toss her into the escape pod and call it a day.
So I knock, my jaw clenched with dislike.
The female—Rhonda—answers the door, wearing a thin, iridescent gown that leaves her shoulders bare and cinches below her breasts. The material leaves nothing to the imagination, and once I realize this, I deliberately keep my gaze locked on her face. “I wanted to see if you required anything. We’re establishing a route and we might be traveling for several days. Do you know how to use the machines in the mess hall to feed yourself?”
“Yes, Captain. Thank you for your kindness. You’re a good man.” She gives me a sweet smile that I don’t buy.
“Jamef,” I correct. “Call me Jamef.”
“Jamef,” Rhonda coos. “I’ll remember.”
I nod and turn away.
“I hope my presence on board isn’t too troubling, Jamef.”
I grit my teeth and turn around to look at her again, since she seems determined to continue the conversation. “It’s fine. It’ll be convenient when we find your master and reunite the two of you.”
“Of course.” Her hand plays with one of her earrings. “I just hope we find him alive. I don’t know what I’ll do if…well…” She dabs at the corner of one eye delicately.
I’m not going to be baited. “My bounty is simply to find his location, or evidence of his death. Once that’s completed, I’m done.” I give her a nod to indicate that the conversation is done and walk away.
