Adiron (Corsair Brothers 1)

Shaalyn is nothing compared to Jade. Nothing at all.

"Hey there," I manage to choke out. "Crazy how we keep running into each other after you tried to murder me."

A smile curves her mouth, and she looks genuinely delighted to see me. "Holding grudges, darling? You really shouldn't. You know it wasn't personal."

The sad thing is, I know she's right. Shaalyn has always been all about herself. Even when I was madly in love with her and helping her rob others blind, I thought she didn't give a shit about anyone except me. Turns out, I was mostly right. She didn't give a shit about anyone, INCLUDING me. Ah well. That's what happens when you think with your cock. "Doesn't matter if it was personal or not. Can't say we left on good terms after you betrayed me, knifed me, and stole my ship."

She tuts, moving forward and brushing her long, graceful fingers over my cheek. "You would have done the same to me if you were in a pinch."

"No, I wouldn't have." At the time, I truly thought myself in love with her. I'd have done anything for her. Now, of course, I see that she was just using my enthusiastic obedience as another tool.

Shaalyn shrugs. "Then you're a fool. Speaking of fools…" She gestures at my surroundings. "What are you doing out here, darling?"

I pull away from her touch, though it might be smarter to let her think I still have a measure of affection for her. It takes everything I have not to look over at Jade's hiding spot. I can't give away her location. Even if she manages to shoot one or two of Shaalyn's crew, there's more than she can safely handle. I can't risk her getting hurt. Time to bluff my way out of things. "On this ship? I could ask the same of you."

She leans over me, her tail swishing. I'm not surprised to see she's got a few rings on the tip of it. Shaalyn always did love a gaudy bit of jewelry. No wonder she's always keffing broke. "I'm not in the mood for games, darling. Tell me what I need to know, or my boys might have to pry it out of you."

I glance around the room. Six pirates other than Shaalyn, now. All mesakkah, all heavily armed. All younger than me and probably all in love with her fierce, dangerous ways and desperate to impress her. I have no doubt they'd get creative with torture in order to squeeze information out of me. Lucky for both of us that I excel at running my mouth. "Went out exploring. Ran into a bit of trouble with our ride, and so my brothers left me to hold things down while they regroup." I shrug, trying to seem casual. "They'll be back any moment now."

It's a bluff, of course. Yes, my brothers will be coming back, but I have no idea when. It might be another week. It might be three.

Shaalyn taps a finger under my chin. "Aw. That's sweet. You think they're coming back. Darling, how do you think I got here?"

My gut clenches. It's the answer I fear the most, but also the one that makes the most sense. But I have a role to play, and I'm determined to keep on playing it. I smile brightly. "How do I think you got here? Intelligent flying and sharp skills? But I guess not. Those haven't been your forte. You're best at stealing other people's toys and claiming them for yourself."

She slaps my cheek. Not enough to make my head turn, just enough to let me know she doesn't like my little dig. "We intercepted your brother's escape pod, you idiot. He didn't want to say anything, either, but when his little human was threatened, he sang like an avian." Shaalyn's fingers dig into my skin, her touch turning cruel. "They're dead now."

I won't believe it. I can't. Instead, I try to focus on what Shaalyn said. Escape pod. My brother with a human. It must have been Kaspar. Must have. And if they intercepted the escape pod, Kaspar didn't have to tell them anything. Any decent pirate worth their credits would just space the occupants and download the flight route from the pod, follow it back to the source. Kaspar would never say a thing. "You're full of shit."

"Am I? He told me that you have an entire hold full of human slaves, just waiting to be sold." Her mouth curves prettily and she taps my chin again. "And he told me you stayed here with one to keep you company. Slumming a little since I left you, darling?"

"Actually, the slumming was when I was with you—"

CRACK.

Stars flash in front of my eyes as the side of my cheek explodes in pain. Dimly, I realize one of Shaalyn's goons used the butt of his blaster on my face. Guess he didn't like that comment about her. I tense, waiting, because I'm afraid that Jade's going to blow her cover if they hurt me. As long as she's in that wall, she's safe. They can't hurt her if they can't find her.