Adiron (Corsair Brothers 1)

I make a positive noise in my throat, even though I want to choke a bitch. Sleep at the foot of the bed like a dog, huh? For a moment, I let the fantasy of shooting this man in the nads play out in my mind. Then, I get back to work. "What about Adiron? What's going to happen to him?" I phrase it as cool as I can, even though I'm anxious as fuck inside.

To my relief, he just shrugs. "Boss has some history with him, so I imagine she'll toy with him for a while. Once she's tired of him, then she'll likely space him unless he joins the crew."

I let out a terrified whimper. My Adiron.

The pirate just pats my shoulder, then wipes his hand on his pants leg. "Don't worry. I'm sure the captain will keep you nice and safe. She's got an eye for things that make her credits."

I say nothing to that. Of course he thinks I'm worried about my own hide. I'm worried about Adiron, though. If something happens to him…I don't know what I'll do. I hug my arms to my chest as the alien continues to scan me with his device, and I try to be calm. Emphasis on “try.” My thoughts are whirling, though. Kaspar and Alice are dead, according to Shaalyn and her crew…but Adiron didn't act worried. I have to have faith in him. If he doesn't think they're dead, then they're not dead. He hasn't steered me wrong so far. I take a deep, calming breath.

We just need to worry about our own asses.

"All right," the pirate says, and puts the medical device away. "Looks like everything's a clear scan. You're good to go into stasis."

I make a sound of protest in my throat. "Stasis? I don't want to go into stasis."

He snorts and taps a command onto the wall. "Well, we're sure not feeding and entertaining you for the next few months. Stasis makes more sense than a cage, especially with you pregnant."

As if my worst nightmares are coming true, a slender stasis pod slides out of the wall. He initiates another sequence, and then the door panel to the stasis pod opens, showing a lightly cushioned bed for the occupant. The knot in my throat is growing bigger and bigger. I can't go into stasis, because then I can't help Adiron escape. I can't go into stasis…because I'll lose all control of myself. What if I wake up two years from now? Ten? What if I wake up to find out Adiron's been killed? What if I wake up and they've taken my baby?

What if I wake up pregnant with someone else's baby, like the girls in the cargo bay back on the Star?

Panic floods through me, and when the alien reaches for my hand, I jerk away.

"Don't make this hard," he growls. "You—"

"Enough for now," a new, cool voice interrupts. We both turn, and Shaalyn is in the doorway, looking as elegant and put-together and nail-hard as ever. Her eyes narrow as she focuses on me. "I'd like to talk to Adiron's little plaything before you put her in cold storage," she says.

I wonder how much trouble I'd get into if I claw her eyes out?

64

JADE

My skin prickles with fear as Shaalyn saunters toward me. How is it that one person can manage to look so completely menacing and yet sultry all at once? She eyes me up and down, considering me, and I can practically hear the dollar signs in her head. I'd forgotten what that look feels like—the one where you're regarded as a prize bit of livestock instead of an actual person—and I remain still as she circles around me. I glance out the door, but I don't see Adiron behind her.

I don't know if that's a good or a bad thing.

"The female is pregnant," the male pirate tells Shaalyn. "I was going to put her in stasis, unless you have a different preference?"

"Stasis is fine," Shaalyn replies coolly. "I just came to get a second look at her. My old lover is quite enamored, it seems. Won't stop asking about her." A flash of annoyance crosses her lovely features. "I wanted another look at her charms."

"Shall I leave, then?" the male pirate asks.

She turns and stares at him.

"Right. Leaving." He nods. "I'll take care of what's left once you've finished with her."

What's…left? My stomach drops.

Shaalyn just chuckles, though she doesn't move a finger as the male alien hastily exits the room. She eyes me, all amusement. "He thinks I mean to destroy you just to get revenge on my lover." She shakes her head, long ponytail swaying, as if this is foolishness. "As if I'd ever let so many credits go to waste."

She slinks forward, regarding me.

I say nothing, waiting for her to bring up Adiron. Waiting for her to bring up the baby. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about being pregnant, given that all of five minutes have passed, but I do know one thing.