Mathiras (Corsair Brothers 4)

On the other side of me, Bethiah frowns as the Little Sister slowly steers her way onto the dock for our midnight rendezvous. She watches Helen bounce with puzzlement. “You’re sure bringing her is a great idea?”

“Oh, I’m sure,” I say easily. “I’ll feel safer with Helen at my back.”

Helen makes a happy little squealing noise and flings her arms around my neck, dragging me down to her height. She showers kisses on the side of my face, giggling, and it’s hard not to be influenced by her happiness. I grin back, turning so she can kiss my mouth.

“Keffing hells, you’re both in a good mood.”

Helen immediately sings out, “I came—”

“—to kick ass and take names,” I finish before she can embarrass both of us in front of Bethiah. I give Helen another smacking kiss and smack her butt underneath the cloak. “Helen likes to fight.”

“But she’s a qura’aki. Are they supposed to do that?” Bethiah crosses her arms over her chest, staring at both of us thoughtfully. “I’ve never met a qura’aki before, so perhaps that’s a foolish question, but I thought they were just made to be pretty.”

“I’m more,” Helen trills, and then nips at my jaw. “And I want to come again when we get back,” she whispers. “Okay?”

I’ve created a monster, but I’m very, very okay with this. I nod at her, running my knuckles over her cheek in a caress. She’s making my heart keffing hurt with how sweet she is, and how eager she is to “protect” me. “Wear your mask, love,” I tell her. “We don’t want anyone realizing what you are until it’s too late.” I glance over at Bethiah, even as Helen slides a hand down my back, heading toward my tail. I snag her hand before she squeezes my ass, determined to make her focus. “Let’s stay on target. Once we dock, we’re going to need to be on alert at all times. I’m fully expecting a trap, but our priorities are to get Zebah back, to get the humans out, and to get the slaver for questioning.”

Bethiah studies her nails, suddenly very casual. “That’s a lot of asks. I vote we worry about the humans and the slaver, and let Zebah figure herself out.”

Helen pauses in her efforts to feel my muscles through my clothing and frowns at Bethiah. “Zebah is my friend. Of course we’d rescue her.”

“I’m just saying,” Bethiah seems very interested in her cuticles. “If she happens to get hit by a stray blast, I won’t cry. Just wanted to point that out.”

“And here I thought you weren’t mad at her,” I point out, just as Helen leans in and breathes deeply of my scent. Kef, why is that so damn sexy? Why does she have to do that right now, when I’m trying to concentrate? “Do I need to be worried for Zebah? She’s still part of our crew and she helped us out. I’m not going to let her get sacrificed.”

“I’m just pointing things out.” Bethiah smiles with too many teeth showing. “And as for being upset at her. For stealing my ship and letting Jamef get away again? Me? Upset?” She tilts her head, letting her braids slide over her shoulder. “I’m utterly furious, actually. But she expects that. It’s me being calm that worries her, and I do so love to worry her.”

“Just stick with the plan,” I growl. “I don’t want to have to come between you two.”

Helen gasps, then leans against my chest, all flirtiness. “I came earlier, too!”

I clear my throat, my ears heating. “Do you remember the plan, sweetheart?”

“Protect you. Protect Bethiah. Save humans. Kill bad guys.” She runs a finger down the front of my bodysuit. “Come back to the ship and jump into the shower and—”

“Yup, close enough,” I interrupt, rubbing my ear. The ship gives a gentle bump against the dock, reminding me that it’s almost time to get things moving. “You ready, Adi?”

“Ready,” my brother calls out over the comm. “I checked on the humans and they’re in Helen’s room. One of them has her rolling pin, but I’ve locked the door from outside so they can’t sneak around the ship. Not the most ideal method, but I’ve distracted them with snacks.”

Helen has her ooli mask on now and frowns over at me. I know she doesn’t like locking the two humans—Ruthann and Dora—up in an enclosed space. But I also know the havoc a terrified human can wreak on sensitive circuitry, and it’s best to keep them in one safe spot until we come back. “Thanks, Adi. Be ready to launch the moment we’re back on board.”

“Say the word,” my brother calls out cheerfully. “I’m happy to switch places if you want to fly and me bust some heads instead.”

“You stay there.” No way am I letting Helen head out without me at her side.