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Ki’Remi’s gaze was like carved steel, his voice flat. ‘I follow protocol, Admiral. You outrank me in the Pegasi Galactic Army, so I must and will always take your lead.’

Rhye’s smirk deepened. ‘Of course you will. To that end, take one of the cruisers and see that Zera arrives in one piece.’

Ki’Remi gave the Admiral a mock salute, which the military man returned.

They shared a turn of their lips and a chin lift.

The Sableman swiveled and gestured for Issa to leave the room ahead of him.

A gentleman, too.

Hell, she still had a lot to unpack about this man.

The doors slid shut behind them with a hiss of air pressure, leaving the two of them alone in the hushed metallic corridor.

Ki’Remi prowled off, and Issa caught up, her mouth quirking. ‘False humility, Sable?’

His jaw tightened, clenched in the way he had, that sent a ripple through his nape, emphasizing his muscled neck.

‘Nada,’ she mused, eyeing him like a predator sizing up prey.

Then, with prescient insight, she added, ‘I assumed your arrogance was pride, but it’s sheer confidence in your abilities.’

She tilted her head.

‘Impressive.’

Ki’Remi didn’t respond, but a twitch at his temple, the controlled restraint in his hands, gave him away.

‘Seems you don’t like being told you’re impressive.’

He sucked his teeth, slowed his roll to a silent stop, turned his beautiful head, the locs still caught up in his surgical cap, and nailed her with silver aureate-flecked eyes.

‘Didn’t say I don’t like it. I like it.’

‘I see,’ Issa whispered.

He leaned in, head tilted, eyes blazing into her soul. ‘What I don’t appreciate, woman, is that you still owe me afokkin’explanation, and flattery won’t get you out of it.’

His glowing orbs flared and glowed with a warning, piercing her to the core.

‘You still owe me an explanation. Now that you know the true boss, you’ve no choice but to comply with the entire truth. Lest I kick your ass to the curb of space-time.’

7

Uneasy Touchdowns

Ki’REMI

Ki’Remi did not tolerate unanswered questions, not when they involved his patients.

He leaned into the woman he intended to interrogate within an inch of her truth when one of his junior doctors hurried toward him.

Data pad in hand, concern etched into his features.

‘Commander, please, I need urgent advice on a case.’

Ki’Remi ground his molars together, turning to the young medic.