Page 192 of Pets in Space 10

Kari hadn’t expected her father to come looking for her. She rose to her feet and he crossed the distance, pulling her into a rough hug. She held him just as tight, resting her head on his chest and letting the last of her anxiety fall away.

“Don’t worry me like that again, bug,” he whispered in her ear.

The childhood nickname took her back. She leaned back with a grin. “I planned to show for our meet. You didn’t have to look for me.”

He huffed, shifting his gaze to the side and the man lying in the bed. A stern expression dropped over his face. “Luka Bashir.”

Keeping an arm around her father’s waist, she turned as well. Luka watched them intently, his gaze missing nothing. “That’s me.”

Her father glared. “I’ve read the preliminary reports but want to hear from you directly what part you played in the abduction of a USF officer.”

Luka continued to lean back in the bed, a mocking smile curling his lips. She noted the weary glint in his eyes and despite his bravado, he was still weak from the attack. “Your daughter will tell you I’m the reason she’s here. Safe.”

Her father jerked, glanced at her and glared. “You told him?”

She stared at Luka in shock. “You knew?”

Had she been wrong about him and his connection to Gubu?

Luka snorted, shifting on the bed and winced. She hurried to his side and fluffed the pillows for more support. Absently, she smoothed the hair back from his forehead. From her position, she saw the fine tremors in his hands curled into fists on his lap.

“I didn’t know she was related to an admiral in the USF until Gubu tried to convince me to help him on Pega.” She blew out a relieved breath as he continued. “I’d never do anything to hurt Kari.”

Her father arched a brow and his frown deepened. “An investigator will be in to get your statement later. Right now, I think I need to talk with my daughter. Alone.”

She knew there was no way to avoid the conversation. Leaning down, she kissed the top of Luka’s head, muffling a sigh before straightening. He caught her hand in his. “Zsusa?”

Able to put his worry to rest, she said, “In my quarters. I might need your help to get her out.”

He relaxed against the bed and his eyes sparked with humor. “Don’t think you can steal my pet, lieutenant.”

A smile flicked across her face. As soon as she stepped out of Luka’s room, her father steered her toward another door and an empty room. He shut the door behind him, folded his arms across his chest and snapped, “Explain.”

And she did.

She told him everything with the exception of Luka and his brother being responsible for her ending up in Gubu’s clutches.

Shaking his head, her father moved toward one of the chairs beside an empty bed and sat. He leaned forward and braced his forearms on his knees. She remained standing, unsure how to proceed.

“That will all go on the official report. Now, tell me what you left out. Do you have feelings for this young man?”

Everything inside of her froze. She met his amused stare and tried to think of an appropriate response. Lying wouldn’t work. This was the man who soothed her nightmares, encouraged her dreams and without fail stood by her side. “I think I love him, daddy.”

He sighed and tipped his head to the side. “It won’t be an easy road, but I will tell you it’s not the best idea you’ve had.”

She snorted then they laughed together.

Another sigh and he stared so long, she shifted on her feet with nerves. “As long as you know what you’re getting into, I will support you as always.”

There it was. The relief and the release of the fear she’d held within about his reaction to her confession. She shot across the room and hugged him. “Thank you for loving me.”

He patted her back, head leaning against hers. “Always, bug. Always.”

***

Luka spent the next two days in the medic unit. He got his comm back though he was sure they’d attempted to search it for incriminating information. He never put anything on his comm.

He reached out to Harlo first. His second was already ahead of the situation. Harlo spoke to the necessary people and cleared up the few legal issues, advising Luka to remain silent on any details about the incident on Pega.

“Direct additional questions my way,” Harlo said in a stern tone.

Which was easy, since Luka had no intentions of talking to the enforcement officers who continued to try and coerce a confession from him.

Finally, he’d been assured no charges would be brought against him and he could leave once he was medically discharged.

Zair had checked in on him as well, using a secured comm code. It had taken a lengthy conversation to reassure his brother he was unharmed. They’d agreed to meet up at home as soon as Luka could leave.

At this point, the only thing in the air was his relationship with Kari. He hadn’t seen her since the day her father, the admiral, interrupted them. He understood she needed to answer questions as part of the investigation. Still, her absence rankled. He wanted to talk and see where her head was.

The thought of leaving her again set off a negative string of emotions. He didn’t care if on the surface they didn’t match. He wanted her. Needed her. And this brush with death only solidified his desire to make it work.

Sighing, he glanced around the room and the bland four walls. Today, he was due to be released. It was his last chance to speak with Kari and he had no idea how to move things forward.

He swung his legs over and sat on the side of the bed, a blanket draped over his waist. He’d showered earlier this morning but didn’t have anything to put on. Something else, he’d have to figure out.

The door slid open, drawing his attention. At the sight of Kari entering with a cloth bag in hand, his heart kicked into overdrive. Her gaze landed on him and her expression brightened. “You look better.”

Thanks to her blood he was. Sending a smirk her way, he said, “Apparently, the docs think so too and are letting me go.”

She came to stand beside him and extended her hand with the bag. “I brought these.”

A quick look inside revealed clothing. Accepting the bag, he muttered, “Give me a minute.”

He had the feeling whatever conversation they had, he needed the armor of clothing when they started. It took a few minutes to dress in the pants and shirt. He slid his feet into his own boots and released a soft exhale.

When he opened the door from the bathroom, he didn’t immediately see her and his throat closed. What if she had no intentions of speaking with him?

“I’m glad they’re releasing you today. I wasn’t sure how much longer I could handle, Zsusa. She’s chewed or clawed every pair of shoes I own except the boots I’m wearing.”

Her voice shifted his gaze. She stood against the wall across the room, a slight curve to her plump lips.

He was glad his pet was in good hands, but that wasn’t what he wanted to talk about right now.

Ignoring everything, but the urge to feel her in his arms, he rushed across the room and swept her into his arms.

She gasped. “What are you doing?”

Without answering, he kissed her the way he’d longed to do the moment she stepped foot inside his room. She softened against him and moaned as she entwined her arms around his neck. Her tongue danced in and out of his mouth while he clasped her hips firmly and lifted.

Turning around, he stutter-stepped them toward his bed and abruptly sat. Not missing a beat, she propped her knees on the outside of his thighs and leaned into him. Every touch, every sweet sound she made was music to his ears.

He started to roll her onto the bed when she pulled back on a sharp gasp. “We can’t.”

Panting, he froze. His fingers clenched and unclenched at her waist, fighting the need to strip her bare. “Why?”

She licked her lips and he groaned, leaning forward to kiss her once more, but she placed a hand over his mouth. “No. Not here. They’re discharging you and Zsusa hasn’t eaten since you were injured.”

Worry for the gathos replaced his arousal.

He pressed his forehead to hers and worked to get his breathing under control.

Zsusa. He had to think of Zsusa. They’d never been a part this long and on top of that, he’d severed the bond between them.

He couldn’t imagine the pain she was in or her confusion over his actions.

“Sorry. You’re right.” He stood immediately and set Kari on her feet. “Take me to her.”

She reached up to cup his face. “After we get Zsusa settled, we need to talk.”

Uncertainty returned but he nodded. “Agreed.”