Page 27 of Sway’s Peace (Delivery Service #2)

“I don’t mind waiting,” Loyalty said, his voice rising a bit. Like he was feeling hopeful.

That voice the s’skree used wasn’t one of making an excuse to politely say no. It sounded more like a warning so he couldn’t complain later. And Loyalty heard it as well. He sounded eager, but restrained, like he was trying not to show it and failing.

“I’d still charge you by the day, even if you’re waiting.”

“That’s fine.”

“Five hundred a day.”

“Done.”

Loyalty didn’t even try to negotiate. Didn’t hesitate to agree. Didn’t even ask how long it might take for them to get there.

Grace couldn’t imagine what he had gone through trying to get back home that he would immediately agree to whatever just for the chance to make it happen.

“Good. I’ll charge once per day every day until we’re there. I’m Tanin. I’m the captain. Sway, put him in the guest room. Goldie can stay in the medbay until he’s dropped off.”

Goldie? Why did that sound like a human name?

“What about her?” Tanin turned to her again.

Grace almost took a step back, but Sway’s hand tightened on hers. Not only keeping her in place but also reminding her that he hadn’t actually released her hand. He’d been holding onto her this entire time.

Sway looked back at her. He cocked his head. “What do you plan to do now?”

Grace opened her mouth, but no answer was waiting for her.

She hadn’t had any intention of quitting her job here, especially in the immediate future. She had no backup plan in place. She had some savings, but she hadn’t been working here long enough to accrue a decently sized nest egg that she could use to start over somewhere else.

And she couldn’t start over here. Covor was the station master. Staying here, she would essentially be completely at his mercy. That wasn’t-

“Come with me,” Sway said, forcing her focus back onto him.

“What?” She started, surprised. “I-I can’t afford five hundred credz a day. I mean, not for more than a few days. I need to save something to start over. I don’t even know where I would…”

“I’ll cover for you,” Sway assured her. “I can pay your fare. We can take you wherever you need to go.”

They’d had one date. It would be stupid for her to go running off with him into the universe. She had no more reason to trust him than she did Covor or anyone in her office.

But she still hadn’t let go of his hand.

And she actually didn’t hate the idea.

Going off. Having an adventure on a starship. Getting to know Sway further…

No. She was being stupid. Just because her entire life was crashing down around her, taking everything she knew and loved, ruining all her potential prospects, putting her in danger of a guy who was clearly crazy enough to shoot someone and was way more wealthy and powerful than her…

She’d forgotten where she was going with this.

Sway was still looking at her. His expression so sweet. So concerned.

And maybe she would have said yes immediately before. When she thought he was just a normal, average, non-violent farasie. Someone she knew for a fact would never hurt her, simply because it was completely antithetical for him to do so.

But she’d just watched Sway crush a huge male’s chest with two kicks.

“Grace?” Sway lifted her hand. Putting it over his heart. “Come with me. I don’t want to leave you behind here. You don’t have to stay with me but at least let me bring you somewhere safe.”

“I… I don’t…”

“Tanin, what are you doing at the window?”

A female voice cut through the moment. Grace turned. Her eyes went wide as her brain stuttered to a complete halt.

It was the first time she’d seen another human in years.

The woman who came to stand beside Tanin was really pretty, with auburn hair, bright blue eyes, and a dash of freckles across her nose. She was wearing a cute, red nightgown, running a hand through her hair like she’d just finished washing and drying it.

She paused as well, blinking at Grace in stunned disbelief before a wide smile crossed her face.

“What the-?! No way! You’re a human!”

“So are you,” Grace breathed, amazed. “You’re… Are you with them?”

“Oh, yeah!” She embraced Tanin’s arm, beaming brightly. “My name is Garnet. Tanin is my mate. You must be the one Sway was telling us about! Sway, you dog! She’s cute! Wait,” her face went suspicious. “Why are you all at our window? And who is that guy?”

“New client,” Tanin said simply. “And Sway is avoiding leaving a comm trail.”

Garnet’s brows popped up. “What did Sway do to need avoid leaving a comm trail?”

“I am ashamed to admit it,” Sway said, inclining his head to her. “But I was forced to act.”

“He kicked a guy’s chest in,” Loyalty said.

Grace winced, but Garnet snickered.

“Rock on,” she said.

“Seriously?” Grace gave her an incredulous look before turning her gaze onto Sway. “Aren’t you supposed to be a pacifist?”

“I am a pacifist,” he frowned.

“One that kicks people’s chests in,” Loyalty laughed.

Sway made a face. “I didn’t kill him though.”

Grace just stared, stunned. She wasn’t sure she could follow that logic. Garnet was smiling, like this was normal. Like she found it as amusing as Loyalty who was still laughing. Had she lost her mind since stepping into Covor’s office?

“Regardless,” Sway said, getting back to their conversation. “Now, these two need some help. If Grace will accept it from me, I mean.”

He looked at her again, decentering her thoughts as she focused once more on his shiny, all black eyes.

They were the exact same eyes, physically, that had been so empty and lifeless before. How was it that they were so bright and lively now?

Who was the real Sway? A violent pacifist? A cold blooded friend?

He had a human on his crew. No wonder he knew human non-verbal cues. Grace might be lost and confused, but if there was already another human that trusted these guys…

“Think of it as an adventure,” Sway said, whispering softly. “You’ve always wanted to go on one, didn’t you?”

“I was thinking like a camping trip around well mapped hiking trails or touring a town just outside of a tourist destination,” she whispered back. “Like, maybe starting my adventures smaller. More manageable. And, you know, planned .”

He chuckled, warm affection crossing his face. Which she appreciated. She thought he’d mock her for not actually being as adventurous as she claimed to want to be. But adventures could still be safe. And none of this was safe!

But… it didn’t really feel unsafe either.

“Can I at least pack my stuff?” She asked, giving him a sheepish look. “I don’t have much. I live in the employee dorms. So, it’s mostly just my clothes and a few knick-knacks.”

Sway smiled, bringing her hand up and kissing the back of it. “Of course. I’ll go with you tonight to get them.”

“So will I,” Loyalty added, giving her a bright, small ratchi grin.

Sway gave him a brief nod before turning back to the two in the window. “Captain?”

Tanin shrugged. “If you want her to come and you’re willing to cover her, then fine. But she’s your responsibility. And you.” He looked at Grace. “Figure out what you’re going to do. I’m not hauling you around forever.”

She nodded quickly. That was fair, of course. And she didn’t want to be just a burden to be carried about like luggage.

But so much had already happened in the last few marks. She still wasn’t even sure this was really happening. There might be a chance she was about to wake up from some kind of humiliation induced post-date night terror. She could figure all the details out later.

The only thing she could say for sure was that Sway’s hand, in hers, as he finished ironing out some details between himself, his captain, and Loyalty, was warm and steady and the only thing that felt real anymore.