Page 11

Tanin

T anin had transported people before. It wasn’t the most common request, but sometimes Tanin was willing to go where others weren’t and that was what they needed. News reporters used him to get to war zones; refugees used him to escape war zones. Once, a celebrity needed to be moved in total secrecy and Tanin had been paid a good deal to make their trip luxurious.

He was used to strangers being on his ship. When it happened, his crew tended to make themselves scarce. They didn't want to be involved with such people. Alred would act like a real AI and his light form would be hidden completely. Tanin would either take care of them himself, or sometimes Trove would act like he had some sense, and he’d do it. They were the most presentable, least threatening of the crew – aside from Sway, but Sway was always working so he couldn’t do it.

Aside from that, when they had guests, not much changed. The guests would keep to the guest quarters, aside from maybe taking a small walk or visiting the galley. His crew would hide from the intruders in their space. They’d drop off their living cargo, then everything would go back to normal.

But that wasn’t what was happening with the females.

Garnet had taken his permission to do as she liked on his ship and immediately made herself comfortable. He hadn’t actually expected her to get to work, but to his surprise, she’d devoted herself to her self set task immediately. His halls were already looking cleaner. It was honestly a bigger difference than he would have expected.

His crew weren’t slobs. Aside from Sway – who did occasionally clean his area when he took a break – they cared for the Humility just fine. But dusting and sweeping were the robots’ jobs. More than that, they were tasks that just kind of built up slowly, allowing them to get used to the general dirt and grime that accumulated, so they didn't think about it.

Garnet, however, worked like a little machine herself. Tanin watched her through the cameras as she hummed to herself, working down the second-floor main hall. She’d pulled her hair up into a messy bun that spilled all around her head. She needed some new clothes, but he didn't mind the outfit she was forced to wear every day. The shorts liked to ride up a bit as she bent down and crouched, which she did a lot as she wiped down the walls. He shouldn’t stare, but he couldn’t look away.

She hadn’t just made herself at home, his crew weren’t hiding from her either. She beamed at them, called to them by name, and spoke so sweetly, he couldn’t blame them for wanting to get closer. Even as he disliked that they were doing it.

There were eight people on Tanin’s crew including himself – if you counted the twins as two separate people, which they themselves did not. Except Alred, they had all lived for a long time on the same space station. It was, without a doubt, the worst station in the entire Coalition. A totally lawless place where power ruled over everything.

The females there came in two types: strong and untouchable or meek and subdued. The strong were unconquerable. The meek never lasted long. His mother fell into the latter category. Most females they met were the former. They weren’t soft or sweet, they didn't hum as they cleaned, they certainly would never let someone sneak up on them. If they smiled, it was done with malice or wicked joy. If they fucked, it was hard and harsh and quick.

They had never been around a kind female. A happy female.

They were drawn to it.

She didn't see it, but Tanin did. On cameras, he could watch the way Rok lingered around corners, watching her from a crouched position. Or how the twins would occasionally walk by, just to lay eyes on her – something she probably didn’t realize was vastly out of character for them. Vytln even cracked his door when she began cleaning around his workroom and then would spend an unusual amount of time near that crack, listening to her hum.

Garnet was not the type of female they were accustomed to, but in seeing it for the first time, they couldn’t stay away. She also did nothing to discourage them. She said hi whenever she noticed someone. She acted like she was always happy to see them. She tried to ask harmless, friendly questions, but never let it bother her if she didn’t get a response. Trove was the one who approached her the most, flirting brazenly. She’d either flirt back or deflect his compliments like an expert, depending on how close he was to her.

It was a line she had clearly drawn – playful flirting was okay, serious was not. Tanin didn't like that Trove was flirting with her at all, but he didn't do anything to stop it. She wasn’t his. He had no right to intervene. Even if seeing and hearing it on the cameras made his quills stand on end and his fists tighten with the urge to land them across Trove’s pretty face.

The day that the generators were due to be finished recharging, Tanin left the upper bridge and went down into the ship. He could pretend that he was just taking a walk, but his feet didn't even hesitate to head towards the length of hall Garnet was cleaning that day.

No one else was around her right now. There was no one to interrupt as he approached while she hummed happily, using a mop to clean the highest part of the walls. She was too short to reach up high, so she’d found herself a tool to do it instead.

She had really devoted herself to this task no one asked her to do. She was a hard worker. And someone with morals. He told her that she owed him nothing for this ride, but she insisted on giving back to him anyway. That was something else no one from the station would have done. Well, no one would offer a free ride, regardless of the reason they were there, but if they did, no one would have insisted on paying anyway.

She was different from what he was used to. Precious. Adorable.

Tanin approached her quietly, entranced by the way one of her wavy strands of hair fell from its tail and framed her face. She blew it away with a quick breath, but didn't stop in her task. Not even as he came to stand behind her, admiring the way her body moved.

Her hips created the perfect handles for him to grasp, and her round little ass would fit neatly against him. She had large breasts, enough to fill a male’s hands quite neatly as he held her from behind, driving into her as she gasped and moaned, those stray little hairs bobbing around her face.

She brought the mop down and turned, probably to clean it off, but then caught sight of him. She let out a quick scream, immediately followed by laughter, as she covered her heart. Then, to his surprise, she smacked his arm. Not hard, but it was unexpected.

“You scared me!” She admonished, still chuckling. “Almost had a heart attack.”

He frowned. “Really?”

“No, not really.” She set the mop down, leaning the handle against the wall. She turned back to him with a smile, reaching up to try to fix her hair. He watched the movement of her slender, little fingers, envious of their trek through those auburn tresses.

Dangerous. These were dangerous thoughts.

But he couldn’t back away.

“Did you need something, boss man?”

“Boss man?” He repeated.

Having fixed most of her hair back in place, her hands dropped, and she grinned. “Oh, right. I guess you’re not really a man, right? Boss… guy? No, that’s not that good. How about just boss?”

“You can call me Tanin.”

She smiled. “Good to know. But did you need something?”

“I was just going to tell you that we should start our swing today.”

To his surprise, her smile dimmed. “The subspace swing thing? The one that will take us to where the keepers are?”

“That’s the one. It’s not far, relatively speaking, for a subspace swing. But it will still take us about three days in subspace before we reach the location. Our generator isn’t that powerful, so it takes longer to move through subspace.”

“Three days, huh…” She bit her lip before a look of determination crossed her face. It was gone in an instant, however, replaced by a smile. “So, Tanin. Boss man. I wanted to talk to you about something, if I could.”

Tanin blinked, giving her a look. He knew that tone. That was a salesperson’s tone. She was trying to get him to buy something. Maybe not with credz, but she was certainly selling.

“About what?” He asked, his own tone even and neutral.

“See, Goldie and I were talking, and we agreed that we have been having a wonderful time on your ship. Really. You’ve taken such good care of us. This has been a wonderful experience. I mean, we were kidnapped, but as far as kidnappings go, I’d say this one is easily a ten out of ten. Could not have asked for better treatment.”

“I’m glad you’ve been comfortable,” he said simply, concealing his amusement. She was winding up her sales pitch a lot, and it was rather adorable to watch.

“More than comfortable. I mean, if it weren’t for the fact that I have to wash my clothes by hand each night, I’d say this was pretty dang sweet. And even then, I’m certainly not complaining. As I said, for a kidnappee, this could not have gone better.”

“I’ll be sure to add that review to my business listings.”

She giggled. “So, it rather got us thinking. We have enjoyed our time here so much, and I can see there is a definite need for some extra hands. Certainly not big ones. You guys have all the strength positions down. But things like this.” She turned, gesturing to the half-finished wall.

He could see, even now that the chemicals were dry, the line between what she had already cleaned and what needed to be cleaned next. The shine had returned to the metal walls. He didn't think they looked that good when he bought the ship. Admittedly, he got it secondhand, but that just meant it had likely been many, many years since anyone wiped down those walls.

He was starting to see where she was going.

And he hated how tempting it already was.

“You could use some help. I myself have a lot of experience working for a delivery company. That’s what I did on Earth. Drove a van, dropped of packages, etc. You know. I certainly don’t need to explain the logistics of a delivery service to you. And even between that, I often cleaned apartments and houses to set them up for new renters. I did some bartending on the side. Painting. Lawn work. Really, anything. I’m a girl of many talents. Consider me a multi-tool, always ready and available on your belt! I take direction well, and I don’t give a lot of guff.”

“You appear to be a devoted worker,” he agreed.

“Right! And that’s what got me thinking. You know, humans are allowed off Earth without a mate if we have a sponsor. Someone that can help us out. Can guide us in the wider universe since we don’t really know it that well. In a way, you’re already doing it now! It’s not official, of course, but the sponsorship is not really different from being our boss.”

“It’s a little different,” he said, matching her tone.

She grinned, like she’d just scored a victory. “You looked it up, did you?”

“I glanced at it.”

He read it from top to bottom. The responsibilities of being a human sponsor were simple in theory but could be difficult in execution. For the first ten tendays, the human was basically a youngling of their sponsor. In other words, if they committed a crime, their sponsor could be just as culpable. Their sponsor was required to provide room and board at no charge. They also needed to teach the human how to live and survive wherever they resided – in his case, it would require teaching them the various laws and rules regarding trade and transportation. The goal was that, at the end of the tenth tenday, the human would be able to take care of themselves alone.

After ten tendays, the sponsor was no longer bound by such rigid requirements, and in fact the human could sever their ties altogether if they wished. Their sponsor’s responsibility ended there. Though, if the human was inadequately prepared for life on their own, the sponsorship could be forcibly extended or even transferred to another person.

Garnet was right in saying that it wouldn’t require much more than he was doing now, but she was also wrong, because he would require of himself much more than he was doing now. They’d need clothes, supplies, proper medical scans, their food preferences and needs added to the synthesizer. He’d have to get emergency suits made for them, in case of hull breeches or life support system failures. They certainly couldn’t fit into any of the ones they currently had on hand. He’d need to have them registered as crew, he’d have to add them to the payroll – because he wouldn’t allow himself to take their labor for free, even if he was their sponsor.

There was a lot that needed to be done. And he already started by looking it up. Like he expected her to ask this question. Telling himself it was just curiosity. He was only looking over the information Alred found for him.

It was a lie, but it was a comforting one.

Until he was confronted with the lie itself. And now he had to harden his heart around the sensible decision he had to make. No matter what his cock wanted. No matter how prettily she smiled. No matter how his ship shined under her care.

The others wouldn’t care. They’d accept it as his decision. Their loyalty was unwavering, and while they might ask questions, they wouldn’t really argue. Judging by the way they reacted to Garnet already, they’d probably even like it. That certainly wasn’t a hindrance.

It was just him. His own sense of what was right.

Honestly, not a sense anyone should be depending on.

“Goldie and I don’t eat much. We’re hard workers. And if you think I’m good, you should see her! She’s shy, so she’s not coming out of the room, but once she gets comfortable, she can do anything. She’s so smart. Like, seriously. We won’t make trouble or anything.”

“No.”

“If you agree to… What did you say?” Her smile dropped as she faltered. And it vekting hurt to deny her when she gave him that sad look with those big, bright eyes. He was afraid she could pout, and he’d give in without even thinking.

But he didn't. Instead, he repeated, “I cannot be your sponsor.”

“Why not?” She reached for him but stopped just short of touching his arms. “We won’t be a burden, I promise. You can see how hard I work!”

“You do work hard. And it’s good work,” he agreed calmly. “But this is a very dangerous job. It’s not a place for soft females.”

“I’m not soft!” She declared, affronted. “I’m strong. I can protect my-eep!”

He grabbed her wrists, shoving her back against the wall. Indulging his own desires by pressing his chest against hers. His leg between her thighs forced her up onto her toes. One move effectively disabled all four of her limbs. But unlike when he’d done so against the chest he found her in, she couldn’t lean away from him now. The soft flesh of her breasts gave so sweetly against his muscles, tempting him to feel them against his bare skin instead.

And unlike last time, she didn't fight back. Her eyes went wide, like she was surprised to suddenly find herself trapped, but she didn't wiggle or squirm or yell. Her eyes weren’t full of rage and confusion, but surprise and a flash of heat that made his cock throb dangerously.

“You think you can protect yourself?” He asked, voice unintentionally low and rough. Turned on just by this alone. He didn't need to prove his point this way, but he needed to feel her against him. He had to show her that she might be feisty and scrappy, but she wasn’t strong. Maybe she had been on Earth, but she was here now, and she was a weakness.

Tanin could not have any weaknesses. He couldn’t have any soft spots. His life was hard, and therefore anything in it had to be as tough as he was in order to survive.

“I…” She panted, pulling against his grip on her wrists. They didn't move. Trapped in his fists, completely at his mercy.

But instead of fear or defeat or even understanding, her gaze went foggy with lust. Her lips parted; the cute, pink flesh plump and begging for a kiss. Her little tongue darted out, wetting them nervously, but she didn't look like she wanted him to back down.

And he cursed himself, because he didn't either.

He’d let his self-control snap, allowed himself to believe the lie that he was just proving a point, and now he couldn’t bring himself to let go. To step back. He squeezed her wrists, and her back bowed up. Arching into him. Her heated cunt rubbed against his thigh. And it wasn’t an attempt to get away this time. There was no sense of rejection he could use to justify to himself why he should let her go. He could only hold on, pressing her harder into the wall. Grunting when his hardening cock brushed against her belly.

Just a little lower…

“Tanin,” she whispered, her voice a plea.

He couldn’t resist. An alarm was screaming in his head. This was dangerous! She was a danger to him. A treasure it was not his right to hold. A gift he couldn’t afford to accept. A weakness, a softness, a beauty he couldn’t let himself possess.

He leaned closer. Didn't even realize he’d moved. His nose brushed against hers as he breathed deep. She smelled so different. There was an inherent musky sweetness to her scent that had to be unique to humans. The artificial freshness of the cleaning fluids, the metallic sharpness of his ship, something soft and untraceable he longed to lap from her skin.

Their lips ghosted over each other. A hint, a whisper of a kiss. Incomplete. Longing. She wasn’t even trying to resist him. Did she feel this inexplicable yearning? Was she as entranced with him? Did her eyes follow wherever he went? Did her thoughts stray to him at random times throughout the day? There was no way. He wasn’t nearly as enchanting, as desirable as her.

But the way she pressed back against him, one of her legs moving up his thigh…

The way she turned into him, chasing a kiss he definitely couldn’t give…

Maybe-

The shrill shriek of the ship’s alarms pulled him back. He looked up, frowning as Alred’s voice echoed through the speakers.

“ Enemy ship incoming. Take battle stations. ”

“Enemy…” Garnet breathed, still trapped against the wall.

Tanin forced himself to let her go, stepping back. Letting her come down on her own two feet slowly as she gave him a wide-eyed look. Like she wanted more. Like she already regretted it was over. But as she blinked, she came back to herself and realized what she heard.

“Battle stations…?”

“ Captain. ” Alred appeared, his light form flashing and flickering as he, no doubt, did a dozen other things at the same time. “ A pirate ship just dropped out of subspace too close to us. Shields were damaged by the reentry force wave. They’re coming around. Sway is already performing evasive maneuvers. ”

“Show the females to the shelter,” Tanin ordered, still looking at Garnet as she gazed up at him, expression unreadable. “Get Rok to protect them.”

“ Aye, captain. ”

“Tanin” She reached out for him.

He pulled back. “I told you. This job is dangerous. We go where others refuse to tread. We deliver where no one will dare step foot. Even staying on this ship can be lethal. You should be somewhere safe. Somewhere you don’t have to fear harm or death. I cannot offer you any kind of peaceful life.”

With that, he turned and jogged away, pulling a coiled, red ribbon from his pocket. He twined it quickly around his wrist, ignoring the way she called after him.

She was a soft, sweet dream. One he’d never be able to have. Not because he didn't want it or felt he didn't deserve it, but just because he couldn’t take care of her the way she deserved. She was meant for a male from a completely different life. One that didn't need to fight pirates. One that wasn’t likely to find transported females in a chest out in space. One that hadn’t had to fight for every scrap he’d ever stolen in his life.

This attack might be annoying, but at least it would prove that to her. No doubt, she’d be so afraid after this, she’d beg him to get her away faster. That’s how it should be.