Page 99 of Tempting Cargo

Shame.

Filigree metalwork adorned her chest, her hips, running in lines down to the floor, and her headspines sat high in a simple but elegant knot, woven through with gems of many colours. Tight blue sleeves ended at the elbow, meeting long gloves of shiny white polymer with a sliver of purple skin.

My futuristic period drama princess.

“Don’t laugh.” Only Shohari could pull off uncomfortable-yet-furious with such dignity.

“Why would I? You’re beautiful.” I reached out to one amber ridgetip. “Though it might look better if—”

She batted my hand away, but her amethyst eyes shone with promise. “Behave,cargo.” She swept her gaze down my body, taking in my Galactic Reserve armour—the only thing the shaa’ith had that fitted me—with a mixture of lust and distaste.

“Her tits look fantastic, don’t they?” Muzati elbowed me and gave a sharp-toothed grin. “Now I want to find an Orithian and play with her tits in a gown like that. Peel off that chain and titty veil and—”

“Could we focus, please?” Shohari’s voice was tight. “My tits are the least of anyone’s concern today. Even if they are the only thing making this dress any good. You two.” She glared at her crew. “Standard Orithian uniforms. Go.”

Muzati and Paiata groaned but disappeared off to their quarters, returning shortly in stiff, formal uniforms bearing the mai Tasra crest. Shohari sank into the captain’s chair, Muzati taking the navigator’s seat.

I stood by Shohari’s side.

Finally, we were close enough to Orith’s atmosphere to hail space transport control.

Shohari stood up, smoothed her dress, and paced to the window. “This is Captain Shohari mai Tasra of theDorimisaseeking leave to land.”

“Kri’s blessings on your safe return, Captain mai Tasra,” came the voice through the comm. “Enclave bay seven is ready to receive theDorimisa.”

“My thanks. Kri’s blessings upon you.”

Paiata closed the channel, and we let out a collective sigh, sharing tense looks.

I put an arm round Shohari’s waist and pulled her to me. She softened and rested her head on my shoulder, a couple of herheadspines stroking the back of my neck as we watched Orith get closer.

The forty minutes it took to approach the trading enclave, and to settle theDorimisagently on the small landing bay on mai Tasra land, seemed to take longer than the weeks of travel getting us to this point.

I didn’t like this point. This was where we split up.

The docking clamps locked onto the ship with an ominousclang, as if highlighting my reservations. The clamps which, Shohari had revealed, would only be released with approval from her parents and the Orithian authorities.

Shohari insisted only her kri’ith crew could accompany her. Our plan relied on stealth—and arriving with two shaa’ith and a human was the opposite of that. It made sense, but it didn’t mean I had to like it.

The cargo bay ramp hit Orithian soil with a dull thud.

Shohari squared her shoulders, her haughtiness transforming into majestic authority. “You all know your roles. Thank you. Let’s do this.”

She nodded to Paiata and Muzati, who fell into step with her as they turned to leave.

My heart surged into my mouth.

Shohari stomped back, stopping right in front of me, and crushed me to her in a desperate kiss. “Be safe,mitsha,” she murmured.

Everything in me contracted. “You too, sweetheart.”

Then she was gone, heading into the lion’s den, and I was left with a lingering taste of her on my lips that faded all too quickly.

Tokki, Daiytak, and I retreated to the training room and shut ourselves behind the secret panel. We didn’t expect to be boarded, but we couldn’t take the risk. Puffs of air blew in arhythm from a low vent, as if theDorimisaherself was soothing us.

“Nearly there, old girl,” I murmured, patting the wall. “I’ll bring her back safe and sound, I promise.”

Tokki set a countdown on his comm, after which point it was our turn.