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Darcy was trilling, loudly.
Sheri opened one eye and looked up at the offending goanna, debating whether Barr would be mad if she threw a pillow at the lizard. The amount of light in the tiny room was ridiculous. “I thought it was supposed to be dark in space.”
Barr, solid and hot, nuzzled into the back of her neck as he locked an arm around her. “I like to keep a daylight cycle in my quarters. It’s good for Darcy’s metabolism.”
His teeth caught her earlobe, and a cascade of pleasure waterfalled through her nervous system. “You should have told me that before I agreed to share your berth,” she muttered. “It’s decidedly less good for mine.”
“Would it have changed your mind?” Another nibble, and her breath shuddered in her throat.
“No, but I could have protested a little.”
“You’re protesting now.” His hand eased down her side, forming itself to her hip as he pulled her closer.
She smiled, breathing in the smell of him, of them, that permeated the sheets. They had a long road ahead of them. It was only a matter of time before IntCom realized that Ariadne hadn’t killed her. If they decided she was a risk, they wouldn’t hesitate to eliminate her and anyone she was with. She’d explained all that to the captain, who’d taken it in stride and answered with the simple sentence, “We look after our own.”
Belonging felt strange, but she was learning. Getting used to it. And Barr was a constant; if she fell, he’d catch her. Just as she’d do for him. She rolled in his arms until her face was close to his so she could whisper, “I love you.”
He chuckled quietly. “I love you too.” His goanna made another ear-ripping trill. “Darcy says you’re just okay though.”
Sheri laughed, kissing Rayan briefly. “He’ll come around. Everyone does.” The crew weren’t all on her side yet, but they trusted their captain. Sheri would win them over too, eventually. But even if she didn’t, she already had everything she wanted here in the bed next to her.
And that was as close to perfect as she could ask for.