“Lady Rina was absolutely furious.” Jasyn smiled, leaning forward to touch Tayvis’ arm. “She threatened to curse Jerimon with acne for the rest of his life if he ever did anything like that again.”
Tayvis laughed. “She sounds ferocious. I’d love to meet her.”
“I’ll introduce you. If we ever get out of here.”
“We’ll make it, one way or another.”
Jasyn wiggled her bare toes, watching them curl against the stone floor. “What do you really think our chances are?”
“Not much. But with Dace’s luck, we’ll find a way back home.”
Jasyn pulled her dark hair to one side, untangling it with her fingers. “I don’t know if I miss my hairbrush or clean clothes more. Why were you following Dace? She about died when she learned a Sector Commander was chasing her. She didn’t know it was you.”
“Rank never came up on Dadilan. Does it bother you?”
She shifted away, tucking her legs under her. “You’re Patrol. You’re protected. What about us? What’s really waiting for us when we do get home?”
He sighed. “Probably criminal charges on at least half-a-dozen worlds. Disruption of trade, trespassing, fraud. Dace and Jerimon will have to answer for their actions at Viya Station. I did what I could to minimize damages.”
“Why?”
He studied her, his face a mask that gave nothing away.
She studied him in return. “You’re sticking your neck out, risking your life and your career for her. It’s more than just following orders. If you’re in love with her, you have a strange way of showing it. You’ve been mostly avoiding her. It doesn’t add up, Tayvis.”
“My orders were to do whatever it took to recruit her.” His voice landed flat, emotionless.
“Including following her here?” Jasyn shook her head. “Any time she walks in the room, you light up. Deny it all you want, but the truth is plain on your face. It’s more than orders.”
“She’ll never believe that.” His lip twitched.
“Not if you keep dodging her.”
He dropped his gaze. “It’s the Eggstone. Every time I want to talk to her, I can see it looking out through her eyes. It makes my skin crawl.”
“Mine, too.” Jasyn shivered, though the day’s heat still warmed the stones.
“She keeps me at arms’ length. She did on Dadilan and she’s doing it here.” He shifted on the mattress. “Then there’s your brother.”
“Jerimon is an idiot.”
“I’m not arguing that point. What does Dace see in him?”
“A pilot.” She cocked her head. “Are you jealous?”
“A bit.”
Jasyn smiled again. “Don’t be. They spend more time arguing than anyone I’ve ever known. Watching her with you, there’s no contest. The two of you just need to admit it to yourselves.” She stood, wrapping a blanket around her shoulders. “Good night, Tayvis.”
He sat in silence, watching the candle gutter. He couldn’t accept Jasyn’s words, though in his heart he ached to believe.