Rivers of Orion by Dana Kelly (a court of thorns and roses ebook free .TXT) 📕

“That was cheesy, Mike,” said Shona. “Not at all smooth.”

He chuckled. “Hey, I only take out the cheese for special occasions.”

“That’s because you’re not used to working for it. I bet you’ve got your own harem back on Rhyon. I bet every time someone recognizes you at a bar or a club, it’s all free drinks and let’s go back to my place. But sometimes it leaves you feeling empty inside, like something’s missing. Like you’re missing. I bet that’s why you avoided going inside the club that night.”

“You’ve got me figured out,” said Mike, and he glanced away for a moment. “That’s not why I avoided Nostromo’s, though. I stayed outside because I hate that stupid club, especially since they exiled me for a perfectly logical reason.”

Shona laughed, and she regarded him curiously. “But I don’t have you figured out, do I?”

Mike shrugged and smiled. “It doesn’t matter.”

“Except it kinda does to me, now.” She leaned sideways against the bulkhead, gripping her arm at the elbow. “So. You got yourself eighty-sixed. How’d you manage that?”

“Oh, I blacked out through most of it,” said Mike. “There were a few lucid moments, like when I threw up in one of the trash cans, and when I threw up a little in my own drink. The next thing I remember is a couple buddies from my criminology class helping me into the bathroom, and then nothing until I woke up the next morning in my dorm room—on my side with a bunch of pillows wedged against my back. You don’t want to know what was on the bed next to me. Suffice to say, that was the last time I went out drinking.”

“I’ve been there,” said Shona. “A lot more than once.”

“I’m glad you survived.”

“Who said I was done?” asked Shona.

“Ah, my apologies. I assumed,” said Mike.

“I’m just messing with you,” said Shona. “But I know myself well enough not to use words like ‘last time’ and ‘never.’ It’s been a few years since I’ve been blackout drunk, but it could happen again. I was dealing was some serious emotional pain back then, and it’s better now, but… yeah, it could happen again.”

Mike nodded, staring off for a while. “Anyway, I’m sure you’re here to be alone with your thoughts. I’ll leave you be.”

Shona tilted her head. “Why? We can both be here with our thoughts. I’m totally okay with that. Besides, there’s no competition for the viewport if the only view you’re interested in is me.” With a warm smile, she nodded his way. “Your words, not mine.”

“Words I wish I could take back,” said Mike, and he blushed slightly. “Or at least rephrase. Good night, Shona.”

“Why are you in such a hurry to leave?”

“I guess I don’t have to be,” said Mike.

“Good, because I can make room.” She faced the viewport again and scooted over slightly.

“Thank you,” said Mike. He stepped close and rested his arms against the sill.

Shona folded her arms next to his, brushing against Mike’s skin. “There we go,” she said. They spent a moment enjoying the warmth shared by their contact.

“How long have you been doing this?” asked Mike. His heart raced, and when he glanced her way, he felt butterflies in his stomach.

“Since I was nineteen. Since Malmoradan rescued me, so what… seven years, I think?” She gave the matter a moment more of thought. “I started in March of seventy-four, so I guess it’s more like six and a half years. What about you? You don’t exactly strike me as the spacer type.”

“I’ve been up here a few times, on vacation mostly,” said Mike. “I wanted to join the star navy reserve when I was in high school, but my doctor wouldn’t sign off on getting the plates and screws removed from my head. Probably for the best, considering what went down on Coroxico’s Moon three years ago.”

Shona chuckled. “You really think your dad would’ve allowed you to be sent over there, even if you had joined?”

“I thought you didn’t know anything about him,” said Mike.

“I don’t, but I know money, and money looks after its own,” said Shona. “How’d you score the hardware?”

“Air traffic collision nine years ago,” said Mike. “Just rotten luck. We got broadsided by a sky truck with a faulty autopilot. I was told Orin’s uncle died instantly, and Orin got banged up, but nothing serious. I wasn’t so lucky. My ejection pod jammed, and I took the ride all the way down.”

“Oh my god,” whispered Shona.

Mike shrugged. “I don’t remember any of it. Not for three months after it happened, either. I suppose I was lucky in that regard.”

She took his hand and squeezed tenderly. Their eyes met, and her heart pounded. “I’m sorry that happened.” She leaned closer, her lips hovering near his. With a wry smile, she said, “This better not be part of your hustle.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s working,” she said, and she kissed him.

He pulled her close, kissing her passionately in return.

“Oh, whoops,” said someone from further down the passageway. Dressed in her Falcon star navy activewear, she cleared her throat and gestured back the way she had come. “I’ll, uh, go this way.”

“It’s okay,” said Shona. She leaned away slightly, fixing her gaze on Mike. “We were just leaving.” With a longing smile, she felt her body pressed against his. “My place, I assume, since you have a roommate.”

“Your place sounds great,” said Mike, and he caught his breath.

Shona glanced up and around. “I might need your help getting back there.”

With an excited grin, Mike took her hand. “This way.”

They navigated the passageways until they reached Shona’s quarters. She closed the door, tossed her flannel aside, and pulled her blouse off over her head. Mike set down his jacket, and as he stood, Shona helped him out of his shirt. He pressed her against the bulkhead, kissing her body as he removed the last of her clothing.

Seizing him in her arms, she lifted Mike off the