Live to Venture (#0)

19 | The Leader of Adventure

Vallin raised his eyebrows. When he realized this was serious, he rolled his eyes.

"Don't roll your eyes at me," Everson whined.

"No lovers on the ship."

Everson laughed. "That's a rule not to bring them along with you. If they happen to already be here, it doesn't count."

"No lovers on the ship."

Everson gave him a sideways look. "If she picked you, that rule would suddenly disappear."

Vallin shrugged. "I guess we'll never know."

"Come on, Vallin. She wants me."

He resisted the urge to roll his eyes again. Of course she did. Myrians were drawn to Myrians. "I'm trying to lead a crew here," Vallin told him. "Allowing that woman near anyone is asking for civil war."

"Again, I'd like to bring up the colour of her eyes. The legs. Oh, the—"

"Fine," Vallin said. "Do what you want." One week tops before Everson started to creep her out. They'd run their course. Then she'd run it with Britter, then Rusher, maybe even Tailsley too. Probably everyone but him. Vallin couldn't stop her.

Everson grinned, sly and gleeful. He segued back into Sirennia—how they'd get in, what their deal would be. Vallin already knew how it would go, so this was just for show.

When Everson talked for long enough, Vallin felt his thoughts wander. He'd spin his chair, then glance outside on the deck. She wasn't visible. His ship, and yet it felt like she ran it.

Is my life here going to be better if I do things for you? Vallin couldn't believe how her head worked. Sleep with the boss, get a raise.

"Vallin."

Vallin glanced up. Everson was pacing. He lifted his hands. "I asked you a question."

"Repeat it."

"I'm tired of repeating myself."

"Repeat your question," Vallin said. Everson was easy to rile up—one of his lesser traits.

Everson was watching him carefully as he gritted his teeth. "I asked if going to Sirennia at all is in our best interest, even with the deal upgrade. We've had enough of Sirens."

"It's in our best interest," Vallin replied, turning away.

"Give me one good reason," Everson demanded.

"I could, but I don't like how you asked," he said, leaning forward.

"Funny game you're playing. I'm trying to bring up a valid point." He tossed the knife he was holding at the wall.

"You're just playing the devil's advocate. You always are. Let's do this, Vallin. Let's go kill ourselves this way. Let's push the border—"

"I'm arguing against danger in this situation."

Vallin spun around quickly. "Did you just cut me off?"

Everson sighed, running his hand through his hair.

"I think you did," Vallin said. "You just talked over me."

"Yes, I did. It's not that big of a deal. Everyone does it."

"I did not crawl my way here to wear a fancy hat. I did it so I would never be cut off again and if I was, I could kick the person who did it out." Vallin pointed to the door.

"Oh, come on," Everson said with a laugh.

Vallin kept his finger on the door.

Everson raised his hands. "Fine. Fine. I still think we're playing a dangerous game going to Sirennia." He stalked away, closing the door behind him.