Live to Venture (#0)

33 | The Reason of Adventure

To keep Bardarian distant, Novari had to keep herself away from him. She knew that, but she always pushed it back, telling herself she'd sleep on her own tomorrow, that she'd ignore him the next day. Her rules had left her head with all her common sense.

She watched him carefully as he dressed, fixing his hair and donning his lovely coat. He'd talk to her while he did, but she wouldn't listen. She'd just hear his voice, low and smooth.

I was six, she'd told him.

She'd never found someone to tell that before, how her mother had held her down and strangled her until she passed out. When she woke, Seira had pasted on a wide grin and told her it was done. That she could have her fun with men and avoid ever coming across something as inconvenient as a child.

She watched him search around for his hat, pausing what he was saying. His eyes darted. Novari pointed to the end of the bed, where he'd thrown it only moments before.

He glanced up at her and snatched it off the bed. He looked at her like he expected her to say something.

"You weren't listening?" he asked.

Novari shook her head.

He sighed and ran through his hair one more time before putting on his hat. "I'm talking to the Cloudfront today," he said. "Do you mind training some of the crew while I'm gone?"

Novari sat up more. "I need a promotion to do that."

He shook his head. "Please don't do this."

"I want to come with you. To the Cloudfront."

"No."

Novari rolled off the bed, following him out of the captain's quarters. "Let me come with. Please."

He turned around to face her. "Train the crew. Pay extra attention to Starle. He's useless."

Novari searched his eyes and reached for him, but he ducked away from her. "I'll be back before the sun sets." He walked backwards to the door, spreading his arms with a grin. "And if you're good, I'll let you wear my coat."

Novari narrowed her eyes and leaned against the doorframe as he left the captain's quarters. Sighing, she brushed back her hair. She wandered around for a moment, realizing how much her enjoyment on this ship relied on him being there. How little she had to do without him.

So she'd have to train the crew for a few hours. But he'd be back before the sky darkened, and things would be less boring for a moment.

*

Vallin felt accomplished. The Cloudfront was dealt with, Slint had been dealt with, and Silta was waiting for him.

He knew she was waiting, because when he pushed open the door to the common room late that night, after the ship was headed off again, she was looking off to the side, her eyes dazed and bored. When her gaze found his, there was the slight prick of amusement back in them.

Vallin made his way over. Everson was slouched on the chair to his left, watching Silta, and Rusher and Britter were in deep argument as he approached. Britter broke off when he spotted Vallin.

"Captain! You look successful. Was the Cloudfront on board?"

Vallin dared to sit next to Silta, his shoulder brushing hers. "They were," he replied. When he sat, Everson stood and left the group.

Britter grinned, his teeth brilliantly white. He didn't seem to notice Everson leaving. "We own this ocean, don't we?"

Silta shifted her legs underneath her, placing a hand on Vallin's thigh as she did. She pressed against his side and left her hand where it was when she was comfortable again. Vallin glanced down at her.