Page 40 of Commander’s Mate

“What? We all saw him look at you.”

I stood, catching the blanket before it slipped from my shoulder. “Where are we going?”

“To the commander’s office. Not his private sleeping quarters.”

Scarlet’s brows rose. “Points for clarifying.”

The soldier looked as if he had no idea what points were.

I followed him into the corridor.

“What’s your name?” I asked after a few steps.

“Tovan.”

“Nice to meet you, Tovan.”

He nodded. “I am sorry you were taken.”

The simple statement nearly broke me.

“Thank you.”

“Commander Maktu is honorable,” he said. “He will not harm you.”

“Does he know you’re giving references?”

His brow creased.

“Never mind. Thank you. That helps.”

We stopped before a door. It slid open.

The office beyond was small by starship standards. A desk seemed molded from the wall. Two chairs were bolted before it. A display showed star maps and lines of symbols. A recessed shelf held a blade in a dark sheath, a cracked piece of ceramic, and a tiny carved figure.

Zared stood near the display with his back to me.

No armor now.

That made him more real and much more dangerous to my ability to think.

His uniform was dark green, fitted to shoulders the armor had apparently not exaggerated. When he turned, the full force of him hit me again: pale blue-gray skin, violet eyes, strong mouth, fluorescent yellow hair that should have looked ridiculous and somehow did not.

“Harper Avery from Earth,” he said.

I lifted one finger. “Very good. Not Dirt.”

His mouth curved. “Not Dirt.”

The door closed behind me.

I heard it.

So did he.

His gaze flicked toward it. “Would you prefer it remain open?”

“Yes.”