Corsairs - Straik (Corsair Brothers 3) - Page 113

"Ooh, turning my words around on me. You're such a brat." I grind my hips down against his.

Straik's big hands go to my hips and he lifts me up ever-so-slightly, then drags me back down, using me. It feels so good my toes curl. "I'm just trying to get my impossible, stubborn wife to realize that I'm attracted to her and only her. It doesn't matter if she's wearing your face. She does nothing for me in the slightest."

It's exactly what I needed to hear. I kiss him, hard. "Then fuck your wife," I tell him. "Take me hard and make me love every moment of it."

He does, and by the time we curl up around each other and go back to sleep, I feel a little more settled.

Tomorrow, I'll talk to Ruthie (ugh) and we'll figure this shit out.

83

RUTH

I can no longer avoid the inevitable. Like it or not, I need to confront my clone.

I eat a big breakfast and chug some night tea (which I like in the morning, even though it horrifies Straik) to feel more like myself. Sure, my stomach's tied in knots and I don't feel like eating, but I force myself to plug away at mouthful after mouthful. When I'm stuffed and caffeinated, I put on my favorite badass black jumpsuit, snarl at my reflection in the mirror like it offends me (it kinda does) and then put my hands on my hips. "Let's do this shit before I lose my nerve."

"If you're not ready," Straik warns, watching my antics, "it can wait a few days. She's not going anywhere. I purchased her from Bist to keep her a secret."

I jog in place, trying to psych myself up for the confrontation. "No, let's get this band-aid ripped off. If I don't do it now, I'm never going to. I need to get some answers and I'm not going to get them moping here in your quarters."

He grunts, a hint of amusement on his face. "You mean, 'moping in your quarters like your mate does.'"

I point at him. "You said those words, not me."

His smile broadens. "You're not me. You're fierce and determined and I know whatever happens today, you'll handle it."

I give him a tremulous grin. He's got more confidence in me than I do. "Thanks, baby."

Straik remains at my side as we exit our private quarters and I head through the halls of the Darkened Eye. The ship feels like home after three months of living, and I almost expected it to feel different now that everything has changed for me. But the stark, cool gray walls are the same, the floor shiny and clean, and even the processed air that comes through the filters tastes the same. Life goes on as usual, despite me being a drama queen.

All right, then. I suck in a deep breath and turn down the hall toward the private living quarters of the crew.

It's not hard to tell which room “Ruthie” is staying in. Kazex remains outside, seated on a chair, his weapon at the ready. I'm sure everyone thinks he's guarding a prisoner but to me, it looks more like he's protecting her from the rest of us. There's a fierce look on his face that only grows more intent as we approach. He gets to his feet, nodding at us, but his gaze remains on me the entire time, as if gauging how big of a danger I am to Ruthie.

Straik told me what Dopekh had mentioned, and he was right—Kazex has it bad.

I feel a little weird about that, considering we share a face. Is he crushing on me, too? But as he continues to regard me with that wary, almost displeased look, I know he doesn't. The a'ani handle this cloning shit so much better than I do. I could learn a few lessons from them.

"Is she…inside?" I ask, even though it's the universe's most obvious question.

Kazex nods, and his protective expression grows fiercer, practically stepping in front of the door to block it. "She's stressed and confused. She doesn't understand what's happening."

"Yeah, well, that makes two of us."

Straik puts a hand on the small of my back, and his touch is a comfort. "Do you want me to go in with you?"

I shake my head. "I need to talk to her alone. Figure some stuff out." See if we can tell which of us is the real Ruth and which is the clone. "I'll be fine."

He touches my cheek, turning me toward him, and then gives me the sweetest, gentlest kiss. "I'll be right outside. Call me if you need me. I'm not going anywhere."

His words make me curiously weepy. It's seriously so thoughtful of him to hover just outside the door in case I freak out. I love him so much. I kiss him back before he can straighten, and I make the kiss hard and fierce and full of emotion. "Love you," I say, then lick the tip of his nose. "I won't be long."

Tags: Ruby Dixon Corsair Brothers Fantasy
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