Chapter 13 | Justine
Chapter 13
Justine
I wake up in bed alone. The ambient “daytime” light supplied by the ship makes it feel like a new day has dawned. There’s no Markas in the bed beside me. It feels like only minutes ago that we were tangled together. The room still carries the heady scent of our mating. But he is definitely gone now. I listen for a moment just to be sure. There’s no water running in the bathroom or footsteps in the sitting area.
I sigh. It’s just like the first time when he left me. I thought he would be back any minute, but then the cold reality slapped me in the face. This time will be different. I mean, we’re in outer space. Even if he wanted to run, there's nowhere to go.
I grab the fluffy robe and head for the gourmet snacks he brought. Ha! It’s a bunch of earth stuff. I’m sure he bought it to make me happy. I grab a ridiculously expensive bag of tortilla chips and walk to the sofa.
Just then, the door swings open.
“You’re awake!” Markas exclaims. He bustles into the room carrying bags from the clothes boutique. “I thought you’d still be sleeping. Did you think I’d abandoned you again?”
“No. I mean, the thought did cross my mind, but I have faith in you.”
“Aw, Justine, you’re the best. Let me show you what I bought.”
“Sure,” I say, unable to repress my relieved smile.
“It’s for our meeting with Rotten.”
“He’s coming in person?”
“I’m not sure, but I thought it would be good to be dressed right, just in case.”
“I don’t think we need to impress him.”
“No, I know. I mean, who cares what he thinks? But it would be fun to walk into the meeting looking like total badasses just to fuck with him, you know?”
“Yeah, I get it.” I can’t help smiling.
“So, I thought we could coordinate outfits again. Here, check it out.”
I peek in the bag, and my grin widens.
“Very nice.”
“And maybe we could change the black streaks in our hair to platinum. What do you think?” he asks. I just want to kiss him.
“I think you’d make an excellent stylist,” I tell him. It’s true, and this isn’t the first time I thought about it.
“Good one, Justine.” He laughs.
“Really. If you decide that you’d like to do that, I think you’d be good at it.”
“No kidding? Wow. I have been wondering what to do with myself once we land. Aside from evading the authorities, that is,” Markas sits on the bed, gazing up at me.
“Don’t worry about that,” I say, and he raises his eyebrows. “I have a plan,” I explain.
“Okay.” He looks skeptical. “But anyway, I’ve been thinking I’d like to do something less illegal with my life. But I have no talent. Well, no talent outside the bedroom.”
I roll my eyes.
“You have skills. You’re charming, and fun to be around. And you're great at picking out outfits.”
“Are you saying I should be a professional boyfriend? That’s what it sounds like. The problem is, I only want to be your boyfriend going forward.”
“I think you would make a great stylist or personal shopper.” I pour all the sincerity I can into my words. I really mean it.
“You think so?” He asks.
I sit down next to him on the bed and take his hand.
“I totally do. And I’ve been thinking I could expand my business. Instead of just offering makeup and tattoos, I could offer styling advice.”
“Do you need an assistant?” His voice is light, but I can feel the longing through our bond.
“No, I want a partner,” I say.
“Seriously?”
“Yeah. I’m thinking of moving away from the entertainment business and into private clients. Having a partner with your skill set would be a huge benefit.”
“No one’s ever said something like that to me before.”
“Really? Well, you’d better get used to it. I have a lot of good things to say about you.”
“Ahhhh, I’m too lucky.”
“No. You’re talented and charming and deserve all the good things you get.”
“That’s it, Justine. I’m going to have to take you to bed again. My love is too much to hold in.”
“Have I also mentioned that you have a way with words?” I say as I tumble onto my back.
“Not lately, but feel free to mention it now.” He cages me beneath him and kisses me on the forehead.
“You have a way with words, and I love you.” I smile and hope he hears the sincerity of my words. I think he does, because his voice cracks with emotion when he replies, “I love you too.”
The ship’s comm system crackles to life.
“Atmospheric reentry begins in t-minus thirty minutes. Please stay in your cabins.”
“You'll have to be quick,” I say as I shimmy out of the robe.
“Being quick is one of my many talents.”