Page 112 of On a Rogue Planet
His deep voice washed over her. It was his loyalty, his unwavering belief in helping his people, his innate sense of justice.
Dammit.She slammed her multi-tool down. She was so crazy in love with him it hurt. She pressed the heels of her hands against her eyes.
And he said he loved her.
But that didn’t make the doubt go away.
It wasn’t just that she could already see his duty to Centax dragging him away from her. After seeing the dark side of Forge’s obsession, she knew expecting to be the only thing someone loved wasn’t healthy. She also realized she’d glorified her parents’ relationship. Her dad had also had a passion for salvage and he’d loved his daughter, not just her mother.
What worried Malin was that she was Xander’s first real experience with emotion. He deserved a chance to explore sex and love and find out what he really wanted. However, the thought of him touching another woman ripped her insides out. But being with him, seeing regret grow in his eyes, and the day arriving where he finally told her he didn’t actually love her…she couldn’t bear that.
Unable to stop herself, she moved to the cockpit doorway and leaned against the door frame.
He was wearing his CenSec uniform again. And in it, he seemed to stand a little straighter, a little stiffer.
Everyone on his planet had demanded things of him, expected things of him. All Mal wanted was for him to be happy. And she’d give him that chance, even if it tore her heart out.
He ended his call, glanced over his shoulder. “We’ll rendezvous with the allied fleet in three hours. After that, it’ll only be another five hours until we reach Centax.”
So soon. “That’s great, Xander.” Her throat was tight.
“There’s even better news. Some of my team managed to escape and get off planet. My second-in-command and two others are waiting on theSolar Destiny, the Trenorian command ship.”
“I’m glad your team are okay.”
“Malin—” He was reaching for her when a chime sounded. Another transmission. His jaw clenched. “I have to get this.”
She managed a nod. “Take it.”
Over the next few hours, she felt her insides twist tighter and tighter. Xander spent the time planning the attacks and rescue missions that would be launched simultaneously.
Soon, she found herself standing behind Xander and flanked by Dathan and Niklas as Zayn docked theInfinitaswith the giantSolar Destinywarship.
The doors slid open.
Three CenSecs in black uniforms stood at attention.
The one in front stepped forward. A woman.
“General Saros.” She was tall, with an athletic build. Her dark red hair was pulled back off a strong face with glowing neon green eyes and the same circular implant at her temple. “Xander, it is good to see you alive.”
Instantly, Mal decided this woman would be a Patrol cuttership. Strong, sturdy, good at following orders. But as she watched the woman’s blue eyes, Mal thought maybe there was more than just the orderly CenSec beneath the shell.
“Xenia.” Xander pressed a hand to the woman’s shoulder, didn’t seem to notice the way his second glanced at the touch. “Alix, Dex. It is good to see you all.” He stepped back and waved Malin and her cousins forward. “There are some people I want you to meet. Without them, I wouldn’t be alive, let alone be here with the Antikythera.”
Mal stepped through the hatch and accepted Xander’s outstretched hand. He tugged her to his side. Her cousins followed her.
Xander gestured at the men. “Dathan, Zayn, and Niklas Phoenix.”
Xenia’s face was emotionless, but Mal thought she detected something else under it. “The treasure hunters?”
“Yep.” Dathan grinned at her. “In the flesh.”
“And this—” Xander slid an arm across Mal’s shoulders “—is Malin Phoenix. She risked her life to help get me off Centax and retrieve the mechanism.”
“Hi.” Mal wondered at the shock on all the cyborgs’ faces before they quickly resumed their calm masks.
“This is my second, Xenia, and two members of my team, Alix and Dexter.”
