Page 9 of Radiant Exception
She spun around, dark eyes narrowing at being interrupted, but then going wide when she spotted me next to Cassidy.
“I was just showing our new chief engineer around.”
Jordan approached, standing tall and proud as she stuck out her hand. “First Officer Jordan Armstrong.”
“Chief Engineer Lark Sterling,” I replied, shaking her hand stiffly, still trying to get a read on her through her uber professional demeanor.
“Sterling…” Jordan rolled the word around her mouth, and my stomach sank. I wasn’t ready for the rumors and the questions and the pitying glances. I just wanted to be Lark.
“She’s the captain’s exception,” Cassidy offered.
Jordan’s eyebrows raised. “I thought Officer Reese was joking.”
Cassidy chuckled.
I ignored them both. “It’s nice to meet you. And I assure you, I have the experience needed for the position, regardless of my connection to the captain.”
Jordan’s gaze flicked from Cassidy back to me. Assessing. Like everyone else. I knew it would happen, being the new person on the crew, but it still felt awkward being under a microscope. It was clear how protective they were of their leader and of each other. I’d have my work cut out for me.
“I would hope so.” Jordan nodded, then turned back to her screens without another word.
“Captain’s office is over there.” Cassidy pointed to a door on the left side of the bridge. “But I think he’s down in the cargo bay helping O’Malley load the shipment.”
I nodded, unsure what to say. I still couldn’t believe any of this was happening.
“I can show you to your quarters, if you’d like. I’m pretty sure Natalie had Rion bring up your luggage earlier.”
“That would be great,” I agreed, following Cassidy through the doorway. The captain’s quarters were only a few paces from the bridge, so we didn’t have far to go.
“I suppose this is where I leave you.” He shoved his hands in his pockets awkwardly.
“Can I ask you a favor?” I blurted out.
“Of course,” Cassidy replied immediately.
“I don’t want them to know I’m one ofthoseSterlings.” I picked at my fingernails absently, a nervous tick I thought I’d shed long ago…apparently not. “I just want to do my job.”
“And be with the captain,” Cassidy added, his eyes boring into mine, wanting answers I couldn’t give him.
“Yes, and to be with Vaughn,” I agreed.
“I won’t say anything, I promise.” He sighed. “If you need anything…” His eyes flicked up to mine, then back down to the ground. “I’m always here to talk.”
“Thank you.”
“Oh, and there’s a pre-launch meeting in the mess hall in about an hour. You know where that is, right?”
I nodded.
“I’m sure everyone will be dying to meet the woman who finally locked the captain down.” He chuckled, but there was an edge to his tone. Was it regret…disappointment? I’d never know.
“Right.” I gave an uncomfortable chortle.
Watching Cassidy walk back down the hallway to the lift, giving me a brief wave before the doors slid shut, all I could think was that I was completely out of my depth.
Vaughn’s room was exactly as immaculate as I thought it would be.
The bed was made so tightly, I couldn’t even slip a finger between the sheets.
