Page 41 of Commander’s Mate
Zared crossed the room and opened it again. “Tovan, remain nearby. The door stays open unless Harper Avery requests otherwise.”
“Yes, Commander.”
I stared at Zared.
He stepped back. “Sit, if you wish. Stand, if you prefer. Leave, if you choose. I asked to speak with you. I did not summon you.”
“That distinction matters?”
“To you, I think it does.”
“It does.”
“Then it matters.”
I remained standing. “What do you want?”
His eyes changed. The room seemed to narrow.
“You know.”
“My day has been a little weird. You might need to be specific.”
The almost-smile came and went. “I want to know whether you felt what passed between us in the auction house.”
My mouth went dry.
“I felt something.”
His hands flexed once at his sides. “So did I.”
“You’re an alien commander who just rescued me from being auctioned off. It could be adrenaline.”
“It is not adrenaline.”
“You sound very sure.”
“I am.”
“You don’t know me.”
“No.”
“I don’t know you.”
“No.”
“I am not in a great position to make rational life decisions.”
His gaze sharpened. “No.”
“Then maybe we should not start with whatever this is.”
“That is why I asked you here to speak, not to take.”
The word take chilled the air between us.
“What does that mean?”
