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who else gains from Vinton’s death?” Indigo tried, and failed, to hide her yawn.
    Chandar pushed to her feet and waved them toward the main door. “Out, all of you. We can talk about this in the morning.”
    The sleepy couple was happy to oblige her, but Danvier and Raylon lingered. Likely because each was uncomfortable with the other remaining in her suite. Despite his cold exterior, Danvier was surprisingly overprotective of her. They’d been separated as children and he’d spent most of his life believing she was dead. Still, familial bonds were hard to break. It was obvious he still cared deeply for her.
    “Would you like me to sleep on your couch tonight,” Danvier asked, not giving Raylon the opportunity to make a similar offer.
    “Absolutely not. There’s no need. I’m fine.” Even as she spoke the words, tension knotted her stomach. The memories had never been this vivid or this detailed. And worse, she sensed that there were more, so many more, waiting in the darkness.
    Danvier headed for the door then paused when Raylon didn’t follow.
    Raylon moved in front of her and lowered his voice to just above a whisper. “Do you need someone closer than your couch? I know how badly these visions upset you.”
    The thought of being held by him, pressing against his warmth and feeling safe, protected, was the sweetest temptation. But now that she was fully aware of the situation, she realized the control it took for him to remain gallant. “I’m fine.” She glanced into his eyes and then away. “Really.”
    He ran his index finger along her jaw from just below her ear to her chin. It was barely even a caress, and yet her pulse raced and her breath hitched. “I don’t believe you.” Time paused and her breath stalled out completely. Something warm and intense, inescapably sensual, sparked to life within his gaze. It flickered for a moment and then was gone, lost in cool consideration. “But I won’t push. If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”
    Danvier remained in the doorway until Raylon exited the suite, then he said, “Sleep well,” and firmly closed the door.
    Chandar released her pent-up breath, which did nothing to ease the ache deep in her chest. Was it possible Indigo was right? Could attraction lurk beneath Raylon’s steely control? And if so, what should Chandar do about it? Was she really strong enough—and brave enough—to encourage a man like Raylon? Desire spiraled through her, stimulating parts of her anatomy she barely recognized. Her mind might still be wrestling with indecision, but her body was ready for action.
    * * * * *
    Milanni paced the commander’s quarters aboard the Relentless . Akim Farmon didn’t yet know she was here. Her former employer, the mysterious “Benefactor” had provided her with a device that allowed her to track the continually modulating transponder signal used by the Relentless . Without the device, it was virtually impossible to detect any ship with a covert shield generator. There were advantages to working for the Integration Guild. Their wonderful technology was likely what she’d miss most now that she was an outcast, or soon would be once they realized what she’d done.
    After attaching her shuttle to the underside of the Relentless like an interstellar barnacle, she’d bio-streamed directly to Akim’s cabin. She rubbed her arms and worried her lower lip, cursing her uncertainty. She had information to trade for Akim’s protection. Unfortunately, once she told him what she knew, she had no guarantee that he’d keep her safe. It was foolish to count on the promises of a person she didn’t trust.
    The main doors parted and Akim strode into the room. That hadn’t taken long. He didn’t seem surprised to see her. They must have detected her shuttle.
    “Get off my ship.” He didn’t raise his voice, which made the demand even more menacing.
    Not a good start. He owed the Benefactor two more tasks. At the very least, he