Free The Bond That Saves Us by Christine D'Abo Page A

the community.
    That way I’ll be able to poke around without it looking suspicious, maybe get some information on the ring so we can shut it down.”
    Shock at the enormity of what he was suggesting and her unrelenting lust had her taking a half step back until she was flush with the computer panel. “Are you insane?
    No one would accept you. Your reputation alone would make it impossible.”
    “You don’t know anything about me.”
    “Not yet. But trust me when I say the second someone like you showed up on the circuit, I’d be all over the databanks finding out every last scrap on you I could.”
    “I’m not hearing you say no though.”
    And there was the irony of the situation. She knew without a shadow of a doubt having Sean as a part of her crew would work. It wouldn’t take the other ships’ crews long to accept him if she did. A few well-placed comments from Steve and Gaz in the right ears and that would be it. At least they wouldn’t outright shun him. Tyrell and his men would certainly go after him, but it didn’t seem to be much of an issue. If his actions managed to get the ring shut down so this race could happen unimpeded, then everyone would be thankful.
    So why was she so dead-set against the idea?
    “It’s a no. We’ll handle this on our own.”
    Sean growled and ran a hand down over his face. “You know what? Fine. I tried to help. If you and your people are so fucking stubborn you can’t accept the offer, it’s really not my concern.”
    Stunned at the hard edge to his voice, all she could do was stand and watch as he stalked from the cockpit. Her strength left her and she sank into the pilot’s chair with a sigh. What the hell had just happened?
    She wasn’t sure how long she’d been there, lost her in head, when the door opened to reveal Gaz, his muscular arms crossed over his chest. He was still wearing the leather pants and vest he’d had on yesterday morning. That meant he’d spent the night fucking some guy’s brains out and would have the cocky attitude to go along with it. The very last thing she wanted to deal with just then. His green eyes sparkled with mischief, but didn’t do anything to soften his appearance.
    “Girl, what the hell happened? I leave you alone for half a day and you’ve managed to get hurt, get Steve hurt and attract the hottest guy I’ve seen on this colony yet.”
    Looking up into her friend’s eyes, she let out a soft laugh. “I saw him first. Back off before I have to kick your ass.”
    “And from the look of you, not only did you see him, you fucked him. Shit, I can smell those powerful-ass pheromones coming off you in waves. You take your inhibitors?”
    “Gaz, don’t start.”
    “Well, did you?” He moved to straddle the copilot’s seat. “‘Cause you are potent. I 41

    may have to go back out and find myself another hot ass to screw.”
    Maybe this was what most of Sean’s reaction had been about—subconsciously connecting her rejection of him to join her crew as a rejection of him as a potential mate?
    She’d seen it before when she’d parted company with other men…especially with Malik. While her refusal wasn’t sexually related, his brain would be confused, see her denial as something it wasn’t. Gods, even without trying, she’d managed to fuck things up.
    “I took them, but not a full dose. I’m almost out and can’t get any more.”
    “You check with the local doctors? They may have some tucked away.”
    Dropping her chin to her chest, she sighed. “Nope, wasn’t thinking about it at the time. In too much pain with my arm.”
    “Well, you’re not in pain now. Go back up and see what they can get you.”
    “Gaz, I’m not going anywhere. Tyrell’s men have scared Steve off.”
    “ What? ”
    “He’s leaving the crew.”
    “Like hell he is. I’ll kick his cowardly ass—”
    Reaching out, she brushed her hand over his forearm. “Hon, please don’t.”
    “Amy, we’ve worked too hard to get the ship