Free Tor (Women of Earth Book 2) by Jacqueline Rhoades

surprised and confused by the pang of hurt that accompanied it. Wynne, the dreamer. She'd allowed herself to believe Tor's rescue of her was somehow special, when it was only a matter of commerce.
    "No, I never thought you were one of them. It was obvious that you weren't."
    Of course it was and how ironic that the answer she wanted was the one that hurt the most. Those women in the Brides Brigade were beautiful. They were bright and clever and outgoing, and while their clothes weren't much better than Wynne's, they'd chosen pieces that flattered their figures.
    "He was watching you before the raid," Mohawk unclenched his teeth enough to mutter. "He didn't board with the raiders. He was already there when we boarded."
    Tor looked as surprised as Wynne.
    "Why didn't you say something?" she asked.
    The old soldier hung his head to hide the color rising in his cheeks. "He was wearing a spacer's uniform with three bars. I thought he was part of the crew and giving you the eye. What was I supposed to say?"
    "How about, hey Wynne, that guy over there is giving you the eye."
    "Right, and then we could have had tea and painted our nails. When we were done, we could have gossiped about him while I braided your hair." Embarrassment gone, and manhood affronted, he glared at her. "What do you think I am?"
    Wynne wasn't sure how to answer that since Mohawk had tea and cookies regularly with eight-year-old Bitsy. He not only allowed her to paint his nails, he let her put bows on his horns, too.
    "You still should have told me," she said.
    "Why? What would you have done about it? Blushed and run, and then done your best to pretend he wasn't there."
    "I would not," she said indignantly.
    "You would, too. That's what you always do." He sounded angry.
    "I do not!"
    "Hmph," he grunted and waved her off with a sharp flick of his hand. "Tell that to Petrarch. He's been following you around with his tongue lapping the ground for months."
    "Petrarch is a friend."
    "Petrarch doesn't want to be your friend any more than that Zubian over in Supply wants to fill your grocery order. All he wants to do is fill your pot with his own brand of honey."
    "Mohawk, that's enough." A glance at Tor who was looking skyward and sucking in his cheeks, told her it was more than enough.
    But Mohawk wasn't finished. "I saw him follow you out of the gambling hall. I stayed behind so he could make his move. I was so busy thinking maybe this time you'd take a little fun for yourself that I forgot why I was there. I failed to keep you safe."
    Wynne's growing annoyance leaked out with a whoosh. He wasn't angry with her, he was angry with himself, angry and ashamed.
    "Oh. My. God. Is that what this is about? This isn't your fault, Mohawk. You couldn't have foreseen this and there's no knowing if we would have made it off that deck in time. You're here protecting me now. That's all that counts."
    "Then let me get you out of here and back where you belong."
    "I will," she said gently and watched his shoulders relax. "As soon as someone explains to me what's going on. And stop clenching your jaws. It's bad for your teeth."
    He didn't unclench his teeth, but spoke through them instead. "All I know is the First Commander is going to put my ass in the trash if I don't get you back fast and in one piece." He gave Tor a chin lift. "She must be talking to you because I don't know a fart from a fan dancer about your shit. So start talking before I regret not killing you in the first place."
    Tor spread his hands. "I don't know what you want me to say. Yes, I was on board the Romer II. Yes, I was giving the lady the once over. Why wouldn't I?" He blew out his breath when he saw the disbelieving looks he was getting for his efforts.
    "Fine. I'm a simple businessman, a trader. I move cargo from one place to another. I specialize in getting that cargo to places where other traders won't go. My only rule is that I know what I'm carrying. I'll carry anything anywhere, but I have to know the