Free Bonded by Jaymi Hanako

lifted her into his arms and carried her out of the room.
    Straight to the bed.

Chapter Six
    The Apothecary’s open-air market was unusually crowded, despite the early hour. The longest lines led from the chemists’ booths. Mostly household slaves dressed in their master’s livery and a few freeborn customers. Merchant class, from the looks of them.
    Jaren rested his hand on her waist. He’d said it was to keep from losing track of each other in the crowd, but she was glad for the connection, however slight. His touch burned and comforted at the same time, and it took all her willpower to keep from begging him to return to their room at the inn. He nodded at the long lines. “Wonder what they’re selling?”
    “Chemicals and potions. Probably to replace those used during the first night of the festival.” Her face heated. Her home system was particularly notorious for aphrodisiacs and stamina enhancers. Especially during this season.
    “I see.” His eyes darkened, and a wicked grin played at the corners of his mouth. He knew what she wasn’t saying. “I don’t think we have to get into those lines.”
    “No.” Desire certainly wasn’t a problem for her, and Jaren’s stamina was already impressive. If he took one of the enhancers, she doubted she would be able to keep up.
    Their gazes locked. He tightened his grip on her waist, and she felt the deep pulse begin again between her legs, along with a slick wetness. Amazing how he could affect her with just a look or a few choice words.
    No. It was more than that.
    He had always affected her like this. A relentless desire kindled in the first moment she’d seen him.
    He drew her closer and tucked her arm through the crook of his elbow. Covered her hand with his. “I’ve never been to this particular market, Taimi. Show me where we need to go.”
    They continued walking. “Are you sure you wish to buy these things?”
    “Would be pretty foolish of me to hire you as a medic, only to deny you the tools you’re most used to working with.” He shrugged. Took a quick, almost furtive glance at their surroundings. “Buy more than you think you will need, if it can keep its usefulness over time.”
    Why was he looking around?
    Taimi thought she knew. An odd sensation pricked along the back of her neck: the sense of being watched. Perhaps he also felt it.
    She glanced around but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Tried to ignore the feeling. It was probably a holdover from her days serving Lady Ethlinda. The household had been run mainly on fear and suspicion among the servants and slaves.
    That didn’t explain why Jaren seemed to be feeling it too.
    He did another quick survey, turned, and caught her staring at him. A faint smile, barely more than a flicker of motion. “Sorry. Don’t mean to be paranoid. Guess all the accusations are making me jumpy.”
    Should she tell him he wasn’t the only one on edge?
    She didn’t need to. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “You’re nervous.”
    “I’m so used to being watched on everything I do.” Taimi forced a laugh. “Anything else takes some getting used to.”
    Jaren gave her a long, considering look but dropped the subject. Yet he continued checking over his shoulder, as did she. The sensation of being watched never waned even as they stopped at several booths to select various dried herbs that would travel well, even in space. Despite his words, she tried to be conservative about what she chose.
    Two hours of walking the market made Taimi’s feet ache and her stomach rumble. They carried no packages, no burdens. The merchants would ensure their purchases reached the hangar in good time, though nothing could be loaded on to the Marama until the government finished their search. The ship remained under tight guard and—due to a bureaucratic delay in the needed paperwork—the inspection had not yet begun. Much to Jaren’s annoyance.
    Jaren expressed some hesitation about eating the local foods, longing for