Free The Healer's Kiss: Book Four of the Forced To Serve Series by Donna McDonald Page B

had not made a single move to interfere. She could only guess what kind of struggle he’d had with stifling his urge to protect the tiny Sumerian warrior. The thought of Chiang suffering made her want to laugh—and sigh with regret for knowing it.
    “Doctor?” Gwen yelled, smiling as she saw Chiang lift Ania and the bench when he stood in haste, at least until he remembered to let go of his grip. The bench thumped back to the floor with the clang of metal hitting metal.
    “Sorry,” Chiang murmured to Ania, who waved him away as she laughed.
    “I think Ensign Ador needs something for her pain and bruises. Can you assist?” Gwen demanded. The words hadn’t finished being said before Chiang was standing next to Boca.
    “Do not pick me up,” Boca ordered through gritted teeth. “I see the intention in your gaze. I have no wish to be carried out of the training room after defeating three males a fraction of my age. I would think nothing right now of injuring you if you take this moment of victory from me.”
    “Noted,” Chiang said, biting back a snarl. “I have no wish to spoil your victory. I’m just here to assist you if needed.”
    Gwen looked between them and smiled, feeling very pleased. Zade’s lecture to Chiang must have done some good. “Well, how about that? Even hot-tempered, hard-headed Greggors can be trained. This is an amazing day.”
    Chiang straightened, preparing to unleash his fury on Gwen when he felt Boca patting his arm.
    “Do not give Commander Jet the pleasure of your anger,” she advised. “Making you yell at her is a prize worth any amount of torment.”
    Chiang looked down at the tiny female by his side, anger dissipating completely when her mouth quirked at the edges. So now Boca was looking out for him, trying to protect him from Gwen’s sharp tongue. The thought was very pleasing.
    “I have no wish to end up at your feet on the mat. How can I not obey my fierce little warrior?” he joked, feigning subservience while at the same time reminding her of last night.
    “Sarcasm does not suit your forked Greggor tongue,” Boca said sharply. “Walk with me in case I fall. I will lie on the medical table while you wire Malachi’s stasis unit. I just don’t want to show weakness until I am horizontal. A warrior never reveals her weaknesses to anyone.”
    Chiang wrinkled his forehead and looked quizzically at Gwen. “Your words?”
    “Not mine,” Gwen answered. “I never give a damn who thinks I’m weak. I just kick their asses later if they say anything I don’t like about it. That philosophy stuff is all Ania.”
    Chiang smiled, and looked back at Boca. “May I have permission to walk closely then? If so, please tell me the measurement of the distance we must remain apart. I know how precise-minded you are.”
    Boca sighed tiredly and lifted her middle finger to Chiang, stalking off towards the bench to retrieve her shoes.
    “That disrespect is your fault,” Chiang remarked quietly to Gwen, grinning as he remembered Boca’s embarrassment to find herself pinned under a very aroused male when she woke this morning. He’d made her beg to be let go before he’d let her out of his arms. She’d likely been angry at him all day. Hopefully, the ensigns had received the worst expression of her ire because he was hoping to get her to spend the night with him again.
    “The finger salute she just gave? Okay—yes. Guilty,” Gwen admitted, grinning back. “But that tiny female is not all that nice once you get to know her. Boca has a dark side.”
    “Yes, I know,” Chiang said, smile fading. “I believe it matches mine.”
    “ Yours? ” Gwen exclaimed. “Yeah, right. You’re a big teddy bear.”
    Chiang shook his head. “I wasn’t always. I have a dark past. She sees into me and I am not going to be able to hide it from her.”
    Gwen crossed her arms as she studied Boca strapping on her shoes. The tiny Sumerian had a will of iron. If she ever really accepted Chiang, he