Page 51 of Honor Bound

“Destroy all planets who resist with a new chemical weapon that destroys the planet’s atmosphere,” Julia said.

She swallowed, her earlier exhaustion forgotten, replaced by a growing sense of urgency. The stakes had just morphed, the game growing far more dangerous.

This is what Hutu was worried about, yes?” Sergi asked.

“Yes,” Roan replied.

“How long before we can leave?” Julia asked, looking at Roan.

Sergi gave her an approving nod, his mischievous grin briefly returning. “That’s the spirit. I knew you were starting to enjoy this life of crime. The thrills, the excitement… the possibility of death. That is what you offered when you suggested we join Project Gliese, yes? This will be a piece of cake.”

Julia shook her head, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. “Pie, Sergi. You know Mei would hit you right about now, don’t you?”

Sergi’s eyes grew dark with emotion at the mention of Mei and his smile and expression softened. “I would give anything for her to be here to do that.”

“Sergi, we’re getting close. I could use an extra set of eyes up here,” La’Rue’s voice came over the speaker.

“Let’s go,” Roan said, his voice and eyes filled with determination.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN

The soft hum of theStar Runner’sengines reverberated through the bridge, a constant reminder of the space surrounding them. La’Rue sat at the controls, her hands moving with ease as she guided the freighter through the dense asteroid field. The forward viewscreen displayed a treacherous expanse—a swirling dance of rock and dust that seemed to close in around them.

Roan stood at her side, his gaze fixed on the viewscreen. His body was tense, his eyes flicking over the obstacles ahead with practiced precision. “That cluster—dust particles,” he said, nodding toward a faint gray haze. “Safe to pass through.”

La’Rue raised an eyebrow but adjusted their course. “And the one just beyond it?”

Roan’s jaw tightened. “Not dust. Solid rock. Stay clear.”

Julia leaned against the co-pilot’s seat behind him, watching. La’Rue movements on the controls were calm and controlled. His focus flashed from her confident control back to the viewscreen. When the sleek shape of his personal starship came into view, nestled against a massive asteroid, his body stiffened.

His throat tightened as the memory of his grandfather’s death swept over him. The ship was a reminder of everything he had lost—and everything he had yet to do.

Julia, sensing his reaction, slid her hand to rest on his shoulder. The touch was gentle but grounding, a silent acknowledgment of his grief and their shared memory.

Roan glanced up over his shoulder at her. The steadiness in her eyes eased the tightness in his chest. He took a breath, letting determination replace the sorrow, but he still couldn’t quiet his doubts.

She shouldn’t be here.The mission has changed.

He had originally planned to leave Julia with Dorane, asking the man to protect her. Now that seemed foolish. Dorane needed to be warned—and Roan still needed his help. With the current situation, there was no way he taking Julia into the pit of danger. Not with Zoak hunting Dorane.

I don’t want her out of my sight.

The thought of leaving her behind—to keep her safe—shouldhave felt like the right choice. It was the logical one. The tactical one.

She shouldn’t be anywhere near this,the voice in his head kept repeating until he gritted his teeth in frustration.

He considered leaving her with La’Rue and Sergi for a moment, but something inside him rebelled at the thought. The same cold, ruthless part of himself that had learned to cut away weakness, to survive, never to need anyone—that part hesitated.

And yet… I can’t send her away.

And that was dangerous.

He glanced at Julia, taking in the stubborn set of her jaw, the fire in her dark brown eyes. No fear. Only certainty.

She’s already made her decision.

And for the first time in his life, Roan found himself afraid—not for himself, but for someone else, for her.

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