Page 58 of Star Claimed Omega
She winced.Shit.
She’d revealed too much.
She stared at the tabletop, sipping herkahawa, breaking apart a bun, and playing with its crumbs.
Minutes passed before he emerged again, dressed now in his sleek black Signet XO uniform.
The tight fit accentuated every flex of his muscled thighs and chest, the silver insignia on his collar gleaming under the light.
She stood, her pulse rate erratic. ‘I wanted to saysantefor your help before you leave. Also, I think it’s best I find accommodation elsewhere and not overstay my welcome. I’ll be gone when you get back.’
He stilled, eyes locking with hers like a missile system.
‘Fokknada,cariño. I won’t let you.’
Her breath hitched as she sank back into her seat.
He seemed almost offended by her offer to leave.
‘You’re still unwell and need a roof over your head so you’ll be here when I return,’ he growled, with no compromise in his stern tone and closed face.
With that, he turned on his heel and left her blinking at him, the finality of his demand sending her heart thrumming, making her knees freakin’ weak.
Damn.
Soleil was elbow-deep in warm, soapy water, cleaning up after the sumptuous breakfast, when her commtab buzzed against the kitchen counter.
She rinsed her hands, wiped them on a cloth, and picked it up.
A holo shimmered to life with the soft crackle of static, and then Wren’s face appeared, scruffy, tired, and more solemn than usual.
‘Hey,’ he murmured. ‘How are you?’
She gave him a quick rundown. ‘Got a lung infection, but it’s clearing fast.’
‘Good. Another reason I’m calling is that I got an update from Alvarro.’
Soleil’s spine straightened. ‘From Santi?’
Wren nodded. ‘He told me what happened and that you were sick and needed time to recuperate. Hell, Soleil, we didn’t even know you were missing until he called me askin’ after you. You should’ve said something.’
She lowered her gaze, guilt rising in her chest. ‘It was a shitshow, and by the time you and Astra called, I was too weak to pick up .’
‘Well,’ Wren sighed, ‘the XO took note and thank the gods of the Wildlight that he went searching for you.’
Soleil’s lips parted. ‘I’m sorry about all this.’
‘Don’t be,’ Wren cut in, raising a hand. ‘Rest, okay? Take the week to heal.’
Her eyebrows shot up. ‘A whole seven days?’
‘Yeah, you’re off all shifts and rotations.’ He scratched his beard, then added with a tone steeped in awe, ‘Also, your contract’s been made permanent.’
She blinked. ‘What?’
‘Did I stutter?’
A rare smile tugged at the corners of Wren’s mouth. ‘You’re full-time now. No more short-term placements. Housing rights. Medical. Access to crew benefits and a sweet raise. All of it.’
