Page 50 of Naughty List Delivery
Kex nods, still looking slightly stunned. “I should... I should start researching freight regulations. And salvage laws. And...” He pauses, horror dawning on his face again. “Insurance policies.”
“One step at a time,” I tell him, trying not to laugh at his expression.
It’s a good offer. More than good—it’s perfect. Kex has been my first officer for eight years, knows the ship better than anyone except me. The crew respects him, and he has the tactical mind to keep them all alive in whatever adventures they choose next.
But it also means giving up the life I’ve built, the identity I’ve worn like armor for so long I’m not sure who I am without it.
“The thing is,” Noomi says quietly, and I realize she’s been watching me process all of this with those sharp eyes that see everything, “OOPs is based out of Junction One. It’s legitimate work, but it’s still dangerous. Still involves traveling to places most people won’t go, dealing with situations that require someone with... particular skills.”
She’s offering me a lifeline. A way to stay in her world without completely abandoning mine.
“They’re always looking for security consultants,” she continues. “People with experience in hostile situations, knowledge of criminal networks, the kind of tactical thinking that keeps cargo and crew safe in dangerous territory.”
“You’re offering me a job?” I ask, and I can’t keep the smile out of my voice.
“I’m offering you a choice,” she says, reaching across the table to take my hand. “The same choice I should have gave you three years ago when I walked away to figure out who I wanted to be.”
She’s loving me enough to let me choose my own path, even if it means we might end up in different places.
But we won’t. Because the path I want, the life I want, the future I want—it all includes her.
“Kex,” I say, turning to my first officer. “Draw up the transfer papers. The Shadowhawk is yours.”
His weathered face breaks into the first genuine smile I’ve seen from him in months. “Captain—”
“Former captain,” I correct. “I think I’m about to become a security consultant.”
Noomi’s smile is radiant, but there’s still something in her expression that suggests this conversation isn’t over.
“There’s one more thing,” she says, and now she’s definitely nervous. “The promotion comes with a base assignment. I’d have my own ship, my own crew, but I’d be working out of Nexus Station. It’s... it’s permanent. No more wandering from job to job, planet to planet. It’s settling down.”
And there it is. The real question beneath all the others. Not just whether I’m willing to give up piracy for her, but whether I’m willing to give up the rootless, restless life we’ve both lived for something that looks suspiciously like a future.
“Sounds terrifying,” I tell her honestly.
“Absolutely terrifying,” she agrees.
“When do we start?”
Her smile could power a space station. “You’re sure? Because once we do this, there’s no going back to the way things were. We’ll be partners in everything—work, life, all of it.”
“Noomi,” I say, standing up and pulling her into my arms, “I’ve been sure about you since the day I met you. The only thing I was ever unsure about was whether you’d let me stick around long enough to prove it.”
She rises on her toes to kiss me, soft and sweet and full of promise. When we break apart, Kex is diplomatically studying his data pad, though I can see the satisfaction in his expression.
“I should contact OOPs,” Noomi says. “Let them know I’m accepting the promotion and that I’ll be bringing a security consultant with me.”
“And let Mother know what we’ve decided,” I realize. “I’m sure she’s been worried about you since the kidnapping.”
Noomi snorts as she activates her personal comm unit, and after a moment, Mother’s familiar voice fills the galley with its characteristic blend of authority and dry humor.
“Jaxson. Please tell me you’re calling to accept the promotion and not to inform me that you’ve decided to become a full-time pirate.”
“Hello to you too, Mother,” Noomi laughs. “I’m accepting the promotion. But there’s a small complication.”
“Define small. And please tell me it doesn’t involve another rescue operation.”
“I’m bringing a security consultant with me. Someone with extensive experience in hostile territory navigation and criminal network assessment.”
