Joanna Wylde - Survivals Price

He burst out laughing, and reached one hand up toward her. She pulled him up lightly, grinned at him and leaned forward to kiss him. Lust hit her again, and for a second she considered the pile of cloth, wondering what kind of bed it would make.

His gaze turned to Everand’s body, though, and her lust faded. Time to take care of the evidence.

“I think we should tell the crew I killed him,” he said. “They’ll understand if I say he challenged me for control of the ship. Challenges aren’t uncommon among smugglers, although I’ve never heard of an assassination attempt before. He must have realized it was the only way he’d be able to beat me.”

“Are you sure you aren’t just ashamed to be saved by a woman?”

“No, honored,” he replied. “But Everand had friends on board, and you’ll be able to find his co-conspirators more easily if they think you’re just a dancer I’ve picked up.”

“Well, let’s get the body cleaned up,” she said softly. “You’ve got explanations to make. I think it might be a good idea if we got out of port, too. Better if nobody has a chance to talk about what happened.”

“The next leg of our trip is a long one,” he said quietly, looking deep into her eyes.

“I just hope you aren’t too bored.”

She sauntered away from him, turning to look back flirtatiously over one shoulder.

“We’ll think of some way to pass the time.”

He grinned, and nodded his head. Then he a strange look came over his face. “What the hell is your name, anyway? I’ve never met anyone like you.”

“Cybele,” she replied with a laugh. “I’m Saurellian. We’re different. Get used to it.”