Cinta

CINTA

I grabbed a twisted metal rod from the debris, my fingers curling around its cold surface. My heart pounded, adrenaline surging through my veins. I’d survived worse odds before, and I wasn’t about to back down now. Every muscle in my body tensed, ready to spring into action.

Klaz’s hand touched my arm, his grip firm but gentle. “Wait,” he murmured, his eyes fixed on the approaching figures. “I know them.”

I lowered the makeshift weapon but didn’t let it go. “Friends of yours?”

He nodded. “My old team. Davor, Arkon, Tharion, and Kaelith.”

As the storm cleared, I made out four distinct silhouettes emerging from the mist. The leader, a tall Vinduthi with long silvery hair, called out. “Klaz! You war dog!”

Beside him stood a mountain of a man, easily eight feet tall and built like a fortress. Two others flanked them, weapons at the ready but pointed downward.

Klaz stepped forward, positioning himself slightly in front of me. “Davor,” he greeted the leader. “Wasn’t expecting a reunion so soon.”

Davor’s gaze shifted to me, curiosity evident in his expression. “And who’s this?”

“ Longdon,” I said before Klaz could answer. “Pleasure to meet you all.”

Klaz shot me a look that was equal parts exasperation and admiration. “She’s... a recent acquaintance.”

Davor narrowed his eyes. “Must be some acquaintance to have you blowing up warehouses together.”

“About that,” Klaz began, but Davor held up a hand.

“Save it. We picked up your message and came to help. Rescued the cruise ship passengers, captured the pirate crew.” He paused, sighed. “Then we wondered what you two were up to down here. Should’ve known to just follow the explosions.”

I couldn’t help but grin. “In our defense, the explosion wasn’t entirely our fault.”

Klaz sighed. “It’s a long story.”

A sharp pain shot through my shoulder, and I stifled a cry. The adrenaline that had kept me going was wearing off, and the reality of my injury hit me full force.

Klaz’s eyes snapped to me, concern etched across his face. “, your shoulder. We need to get you to a clinic immediately.”

I waved him off, trying to mask the pain. “I’m fine, it’s just a scratch.”

“No arguments,” he growled, his tone brooking no dissent. “You’ve lost blood, and that burn needs treatment. Davor, is there a medical facility nearby?”

The pain throbbed, and I had to admit, albeit reluctantly, that Klaz was right. As much as I hated showing weakness, especially in front of strangers, I knew I needed help.

Davor’s amber eyes flickered to my shoulder, then back to Klaz. “We’ll treat her on the Phantom’s Wake. Our med bay is better equipped than any clinic on this backwater planet.”

“Sounds fancy,” I quipped, doing my damndest to ignore the burning pain in my shoulder. “Does it come with room service?”

Arkon, the giant Vinduthi, stepped forward. “I’ll handle things here,” he said, his deep voice rumbling through the air. “We’ll secure Mama Raza and her crew, deal with the local authorities.”

Klaz nodded, relief evident in his expression. “Thank you, old friend. I owe you one.”

Arkon waved him off. “Consider us even for that time on Xeros Prime.” He turned to survey the scene, already barking orders to the others.

I gasped as Klaz swept me up into his arms. Each step sent waves of pain through my body, and my vision blurred at the edges. The ship loomed before us, sleek and predatory. Its hull gleamed a deep, matte black that seemed to absorb the light around it. Angular wings swept back from its body, giving it the appearance of a bird of prey ready to strike.

“Impressive,” I murmured.

Klaz’s arm tightened around my waist. “Wait until you see the inside.”

As we approached, a ramp extended smoothly from the ship’s underbelly. Tharion met us at the base, his expression grim as he took in my condition. “Med bay’s prepped,” he said, then moved ahead to lead the way.

The interior startled me – all smooth lines and soft, ambient lighting. We passed through corridors lined with gleaming panels and pulsing displays.

Behind us, I heard snatches of conversation between Davor and Kaelith.

“...need to contact the Base...”

“...what about the missing shipment?”

“...but is Klaz back now?...”

The med bay doors slid open to reveal a room that looked more advanced than any hospital I’d ever seen. Sleek medical equipment lined the walls, and a central biobed dominated the room.

Kaelith stepped forward, his movements precise and clinical. “Let’s have a look at that wound.”

Klaz lowered me onto the bed, his hand lingering on my back. “I’m staying,” he said, his tone brooking no argument.

Kaelith merely nodded, already focused on examining my shoulder. “Laser burn, second degree. Nothing too serious.”

What kind of people were this relaxed about laser burns?

I glanced at Klaz. Oh. These sorts of people.

Kaelith worked efficiently, cleaning the burn and applying a series of treatments that stung and soothed in equal measure. Throughout it all, Klaz remained a steady presence at my side, his thumb tracing mindless patterns on the back of my hand.

I tried to maintain a brave face, but I couldn’t quite hide the occasional flinch or sharp intake of breath. Each time, Klaz’s jaw would clench, his free hand curling into a fist at his side.

As Kaelith applied the final layer of synthskin, he stepped back. “That should do it. The burn will heal completely in a few hours.” He glanced between Klaz and me, a knowing look in his eyes. “I’ll leave you two alone.”

The door slid shut behind him, leaving Klaz and me in a silence thick with unspoken words.

“Let’s get out of here,” he finally said, then scooped me back into his arms.

The ship hummed around us, the soft vibrations of the engines a constant presence. Klaz’s footsteps were nearly silent on the polished floor, grace evident even in this simple act. I breathed in his scent - a mix of ozone and something uniquely him- as my head rested against his chest.

Klaz stopped in front of a door that slid open with a soft hiss. The cabin beyond was small but well-appointed, with a narrow bunk set into one wall and a small viewport offering a view of the planet’s swirling atmosphere.

He set me down on the bunk with exquisite care, his hands lingering a moment longer than necessary. The loss of contact left me feeling strangely bereft.

Klaz took a step back, his expression unreadable. “I’ll speak with Davor. He’ll take you wherever you want to go.”

I blinked, caught off guard by the abrupt statement. “What?”

“The bounty for Mama Raza and her gang - I’ll make sure it goes to you. And you’ll get a share of what the pirates brought in. You won’t need to run any more cons. You won’t need to worry about anything.”

My chest tightened, a surge of anger and hurt rising within me. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

Klaz’s jaw clenched. “It’s for the best, . You’ll be safe. You can start over, have a normal life.”

I laughed, the sound harsh and bitter. “A normal life? Do you even know me at all?”

“I know you deserve better than this.” His voice was low, intense. “Better than... me.”

“Oh, spare me the noble sacrifice bullshit.” I stood up, ignoring the protest from my healing shoulder. “You don’t get to decide what’s best for me.”

Klaz’s eyes flashed. “I’m trying to protect you.”

“I don’t need your protection!” I snapped. “I’ve been taking care of myself since I was a kid. What makes you think I need you to swoop in and ‘save’ me now?”

“Because you nearly died!” Klaz roared, his composure cracking. “Do you have any idea what it was like, knowing that just as easily you could have been killed by that laser blast? Or drowned under that casino?” His eyes looked wild, frantic. “I might never have found your body.”

“So that gives you the right to ship me off like some inconvenient package?” I stepped closer, glaring up at him. “News flash, big guy - I’m not some damsel in distress for you to rescue.”

Klaz’s hands clenched at his sides. “This isn’t a game, . The life I lead... it’s dangerous. You could get hurt. You could-”

“Die?” I finished for him. “Newsflash, Klaz - I could die crossing the street. At least with you, I’d be living.”

He shook his head, a pained expression crossing his face. “You don’t understand.”

“Then explain it to me,” I challenged. “Because from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re just running scared.”

Klaz’s eyes narrowed. “I’m not running from anything.”

“No?” I stepped even closer. “Then why are you so eager to get rid of me?”

“I’m not-” He cut himself off, frustration evident in every line of his body. “This isn’t about getting rid of you. It’s about keeping you safe.”

“And who says I want to be safe?” I countered. “Maybe I want dangerous. Maybe I want you.”

The words hung in the air, charged with all the unspoken tension of the past few days. Klaz’s eyes widened, a flash of longing crossing his face before he shuttered his expression.

“You don’t know what you’re saying,” he growled.

“Don’t patronize me,” I snapped. “I’m not some naive kid. I know exactly what I’m saying, and what I want.”

“And what about what I want?” Klaz’s voice was low, dangerous. “Did you ever consider that?”

“Oh, I’ve considered it plenty,” I shot back. “But I’m starting to think you’re too much of a coward to admit it.”

Klaz’s hand shot out, gripping my uninjured arm. “You have no idea what you’re playing with, little human.”

I met his gaze defiantly. “Then show me.”

For a moment, I thought he might actually do it. But then Klaz released me, taking a step back.

“This discussion is over,” he said coldly. “Get some rest. We’ll reach the nearest spaceport in a few hours.”

As he turned to leave, something inside me snapped. “You’re a fucking coward, Klaz Renka.”

He froze, his hand on the door panel. “What did you say?”

“You heard me,” I spat. “You talk about danger, about protecting me, but you’re just scared. Scared of feeling something real for once in your miserable life.”

Klaz whirled around, his eyes blazing. “You don’t know anything about my life.”

“I know enough,” I shot back. “I know you’re so wrapped up in your guilt and your past that you can’t see what’s right in front of you.”

He stalked towards me, every movement radiating barely contained fury. “And what, exactly, is right in front of me?”

I stood my ground, refusing to be intimidated. “Me, you idiot. I’m right here, and I’m not going anywhere. Not unless you throw me off this ship yourself.”

For a long moment, we stood there, locked in a battle of wills. Then, without warning, Klaz’s expression crumpled.

“,” he breathed, my name a broken prayer on his lips. “I can’t... I can’t lose you.”

The admission seemed to cost him dearly, and in that moment, I saw past the hardened exterior to the vulnerable core beneath. My anger drained away, replaced by a fierce protectiveness.

“You won’t,” I said softly, reaching out to touch his face. “I’m tougher than I look, remember?”

Klaz leaned into my touch, his eyes closing briefly. When he opened them again, the naked craving nearly took my breath away.

“If you stay,” he said, his voice rough with emotion, “there’s no going back. My life... it’s complicated. Dangerous. You need to understand what you’re getting into.”

I smiled, a genuine smile that felt foreign on my face after so long. “Klaz, complicated and dangerous is my middle name. Well, actually it’s Elora, but that’s not nearly as impressive.”

A surprised laugh escaped him, the sound warming me from the inside out. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“Yeah,” I agreed, stepping closer. “But admit it - you like that about me.”

His hands came to rest on my waist, gentle but possessive. “I like a lot of things about you, Elora Longdon.”

The use of my full name nearly undid me. “Oh yeah? Care to elaborate on that?”

Instead of answering, Klaz dipped his head, capturing my lips in a searing kiss. All the pent-up tension, all the fear and longing and frustration of the past few days, poured into that single point of contact. I wound my arms around his neck, pressing myself against the solid wall of his chest.

When he finally let me go I sagged against him. “So,” I said, slightly breathless, “I take it this means you’re not shipping me off at the next port?”

Klaz’s answering smile was a rare and beautiful thing. “No,” he said, pressing his forehead against mine. “I think I’ll keep you around for a while longer.”

“Good,” I replied, pulling him in for another kiss. “Because I’m just getting started.”