Imperfect Shot by Ryann Fletcher

Author:Ryann Fletcher [Fletcher, Ryann]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Lgbt, Lesbian, Romance, Science Fiction, Steampunk
ISBN: 9781916375031
Google: 0m_YzQEACAAJ
Amazon: B086C89CK6
Publisher: Angelina Panozzo
Published: 2020-09-29T18:30:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

She’d been in and out of consciousness for what felt like a year, drifting to the surface of her mind and back down again, only aware of when the pain medication was syringed into her IV and the warm comfort of Evie’s presence. She was always there whenever Larkin stirred, murmuring encouraging words and reassuring her that everything would be alright if she just rested. Her dreams were swirling, neon messes of incoherence, with guns that fired marshmallows and beautiful barkeeps with tousled bed hair serving her another double shot of rum with a broad, uncomplicated smile.

She’d have to fight her way to the forefront of her mind if she was going to make it out of this alive. Rest was essential, but so was keeping her wits about her. The crew of the Cricket had kept her alive, but for how long, and when would she be expected to repay their generosity? Gifts like these were never free in the Near Systems, not on Coalition planets or liberated settlements. And if there was one thing she hated, it was being in debt to strangers.

Blearily, she forced her eyes open and blinked cautiously. Hyun was still giving her sedatives and the best painkillers piracy could buy, so she was only vaguely aware of the dull pain in her side. She knew that Evie had saved her, had fought her way across that loading bay and strapped Larkin to her back. She’d been unconscious, but heard the others in muted whispers talk about what happened as they moved around her bed, checking dressings and making notes of readings on the machines that quietly whirred and beeped. Hyun had removed the tube in her throat at some point, which Larkin was grateful for, because having that tube rammed down her throat really, really sucked.

“Hey,” Evie said, and grinned, reaching out gently for Larkin’s hand. “How you doing, Princess Snores-A-Lot?”

Larkin laughed weakly. “I’ve been better.”

“It’s so good to see you awake. It’s been a week, but Hyun says that’s normal with injuries like yours.”

“Feels like longer than a week.”

“I know,” Evie said soothingly, gently rubbing her thumb over the back of Larkin’s hand. “I was so afraid I’d lost you.”

Something in Larkin shifted, and she felt a rush of affection for the tender barkeep, but maybe it was just the excellent drugs she was being given. “You stayed,” she said finally, her voice hoarse and thin. “The whole time, you stayed?”

“Of course I stayed. You saved my life.”

“I know I was unconscious for a lot of what happened on that ship, but it would seem to me that you saved my life.”

Evie gave a bemused smile and furrowed her brow. “That’s what anyone would have done after someone saved their life.”

“No, Eves,” Larkin coughed, “most people wouldn’t do that. Trust me.” It wasn’t lost on Larkin that the crew of the Cricket had also saved her life, but that felt a lot more transactional in nature. She wouldn’t be surprised if Captain Violet burst into the room at any moment demanding payment for services rendered.

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