Into the Stars by Gwendolyn Field

Author:Gwendolyn Field [Field, Gwendolyn]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-06-11T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Because of the chef I don’t dare eat with the men anymore—I avoid the kitchen and dining area at all cost—but I crave the company of their friendship, so I attend sparring practices and hang out with them in the entertainment room after dinner before my work hours begin. I’ve come to know their senses of humor, whether dry, witty, or teasing. And I’ve learned to give it right back to them. We laugh a lot, and I often catch Captain Lexon watching our interactions with differing expressions—sometimes contentment, sometimes longing.

I can’t help but to try to figure him out, no matter how much I tell myself to ignore him and not think about him. He’s a mystery that’s become somewhat of an obsession to solve. Deep down, I know he has an equal fascination for me, and I’m drawn to his guarded interest. Mostly I want to earn his trust. He needs to let down his guard and accept my help. If not sex, then he needs to allow my hands to work their magic on him. Captain Lexon is the most high strung, exhausted man I’ve ever met.

My mind ponders him as I leave the entertainment room to prepare for Tiko’s visit this evening. Now that I’m not afraid of Yahni, I can freely walk the ship without worry. I’m passing the kitchen when the door slides open and the chef steps into my path, startling me. I put a hand to my chest and step back.

“There she is,” he says with fake kindness.

“Chef.” I nod. My heart is erratic and my stomach has soured at his nearness and attention. His eyes dart across my face, reading me.

“I’m not allowed to receive your services,” he tells me in a low voice.

I clench my hands and swallow to wet my dry throat, but no response comes to me.

“You’re Mars humana,” he says. “You of all people understand the ways of our people and the reasons for the Nevesta-Vesto system. You understand our rules and the reasons for them.”

Guilt floods me because he’s right. I do know. But we’re not on Mars, and on this ship the captain calls the shots. Although, I’m the one who said I didn’t want to service the chef again. I peer down at my feet.

“He doesn’t have to know,” Chef whispers. “You could come to the kitchens.”

“No.” I lift my eyes to his and try not to let my voice quaver. “I’m sorry, but it’s been decided.” My stomach twists and turns in the face of confrontation.

“I’m a man,” he says through clenched teeth. “Just like them! How am I to work and focus when I’m not granted equal rights?”

I swallow hard. “It’s only temporary—”

“What kind of Nevesta are you? I’ll have you fired when we return!”

“Is there a problem?” Captain Lexon’s deep voice makes us both jump and turn to face him at the end of the hall.

The chef’s demeanor changes to demure in a split second. “Not at all, Captain. Just saying hello to the ship’s Nevesta.

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