Knight, Dee S. - Bride of the Pryde (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Read Online Free Page A

think you’ll find there’s plenty to do on board. There is an exercise room, of course, and lots of holographic movies, books, and games in the ship’s library.”
    “Is there a firing range? And access to the I-Net?”
    Okay, she had a weapon, so he could see why she wondered about a firing range, but the Intergalactic Net? The government-controlled database allowed only restricted access. “We use the NewsNet to keep up with what’s happening in the worlds, but you need special permission for the I-Net.”
    “The remarkable Captain Erik doesn’t have an access code I could use?”
    “I don’t know,” Charlie said honestly. “You can ask, but I’d wait. Right now he seems pretty—”
    “Pissed,” she said. “I get it.”
    She turned toward the window and sank into silence, an action Charlie adopted. In a minute or two they’d be locked into the hover craft portal. Then she’d be the captain’s problem. Nice as she was to look at, Charlie wouldn’t be sorry to pass the responsibility of the strange woman.
    A couple of minutes later, she spoke again. “That’s Erik’s Pryde ? She hardly looks able to stay alight, much less navigate the universe.”
    “Don’t discount her. She pulls through when she needs to.”
    He lined the hover craft up with the portal and smartly locked it in place. He cut the engine and scrambled back to open the hatch and gather Danessa’s cases. “Let’s get to your cabin, then secure your weapon, and then we’ll go to the bridge. The captain insists everyone be on the bridge during takeoff.”
    “Okay.”
    Before he could move, she laid a hand on his arm. “I’m sorry for the way I acted. It’s just…” She sucked in a deep breath. “It’s been a long day. I have a lot on my mind.”
    Charlie smiled. “No worries. Come on. The sooner we get into space the sooner you can settle in and get some rest.”
    “Absolutely. The sooner we get into space, the better.”
    Somehow, Charlie didn’t think she meant it the way he had.

Chapter Three

    “Captain, we’re ready.” Charlie ushered Susan onto the bridge.
    She took in the environment in a matter of seconds. The front window opened onto the brightly lit holding area. Other shuttles parked around them, lights flashing, fueling vehicles and hover crafts moving between them. The bridge itself looked well used, to phrase it kindly. She hoped the bucket ran a lot better than it looked.
    Three men turned almost as one and stared at her. Charlie moved forward, made a chagrined face, and scratched the back of his neck. “Sir, this is Shanna Ziegler.”
    “Danessa Vanessa,” she corrected.
    Even without the uniform designations, she knew immediately which of the men was Captain John Erik. Power flowed from him. His narrowed gaze relayed tightly corralled impatience. He took her in with one up-and-down, studied look. She felt his examination with every inch of her body. Her nerves vibrated as though his gaze raked her with electricity.
    He pointed to a seat attached to the right wall. “Pull that down and strap yourself in.” Then he turned to one of the other men. “Let’s get going. Adam, tell the tower we’re finally ready.” He cast an accusatory glance her way at the last words.
    “Charlie, did you get her weapon stowed?”
    “Yes, sir.”
    “Good. Set the thrusters.” Erik faced her once more. “I don’t appreciate people booking flight on my ship without full disclosure, Miss Vanessa. Your papers stated clearly that you were coming on board without regulated materials. That includes weapons, or didn’t you know that?” His tone said he knew well that anyone cleared to own a weapon also knew the regulations concerning it.
    “I know more about weapons than you’ve ever known,” she said. Then, turning her back, she pulled down the fold-up seat, sat down, and slipped her arms through the straps before clicking the lap belt closed.
    “Oh, wow! She’s got tits to kill for and she’s strapped in.