by Catty Diva
“He’s a new guy who pilots most of the time.”
“I suppose your new PA checked him out.”
“I’m sure she did. He’s been great so far.”
“Just my suspicious mind working overtime.”
“I like your suspicious mind.” Cash leaned in to kiss her, but she turned her head. He understood, sort of.
She was done eating so it was time to go. They’d both been put into hospital gowns so the search for their clothes was on. A nurse came in with them. “I thought you might want these.” She declared with a smile.
It looked as if they’d cleaned them. “Thank you.” Dani and Cash said together.
Once they were both dressed, Dani in the bathroom while he changed in the room, they called Razar to find out where Dani’s things were. Razar confirmed that Cash had lost a day, but things had run as usual without him. Should he feel unneeded or like he had good people working for him? He decided to feel like he’d trained his people well. They were still at the house waiting for pick up. He intended to bring everything back where it belonged. This woman was his, he intended to keep her.
They were taken back to Dani’s former house by some of Razar’s guards where Cash had a ship parked. The amount of belongings Dani owned was small. It made it easy to load. He had no trouble talking her into taking it with them, she apparently wanted her stuff close by.
Once it was all onboard, they took off for the moon. He would be so happy to have Dani at his side once again. With him was where she belonged and now that he knew it, she would give in. Their headquarters came into sight which made him relax. They landed and entered the building. Everyone greeted Dani, thrilled to have her back.
They all loved her plus they hoped it would make him less of a bear. It would. He could relax now that his woman was with him. Cash introduced her to the new people present like Ralph. The pride he felt having her at his side was obvious to all. “This is Toby.”
“Hi, Toby. Glad to meet you.” She held out her hand and Toby shook it.
A few whispers made it to his ears. “Don’t mess up this time.” What could he say? It had been his fault, all of it. This time he would love her and give her everything she needed. Now he knew he could never be happy or have peace without this gorgeous wonderful woman.
They settled in and although he wanted her in his room and his bed, it was still better than her not being around at all. Food was on the table so Dani and he sat down to share the meal with them. She fit in as if she’d never left.
Everyone laughed and enjoyed their meal until it was time to clean up before preparing for bed. He’d hoped tonight to be wrapped around his woman as they slept, but she wasn’t ready to give in to him yet. As they turned in for the night, he regretted having to get back on the mission tomorrow. His people had gone twice without him.
He’d be leaving his woman behind. Getting ready for bed, he showered, shaved, and threw on some shorts to sleep in because of Toby. Sleep claimed him quickly, but he woke just as quickly. Something was wrong. A loud crash told him being stealthy was no longer important. Cash ran toward the sound. Dani stood over someone on the floor she’d just restrained. She was holding her twin stun guns as she looked down at the intruder.
“Looks like this guy has several big bounties on him.” She stated.
“Okay. You’ll get a share. I also want to give the boy a share since he’s probably the target.” Cash admitted.
“I don’t mind giving the kid a cut, but he’s not the target.” She said.
“What makes you so…” Cash stopped talking as a glow surrounded Dani. “Someone do something.” He hollered, but she was gone. “I need on that ship before it takes off and she’s out of here.”
“I’ll try to hack them. Holy shit.”
“What?”
“Your girl just messaged us. She’s not sure what to do. The bridge crew is out temporarily, but she has no restraints. Dani is claiming the ship if they own it because they kidnapped her.” Ralph laughed.
“That’s not funny. I bet it’s a nice ship.” Cash grumbled.
“Yeah. It looks like the latest Starfighter model.” Ralph described.
“Get me up there so I can take care of her.” Ralph raised his brow.
“She needs restraints and someone to show her what to do.” Cash commented.
“I’ve got exact coordinates. You sure you want to do this?”
“Is it safe?”
“I believe so. It didn’t hurt her, but it is a new transportation method.” Ralph explained.
“Send me up.” He felt weird and everything around him began to glow. There was a flash of nothingness and he was on a ship. It was cutting edge and so cool he had no words for it. “I’m here to help you. Here’s five of my restraints. Start securing those guys and I’ll secure these.”
There were eight guys total and someone pounding on the bridge she’d managed to lockout. “What now?” She asked when they were all secured.
“She’s just a tad too big to dock here. You’ll have to check with Razar to see if you can land her on the planet. I’m sure since you and Lista are thick as thieves, it won’t be a problem.” Damn! He sounded like a pouting school kid.
“That’s a great idea. They’ve been thinking of buying one of these. I bet if I let him take her out for a run, he’ll check her out and keep her down there for me. Thank you, Cash.”
“Yeah, you welcome. Let’s handle the other guys. I’ve got a gas grenade I grabbed just in case. I bet these guys are all criminals and will have a bounty or two on them. Let me show you how to open and close the door. When I get there, open it. As soon as I toss the grenade in, close it. Understand?” Dani nodded.
Cash walked to the door waiting for it to open. When it did, he pushed the button on the grenade and tossed it in. The door swished shut immediately. They worked well together. Someone pounded on the door now panicked because the gas was putting them to sleep. He knew how scary that was having had it happen to him in the past.
Thinking back on his past, he was lucky to be alive. Now that he had Dani and Toby in his life, he would slow down on the dangerous shit. If Dani let him, that was. She seemed to be enjoying the action more than he’d ever thought she would. Her eyes gleamed as she looked over the ship she might own. Only if it was stolen would it go back. A ship like this was hard to steal with all its security devices. He saw no way it had been stolen.
“Razar is on his way. He wants me and one of his computer experts to check the computer files to see if there’s anything useful.” Dani explained.
”Why didn’t I think of that?”
“Same reason Razar didn’t. I suggested it. People who work with computers and information are going to think of that.”
“I feel a little bit better. You know I’ll have to get back to bed? I have an early morning mission.” Cash informed.
“I know. Maybe we’ll find something to make this worthwhile. You need to stay and hash out the custody of the prisoners with Razar.”
“I know. I bet every one of them has a big bounty on them.” Cash guessed.
“This one does. I looked him up. He’s wanted on three planets and two meteors.”
“I’m sure Razar will be reasonable.”
“About what?” Razar asked as he walked in.
“Did you override the lock?” Cash asked.
“I called your guy so he could let me in. Love the ship. I’ll check it out and keep it for you, Dani. You hit gold here.”
Cash knew he was pouting, but he wanted the ship too. Sure, Dani had more right to it, but he could do more with it. “I’ll need the prisoners for their bounties.”
“As soon as I’m through questioning them, they’re all yours. I’ll even have my guards transport them to you.” Razar offered.
“Deal. I need to get some sleep so I’m not dead on my feet tomorrow. I trust you to get Dani back in one piece.”
“Of course. I’m not sure how long it will take, but when she’
s done we’ll get her back to you.”
Cash nodded and he knew he could leave now but he didn’t want to go. Razar had a squad with him, plenty to keep them safe. He still felt the need to stay with Dani. Was it a gut feeling or just the need to keep her close?
“You’ll let me know if you need anything.” Cash whispered in Dani’s ear.
“I will. You better get some sleep.”
“Okay. Bye everyone.” Cash walked out to a chorus of goodbyes. Razar had one of his guards pilot him to the moon landing right in front of headquarters. Everyone was up waiting for him to hear what had happened.
Once he told them all what had happened, they all turned in. He stripped to his shorts and turned in actually managing to sleep a few hours before the alarm went off. When he got up, he peeked in to Dani’s room, but she wasn’t there yet. Justice and Envy were cooking breakfast so he sat down getting a plate put in front of him right away.
“Razar called a little while ago. They hit the jackpot in the ship. There are extensive files on board. It will be noon before Dani gets home.” Envy explained.
“That’s good. We need all the information we can get.” Cash admitted.
“This information won’t help us. It’ll help Tar and others. It’s about the lab locations.” Envy explained.
“We needed to know more about them too.” Cash admitted. It was great to have the new information, but why did it seem it all hit at once. They were either sitting around twiddling their thumbs or so busy they had no time at all.
They finished eating once Toby and some others joined them. “Sure you won’t stay home, Kid?” Justice asked. Toby shook his head quickly. “Okay, just asking.”
The team and Toby cleaned up then they all trailed outside to the ship. Cash lusted after Dani’s ship as well as her. Boy, it would have been nice to be in that ship with her along too. Ralph grabbed the pilot’s seat getting ready to take off right away. They all got in their seats and belted up for safety. There was no time to spare before they were off into space.
All Cash could do was think about Dani and worry that she was alright. It was crazy, she had been taking care of herself better than he had. That didn’t stop him from thinking about her nonstop. They got the first two on their list, but the third was nowhere to be found.
“They know.” Toby whispered.
“Probably.” Cash admitted.
They went to the next two targets and came up empty there as well. Toby had it right. The word was out. Now they would have to hunt these people through tips and rewards. It was time to head back.
Chapter 8
Love
Dani finally finished up her work on the ship’s computer files and was escorted to Cash’s to strip, take a shower, and fall into bed naked. She was exhausted waking only when she sensed someone else was in the room with her.
“Dani?” Cash said uncertainly.
She rolled over then sat up looking at him. Dani was still so tired she couldn’t think straight. “Yes?”
“You’re naked. Not that I mind. How long have you been asleep?”
Turning slightly to look at the clock she was surprised by the time. “Three hours.”
“I just wanted you to know supper was on the table. You really need to eat.” He stood there staring at her like she was a sweet treat.
She sighed heavily. It was important to eat and she needed to work out a relationship with Cash for the sake of the child. Unfortunately, she was selfish. Dani wanted to try to work things out between them before she told him. Otherwise she would always wonder if he tried only because of the baby.
“Give me a second and I’ll be out there.” Dani said before she rose and began to dress.
Once she turned, she saw Cash had left the room. She’d just thrown on something comfortable just so she could eat before returning to bed. Everyone was out at the table, most of them already eating their food. Cash had a seat next to him waiting for her, her plate was full with a drink sitting next to it.
“Thank you.” She responded. Dani began to eat because she wanted to get back to sleep.
The food was good, the company was too. She felt better once she’d eaten. After she thanked Envy and Justice for the meal, she stood to go back to her room. Cash caught her arm leading her there with Toby following.
“Let’s say goodnight to Toby first.” Cash suggested so they went to his room. The room was plain, it needed Toby to make it his own.
Cash tucked him in and kissed his forehead. “Remember, tomorrow we have another mission.”
“Isn’t he a bit young for missions?” Dani asked.
“He refuses to stay anywhere without me. We tried, but I don’t want him emotionally damaged.”
Dani looked around. “Where are we going?”
“To our room. I just want to hold you while you sleep. Nothing else.” He held up his hands to show he meant it.
“Okay.”
“You gave in quickly.”
“I’m too tired to fight, but I’ll try if you want me too.”
“No, I’ll accept my victory gracefully.” Cash offered with a cheeky grin. It was just what she’d expect from him.
“I don’t have anything comfortable to wear.” She admitted.
“Easy fix.” He said as he tossed her a long T-shirt.
Easy indeed. It fit loose and comfortable. She slipped into his bed falling asleep before he was in it, Dani felt him when he slipped in beside her naked. Gods the male felt incredible. Wrapping his body around her, the manly scent and the warmth of him enclosed her. Never had she felt more protected or more at peace.
When she woke in the morning she felt rested. There were few people around as she went out into the main areas after she had dressed and prepared for the day. Selia was at her desk handling the day’s work. Rather than take Cash’s desk, she sat in the spare office often used by hunters after they came back with their bounties or had completed missions.
It was midmorning, late for her to start her day. She turned on her computer then went to get something for breakfast. A plate of food was in the fridge with her name on it. Envy had left it for her, no doubt. Heating it up, she then took it to her office so she could eat as she worked. There was a lot to do.
Her work progresses well, her speed incredible. Her plate was empty too as her appetite was also good. Maybe it was just because she had her own ship and some bounties coming in? Someone at the labs had taken her activities personally and it was creating an income for her. She wasn’t so overconfident that she didn’t realize she’d best be careful. That was why her usual computer was in storage while she used a spare.
The information she was using came off a flash drive pulled off her original computer. There was no way she could be tracked form that since the drive had been scanned for anything like a virus or tracker. Even so, she had her twin stun guns which she was becoming attached to. Not that she wanted any more trouble. It would be nice to have a break in between. No one was likely to attack before evening anyway. That seemed to be the time everyone determined it was most likely to be successful.
She worked hard, even having a snack between brunch and supper. Her usual daily work was done by the time Cash and his team arrived. That meant she could help with supper as she used to sometimes do. It was something she enjoyed, especially when she worked with Envy and Justice. It was a little awkward tonight with Cash in the kitchen too.
Things got funny when Cash didn’t know what certain spices were or how to cut up the loaf of homemade bread. “Dani, you have to help me. It won’t cut, the bread just sinks and gets all squashed.”
“You’re using a dull knife and you need to cut the top a little before you put all your strength behind it.”
At least he listened, quickly getting the job done. The table was full with lots of talking and joking. Like Dani had always imagined a family would be.
“You know what a family is like, Don’t you?” Cash asked.
Shit! She’d said that out loud.
“No, I didn’t have a real family growing up.”
“How did you grow up?” Cash asked.
All talk at the table had stopped. She turned fiery red. “Just like you did.”
“Lab bred? Lab born?” She nodded not knowing what to say. “You mean we could be related?” Cash asked.
“I don’t think so, but it’s possible.” Cash went pale.
“Julio?”
“Yes, Boss.” Julio smirked. He knew what Cash wanted.
“Scan for a blood test. Whatever the best that machine can do.” Cash demanded.
“I’m on it, Boss.” Julio was new and still pushed the limits. This really wasn’t the time to do so.
He got up and walked over to Cash scanning him then turned to Dani scanning her. “Hm, interesting.”
“Give me the damn results now.” Cash hollered.
“You’re not related. Not even distantly.” Julio admitted.
“Thank the gods.” Cash declared. His body relaxed in relief. “Why didn’t you let us know?”
“You know I’m not outgoing and I don’t like too much attention.”
“Yeah, but this is important. Which facility?”
“I don’t know. I was five when I was put with a family. They couldn’t have children and they thought they wanted one. What they really wanted was a pet. By the time I was ten, they knew they’d made a mistake. The dog they got was a better fit than I was. After giving me a hundred coins, they told me to leave. I did and I never looked back.”
“I’m sorry, Dani.” Cash said and others echoed the sentiments.
“Don’t be. At five if I’d been dumped, I’m not sure I would have survived. At ten, I managed to. I kept going to school so I could learn and I was good on my computer. I hacked into the system and got free meals, breakfast and lunch at school. I found myself a foster parent that was decent and had a place to live until I was fifteen and she died. By then I had a part time job and could live on my own. I was lucky, luckier than many lab kids that died on the streets.” Dani admitted.
“You had some luck, but you also made the best of it. You were brave and smart. Never forget that.” Cash observed.