She continued around the settlement, checking who of the settlers had lived and who had died. The survivors were shocked and angry, but she managed to sort out temporary places for them to live in until clearing and rebuilding could start in the settlement.
Many survivors also came out of the homes in which they'd been hiding, and Des was relieved to see that a lot more settlers had survived than she'd first believed.
With the danger over, the traders went to help start the clearing of rubble, and only Simon stayed by her side, reluctant to leave her.
By the midday, everything was under control. The outlaws had been taken away by bounty hunters, and a couple of extra peacekeepers on loan from Merder had arrived to help out until the Tyron peacekeepers were recovered. Falyon's pack stayed behind as well, to await Creed's arrival the next day.
A makeshift office was set up in a store that had still managed to remain undamaged apart from shattered windows.
Simon eventually left Des when he was called away to speak to the Daamen trade base, who had heard the news of the fight and the traders’ involvement. When he returned, he found Des in conversation with Adin and the relief peacekeepers from Merder, so he left again. She noticed him helping clear away rubble.
The day passed quickly, and it was with huge relief that Des finally went home. The sun was setting when she wearily passed the trade ship. Seeing Shamon and Heddam sitting on the ramp, she stopped.
"I hear you were both injured."
"'Twas naught but a scratch, lass,” Shamon said cheerfully.
"I heard it was laser burn."
"'Tis just another scar to match my other manly one."
"His other scar,” Heddam informed her seriously, “'Tis in an embarrassing place. ‘Tis on his arse."
"I got it in battle,” Shamon immediately interjected.
"He fell on a dagger during a fight,” Heddam added quickly.
"Hell, Shamon, have you no class?” Laughing, Des shook her head.
"The lasses love it,” he informed her. “It adds to my handsomeness."
"Who the hell looks at your arse, Shamon?” Heddam demanded.
"Well, I'm just wondering, because you seem pretty fond of reminding me where I have the scar!"
"Only because you brag about it constantly to the wenches!"
Laughing, Des held up her hand. “Boys, please!"
They stopped, eyes twinkling at her. These were the traders she was used to—teasing, laughing, good-hearted. But she'd never underestimate them again, not after she'd seen the deadly turn they'd taken today for her.
Laughter fading, she said quietly, “Thank you all for everything."
"Ahh...” Uncomfortable, Shamon looked away.
"No need, lass,” Heddam said. “'Twas our pleasure."
"You could have gotten seriously hurt, or died—"
Reaching out, Heddam tousled her hair as though she were a child. “Lass, we care for our own. Speaking of which, I do believe Simon is waiting for you in there.” He gestured to her home not far away.
"Speaking of which,” she replied, “You are all welcome inside. My home is your home now. I'll adjust the print settings to take your body prints. Anytime, you're welcome."
"Well, that's really sweet, lass.” Shamon grinned widely. “However, I don't think Simon would be pleased if we did that tonight."
Des felt a red blush creep up her cheeks as he eyed her teasingly.
"Oh, nay,” Heddam agreed. “I think he has plans."
"I get the idea,” she muttered.
"Of course, you are most welcome to take refuge here,” Shamon added.
"I'm going to bust you in a minute.” Des swung on her heel and headed for home, grinning even though she was blushing.
Laughter, deep and teasing, followed her. The Daamens were shocking teasers she'd realized that awhile ago. And it seemed she was now included in that teasing, which warmed her inside.
What an idiot.
She was still chuckling softly when she entered her home. The delicious smell of food hit her first, and she inhaled deeply, the rumbling of her stomach a sudden reminder that she hadn't eaten all day. “I'm home!"
Chels and Fuzz ran up to her, purring happily. Going down on one knee, she hugged them to her, swallowing the lump in her throat at how close she could have come to losing them.
Getting to her feet, she found Simon leaning against the corner of the wall at the end of the corridor. He had a tea towel slung over one broad shoulder and a smile of welcome on his face.
Des walked right up to him and hugged him tight, burying her face in his neck and inhaling deeply. He smelt wonderful and so familiar—clean, masculine, and fresh. Strong arms cradled her to him gently and when she tipped her head back to gaze up at him, she saw that the fury had gone from his eyes to be replaced with warmth and love.
"Thank you,” she whispered.
"'Twas my pleasure,” he said simply, and kissed her gently.
It wasn't a kiss full of lust and hunger, but a gentle reminder of what they meant to each other, and it had her blinking tears from her eyes when he finally released her.
Pushing a lock of hair behind her ear, Simon said quietly, “Dinner is nearly ready. I know you're hungry. You haven't stopped all day."
"Nor have you.” She pulled away reluctantly. “You're all nice and clean while I'm such a grot. I'm going to have a quick shower."
Giving her messy braid a gentle tug, Simon released her.
The shower was blissful, the water warm and the soap fragrant. Reluctant to leave the shower, she leaned against the wall as the water rinsed the dirt and soap from her.
She was still leaning against the wall with her eyes closed when the glass door slid open and she felt a big, hard body move in against her. The door slid shut.
Keeping her eyes closed, she smiled. “And which lover is gracing my presence?"
"The only lover you'll ever have from now on,” Simon's deep voice rumbled.
Opening her eyes, she looked up at him.
His long fair hair was still confined at the nape, but wet strands hung over his broad shoulders. One forearm was braced against the wall up near her head, enabling him to lean down to her and use his other hand to catch her chin in a firm but gentle hold, holding her still for his kiss.
The heat of his naked body, so hard, silken skin over muscular swells, seeped into her, and with an enthusiastic sigh, she looped her arms around his neck and pressed against him.
His bigger, broader body protected her from most of the water. Simon kissed her gently at first, then a little harder, a little deeper.
Almost desperate.
She felt the same, seeking his every breath, a reassurance that both of them were alive, that they'd survived.
Desperate, yet their lovemaking remained tender, passionate, a worshipping of each other.
When his big hands at her waist lifted her back against the wall, she automatically wrapped her legs around his waist, opening herself to him, and when he sank his hot, hard length inside her, she moaned in pure ecstasy.
Pressing her back against the wall, Simon cupped her cheek tenderly in one hand. Looking deep into her eyes, he said, “I love you, Des."
"I love you, too,” she whispered.
Then they moved together, their mouths meeting, breaths merging, as he thrust into her, his movements steady, controlled, designed to bring her pleasure, as much pleasure as he got from being inside her.
They came together in an almost gentle tide of passion that left them breathless but at peace. Enjoying the intimacy, they stayed in the shower for several more minutes, the water beating down upon them while Simon bent over her, his forehead resting against hers, leaning against her as she pressed back against the wall.
Finally he reached over and turned the water off, stepping out of the shower with her hand in his.
In an easy intimacy, content and quiet, they dried themselves off and padded into the bedroom, where Des slipped on a nightg
own and Simon pulled on his pants.
Taking her hand again, Simon led her into the kitchen and sat her down at the table. Taking the food from the warmer he set the plates on the table, then sat down opposite her.
They smiled at each other.
"So,” Simon said, picking up the fork. “Tell me about your day."
It was as simple and beautiful as that.
* * * *
Sedam and Carlow completed Simon's trading trip that he'd abandoned to come to Des's aid. While they completed the nearby planets, Simon and his crew assisted in clearing the settlement for the builders to come in and rebuild the stores, taverns and homes.
He spent his nights loving Des and holding her in his arms afterwards, sleeping with her curled into his protective embrace. The days he helped while she oversaw the settlement and relief peacekeepers—and dealt with her father.
Creed came to the settlement breathing fire, but he could only bluster because everything was over. So he hugged his ‘baby girl’ several times and stomped around.
He also came and saw Simon privately. Simon watched him approach the trade ship from the shelter of the ramp, where he was sitting alone, enjoying the cool afternoon air laden with the scent of rain.
Creed came to a halt before him. His hard eyes were direct. “I'm not bullshitting around here. Thanks for all you did for my daughter, Simon. She means the world to me. I'd have killed her bitch mother myself if I'd known what she was planning.” His fist went white-knuckled. “The only good Gracie ever did was gift me with my baby girl.” His hand relaxed a little. “I know you love Des, and she feels the same. I'd be proud to have you for a son-by-marriage."
Unprepared for such an impassioned speech by a hard-eyed bounty hunter, Simon was a little stunned. “Ah ... thanks."
"I know you'll do well by her.” A warning flickered in Creed's eyes. “You ever hurt my baby girl, trader, and I'll come for you. I may be smaller and not as strong, but I won't come alone. You got that?"
Placing his feet on the ground, Simon looked down at Creed. “You have my word I'd never hurt Des, Creed. She's my lass, and I care for my own."
"Be sure you do."
Simon couldn't help it. His inner devil poked at him. “And being my future father-by-marriage, I guess that makes you part of my family, too."
Creed looked stunned, then downright embarrassed. “Right.” He shuffled his feet, glanced around. “Right then. I'm going into the settlement now."
Amused to see the bounty hunter so uncomfortable, Simon said, “Have a good night."
"Yeah.” Turning around, Creed started rapidly for the settlement.
"Oh, and take care ... Dad."
It took all Simon's composure not to laugh outright when Creed tripped over his own feet then swung around to glare at him. Cheerfully Simon waved at him. Creed glared again then stalked off into the night.
"Aw, that's so sweet.” Des came around the side of the ship to stand beside Simon and watch her father. Laughter danced in her eyes when she looked up at Simon.
"'Tis what we call our fathers-by-marriage,” Simon said cheerfully.
"Is that what he's going to be?” Des raised one brow.
Simon looked down at her. “You needn't think you're getting away from me, lass."
"You know, I don't believe you ever asked me outright to wed you. What if I choose not to?"
Caging her back against the ramp by the simple process of putting his hands on it either side of her shoulders, Simon leaned down to look into her teasing eyes. “Wench, you are going to wed me."
"You're such a romantic,” she cooed.
Shaking his head, Simon kissed that cooing mouth, plundering the depths with no mercy until she was panting and gripping his vest in both vests. Lifting his head, he grinned. “Aye, I'm such a romantic. Want to have some rough sex?"
"Down and dirty. Love to. But I don't suggest we do it in full sight of everyone."
He laughed, heat already coursing through him as it always did when she teased him. He knew he'd never have enough of her.
She grew serious. “Simon, about this marriage thing..."
"Aye?” Sensitive to her change of mood, he met her gaze steadily.
"Where will we live?"
He'd thought about that. Thought long and hard. “Des, you love your job. I'd never take it away from you. I'm a trader."
"And I wouldn't take that from you."
He shrugged. “So we live here, you work as a peacekeeper and I'll continue trading."
"Away from your home? From Daamen?"
"My heart is with you, Des, and where you are is home. I'll establish a base here, and trade for my people from here."
Looking over his shoulder to the lights of the settlement beyond, Des murmured, “You've thought this through, haven't you?"
"Aye."
"So have I."
Curious, he studied her. “And what did you come up with?"
Des looked back at him, her own gaze as steady as his. “I'll go back with you to Daamen, to the Lawful Sector, and get a job as a peacekeeper there. Or some kind of job."
Her announcement stunned him. “But Des, your home here, your job—"
"It's a job, Simon. You're my heart.” She smiled up at him. “If I'm going to wed you, then I think I need a job that's a little safer."
"Safer? You?” He raised his brows laughingly.
"Yes. You will let me take my lycats, won't you, because I'm telling you now, where I go, they go. We three come as a package."
"'Twas never in question, lass."
"Unless, of course, you've changed your mind about introducing me to your family."
Dropping one hand to cup her firm buttock, Simon squeezed warningly. “Never say that, wench."
The thought of introducing her to his family filled him with pride. The thought of her living with him on Daamen made him happy. Added to it, he corrected himself. He loved his home world, but anywhere with Des would make him happy.
But he had a few misgivings. “What about your friends here?"
Des shrugged. “I'll miss them, but they can visit, just as I fully intend to come back and visit.” She raised one brow at him. “Got a problem with that?"
"Cheeky wench. Why would I?"
"Because you'd be providing the transport here. Though, of course, I could fly myself here."
"Not bloody likely."
"I hope you're not going to swear like that in front of your family,” she reproved. “They'll think I taught you."
"What on earth would make them think that?” Amused, he dropped a kiss on her lips. “I expect your father and his pack want to visit us?"
"They're staying with us, too, when they visit. Got a problem with that?” Looping her hands around his waist, she tugged him closer while looking sultrily up at him. “We wouldn't be able to fool around, of course, when they come to visit. You're too loud."
"Don't worry, I'll find a way for us to have loud sex without them hearing. And wench, I beg to differ; you're the one who is loud."
"I say you're wrong. Want to prove it?"
"Here?” He waggled his brows.
"Pervert. No, in my bed."
"I do believe you made me howl on the table once.” Bending down, he threw her over his shoulder and strode towards her house.
"Hey!” She slapped his bottom. “You can't cart the Head Peacekeeper around like this!"
"Wait until I handcuff her to the bed. Or table. Mayhaps both.” Grinning, he strode up the steps of her house.
Finding Des, loving Des, just made his life so ... whole.
And when she patted his backside like that, it just made him ... hot.
Simon grinned. “Get ready to burn, baby."
Sixteen
Leaning against the wall in the small alcove, Simon listened to the voices coming down the corridor of the Intergalactic Peace Ship.
"Damn it, Des, I told you to keep your mouth shut in that meeting!"
"I made no promises, Ule
ah. Bugger me, those bastards are as blind as bats and deaf as door nails!"
"She has a point, Uleah,” Sabra said. “They can be thick."
"You stay out of it, Sabra. You did nothing but encourage her in there."
"But they took notice, right? That's what we wanted. Uleah, you're too soft."
"Too soft?” Uleah was outraged. “You women dare to tell me I'm too soft?"
"It's why you take us into the meetings with you,” Des pointed out.
"I don't take you two, you just barrel in!"
"So don't hold the meetings when you know we're around."
"This meeting, Desdemona, was made when you two were supposed to be away on that mission!"
"So we finished early."
"You came home faster than any normal ship could have. How did you do that? No, wait, I don't want to know. Just as I don't want to know what made you think threatening to kick a council member's arse was going to win them over."
"We got what we wanted, so what's the problem?"
Uleah groaned.
Cam grinned as he and Simon watched the three Security officers come around the corner. Uleah walked between the wenches, Des towering over him while Sabra stood a few inches shorter than the man.
The look on his face was one of long-suffering, but there was an undeniable twinkle in his eyes.
"He loves ‘em,” Simon drawled.
"They boss him around shockingly, but he loves ‘em,” Cam agreed.
"They boss us around, too."
"And we love ‘em."
"How mad are we?"
"Incredibly."
When Des had stated she'd look for another job, they'd both thought a peacekeeper. He hadn't expected Uleah to approach her with a position in the Security. He also hadn't expected her to talk with him about it long into the night, wanting his opinion.
But he knew how much she loved action, how much she thrived on challenges. There was no way he could deny her, though he knew, even if she hadn't told him so seriously, that she'd knock the offer back if he wasn't happy. She'd take a peacekeepers job instead.
He'd simply kissed her and told her that if she wanted the job, she could have it, but if she ever got herself seriously hurt, he'd come after her hide.
Which, of course, had prompted a smart-arsed reply and from there the ensuing wrestling match had turned to hot loving. Nothing unusual.
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