An Apocalyptic Need Read Online Free PDF Page A

for quality. “My private life is not your concern, lieutenant. If you have a problem with how I’m running my ship, I’ll be happy to hear your grievance in my quarters.”
    Alcott’s gaze darkened before sliding over her in an irritatingly possessive way. He took a step closer and lowered his head, speaking softly. “If it will get me a private moment with you in your quarters I’ll be happy to share a grievance.”
    Movement behind Cari brought Alcott’s head up and returned a hostile spark to his eye. Warmth bathed her back and Grimm’s unique cedar and spice scent surrounded her. She didn’t need to turn around to know the man had moved closer.
    His sexy voice rumbled at her back. “You might want to show the captain a little more respect.”
    Alcott’s face darkened with rage as he reached toward the gun at his waist.
    Cari stepped forward, her hand moving to her own weapon. “Need I remind you that it is illegal to harm another’s vassal?”
    “It’s also illegal for a vassal to address its betters.”
    “Not on my ship,” Cari told him. “Now, tell me your concerns and then return to your post. We’re about to travel into dangerous airspace and I need you to ready our defenses.”
    Alcott yanked his wrist from her grip and, with a final glare at Grimm, stepped backward. “I’m not comfortable having this mercenary on the Stellam . Our orders were to execute him.”
    Cari inclined her head. “Your objection has been noted. Is there anything else?”
    His jaw tensed at her dismissal, his lips compressing. He poked a finger toward Grimm. “I’ll be watching you, vassal.”
    Relief surged as her troublesome lieutenant stalked away. Despite the fact that he’d left the helm without taking his instructions on the coming maneuvers. Cari sat down at a monitor and started typing in defensive instructions to be sent to Alcott. He’d most likely ignore them as usual, but at least he’d know what she intended and it would be up to him to get it done however he saw fit.
    She’d handle the evasive maneuvers.
    “Why do you let him speak to you like that?”
    Cari bristled at Grimm’s whispered reprimand. She stiffened as his soft breath slipped across the back of her neck. He was so close she could feel his impossible heat. “Mind your own business, vassal.”
    His husky chuckle made her sexual core clench with interest. “I thought you wanted me to speak my mind.”
    She frowned. “You thought wrong. And don’t use my own words against me.”
    Her fingers stopped moving on the keyboard as he stilled behind her, his warm breath continuing to cloud her senses. She expected him to step away, to take offense, but surprisingly he moved closer. His hands appeared on either side of her, flat on the console. He dipped his head, pressing against her back.
    Cari’s core clenched as fire ignited in her belly.
    “If you’d prefer I won’t use words at all…” moist heat touched the arch of her ear and she sucked in a gasp. His mouth feathered along the outside of her ear and pulled the lobe inside, nibbling it gently.
    Cari thought she might come on the spot.
    Then he moved away, leaving her cold and frustrated. And all she could do was pretend to forget him in her work.
    That wasn’t easily done. They’d started something moments earlier. Both of them. Something that would come back to bite them sooner rather than later.
    Grimm had no idea who he’d picked a fight with. Cari cursed herself for letting it happen. It would endanger her mission and probably engage a battle she could ill afford.
    ~AN~
     
    Audie left the Huntsman’s office, his mind spinning. When he’d been forced to turn Grimm Forbes in for crimes against the Authority, it had been the hardest thing he’d ever done. He considered Grimm a friend…especially since the man had put himself in danger to keep Yeira safe when the black witch had tried to kill her.
    But Grimm had freely admitted his crimes and Audie had been forced to take