3013: MENDED (20 page)

“That is your decision then?”

Her acceptance felt too easy, like she’d expected his response. Or perhaps because she hadn’t really wanted him to come home in the first place.

“That is my decision,” Tariq replied calmly. “I truly wish you the best, Mother.” Then he ended the call and slumped back in his chair.

“Tariq, I’m so sorry.” Swiveling his seat to face her, Cami crawled into his lap and stroked his cheeks. “I didn’t realize how very unpleasant your mother was.”

Chuckling, Tariq pulled her to him for a deep, lingering kiss. “You were right, angel. It might not have been pleasant, but I needed to talk to her, to get some closure. I need to let go of my past.”

“Are you sure?” she teased, trying to lighten the mood and his spirits. “I mean, I bet the companion she chose for you is very beautiful.”

“Brat.” Tariq poked her ribs and nipped at her lips. “You know I don’t share.” Then he tapped her hip, indicated for her to stand. “Come on, I want to show you something.”

“Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise.”

“Okay.” Cami fell into step beside him as he led her through the sparkling white corridors. “But where are we going?”

Tariq laughed again and kissed the top of her head. “I promise you’ll like it.”

“Mmm,” Cami purred, leaning against his side. “I always do.”

* * * *

One of the major perks of the
Dreamweaver
, for Tariq at least, was the holo room. It provided him with the escape he needed when living within such close quarters of the other crew members became too much. He could go anywhere he wanted, create any dreamscape he desired, and for an hour or so, he didn’t have to worry about anything else.

“Computer, run Sequence Charlie, Alpha, Mike, India.”

“
Sequence initiated,
” the computer answered as the doors of the holo room slid open.

“Tariq, what are we doing here? What on—oh, holy smokes.” Cami’s mouth fell open, and the shimmer of tears welled in her dark gray eyes. “You did this?”

“Ivy helped…before she poisoned me.” The stinging nettle sap had been a fine retaliation, but he wasn’t done with the commander. Right now, though, he had more important things to focus on. “You said you’ve never been to a ball before.”

Washed in the glittering light from the crystal chandelier above them, the reds and golds of the room offered a warm, inviting ambience. Tables draped in flowing, ivory linens created an aisle, leading to a large dance floor near the floor-to-ceiling windows. Beyond the windows, a full, golden moon, hung low in the holographic sky, surrounded by thousands of twinkling stars.

“This is better than anything I could have imagined.” Clasping her hands together, Cami held them to her lips while tears streaked down her cheeks. “Thank you, Tariq. Thank you so much.”

“That’s not all.” Taking her hands, he pulled them away from her mouth, and held them out to her sides. “You look stunning.”

Her simple tank top and basic, black slacks had transformed into a dress similar to the one she’d worn to their mating ceremony. Made from the same soft
saedea
material, it shimmered in the low lighting, transitioning from a bright silver on top to a deep burgundy halfway down the skirt. The neckline plunged between her breasts, all the way to her navel while the strapless gown clung to her slender frame, highlighting all of Tariq’s favorite curves.

“I love it,” Cami breathed, turning in a half circle as she pressed a hand over her heart. “I want to keep it.”

“We’ll have one made for you the next time we dock. How does that sound?”

“Tariq, I don’t know what to say.”

“Then don’t say anything.” Taking her hand, he led her to the dancefloor at the front of the room and swept her into his arms. “Dance with me.”

Resting her head on his chest, she swayed with him to the soft music that floated through the air. “I love you, Tariq.”

“As I love you, angel.”

He’d been content in his life, but then Cami had swept in like a hurricane, changing everything he thought he knew about life and love. Now, he couldn’t imagine his life without her, didn’t even want to try. She’d captured him completely—mind, body, soul, and heart—and he’d never be able to repay what she’d given him.

He hadn’t just been broken when she’d found him. He’d been lost, devoid of hope or much of anything else. Then she’d shined a light, illuminating the abyss and leading him out of the darkness. She was everything good and right in the universe, and he’d try every day to be a little bit better for her, to be deserving of her love.

“I thought you didn’t dance,” Cami said a few minutes later when the song faded to an end.

Sliding the knuckle of his forefinger beneath her chin, he urged her face up to him and whispered a chaste kiss across her lips. “For you, I would do anything.”

THE END

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OTHER BOOKS BY KALI ARGENT

Alone (Preludes, Book One)

Timeless (Pandora, Book One)

MORE FROM THE 3013 SERIES

3013: MATED by Laurie Roma

3013: RENEGADE by Susan Hayes

3013: CLAIMED by Laurie Roma

3013: STOWAWAY by Susan Hayes

3013: SALVATION by Laurie Roma

3013: MENDED by Kali Argent