Unchained by C.J. Barry Read Free Book Online Page A

the
mystery door, she asked, “Do you know where that door goes? It
won’t open.”
    Leena looked over at the door in question
and turned back, wide-eyed. “Don’t you know?”
    Cidra frowned and shook her head.
    “ It connects to the
Captain’s quarters. It has a release on each side. I think that’s
why this room has never been used. Captain likes his privacy.”
Leena stood up and shrugged. “We’re filled up, so I guess he
decided it was okay. Well, I gotta go. See you at dinner in the
crew lounge.”
    Cidra managed a smile. “Thanks for
everything. Especially for hitting that Victor.”
    “ Anytime. I’ll introduce
you to everyone tonight.” Leena waved a hand at her and disappeared
into the corridor.
    Cidra stared at the adjoining door as if it
were alive. She jumped up and locked the release on her side, her
pulse racing. Good Lord, calm down. It’s not as if he’d barge in
uninvited. Or would he?
    She leaned back against the door and closed
her eyes. The idea was at once nerve-shattering and
tantalizing.
     
    It was late afternoon and Grey stood on the
bridge evaluating provisions over a micropad. Decker approached him
and glanced at the deck crew nervously. “Sir, I need to speak to
you. Immediately.”
    Grey lifted an eyebrow. It took a great deal
to make Decker nervous. “Trouble?”
    Decker cleared his throat. “I think it could
be. I just saw Cidra and Mora, uh, talking in the dining hall.
Neither one of them looked very happy.”
    He shoved the micropad at Decker. “Take care
of this.” He turned and marched off the bridge.

CHAPTER FOUR
     
    Cidra’s intention was to join Barrios in the
crew lounge. It seemed like a simple enough task. She should have
known better.
    The lounge was empty except for the woman
firmly planted in her path. Not just any woman. The most
attractive, voluptuous woman Cidra had ever seen in her life. A
red-haired, green-eyed beauty wearing a straining scarlet jumpsuit
and a disapproving scowl.
    “ So you’re the package Grey
picked up on Avion,” the woman scoffed in a throaty voice, scanning
Cidra head to toe with clear contempt. “Hardly worth the
effort.”
    Cidra frowned at her,
amazed how an attractive person could turn so ugly from the inside
out. Be nice, Cidra . Remember you have to work with this woman.
    “ I’m Cidra Almazan. And you
would be?” Cidra started in her most peaceable voice.
    “ Mora. You’re new here, so
consider this your orientation.” A smile twisted over Mora’s face.
“I’m going to explain how things work around here.”
    She stared icily at Cidra. “Rule Number One.
I make the rules. This is my ship.”
    Cidra lifted her eyebrows. If she hadn’t
been so surprised, she would have burst out laughing. “Really. I
was under the impression it was Captain Stone’s ship.”
    Mora ignored that. “Rule Number Two. I don’t
like Avions. You and your high and mighty people think you own the
galaxy, picking and choosing who to save with your precious
vaccine. You are not welcome here.” Mora’s voice lowered to a
growl. “Watch your step. We wouldn’t want you to have an
unfortunate accident aboard ship.”
    Cidra listened to Mora’s
threat in disbelief, her sense of humor deserting her. Good Lord, where had Grey found this
one ?
    “ Rule Number Three. I have
Grey’s ear. And the rest of him. He’s off-limits.” Mora breathed
deeply, filling her red jumpsuit to capacity. “Besides, you’re not
his type.”
    Cidra bristled. “And you
would be an expert on the topic?” The first stirrings of anger
began to seep into her body. Control,
Cidra . The conversation had just taken a
dangerous turn.
    “ I know how to make him
happy. I know what he wants.” Mora lifted her chin to Cidra.
“Me.”
    Blood pounded in Cidra’s ears as she
narrowed her eyes at the other woman. She was dangerously close to
losing her temper. It would not bode well to pummel a fellow
crewmember on her first day of employ. The temptation wasn’t