“You forget. I was a sailor.”
“And spacemen have a reputation, eh?” Eloise chuckled.
“At that, you might be right. I remember the first officer of—” she let the thought die. “But I became tired of him,” she finished.
Kennon smiled. “I’ve never had that complaint.”
“Perhaps you’d like to make the acid test?” she asked.
“Perhaps,” he said. “But not tonight.”
“Tomorrow then? Alex will be leaving in the morning. He never stays more than a few hours.” Eloise’s eyes were bright, her lips moist and red.
“I’ll pick the time,” Kennon said—and added to himself, “If ever.” Despite her wealth Eloise was no different from the port-of-call girls. If anything, she was worse since she had enough money to implement her desires. They were merely in the trade for business reasons. No—Eloise would be something to steer clear of. Alexander was right. She was a mantrap. He stood up and bowed Betan fashion. “I see your brother is free now. He wants to brief me on my duties here. We were discussing it before we entered.”
Eloise pouted. “You can always do that.”
“You said yourself that Alexander never stays here very long. I would be a poor employee if I delayed him.” He grinned knowingly at her and she smiled back with complete understanding.
“Very well, then. Get your business done. Your pleasure can wait.”
Kennon steered Alexander over to an open window that led to a balcony. “Whew!” he said. “I see what you mean.”
“She’s a tartar,” Alexander agreed. “I suspect that she’s a nymphomaniac.”
“You suspect?” Kennon asked. “By this time you should know. Let’s get out of here. I’ve had about all of your sister I care to take.”
“Can’t say as I blame you. I’ll show you to your quarters. Maybe Old Doc left a bottle or two, although I suspect the old sinner hung on until the last one was
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