Kari’s P.O.V

Claire’s Home

Alonso and Claire have done so much for me. I am truly grateful for meeting them. If not, I would have been sent back to Kade.

That murderous king.

I felt a pit in my stomach. My fingers found themselves grasping Nylah’s bracelet on my wrist.

Claire walked out of the room with a full black bodysuit.

“I think I have something.” She said before handing me the suit.

“The bathroom is the door on the right.” She said, pointing to a door.

“Thank you,” I said before standing up and walking into the bathroom.

Alonso’s P.O.V

The moment Kari left, Claire arched her brow. I did the same.

“Why are you here so late?" She asked.

"We ran into each other."

"But instead of just spending time together, you two came here?"

"Some man was being weird and bothersome. I pretended she was my wife, and he let her go. So if anyone asks about it, just agree." My eyes went to the hallway. "Kari was pretty shaken up after that and wanted to leave, so I brought her here." I looked back at Claire.

“Okay”

"How soon can the ship be finished?" I asked, finishing my sentence.

"I have two unfinished bedrooms on the ship. It would leave her no choice but to sleep on the couch until they are set up.”

Claire’s ships were always like luxury apartments.

Hence why they cost so much.

Kari being able to afford it was surprising,

but at the time I brought her here, I was just thinking of getting her to a place with ships.

Now that I think about it, what size is this ship to have two bedrooms? Why not a smaller one? What does Claire have planned?

“Are you trying to leave with her?” I asked her.

I saw a small smirk form on Claire's lips. She was leaving, wasn’t she? How can she do that when she has not talked to Kari about it?

“Did you notice the things I saw? She seems neutral and may be older than me. Sort of like a big sister. She does not appear to have a crush on me like everyone else, and tolerates you.”

Wow, that's fucking wild.

“Even if she may or may not be comfortable with flying a large ship, I can fly it. I think we would be a great team.”

“Then what about your life here? Your shop? I mean, you are one of the best mechanics and spaceship shipbuilders on Planet 300.”

“And hopefully wherever Kari is going. Listen, Alonso, I have spent my whole life here and learned enough. I want to explore the galaxies and eventually settle down somewhere else. Plus, you are leaving as well, right? We can be a whole team. What do you say?”

My brows furrowed. "I am not leaving."

"But-"

"Claire, I have a life here, family, and so do you." Her expression saddened.

There was no use in adding to my words. Claire detached herself from this planet a long time ago. I sighed.

“If you are going to do that, at least give Kari half of her stellar back. It is best if she agrees that you can come.” Claire chuckled.

“I am already ahead of you.”

Kari walked out of the bathroom, making my jaw drop. There is no way that her bodysuit was that tight. Claire smirked.

“Looking good, Ms. Kari!” She cheered.

"Claire, get her something else," I whispered.

"It's for the ship." She whispered back. Kari rose a handful of stellar.

“Claire, I wanted to tell you that you left some stellar on your counter. I am not sure if you are aware it was there.”

“I was.” She stood up. “Say, Kari, can we speak in the hall away from the man? I wanted to ask you something.” She said, walking Kari down the hall.

I sat with a blush on my cheeks. Claire knows what she is doing, and I will not fall for it. I have a life here. There is no way I would go with them. Unless she is doing this because she knows Kari is comfortable with me. I sank into my seat.

That’s right, Kari barely knows Claire, so having me come along would be beneficial to her. I will have to think about it. Here I am, a doctor, and I have a nice life. One that is hardly changing. Dating here is not bad, but it can be annoying. Without Claire, though, I think I would have a life filled with more boredom than before. It is strange, we do not talk all the time, but having a friend like her means a lot. Then my parents, it has been years since our conversations have been normal. Thinking about all of this is making my head hurt.

The two came from the hallway. Claire had a bright smile on her face.

“Guess what?”

“What?” I asked.

“Ms. Kari-”

“Kari,” Kari said, interrupting Claire.

“Kari is bringing me with her. She is staying here tonight to rest, and we will leave at dawn.” I chuckled.

“That is good to hear.”

I am happy to know she is happy.

I should be, but I hate the thought of being without her.