Chapter Six: Den of Thieves

By Cassandra E

A/Notes: Hmm…the never ending chapter. That’s all I am saying. Feedback most welcome, good or bad.

Enjoy!

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All three individuals were frozen still and silent for what seemed like an eternity. Kaylee looked on with puzzled eyes at Mal’s shocked expression, which was slowly turning into a full blown scowl of epic proportions. Meanwhile, the woman that Mal had called Inara strangely enough resembled the woman who Mal had danced with. Her skin had gone ghostly pale, but her composure reminded calm and efficient as she held her head high with aloofness. Kaylee give a quick glimpse out the door, making sure no had come by. She closed it, locking it at the same time. Her curious eyes glanced back to the scene before her.

Mal clenched his teeth in an effort to control his temper. He had been taken for a fool and that was something he didn’t take lightly. Taken in by a pair of doe eyes and a pretty face, ruttin’ hell, he should have known better. Women were always trouble, no matter how harmless they seemed. “Zhe shi shenmo lan dongxi?”

Inara shrugged delicately. “I think it’s rather obvious.”

Mal laughed in disbelief, closing in on their distance, Kaylee following him. “You’re a gorram thief.” He paused. “And I defended your honor. That’s all sorts of wrong.”

Inara smirked. “I didn’t ask you too. Rather pointless. But thank you for that sad attempt. So if I am a thief, what does it makes you? Let me guess, you got lost on the way to the restroom?”

“Well, maybe I did.” Mal lied.

Inara rolled her eyes. “Doubtful. Is this conversation over? I do believe you have an early appointment with Mr. Wing tomorrow. ”

Mal crossed his arms, a sardonic glint in his eyes. “You ain’t leavin’ here with what’s mine.”

“Really?” Inara stepped backwards until she was in reaching distance of the glittering rock. The moon shone through the viewing windows, illuminating the ornate stand which held it. She pressed a device that was stu