Past and Present

By Kaynara

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Fluff-angsty little standalone. Post-BDM. Mal/Inara. PG-13.

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“C'mon, off with 'em.”

“You can't be serious.”

“You need help?”

“You're insane!”

“I'm known for that!”

“For God's sake, Mal, hush. Everyone's asleep.”

“That they are, darlin'. And unless you want an audience for what's about to happen here, reckon you best do your part quiet-like.”

“This isn't funny.”

“I'm not laughin'.” He swallows a chuckle. “We made a bet, Inara. You lost.”

“And I'm perfectly willing to negotiate an acceptable...trade. Just—Mal, not that.”

She lifts her face, all wide-eyed innocence.

“ That was the deal, as I recall. And you just lost ten hands of tall card in stunning succession. So, I repeat, off with 'em.”

“Wait, let's talk about this—”

“Not in the mood for talking. We men of action prefer, well, action. C'mon, Nara. What's the big deal? Not like this is a first for you. I mean, surely you've done this before...?”

“Of course I have.” She rolls seething black eyes at the roof of the cargo bay and wraps her arms about her torso.

“Well, then? Strip.” He grins and waits, resting his back on the wall.

She hesitates, and he can see she's a micro away from complying. Then her hands fly to the buttons of her shirt.

“I'm wearing a corset. Under my blouse.” Holding his gaze, she slowly unclasps the first button, and he catches a peek of something black and purple with lace trim.

His breath catches in his throat, and he's grateful suddenly for the length of his coat. He doesn't make it a point to tell folk this. Hell, ain't nobody's business. But Malcom Reynolds has always had a thing for corsets. Something about all that...lift.

“I had it custom-made on Sihnon years ago. It fits my body perfectly if you understand my meaning.” She smiles.

Lust is a punch to the gut, and he's fair sure she couldn't have done a better job of it if she used her fists.

“I could be persuaded to show you. Just a small glimpse. Come to my