Chapter 5: Gravity Check

Mal managed to intercept Inara as she was leaving her shuttle. The companion’s attire was decidedly toned down and was most likely her idea of casual. He couldn’t help but snort. She still was dressed more luxuriously than most women dressed when attending a formal occasion.

Not for the first time he wondered at the psychological damage the guild had wrought on her during her training. Her morals were all upside down and backward and she couldn’t kick back and just be herself no matter the occasion. She seemed not to be able to see anything from a viewpoint that didn’t sync up with the guild’s.

No doubt about it: the gal was seriously messed up.

Problem was that despite all that, he respected her. She was one sharp fortune cookie; even though they didn’t see eye to eye about her so-called profession. And he hated her profession. Hated her practicing it…

And that made what he was about to do crazy as all get out…

“Inara,” he greeted her. “Sorry to hear about your cancelled plans.”

She snorted. “Yeah, I can see just how broken up you are.”

“The good doctor unable to hold up his end of the agreement?” he smiled.

“It was a last minute change in the on-call schedule,” she explained. “Not his fault, but by guild rules he still had to pay me.”

“So then, there’s no way he can meet you? You’re free for the evening?”

“Apparently.” Annoyed, she made to push her way past him on the stairs, but his hand shot out and gripped the railing, forming a barrier.

Mal put on his most charming smile and turned to face her. “Then would you do me the honor of keeping me company for an hour or so before you visit Zoe?”

Her mouth dropped open, but try as she might no words would form.

“Dinner,” Mal explained. “I’m talking about taking you out to dinner somewhere nice. Think you can put up with me for a bit?”

With an effort she seemed to recover her poise. “What’s the occasion?” she asked.

“No occasion other than that we find ourselves on a nice planet and you aren’t off entertaining for a ch