Inara's customary level of luxury, maintained aboard her shuttle for the clients she entertained there, was not low. But it was positively working class compared to Jerrode Eusabian's personal apartments. The mattress, the sheets, the pillows -- all definitely a grade higher than even Inara was used to, although what she coveted most was the Chinese rosewood altar table that graced a small alcove just visible from where she lay.

She was stretched out and deliciously relaxed, staring at the altar through half-lidded eyes, bare skin wrapped in cool silk, when Eusabian's comm beeped softly. He checked the display, and excused himself with a light kiss on her cheek to take the call.

"Eusabian," he said, his voice all business, in contrast with his relaxed pose. "I see," he said a few seconds later. "Thank you." He laid the common the nightstand and smiled at Inara. "It seems your pirate captain has left without you," he said lazily.

Inara's gut twisted, and only long practice kept her feelings from showing on her face. Or, maybe it didn't.

"Does this happen often?" he asked, still regarding her sleepily.

The job had gone wrong, as Mal had feared it would, and he had left in a blazing hurry, unable to recall her first. When would he return? Could he return? How wrong exactly had the job gone? But all she said to Eusabian, forcing a weary, tolerant smile, was "Not that often. But I am seldom so well situated when it does."

Eusabian laughed. His amusement seemed to enervate him, and he rose smoothly from the bed and began to dress. "Naturally, you will remain here as my guest for as long as you wish to," he said. He took in their surroundings with a sweep of his hand. "All of the hospitality of my house is yours."

"Thank you," Inara said sincerely. "Are you leaving?"

Eusabian sat in a dressing chair and began putting on his shoes. "I didn't think we had much time, and I have other business to attend to at the moment," he said. He leaned across the bed to touc