Bed and Wine: Part 3

By Kaynara

***

Hair still wet from his second cold shower of the day, Mal strolled into the kitchen, took his seat at the head of the table.

“Evening folks. Just came from the bridge; should be touching down on Bellerophon come morning. Mayella’s got the cash.”

“Oughta go smooth enough, sir,” Zoe commented. “We’ve dealt with her often enough.”

“We gonna unload those ship part there, Cap’n?”

“That’s the notion, Kaylee.” Mal took a bite of potatoes, though he wasn’t really hungry. Not hungry for potato-flavored protein anyway.

Over his water glass, Mal watched Inara stroll into the kitchen. Even wearing one of Zoe’s undershirts, an old skirt of River’s, she looked nothing short of a goddess. Wo de ma, he needed another shower.

“Hello, everyone--sorry I’m late.”

“No problem.” Jayne raised his mug in greeting. “We didn’t wait or nothin’.”

“Inara.” Mal nodded at her. “Was just tellin’ the crew we’re makin’ a quick stop on Bellerophon. Should be back on our way to Shadow ‘fore you can blink.”

“Oh.” At the counter, she poured hot water for tea. “Do you mind if I ride into town with you and Jayne? I was hoping to pick up a few things.”

Mal glanced up.

“Ain’t really got time for sight-seeing.”

“I can be quick.”

Mal pushed his bao around the plate. He didn’t think his lower body could handle bein’ in her company that long.

“Why don’t you just tell me what you’re needin’? I can stop in at the general store if’n there’s time.”

“Mal-”

“Yeah? What do you need, Inara?”

She rolled her eyes, bent down close to his ear. Her breath sent shivers over his skin, triggered a fierce tightening in his trousers. She whispered something, while the others strained to hear.

Mal nearly choked on his water. He coughed, cleared his throat.

“’Haps its best you pick those up yourself. Mule leaves at eight sharp.”

Kaylee was giggling into her napkin. She poked Simon.

“I can’t wait till Raven’s old enough to be needin’ that sorta stuff.”

“I can wait,” Zo