Chapter 4

“Wow.” Kaylee stepped into the spacious suite and looked around, her eyes wide as saucers. Never before had she seen such pretty, expensive furnishings. Even Inara’s possessions weren’t so nice.

Simon pushed a few paper bills into the attendant’s hand. “That will be all, thank you.”

“Yes, Sir.” The attendant left, shutting the door silently behind him.

Simon leaned against the wall and watched as Kaylee walked around the room, stopping to touch the ornate wood furniture, the walls, the outrageously large bed. She looked out the balcony window and her breath caught at the lights flickering down below.

“We’re so high up! Gee, Simon, I feel like a princess! Never seen anythin’ so fancy.”

When she turned bright eyes on him, he averted his gaze, afraid to be caught staring at the lovely image she presented framed in the light falling through the balcony door.

She inhaled sharply when she opened the door to the bathing room and Simon made his way quickly over to her, afraid there was something untoward within. A wide smile spread across his face when he realized that she was reacting to the tub big enough for two that was already filled and waiting for them – kept hot by some mysterious invention one rarely saw outside of the Core planets.

Kaylee stepped into the large room, Simon hesitating at her heels. At this angle, he could easily glance down at her beautiful body and not worry about anyone seeing the desire that heated his eyes.

Kaylee whirled excitedly, not realizing he was standing right behind her, and collided with his chest. He immediately reached out to steady her and their eyes met.

Kaylee gulped with a sudden, uncommon, at least for her, nervousness. “This for us?”

“I – uh,” he looked over her shoulder and swallowed nervously. “I believe they think we are – married.”

“Oh.” She turned away from him, trying not to appear too excited at the thought. “Well –“

“Take a bath, Kaylee. You deserve to be pampered. I’ll – I’ll be outside.” Simon took a step bac