Shae held Cassandra’s gaze for a moment longer before the smile returned.
Not a challenging smile.
Not quite.
Just one that suggested she found the entire situation mildly entertaining.
Then she reached for her shirt.
Careful of the fresh stitches, she pulled it on slowly, one arm at a time.
The movement was deliberate, mindful of the injury for perhaps the first time since she’d arrived in medical.
Cassandra busied herself with cleaning up the instruments.
At least, that was what she told herself she was doing.
Her attention drifted back toward Shae more than once.
The officer’s movements were controlled and efficient.
Even injured, she carried herself with the same quiet confidence she’d displayed throughout the day.
Then Shae glanced up.
Their eyes met.
Again.
Cassandra immediately looked away and clenched her jaw.
For perhaps the third time that day, she found herself irritated—not at Shae—but at her own lack of discipline.
Unfortunately, judging by the faint amusement in Shae’s expression, the major had noticed.
Again.
Thankfully, Shae was merciful enough not to comment.
Instead, she adjusted the hem of her shirt and stood.
“There.” She rotated her shoulder experimentally.
“I’ll do my best to keep the stitches healthy.” “Good.” Shae nodded.
Then, in a tone so casual it nearly slipped past unnoticed, she added: “Though if they do reopen, I can always stitch myself back up.” Cassandra’s head snapped toward her.
The look on her face could have stopped a charging vehicle.
“You will do no such thing.” Shae blinked.
Clearly, she hadn’t expected that strong a reaction.
“I’ve done it before.” “That doesn’t make it acceptable.” “I know how.” “I don’t care.” The response came so quickly that even Shae looked surprised.
Cassandra crossed the distance between them in a few strides.
Not threatening.
But unquestionably commanding.
“Listen carefully, Major.” The humor faded from Shae’s expression.
“If those stitches tear, you will report immediately.” “Ma’am—” “Immediately.” The steel in Cassandra’s voice left little room for argument.
Shae folded her arms.
Or at least started to before remembering her injury and deciding against it.
“And if I happen to be busy?” “You will report.” “What if we’re in the middle of an operation?” “You will report when operational circumstances permit.” Shae considered that.
“That’s more reasonable.” Cassandra ignored the comment.
“If those stitches reopen, I will personally take care of them.” That seemed to catch Shae off guard.
For the first time in several minutes, she didn’t immediately have a witty response ready.
Cassandra continued.
“And if you fail to report it—” Shae sighed.
“There it is.” “—and I discover you’ve attempted to treat it yourself—” The Colonel’s eyes narrowed.
“—you will receive additional consequences.” Shae raised an eyebrow.
“Additional?” “To the consequences you will already receive for reopening them.” The room fell quiet.
Then, despite herself, Shae laughed softly.
Not mockingly.
Genuinely.
“You’ve put a surprising amount of thought into this.” “No.” “You have.” “No, Major.” “You absolutely have.” Cassandra folded her arms.
The gesture was less intimidating than she’d intended because Shae looked entirely unconcerned.
“I am simply trying to prevent one of my officers from making an avoidable mistake.” “That’s your official explanation?” “Yes.” Shae nodded thoughtfully.
Then smiled.
“Fair enough.” For reasons she couldn’t identify, that answer felt like a victory.
And somehow also like she had lost something.
The realization was deeply irritating.
Shae moved toward the door.
When she reached it, she paused.
“Thank you.” The words were simple.
Sincere.
No teasing hidden beneath them.
No joke waiting to follow.
Just gratitude.
Cassandra found herself momentarily caught off guard.
“For what?” Shae rested a hand on the door frame.
“The stitches.” A brief pause.
“And for caring enough to make threats about them.” Then, before Cassandra could formulate a response, Shae offered one last smile and stepped out into the corridor.
The door slid shut behind her.
Leaving Cassandra alone in the treatment room.
Alone with the unsettling realization that Major Shae Carter had been aboard her ship for less than a day.
And already she was becoming impossible to ignore.