Inara was in her element; she couldn’t have been more comfortable. It was an interesting change of pace from the norm. The rest of Serenity was a den of thieves. They were thieves she cared for and enjoyed the company of, but they were thieves none the less. What place did Inara have in a space with criminals, a couple of whom had also fought for the Independence when she had supported unification?
Yet, I did, she pondered. And I was happy here…
“Talking is usually a fine start,” Inara suggested lightly. “It a symbol to show that we are still friends after our successful business arrangement coming to a close.” Her cool demeanor did not portray her feelings. Inara was anguishing over her choice. She didn’t want to leave. There was likely only one thing that would make her…
Looking through her eyelashes, Inara gave the man across from her a smoldering look. “We are still friends, aren’t we Mal?” she asked in a soft, breathy tone. The road was taking a dangerous fork.
Almost as if the look had never existed, Inara’s features went back their normally composed state as she sipped at her tea.