The way he was pulling away, his use of the rail instead of her arms, hurt. Zoe wasn't sure what she was trying to say, and she knew she was doing it entirely wrong. Wash was one of the few people who could actually act this way with her and she cared, or more he was one of the few who got to see her tongue tied, and not in the good way.
As soon as they got to the hold, her eyes searched for something that might be a little faster in transport other than their legs. Her mind searched for a better explanation, and no matter how she thought to word it, it always sounded worse than it should have. Unfortunately, the one that came out might not have been right, or maybe it was just right.
"I'm trying to tell you, you jealous bèndàn*, that there's water and food on this forsaken rock. Water that runs from taps nice and hot, which is good for soaking in with husbands or remembering husbands, when you're alone which is all the ruttin' time. And food that is not just processed protein shaped into what we hope is steak or vegetables, which is good to share with crew when husbands are not around. While we may be stuck here, we've got real food and running water. I just happen to be living on a ship, one that belongs in the water and is stuck in ..was stuck in a swamp, for free because the captain thinks he needs a crew for a ship that doesn't go anywhere. I've been trying to figure out how I got here and how I can get back, without much luck." Glare wasn't the proper word for it, but the look Zoe was giving her husband was certainly not one a stranger would care to see in a poorly lit alley. "Now do you want to argue about whatever fantasy you're coming up with involving someone you've never met, which if you had, you'd know why you wouldn't need to have these little fits of jealousy? Or do you want to go to the Hospital and make sure you're okay before I kill you?"
She loved him, and she'd felt guilt when she cooked for Captain Jack - but nothing had happened. Just like nothing had happened with Mal. He was her current captain and nothing more. Attractive sure, so was Mal, but she went for guys ..or guy more Wash like.