Lunar Exposure (On the Hunt) by Shona Husk

the shortfall.”
    “That was your misstep. Not mine. The children need help. You ever had to wonder where your next meal is coming from? Ever wondered if you would sleep without nightmares? I am making a difference. Noga is mine.” She kept her voice low but firm. She wouldn’t let him have Noga.
    Callen spun her against the wall. “So you were an orphaned brat and now you want to save the world. Good for you, but you are out of your league. Do you know why Noga is here?”
    She was very aware of the press of Callen’s body, the way his hips were hard against hers and his response to her scent—the rise of his shaft was unmistakable. But a man like him wouldn’t let himself be caught again. “Business.”
    He shook his head. “Wrong. Heard of firemoss?”
    The air whooshed out of her lungs. Firemoss was a class one prohibited item. Just carrying it in space was enough to get someone locked up for ten cycles. Whole zones were off limits to ships because of contamination. “You’re not suggesting…” While she knew Noga enjoyed blowing things up, she couldn’t even say it. She was on a Moon that was set to explode.
    “I know.”
    “Then why haven’t you reported it, why are we here?”
    “In small amounts, it’s undetectable. Scans now will show nothing, then I will get thrown off for making trouble and get first-row seats to the end of the Moon. I’m waiting for it to grow so I can report it. I also need to get Noga alone to take him down without breaching the rules.” He kissed her. His tongue stroked over her lip as if he couldn’t resist tasting her before pulling away. “You know, the ones you broke by tying me up.”
    “I’m sorry. I can’t let you get to him.” The silk of her dress hid nothing as her nipples pressed against the fabric. Every breath she took was laced with his scent…and it was changing. He wasn’t immune to her this close, but that didn’t mean he’d act on it.
    His fingers trailed along her arm. “I know how you work now, but Noga doesn’t want you in his bed. You’re in a bit of a bind.”
    “And what’s your plan?”
    “Don’t know yet.” And there was something in the way he spoke that she knew she was going to be part of it.
    “I work alone.” But even in her ears, it didn’t sound convincing, not when she wanted him. She tried to block him out and make her body behave. He had the power to find out who had owned her. And yet, she didn’t think he’d turn her in even if he knew—there’d been something in his voice when he’d called her an orphaned brat. He’d understood, even though he was trying to hide it. Callen wouldn’t do anything that hurt her charities.
    “So do I.”
    She tilted her head and tried to sound flip. “Good, then we go after him separately. Winner takes the chits.”
    Callen shook his head. “You know that’s not going to work.”
    There was a pause as he looked at her. Was he waiting for her to agree? She wouldn’t. “You got blockers?”
    He laughed. “This isn’t about the sex—although I admit I wouldn’t mind more. This is bigger than us. Do you remember the Solar Bird ?”
    She nodded. Everyone knew of it.
    “I almost had him.” His lips twisted. “It was my fault the liner was lost, along with my team. I was discharged from the APM. He has to be stopped.”
    “How are we going to do that when you can’t keep your hands off me?” Her free hand slid over his thigh to his hip.
    “I believe it was you who started this by trying to give me a lap dance in the Aqua Bar.”
    “I don’t remember you saying no.” The music changed to something heavier, deeper and more hypnotic. It pulsed in her blood and made her want to move, to press herself against him and feel his skin against hers again. Liquid heat filled her belly and slicked in her slit. She swallowed and tried to ignore the need that grew with every breath. He did this to her.
    He cupped her cheek. The simple touch sent a shiver of heat through