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“You look as if you’re being held captive,” Jay-Den rumbles in Genesis’ ear, voice laced with concern. “Are you well?”
Genesis swats at Jay-Den and swallows hard. “I’m well. I’m perfect.”
Jay-Den narrows his eyes, not placated, but shifts his attention to SAM. She’s using Tarima’s raised bed as a pedestal for her fashion show in preparation for their Khionian getaway. Her only remaining audience is Jay-Den, Darem, and Genesis–the rest of their friends got bored hours ago.
“How about this one?” In a showy shimmer, SAM shifts her previous bathing suit–a sleek black one-piece with silver accents–to a barely-there yellow bikini, her hair braided in rainbow beads.
Genesis swallows again. Her eyes linger on the ties at SAM’s hips and neck, which seem to be holding on just as well as her composure. “This is the one,” she says hoarsely, and feels her face burn. “I vote this one.”
SAM grins. “You mean it?”
“Absolutely,” Genesis assures. “I mean, I also liked the pink one with the flowers. And the net skirt thing.” But nothing made her mouth go dry like this little yellow number.
“Sarong,” SAM supplies, and shifts back to her uniform, much to Genesis’ chagrin. “I’ll go with this one. I have some matching sandal ideas.”
“You know,” Darem says from the floor, “Khionia is an ocean planet, but the others will be wearing wetsuits. And breathing gear. It isn’t really a swimsuit vacation.”
“Shut up,” Genesis blurts. “Let her have the bikini.”