Phili had brought her a new tunic and pants as well as a wide-brimmed hat that kept the sun off her head. She wore the hat and clothes today, her lithe body barely visible under the formless garments. Rayder liked the way Xandra’s hair tumbled about her shoulders, and unlike some men might, he hadn’t insisted that she put it up or cover it. Many men would be tempted by the beautiful tumble glowing with a fine and rare beauty. He didn’t care. He wanted it out where he could see. He moved toward her, damn glad the tunic and pants hung on her like a sack. Since Rayder had returned, none of the other men on the ship dared even look her way. That included the slimy Farcam and Oscan, who stayed out of Rayder’s way too. Rayder’s duties as second-in-command kept him busy far more than he liked. It meant more time with Aramus and less with Xandra. Still, Rayder didn’t regret the way he’d stalked out of the cabin two days ago and left Xandra alone. In fact, he’d stayed away until late in the evening then come to bed after she was already asleep.
