Not so intimate nor intrusive as Phin’s fervid assault, but twice—no, aeons more powerful. She wanted more. She wanted Tucker. The ship shook with an explosion, shattering her sensual daze and prodding her into action. Cowering in his cabin, hiding quiet as a mouse? She couldn’t imagine. From what she’d seen this airship operated with a skeleton crew. Surely she could help. An unknown variance? A wild card of sorts? Tucker would not appreciate her presence. And what if Doc or Eli tried to protect her instead of the airship? What if their crewmates suffered? No, if she joined this fight, better to blend with the men. Heart pounding, she hobbled to the massive chest pushed against the starboard wall. Yes, it was rude to poke about in someone’s belongings, but she assumed good manners were moot in times of danger. Rooting through her host’s clothing, she quickly settled on a worn greatcoat with an attached cowl. She traded her own coat for Tucker’s—overly large and long on her petite frame, all the better to disguise her womanly curves.
