Jessica sipped her drink sitting at the bar. Two years ago her stomach was all butterflies every time Aedan showed up at her quarters with a sequined dress and the promise of an amazing night. Now she was sporting his name and had more sequined dresses than a department store. The excitement had worn off months ago with Aedan’s lavish parties but Jessica still marveled at the way Aedan could work a room. Ever since Cera was born Aedan had been giving money away to children’s programs at twice the rate he had before her birth. Tonight it was a charity gambling event for F.A.I.R which was the Federation Alliance for something or other. The acronyms blended more and more with each event.

“Another one Mrs. Teller,” the bartender said placing a refill on the bar behind her. She smiled at the man and gave him a small nod as she watched Aedan playing roulette. The game was all chance and no skill and never anything Aedan would play unless it was for a purpose. Tonight’s purpose was losing large sums to the charity as gracefully and charmingly as possible to encourage others to do that same. He had one woman on either side of him that were hanging on his every word and laughing at his every quip. Every once in a while they would cast a sly glance at Jessica as if daring her to try and take their spot at Aedan’s side before turning back to whisper something in his ear to make him display a devilishly grin.

Aedan locked eyes with Jessica who simply raised her glass in a mock toast. At some point, she would make her way across the room but not yet. Aedan still had a wad of credits to blow betting on red or black and she was comfortable sitting at the bar. A loud roar of cheers and moans erupted as Aedan won a double down bet on black eighteen.

“He’s seems thrilled to be losing,” a deep male voice said from behind Jessica. The man was so close Jessica could feel his breath on the nape of her neck as he spoke. It caused a ripple to run down her spine making her work hard to suppress a shiver. Men always knew how to elicit this reaction in a woman. “Doesn’t seem to fit his reputation. How will he take losing you,” the voice replied moving a strand of hair off her neck slowly with his index finger.

Casual flirting was fine but the physical contact was taking it farther than Jessica wanted. “Aedan doesn’t lose at any.....thing,” Jessica said pausing only a half a heartbeat as she spoke. “Zachary Shaw,” she kept her voice level and her eyes locked on the man in front of her. The sounds of the casino were swallowed up as Jessica focused all her attention on the dark haired man inches from her.

“Did your husband also give you a new first name Mrs. Teller or shall I call you Lexi for old times sake,” he held out his hand. Jessica knew what he wanted and took his hand in hers as he led her to the dance floor.

Lt. Commander Jessica Teller XO