Believe The Lie

Rated: PG

Category: Drabble, Mal/Inara, Probably A Bit Dark For Some.
Spoilers: None. Mal's In The Money For Once.
Summary: Sometimes It's Just Easier To Believe The Lie.

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Companions sleep lightly.

It's in their nature, and in their training.

She felt his muscles tense when he shifted his weight.

She heard him take two far too deep breaths that shook when he released them.

And she knew the exact moment he left.

She wanted to move, to speak… but she allowed him to make a clean getaway.

Her heart screamed for him to stay.

But he didn't.

And as he left, the sound of coin hitting wood told Inara all she needed to know.

He chose to believe the lie.

She could, too.

It meant nothing.

Just business.