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His lips quirked up in the corners to reveal the hint of short fangs amid his otherwise Earthean-like teeth. “Some of us are decent.”

She opened her mouth to say she hadn’t been talking about him at all, but he winked and his smile broadened. “Perhaps I can buy you a drink? No pressure, though.” He held his hands up in front of him. “Feel free to tell me to get lost if you like.”

Aivey chuckled. As if she wouldn’t want to spend a few more minutes with a gorgeous male who’d just saved her from an uncomfortable situation. “A drink sounds great. That’s actually where I was headed.”

“Excellent. Can I show you to the bar?”

“Please.” She nodded.

No sooner had he turned toward the main room, Aivey a step behind, when her comms bracelet—a much smaller and more elegant version of the kind the club used—vibrated to alert her of a new message. She placed her thumb on the band, activating the message, as she followed in the wake of her savior through the crush of people milling about.

Message from Vesta: “Are you sure you’re okay?”

With her thumb still on the bracelet she thought her reply for the communicator to transmit.“Yeah, this one seems nice.”The implant that allowed such things was expensive but totally worth it in cases like this.

“Well, if I need to come kick his ass, let me know. I can bring some big green back-up, too.”

Aivey laughed to herself.“I’m fine. Go get laid.”

“Oh, I plan to.”She could almost hear her friend’s laugh.“Hope you get to enjoy blue, shiny, and handsome!”

Another huff of laughter caught in her throat. She’d share a drink with him for now and see how that went. After that? Well, who knew?

chapterthree

The music thumpeda fevered tune in the large main room with the kind of heavy beat that flowed up her legs and echoed in her chest. Aivey and the handsome, blue male skirted the dancefloor, aiming for one of the sleek bars dominating the side wall. Two open seats beckoned like a homing beacon. Aivey climbed onto a stool, tugging the bottom of her dress back down her thighs when it tried to bunch and ride up. It was her first time getting a good look at the main bar since Vesta had grabbed their drinks earlier at a smaller one in a longue room, and she nearly gaped at what she saw. Beyond the shimmering black bartop that looked like the view out a starship window, cybernetic series XX22E droids worked to mix drinks and serve patrons.

“No way,” she said.

The droids were famous for their skills, but not at bartending. Able to shift to multiple forms reminiscent of various humanoid species and genders, they were prized as the ultimate sex toy. And yet, here they were working the bar rather than pleasing customers in other ways.

“A shame, isn’t it?” her companion mused, watching one of the droids zip past them. “I’m guessing this is your first time at Incandescence, given your reaction to the droids?”

She winced before sliding a little more firmly onto the seat. “Is it that obvious?”

A deep chuckle rumbled from his chest, barely audible over the music. “A little. You’re not here alone, are you?”

“No, I came with two of my friends, but they’re…occupied.” Vesta certainly was, and if Rima was lucky, she was having averygood time off on her own as well. Aivey had briefly considered going to look for her, but just as quickly chucked that idea out her mental airlock when she remembered her friend’s shyness about her band and request to go it alone. “And you?”

He shook his head. “I came with my brother. This is really more his scene than mine, but he was insistent.” He shrugged. “He owns a private suite and comes often, and since I was visiting him, he dragged me along.”

A private suite. Fucking stars.Renting a suite for the night was expensive. Owning a private one? The amount had to be astronomical. On first impression, it was clear that he dressed nicely and in clothes well-suited to his build, but now that little tidbit had her giving him another thorough once-over, noting things she hadn’t before, like the nearly invisible seams and the little three moon logo barely on the far side of his chest. She knew that designer—heck, most people this side of the galaxy would. Knew it, but could never afford it.

“…I suppose you could say he’s occupied as well.”

Shit.He was still talking, and she’d totally zoned out while ogling him.

“So, I thought I’d grab a drink and relax for a little while. But then I saw that male grab you.” He shook his head. “You looked terribly uncomfortable, so I thought I needed to step in.”

“I’m so glad you did,” Aivey replied. She wasn’t above needing to be saved, especially by someone as gorgeous as him. Though more than that, he somehow made her feel comfortable. Safe. Almost like his presence was a balm to her nerves in and of itself. His looks were just a bonus.

He waved down one of the droids, who hovered over to their position. “A drink for the lady on my credits.” He held out armband for it to scan. “Whatever she wants. And I’ll take a Yenkoth Amber. No additives.”

It was tempting to go for something high-end, but that would be rude. Though if she went with the bottom shelf crap they drank at the academy, and apparently was served here too since Vesta had purchased it, her sexy new companion might rethink his stay. Instead, she aimed for something just a little nicer than her usual. “Astrian blue, please. No ice.”

He raised a silver brow. “Excellent choice.”

The hint of a flush crept up her neck as the droid floated off to make their drinks. “I just realized that I never got your name,” Aivey said.