Page 6 of Bounty Hunter’s Match (Vinduthi Captured Mates #6)

BAREK

I found the office transformed. Floating hearts drifted at eye level, casting shifting shadows across the walls. More hearts dangled from the ceiling on nearly invisible threads. The twins had been busy.

“Good morning!” Risa waved from her perch atop a ladder. “We’re enhancing the aesthetic.”

“Romance requires proper atmosphere,” Rina added, adjusting another heart.

I growled. “This is a security risk.”

“The hearts are scanning for weapons.” MIRA’s crystals chimed smugly. “Multi-tasking.”

Soft music started playing. Something with strings and vocals about eternal devotion.

“MIRA.”

“What? It’s traditional.”

I stalked toward my desk, batting away a particularly persistent heart that kept drifting into my face. The memory of last night rose unbidden - Camden’s lips soft against mine, her fingers curling into my shirt...

No. Professional thoughts only.

“Oh good, you’re here!” Risa bounced down from her ladder. “We have something for you.”

Rina produced a datapad with a flourish. “‘When Security Protocols Fail: A Love Story.’ Very educational.”

“I don’t need-”

“Chapter three covers workplace romance.” Risa’s innocent expression didn’t fool me. “Since you’re obviously gathering intelligence...”

I snatched the pad before she could continue. “This is harassment.”

“This is research assistance!” Rina protested. “We’re very supportive of your... development.”

My comm unit chimed. Larthul’s code.

“Security alert,” I read. “Formal complaint filed by Mondian trade delegation regarding ‘discriminatory atmospheric protocols’ at-” I stopped. “The restaurant incident.”

“Ooh, they didn’t like the floating tables?” Risa perked up. “But their dance moves were amazing! The video has-”

“No numbers.” I started for the door. “And no more decorations.”

“But the romance aesthetic-”

“No.”

The music swelled as I left. Something about hearts burning with passion.

I was definitely spacing that AI.

Larthul’s office proved no better. She had the viral video playing on repeat, enlarged to show every detail of my exit with Camden.

“Security review,” she said without looking up. “Very thorough.”

“You’re enjoying this.”

“I’m analyzing potential vulnerabilities.” Her massive form shifted, scales gleaming under the office lights. “Like how my best operative let himself get recorded in a compromising position.”

“The twins-”

“Are an asset we can use.” She paused the video. “The Mondians who filed the complaint? Trade delegates from the Outer Rim. Very influential.”

“And?”

“Maybe they should get free tickets to the Valentine’s Gala.” Her fangs gleamed in a grin I could only assume was amused. “Unless you’d rather handle the diplomatic fallout yourself?”

I considered the stack of incident reports on her desk. The trade implications. The political mess if those delegates decided to make an issue of perceived discrimination.

“No dancing,” I said finally.

“No dancing,” she agreed. “Though the video suggests you might have some moves of your own...”

I left before she could replay it again.

The corridor outside proved no safer. Madame Hara materialized from a side passage, tentacles rippling with excitement.

“Darling! Just the warrior I needed!” Her grin widened. “I simply must get your input on my latest work.”

“No.”

“But the scene practically writes itself!” She gestured dramatically, nearly hitting a passing Merrith with her tentacles. “‘The Warrior’s Heart: A Security Romance.’ The stoic protector, the brilliant matchmaker, forbidden passion blooming amidst danger...”

“I have a meeting.”

“Chapter one opens with a kiss in a darkened corridor...” She followed as I quickened my pace. “Though perhaps we should start earlier, build the tension...”

A familiar giggle echoed from the vents above.

“The twins are recording,” I warned.

“Perfect!” Her tentacles curled with delight. “We can workshop dialogue. Now, in chapter three, when the warrior finally admits his feelings...”

I ducked into a maintenance shaft, but she kept narrating through the wall. Something about moonlight and destiny.

The twins’ laughter followed me all the way back to Perfect Match.

Camden waited in her office, studying client files. The morning light caught in her hair, turning it to fire.

Professional thoughts.

“The Mondians filed a complaint,” I said.

“I heard.” She looked up, lips curved in a smile that made my chest ache. “Larthul suggested we give them tickets to the Gala?”

“It would solve several problems.”

“True.” She stood, moving closer. “Though we should discuss security measures first. The supply closet has excellent privacy settings.”

“Bishop...”

“Very thorough protocols.” Her fingers brushed my arm. “Worth investigating.”

The supply closet proved surprisingly spacious. And private.

Her skin felt like silk beneath my fingertips as I traced them along her cheek. The scent of her - flowers and something uniquely Camden - filled my senses. My pulse thundered in my ears.

Warning signals flashed in my mind. This crossed every line I’d drawn. Broke every rule.

But when she tilted her face into my touch, logic scattered like stardust.

I lowered my head slowly, giving her time to pull away. Her breath caught. Those green eyes darkened as they met mine. The space between us crackled with electricity that had nothing to do with the station’s systems.

“...” My name on her lips undid me.

I kissed her. Softly at first, learning the shape of her mouth. Then her fingers slid into my hair, nails grazing my scalp, and softness burned away. I pulled her closer, one hand at her waist, the other still cradling her face. She made a small sound in her throat that shot straight through me.

The kiss deepened. Heat blazed between us, dangerous and wild. She tasted like starlight and possibility. Like everything I’d denied wanting since that first day in her office.

My hands shook as I gentled my grip on her waist. Too much. Not enough. She pressed closer, and coherent thought vanished. There was only the silk of her skin, the warmth of her body against mine, the way she kissed me back like she’d been starving for it too.

Warning klaxons blared in the distance. We broke apart, both breathing hard. Her lips were swollen, her hair mussed where I’d run my fingers through it. When had I done that?

“That was...” She touched her mouth, eyes wide.

“Bishop.” My voice came out rougher than I’d intended.

“Yes?”

“Stop analyzing.”

Her laugh brushed my cheek. “Never.”

I caught her chin, tilted her face up. “Then I’ll have to try harder to distract you.”

This time when I kissed her, I poured everything I couldn’t say into it. Every missed chance, every stolen glance, every moment I’d wanted to reach for her and held back. Her hands fisted in my shirt as she rose on her toes to meet me.

The klaxons grew louder. Didn’t matter. Nothing mattered but the taste of her, the soft sounds she made when I traced her lower lip with my tongue, the way she fit against me like she belonged there.

Like she’d always belonged there.

I broke the kiss to trail my lips along her jaw, down the curve of her neck. Her pulse fluttered beneath my mouth.

Mine to protect. Mine to cherish. Mine-

“Oh!” The Sylphid client who had just phased through the wall flickered with embarrassment. “Is this traditional human courtship location? The guide mentioned ‘private moments’ but failed to specify proper etiquette for interruption...”

Camden buried her face in my chest, shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

“Out,” I growled.

“Of course! Though perhaps I could observe? For cultural research?”

“OUT.”

They retreated through the wall, still asking questions about human mating customs.

“Well.” Camden straightened her shirt as we left the closet. “That was...”

“If you say ‘educational,’ I’m confiscating all the dating guides.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” But her smile said otherwise. “Though speaking of education, Madame Hara left you another manuscript draft...”

“No.”

“Chapter four looked particularly interesting...”

The office door chimed. Sarith Vask stood in the entrance, his usual entourage notably absent. Instead of his typical elaborate displays, he carried a single data crystal.

“Ms. Bishop.” His plumage lay flat - a sign of humility I’d never seen from him before. “I understand you’re not accepting new clients, but I hoped...”

“Mr. Vask.” Camden’s voice held professional courtesy, nothing more. “This is unexpected.”

“I’ve been... reviewing my previous approaches.” He held out the crystal. “This contains records of anonymous donations to the station’s lower level education initiatives. And several trade agreements benefiting smaller merchant houses.”

I tensed, but Camden’s slight head shake kept me in place.

“That’s... commendable,” she said carefully. “But if you’re trying to buy your way-”

“No.” His feathers rippled with what looked like genuine distress. “I observed your other clients. Watched how they... connect. I realized I’ve been approaching this wrong.” He gestured at himself. “All of it wrong.”

“Even pompous feathers can learn!” Rina’s voice drifted from above.

“We’re documenting his character development!” Risa added.

Vask looked up, startled. “Are they always...?”

“Yes,” Camden and I answered simultaneously.

He actually laughed - a short, surprised sound. “I see why you rejected my complaint about their recordings.” His plumage settled into calmer patterns. “I’ve been watching their channel, actually. The episode about authentic connections was... enlightening.”

“Told you the educational series would work!” Risa called down.

“Viewer feedback indicates a 47% improvement in interpersonal awareness,” Rina added.

“Starting a redemption arc spreadsheet!”

I growled softly, but Camden’s lips curved. “The twins’ methods are... unique,” she admitted. “But often effective.”

“I’m beginning to understand that.” Vask’s stance shifted to something less commanding. “I’m not asking to be a client. Not yet. But perhaps... advice? On how to be worthy of becoming one?”

It was well done. Almost too well done. But something in his manner...

“Genuine,” MIRA’s crystals pulsed softly. “Behavioral analysis indicates significant shifts in social interaction patterns.”

“We could start with coffee,” Camden suggested. “In a public space. Discussion only.”

“With security present,” I added firmly.

Vask nodded, accepting the conditions without his usual flourish. “Thank you. I... thank you.”

After he left, Camden turned to me with raised eyebrows. “Thoughts?”

“Could be manipulation.”

“Could be growth.”

“The twins’ channel actually helped someone?” I couldn’t quite keep the disbelief from my voice.

“We’re very educational!” Risa protested from the ceiling.

“With excellent cinematography!” Rina added.

“Speaking of education...” Camden plucked the newest dating guide from my hand. “Chapter five has some interesting points about second chances.”

I caught her hand before she could retreat. “Professional research?”

“Always.” But her smile held promise. “Though perhaps we should discuss it somewhere without recording devices?”

The twins’ disappointed groans followed us out of the office.

Back in my quarters, I reviewed the security footage from Perfect Match. Standard procedure. Nothing more. The way Bishop handled the Renthian-Merrith coupling showed skill - reading micro-expressions across species wasn’t easy. Not many humans could do it.

Not many humans would face down Sarith Vask either. Her stance had been perfect, spine straight but not rigid. Ready for trouble but not expecting it. Professional.

I found myself rewinding that segment more than necessary. Studying her technique, I told myself. Nothing more.

The twins’ chatter in the background mentioned something about “compatibility indicators.” I disabled the audio. Didn’t need more of their theories about cross-species attraction patterns.

Even if I had caught myself watching Bishop’s movements with more than professional interest.

Even if I’d noticed how her scent changed subtly when I stood close.

Even if-

No. This was a temporary assignment. Nothing more.

I closed the feeds and started my nightly weapons check. Ignored how my fingers kept drifting to where she’d brushed against my arm while discussing security protocols.

Professional distance. That’s all this was.

Had to be.