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“She likes to dominate. Ivy takes the lead and tells you what to do.”

Marcus glared at him. “That was a guess.”

“If you say so.” It was Karn’s turn to smirk. “Ivy doesn’t need someone like you back in her life. She’s doing well here. She’s moved on. So should you. It’s a desperate move chasing her all the way here.”

Strande nodded. “It’s not good to look back. You and Ivy might have been good together in the past, but things change. From what Karn has told me, Ivy’s got a reputation on the station. You don’t mess with her.”

Marcus grinned. “It sounds like she hasn’t changed that much. She had the same reputation on Earth. People knew to get out of her way or they’d regret it.”

“She was always like that?” Karn asked. “Or did your cheating and lying turn her into someone who can’t trust others?”

“Whatever, man. She’s got her own mind. It’s up to her how she behaves.”

“Was that the only time you cheated?” Karn asked. “When you were on a break?”

Marcus ran his hands through his hair. “There might have been a couple of other girls. Nobody important. I always went back to Ivy. She knew she was the only one for me. I needed to experiment before I settled for her.”

“Ivy is not the kind of woman you settle for.” Karn had never thought about being with one woman for the rest of his life, but he could imagine Ivy in his life for good. The idea filled him with excitement and a little terror.

“She’ll come back to me. As soon as she knows I’m here, everything will change. She’s been playing hardball, ignoring my messages and requests to visit. A guy can only take so many knocks before he decides to take things into his own hands.”

“You mean she’s been rejecting you, but you came anyway?” Karn sneered at Marcus. “You need to take the hint. Ivy’s not interested. She’s moved on to something better.”

“With you?”

“Why not? It sounds like Ivy’s been missing a real man in her life.”

“You’re not a man. What kind of abilities do Forka have, exactly? You’re all supposed to have special skills or abilities.”

“He’s the kind you need to be careful of,” Strande muttered.

Marcus slid Karn a sideways glare. “We might not look the same, but I’m not scared of you.”

“You should be.” Karn glared at Marcus without blinking. This guy was a serious idiot. No wonder Ivy had fled Earth to get away from him. He was as dumb as a brick, with a big ego and a tiny brain. When Ivy realized this jerk was on the station, she’d delight in throwing him off. Karn would like to see that when it happened.

The cell door locks clicked open. A cyborg guard stood outside.

“We’re getting out,” Marcus said.

“Everybody stand against the wall,” the cyborg said.

The three of them stood with their backs to the wall.

“Strande, you are to be released. Pay your fine at the desk.”

Strande grinned at Karn. “No more drinking for me. I’ve learned my lesson.”

“I bet you’ve said that before.” Karn didn’t want Strande to leave. When he’d been too drunk to stand and sang off key, he’d been a pain. When he left, it would mean Karn had to share the cell with Marcus.

“Once or twice.” Strande patted Karn’s shoulder. “Stay out of trouble.” He glanced at Marcus. “You too. Go easy on Ivy. She might not be happy to see you.”

“She’ll be delighted to see me.” Marcus took a step toward the door. The cyborg instantly raised its arm. “Stay where you are.”

Marcus raised his hands and backed away. “I just want to know when I’m getting out of here.”

The cyborg didn’t respond. It waited until Strande had left before locking the door again.

Marcus sighed and rested against the wall. “How long are they legally allowed to keep us in here?”