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Chapter 10

Ivy skulked behindDiadora. After their confrontation at the end of the photo shoot, Diadora had insisted they return to the office so she could explain exactly what had happened.

Humiliation burned through Ivy. She felt like a naughty school girl who’d been summoned to the headmaster’s office. None of this was her fault.

“In here,” Diadora said.

Ivy followed her into the main office. She was less than thrilled to see Vegas already there.

Diadora sat next to Vegas. “Explain yourself.”

Ivy remained standing. “You’ve got this all wrong.”

Diadora held up her hand. “Just the facts. Begin with why you came to the office so late last night.”

Ivy sighed. She wasn’t even sure why she’d gone there. She hadn’t been able to sleep after getting so full on with Karn. She’d been thinking about him, thinking about their match. Was that why she’d let her guard down?

She started with the basics. “I was restless. I had work to finish up, so I decided to get on with it. Isn’t that what you like to see, your employees going the extra mile?”

“What business?” Diadora asked.

“I wanted to check some promotional materials.” That was her first lie.

“There’s nothing that requires checking. Try again.”

Ivy’s stomach clenched. Diadora was adept at hearing through any lies. “I had an idea for new promotional material. I wanted to look at old files to make sure the content was relevant and fresh. I know the pressure you’re under from the Council of Representatives to increase signups. It needs to be different and appeal to a wider alien base. There’s no point in rehashing old materials that weren’t successful.”

“You all have access to your work files from anywhere in the station. Why come to the office?”

Ivy shrugged. “I left my tablet in the studio. The office was closest.”

Diadora glanced at Vegas. “I know about your file. I know you submitted your profile to be matched with an alien, even though staff cannot be matched. It’s a breach of their employment contract.”

Ivy glared at Vegas. She knew she wouldn’t keep this secret.

Vegas’s eyes widened a fraction. “I didn’t show Diadora your file. I promised you I’d give you time to make a decision.”

“I monitor the matches,” Diadora said. “Of course, I’m going to notice when an employee submits her dating profile. I’m not an imbecile. I was waiting to see if you would come to me and explain yourself.”

“It was a joke. Nothing serious.” Ivy’s stomach lurched. It felt like she was getting the flu. This was more than the after-effects of too many shots last night.

“When you didn’t come and explain yourself, I became curious. I spoke with Vegas about the match. Against my better judgment, Vegas convinced me to give you time to consider your options, which I did.”

Ivy looked over their heads. “You expect me to be grateful?”

“If you want to keep your job.”

Ivy placed a hand on her roiling stomach. “I would never go through with the match. We all know how untrustworthy Forkas are. Why do I want to get involved with one of them?”

Diadora arched a brow. “Then I discover you’ve been in our office after hours with your match. That cannot be a coincidence.”

“I had no clue he would be there,” Ivy said. “I was surprised when I discovered him.”

“What reason did he give for being in the office?” Diadora asked. “He didn’t steal data; he altered it.”

“I’m not sure.” Ivy’s whole body went hot. She wiped a hand across her forehead and realized she was sweating.

“Are you okay?” Vegas asked. “Why don’t you sit down?”