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“You’re a spy. You have no loyalty. You work with whoever pays you the most. Who wants to be good at something like that?”

“It’s all I know how to do,” Karn said.

Ivy glanced at him and looked away. He seemed so sincere. It was as if spending time in the cells had given him a chance to reassess and realize what an idiot he’d been. Could his time in a holding cell have made him reflect on his dubious actions? She doubted it.

“There’s one other thing.” Karn leaned forward. “It’s the most important to me. We’ve got something between us. Your own database is certain we’re a perfect match.”

“The data is wrong. Don’t trust it.”

“Are you so sure it’s wrong? We looked to be an incredible match. I would like to explore that with you and see where we can take things.” Karn brushed a finger across the back of Ivy’s hand.

She flinched and pulled her hands into her lap.

Concern furrowed Karn’s brow. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine if you discount my lack of employment.”

Karn tilted his head to the side. “You don’t feel sick?”

Ivy must look as bad as she felt. “What makes you say that?”

Karn reached for her hand again. “When I touched you, I’m not sure...”

“You can’t know I’m sick just by touching me.”

“I don’t think you’re unwell.” Karn’s intense stare had Ivy shifting in her seat.

“Why the sudden interest in my wellbeing? You’re a player. I’ve seen you in the bar with other women. It’s a different one every time. You don’t strike me as a relationship kind of guy, the caring, thoughtful kind who looks out for his girl.”

“I didn’t think I was either.” Karn continued to scrutinize Ivy. “The more I get to know you, the more I’m beginning to wonder. Maybe there is one person out there for me. Maybe that person is you.”

Ivy wished she could read minds. She didn’t know if Karn was being honest with her. She couldn’t trust him. He’d lied and deceived her. “You need to stay out of my way. We aren’t right for each other. Serve your time on the mining planet and get on with your life. Don’t come back to Prodigy. You won’t be welcome here.”

Karn’s gaze went to the ground. “Do you have somebody else in your life? Somebody you’re waiting for?”

Ivy shoved her chair back and stood. Her stomach was cramping again. She did not want a repeat performance of public puking in front of Karn. “It’s not about somebody else. Maybe I’m happy just as I am. I don’t need a guy in my life to make me happy.”

When Karn looked up at her, she was surprised to see a glimmer of hope in his dark eyes. “You’re not missing anyone you left behind on Earth?”

She shook her head. What was he talking about? Why did Karn care who she left behind when she left Earth? “There’s no one back there for me. Nobody I care about. My parents are gone, and I’m an only child.”

“I was thinking more a fiancé or boyfriend. You know, a significant other. There’s no one you’re hoping will come after you?”

“No, if I wanted someone to come with me when I left Earth, I’d have brought them.” Ivy shook her head. “You’re not making sense. I thought you’d try to talk me out of pressing charges. What do you care about my past love life?”

Karn relaxed back in his seat. “I am bothered about going to the mining prison, but I also worry about you.”

Ivy threw her hands up in exasperation. “Stop worrying. I’m fine without you.” She strode to the door and banged on it.

“Ivy, promise me one thing.”

“I don’t have to promise you anything.”

“I’m serious. I’m worried about you. Go see a doctor as soon as possible.”

Did she really look that unwell? “I’m just tired and stressed. That’s all your fault.”

“It’s more than that.”