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Chapter 18

“How do I stop the shipfrom shaking itself apart?” Ivy’s hands were clammy as she stared at the confusing array of options on the ship’s control panel.

“You need to get the ship stabilizers back online,” Billy said over the comm.

“Which button do I press to reengage?”

“You’ll have to do a manual override before you can reengage,” Billy said. “You must have the ship’s automatic controls off-line or disengaged, as well. Normally, you can’t mess with the stabilizers if you’re cruising on autopilot.”

“Tell me what to do.”

“Didn’t you take the flight simulation course when you came to Prodigy?” Billy asked. “I loved them. They gave me the knowledge to fly a shuttle.”

“I might have skipped those lessons.” Ivy had been to the first three lessons, but figured she’d never need to pilot her own ship. She could always pay somebody to do that for her. Now, she wished she’d paid attention and completed the course.

“It’s not a problem.”

“It’s a big, fat problem from where I’m sitting.” Ivy took a deep breath. “You must be human if you took those classes.”

“I sure am. I’ve been here almost a year. Billy Quinn. All human and at your service.”

Ivy nodded. “Okay, Billy Quinn the human, how do I get out of this mess?”

“We’ll get you fixed.”

“Who’s we?”

There was no reply.

“Billy, please, you have to help me.”

“Did you just admit you can’t do this on your own?”

Ivy’s heart fluttered. “Karn! Is that you?”

“With my good friend Billy. We’re here to rescue your sexy butt.”

She felt oddly pleased Karn had come to her rescue. “I don’t know how to fly. Something happened when I was fighting with Marcus.”

“Marcus is there? Did he hurt you?”

“No, just a few bruises. I shoved him, and he landed on the control panel. That must have been when everything went off-line.”

“He was leaving the station, and you were going with him?”

“No! That idiot tried to convince me we should get back together. When I turned him down, he drugged me and took me anyway. He’s taking me to some alien auction to sell me to the highest bidder.”

“That scum sucking piece of space dirt,” Karn growled. “I’ll rip him apart.”

“You’ll have to get in line.” Ivy glanced over her shoulder to where Marcus still lay unconscious on the floor.

He was the reason she’d become so fiercely independent. Marcus had forced her to put up a barrier so high no one would hurt her again. He’d bruised her heart so many times she’d wondered if it would ever heal. Marcus put himself first. Look where it had gotten him.

Ivy needed help. She had to lower her defenses. If she didn’t get it, she would die. “Karn, tell me what to do. I need you.”

“I’m right here.” Karn sounded deadly serious. “I’m adding this to the list of favors you owe me.”

“Don’t push your luck.” Her newfound humbleness had its limits.