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“I’d never do that to you,” Karn said. “I know you don’t take me seriously, but I can change. I’m already changing, thanks to you.”

“What if I don’t want you to change? I might like you as you are.”

“Ripping people off and taking dodgy jobs because they pay well?”

“He sounds perfect for you,” Marcus said.

“Billy, strangle him for me,” Ivy said.

Billy glared at Marcus. “If I wasn’t restrained, I would.”

Ivy stroked Karn’s cheek. “When you’re not playing the part of some super villain, you’re not so bad.”

“I don’t play a part. That’s who I am.”

Ivy sat back on her heels. Her gaze lingered on Marcus. He’d said the same sort of thing. He’d promised to change, get a reliable job, and act responsibly. Would Karn be the same?

Karn rocked closer to Ivy and nudged her leg. “I get it. That guy’s a jerk. He messed you around. I won’t do that.”

“You might think you won’t. What’s to say you don’t default to your usual behavior? Marcus used to do it to me.”

“I am nothing like Marcus. For one, I’d never sell you to another alien. Well, I would, but only if you’re really mean to me.”

Marcus snorted.

Ivy glared at him. “You seem not to have received the message to keep your mouth shut.”

“You should stay away from the criminal,” the co-pilot said. “Karn is dangerous. It’s not good to be around him.”

“He’s not dangerous,” Ivy said. “He likes to think he is. Karn puts on a really good act, just like we all do.”

“You’re blowing my cover,” Karn said. “Everyone needs to know I’m big, bad, and dangerous. Otherwise, they’ll come looking for me.”

“You can’t give up being a spy,” Billy said. “You need to train me. I’m your apprentice.”

“You’ll get your training, kid,” Karn said, “maybe in a more noble profession.”

“If you’re giving up the spy business, what will you do?” Billy asked.

“Something that makes my woman happy, if that’s okay with her.” Karn smiled up at Ivy. “I liked what you said.”

Ivy’s pulse quickened. “What did I say?”

“That you’re into me. That you might even love me.”

Marcus shifted in his seat and muttered under his breath again.

Ivy bit the inside of her mouth. She didn’t want to get things wrong this time. “I’m not sure I do.”

Karn’s face sagged. “I know. I figured you said those things, so I knew something was wrong when Marcus took you.”

“Wait. I mean, I like you. I like the fact you can see there’s more to me than designer boots and attitude.”

Karn was quiet for a moment.

Ivy simply stared at him. They were both putting on an act, keeping up a barrier to avoid getting hurt. Someone had to let the barrier drop. She opened her mouth. Nothing came out. Her eyes shut against the growing hotness. She wanted to change, but what if it all went wrong?

“Maybe we can see if My Single Alien was right in matching us. It could be fun,” Karn said.