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Chapter 23

Karn’s good mood hadfaded with every hour he’d been inside the cell on his own. It had been more than a day since he’d seen Ivy. Where was she? She should have been to see him by now.

He rolled his shoulders, only feeling a twinge from where the laser had struck him after his nano-med treatment. It was his heart that troubled him. He couldn’t settle. There was so much he wanted to say to Ivy.

A sense of dread fell over him as he contemplated a future without Ivy. Maybe she’d changed her mind. Her evil boss, Diadora, had sounded convincing when warning Ivy off him.

He was a changed Forka. At least, he would do the best he could to change. Ivy was an incredible woman. He had no plans to let her get away. In order to do that, he needed to see her and make sure she felt the same.

Karn jumped up as the door was unlocked. His expression fell as Billy walked in.

Billy chuckled. “It’s nice to see you, too.”

“It’s not that. It’s great you’re here.” Karn sank back onto the single cot. “Thanks for coming to see me. Have you been charged with anything?”

“No, thanks to you.” Billy tilted his head. “Security said you took responsibility for everything. I tried to tell them I helped steal the ship, but they weren’t interested. Once they had your confession, they let me out of the cell.”

“That’s great. You wouldn’t be in this mess if I hadn’t asked you to help.”

“I was happy to do so. That’s what all good apprentices do.”

Karn leaned against the wall. “You’re a good kid.”

“You were hoping I would be your hot chick?”

Karn shrugged. “I’ve been worried about her. Have you any news?”

Billy looked around the inside of the holding cell. “She’s fine. The last I saw of her, she was talking to her boss. I think she’s worked things out.”

“Even though Ivy complains about it, I know she loves working at My Single Alien.” Karn ran a hand across his face. “I’d like to see her to make sure she’s doing okay.”

“You’re really into her.” Billy perched on the edge of Karn’s single bed.

“I’m crazy about her.”

Billy grinned. “I knew I’d make you into a love convert.”

“You were right. Love is the best.”

“And you’re having a kid together. How awesome is that?”

Karn shook his head. “Ivy needs to get that confirmed. I’m sure it’s happening, though. When I touched her, I just knew she carried my child.”

“It’s good news?”

“It’s scarier than going up against a troop of angry Galaxars.” Karn grinned. “I can’t wait to be a father. Ivy’s going to have it tough, though. Forka babies grow rapidly in the first month.”

“Ivy will handle it. I reckon your woman is tough enough to handle anything.”

“I know she’ll be an amazing mother. I still want to be there to help her. I doubt that’s going to happen for a while.”

“Any idea how long you’ll be away?” Billy asked. “Maybe you can give me a training plan, so I’m ready for when you get out.”

“A training plan?”

“Sure. I’ll do anything to make sure you consider me a useful member of your team.”

Karn stared at Billy. “We make a great team, kid. Are you sure you want to be a part of this? My work can be on the shady side.”