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Vegas strolled over and took a cookie.
Ivy glared at her but then looked away and softened her expression. This was new to her, all this girlie bonding. The more she did it, the easier it became. It still didn’t feel comfortable, opening up and sharing secrets.
Vegas took a bite of her cookie. “It sounds like Karn’s getting out in six months, just in time for the birth. I still can’t believe Diadora put in a good word for him.”
“Neither can I,” Ivy admitted. “I assumed from the way she talked that she wanted to make him suffer.”
“There’s a good heart inside that hard shell,” Nell said. “Diadora hides it, but she looks out for us.”
“She’s even okay with me dating Karn now that he’s removed his profile from our database. He’s off our books, so I’m not breaking any rules,” Ivy said.
“Even if you were, it would be hard for her to complain. The database matched you instantly. You’re a perfect pair,” Vegas said, “a perfect threesome if we include your bump.”
“She’s not happy about it, but I agreed to bring forward the next promotional campaign, so our new arrival won’t get in the way of things. That makes her look good, and the Council of Representatives is happy.”
“That’s a lot of work,” Vegas said. “If you need a hand, let us know. You might get tired as the baby grows. He’s going to be a big baby. You look larger every time I see you.”
Ivy held back on her sarcastic comment. “You know your way around a photo shoot?”
“Not a clue.” Vegas grinned. “If you’re willing to teach me, I can help.”
“We all can,” Avril said. “It could be fun.”
“It’s work, not fun.”
“It can be both,” Avril said.
Ivy’s wrist comm signaled it was time to visit Karn. He’d been sent to the low security prison on the Waylander station. It was the newest facility set up in the Milky Way, a state-of-the-art reform prison. Best of all, they allowed conjugal visits.
“Ivy’s smiling. It’s got to be amazing news,” Vegas said.
“I smile when I have something worth smiling for.” Ivy jumped to her feet. “I’ll be back in three hours.”
“You’re going to visit Karn,” Avril said. “You always get that look on your face when you’re about to see him.”
“I’ve no clue what you’re talking about.” Ivy turned and hurried to the door. “If Diadora notices I’m missing, tell her I’m interviewing a couple for the latest edition of the magazine.”
“Will do,” Vegas said. “We won’t blow your cover.”
“Or your conjugal fun party privileges,” Avril said.
“If you’re back in time, we’re having a movie night tonight,” Heather said. “You’re welcome to join us.”
Ivy paused and looked around the room. They were making an effort to include her, even though she’d been a first-class bitch to them for over a year. She’d spent so long keeping everybody at arm’s length because she didn’t want to get hurt, but they were genuinely decent people. Sometimes, they were also incredibly annoying and girlie, but she sort of liked that. Ivy loved feeling included. She’d been alone for too long.
“What do you say?” Avril asked. “I’ll bring the treats. I might even find some pickled cabbage for baby.”
“Okay. No romance. All those soppy movies leave me cold.”
“Not this evening. We’re having a full-on superhero action marathon. All the explosions, unrequited love, and tight body suits a girl can lust after.”
Ivy nodded, her thoughts going to Karn. “I can handle some superheroes in tight lycra flying through the air and saving the day.”
“Maybe another evening we can have a holo-suite game together,” Avril said. “We’re doing dragons in space. Ivy, you’d look great as a warrior princess, swinging a huge plasma sword as you killed the orcs.”
Ivy snorted. “One step at a time, geeks. See you later for our superhero fest.” She hurried out of the office, a spring in her step as she raced to the docking bay and the shuttle waiting for her.
She wasn’t into holo-suite role-play, but as she considered it, it wasn’t a terrible idea. Ivy had a few dress-up scenarios she wouldn’t mind trying with Karn. Most of it involved him being her slave or maybe a wounded warrior who never stopped fighting for her.
