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“It’s a small consolation, but I have managed to secure all your wages.” Vegas smiled at her. “It won’t help much but will give you a bit of breathing space until you find something else to cover the medical bills.”

“Thanks. My sister will appreciate it.” Hayley felt a surge of panic every time she thought about Sally. She had enough money to cover another five weeks of her treatment. She had to find a new well-paying job fast.

“I’ll give you the best reference I can,” Vegas said. “Don’t go to Diadora; come straight to me if anyone has questions about your time here. You did great work, and I’ll be honest about that.”

Hayley swallowed the lump in her throat. She’d only been here a short time but had made true friends. She’d never forget them. “Elias said he will help, but I still need some extra cash to pay for everything.”

“You’ll figure something out,” Kendra said. “You’re smart and resourceful. Your sister will be fine.”

Sinead nodded. “I’ll look out for any new jobs coming up. There are always vacancies on the space station.”

“I might need to leave and see if I can get work elsewhere if nothing comes up soon,” Hayley said.

“You’ll leave Elias behind?” Sinead asked.

“Oh, no. Well, only for a short time. He said he’d go anywhere with me. He’s sweet like that.” Hayley looked at the small silver watch on her wrist and smiled. It was a gift from Elias. He had inscribed on the back: Always. Forever. My heart is yours.

“He’s your slave. Your love slave.” Kendra grinned at her. They knew all about Hayley’s fight with Princess Isolt and the fact she technically owned every inch of her sexy alien.

“Quit it. He’s free to go if he wants to. He just never wants to.”

Vegas grinned. “He’s so into you. You two are sickeningly sweet together.”

“You’re no better with Solan,” Nell said, “the way he guards you when you’re walking in the corridors, making threatening eye contact with anyone if they look at your baby bump.”

“He’s quite the protector,” Vegas said. “It’s because he’s a first-time dad. You know what he’s like; he gets all growly and surly if he thinks anyone is looking at me the wrong way.” She grinned and patted her belly.

“If I’m not around, you’ll have to let me know when the baby is born,” Hayley said. “That will be something to celebrate.”

“Absolutely. We’re going to throw a party when this baby finally pops out. I, for one, am more than ready,” Vegas said. “I can barely do more than a slow waddle. Pretty soon, Solan will have to carry me everywhere.”

“He’d love that,” Nell said. “Any excuse to have you in his arms.”

“Same goes for me,” Vegas said.

Hayley finished packing her box and closed the lid. “Is there any news on how things are going with Princess Isolt and Professor Grenville?” She hadn’t mentioned the princess’s plans for Raymond to the others. At first, when Elias had told her he’d gone to see Princess Isolt, Hayley had been horrified. She’d thought he was crazy and had risked his life on the off-chance the princess would consider his suggestion. When he’d explained how well it had gone, and how Princess Isolt was looking forward to teaching Raymond a lesson, she’d warmed to the idea.

“That’s an odd one. Princess Isolt left three days ago after signing the paperwork and they’d both had their induction,” Nell said. “Since then, all my messages have gone unanswered.”

“She could be enjoying her time with her new mate,” Kendra said. “They must have lots of things to learn about each other.”

“Rather him than me,” Sinead said. “I did not like the glint in the princess’s eyes when they boarded her ship. It looked like she was stalking Professor Grenville up the ramp. He has no clue what he’s letting himself in for.”

Hayley nodded and kept her smile to herself. She shouldn’t rejoice in the fact Raymond had most likely met a gruesome end. He deserved it. She’d spoken to the other women he’d manipulated, and they’d submitted a formal statement to the college about his behavior. It was being investigated, not that they’d be able to do much since Raymond had disappeared, but there was talk of new study offers at the college if the women wanted them. It was a start, and Hayley was happy with it. With Raymond permanently out of the way, he could harm no one else.

“I’m sure it’s nothing,” Vegas said. “Give it a couple of weeks and check-in with her again. Princess Isolt must have a lot to share with her new mate. If all goes well, it will open a new revenue stream for us. Human males and alien females joining together. I wasn’t sure it would work.”

“If it doesn’t,” Hayley said, “we know the popularity of My Single Alien is never going to wane. Thanks to Ivy’s early push on the publicity, you’re going to be even busier.”

Vegas groaned. “And you won’t be here, and I’ll be on maternity leave. How are we going to cope?”

“We’ll manage,” Nell said. “Kendra and Sinead are going great guns with their matches.”

“We’re getting there,” Sinead said. “Another six months, and I’ll feel like I know what I’m doing.”

“You’ve got about six days,” Vegas said. “I’m about to burst. But I’ll get back to work as soon as I can after the baby is born.”

“No, you won’t,” Nell said. “You’re going to take things easy and have plenty of time getting to know your new baby. Solan won’t have it any other way. If you come back too soon, he’ll tie you to the bed.”