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But the way Avel touched her and explored her mouth with his tongue, drinking in her taste and drawing her near until his hard chest pressed against hers, it felt so different. It did make her feel sexy. It made her feel desirable. Holly was tempted to ease down the zipper on her jumpsuit and let Avel’s hands explore her body.

A wave of panic flooded over her, and she pulled back. No, this wasn’t what she wanted. Holly wasn’t going to be Avel’s one-night stand. She needed love and acceptance and someone who wanted her just the way she was, chocolate smeared face and all. She wasn’t perfect, but this was who she was. She wasn’t going to morph into some sexual fantasy of Avel’s. She was better than that.

The lust in Avel’s eyes faded as he studied her face. “I’ve lost you again. I get it. This isn’t for you.” He kissed the back of her hand. “I respect the hell out of you for doing this.”

Holly pursed her lips. “What do you mean?”

“You know what you want, and it’s not this. I’m offering you an incredible night of sex, but you want more, don’t you?”

She blushed but continued to meet his gaze. “I do. This is exciting, but it isn’t me. I’m a quiet night in with a mug of hot chocolate kind of woman. I’m not a sex kitten. I’m not what you’re looking for.”

Avel shook his head and sighed. “It’s a shame you don’t want to try something different. You might find you love it.”

“Steamy sex has its place but not tonight. Not for us.”

“Steamy sex.” Avel’s gaze turned hungry. “Sugar, I’d love to make this place steamy with you.” He ran his hands through Holly’s hair before pulling her in for another kiss. This time, it was slow, deliberate, and final.

Her stomach flipped, regret simmering through her. Avel knew he wouldn’t get what he wanted from her, so he was letting her go.

“If you ever change your mind, I’m here.” Avel kissed her cheek. “I’ll never turn you down, Holly.”

Holly giggled, cringing at the unfamiliar sound coming out of her mouth. “I imagine a night with you would be amazing. I’m sure you have plenty of lucky girls waiting in the wings.”

Darkness entered his eyes before vanishing. “I’d hoped you’d be the lucky girl tonight.”

“Maybe in another lifetime.” Holly stood, surprised by how shaky her knees felt. All that kissing had left her breathless. She sucked in a deep breath and headed to the door.

Avel joined her, his hand on the small of her back as he opened the door. He turned her toward him and gave her one last lingering kiss before pushing the bottle of Dackin powder in her hand.

She looked at it and blinked in surprise. “What’s this?”

“It’s yours. Make something amazing with it.” His eyes gleamed. “You can have it on one condition.”

“What condition?”

“That I get to taste the first thing you make with it.”

“Is that all?” She looked at the bottle again. She was holding thousands of dollars’ worth of produce.

“That’s it. Make something incredible, and when you do, think of me.” He kissed her cheek before stepping back into his room.

“That’s a deal.” Holly walked into the corridor, her heart pounding and her legs feeling like they weren’t going to hold her up for long.

What an amazing end to a great day. She’d gotten her loan, made out with a gorgeous guy whose kisses made her dizzy with desire, and he’d just given her an amazing gift.

Holly grinned to herself. She didn’t think life could get any better.

Chapter 4

“I’m sure you’d prefer to keep your arms attached to your body.” Avel’s fist made contact with the Yeknod’s stomach.

He doubled over, his breath wheezing out of him. “Go screw yourself.”

“You owe me.” Avel’s fist slammed into him again. “I’m here to collect on the debt. You’re three days late with your payment.” He punched the guy in the jaw, and he slammed onto his back.

The Yeknod spat blood and rolled onto his side. “I told you I’ve got nothing for you. I had a bad run on the cards. The plan was to double my money, so I could pay you what I owe.”

Avel gritted his teeth as he glanced around. They were away from the station’s circular walkways. No one could see him administer justice to this cheat. “You knew the terms when you took the loan from me.” He pressed his booted foot into the Yeknod’s injured side.