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“After a little gentle persuasion, he was happy to oblige.” Avel studied Holly’s face to see her reaction to him being a moneylender. She didn’t seem to mind. “It’s amazing how many people do forget to repay me.”

Holly nodded. “Let’s hope you never have to chase me for a debt. I used to be terrible with money. I’m better now, but I still have my moments, especially when the latest chocolate molds go on sale. I always splurge.”

Avel knew about Holly’s lousy credit history, but the fact she admitted she was still bad with money didn’t sit well with him. “You shouldn’t mess around with other people’s money. You might find yourself in trouble.”

Holly lowered her fork. “I never do it intentionally. I have a bit of an impulse problem. When I’m stressed or unhappy, I know spending will cheer me up. I’ve always been like that.”

“What do you have in your life that makes you unhappy?”

She dipped her gaze. “Nothing anymore. Things are better now. In the past, well, things weren’t so easy.” Holly chuckled. “You’ll think this is silly, but I love to spend money on luxury food items.”

Avel snorted a laugh. “You got into debt because you bought too much chocolate?”

“Some of it was expensive. And I always intended to pay the money back. I did in the end. It just took me longer than I’d planned. With the interest on top, it’s incredible how much debt builds. I’d never borrow money and not pay it back. But I learned the hard way how to do that. I guess I’m still learning.”

A ball of worry settled in Avel’s gut. It was terrible news that Holly hadn’t got a handle on her money issues. He didn’t want to rough her up if she failed to deliver.

He tilted his head as he watched Holly eat. What had happened in her past that made her seek comfort and get into such terrible debt? She seemed happy now, but there was a hesitation to her as if she was holding back and not allowing herself to be free. Had someone clipped her wings, so she was scared to soar?

“Would you like another?” Holly nodded at Avel’s empty plate.

He could easily handle another of her pies, but what he was doing was wrong. He shouldn’t have allowed himself to be lured here on the promise of delicious food and the tempting sight of Holly.

This was a mistake. He was being an idiot, blurring the lines between business and pleasure. Holly owed him money, and when it was time for her to repay, he would get that money back, no matter how cute she was.

A shiver of dread chilled him. Maybe Holly was cleverer than he realized. She was trying to sweeten him up with food, distract him. She thought he was an easy touch.

Holly might already know he’d loaned her the money and was playing him for a fool, fluttering her lashes and seducing him with delicious food, so he’d go easy on her when she didn’t make her first repayment.

Avel shoved his plate away. “I’m done.”

Holly blinked rapidly. “Are you sure? I’ve still got half of mine to go. You’re bigger than me. You need more food. I can get you another.”

Avel wasn’t a fool. He’d let his guard down with Holly. She’d seen a crack in his armor and exploited it. That sly behavior wouldn’t work on him.

“Is everything okay?” Holly asked. “Was there something wrong with the food?”

“Your food’s great. You know it always is.”

“Oh! I wasn’t fishing for a compliment.” She stared at him for a second before looking away.

Avel sighed and gritted his teeth. He shouldn’t be here. He shouldn’t allow his thoughts to linger on Holly and her sweet curves. Prodigy was a temporary base, not his home. He had no home. Even if Holly wasn’t deceiving him, it was a waste of time trying to start something with her.

“How about dessert?” Holly asked. “My first batch of chocolates is ready. You can be my master taste tester and see if you approve.”

“I’m not hungry.”

A shiver of hurt passed across Holly’s face. “I thought you wanted to try them. I’ve used some Dackin powder in them.”

“I’m not bothered. Let somebody else taste them.” Avel pushed back his seat and stood.

There was a shimmer of tears in Holly’s eyes, but she blinked them away. “Sure, if that’s what you prefer. No one else has tried them, though.”

“It’s not important. Let whoever you want eat your chocolates. I don’t care.” He strode from the table. He felt like a dick for being so cold with her, but this was for the best.

Avel knew he shouldn’t, but as he reached the door, he looked over his shoulder. Holly sat at the table on her own, her shoulders slumped and her head down. He’d done that to her. He’d made her feel bad. He was such an asshole. She was being nice to him and offering him something he wanted, and he’d thrown it in her face.

His fingers curled, and he growled to himself. He had to do this for Holly’s sake. He had to walk away. He didn’t trust her, and he didn’t trust himself. You couldn’t break someone’s fingers if you were thinking about taking off her clothes and licking vanilla frosting off her breasts.