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Olid wandered over. “The usual?”

Sinead shook her head. She typically had soda water with ice and a wedge of lemon in it. “Not tonight. I’m celebrating.”

Olid smiled. “Tell me everything.” He passed her a cocktail menu.

“I’m starting my chocolate business.” Holly pulled off the lid of one of the boxes she’d brought with her and offered it to Olid.

Olid waved a finger around as he looked at the delicious array of chocolates. They ranged from sweet, white creamy chocolate studded with dried cranberries to decadent, mint-infused dark chunks of chocolatey bliss. “You always spoil me. I can never resist your treats.”

Holly laughed. “That’s what I hope everyone will say. I’m finally doing it. My business is getting off the ground.”

“That’s great news.” Olid sampled a chocolate and groaned. “This is delicious. You’re a genius.”

Holly smiled so broadly her cheeks ached. She looked through the cocktail menu and wrinkled her nose. Everything sounded so alcoholic.

Olid tapped the menu with a finger. “I can make you any of these minus the alcohol.”

“I like the sound of the pineapple daiquiri. Can you put one measure of alcohol in? Something I can’t taste.”

Olid chuckled. “No problem. If you keep feeding me chocolate this good, I’ll do anything you like.”

Holly nodded thanks as Olid headed off to make her cocktail.

Feeling full of confidence, Holly walked around the bar, sharing her chocolate and asking for people’s opinions.

She was thrilled when people loved them. Humans were always enthusiastic, but most of the other aliens loved them too. There were a few races who didn’t have a sweet tooth, but on the whole, all the comments she received were positive.

“Drink’s ready,” Olid called.

Holly raised a hand in acknowledgement and walked back to the bar. She’d already emptied a whole box and was almost bursting with delight at the lovely comments she’d had.

She stared at the enormous glass of bright yellow cocktail. She took a tentative sip. It was just right. There was the slightest hint of alcohol, and it was exactly what she needed to celebrate her victory.

Her gaze shifted to the door as a tall dark-skinned Dackin swaggered in. As he got nearer, Holly saw he wasn’t a full Dackin. His features were too human. He had the height of a Dackin, at almost seven feet. His shoulders were broad and his waist lean. She checked his fingers and saw he had no claws.

She tilted her head as she studied him. His features were much more human than a typical Dackin’s. He had a sharp nose and narrow dark eyes. What fascinated her the most was the mixture of human dreadlocks and feathers. Dackins typically had a plume of feathers that stretched down their backs, but his were interlaced with jet-black braids. It was a striking look, and he pulled it off, giving him an air of danger.

Holly watched as he nodded at Olid, who strolled over and exchanged a few words. It looked like they were friends. Well, any friend of Olid’s was her friend, too.

Feeling full of courage and positivity, Holly grabbed her drink and headed over to the darkly sexy stranger.

His head turned as she stopped beside him, and her courage faded. His gaze was intense, his eyes almost black as they appraised her, skimming slowly from her head down to her toes.

Holly swallowed her nerves. “Would you like a chocolate?”

He snorted a surprised laugh. “Why would I want your chocolate?”

“I’m doing a taste test. I’m Holly Lipinski. I work in the dining hall. I like to make chocolate in my spare time. I do all different flavors. White, milk, dark. I use a unique blend of essences and a secret ratio of sugar, cocoa butter, and cream to get the chocolate velvety smooth.” Holly pressed her lips together. She was babbling, but this guy’s gaze was so intense and serious that it made her nervous.

Olid cleared his throat. “Holly’s one of the good ones, Avel. And her chocolates are out of this world amazing. Try one.”

Holly glanced at Olid. “Do you know each other?”

Olid chuckled. “I know Avel as well as he’ll let me.”

Avel smirked. “Sure, I’ll have a chocolate.” He grabbed one and stuffed it into his mouth.

Holly watched him eat, her gaze lingering on his delicious, full lips. “What do you think?”