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“I can keep myself busy. I’m sure there’s a bar or two around here.”

She arched an eyebrow. “Don’t get too drunk. I need a sober pilot for the return journey, or you’ll be handing me the controls and hoping I don’t crash.”

Avel shrugged. “I can handle my alcohol. You focus on your chocolates. What time does the event end?”

“It’s a half-day today before the main event tomorrow, so I should be done by eight tonight,” Holly said. “I’ll pack everything and meet you here after that. We can grab a late dinner and find somewhere to sleep.”

“Sleep?”

“I mean, I need to find a room.” She looked at the ship. “There’s only one bed in there.”

Avel couldn’t resist a gentle tease. “I’m always willing to share.”

She shook her head. “Probably best if we don’t.”

“Don’t waste your money. The bed’s yours.” Avel touched her arm. “I’ve slept in my seat plenty of times. There’s even a lock on the door, so you know your virtue won’t be compromised.” He’d love to see what Holly was like when she let loose in the bedroom. He imagined every inch of her tasted like the candy she made.

“Oh! Well, great. Only if you’re sure.”

“No problem.” He saw the relief in her eyes. He felt anything but, knowing they’d be sharing the same space overnight. Holly would be stretched out in his bed, her scent seeping into his sheets, while he couldn’t touch her.

“And you’re welcome to stop by the food fair,” Holly said. “See how I’m doing. Maybe try a few free samples.”

“I’ll see if I can find the time.” Avel couldn’t encourage Holly. He’d check in with her, but there’d be no way he could spend more time with her. He needed to cut their ties before he got any more involved. The thought of doing that made his heart throb uncomfortably, but it was better for her if he stopped this before it started.

Holly smiled one last time before turning and leading the carrier bot toward the event hall.

Avel watched her go, his gaze not leaving her until she turned the corner and was out of sight.

He blew out a breath and ran a hand down his face. He needed a drink. Maybe that would help him to get clarity on this messed up situation.

He strode out of the docking bay, dodging past other people heading toward the food fair.

It didn’t take him long before he found a bar, settled on a stool, and ordered a whiskey.

Avel sighed as he swirled the whiskey in his glass. He could have a whole lot of fun with Holly, but he got the impression she was an all-or-nothing kind of woman. She’d been clear about that when turning him down after he’d offered her a fun night the first evening they’d met.

Holly had morals, and he admired that. It wasn’t that he thought less of the women who agreed to spend the night with him, but once he’d gotten what he wanted, he lost interest.

With Holly, it was different. She had her own passion and followed it with a determined focus. She’d been right to turn him down. He couldn’t give her everything. He couldn’t even promise anything more after they’d spent the night together. He was rough and scarred, and his life was full of rage, pain, and deception.

Besides, Holly owed him money. And her first payment was due tomorrow. If things didn’t work out for her, and she couldn’t repay him, it would get difficult. He’d make sure it would. No one got away without repaying his money, no matter how cute they were.

He shook his head and downed the whiskey. Would he really rough Holly up to get his money back? Avel sensed a vulnerability underneath her determination. It was the way she held back whenever he mentioned how beautiful she was or touched her curves. It was as if she didn’t believe how stunning she was.

Avel didn’t want to break open that vulnerability and ruin her. But if she didn’t come through with the cash, he’d have no choice but to bring out his hard-ass moves, and that would ruin any chance they had together.

He ordered another whiskey and smirked. Not that they had a chance. Holly was a hell of a lot better than him. He didn’t want to sully her by trying anything or conning her into thinking he could give her anything more than some rough sex in the sheets.

She was better off without him. But was he better off without her?

***

THREE HOURS LATER AND after several whiskeys, Avel felt mellow. He’d wandered around the food fair for a while and had just finished a delicious savory pie. The pastry wasn’t a patch on Holly’s, but it had been decent.

He was settled back at the bar, his stomach full, and feeling a welcome buzz from the alcohol.

Two humans strolled in and stood next to him.