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Avel’s gaze ran over her again, and he licked his lips suggestively. “I like it.” He took another.

A blush filtered across Holly’s cheeks. She’d never had a guy look at her like this. Avel’s gaze seemed to go right through her. It felt like he was stripping her layers and seeing the real her. Holly shook her head. She was making too much of this. He was probably this intense with everyone.

“Holly Lipinski,” Avel said. “I like what you have to offer. Pull up a stool.”

Holly’s breath caught in her throat. Oh my, her night was about to get interesting. Not only had she secured the loan she so desperately needed, but a hot, slightly scary guy was interested in her.

“What do you say?” Avel’s eyes glittered as he smiled at her. “Do you fancy living dangerously?”

Chapter 2

Things were looking up for Avel. He’d had one hell of a day collecting debts from people who owed him money. One piece of scum had tried to escape the station before making their final payment. Another had pretended they knew nothing about the loan, and another had cried and claimed they had no money.

With the right incentives, they’d all paid what they owed him.

But his lousy day looked much brighter now he was in the Enchanted Captain. He’d only been looking for a way to wind down, but what had he discovered? A gorgeous, curvy blonde human offering him the smoothest chocolate he’d ever tasted.

Avel had always had a sweet tooth, but he was more interested in the sweet human with flushed cheeks and a smile on her face as she settled on the stool next to him.

“What are you drinking?” he asked Holly.

“A pineapple daiquiri. This is my first. It will probably be my last. I’m not much of a drinker, but I’m celebrating tonight.”

“No kidding. What are you celebrating?”

Her smile grew. “I had some good news today.”

“We all love good news.” Avel’s gaze ran over her again. She was a cute little thing, although her hair was a mess, a weird combination of squashed and fluffy. He was sure he recognized her from somewhere. “Do you work on Prodigy?”

She nodded. “In the kitchens. I don’t often come out front unless it’s really busy.”

Avel nodded. Of course, he’d seen her in the dining hall. She was usually swamped in a huge white apron and a massive hat. No wonder he didn’t immediately recognize her. “Are you responsible for that amazing pie with the rich gravy and crumbly pastry?”

“I am! That’s my pot pie surprise. The surprise being I never know what filling we’ll have spare. It’s my own recipe. Do you like it?”

“It’s my favorite meal.” Avel grinned at her. Holly had curves he could bury himself in, and she knew how to cook. This was his kind of woman. Not that he was looking for anyone. His work kept him too busy to hold down a steady relationship, but that was fine by him. Avel excelled in bashing heads and convincing people who pretended they didn’t have his money to give it back.

He flexed his fingers, and his knuckles throbbed from where he’d had to be a little more persuasive with a reluctant client. Roughing up scumbags was an everyday activity. Cute blondes like Holly wouldn’t want to know anything about that side of his life.

“What about you?” Holly asked. “What do you do?”

Avel shrugged and took a slug of his whiskey. “This and that. Wherever there’s money to be made, I go make it.”

“That sounds a little illegal.” She tapped her feet against the legs of the bar stool.

“I do what’s needed. It’s not as exciting as chocolate.” Avel took another from the box and rested it on his tongue, allowing the creamy sweetness to melt. “What got you into the business of chocolate making?”

Holly’s fingers splayed across the box lid. “It’s my passion. Ever since I was a kid, I loved nothing more than making things in the kitchen with my mom. She was an amazing cook. She never did it professionally though. She was busy at home, looking after me and my brother. Mom was never happier than when she was in the kitchen, cooking an incredible meal for us all.”

“She’s not around anymore?”

“Not anymore.” Holly’s gaze dropped to the floor. “Earth, you see. Not a great place to live.”

Avel nodded. He knew a lot more about Earth than she realized. He’d spent the first decade of his life there. “So, you decided to risk your chances in the stars with us creepy aliens?”

“Oh, I don’t think you’re creepy.” Holly shook her head and looked away. “And you’re something else.”

His eyebrows rose. “Is that right?”