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She shook her head and shrank away from him.

Avel watched, rage burning through him as Lieutenant Busby pointed to the back of the ship.

Holly pulled her hands out of his grip and tucked them under her armpits.

Avel rose from his seat, and Holly glanced at him. Her eyes were wide and fearful, but she shook her head. She didn’t want him involved in whatever was going on between Lieutenant Busby and her.

He wanted to punch this moron’s head off his shoulders. But if he did that, he’d risk the safety of everyone on the ship, and that included Holly. He had to let her handle this her own way.

He sank back into his seat, beating down his rage as he looked away from Holly, feeling like an idiot for letting himself fall for her.

This was his own fault. He’d broken the rules about mixing business and pleasure. He’d never done it before because he knew how messy it would be.

And here he was, his heart aching and rage burning through him because he didn’t take his own advice.

Avel was getting exactly what he deserved.

Chapter 17

A roiling sickness churned in Holly’s stomach as the ship docked on Prodigy.

They’d been flying for over four hours after making detours to collect other stranded individuals. She was exhausted and sore. Her injuries needed a top-up of medication.

It was more than her injuries that troubled her. Holly was humiliated and angry. She’d been so shocked when she’d seen Eric on the rescue ship.

She’d assumed he’d never left Earth, happy in his military role. She’d underestimated him. But he was no different. He had a different uniform and a different role but was the same self-satisfied jerk he’d always been.

The ship’s engine powered down, and Holly jumped up, shifting from foot to foot as she waited for the passengers ahead of her to leave.

Avel was still in his seat, talking to the Koob next to him, and not making eye contact with her.

Holly was glad they had some distance. She’d seen how mad he’d been at Eric’s handling of her. Avel had a temper, and she couldn’t afford for it to let loose when surrounded by dozens of injured people. She didn’t think he’d be the problem, but she didn’t trust Eric, or any of his smirking buddies, with a laser.

She hoped she wouldn’t have to see Eric again before she got out of the ship. He’d been rude and suggestive when they’d spoken and even tried to convince her to go to the back of the ship and remember the good old days.

The good old days! There was nothing good about the time she’d spent with him. All his lies and sugar coating when they’d first met had been washed away when his true character was revealed. He was nasty and cold-hearted. He’d hurt her and made her feel worthless.

She reached the open door that led to the docking ramp and grimaced as she saw Eric standing by it.

He grinned when he saw her and tilted his helmet back. “I bet you’re glad to be home.”

“I am.” Holly kept her gaze lowered. A few more steps and she’d be out of here. “We all appreciate the rescue.”

“Any time, cutie.” Eric caught hold of her arm. “I know you’re too timid to do anything here, but how about we hook up later?”

“Hook up? You’re staying on Prodigy?” This was a nightmare. She didn’t want Eric anywhere near her. She wanted him to get lost in deep space and never return.

“Even a hero needs rest.” He grinned at her. “What do you say? Have you got the room in your bunk for me? You won’t regret it.”

Holly lost the power of speech for a second as her mouth hung open. After everything he’d done to her, he was seriously suggesting they sleep together? Her stomach turned over as his grip tightened on her arm, and that cold look she knew so well entered his eyes.

“It’s not a good idea,” she stammered. “Things are different now.”

“You’re the same, Holly. You might pretend to be a hotshot businesswoman, but I see the real you. I thought you’d be grateful for the attention. You must get lonely up here on your own.”

“What makes you think I’m alone?” She glanced over her shoulder to see she was one of the last to leave the ship other than Avel and the Koob he sat with.

“Because you’re always alone.” Eric smirked at her. “Come on, one last ride.”