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He shrugged. “Of course. And, so long as we play together so I can protect her, she’s still whipping dragon butt.”

Avel nodded slowly. “It sounds like you’ve got your future planned out.”

“Sometimes, it gets messy, but we’re getting there.” Iska tilted his head. “I can recommend it. Avril changed my life. I figured, by now, I’d have had my throat slit by one of the bounties I hunt. I still get into scrapes, but I’m fighting for a reason. And when the cub turns up, it’s going to make me more laser focused.”

“You’re not thinking of quitting bounty hunting?”

Iska shrugged. “You never know. I might have to hang up the weapons at some point.”

Avel raised his eyebrows. Iska no longer a bounty hunter. He never thought he’d see that happen.

“So, what’s the situation with this woman who’s got you chugging whiskey this early?”

Avel shook his head. “I screwed up. I lent this cute human money. It was a legit business deal.”

“And she’s fluttering her lashes and trying to make you forget the debt?”

“Not a chance. Holly would never try that. I met her in here a couple of weeks back. We got on well. Hell, better than well. She’s gorgeous. Curves to die for, sexy as hell, and she has no clue. Plus, she’s funny, cute, and makes cakes that you’d kill your best friend for.”

Iska chuckled. “Do I need to take a step back?”

Avel grinned. “I’d fight to the death for the last brownie she baked. I don’t know. There’s something about her. I keep trying to stay away, but it’s not working.”

“What’s the problem? You’re into her. Doesn’t she want you?”

Avel took another sip of his whiskey. He set it to the side and picked up his mug of coffee instead. “I thought she did. Then this asshole turned up. They’ve been involved, and he’s chasing her now he’s here.”

“You’re letting that happen?” Iska scowled at him. “You’ve never run from a fight before. You chase people who owe you until they’re almost dead with exhaustion. You’re relentless. You even tire me out. This loser from Holly’s past shows up, and you tuck your tail between your legs and scuttle away. That’s not your style.”

A muscle in Avel’s jaw twitched. “I should scuttle away. Why the hell does she want to get messed up with me? You know what our lives are like. Anytime, it can kick off. Some douchebag pulls a knife or a laser, and that’s it. It’s all over.”

“You’ve been doing this for years. You’ve handled every attack anyone’s thrown at you.” Iska studied him for a second. “You know why you’re thinking this is a problem all of a sudden?”

“Because I’m getting old?”

Iska chuckled. “Neither of us are bright-eyed cubs with bushy tails. No, you notice the risk because you have something you care about. I was the same with Avril. I didn’t care either way if I lived to see the next day when I was chasing a bounty. It was all about living in the moment, chasing the danger, and beating it. I had no one I cared about. No one I needed to worry about how they’d feel if I didn’t make it home at the end of the day.”

Avel rolled his shoulders. “I’m feeling like this because of Holly?”

“It sounds like you’ve fallen for her. And why not? Loving a human is amazing. Sometimes, Avril still puzzles the hell out of me, but it’s all worth it. She’s incredible. Our life is incredible, and with the cub coming, I take fewer risks. We have a great life together.”

“I know what cheats and liars most people are. I deal with them every day. Holly doesn’t need that anywhere near her.”

“Holly needs you and everything that comes with you. She must have gotten to know you. She knows what you’re like.”

“Then she should walk away.”

“Yet she hasn’t. There’ll be a few road bumps as you figure out how to make your human tick. And you might like to be more cautious with who you lend money to, take fewer risks, so you can go home to your girl to give her a good-night kiss.” Iska winked at him. “It’s worth it.”

Avel still wasn’t sure. “She’s way too good for me. Holly’s open and honest. She doesn’t need someone like me.”

“You need to let Holly decide what she needs and not do the decision making for her. Avril always pulls my tail when I overstep and start organizing her life.”

“What about this creep who’s trying to slither back into Holly’s bed?”

“You think she’s into him?”

“No. I don’t know.” Avel’s fingers flexed. “If he touches her, I’ll end him.”