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“That’s the loser Holly hooked up with,” Avel said. “The tall blond guy swaggering around like he owns the place.” He watched as Eric took over a booth with three of his buddies, the surrounding customers swiftly moving out of the way as if sensing trouble.
“We should introduce ourselves,” Iska said. “He looks like fun.”
“We should go over and break his head,” Avel said. “Holly’s not told me much about this guy, but he’s messed with her head and made her feel she’s not good enough.”
“I’m always willing to break heads, especially if it’s in a good cause.” Iska grabbed the drinks from the bar. “Let’s take the booth next to them.”
Avel scowled as he followed Iska. He didn’t even want to breathe the same air as Eric.
He settled in the booth, and Iska smiled at him, his attention focused and gaze sharp as he cocked his head.
“She’s a three,” Eric said. “Look at the extra weight she’s carrying.”
His buddies laughed and high-fived each other.
“That one’s a six,” one of his buddies said, pointing to a tall brunette who walked past.
“No way. She’s got a flat ass. I score her a five,” Eric said.
They carried on for several minutes, rating the women in the bar and discussing their assets.
“These guys are something else,” Iska muttered.
Fury simmered through Avel as he listened to Eric disrespect any woman who crossed his path. That’s what he must have done to Holly when they were together.
“Can you really believe Holly would be into somebody like this?” Iska asked.
“She was once.”
“Then she learned her lesson.” Iska’s gaze settled on Avel. “I reckon she’s interested in somebody else.”
Avel nodded. “I’ve got some making up to do.”
“You’re not wrong.”
A smirk crossed his face. “I know just where to start.” He tilted his head toward the booth behind him. “Let’s sit with our new friends and teach them a thing or two about how to treat women.”
Iska grinned. “I’m always happy to do a little re-education.”
Avel slid out of his seat, and Iska followed him. He stood next to Eric’s booth and nodded a greeting. “I thought I recognized you.”
“Hey, you’re the guy I rescued from Sabernicus.” Eric grinned up at him.
“I appreciate the rescue. Mind if we join you?” He gestured to Iska.
“Everyone’s welcome, especially if you’re buying.”
Avel and Iska sat either end of the booth, trapping the guys inside.
“What do you think of this place?” Avel asked, forcing himself to sound civil.
“It’s just another space station,” Eric said. “I’ve seen it all before.”
Avel kept a friendly smile on his face. “An experienced traveler like you must have plenty of adventures to talk about.”
“Sure. They don’t let just anyone into the space military.”
His buddies murmured in agreement.
