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She wrapped her arms around him, affection shimmering down to her toes and pinging back to her heart. “Same here. We can protect each other.”

***

It was a bright, new day as Rexx stood next to Daisy outside the entrance to the docking bay on Laire. The air was cold but the sky clear, and the icy rain that had attacked them when they’d arrived was a distant memory.

He breathed in deep. Life felt fucking great.

Atticus held out his hand to Rexx. “It’s been a blast. Thanks for not killing either of us.”

Rexx grabbed his hand. “Thanks for saving Daisy so I didn’t have to kill you.”

Atticus grinned at Daisy. “It’s always a pleasure to have such an interesting test subject. Any time you want me to try any more illegal procedures, you know where to find me.”

Daisy grinned and hugged Atticus. “I never want to do that again. But thanks for not screwing it up.”

Estelle hugged Daisy. “You’re welcome back anytime. When you aren’t fugitives, we can show you around.”

Rexx scowled, some of his happiness fading. That was something that needed fixing. “We’re working on that.”

“Let Angel know I’ll send through more results in the next couple of days,” Atticus said.

“Will do.” Daisy waved at them as they walked away.

Rexx hovered close to Daisy until they reached the security checks.

The check-in guard spent a long time studying their docking passes.

“Is there a problem?” Rexx loomed over him.

The guard tapped the passes. “I’ve not seen an Apexian crew out this far for a while. What are you working on?”

Daisy smiled at the guard and squeezed Rexx’s elbow. He knew the sign. Stop being overprotective.

“We’re a search and retrieval crew picking up rare animals to save from hunters and traders,” she said.

The guard’s eyebrows shot up. “Nice work.” He studied Daisy then Rexx. “You look familiar.”

Rexx repressed a growl. This guard must have seen their pictures when they were considered fugitives by High Command. This could get messy.

“We came through recently. Maybe you saw us then,” Daisy said.

“No, it’s not that. I swear, I—”

“Travis, get over here. Those suspected smugglers have just docked.” Travis’ colleague waved him over.

He scanned the passes and handed them back. “Have a good flight.”

Daisy kept a grip on Rexx’s arm as they hurried away. “Keep it cool. I could sense you were about to punch him.”

“The Apocalypse is right over there. We could have made it if I’d decked him and run.”

“No more running.” Daisy nudged him with her hip. “I’m done with all that. We’re almost home.”

Rexx nodded as they approached the ship, and some tension inside him faded. It was like seeing an old friend. He patted the side of the hull.

A light around the rim of the ship sparked to life, and the ramp to gain entry lowered.

“Welcome back,” ELVIS said.