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Cleo sighed. “I appreciate you’re a lone wolf. And I’m not keeping you partnered with Ash because I don’t think you can do these assignments on your own.”

Georgia lifted one shoulder. Nothing Cleo could say would convince her this was the better choice. Having a partner, no matter how rough and tough he was, wasn’t an option she wanted any longer.

“You could have worse partners. Did you know High Command is considering a partnership with the Carolane?”

Georgia shuddered. There was no way she wanted a hybrid alien fairy as a partner. Those things were vicious when crossed.

Cleo chuckled. “You see, I’ve got you an amazing deal. Unless there’s a problem with Ash you’re not telling me about. He’s not being difficult, is he?”

“No! I mean, no more than any over-protective alien hulk can be.”

“That’s why we partnered with the Apexians. Alien hulks keep us alive.”

“He’s just so...” How could she describe the way he got to her without making this awkward?

“Dominant? Hmmm, I wonder why that bugs you.”

“You’re saying I’m too dominant?”

“You’d fight me for the top spot if it meant you got to fix your own missions.”

“Noooo! I’d have assassinated all of High Command by now if I ran things around here. I don’t know how you put up with their orders, reports, and general bull.”

“Because, sometimes that bull makes sense. Sometimes, it gets us more money and even new crew members.”

“Which is why you’re the real alpha around here. You need to be a good all-rounder.”

Cleo smirked. “Compliments will get you zero gold stars. Our partnership with the Apexians keeps us alive.”

“I can keep myself alive. Have you forgotten what it feels like to be out there?”

A wistful look crossed Cleo’s face. “Of course not.”

“I don’t see you going out on missions with Hunter like you used to. Are you getting used to being an armchair diplomat?”

“Watch your tone,” Cleo growled.

Georgia wasn’t done yet. “And what about Hunter? What’s his role here if not to watch your ass? Or is that what you like him to do?”

Steel flicked into Cleo’s gaze. “We rarely go on missions because I’m always dealing with crew issues. Including this one you keep bringing to me, even though you know what I’ll tell you each time.”

Georgia winced. That may have been a below belt hit to goad her about her right-hand alien, but she was pissed. Everyone knew Cleo and Hunter once had a thing, and Cleo killed it when they were partnered up. She always kept things professional, even with a gorgeous alien like Hunter.

Georgia hadn’t meant to lash out, but she struggled to get past Cleo’s insistence that she needed an Apexian partner. And why did that partner have to be the one alien who kept her awake at night? That was when she wasn’t sneaking into his room as she gave into her desire to get him naked and groaning while she rode him into oblivion. Sex always made things complicated. And it was a complication of her own making, which only made her madder.

“How about a trial run?” Georgia said. “I’ll do this next job on my own and see how it works out.”

“What if it doesn’t work out and you die because no one was looking out for you?”

“Then at least you can say you were right.”

“Smart ass. Nope. Ash is your partner. You’re in this together.” Cleo pressed the comm link on the desk in front of her. “Ash, are you on your way? I’m about to start the mission brief.”

The door behind Georgia slid open. She didn’t turn; she knew it was him. Ash’s presence always filled the room. He was her stealthy, dominant alien partner whether she liked it or not.

“Good. Let’s get started,” Cleo said.

Ash stood beside Georgia. “I stopped by your quarters. You weren’t there.”