Page 12 of Bounty Hunter's Match

“About what?” The Fanaith was vibrating in their seat.

“Shared interests. Future goals. Basic compatibility factors.” I didn’t look at Camden as I recited almost word-for-word from that damn pamphlet. “Form connections through conversation, not combat.”

“Says the warrior who studies dating guides,” Rina stage-whispered to her camera.

I was going to throw those twins out an airlock. After I figured out how they kept getting into secured files.

“And... switch!” Risa called. This time the transitions stayed mostly peaceful, though I had to catch two more Fanaithattempts at racing and a Mondian chair before it completely shattered.

“You’re good at this.” Camden appeared at my elbow, watching the controlled chaos. “Ever consider a career change?”

“No.”

“Shame. The viewers love you. Especially that thing you did with the chair.”

“I am not entertainment.”

“No?” She raised an eyebrow. “The twins’ stream numbers suggest otherwise. Apparently, the combination of tactical gear and relationship advice is very appealing.”

“Bishop.”

“Yes?”

“Stop enjoying this.”

“Never.” She smiled up at me, and for a moment I could only see her. Then a crash from the far corner snapped us both back to reality.

“The anti-grav controls are acting weird!” Rina called down. “I think the Sylphid’s phase-shifting affected the calibration!”

A Merrith engineer floated past, their cybernetic implants sparking. “This is not optimal!”

“I’ll get the controls.” Camden headed for the storage room. “You handle the floating clients?”

I caught the Merrith mid-spin, setting them safely on solid ground. “Stay. No more phase-shifting experiments.”

“But the handbook suggested trying new experiences together,” they protested.

I was definitely burning that handbook. After I finished the chapter on non-verbal cues.

The anti-grav field kept spreading, lifting more clients into graceful spirals. The twins’ cameras swooped through the chaos, capturing every moment.

“Perfect Match presents: Zero Gravity Speed Dating!” Risa announced to her feed. “Watch as our security expert demonstrates proper floating etiquette!”

“I quit,” I muttered, catching another drifting client.

“No, you don’t.” Camden’s voice came from the storage room. “Little help in here?”

I found her surrounded by floating supply crates, trying to reach the control panel. Without thinking, I moved behind her, hands on her waist to steady her as she stretched up.

She went still at my touch. I should have let go. Should have maintained that distance I kept talking about. Instead, I pulled her closer, just slightly.

“This is a bad idea,” I murmured against her hair.

“Horrible.” She leaned back against me. “Completely unprofessional.”

“Bishop...”

“The controls are right there.”

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