Page 14 of Bounty Hunter's Match

“But they can identify patterns.” I gestured at the screens surrounding us. “Like how you instinctively read body language and micro-expressions. That’s pattern recognition too.”

He growled softly. “Different kinds of patterns.”

“Are they?” I stood, moving closer. “You track prey by reading signs, following trails. I track compatibility the same way. Both require understanding behavior, anticipating responses...”

“Not the same thing.”

“No?” I reached up, my fingers almost brushing the markings on his neck. “Your pulse just jumped. That’s a physiological response I can measure, categorize, predict-”

He pushed my hand away. “Bishop.”

“Yes?”

“Stop analyzing me.”

“Never.” I smiled up at him. “It’s my job.”

“I’m not a client.”

“No.” My voice softened. “You’re not.”

His grip on my wrist gentled but didn’t release. The heat of his skin bled into mine. One step closer and I’d be pressed against that impressive chest. The thought made my own pulse skip.

“Your heart rate’s elevated,” he murmured.

“Analyzing me, bounty hunter?”

“Always.” His thumb traced circles on my inner wrist. “Professional requirement.”

The main door chimed, breaking the moment. We jumped apart as Madame Hara’s distinctive form flowed into the office, her multiple eyes gleaming with interest.

“Oh my,” she purred, tentacles rippling. “Don’t stop on my account. That was just getting interesting.”

“Madame.” I smoothed my hair, trying to look calm. “You’re early.”

“Darling, I’m never early. I simply arrive precisely when the narrative requires.” She turned all eight eyes on Barek. “And who is this delicious specimen?”

“Security,” he growled.

“How fascinating! I don’t believe I’ve written a security guard romance yet...” Her tentacles curled thoughtfully. “Though there was that one scene in ‘Passion’s Purple Prose’ where the bodyguard and the princess-”

“Madame.” I cut in before she could start quoting passages. “Shall we discuss your latest manuscript?”

“After you introduce me properly.” She glided closer to Barek, who looked like he was fighting the urge to reach for a weapon. “I simply must know if those markings extend all the way down...”

I definitely didn’t want to know that either. Definitely.

“Barek, this is Madame Hara, our resident romance novelist. Madame, this is Barek. Who is very busy with security duties.”

“Not too busy for a quick interview, surely?” Her colors shifted to what I recognized as her ‘plotting’ pattern. “I have so many questions about Vinduthi mating rituals...”

“Classified,” Barek said flatly.

“Everything interesting usually is.” She winked three eyes at him. “But I have ways of making people talk.”

“Madame.” I moved between them. “Your manuscript?”

“Oh very well.” She settled her tentacles with obvious reluctance. “Though I do hope you’ll consider collaborating on my next project. ‘The Bounty Hunter’s Forbidden Desire’ has such a nice ring to it...”

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