Page 19 of Bounty Hunter's Match

Though I did make a mental note to thank them for leaving those dating guides where Barek would find them.

Eventually.

After a few more lessons in cross-species contact.

BAREK

Ifound the office transformed. Floating hearts drifted at eye level, casting shifting shadows across the walls. More hearts dangled from the ceiling on nearly invisible threads. The twins had been busy.

“Good morning!” Risa waved from her perch atop a ladder. “We’re enhancing the aesthetic.”

“Romance requires proper atmosphere,” Rina added, adjusting another heart.

I growled. “This is a security risk.”

“The hearts are scanning for weapons.” MIRA’s crystals chimed smugly. “Multi-tasking.”

Soft music started playing. Something with strings and vocals about eternal devotion.

“MIRA.”

“What? It’s traditional.”

I stalked toward my desk, batting away a particularly persistent heart that kept drifting into my face. The memory of last night rose unbidden - Camden’s lips soft against mine, her fingers curling into my shirt...

No. Professional thoughts only.

“Oh good, you’re here!” Risa bounced down from her ladder. “We have something for you.”

Rina produced a datapad with a flourish. “‘When Security Protocols Fail: A Love Story.’ Very educational.”

“I don’t need-”

“Chapter three covers workplace romance.” Risa’s innocent expression didn’t fool me. “Since you’re obviously gathering intelligence...”

I snatched the pad before she could continue. “This is harassment.”

“This is research assistance!” Rina protested. “We’re very supportive of your... development.”

My comm unit chimed. Larthul’s code.

“Security alert,” I read. “Formal complaint filed by Mondian trade delegation regarding ‘discriminatory atmospheric protocols’ at-” I stopped. “The restaurant incident.”

“Ooh, they didn’t like the floating tables?” Risa perked up. “But their dance moves were amazing! The video has-”

“No numbers.” I started for the door. “And no more decorations.”

“But the romance aesthetic-”

“No.”

The music swelled as I left. Something about hearts burning with passion.

I was definitely spacing that AI.

Larthul’s office proved no better. She had the viral video playing on repeat, enlarged to show every detail of my exit with Camden.

“Security review,” she said without looking up. “Very thorough.”

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