Page 24 of Bounty Hunter's Match

“Guest layouts.” I recognized the gleam in her crystals. “Focus on guest layouts.”

“The atmospheric controls in section four show interesting fluctuations,” MIRA continued, projecting a new diagram. “Particularly when certain security personnel pass through.”

“Maintaining optimal conditions,” Barek muttered.

“Oh yes,” MIRA’s crystals sparkled. “The temperature does rise notably in your vicinity. Though perhaps not due to the environmental systems...”

“Can we focus on the actual preparations?” I tried to sound professional, ignoring how the twins were frantically recording this exchange.

“We are!” Risa protested. “Temperature variation is very important for cross-species comfort. Like how Vinduthirun warmer than humans, especially during moments of emotional-”

“Next topic,” Barek growled, but his ears gave him away.

“Of course.” But her tone held entirely too much amusement as she projected seating arrangements. “Current compatibility matrices suggest optimal placement would group similar phenotypes, though certain exceptions might prove... interesting.”

“Interesting how?” Madame Hara drifted in, tentacles already curling around her datapad. “Do tell.”

“Well.” You could imagine MIRA’s eyebrow arching. If she had eyebrows. Or eyes. “Statistical analysis shows a 98.7% compatibility rate for certain present parties...”

“Really?” Rina perked up. “Would those parties happen to include-”

“Security positions.” Barek moved to study the layout, accidentally-on-purpose knocking the projection slightly off-center. “We need clear sight lines to all exits.”

“Among other things,” Risa muttered.

“What was that?”

“Nothing! Though speaking of clear views...” She tapped something on her pad. Footage from the restaurant incident filled the air between us.

I watched myself pull Barek down for that kiss, heat climbing up my neck. He growled, the sound doing nothing to cool my blood.

“Lighting test!” I grabbed for the controls. “Don’t we need to test the lighting?”

“Oh yes.” MIRA cycled through settings, lingering on what she probably thought were romantic options. “The ambiance is crucial for encouraging... social interaction.”

“Social-” The dating guide slipped from Barek’s belt, landing with a soft thump. “That’s not...”

“‘Chapter Seven: Physical Expression of Emotional Connection.’” Rina read upside-down from her perch. “Very thorough research!”

“I’m leaving.” But he caught my eye before turning, and the heat there made my breath catch.

“Excellent idea!” Madame Hara’s tentacles rippled with excitement. “The venue inspection requires multiple perspectives. For security purposes, of course.”

“Of course.” I gathered my notes, hoping my face wasn’t as red as it felt. “Strictly professional.”

“Absolutely.” She arched a brow. “Perhaps you’ll let me document the... inspection process. For my next novel.”

“No.”

“But the dramatic potential! The stolen glances across crowded rooms, the brush of hands while checking equipment...”

“We’re leaving now.” Barek held the door, carefully not looking at the footage still playing above my desk. “Bishop?”

I hurried out before the twins could start analyzing our ‘behavioral patterns’ again. Though I did hear Madame Hara dictating something about “passion burning hotter than a quantum core” as the door closed.

The station’s grand ballroom sprawled before us, soaring ceilings dotted with environmental control panels. Floating platforms drifted through the room, designed to accommodate aerial species during the celebration. Shimmering privacy screens marked off diplomatic areas, their forcefield generators humming softly.

“The twins added ‘mood lighting’ to section six,” I noted, checking my pad. “And apparently programmed it to activate whenever certain biological signatures are detected in close proximity.”

---