Page 28 of Bounty Hunter's Match

“And the atmosphere controls.” The air around the couple shimmered with complementary environmental settings. “Subtle.”

“Unlike some people’s security positions.” She turned to face me. “Speaking of positions...”

A crash from the dance floor interrupted whatever dangerous suggestion she’d been about to make. A Lyrikan couple had escaped weapons check with what they insisted were “traditional courtship accessories.”

“Time to work.” Camden straightened my vest again, unnecessary but dangerous. “Try to minimize property damage?”

“No promises.”

My fingers tangled with her’s before she could step away. Just for a moment. Just long enough to feel her pulse jump.

“Bishop.”

“Yes?”

“That dress...”

“Security approved.” Her lips curved. “I checked the regulations very carefully.”

“That’s not-”

“You can inspect the modifications later.” She slipped away before I could respond. “Professionally.”

I watched her disappear into the crowd, already cataloging quiet corners with working privacy fields. For security purposes.

Professional ones.

“Oh my!” Madame Hara materialized beside me, tentacles curling with delight. “The way she challenges his control! The building passion beneath that stoic exterior! Chapter three practically writes itself...”

I left before she could start dictating. But her words followed me through the crowd, mixing with memories of Camden’s scent, her smile, the way that dress...

Professional thoughts. Focus on security. Maintain distance.

Even if distance was the last thing I wanted.

A string of explosions from the dance floor saved me from that dangerous line of thinking. The Mondians had discovered the interactive light displays.

“It’s a traditional Earth light show!” one called out, their reinforced boots creating sparks with each enthusiastic stomp. “The twins’ guide mentioned something about ‘fireworks’!”

“That’s not-” I started, but another couple had already joined in, their synchronized movements sending cascades of sparks across the floor.

“Look!” The female pointed excitedly. “We’re creating patterns! Very romantic!”

“The patterns are burning holes in the-” But they’d already started what appeared to be their version of a waltz, complete with electromagnetic pulses.

Time to work.

But Camden caught my eye across the room, and for a moment I forgot about duty.

About boundaries.

About focusing on the potential electrical hazards, not how she bit her lip when concentrating, or how her dress caught the sparks like stars...

Another explosion snapped me back to security mode. But the warmth in her gaze lingered, promising later conversations in less public spaces.

Professional ones, of course.

The night stretched ahead, full of potential disasters and diplomatic incidents. But watching Camden work the room, seeing her in her element...

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