Page 37 of Bounty Hunter's Match

“No.” The word came out sharper than I intended. “Focus on client data only.”

The memory of that morning hit without warning - waking in the emergency suite, Barek’s warmth still wrapped around me. I’d slipped away before he could wake, before he could say the words that would make this real. Make it hurt more when he left.

“The Poraki delegation sends their appreciation.” I forced my attention back to the reports. “Though they request clarification on appropriate volume levels for future water symphonies...”

My next client arrived right on schedule - a Selenthian diplomat seeking advice on courting customs. I smiled and nodded in all the right places, offered perfectly calculated suggestions. My hands stayed steady on the desk.

But alone in my office between meetings, they shook as I remembered our first kiss. The way Barek had pulled me close, like I was something precious. Something worth keeping.

“Your three o’clock is here.” Risa’s worried expression made my chest ache. “The Merrith trade representative...”

“Send them in.” I straightened my spine, adjusted my smile to professional warmth.

The twins exchanged glances as MIRA’s crystals formed concerned spirals. I ignored them all.

Vask passed by my window, deep in conversation with his Selenthian partner. Their fingers were linked, her silvery skin reflecting joy as she laughed at something he said. The sight twisted in my chest like a knife.

I ducked into the supply closet, needing a moment to breathe. His glove lay forgotten on a shelf - dark leather worn smooth by use. My fingers brushed it before I could stop myself.

No. I was good at my job. I helped others find happiness. That was enough. Had to be enough.

“Perfect Match, how can we help you find your ideal partner?” My voice came out smooth and professional as I greeted my next client. My smile stayed fixed in place.

I’d gotten what I wanted, after all. A successful business. Respect. Independence.

The fact that my heart felt hollowed out was irrelevant.

“The key to finding true love,” I told my eager client, “is understanding what you really want.”

Even if what you wanted was impossible. Even if it walked away.

My smile never wavered.

The twins whispered at their stations. MIRA’s crystals spun in worried circles. Outside my window, the artificial sun blazed with merciless brightness.

I straightened my spine. Adjusted my perfectly tailored suit. Pulled up the next client file.

This was what I was good at. This was what I did.

This was enough.

It had to be.

“Now, tell me about your ideal match...” I leaned forward, professional interest masking everything else.

The client beamed, launching into their hopes and dreams. I smiled again, made appropriate notes.

My hands didn’t shake at all.

BAREK

Istared at the gear laid out on my quarters’ narrow bed. Each piece represented a different failure. Different moments I should have spoken. Should have acted.

The phase knife Camden had handed back after that first security check, her fingers brushing mine. “I assume you’ll want this returned.” A smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Unless you plan to demonstrate proper weapon handling for the twins’ cultural guide.”

The backup comm unit from the day the environmental controls failed. Her laughter echoing through the maintenance shaft as we tracked the source. “At least the Poraki’s water symphony provided proper mood lighting.”

My fingers closed around the worn leather of my glove. The one I’d left in her supply closet that morning after the Gala. After I’d held her close in the emergency suite, tasted her skin, learned the sounds she made when...

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