Page 3 of Bounty Hunter's Match

“Already added it to the safety protocols!” Risa chirped.

“While we’re on the subject of safety,” Larthul’s tone shifted to something more serious, “we need to discuss security arrangements.”

I blinked. “For paper hearts?”

“For you.” She held up her datapad, showing a complex series of statistics and threat assessments. “Your client list now includes some of the most influential beings in the sector. The Gala alone represents billions in potential trade agreements, political alliances...”

“And romance!” Risa interjected.

“That too.” Larthul’s expression softened slightly. “The twins’ social media presence isn’t helping. That video of Vask is already causing waves.”

“He got himself stuck in the door,” I protested. “We just... documented it.”

“From six different angles,” Rina added proudly. “With slow motion replay.”

“Exactly.” Larthul nodded. “And while Vask isn’t a serious threat, his pride is wounded. More importantly, your success is drawing attention. Not all of it welcome.”

I wanted to argue, but she had a point. Perfect Match had grown far beyond my original dreams of a small matchmaking service.

What started as matching lonely space dock workers on the Helios Anchor station had evolved once word spread about my knack for cross-species compatibility. These days, even the elite appreciated someone who could see past status to what really mattered. “Fine,” I sighed. “What kind of security are we talking about?”

“I’m assigning you one of my best.” Larthul’s sharp teeth gleamed in what I recognized as satisfaction. “Barek.” The twins exchanged a look that made me instantly suspicious.

“Barek?” The name meant nothing to me, but the twins were already accessing their data feeds.

“Oh!” Risa’s fur rippled with excitement. “The bounty hunter? The one who broke up that massive smuggling ring in the Vega system?”

“Three systems,” Rina corrected, her ears twitching as she processed information. “Though officially, most of his work is classified.”

“He needs a change of pace,” Larthul said firmly. “And you need someone who can handle... unusual situations.”

As if on cue, we heard a crash from the waiting room, followed by what sounded like a Merrith love song being played on crystal wine glasses. “Point taken,” I conceded. “When does he start?”

“Tomorrow morning.” Larthul’s expression might have been amused, but it was always hard to tell with Mondians. “Try not to traumatize him too badly. He’s still not used to... civilians.”

After she left, I turned to the twins. “Alright, what did your ‘research’ turn up?”

Their innocent expressions fooled exactly no one.

“Just that he’s one of the most dangerous Vinduthi warriors in three sectors,” Risa practically bounced. “And according to our sources-”

“Which may or may not have sliced several sealed security files,” Rina muttered.

“-he’s gorgeous. In a terrifying, could-probably-kill-you-with-his-pinky kind of way.”

“And he owes Larthul a favor,” Rina added thoughtfully. “A big one, apparently.”

“No,” I said firmly, recognizing their matching grins. “Absolutely not. Whatever you’re thinking-”

“We’re not thinking anything!” they chorused, with expressions that suggested they were thinking everything.

MIRA’s crystals formed a distinct heart shape.

Traitor.

BAREK

“You’re enjoying this far too much.” I kept my voice neutral as I faced Larthul across her desk, my fingers drumming against my armor. Three standard months. Three months of playing security guard because I’d been foolish enough to bet against a Mondian’s ability to crack the Paradise Station smuggling ring.

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