Karn’s good mood had faded with every hour he’d been inside the cell on his own. It had been more than a day since he’d seen Ivy. Where was she? She should have been to see him by now.

He rolled his shoulders, only feeling a twinge from where the laser had struck him after his nano-med treatment. It was his heart that troubled him. He couldn’t settle. There was so much he wanted to say to Ivy.

A sense of dread fell over him as he contemplated a future without Ivy. Maybe she’d changed her mind. Her evil boss, Diadora, had sounded convincing when warning Ivy off him.

He was a changed Forka. At least, he would do the best he could to change. Ivy was an incredible woman. He had no plans to let her get away. In order to do that, he needed to see her and make sure she felt the same.

Karn jumped up as the door was unlocked. His expression fell as Billy walked in.

Billy chuckled. “It’s nice to see you, too.”

“It’s not that. It’s great you’re here.” Karn sank back onto the single cot. “Thanks for coming to see me. Have you been charged with anything?”

“No, thanks to you.” Billy tilted his head. “Security said you took responsibility for everything. I tried to tell them I helped steal the ship, but they weren’t interested. Once they had your confession, they let me out of the cell.”

“That’s great. You wouldn’t be in this mess if I hadn’t asked you to help.”

“I was happy to do so. That’s what all good apprentices do.”

Karn leaned against the wall. “You’re a good kid.”

“You were hoping I would be your hot chick?”

Karn shrugged. “I’ve been worried about her. Have you any news?”

Billy looked around the inside of the holding cell. “She’s fine. The last I saw of her, she was talking to her boss. I think she’s worked things out.”

“Even though Ivy complains about it, I know she loves working at My Single Alien.” Karn ran a hand across his face. “I’d like to see her to make sure she’s doing okay.”

“You’re really into her.” Billy perched on the edge of Karn’s single bed.

“I’m crazy about her.”

Billy grinned. “I knew I’d make you into a love convert.”

“You were right. Love is the best.”

“And you’re having a kid together. How awesome is that?”

Karn shook his head. “Ivy needs to get that confirmed. I’m sure it’s happening, though. When I touched her, I just knew she carried my child.”

“It’s good news?”

“It’s scarier than going up against a troop of angry Galaxars.” Karn grinned. “I can’t wait to be a father. Ivy’s going to have it tough, though. Forka babies grow rapidly in the first month.”

“Ivy will handle it. I reckon your woman is tough enough to handle anything.”

“I know she’ll be an amazing mother. I still want to be there to help her. I doubt that’s going to happen for a while.”

“Any idea how long you’ll be away?” Billy asked. “Maybe you can give me a training plan, so I’m ready for when you get out.”

“A training plan?”

“Sure. I’ll do anything to make sure you consider me a useful member of your team.”

Karn stared at Billy. “We make a great team, kid. Are you sure you want to be a part of this? My work can be on the shady side.”

“Like you said, it’s time you turned legit. You’ve got a hot female in your life and a baby on the way. You can’t expect them to wait around for months each time you get in trouble. Ivy will be a MILF. Someone will scoop her and the baby up when your back is turned.”

“MILF? My translator has no clue what that is.”

Billy laughed. “That’s probably for the best. I don’t want you to punch me in a jealous rage. It’s a good thing. It means she’s hot.”

Karn gave Billy a mock snarl. “Starting over again will be tricky. My arrest this time was a one off. I never get myself in trouble.”

“How many times have you been in a holding cell?”

Karn counted on his fingers. “You might have a point. A woman like Ivy won’t be happy if I’m not around for six months of every year.”

“We can become legitimate spies.”

“There’s no such thing. We could look into becoming legitimate intelligence gatherers, though.”

“I like the sound of that.” Billy looked down at the place his arm should be. “Are you sure I’m good enough for this work?”

Karn nudged Billy. “Having both arms would be handy, if you’ll excuse the pun.”

Billy nodded. “I’ve got savings. Not much. I should have enough money in five years’ time. I can still work in the meantime, do the grunt work until I get my implant.”

“You don’t need to do the grunt work. Well, not all the time. Why don’t I help?”

“How can you help?”

Karn stroked his chin. “I’ve been looking into minimalism.”

“What’s that?”

“It means I have too much stuff. I need to streamline. I’ve got a few fancy wrist comms that will fetch a good price. There’s original artwork in storage. The painter is making a name for himself. I’ll get you the keys to the storage facility, and you can go through the lot and sell everything in there.”

“What do you want me to do with the money? Set you up in a place for when you get out? Buy a load of stuff for the baby?”

“Consult Ivy on what she needs for our baby. The rest goes toward you getting a cybernetic implant. If we combine our funds, it should be enough.”

Billy grabbed him in a one-armed hug. “Are you serious?”

“I’m only doing it for my benefit. I need you in the best physical shape of your life. It’s not just about you getting a new arm. You’re going to have a full-on, hard-core training plan, and you need to keep up with me.”

Billy pulled back and wiped his hand across his eyes. “No one’s ever done anything like that for me.”

Karn waved his hand in the air. “It’s nothing.”

“It’s everything.” Billy hugged him again. “I will pay you back by working so hard you won’t believe it. I’ll do whatever you need me to do.”

“Relax, kid. It’s just things. You getting what you need is more important than me having half a dozen wrist comms and six paintings I never look at.”

“Maybe I can get some upgrades.” Billy’s eyes brightened. “You know, lasers or blades that shoot out of my arm.”

Karn laughed. “Get yourself a working arm. We can upgrade later.”

The cell door unlocked again, and the guard looked in. It was the guard Karn had knocked out to escape the holding cell. Fortunately for Karn, he didn’t seem to hold a grudge. “Time’s up.”

Billy jumped up before turning and hugging Karn one more time. “You won’t regret this.”

“I will if you keep hugging me.”

Billy nodded as his face grew serious. “I’ll get everything sorted for when you get out. Don’t worry about Ivy. I’ll look after her.”

“I’m sure you will.” Karn looked over at the guard. “Have you still got my laser? The one you took off me the last time I was here?”

The guard nodded. “It’s in storage. You’re not getting your hands on it.”

“I don’t want it. I need to get rid of it. If I sign it over to Billy and have him take it off the station, would that be okay?”

The guard rubbed his chin. “It’s an illegal weapon. We don’t return those to criminals.”

“This is for love,” Billy said. He looked at Karn. “Are you selling it to get Ivy a ring?”

Karn recoiled. “Easy now.” The thought of being married to Ivy did appeal. He wanted no one else touching his gorgeous woman.

“You’re still on your mission to tame your wild woman?” the guard asked, a look of mischief in his eyes.

“Getting back the laser would solve a lot of my problems,” Karn said. “There might be a bottle of Earth brandy in it for you if you help us out.”

“I’m more of a whisky guy.” The guard grinned. “No promises, but I’ll see what I can do. It’s still your property, even though it shouldn’t be here.”

Karn looked at Billy. “Take the laser and give it to the two Dackins we met in the Enchanted Captain. Tell them it’s their pay off. It will make us even. Don’t take any nonsense from them.”

“I won’t let you down.” Billy left the cell, giving Karn a wave as he did so. The door remained open.

Karn looked at the guard. “Is there something else?”

“You’re popular today. You’ve got another visitor.” The guard smiled. “I hear congratulations are in order.”

“Congratulations?”

Ivy strode in, dressed to kill in her fitted jumpsuit.

Karn’s grin was one of delight and relief. “What kept you?”

“Remember what I said. Fifteen minutes.” The guard stepped back, and the door closed behind him.

Karn tilted his head. “Ivy, what’s going on?”

She shrugged, a small smile playing across her lips. “I haven’t been able to stop telling everybody about our upcoming marriage. I convinced our friendly guard that I needed to see you, so we could get in some practice for the wedding night.”

Karn’s eyes widened. “Marriage? Wedding night?”

“Trust you to process the wrong bits of that sentence.” Ivy cocked a hip and rested her hand on it.

Karn ran a hand through his hair. “It’s just, well, marriage. I mean, it’s so sudden.”

“Relax, we’re not getting married. It was the only way I could think of to get in to see you. I figured you must be missing me.” She stepped closer. “We’ve been missing you.”

Karn’s gaze went to Ivy’s stomach. “You’ve confirmed it?”

She nodded. “We’re having a baby. You must be one fertile Forka.”

“I could say the same about you. That night we fooled around, I knew you were fertile. I never expected this.” He stood and rested his hand on her stomach.

“It’s like Billy keeps going on about; it’s fate. We are meant to be together. All three of us.”

“Are you ready for this? Forka babies grow fast. It will put a strain on your body. You need to take it easy and get lots of rest and plenty of nutrients.”

“I know all that. The doctor has been great.” Ivy rested a hand on his. “I’ve put on five pounds already. All he wants to eat is this gross tasting fermented cabbage. Everything comes with a side order of pickled yuck.”

“It’s a boy!” Karn laughed. “That gross cabbage is a delicacy. Our boy already has excellent taste. I actually meant, are you ready to be a parent?”

Ivy’s eyes widened a fraction. “Nope. I’m terrified.”

“You’re okay with it?” Now that Karn knew for certain he was to be a father, he could think of nothing he wanted more.

“I’ll be fine. Even better if I have you by my side.” Ivy glanced up at him.

“You’re all I’ve been thinking about.” He kissed Ivy like she was the only thing he wanted, as if not kissing her would finish him. The way his heart raced and his skin flashed white and purple that was exactly what he felt would happen. He had to have this woman with him forever.

When they came up for air, he was panting, and she was breathless.

“That’s more like it,” Ivy said. “Being pregnant has made me incredibly horny. We’re down to twelve minutes.”

“There’s a lot I can do to you in twelve minutes.”

“How about we start with you taking those clothes off?”

Karn grinned and gave Ivy a mock salute. “Whatever you say, ma’am.” He kicked off his boots and shrugged off the unflattering tunic he’d been given.

“Wait.” Ivy placed a hand on his chest and walked around him slowly, dragging her fingers over his skin as she did so. “I’ve always considered your skin incredible. It tells a story without you even realizing.”

“I realize. I’ve never been able to hide what I’m feeling.” He grabbed her hand and kissed the palm. “I’ll never hide anything from you.”

“It glows when you’re around me.” She returned to stand in front of him. Her hand moved down his chest as she did so. “What does that mean?”

Karn’s gaze slid to the side. “I’m not sure.”

Ivy shook her head. “So much for never hiding anything from me.” She produced a set of handcuffs from her pocket. “Don’t make me use these on you.”

Karn grinned. “You can use those on me any time you like.”

She tilted her head. “So, the glowing skin?”

“It’s a sign of attraction. It means I’m into you.”

“Of course you’re into me. Take off the rest of your clothes.”

“What about you?” Karn’s hand went to the zipper on Ivy’s jumpsuit.

She pushed his hand away. “You first.”

Karn yanked off his pants. Ivy strode around him again. She tapped his ass as she passed behind him. A hum of appreciation came out of her.

“Do you like what you see?”

Ivy’s gaze rested on his cock. Her hands settled on the base of the shaft, and she stroked him firmly several times. “Not bad.”

Karn tipped his head back and enjoyed the pressure from her warm fingers as he grew harder.

“That’s quite something. It’s like you have a light saber in your pants.”

“What the hell is a light saber?”

Ivy grinned as she continued to stroke him. “It doesn’t matter. A bit of pointless knowledge I picked up from a nerd.” Her other hand traced up his chest, and she pulled his mouth down to meet hers.

Karn’s arms wrapped around Ivy, and he ran his hands up and down her curves. “Do you think you can handle life with a Forka?”

“You’re different. Different will work.”

Those were the last words they spoke for several sweet minutes as their lips joined and talking suddenly seemed unnecessary.

Karn’s heart pounded. He’d never kissed anyone like this, like he needed her to remember this forever and want no one other than him.

Ivy’s fingers tugged on his hair as if she’d noticed his attention slip and wanted it all on her. Anything she wanted, he’d give it to her. He was all in.

He couldn’t wait any longer. He had to see Ivy naked. His fingers pulled down her zipper to the waist. He slid the fabric off her shoulders, exposing pale, creamy flesh and lush swaying breasts.

Ivy thrust her chest forward. Karn needed no prompting and pounced like a starving alien, tasting and sucking her sweet skin.

Her laugh was throaty and full of lust. “You like me?”

“I adore you.” Karn raised his head and crushed his mouth against hers.

She pressed herself against him and wrapped her leg around his thigh before grinding herself against him. “I want you.”

“The feeling’s mutual.”

Ivy grabbed his ass and squeezed. “Now.”

“Being pregnant really has made you horny.”

“I blame you.”

“Me too. It’s hard to be this attractive.”

Ivy growled and nipped his bottom lip. She cupped his balls in her hands and tugged on them. Her hands went around his cock.

“Take a minute. I want to remember this.” Karn had no clue if Ivy realized what would happen to him if she kept touching him with those urgent, hot fingers.

“We have about eight minutes. There’s no time to wait.”

Karn lifted her, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. His cock slid between her legs and brushed her wet folds.

He slid in an inch and forced himself to focus and not lose control.

“More,” Ivy whispered.

Karn turned and sank Ivy onto the single bed. He pushed her legs wide open and thrust inside.

Ivy cried out, and her hips rose to meet every thrust. “More. Again.”

Karn’s arms shook as his focus slipped. Bright colors danced in his eyes as the feeling of Ivy’s hot, wet center squeezed around him. This woman was his undoing. He couldn’t stop himself from tipping over the edge and giving himself to her.

“I want to ride you.” Ivy shifted up the bed and grabbed Karn.

“Whatever you need.” Karn took a second to grab some air. He would not pass out the first time he fucked Ivy. Forkas understood this happened sometimes, but she would think he was weird.

Ivy straddled Karn and thrust down to meet him. She held him in place as she rode him, her eyes closed and head tipped back in complete abandonment.

This woman was incredible. Karn’s fingers slid to her hot clit, and he caressed her using fast, urgent strokes, just like the way she rode him.

Ivy ran her blunt nails down his chest, and she captured his cock in her hand, squeezing the base as they continued to fuck.

“Ivy, wait.” Karn tried to get back control, but her touch was too intense.

“Don’t stop.” She arched her back and sank down. Her hot skin pressed against his chest as her hand drove his orgasm to the edge.

It felt like fireworks exploding in his head. “I need to warn you about—”

It was too late. As Karn climaxed, dots of color crossed his vision, and he blacked out.

His head rested on something warm and soft. Karn blinked his eyes open and realized he lay on Ivy’s lap. He twisted his head and looked up at her.

Ivy had dressed, and apart from the slight sheen of sweat on her forehead, you would barely know they’d just engaged in the hottest sex Karn had ever had.

She raised her eyebrows, a teasing smile on her lips. “That was interesting.”

“I meant to tell you. I got caught up in the moment.” Karn sat up and raked his hand through his hair. “It’s a Forka thing. We all do it. It’s never been quite that intense before. I’ve usually only gotten dizzy.”

“I’m the first woman to make you pass out when you orgasm?”

“There’s no need to sound so smug.” He kissed her forehead.

“There’s some need. It’s quite a skill.”

Karn chuckled and wrapped his arms around Ivy. If she did that to him every time they fucked, he would never let her go. “I give you top marks for effort. It’s just a shame we didn’t get to use the handcuffs.”

Ivy stood and gave Karn a long, lingering kiss. “When you get out of here, we’re going to do a lot of that.”

“I can’t wait.”

“Make sure you’re on your best behavior while you’re here.” Ivy’s smile faded. “I can’t get you out of this. Diadora insists on you being punished, and security isn’t budging over the whole stolen ship issue. You will serve time in prison.”

Karn pulled on his pants and tunic. “I know. You’ll come and visit?”

“So long as they don’t send you to some dreadful mining planet.”

Karn grimaced. He could be sent anywhere. The way Diadora had glared at him, he figured she would make sure his imprisonment was an unpleasant one. “I have to see you. I’ll go crazy if I don’t get to see those gorgeous curves at least once a week. I can’t miss out on seeing our baby grow.”

Ivy smiled and kissed him. “We’ll figure out something. We always do.”

He lifted her off her feet as they kissed again. She was right. They’d get through this and move on to something amazing together.

Karn had a reason to change, a reason to be different and better. He wasn’t giving up on that.