The brutality of Diadora’s behavior made Vegas shiver as she ran along the corridors with Heather. She’d always known Diadora was a cruel, cold-hearted bitch, but this was out there in the realms of insanely stupid and evil. There was no way this could happen. Diadora had no right to barter over Vegas’s freedom or who she mated with.

“I’m getting a stitch in my side.” Heather ran alongside Vegas as they headed to her quarters.

“You need to exercise more,” Vegas said.

“I force myself into an exercise pod once a week to limit muscle wastage. That’s all I can stomach.”

Vegas slowed to a fast walk, her thoughts spinning. How could she make this work? As soon as she left My Single Alien, she’d have no money, other than her savings. Where would she go? Somewhere Boros and Diadora couldn’t find her, that was a top priority.

“You really think we can leave?”

“I’m going to try.” Vegas slowed as they reached her quarters. “Listen, I don’t expect you to come with me. Diadora is pissed at you, but at least she’s not trading you off to some Galaxar. If you keep your head down and your nose clean, make sure you hit your targets, she’ll leave you alone and forget you were involved in this.”

“I’m not letting you head off into space on your own,” Heather said. “You have no idea what’s out there.”

“That’s just the problem. I absolutely do. I need to get to a hospitable planet. Find an alien race who’s not going to sell me, trade me, or eat me. I’ll find somewhere to hide, wait until the dust dies down, and then work out my next step.”

“You’ll need me by your side if you’re going to do that.”

“It will be risky sneaking off the station. If Diadora gets suspicious, she’ll stop us from going anywhere.”

“There are always ships coming and going from the docking bay. We can get on one easily enough. We just need to make sure Diadora doesn’t spot what we’re doing.”

“If you come with me, you’ll be leaving everything behind.” Vegas entered her quarters, grabbed a bag from the closet, and filled it with a few essentials.

“It’s just stuff.” Heather watched her pack. “I can get more things when we land. We’ve both got money and know our way around a host of different alien customs and traditions. We’ll find a friendly place to settle, keep off the radar, and wait for Diadora to move onto her next target. She always has to have someone in the thumb screws.”

“You won’t miss working at My Single Alien?” Despite all the problems Diadora threw at her, Vegas knew she would. Her life revolved around this place. She loved making matches, loved figuring out what made an alien tick and seeing his eyes light up as he met his female. Next year, they were expanding into matching female aliens with human males, not that there were many fertile ones around. She’d been looking forward to that. All of that was gone. In front of her was nothing but a blank canvas full of the uncertainty of a life on the run. Some people might find that exciting. Vegas felt terrified and lost.

“We can set up a rival agency,” Heather said. “That would annoy Diadora.”

“She would hunt us down and crush us.” The thought of going into business was not without its appeal. Running a business as the boss, Vegas could handle that.

“We know what doesn’t work well at My Single Alien. We can create a better model. We undercut Diadora’s rates and use your reputation as an ace matchmaker to beat the pants off her.”

“It’s Diadora that doesn’t work here,” Vegas said.

“Apart from her, everyone else is brilliant. Maybe we can poach the staff. We can ruin her. Teach her not to mess with us.”

“You’re forgetting Poison Ivy. We don’t want to take her with us, do we?”

“She’s fine when you ignore the bitchiness. I’m sure she’s another one who needs to get laid more often,” Heather said.

“That’s your answer to everything. Get laid, and the world is a better place.”

“I know when I’ve had a hot time in the sheets, I’m happier for it. And we teach our aliens all about the serotonin and dopamine hits females get when they have awesome sex. It works the same for everyone.”

“Let’s focus on getting out of here. Then we can think long-term plans.”

Heather seemed lost in the idea of starting her own matchmaking service. “We should change the rules about mating with aliens for fun rather than for reproduction. There have been a few hot aliens come through here I wouldn’t have minded getting up close and personal with, you know, rubbing their horns and seeing what they do.”

“That’s not at all disturbing. That can be our first change.” Vegas grabbed Heather and hugged her. “Are you sure about this? I can’t stay here and be sold to Boros. I don’t want to leave without you, but I’ll understand if you decide to stay.”

“I’m right by your side,” Heather said. “Your job does not involve opening your legs for any alien who wants you.”

“No, we arrange that for other females.”

Heather thumped Vegas’s arm. “Only when they agree to it.”

“Naturally. Well, I am not opening my legs for that monster.” Vegas was delighted Heather was coming with her. She’d survive in space on her own, but having her best friend with her would make it so much easier.

“We need a suitable transport ship,” Heather said. “I can pull up the log sheets and see who is due for departure.”

“They need to be leaving soon.” Vegas stepped back from their hug. “There are plenty of planets we can go to. Let’s make sure we don’t pick a ship going back to Earth.”

Heather shook her head. “There’s no way I’m going back there. We’ll choose one with a warm climate and friendly aliens.”

“Make sure you put breathable air on that list.”

Heather smiled as she hurried to the screen fixed on the wall and opened the docking logs for the last two days. “As if I could forget that. I don’t want to walk around with an oxygen canister on my back.”

“It would also scream off-world tourist. We’d be too easy to spot.”

“We need to blend in,” Heather said as she scrolled through the log. “Maybe we should pick a planet with a large Earth ex-pat community.”

“Somewhere not too populated,” Vegas said. “Somewhere with the latest technology but not too busy. We need to disappear for a while without having to hide in a shack with no external comms.”

“You gather the rest of your things. By the time you’re ready to go, I’ll have lined up perfect transport out of here.”

A message alert pinged on Vegas’s tablet. She hurried over and checked it. Boros expects you in his quarters within the hour. Vegas cursed and placed the tablet down.

“Problem?”

“Just Diadora threatening me. Same old same old. She can go screw herself. I am not meeting with Boros. She’ll have to pay him back his money and hope he’s not too angry. Although, I wouldn’t mind watching the two of them fight it out. I reckon they’d be a good match.” Vegas hurried into her bathroom. She shoved cosmetics into a bag, grabbed a few more items of clothing, and then zipped up the holdall. “Okay. I’m ready.”

“This looks promising,” Heather said. “It’s a Lillip ship.”

“I like the Lillips. They’re a friendly bunch.”

“Their planet will be suitable for us,” Heather said. “There’s breathable air and clean water.”

“And it’s not too crowded.”

“The transport leaves in half an hour,” Heather said.

“Bring up the cameras on the docking bay. Let’s see where the ship is.” She tapped her fingers against her thigh as Heather brought up live camera feed on the screen.

“What do you think?”

“It’s our best bet,” Vegas said. “We’ll have to be careful no one sees us going on board. We’ve got to walk past several ships. Who’s the ship’s captain?”

“Captain Lolo. Do you know him?”

“No. He’s not here to have a match through My Single Alien. He must be piloting the ship. That might make things tricky.”

“We can sweet talk him,” Heather said. “We can offer him a discounted match if he’s interested.”

“Do you want to offer yourself?”

Heather’s nose wrinkled. “I like Lillips well enough, but I prefer my aliens a little less... squirty.”

Lillips had a gross habit of squirting secretions when they became excited. It wasn’t all that different from when a guy ejaculated all over your face. It was rarely welcomed, had a funky smell, and a glue-like consistency.

“Let’s start by simply asking,” Vegas said. “If that doesn’t work, we can try money.”

“And if that doesn’t work?”

“Wait until their backs are turned and sneak in. What’s the worst they can do when they find us on board?”

“Bring us back here. No, throw us into space. No, wait! Sell us to an alien who likes human flesh.”

Vegas waved her hands in the air. “You can still stay here. It’s not too late to change your mind.”

“I’m coming with you.”

Vegas strode to the door with Heather. “I’ll find Captain Lolo and see if he’s receptive to having a couple of extra hands on board.”

“He should be in the docking bay. He’ll be doing pre-flight checks before take-off.”

“You grab what you need,” Vegas said. “I’ll meet you there.”

“Don’t leave without me. I can’t face Diadora on my own.”

“Of course I won’t. Just hurry.” Vegas hugged Heather before they separated and walked along different corridors.

This had to work. They needed to get off the space station quickly. Vegas had no clue where Boros was. She didn’t care, so long as he stayed out of her way. She figured Diadora would be in touch with him to let him know about the planned meet up. Vegas would not be there. By the time Diadora and Boros figured out what was going on, she would be far away in deep space. They’d have a hard time getting her back then.

But what about Solan? He had challenged Boros because of her. He was going to fight for something that wasn’t even his. It seemed so stupidly romantic.

No, she couldn’t think that. Solan had chosen this warrior path. He’d just have to fight well and avoid getting any limbs sliced off. Vegas hadn’t asked him to fight on her behalf. Still, she wanted him to be okay. When he wasn’t being a jerk, she didn’t deny all the lust-filled thoughts she had about him. If she’d had more time, maybe things could be different. She could have worked with Solan and made him see sense. They could have been great together.

Taking a steadying breath, Vegas walked into the docking bay. As conflicted as her feelings were, she couldn’t let Solan into her life. No more heartbreak. No more risk. Life was better that way.

Even though Vegas had seen enough spaceships to not consider it mind-bogglingly amazing, the sight of so many made her slow. There was huge, shiny bullet-shaped craft, ships dotted with sparkling gems in an array of colors, and flatter gray ships that dwarfed the others.

She spotted the Lillip ship straightaway. They traveled in large, metallic gray circular ships that had warp engine capacity. They looked like giant dinner plates on stilts.

Vegas nodded at the armed security guards standing by the entrance door. She knew them both, Mitchell Baines and Ivanna Blanc. They were used to seeing her coming in and out of the bay as part of the arrival party for new aliens. They wouldn’t think it odd she was there, at least, not until they checked the logs and realized no new aliens were docked or soon to be arriving.

Getting past the guards was the easy bit. Convincing the captain of the Lillip ship to take them on a journey when they had no reason for leaving the space station would be another challenge entirely.

The ramp of the Lillip ship was down. That was a good sign. A single Lillip stood at the base of the ramp. They were a peaceful race of aliens. They’d been one of the first to use the services of My Single Alien. Their planet had suffered greatly after the Cubit sun flares incident, which rendered many Lillips infertile or too sick to raise children.

The Lillip guard nodded at Vegas as she stopped by the ship.

“Is Captain Lolo on board?” Vegas asked her.

The Lillip nodded. Her skin was a pale iridescent blue, matching her large eyes.

Lillips looked like the kind of drawing a child would do when you asked them to draw an alien, although they had lovely smiles and a more humanoid shape. “He’s running through final departure checks now. Do you wish to see him?”

“If that’s okay,” Vegas said. “I don’t want to delay your departure, but it would be useful. I’m Vegas Munro from My Single Alien.”

“I know who you are. You helped my brother have a child just last month.” The guard smiled warmly. “The baby is enchanting.”

“I’m so glad to hear that.”

The Lillip leaned forward. “I’m on the waiting list for when you start matching human males. I’d love my own child and I think human men are gorgeous.”

“You won’t have to wait much longer. We’ve already started the first round of screening.” Vegas hoped she didn’t expect too much from her human male. All her experiences had been woefully inadequate. Still, maybe they just needed the right kind of alien to get them to step up and prove themselves all male.

The Lillip looked around the docking bay as if checking for any problems. “I’m sure the captain can spare you a few moments. This way.” She led Vegas up the ramp.

Lillip ships were sentient. Entering one felt like climbing into the innards of a living creature. Everything moved and shifted, and the ship had a steady heartbeat throb.

Vegas hurried to keep up with the long strides of the Lillip. They were long-limbed, agile, and fast on their feet.

The guard stopped by the closed flight deck door. She pressed her hand against a panel by the door, announcing her arrival.

“What is it, Plania?”

“Captain Lolo, I have Vegas Munro here to see you.”

The doors slid open. Captain Lolo stood on the other side. He smiled broadly, revealing a row of neat white teeth. “Miss Munro, what a pleasure to have you on board.”

“Thanks for sparing me the time. Did your party have a successful time at My Single Alien?”

“Indeed they did.” Captain Lolo nodded at Plania. “You may leave us.”

Plania nodded, gave Vegas another smile, and then left.

“I noticed you are due for departure shortly,” Vegas said.

“We can’t stay any longer. We had two successful matches on this visit.” Captain Lolo stepped back, gesturing for Vegas to enter.

Vegas walked into the flight deck. The sleek black panels in front of her flickered with lights as the ship warmed up ready for take-off.

“We can return home with the new mates and celebrate. And, to my delight, I just heard news of three more births on our home planet.”

“The babies are all healthy?” Vegas forced herself to remain calm. She didn’t want to worry Captain Lolo by asking for a ride straightaway, but time was not on her side. She couldn’t let him think she was doing something wrong. Technically, she wasn’t. Diadora wouldn’t see it like that. Neither would Boros.

“They are all fine children. Their families couldn’t be more proud.”

“I should like to come to your home planet,” Vegas said. “It is always nice to see our success stories.”

“You would be welcome any time.” Captain Lolo tilted his head to the side. “However, I am sensing this is not about the success with our children.”

Vegas smiled. Lillips were excellent at picking up on people’s emotions. She hadn’t been doing a great job of hiding her nerves after all. “I want to ask you a favor. I need to leave the station on an urgent matter. Would you have room for two extra passengers when you leave?”

“You wish to come on board?” Captain Lolo smiled. “We have plenty of room. Two small humans will not be a concern. What is your destination?”

“How about we make that visit to your planet?”

His smile faded. “Sadly, we are not destined for home. We have four more stops to make. We will be away for several months.”

“Are you going through the wormhole?”

“Not until our journey home.”

“Could you drop us off at the next habitable planet?” Vegas tried to remember what that planet was. She thought it had the right atmosphere to survive on for a short time. “That’s Dekab, isn’t it?”

“That’s right, but it’s not a good place to visit.” Captain Lolo shook his head. “I’d advise against it unless your business truly is unavoidable. Did you not hear of the recent civil unrest on the planet?”

Vegas gritted her teeth. She had, but in her panic to get off the space station, she’d forgotten about it. “Where are you heading?”

“In the opposite direction to the wormhole. We have business on the mining planet Tenkcet. We have negotiated a successful trade alliance with the Tolong and need to cement the deal.”

Tenkcet wasn’t suitable for them. The air was toxic to humans. “How about the space station before Tenkcet? Would you be able to drop us off there?”

“Let me check our schedule.” Captain Lolo leaned over the black panel. The screen flared to life. “Enia, check our flight path to Tenkcet. Input the additional time we would need to dock at space station Starland.”

The ship’s response was immediate. “Captain Lolo, you will need an additional hour to undertake the docking.”

Vegas clasped her hands together. “Will that be a problem?”

Captain Lolo shook his head. “Thank you, Enia. After everything My Single Alien has done for us, I will be happy to give you an extra hour. I should caution you, Starland is not a good place. It’s more of a stop-off point for space cowboys and star junkies. I cannot guarantee your safety on that station. Perhaps you can wait here. I can stop on our return journey before we go through the wormhole. I can pick up you and your friend then.”

“I appreciate the offer, but I need to leave now. Starland will do fine.” She knew Starland. It had been constructed at the same time as Prodigy. They’d briefly considered it as the base for My Single Alien. Even back then it didn’t have a great reputation.

“Very well,” Captain Lolo said. “Bring whatever you need on board.” He checked the time on the computer. “We leave in fifteen minutes.”

“Thanks. I appreciate the help.” Vegas held aloft her bag. “I’m just bringing this.”

“So long as there’s nothing illegal in there, you will be fine.”

“Only toiletries and clothes.”

Captain Lolo chuckled. “I trust you, Miss Munro. But I will need my security to check the contents of your bag.”

“Of course. I’ve nothing to hide. In fact, I’m looking forward to spending some time on your ship. I haven’t had a space flight in almost two months. I need to keep my space legs in good working order. There’s nothing worse than getting sick in space.”

“Absolutely.” He clapped a hand on her shoulder. “This is my pleasure. Lillips would be lost by now if it weren’t for your hard work. And, although the ways of the human female do seem like a mystery to me, I’m sure that when my time comes, I will be delighted with my match.”

Captain Lolo led Vegas back to the ramp. “Leave your bag with Plania. When she has checked the contents, she will place it in a room for your personal use.”

Vegas willingly passed over the bag. She looked up as she heard hurried footsteps approach. Mitchell and Ivanna drew near. The expressions on their faces suggested this wasn’t a social call.

Vegas stepped off the ramp. “Is everything okay?” She needed to keep her cool. Maybe they wanted to know what she was doing.

Mitchell scrubbed his chin with a hand. “I hate to do this, Vegas, but I’ve been asked to detain you.”

Vegas backed up the ramp, feeling her escape route cut off. “Why?”

Ivanna held her weapon loosely by her side. “We’re just following orders.”

Dread clutched at her stomach. “Whose orders?”

“Miss Hardwick. She’s insisting you remain on the space station. Your travel permit has been canceled, along with Miss Roberts. Is she with you?”

“No. I haven’t seen her. Why do you want her?” Vegas was glad she’d sent Heather to get her stuff. Maybe Heather could escape Diadora’s wrath when she learned she wasn’t sneaking onto an alien ship with Vegas.

“I’m sure it’s nothing,” Mitchell said. “Miss Hardwick insists you are to remain on the station.”

Vegas glanced over Mitchell’s shoulder. Heather stood in the entrance to the docking bay, a bag clutched in her hand and a horrified look on her face.

Discreetly, Vegas shook her head. Heather backed up several steps before sliding back around the corner and out of sight.

Vegas sighed. At least Heather wouldn’t get in trouble. “You’re arresting me? I can’t leave the station?”

Mitchell nodded. “I’m sorry. I’m sure this is a misunderstanding. You’re to come with us. We have to take you to a holding cell.”