Page 31 of Badass Alien Boss

“Thank you. We at Starlight Interplanetary take pride in our hotels,” Sleidndlaiocindalndneklsn, aka Bob, said. “The lobby was renovated. We’ve placed you in a suite in the Rigel tower. Room 320, third floor.” Bob pushed a reader across the counter. “If you’ll palm the scanner, we’ll get you checked in, and you’ll be able to go.”

She flattened her hand on the scanner.

“Rigel tower?” Ruyn said. “Honey, didn’t you request the new Alpha Centauri bungalows?”

Her heart skipped a beat at the endearment, even though it was just for show. They’d come to check out the hotel. They were undercover, pretending to be a couple; they’d come to investigate the hotel. No one at the resort was supposed to know they were from Korsan Enterprises.

However, she anticipated there would be some sexy business, too. She’d bookedoneroom for them, in the newly renovated Alpha Centauri bungalow complex. “Thank you for reminding me. I did request a private bungalow.”

“All our rooms are private, I assure you. During the renovations, rooms were retrofitted with privacy glass and sound buffers. I’m afraid we don’t have any standalone bungalows.”

“That’s very disappointing,” Ruyn said. “We had friends who stayed here. They loved them,” he lied. That wasn’t how or why they’d picked the bungalows.

“Yeah,” she said. “That’s why we came.”

“I didn’t mean we don’t have anyavailablevacancies. I meant, we don’t have any at all. I don’t know where your friends stayed, but it would not have been in a bungalow. The only cottages are staff quarters, unsuitable for guests. You would not wish to stay there,” Bob said.

Michaela and Ruyn exchanged a glance like they were trying to decide whether to stay or not.

“We would be happy to provide a complimentary breakfast during your stay,” Bob sweetened the deal.

She sighed dramatically, still playing the disgruntled guest. “Rigel will be fine.”

“Are you sure? This is not what we came for,” Ruyn said.

“Well, we’re here now.”

He shrugged. “Whatever you want.”

“The Rigel suites are quite lovely and newly updated and decorated.” Bob flashed another practiced smile. Had his teeth gotten longer and sharper? “Sir, if you’ll palm the scanner…”

After Ruyn scanned in, they headed for the booster, a bellman leading the way with their luggage.

She leaned into Ruyn and whispered, “Was I seeing things, or did his teeth get longer?”

“You noticed that, too, huh?”

As they boarded the booster, the bellman said, “My apologies. I couldn’t help overhearing. On behalf of the Starlight, I apologize for Sleidndlaiocindalndneklsn’s unprofessional conduct.”

It impressed her that the bellman could say his name, but said, “He was perfectly professional.”

“He showed his teeth.”

“He’s not supposed to smile?”

“He is not supposed to show annoyance with guests. He is Azeryn. When Azeryns are annoyed, angry, or fearful, they grow fangs. It’s a fight mechanism.”

That’s an unfortunate tell.“So, he was irritated with us.”

“Very unprofessional,” the bellman said. “I will report the behavior.”

“No, don’t,” she said. “I don’t want to get him in trouble. He may have gotten annoyed, but he acted professionally. That’swhat counts.” They had to avoid ruffling feathers. They were trying to fly under the radar.

“As you wish.”

The booster deposited them on the third floor, and the bellman led them to a suite midway along the corridor. They palmed into their room, and the bellman deposited their two cases inside. “Enjoy your stay.”

“No bungalows,” she said when they were alone.