Page 39 of Badass Alien Boss

This assignment was supposed to be a simple bodyguard/investigation gig. Had she known then what she knew now…

I would have taken the jobbecauseof what I know.She studied Ruyn’s concerned face, and she ached for his gut-wrenching situation. If one of her brothers had gotten involved in criminal activity, she would be devastated. It would tear her apart. The natural inclination was to close ranks and protect one’s family. But how could you stand up for them in good conscience if they’d done something terrible?

I’m sorry, Ruyn.

At least Korsan isn’t a terrorist. He hasn’t killed anyone.

That we know of.

She didn’t believe Korsan would resort to violence, but the remote possibility planted itself in her brain, and she couldn’t shake it loose. Appetite gone, she pushed her plate away. “I should go with you when you talk to him.”

He shook his head. “It’s better if I do it alone. He’ll be more apt to come clean if it’s just me.”

“What if…what if…he’s dangerous?”

“I may not know him as well as I thought, but I’m 100 percent sure he’s not violent—and certainly not toward me. No matter what he’s done, I love him, and he loves me. He won’t appreciate the accusations and interference, but he would never hurt me.” His gaze sharpened, and she could see his sense of betrayal turn to anger—and redirect. “I’m shocked you would say such a thing!”

“I’m sorry—”

“Sorry nothing. You don’t know Korsan like I do!”

“No, I don’t, but I’m only thinking of you,” she said.

“Well, you don’t need to. Let me handle this in my own way.”

She raised her hands in surrender and let the matter drop. She’d lost her appetite, but she pulled her plate closer and picked at her food while trying to ignore the tension.

There would be no convincing him in his current emotional state, and she empathized with his situation, again thinking about her own brothers. It would take irrefutable evidence to convince her that any of her siblings were criminals. And she’dneverbelieve any of them would be capable of hurting her—no matter what anyone said. So, she wouldn’t react much differently.I shouldn’t have said anything.

Intellectually, he suspected his brother had gotten into trouble, but full acceptance hadn’t come yet. Denial still ran deep and strong. He would hang onto any excuse to exonerate him.

Didshetruly believe Korsan might harm Ruyn? No. First, he’d be stupid to try. Even recovering from an injury, Ruyn could kick Korsan’s ass. Besides, Korsan didn’t strike her as the violent type. That wasn’t his temperament. Financial malfeasance and physical assault were different crimes.

Then again, they’d never figured him as a money launderer either. Who could say what he was capable of? They had to stay on their toes and avoid assumptions and unnecessary risks.

Still, she’d bungled this. “I’m sorry,” she repeated her apology.

“No, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. You’re only trying to protect me. It looks bad, and Korsan is no paragon, but he’s not a thug or a killer.” He reached across the table. She met him halfway, and they clasped hands.

“Are you finished eating?” he asked.

“Yeah. I’m still a little wary. I won’t feel comfortable eating again until we’re back on Luturna.” She thought of Mama Murta’s Café. Intrusive matchmaking seemed like a small price to pay for a delicious,safemeal.

“As I recall, I promised you a working vacation. We’ve done the work part, so why don’t we do something fun this afternoon?” he suggested.

“Like what?”

“We could visit the botanical garden or hang out by the pool in a half-million-credit cabana.” His mouth quirked.

She smiled. “We have time. Why don’t we do both?”

* * * *

The bathroom door opened, redolent steam rolled out, and Michaela appeared, the backlight silhouetting her curvaceous form through the shimmery nightie. His cock took notice, and he sat up straighter in bed.

“Oh, good. You’re still awake,” she said.

He chuckled. “As if there was any doubt.” He’d showered first and then waited for her. This was their last night at the hotel, and they would not worry about what lay ahead. Tonight had been reserved for them. Tomorrow, they’d return to Luturna, he’d confront Korsan, and deal with the fallout. But they didn’t need to worry about it tonight.