Page 31 of Elias

Commander Thean’s eyebrows rose a fraction. “I did not know there were Retars working here.”

“Everybody is welcome on-board Prodigy,” Vegas said brightly.

Commander Thean nodded. “Of course. We will not delay you for any longer than we have to. Our sweep should take no more than ten minutes. Then the Class One will dock and our Princess will disembark.”

“As you see fit,” Vegas said. “I will wait here until the princess is ready to be received.”

Elias watched in silence as the guards spread out and scanned the docking bay before moving out into the adjoining corridor. He stared at the ship. Princess Isolt was not on there. She had her pick of lovers and did not need a matchmaking service.

“I know somebody you work with,” he said to Vegas. “Hayley. She’s a new matchmaker.”

“How do you know Hayley?” Vegas asked.

“I’ve seen her give a few talks at the pro-amateur evenings,” Elias said. “She’s very passionate about certain subjects.”

Vegas chuckled. “I assume you’re referring to Earth dinosaurs. Yes, she’s obsessed with them. She even has a few miniature replicas on her desk in the office.”

It made Elias smile to think of her admiring these creatures as she worked. Maybe he could find more to add to her collection. “She’s enjoying her position with you?”

“I believe so. I think it was a shock coming into space and starting a new job, but I’m happy with her progress. Hayley has her review with me in a week’s time.” Vegas glanced at him. “She hasn’t said anything to you that suggests she isn’t happy, has she? I’d hate to lose her.”

“No, absolutely not. I believe she’s enjoying her experience in space.”

“That’s good to hear. She’s doing a great job.” Vegas leaned closer. “My boss has decided Hayley is getting a special mission. She likes to test us.”

“What kind of mission?”

“I can’t say much. It has something to do with our new arrival.” Vegas gestured to the docked ship. “Hayley will be here soon to welcome an important new client.”

“Hayley’s coming to the docking bay?” Elias felt a thrill of pleasure at the thought of her being here. It would give him an opportunity to speak to her.

Vegas arched an eyebrow and grinned. “She is. We have another arrival joining us soon from Earth. She will work closely with this individual.”

Elias silently wished Hayley every success with her mission. She deserved it. He looked back through the window at the Class One ship. He licked his lips and took a deep breath. “Who’s on board the waiting ship?”

Vegas smiled. “It’s supposed to be a secret, but since she’s almost here, there’s no point in keeping it from you. Besides, she is a member of your royal family. You’ll be excited about seeing her.”

Elias held his breath as he nodded and waited for Vegas to stop his worst nightmare from coming true.

She grinned. “Well, I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. It’s Princess Isolt.”

“Princess Isolt.” Elias swallowed slowly and ran his tongue across his suddenly dry teeth. The princess he’d abandoned was coming on board Prodigy. Damn it to the stars and back.

“You must know of her. She’s so beautiful. We had strong potential matches for her, all of them wowed by her appearance. Her match is one lucky guy.”

Elias repressed a snort. The guy was lucky if he had a thing for getting his balls chewed off by a psycho. He had two options, hide or face this nightmare. They both left him cold.

When Princess Isolt disembarked from her ship, she’d discover Elias. If he ran, he’d prove to Hayley he was a jerk and didn’t stand up and admit his mistakes.

But Princess Isolt was not known for her forgiveness. When she found out he was here, she’d want revenge.

Whichever option he chose, the outcome would suck.

Chapter 13

Nerves cascaded down Hayley’s back as she stood in front of Diadora’s desk. She clasped her hands behind her, so Diadora wouldn’t see they shook. This was it; it was over. Hayley was about to lose everything. Her lies had been discovered. Diadora was getting rid of her.

Diadora sat in her seat and stared at her port screen for a moment. She didn’t offer Hayley a seat, so she remained standing in front of the desk.