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“That can be arranged.” Padam got to his feet. “We are new to the station. Perhaps you can show us around?”

“We’d be happy to.” Lacey glanced over her shoulder.

“What are you both drinking?” Padam asked.

“Wine.” Tatiana’s pale blue gaze remained on Solan. “Are you sure I can’t tempt you to stay a while?” Her fingers rested on his arm.

Solan downed his mead. “I’m certain.”

“I’ll get the drinks,” Padam said. “Ignore my dour friend. He is having a bad day.”

“I know just the thing to take your mind off of that.” Tatiana shifted a stool close to Solan and hopped onto it.

Her flowery perfume overwhelmed his senses. He shifted in his seat, leaning away from her overpowering scent. It was nothing like Vegas’s scent. “I do not need to be distracted.”

“Sure you do. Everybody needs a little distraction now and again.” Tatiana tossed her hair over one shoulder. “Why don’t you tell me the problem?”

Solan eyed her suspiciously. “You are not in a capacity to assist me.”

“You won’t know until you try me out.”

“Oh crap,” Lacey hissed. “Olid’s behind the bar. I thought you said he was away from the space station for another week?”

Tatiana jumped to her feet and ducked behind Solan. “He’s supposed to be.”

Olid, a tall, gray-skinned Koob glanced along the bar. His eyes narrowed as he saw Solan and Padam with the women.

“We need to get out of here.” Tatiana’s fingers dug into Solan’s back.

“Have you done something wrong to the barman?” Padam asked.

“Olid doesn’t like us having fun in his bar,” Lacey whispered. “He always kicks us out.”

“Why would he do that?” Solan rolled his shoulders, trying to detach Tatiana from him. She clung on tightly, her cloying scent making him feel unwell.

“Because he’s a killjoy,” Lacey said. “Quick. Hide. He’s coming this way.” She ducked behind Padam, who looked at her in bemusement.

“Is this some game?”

“If you like,” Lacey whispered. “You hide me with your enormous muscles. Maybe Olid won’t notice us.”

“It’s too late for that.” Solan watched with mild interest as Olid strode closer, his gaze lasering in on the women.

“You two are barred,” Olid said. “How did you even get back on the space station? Security knows not to let you in.”

Lacey peeked out from behind Padam’s shoulder. “You’re mistaking us for somebody else. This is our first time here.”

Olid shook his head. “I’ll have to report you if you don’t get out of here right now.”

“We’re doing nothing wrong,” Tatiana said. “We’re just having a drink with these warriors. They invited us.”

“We did not,” Solan muttered.

Tatiana pouted. “You’re no fun either. You and Olid must be related.”

Olid rolled his eyes. “My apologies if these ladies have caused you problems. They come to the station with the sole purpose of finding themselves a rich alien to look after them.”

“That won’t be a problem if you are fertile.” Padam looked at Lacey. “Why don’t you join My Single Alien? They’d welcome beautiful women such as you.”