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“These Apexians are distracting. Dallin is always telling me to focus on work and not stare at his ass. What’s a girl to do? It’s a delicious ass, and I just want to take a bite,” Sloane said.

“You’re the sex pest around here,” Georgia said. “All Dallin wants to do is play with those gross critters in his tank and study DNA strands on slides, and you’re getting all handsy and drooling over his butt.”

“I never drool! At least not when he’s watching.”

“Hunter leaving is the worst idea.” Cleo licked her lips, then let out a sigh. She needed to get this off her chest. Her past pressed on her like a weight, making it hard to breathe. “Um... I got involved with my boss in a previous job.”

“Oh, so you fucked the boss. That’s your secret?” Sloane giggled. “You bad girl. Did you get a pay rise?”

“Sloane!” Georgia shoved her.

“Sorry!” Sloane grinned at Cleo. “Tell us everything.”

“He told me he cared for me, but all he wanted to do was get in my pants.” Cleo winced at the embarrassing memory. “Once he’d achieved his goal of getting me naked, he figured out a way to get rid of me. The jerk ruined my career, and I had to start all over again. I can’t risk that happening a second time.”

“But you’re the boss now,” Georgia said. “You’re the one who can ruin Hunter’s career.”

“It’s too late for that, honey,” Sloane said.

“Thanks for that. I feel so much better after talking to you two.” Cleo stroked the sleeping banty on Georgia’s knee. “I should know better. I’ve seen what happens when you get mixed up with someone you work with. And this crew means everything to me, and the ship is my home. I won’t risk it all on a fling with a hot alien.”

“And if it’s more than a fling?” Sloane said. “We all see how Hunter looks at you.”

“Like a prize?” Cleo said. “A conquest?”

“Like a prime piece of meat,” Georgia said. “Something he’d like to enjoy for hours.”

“Maybe even all night,” Sloane said.

Georgia smirked. “He might even come back for seconds.”

“Stop! Get out of here.” Cleo pointed at the door. “That’s an order.”

“I’m ignoring that, since you’re in the wrong frame of mind to give orders,” Sloane said.

“Yeah, look what happened when you gave Hunter his most recent orders,” Georgia said.

Cleo groaned. “I hate you both.”

“You need to stop with the doubting,” Georgia said. “If Hunter’s only after a one-night screw, he’s already achieved that. That alien is in love with you. Any fool can see that.”

“Not this one,” Cleo muttered. “What if he’s playing a game like my old boss? Some guys know just what to say to get what they want. Once Hunter’s gotten me in bed again, he can brag to his buddies about sleeping with the boss. I’d die of shame if that happened.”

“Why? You’re in charge, so you give the orders. Why not take advantage of that with Hunter?” Georgia said.

“Oh, yeah! That’s hot. Order Hunter to sleep with you and keep it a secret.” Sloane grinned. “You’d be totally in charge of the sex. You can dominate him.”

“Nope. That’s the quickest way to get myself fired.”

“Noooo! And Hunter would love it. You give the order for sex, and he asks how hard he needs to screw you. It’s a win-win situation,” Sloane said.

“I’ve been on the receiving end of that power imbalance, and it sucks. My boss loved to manipulate me and tricked me into caring for him. I’m not doing that. If Hunter cares for me, I can’t abuse my position. No orders for sex.”

“Oh, honey! What happened with your old boss was lousy,” Sloane said. “But Hunter isn’t like that. He’s a straight up and down alien. Has he ever said or done anything to make you doubt his honesty?”

Cleo puffed out a breath. “He’s always been honest with me. Too honest, sometimes. He gets me flustered when he talks about love and wanting to spend the rest of his life with me.”

“Freaking star ships! He’s already told you he loves you and he’s only gotten in your pants once. You must be one hell of a good lay,” Georgia said.