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Ulrek was suddenly all business. “The second we step out of this vehicle, I’m Captain Uzzar. And you are Lana. That is the name the male used for you. If you have issues with anything I do or say, take it up with me when we're back on the ship. Not here. Do you understand?”
“Yes.” Delaney wasn't stupid enough to test him now, not with that serious tone in his voice.
Ulrek reached back to pick up an important-looking case. “It's important to stay calm during these transactions. Know that I will never let anyone hurt you.”
“Wait, is that a possibility?” What the hell was he getting her into?
He clasped her chin. “Are you scared? Do you not trust me to protect you, even after seeing me fight? That wounds me, my Star.”
That had Delaney remembering how fucking hot he had been in bloodlust.
“I hate you.” She wasn’t sure if she was saying it to him or to remind herself.
“I like you too,” he replied.
Delaney hated the fluttering in her chest at his words. She shouldn’t care whether Ulrek liked her or not. Even though she was working for him, and had slept with him, he was still the enemy. Right?
Ulrek removed his blaster from his belt and tucked it away in a compartment in the transport before stepping outside. She stepped out as well and followed him toward the ornate but tastefully decorated front door.
Whoever lived here must be filthy rich. Angie lived in a penthouse with Ryek and Holden, but despite being the directors, the two Talleans chose to keep modest lives. Whoever lived here was swimming in luxury and liked to flaunt it.
They were met by two armed guards at the door and patted down, Ulrek growling when the guard lingered on Delaney’s chest and ass a little too long. Then they were led down a hallway and into the fanciest meeting room she'd ever seen.
She tried to act casual and not gawk too openly at the ridiculously opulent room. An extravagantly-dressed Tallean male sat on an oversized divan. Two gorgeous women perched on either side of him. They wore sumptuous gowns, had gems in their long dark hair, and had their faces heavily painted. Bracelets, earrings, necklaces—they were dripping with jewels.
They looked ready for a party, and Delaney wondered if they got dolled up like this every day or just when people came to call. She knew Jillian dressed similarly when she was in Dominion space, masquerading as Ballus’ slave-turned-obsession. She’d said it was actually a pain, because all the jewels weighed a frigging ton.
The door closed behind them, and two guards came to stand on either side of it. Delaney hoped her nervousness wasn’t showing. Ulrek strode right up to the trio, looking as cool as a cucumber.
“Varan, it's nice to see you again.” Ulrek held his fist to his chest, pinky side out.
“Captain Uzzar.” Varan stood, returned the gesture, then angled his head to Delaney. “Who is this? A new female?”
“New crew member,” Ulrek clarified. He didn’t give her name.
No wonder he’d had her put on the jacket. If it weren’t for it, Delaney would have felt woefully underdressed. As it was, she was in uniform, same as the captain.
Varan offered the same respectful gesture to Delaney, who returned It, hoping it was appropriate for her to do so. Just as Ulrek had surmised, Varan didn’t suspect a thing.
There were couches arranged facing a low table, and Ulrek picked the one adjacent to their host’s. He motioned for her to sit and then sat down right next to her, their thighs touching. For once, Delaney was glad for the closeness. He placed the case down on the table, and the other man pulled it over and opened it.
Holy crap. She was in the middle of a drug deal.
Delaney blinked at the case brimming with Euphora tabs, trying not to react. She reminded herself that Talleans didn’t have any contraband substances or anti-drug laws. Kean’s Euphora was perfectly legal here.
The two females, however, couldn’t hide their reactions. Their eyes grew wide and covetous. One of them leaned over the merchandise.
Varan chuckled. “So eager, my sweet. Uzzar is going to think I don’t care for you properly.” He grabbed a handful of the tabs and gave them to her, then did the same for the other woman. “Go ahead, give it a try.”
She was already twisting the tab off and pressing the tip to her neck. Ulrek and Varan watched her face closely as the Euphora flooded her system. Her eyes took on a relaxed look, and her face flushed ever so slightly despite her tan complexion. She sighed, and a beautiful smile brightened her face, making her look even more gorgeous than she already was.
“Don’t you love the look on their faces?” Varan reached over to stroke her cheek.
“That’s the best part.” Ulrek grinned.
The female was now trying to crawl into Varan’s lap, but he pushed her away. “Later. Business first. Go play.” He shoved her at the other female.
Delaney tried to ignore the fact that the two women were full-on making out as Ulrek and Varan talked business. She tried to focus instead on her surroundings and on the conversation but failed when one of them crawled over the couches to her.
