Page 33 of Solan

“Perhaps we both are, especially if you can’t get Vegas to be with you. I’m guessing that’s why your face is set in such a terrifying scowl.”

“Something is holding her back,” Solan said. “It’s not a physical problem. She has shown interest in me on several occasions. There is something else.”

“She could not be a fan of your muscles.”

Solan shrugged and flexed a bicep. “Everybody likes those.”

“Maybe she considers you too modest?” Padam ducked out of the range of Solan’s half-hearted punch.

“She could be acting shy,” Solan said. “It might be that she doesn’t want to appear too eager to be with me, particularly when her company has gone to so much trouble to secure me a mate. It might not be looked upon favorably if she jeopardizes the opportunity I have been presented with.”

“Wouldn’t Miss Munro simply put herself forward if you were deemed a decent match for each other?”

“There is some rule about employees not joining with anyone who approaches My Single Alien.”

Padam nodded. “That is logical. Human females are small and weak. They would not have enough energy to raise a squib sired by us and do anything else. I expect the females devote all their energy to the offspring.”

“That must be the reason for the rule,” Solan said. “If that is the case, Vegas can leave her job. I can provide for her.”

Padam tapped his bottle against his chin. “Perhaps she’s not inclined to become a kept female. The females like their independence.”

“She can be independent,” Solan said. “I would not expect her to be my servant. I would expect her to take proper care of our squibs.”

Padam’s gaze drifted over Solan’s shoulder. “Our fortunes are about to change. You won’t need Miss Munro’s services.”

Solan shifted in his seat. Two scantily clad females approached them. One was tall and blonde and the other shorter with dark hair. The skin on their faces looked unnaturally stretched and taut. He turned back to Padam. “You are interested in them?”

“I would like to practise my kissing. One of them might be willing.”

Solan glanced back at the women. The clothing they wore revealed their pleasing curves, but their breasts appeared solid and did not move when they walked. He felt a surge of desire. It wasn’t for those women in particular, but he was reminded of Vegas’s softness and the taste of her when they’d kissed.

“Which one would you like?” Padam asked.

“Neither.”

“Then I shall have them both. When one tires, the other can take her place.” Padam smiled broadly and patted his chest. “There is plenty of me to go around.”

Solan heard the women giggle as they drew nearer. “You do with them what you will.”

“You look like fine aliens in need of a good time,” the tall blonde spoke. Her voice was low and raspy. “Are you enjoying yourselves on the station?”

“The facilities are suitable.” Solan didn’t look up from the inspection of his drink.

“We are warriors,” Padam said.

The brunette tittered behind her hand, her long nails glittering in the overhead bar light. “I said to Tatiana you two look like trouble.”

“We are not trouble,” Solan said.

“You’re the brooding one.” The brunette poked him with a finger. “I’m Lacey.”

“And I’m leaving,” Solan said.

“Stay,” Padam implored. “These ladies seem like fun. You need some fun after your rejection.”

Solan scowled at him. “I was not rejected. It is a temporary problem.”

“We’re lots of fun,” Tatiana said. “Providing you buy us drinks.”