Chapter 11

Emmy stared at her list of contacts, wracking her brain for anyone who might've been peripherally involved in Dafari's project. The thought of coming all this way, facing down Dafari, and leaving Aleigh empty-handed made her feel sick. There had to be someone else who could help them. "Here's a lab tech I remember from the project," she muttered. "I wonder if she's still in the area?"

Chigs sat on the chaise next to her and put a warm hand on her forearm.

The shock of his touch sent a shiver through her. Blinking as if from a daze, she lifted her attention to meet his burnished copper eyes.

"I've been thinking—" He exhaled slowly, breath caressing her bare shoulder as he seemed to struggle for words.

She bit her bottom lip, heart filling her throat. Was he giving up on finding his destined mate? She couldn't allow herself to hope for such a thing. She loved how dedicated Chigs was, how loyal, even if it was to another woman. He deserved to find happiness.

He could be happy with me. The thought came unbidden but powerful. A deep yearning unlike any she'd felt before. She wanted to say it out loud. To confess her feelings and throw herself against him. But she kept her lips clamped shut over the words, drawing on every ounce of reserve she'd learned as a therapist. Now wasn't the time for her to speak. It was time for her to listen.

"Would you…" Chigs slid his hand down her arm to take her hand, sending an electric jolt of desire through her.

Oh, God, is he going to say what I think he is?She held her breath, hope making her dizzy.

A loud buzz made her flinch. Chigs shot to his feet, releasing her hand as if he'd been caught committing a crime. A small green light flashed from the com unit on the wall.

Disappointment hit her stomach like a lead weight. All anticipation of confessions, no matter how foolish they might have been, disintegrated between one breath and the next. But what did she expect? She was always drawn to unavailable or uninterested men, and the forbidden Chigs was no exception to that rule. The thought filled her with raging despair. Stupid heart, stupid mission, stupid buzzer...

She rose and went to the panel. "It could be Doug," she said, proud her voice didn't tremble. "But just in case, better put your disguise back on."

Chigs nodded, his copper face a shade off-color, and reengaged the holo-projector, resuming his handsome human fa?ade.

Emmy activated the com's small video screen, expecting Doug's familiar cybernetic eye to greet her. "Hello?"

Instead, Dafari's face appeared. "Hello, Emmy."

Every muscle in her body tightened. "Dafari? How did you find me?"

"You said you were on your honeymoon," he said with a smirk. "So I called every hotel in the area and asked for the honeymoon suite until I reached you."

Emmy frowned. Tracking her down must have taken some effort. Why is he calling? She recalled Irina mentioning that he regretted breaking up with her. Certainly it wasn't that, was it? Though he had been very flattering over drinks… Perhaps she should play along. Even if he didn't work at the lab anymore, he might still have a nugget of information they could use.

She smiled sweetly, forcing herself to relax and lean close to the screen. "Well, you found me," she replied, her voice low and sultry. "Now what?"

"I can't stop thinking about you. I regret how everything went down between us, but I couldn't get into it with Irina there."

He wants to get back together? Seriously?She tried not to let the surprise register on her face. This could be her opening, but she had to tread carefully if she was to get any information. Dafari knew how to stay close-lipped about his projects. "You know why I had to end our relationship," she said softly. "My feelings haven't changed."

"Let's talk about it more in private," Dafari said, glancing over his shoulder as if worried he might be overheard. "Meet me at the Velvet Enigma tonight at eleven."

She pursed her lips, then nodded. "Okay."

"Come alone," Dafari added, then disconnected.

Emmy stared at the blank screen, pulse whooshing in her ears. After taking a calming breath, she turned to look at Chigs, who stood with his arms crossed.

"Why did you agree to meet him?" he asked, his voice nearly a growl. "He doesn't work at the lab."

She frowned. "But he did for a long time. If he has any information at all, it's worth checking out. We can't abandon this mission if there's even a scrap of a chance to salvage it. Not yet."

"I'm telling you, he suspects something. He knows we're on our honeymoon, yet asked to see you alone."

"I think he might hope he can win me back." Emmy bit her lip, repulsed by the idea but willing to play along for the sake of the mission.

The muscles in Chigs's jaw bulged. "What if I'm right and it's a trap?"

"You're being paranoid." She shook her head. "Our breakup may have been ugly, but Dafari wouldn't set me up." He'd chosen his work over their relationship, but Dafari would never actually sacrifice her for his own advancement.

"I won't let you take the risk. It's not worth it."

"I'm willing to do it, Chigs. Remember, more than just your mate is at stake here—there were other denaidans in those SAC units."

Chigs rubbed his temples, brows furrowed, but then he nodded. "Fine. But I'm not letting you go alone. I'll follow you and stay out of sight. If anything happens, I'll be ready."

She was surprised by the relief that flooded her. "All right."She glanced down at her blue and gold sundress, the hem still damp from her stroll along the beach, then at Chigs's casual tunic and slacks. "Velvet Enigma is a high-end bar. We'll both need to change to get in."

Chigs shrugged. "Joy made sure I have a suit."

"Great. Give me a few minutes to change."

She retreated to the bedroom and rummaged through her luggage. None of the dresses she'd brought seemed good enough. She needed to make a statement with Dafari. To look sexy and elegant yet make it clear that she'd moved on.

She discarded a blue satin dress as too plain, then set aside a sequined gown that seemed too flashy. Her fingers hesitated over a little black cocktail dress. Basic, perhaps a little too short, but it would have to do. Just as she was about to pull her sundress over her head, there was a knock at the bedroom door.

"Yes?"

Chigs stuck his head in. "I have something for you." He stepped fully inside and held out a stunning red dress like the one she'd seen on Whylon Station. "I promised to buy you one of these, remember?"

She gaped at the elegant garment. "When did you have time to do that?"

He smiled sheepishly. "I ordered it this morning. I wanted to be sure I didn't forget. It's handmade, and tailored to fit."

Emmy took the dress, the soft fabric sliding like butter against her fingers. The dress was exquisite, with delicate lace detailing along the neckline and a flattering drop waist silhouette that would accentuate her curves.

"Chigs... it's beautiful," she whispered, deeply touched by his thoughtfulness.

"I took the liberty of inserting a tracker into the hem, so I'll be able to keep tabs on you even if I'm not nearby. Try it on." The door slid closed with a soft click.

Emmy quickly changed into the dress. Hopefully, the tracker would be overkill, but better safe than sorry. She appreciated Chigs's protectiveness. In the mirror, she felt a little self-conscious about the way the fabric molded to her curves, but couldn't deny it was flattering.

She applied fresh makeup and styled her hair in loose waves that cascaded down her back. Once she was happy with her appearance, she took a fortifying breath and entered the living area where Chigs sat waiting.

He immediately stood, gaze traveling slowly down her body and back up again. "Wow." His throat moved in a swallow. "You're magnificent."

"Thank you," she said, feeling truly beautiful despite the heat crawling over her cheeks.

Chigs held out his arm, and she took it, allowing him to escort her through the lobby to the main entrance. Hailing her a hover transport, he helped her into the passenger compartment. "Remember, I'll be right behind you."

As the car accelerated away, Emmy watched through the window until he disappeared from sight. Then she settled back against the seat, breathing slowly to settle her nerves. She did not know what to expect when she met Dafari, but she was determined to keep her wits about her.