25. Maar

CHAPTER 25

MAAR

" I gotta say, Maar," Laar says as he takes another sip of his drink on the casino floor. "I've never seen you so happy as you have been this last month."

It's been one month since I killed the Odex and somehow won over Alyssa again.

Life has been the closest to paradise as it could ever be.

Alyssa and I are in love. Her job as a dancer is behind her. I am the titular head of security for Nova Casino, but it's more a ceremonial role at this point.

That leaves me with days upon days with no other responsibility but to love Alyssa.

To fuck Alyssa.

To worship her.

I lean back in my chair, a contented smile playing on my lips. "Life's been good, Laar. Better than I ever imagined it could be."

Laar chuckles, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I can tell. You've got that dopey look on your face again."

"Dopey? Me?" I feign offense, but can't keep the grin off my face. "I'll have you know, I'm as sharp as ever."

"Sure, sure," Laar waves his hand dismissively. "So, how's Alyssa? Still keeping you on your toes?"

Before I can answer, a familiar voice cuts through the casino's ambient noise. "Are you boys talking about me?"

Alyssa strides towards us, shopping bags in hand, her eyes sparkling with mischief. My heart skips a beat, just like it does every time I see her.

"Alyssa!" Laar exclaims, standing to greet her. "We were just wondering where you'd run off to."

She laughs, a sound that still makes my insides melt. "Oh, you know me. Can't resist a good sale."

"Hey, beautiful," I say, pulling her close for a quick kiss. "Good haul?"

"The best," she grins, then turns to Laar. "It's great to see you, Laar. Why don't you join us for dinner tonight? I'm thinking of trying out that new Alzhon recipe I picked up."

Laar's eyes light up. "I'd be a fool to turn down your cooking, Alyssa. Count me in."

"Perfect!" Alyssa beams. "I should get started on that. Maar, honey, I'm going to drop these off upstairs and get cooking. See you in a bit?"

I nod, unable to keep the smile off my face. "Wouldn't miss it for the world."

She leans in, her lips brushing against mine in a kiss that promises more later. "Love you," she whispers.

"Love you too," I murmur back, watching as she saunters towards the elevator.

As the doors close behind her, Laar lets out a low whistle. "You're one lucky bastard, Maar."

I turn back to him, feeling like the luckiest man in the galaxy. "Don't I know it."

Laar leans back in his chair, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. "So, Maar, tell me more about this blissful life of yours. You two seem inseparable these days."

I can't help but grin, my eyes drifting to the elevator where Alyssa disappeared moments ago. "It's... indescribable, Laar. Every day feels like a gift."

"Oh, come on," Laar prods, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Give me some details. What's a typical day like for the lovebirds?"

I chuckle, shaking my head. "Alright, alright. Well, we usually wake up tangled in each other's arms. Alyssa's got this adorable way of scrunching her nose when she first opens her eyes."

"Sounds sickeningly sweet," Laar teases.

"You have no idea," I shoot back with a grin. "We'll have breakfast on the balcony, watching the city wake up. Sometimes we'll go for a walk in the gardens, or hit the gym together."

Laar raises an eyebrow. "The gym? Really?"

"Hey, don't knock it," I defend. "You should see Alyssa in her workout gear. It's... motivating."

"I bet," Laar snorts. "What else?"

I lean forward, lowering my voice. "We've been exploring the city, finding all these hidden gems. There's this little cafe tucked away in the old district that makes the best Terran coffee you've ever tasted. Alyssa's addicted to their caramel lattes."

"And the nights?" Laar prompts, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

I feel a flush creeping up my neck. "Let's just say we make the most of them. Alyssa's... adventurous."

Laar laughs, clapping me on the shoulder. "I'm happy for you, man. Truly. It's good to see you like this."

"Like what?" I ask, curious.

"At peace," Laar says simply. "You've always been so guarded, so focused on the next mission. But now? You're living in the moment. It suits you."

I nod, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "She's changed everything, Laar. I never thought I could have this kind of life. Never thought I deserved it."

"And now?"

I smile, thinking of Alyssa's laugh, her touch, her unwavering love. "Now, I'm going to spend every day making sure I'm worthy of her."

Laar's expression shifts, his jovial demeanor fading. He leans in, voice lowering. "Look, Maar, I hate to burst your bubble, but... I've got some bad news."

My stomach tightens. "What is it?"

"My sources say the IHC has zeroed in on Glimner. They think Alyssa's being held here."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. "What? How? None of my contacts picked this up."

Laar gives me a pointed look. "That's because you've been too busy being happy, my friend. You've slipped up."

I run a hand through my hair, mind racing. "Shit. How long do we have?"

"Not long," Laar says, grimacing. "You need to have some sort of plan. The IHC could start sniffing around anytime."

"Give me a timeframe, Laar," I press, feeling the familiar tension creeping back into my shoulders.

He sighs. "A month, maybe less."

"Fuck," I mutter, downing the rest of my drink. The burn in my throat does nothing to quell the rising panic. "I can't believe I let this happen. I got complacent."

"Hey," Laar says, gripping my shoulder. "Don't beat yourself up. You deserved some happiness. But now it's time to get back in the game."

I nod, my mind already spinning with possibilities. "We need to move. Fast. But where? The IHC's reach is vast."

"I need to go talk to Alyssa. We'll need your help, Laar."

He nods, standing as well. "Whatever you need, I'm here."

As I turn to leave, the weight of our impending departure already settling on my shoulders, Laar calls out, "Maar?"

I look back at him.

"I'm sorry," he says, genuine regret in his eyes.

I manage a grim smile. "Me too, Laar. Me too."