She laughed. “You know I’ll be back.” She might not appreciate bold attempts of manipulation, but she had no problem being easily led into his bed.

“I’m hoping you will.”

Alex offered Ulric a smile. She looked at him, and for a few silent moments, they gazed into each other’s eyes. Maybe he was challenging her to read his mind, or was trying to figure out what she was thinking. Either way, she felt a little saddened by what had just happened. She was pretty sure things had changed forever between them, and she wasn’t sure if it was a good thing or not.

“This delivery shouldn’t take too long. I should be back in a few days, so keep the bed warm.” Was she suggesting he take up another lover in her absence? She didn’t know what she meant, but she also didn’t want to waste any time analyzing it. The thought of him being with someone else never roused any jealousy in her. Whatever he did when she wasn’t around didn’t concern her, as long as she didn’t have to see any of it.

Ulric nodded.

She made her way across the room, picked up the blaster still in its holster, and strapped it around the top of her right thigh, before grabbing her bag and jacket from the armchair. She slung both over her shoulder, now more eager than ever to get out of this room.

Alex took one last look at Ulric’s stunning face, the shiny brown hair he kept short, and his luscious body, before turning toward the door. She always liked to remember what he looked like just before she left for a delivery. Actually, stopping by between jobs had become a habit. Now, she wondered if it was a good idea.

“See ya next time,” she said with a wink over her shoulder. A feeling of foreboding washed over her, causing her gut to tighten.