She lifted her left wrist and set the countdown on her digital timepiece. Every planet and space station in this galaxy still used the 24-hour system of telling time. No matter what race, the humans were able to entice everyone into using it. Wasn’t bad, either-especially for someone who had deadlines for every single delivery she accepted.

“You don’t have to worry. I’ll meet the delivery time,” she said.

His eyes were shiny and creepy. “I’ve no doubt you will.”

As Alex stepped away from Sackor, she veered to the other side of the room, ignoring the burning pain from her hand.

She stopped in front of the booth where Michaela still seemed out of it. Then again, on closer inspection, the idiot might actually be enjoying this. The brute now had her on his lap-her back pressed against the wall and her legs dangled over the edge of the seat. He had an arm around her waist, and his other hand keyed in numbers into the handheld device sitting on the table.

The sleazy pimp sat across from them, leaning forward as he stared hungrily at the digits he’d soon receive as payment for something he didn’t own. He was also the first one to notice Alex standing there. He lifted his greasy head, taking his time to start at her legs, before pausing on her chest for a few seconds too long. When his beady eyes finally reached her face, he said, “What the hell do youwant, bitch? Are you looking for a job?”

“Charming,” she spat. “The only thing I’m here to do is take the girl back where she belongs.”

The pimp had the nerve to laugh. “I don’t think so. She belongs to me-”

“No, she belongs to me, now. I just completed the transaction,” the brute said with a laugh. “So, like he said. What the hell do you want?”