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  Ely sighed, ran a brush through her shoulder-length hair, and admired her reflection. Everything was as immaculate as she was ever going to get it—makeup dark enough to give her tanned complexion the shine it needed beneath the harsh spotlight, dress snug around her body, and every strand of her hair glossy and tumbling around her face in a wavy curtain only spray could hold in place.

  Without giving herself another chance to hesitate, she left the brush on her dresser and headed for the door. She stepped out into the hall and made her way down the darkened corridor. Her heels tapped against the wooden floor. Some of the floorboards creaked under her weight.

  Everything about Mike’s was old but comforting.

  Tan was waiting for her backstage, eager to offer his usual thumbs-up with one hand, holding the old-fashioned microphone in the other as he announced her.

  “Blow ’em away,” Tan whispered as she passed him by and made her way onto the stage.

  The microphone stand beckoned her like a magnet she couldn’t resist.

  When she stood behind it, her fingers lightly reached out to touch it and the action felt oddly sensual. She let the music move through her, waiting for the piano chords to reach the spot that welcomed her in as the sax solo slid away. She itched to get the first word out of her mouth, glad when the creamy feel of her song wound its way around her entire body.

  This was a song she’d written, one that had kept her up all night when she was supposed to be resting in order to complete a mission for Jenks the next day.

  The lyrics were filled with misery. A song to capture all the things she’d missed out on along the way, everything she wished she could recapture someday. A tune she’d purposely left without a title because it hurt too much to string the words together.

  Ely closed her eyes and gave herself over to the performance, relishing the buzz racing up and down her skin beneath the form-fitting dress she’d slipped on tonight. When she opened them and peered out into the crowd, she scanned the many faces seated at the tables or scattered near the bar. As the lyrics slid between her lips, and she looked out at the audience, she couldn’t help but focus on one particular person.

  A man she’d already looked at several times and kept returning to.

  Even with the spotlight pointed down above her, she could see him clearly. The alluring stranger stood out like a beacon beside so many other dim lights. And she didn’t understand why.

  He looked like a cowboy. Trust me to focus on the one cowboy in the crowd.

  Although, that wasn’t entirely true. This club was frequented by many a cowboy on a weekly basis. Whenever the arena fights were on, the invited tourists swarmed the city of Clash and a few stragglers found their way to this bar. Another cowboy stood beside the man she couldn’t tear her eyes away from. A beautiful blonde stood on his other side. The trio wore matching hats, as if they were part of a gang or something.

  For some strange reason, she hoped the woman wasn’t attached to the one who now looked back at her.

  As Ely’s first song wound to an end, a small smile quivered at the corners of her mouth. She was both surprised and excited when she noticed the man returned it. He’d raised his head enough for her to see his interesting face. He had to know she was smiling at him, right? A wave of something stirred low in her belly and she wondered why this cowboy managed to relight a spark inside her she’d pretty much given up on. Maybe it wasn’t him as much as the excitement of being back onstage where she felt most at home.

  She usually picked one person in the room and fixated her every song on them, used them as a focal point. Part of the act to help her become the singer she hid deep inside.

  Yet, this felt a little different.

  There was something about this guy…

  A wave of clapping erupted from the crowd and she whispered, “Thank you” into the microphone, lowering her eyes to the stage floor, allowing the energy to sweep over her body. The excitement flowed through her like a drug she didn’t know she was addicted to until she felt and heard it again.

  Performing was a euphoric thing. A time when she forgot what she was outside this club and became the performer she’d always wanted to be. The set of five songs she sang whenever she snuck away were never enough, but once she hit the stage and felt the adoration of the people watching, it was hard to match that buzz anywhere else. It was even harder to leave it behind.

  It was why she kept coming back for more.

  Ely opened her mouth and started the next song.

  The cowboy she had her eye on left his friends behind and made his way to a table closer to the stage. She couldn’t keep her eyes off him as he got closer, though she did force her gaze to roam a little, not wanting to leave anyone out of the experience. She knew an audience reacted better when everyone felt as if they were included. If each person felt her attention, they would enjoy it on a personal level. And she loved to make them feel as good as she did up here.

  Her eyes kept returning to this one intriguing man. Even when the cowboy’s friends joined him at the table, he seemed as mesmerized by Ely as she was by him.

  Maybe tonight she’d have to break her own rule and mingle with the crowd afterward. Anything to get closer to this guy and find out if he had the same effect on her offstage, or if it was just for a fleeting moment.

  “Unforgettable…” She sang the old song that had made it through generations of change. A song no one knew the origins of but everyone seemed to recognize, no matter what part of the galaxy they resided in.

  As each word rolled off her tongue, Ely held the gaze of the dark-haired stranger, feeling an unfamiliar sensation sweep through her.

  “I don’t think he’s listening to a word you’re saying,” Brynn said, sitting beside him.

  “I think you’re right.”

  Ace turned to face them after Colt smacked him on the shoulder hard enough to get his attention. “What do you want? Can’t you see I’m enjoying the entertainment?” He didn’t want to miss a single word. This singer’s voice was amazing, so silky it swept through him, relaxing the beast in a way no one had ever managed before.

  Colt turned his eyes to the woman singing onstage but shrugged when he said, “I can see why you’re checking her out, but are you really enjoying this boring song?”

  “It’s not boring, it’s…” He let his voice trail off. What was the point?

  Ace turned back to the alluring woman. Her eyes were closed as her fingertips caressed the microphone stand in a way that had to be arousing every single man inside this crowded bar. Lush black hair framed her heart-shaped face, complementing her caramel-colored skin. A blue dress hugged her curvaceous body so well it made Ace want to reach out for her. She was stunning, gorgeous—a total turn-on. After fantasizing about his co-accomplice for so many days, he welcomed another female to focus on.

  He couldn’t tune out this beauty, mesmerized by her every subtle move. He didn’t want to continue the conversation he’d started with Colt and Brynn before entering this place. All he could do now was watch. When she finally opened her eyes and looked right at him, Ace couldn’t help but grin.

  Who was this stunning woman? He had a compulsion to find out. It itched at his skin until her murmuring voice cut out, and everyone around him exploded in applause and whistles.

  He sat back in the uncomfortable wooden chair and inclined his chin, winking at her when she met his gaze. He clapped his hands together, lifting his nose in the air and picking up the sweet aroma of her body. Even with all the other odors around him, he singled out her vanilla scent.

  “Thank you,” she mumbled, looking away. As if she was suddenly shy and didn’t know how to deal with the onslaught of attention.

  “Ace, do you know her?” Brynn asked.

  He shook his head, lingering on the beauty before finally turning to his companions. The emcee had announced this woman’s name earlier but he hadn’t been interested enough to take note until she’d actually appeared. Now he was kicking himself
for not paying proper attention. “Why do you ask?”

  Brynn shrugged and pushed her long blonde braids behind her shoulders, her face shadowed beneath the brim of her hat. They were all wearing cowboy hats Colt had provided to keep their faces concealed. It wasn’t likely that anyone would recognize them, but they couldn’t afford to take the chance. Not even while they were this far from the actual arena.

  The small town of Grit lay on the outskirts of the main city of Clash. Clash was dominated by an outrageous amount of ancient stone ruins and temples, all kept in pristine condition. The aerial shots Colt had shown them back on the ship also illustrated a huge market situated between this town and the Clash Arena, though there weren’t any shots of the barbaric pit. It was hidden underground with the main entrance located in one of the many temples.

  Maine had ensured that all the temples were highly guarded, and unless you were invited, there was no way to stumble into the arena. It was conveniently located in the southern part of the planet, where many a god and goddess were cherished. The northern part of the planet of Fray, a segregated stretch of icy land, could be a wasteland for all he knew.

  “Ace.” Brynn waved a hand in front of his face.

  “Huh?”

  “You just seem to be looking at her as if you—”

  “He’s looking at her because he probably wants to get to know her…naked,” Colt said with a laugh.

  Ace looked over his shoulder. Everyone seemed to be hanging on the singer’s every word. “I don’t think there’s a man in here who isn’t thinking the same thing.”

  “But is she looking back at any of them? I can see her staring at you right now,” Brynn teased.

  Ace looked up and found those dark brown eyes on him, but the woman glanced away as she waited for the piano to start up again. When it did, she swayed her hips to the rhythm of a new song, lending it another dose of sensuality.

  Ace couldn’t help but think about her moving beneath him. How good it would feel to have her writhing because of his touch. Oh hell, Colt was right.

  “I think I know what he means now,” Colt said.

  Brynn smacked him on the back of the head.

  “What? I’m just saying…”

  Brynn rolled her eyes and moved a little closer to both of them, hovering over the round table and looking around suspiciously in case anyone was listening. “I think it was a great idea to stop in here. The more people who see us, the easier it will make it to blend in while we’re trying to locate the arena.”

  Colt nodded.

  They’d gotten the Clash Arena co-ordinates from Maine’s ship and intended to use them to make their way inside. Only one of them would fly right in. The other two had to get inside by foot. It was the only safe way to ambush the place. They’d have to dismantle it one piece at a time because as soon as Jenks Maine’s people realized someone else had hijacked and landed his ship within their secure walls, all hell would break loose. If they planned this just right, which could take a few days of hanging around the outskirts of town before venturing farther in, everything would come together.

  At least, that’s what they were hoping. Ace personally thought their plan needed a good dose of enhancement. Three people sneaking in wouldn’t be enough if they didn’t time everything perfectly. Yet, he seemed to be the only one with doubts.

  “I also think we should do whatever we can to blend in,” Brynn added. “We could all meet around the back in say…an hour. See what we can find out by chatting to some people, eavesdropping on others. Someone’s bound to know something.”

  “I’m not splitting up. You and I can deal with this together.”

  “Colt, don’t be a chauvinistic pig. You know I can take care of myself. I’ve handled much more dangerous men than anyone in here.” Her blue eyes were dark and threatening as she peered over both shoulders with a frown. “If you’re really committed to tearing down that barbaric place, we have to do this. I can’t scout the area with you on my back. I need to seem available.”

  Colt wound his hand around her wrist and pulled her closer, staring her in the eye. “I don’t want you to seem available to any of this scum. I can practically read what they want to do to you already.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.”

  “Don’t tell me you can’t feel their eyes following you around. In case you haven’t noticed, the majority of the population in here is male.” Colt’s eyes narrowed. “Between you and the singer, there aren’t enough women to satisfy their hungry eyes.”

  Ace had to agree with him there. He’d noticed how many men littered the place, and not all of them were humanoid. Still, it didn’t make a difference. In this galaxy, if a race wasn’t sexually compatible with another, they could always take the woman and sell her off. It was a very popular trade, and lined the pockets of many. He wouldn’t be surprised if Maine himself traded women in this way, though he seemed to have a tendency to keep them.

  “Colt, don’t be difficult,” Brynn continued.

  Ace sighed in frustration. He could understand Colt’s concern, but he’d look out for Brynn too. Even if he had enough faith in her to believe she could take care of herself. Still, she’d be safer with the two of them on the lookout. “You’re not going to look available to anyone tonight,” Ace said. “Everyone’s already seen the big cowboy all over you. If you try to gather any info now, it’s just going to look suspicious.”

  After a moment’s pause, she nodded. “Shit, you’re right. I didn’t think of that. What should we do then?”

  Ace glanced at the singing beauty, and then turned back to the woman he’d been fantasizing about until they’d finally left the claustrophobic confines of Stallion II. “I think we should take it easy. Grab a few drinks, enjoy the entertainment and come back tomorrow night. A backwater town like this one is bound to attract a variety of locals each night. Some might already be too drunk to remember us next time, anyway.”

  Besides, he wasn’t ready to leave yet. Not until he at least got a name.

  Colt nodded and reluctantly released Brynn. “I think he’s right. Let’s enjoy the night and tomorrow we start the real work. It was a long trip. I need to stretch my legs.”

  Ace bit his tongue to stop from stating that maybe what he needed a break from was stretching another body part. Instead, he got as comfortable as he could on the chair and continued to enjoy the view.

  The beauty caught his eye and smiled.

  “I’m going to get us all a round of beers,” Colt announced.

  “You do that, we’ll be right here,” Brynn said.

  The crowd clapped once again and watched in awe as the singing beauty bowed and made her way off the stage.

  “Ladies and gents, please thank the stunning Ely.” A small man motioned for them to raise the volume of their applause, and Ace found himself whistling along with the other guys packed inside this hazy bar.

  Before Ely exited the stage, she looked his way once and then ducked behind the side curtain.

  What he wouldn’t give to follow her back there.

  “I think she likes you.”

  He turned back to Brynn, who was sporting a wide smile. The tease in her blue eyes made them twinkle in the dim light. “Are you talking about the singer?”

  She nodded and pressed her chin against her propped-up hands. “I think you like her too.”

  “And I think we’re starting to sound like a bunch of kids playing silly games. We’re not kids, and the game we’re here to play is deadly serious.” He wasn’t sure where that had come from—maybe it was the truth, or it could simply be his attempt to defensively shift the conversation in a different, more comfortable direction.

  “Wow, you really do like her.”

  “I didn’t say that.” Although he couldn’t keep from looking at the curtain, hoping she would return.

  Brynn sat back and shrugged, crossing her arms under her chest. “You don’t have to. I saw the way you looked at her. And since when does a person on any stage c
oncentrate on one particular guy in the audience unless they want something too? Besides, she’s hot. You know you want her.”

  “Stop it.”

  His outburst only made her laugh harder.

  “Brynn!”

  She stuck her tongue out at him and pointed at the bar. “Hey, I think Colt needs your help.”

  “Why would he need my help? He’s a big man, he can handle himself. I’m sure a few beers won’t give him any trouble.”

  Brynn grabbed his hand and yanked on it, pulling him closer and across the table. He was relieved to realize her touch didn’t make him hot and sweaty. “Don’t be such an idiot, of course he doesn’t need your help but the hot chick just made her way to the bar. Go and buy her a drink. Here, it’s on me.” She tucked a gold coin into his palm and closed his fingers around it. “Go on.”

  He shook his head, smiled at the absurdity of her pathetic attempt at matchmaking, and pushed the chair back. Had she figured out his frustration? Maybe Brynn had noticed his stares and just hadn’t said anything about it.

  Ace stood up, took a deep breath and headed for the bar. Even though deep down inside he knew that as soon as Colt found out he’d left Brynn all alone at the table, he’d be pissed.

  Just when he was within reach of the gorgeous woman and knew exactly what he was going to say, Colt’s raucous voice distracted him. He seemed to be arguing with a man seated on a stool at the bar.

  Don’t get into a fight now, not now. Just give me a few more minutes to…

  Too late. All he got the chance to do was smile at Ely. She caught his approach and turned to face him a second before Colt smashed his fist into the man’s face. Blood spurted and the man tumbled off his stool.

  A second man responded with a kick to Colt’s stomach. The cowboy fell back against the bar, taking a few seconds to right himself.