Page 31 of Maar's Girl

Laar's brow furrows. "The Nova? You sure about that?"

I nod. "The owner owes me a favor. It's our best shot at staying off the radar for now."

Laar shrugs, opening the aircar's door. "Your funeral, brother. Hop in."

As we slide into the back seat, Alyssa leans close, her voice barely above a whisper. "You have a brother?"

I meet her eyes, seeing the hurt and confusion there. "Not by blood," I explain quietly. "But Laar and I... we've been through a lot together. He's as close to family as I've got."

The hurt in her eyes deepens, and I realize she's thinking of all the lies I've told her. I open my mouth to say something, anything, but Laar's voice cuts through.

"Alright, lovebirds. Next stop, the Nova Casino. Let's hope this favor of yours is worth something, Maar. Because if it isn't, we're all in for a world of trouble."

I guide Alyssa through the labyrinth of the Nova Casino, my hand on the small of her back. The place is a sensory overload - flashing lights, the constant chime of slot machines, and the heady mix of perfume and desperation.

We reach a door marked "Management Only." I knock, then enter without waiting for a response.

Boss Sneed, all eight feet of scaly Pi'Rell glory, sits behind a desk that looks comically small for his bulk. His eyes light up when he sees me.

"Maar, you old dog!" he bellows, his voice like gravel in a blender. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

I step forward, Alyssa close behind. "Boss, I'm cashing in. All of it."

Sneed's jovial demeanor falters for a moment. "All of it? Must be serious."

"More than you know," I reply, glancing at Alyssa. "We need jobs. A way to blend in, make some cash."

Sneed's gaze shifts to Alyssa, his eyes lingering a bit too long for my comfort. I clear my throat. "And just so we're clear, any of your boys touch her, they lose their hands. At best."

Sneed chuckles, a sound like rocks in a tumble dryer. "Always the protective type, eh, Maar? Fine, fine. As for jobs..." He looks Alyssa up and down again. "Only one place for a beauty like that. The dance floor."

Alyssa stiffens beside me. "I'm not some piece of meat to be ogled," she hisses.

Sneed raises his scaly eyebrows. "Feisty too. I like her, Maar."

I step between them. "Boss, there's gotta be something else. Security, maybe?"

"With a face like that?" Sneed scoffs. "She'd stick out like a Juvian at a Martian tea party. No, the dance floor's perfect. Hiding in plain sight, yeah?"

I turn to Alyssa, seeing the fury in her eyes. "It's not ideal, but-"

"Not ideal?" she interrupts. "It's degrading!"

Sneed leans back in his chair. "Listen, sweetheart. You want to blend in? Make good money? The dance floor's your ticket. Plus, you'll hear things. Secrets. Could come in handy, yeah?"

I can see the wheels turning in Alyssa's head. She's smart, knows we're in a tight spot.

"Fine," she says finally, her voice ice. "But I have conditions."

Sneed grins, showing rows of sharp teeth. "Name 'em."

"I choose my outfit. No touching from customers. And I want a cut of the bar's profits."

Sneed whistles. "Ambitious. I like it. Deal."

I breathe a sigh of relief. "And me, Boss?"

Sneed's grin widens. "Oh, I've got plans for you, Maar. How do you feel about becoming my new head of security?"

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