Page 34 of Her Lawless Prince

Payton pulled one of the blasters from her waist to hand it to Nyle. He tucked it into his waistband under his shirt. She handed the second one to Yevgen. “Keep that hidden.”

Yevgen lifted his shirt to reveal he still wore the compression wear beneath. He tucked the blaster like Nyle had. “I will tell them I am a crime boss and wish—”

“No,” Nyle interrupted.

“Space pirate, then,” the cyborg reasoned.

“No.”

“Medical mafia boss,” Yevgen insisted.

“No. Don’t tell them you’re anything,” Nyle ordered.

“But I must be undercover to blend into this environment.” Yevgen stared at Nyle in irritation. “You cannot tell me how to act. This is my plan. I am in charge of this mission. I have it under control.”

Nyle looked to Payton for help.

She frowned. “He’s right, Yev. Say as little as possible. Don’t tell them who we are, even if it’s made up.”

“Very well.” Yevgen stayed beside the pod, but it didn’t protect him fully from the sun.

“Where is this pickup team?” Payton shaded her eyes and narrowed her vision as she focused in on the distance. She detected a man standing in the doorway of one of the adobes looking toward them with binoculars. “I see a man watching us.”

“I’m sure there are several,” Nyle said. “Remember, this is Torgan. People here do not do anything without motivation, usually monetary. It’s all about self-preservation. Don’t trust anyone. The friendlier they try to act, the less they want to be your friend. Don’t look at anyone too long. Don’t make conversation. Don’t go anywhere alone.”

“I know how to handle myself,” Payton interrupted. “Aliens don’t frighten me. We have visitors to Qurilixen all the time.”

“Not like this,” Nyle insisted.

Payton tried to respond but instead ended up coughing as she inhaled more dust.

Nyle came close to her. Dust coated his face and neck. “Don’t take drinks that don’t come directly from within the bar. Don’t leave my side.”

“Don’t worry,” she managed, her voice croaking a little as she continued to cough.

“Payton, I’m going to worry. You are a prize that many here would like to own.” Nyle took her arm and held it tight as if silently trying to impart the depths of his concern to her.

“Because I’m a shifter?”

“That, but more so because you’re a beautiful alien princess. A man would have to be blind not to notice you in this crowd.” He eyed her. “Even hidden beneath this layer of dirt, your beauty shines through.”

She couldn’t help the half smile that quirked the side of her mouth.

“Stop flirting with my wife,” Yevgen said. “I will protect her. Coming here is my plan.”

Nyle dropped her arm.

Her feet slipped with each step as she resumed pacing. She turned her attention to the main trading complex. At least the building was in sight. She would hate to find herself isolated in the middle of this terrain.

She saw movement before detecting the soft hum of a motor. Pointing, she said, “There. Land craft.”

“That would be our ride,” Nyle said.

“Stand behind me. I am in charge. This is my pod,” Yevgen stated, moving as if to shield them.

Nyle arched a brow. Payton lifted her hand, silently telling him to drop any argument before they started bickering again.

They stood in silence, watching the approach.

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