The two Valoffs watched me from the corners of their eyes, but Eli wasn’t so subtle. “Kee was right,” he mused. “You do have a thing for him. I’m glad I punched him. I’ll do worse if he breaks your heart.”

“I don’t need you sticking your pretty little nose in my business, Bruck. That’s a good way for it to get broken. And don’t forget that I can order you to scrub toilets for the rest of your natural life.”

Eli’s grin was cheerful and teasing. “Aww, you think my nose is pretty. What about the rest of my face, Captain? Does it pass muster?” He fluttered his lashes at me.

I bit down on my smile. “You have a face only a mother could love,” I lied. “And the Valoffs will back me up, right?”

Chira and Havil froze. Chira’s eyes traced over Eli’s face. When he smiled at her, her cheeks slowly bled pink, warming the cool tone of her pale skin. Oh ho, I’d wondered, and now I knew.

“Is Eli not considered handsome by human standards?” she asked.

I shook my head, my voice grave. “He’s hideous, I’m afraid.”

Eli flashed the grin that had single-handedly dropped underwear at stations across the galaxy. I clutched my chest. “Turn that away. My poor heart can’t take the horror.”

“She’s lying,” he told the Valoffs across the table. “She has to delude herself lest my incredible good looks scramble her brain.”

I snorted. “So modest,” I said, deadpan. I shook my head sadly. “I’ve lived in close quarters with you for years. I’m immune to your looks and your charm—or lack thereof.”

Now it was his turn to clutch at his chest. “You wound me, Tavi.”

“Luckily we have a medic here who can fix you up,” I said, rolling my eyes.

Eli gave Havil a soft look. “That is lucky,” he murmured.

Havil ducked his head and focused on his plate, but he couldn’t hide the smile that pulled at his lips.

And now I knew—Eli was flirting with them both, at the very least, and neither of them seemed to mind. I hoped that he wasn’t stepping on Anja’s toes, but I hadn’t sensed any tension, so I figured the four of them could sort it out.

I finished my breakfast and headed outside to find Luna and Torran. Chira gave me a soft light that cast a golden glow around me and barely illuminated the path. It was very pretty but not very useful.

I found the gorgeous Valoff before I found my wayward pet. Torran smiled as I approached. “Did you eat?”

“Yes, thank you.” I tilted my head as I considered him. “What’s the deal with you trying to feed me all the time?”

“It is honorable to provide for those under one’s care.”