She saw him register Helix’s sheer physical perfection, and she took secret pride in how well she’d designed the prototype. Gravitch was seedy in comparison, which wouldn’t matter if he had an agreeable disposition. She had no idea what Inatol had been thinking when she selected him for a potential match. It must have been their mutual interest in science, but even then, Gravitch was more of an administrator, secretly looking down on those who preferred research. If she recalled correctly, he enjoyed doing the assessments for the science coalition, deciding who deserved their annual stipend.

“I cohabitate with Qalu,” Helix replied unexpectedly. “This morning, I met with her mothers. They all like me very much.”

That…is perfect. Delightfully, it was all scrupulously true and those revelations combined to give a certain impression. She could almost imagine that Helix had been designed with a knack for chicanery. Gravitch glanced between them, visibly nonplused.

“Congratulations seem to be in order.” Those words rang with lukewarm sincerity.

Helix scrutinized the scientist, then turned to her. “Is he a person of importance?”

“Just an acquaintance.” She made sure her tone was deliciously dismissive.

“I see. Then if your conversation is concluded, I would like to tour the next level.”

He was already moving away, brusque to the point of rudeness, and Qalu gloried in it.

She fluttered her head tendrils in the barest hint of respect, then she hurried after Helix, who was already ascending the ramp to the next exhibit. “Are you in a rush? We have plenty of time before the museum closes.”

“No.” The word came out strong and flat.

Qalu paused; she’d never heard that tone before. “Is something wrong?”

“I did not like him.”

Startled, she asked, “Why?”

Helix stopped in the center of the ramp, seeming to consider the question. “I have no data to support my antipathy. It is…an emotional response.”

“But you must have some notion what triggered it.”

“He disrespected you. He interrupted you and misrepresented your work,” he finally said.

“Oh.” She quivered a little over the perceptive nature of his response. It was so good to be seen and known. The longer she spent with Helix, the more she appreciated him. “That’s precisely why I dislike him,” she added.

“How are you acquainted?” He set off again, more slowly this time.

As they climbed, she explained the situation, and Helix let out a sound of pure annoyance. “This is what you meant to avoid by asking me to act as your suitor.”

“Yes. While you’re with me, I won’t have to deal with individuals like Gravitch any longer. I can enjoy the peace and focus on my work.”

“Yet you haven’t worked much since I woke,” he pointed out.

“On the contrary, every moment I spend with you is pertinent.”

Helix stilled then, frozen mid-step, and when he gazed at her, she glimpsed a quiet wound. Did I say something wrong?