Magnus perked up at her words, his mood lifting right away. Beautiful women could be picky if they wanted—if she didn't want to eat, fine. He turned his head, ready to say something else to Cassian, when a group of dancers walked in. They wore revealing outfits and carried small drums. Their steps were graceful, their hips swaying with the beat. Magnus's attention snapped to them instantly. He leaned back in his chair with a satisfied grin, no longer speaking, and let himself enjoy the show. These dancers were trained by the base and meant to entertain the men. They danced a hot, lively routine in the middle of the room, then slowly broke apart and spread out.Moving to the rhythm, they drifted toward the men eating and drinking at the tables. Natalie watched the alluring dancers and couldn't help but sigh. Magnus really was born to lead. He didn't just hand out food and drinks to win loyalty—he even used women to lock people in. Still, it was all for the men. He had only prepared belly-baring dancers; not one muscular male performer was in sight. What about me? Didn't I get to enjoy myself too? While Natalie's thoughts drifted, the lead dancer—the prettiest of them all—stepped toward their table. Natalie blinked, surprised. Is this girl lost? Magnus sat alone up front, clearly bored. Shouldn't the star dancer be heading for him instead of wandering over here? But the woman's graceful steps carried her closer.Her target was obvious—it wasn't her but Cassian. Natalie raised her eyebrows. So this lady wasn't confused—she was interested in Cassian's looks. She sneaked a glance at Magnus, expecting him to be annoyed at being ignored. But instead, he looked amused, like he was watching a play unfold. The dancer glanced his way as if checking for permission, then lifted her arm, let her hips roll, and aimed straight for Cassian's lap. All around, men were already holding women, grinning wide as the dancers squirmed and shook against them, turning the whole room into a wild party. Just as the woman tried to sit on Cassian's lap, Lucky bared her teeth from the floor. Natalie quickly nudged the dog back with her leg, worried she might lash out.Good girl, don't ruin mister's moment. But it wasn't Lucky who snapped—it was Cassian. A sharp cry broke out as the woman hit the ground, clutching her stomach. The playful, flirty mood collapsed into silence. Even Natalie froze. What had she just seen? Cassian, calm as ever, had taken down the slim-waisted beauty with a single strike. Amber Strickland, sprawled on the floor, looked up at him in shock. Magnus frowned, clearly displeased, and stood up for that woman. "Kash, what are you doing? Amber is the prettiest woman in the base, and you treat her like this? Don't you know how to show a little kindness to a pretty lady?"His words carried a hint of accusation. Do you even know what you're turning down? Cassian's face stayed calm. "Sorry. I have a mental condition. I can't be close to women." That simple line choked off Magnus's next words. After a pause, Magnus muttered with a sour edge, "A condition? Then why do you sit so close to Ms. Bonnie?" Cassian turned his head toward Natalie. "She's different." A bad feeling crept up Magnus's spine. He would rather not press further. He waved his hand, ready to move on, until Kelvin's rough voice cut in. "What's so different? Ms. Bonnie's pretty, but Amber's no worse!" On the floor, Amber perked up, pride flashing in her eyes.Cassian's voice was steady. "Ms. Bonnie is the woman I care about. Naturally, she's not the same as anyone else." The words landed like a hammer. Magnus's face darkened. Natalie herself nearly jumped at the love confession. For a moment she was stunned. Then it hit her—Cassian was using her as cover! She pursed her lips. Annoying as it was, they were allies. She couldn't just let the tension explode here. If they did, that would ruin her next moves. Natalie glanced around the table, then broke the silence. "Amber, isn't it? Get up. The floor's dirty." She reached down to help. Amber had planned to stay on the ground a little longer, looking fragile until Magnus stepped in for her. She resisted Natalie's hand on purpose. But Natalie's strength was surprising. She yanked Amber up as easily as pulling up a chick from the dirt. Amber's lips tightened in annoyance, though her eyes filled with tears as she glanced pitifully at the two men in charge. Natalie quickly stepped forward, blocking her view, and spoke with an effortless smile. "You truly have a kind heart, Magnus. No wonder you can run this base." She flicked a look at Cassian. Cassian pressed his lips together, then said slowly, "Your care for women puts me to shame." Magnus's expression finally eased. "Ms. Bonnie and Kash, please sit down and eat." With that, he motioned for Amber to come sit by his side.