Gruff, pragmatic Noatak is just trying to get from one day to the next without failing his captain and crew. His ionic ability has always given him an edge when it comes to hijacking corporate ships, but his powers are on the verge of collapse, and the ship's doc says even taking a mate will kill him unless they find a cure. To complicate things, a captivating new crew member appears to be just his type. 

Marlis has a sixth sense for danger, a keen aim with her pistol... and a dream-crushing brain injury. She planned on becoming a trooper her whole life, but now she’s disqualified. Setting out to find a new career, she takes a job working alongside a huge, bearded alien with gleaming copper skin and bedroom eyes. When the ship's doctor claims he can repair her brain injury, Marlis thinks she may’ve just found her dream job. 

But there’s always a catch…

(You can read this as a standalone, although you'll probably enjoy it more if you read Rescued by Qaiyaan first.)