“Never. I willneverallow that to happen. I swear on our lives.” I try to block out the years of excruciating procedures I endured as doctors slowly transformed my organic body into steel and circuitry.
Even though the transformation happens to every male Averon destined for the throne, my rebuild had been more extensive than any previous ruler. Born with superior DNA to interface easier with Baltin technology, my enhancements caused high levels of pain that no amount of sedatives or anesthesia could completely dull.
“Thank you.” Her fingers brush the hair from my face, bringing me back to the present. “And Idotrust you. I’m still livid with your crazy ass, but I can’t deny it feels good to be flying once more. I didn’t realize how much I missed Rhys’ training and the camaraderie of my unit.”
For the first time ever, his name on her tongue doesn’t incense me.
“We still have a few hours before we arrive. I’ve already sent a message telling Granny to expect us. She’s clearing out an entire biodome. We’ll have carriers for whatever we need, and they’ll not be connected to the Baltin network, only me.”
“Sounds like you’ve got everything planned out as usual.”
“I was thinking...” Gently, I grasp her hand and lead her to the cot, then push on her shoulders until she sits. I wedge myself between her legs, rub her knees with my thumbs, and kneel. “Maybe I could make up for my egregious error of judgment and show how sorry I am for kidnapping you.”
“Such a scoundrel.” She swats my shoulder and lets out a husky laugh, sending my senses into overdrive. I quell the instinct to flip her onto her back and strip her naked.
My answer is to slip off her pants and press kisses along her inner thigh.
