She was running on fumes, and she didn’t even realize it.
“The threat has been neutralized,” he said carefully. “The data isn’t going anywhere. And you need rest.”
“I’ll rest when I’m sure we’re secure.”
“You’ll rest now.”
Her chin lifted, that familiar defiant spark flashing in her eyes. “Are you trying to give me an order?”
“I’m trying to take care of my mate.”
The word hung between them, loaded with new meaning. Her expression flickered—surprise, warmth, and something that looked dangerously like stubbornness all warring for dominance.
“I appreciate the sentiment, but I know my limits.”
“Do you?” He moved closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear. “Because from where I’m standing, you look like you’re about to fall over.”
“I’ve functioned on less sleep than this.”
“That doesn’t make it healthy.”
“Since when are you an expert on what’s healthy for me?”
“Since about four hours ago, when you agreed to let me spend the rest of my life figuring it out.”
Her mouth opened. Closed. She had no comeback for that, and they both knew it.
“Ten more minutes,” she said finally. “Let me finish documenting the attack vectors?—”
“Five.”
“Adrian—”
“Five minutes. Then you’re done for the night.” He held her gaze, letting a hint of Alpha command slip into his voice. “Non-negotiable.”
She glared at him, but there was no real heat behind it. “Fine. Five minutes.”
He stepped back, giving her space to work, but he didn’t leave. He stood close enough to catch her if she stumbled, watching her fingers fly across the keyboard one final time.
Derek appeared at his side again, fresh coffee in hand.
“Smooth.”
“Shut up.”
“No, really. That was impressive. Julie would have thrown something at me if I’d tried that in the first week.”
He grunted. “Harper’s not Julie.”
“Clearly.” Derek’s smile held a knowing edge. “She’s worse. That one’s going to run you ragged trying to keep up with her.”
“Good thing I like a challenge.”
They watched in silence as Harper’s five minutes stretched to seven, then ten. He let it slide—she was documenting something that seemed important, and her movements were slowing as exhaustion finally began to win.
When fifteen minutes had passed and she was still typing, he made a decision.
He crossed the room in three long strides, bent down, and scooped her out of her chair. She yelped, laptop clattering onto the desk. “Adrian! What the hell?—”
