“How’d you get back here?”
Her tone was cold, her expression mistrustful, and for a moment, Zelup’s spirits fell in disappointment. Taking a deep breath, he refused to give up. “Ladee showed me the kitchen. I took the liberty of making dinner, knowing how hungry you must be.”
A cocked eyebrow was the only reaction he received. She turned on her heel, went into her bedroom, and shut the door behind her.
It was far from the reaction he’d hoped for. In fact, her total disdain for him and his efforts caused an anger to rise inside him so quickly, he didn’t have time to use his better judgment. He stormed forward, pushing his way inside her bedroom.
The little doctor was in the middle of pulling off her white lab coat. She looked up at him, shock written large on her delicate features. “What are you doing in here? Get out.”
“Stop giving me orders,” he growled, grabbing her by the arms while they were still trapped inside of the lab coat. “I’m not one of your robots that you can boss around. I’m your partner now, whether you like it or not, and I deserve at least a modicum of respect.”
“Let me go,” she ground out through gritted teeth, struggling against his grip.
“Not until we make a truce.”
Her eyes narrowed until they were little more than slits. “You expect me to treat you seriously, with all your little remarks and innuendos?” She laughed, and the sound was more bitter than he would have expected.
Zelup realized that he had put them on unequal footing. His libido, strong in general, had gone into overdrive since meeting her. It probably didn’t help that he’d barged into her life the day after trying to seduce her, and kissing her earlier was likely a mistake. If he wanted to be treated like a business partner, he had to act like one.
“You’re right,” he said, letting go of her arms and taking a step back. “I apologize.”
Her pretty eyes widened. “That easy, huh?” She shook her head, the light brown ponytail swaying gently with her motions. “I don’t believe it.”
“Then let me help you believe it.” He held out his hand, praying she would take it. After staring at it like it was an alien creature with two heads, she finally grasped it, and he noticed she was holding her breath.
Vowing to himself to build trust between them, he gently led her back to the dining table. “I made dinner, and I hope you’ll join me. Consider it an act of reconciliation. Please.”
She stood there unmoving, taking in the scene. He caught her biting her lip and tried like hell to ignore the burst of arousal it sent through him. Finally, she gave a faint nod. “All right.”
A feeling of relief washed over him. He pulled out her chair, motioning for her to take a seat. At that moment, Zelup decided to spend the dinner proving to her that he could be a professional. No more flirting, no more sexual pursuit. Everything would be strictly business from then on.
A change in perspective should help him to complete the mission more efficiently. It also reduced the prospect of her getting hurt when he left. It all made sense.
Except to his heart. For a reason he refused to explore, a dull ache had taken up residence in his chest.
