The look T’arq and Krystal shot each other was not lost on CJ, who blushed but lifted her chin and met their stares with defiance. Let them think what they wanted.
“What about Oren?” CJ asked quietly, knowing if anything had happened to his brother, Domik would be reluctant to talk about it.
“He’s at the medical tent.”
CJ stiffened. “He’s hurt?”
Domik looked down at her, brows creased. “He’s fine. He went to find Amelia.”
CJ sagged, banging her head against Domik’s chest. “Don’t scare me like that.”
He pulled her closer to his chest and dropped a kiss on the top of her head. “I apologize.”
She snuggled closer, breathing in the scent she associated with Domik. A slight hint of spice, the ozone smell of plasma, grease and sweat. It wasn’t unpleasant.
It didn’t take Domik long to eat the distance with long strides, and they were back at the medical tent. He placed her gently on her feet. “You’ll be needed here.”
She nodded, turning toward the entry to the tent through which she could see wounded on stretchers, before stopping and turning to Domik.
“Dom?” she asked, looking up at him with wide eyes.
“Yes?”
She licked her lips, finding the courage to speak words she had never uttered before. “Don’t leave me again.”
He pulled her against his chest, wrapping his arms around her and sighing. “I need to meet the rest of the team for the debrief, but I’ll be back.”
She looked up at him. “Do you promise?”
“I promise.”
