“Caring makes you weak.”
He nuzzled her neck, felt her fingers land on his shoulder and dig in. “You couldn’t be weak if you tried. Take a risk, Nera. You’ve never let fear stop you before. Don’t be a coward now. The payoff this time will be bigger and better than any treasure hunt.”
She forced his head back so she could look at him. “I?—”
As her words broke off, he saw a flash of vulnerability in her face and his heart clenched.
“You can love me, Nera. I’ll take care of your heart.”
“I’m not sure I have one. Or if I do, it’s just a dried-up, shriveled husk.”
“No, it isn’t. Give it to me and I’ll treat it as the greatest treasure I’ve ever held. I’ll protect it and give you what you need.” He dropped to his knees and pressed his face to her belly. “I’m already yours. Whatever you choose…I’d never force you. It’s your choice if you want to be with me.”
She tugged him up. “Damn you, Niklas Phoenix. Why did you have to appear in my life and tempt me?” Her lips nipped at his. “Why did you have to show me how love could be?” Her fingers curled into his shirt. “I choose you. It’s always been you.”
Elation soared through him. He yanked her to him and fused their lips together. Damn, he felt like he’d just uncovered the galaxy’s greatest treasure. He boosted her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist.
She pulled back, panting. “I’ll probably still beat you up sometimes.” Her eyelids lowered a little. “And tie you up sometimes too.”
His cock surged against his pants. “I hope so. I still owe you some debts, from all those times you helped us out.”
She rubbed her cheek against his. “No, you don’t. You’re the one who taught me that when you love someone, you don’t have to keep score.”
“So, you’re admitting you love me.”
“Maybe.”
He made a growling sound, and she laughed.
“Okay, okay.” Her face turned serious and she cupped his cheeks. “I love you, Niklas.”
His chest swelled. It was the greatest treasure he’d ever hunted down. “Thank the stars.”
She smiled, but it was edged with a little bit of evil. “Your brothers are going to have a fit.”
Shit. When he brought Nera home, his brothers would have a fit the size of a supernova. He grinned. He didn’t care one bit. “They’ll get over it.”
She snorted. “Sometime next century.”
“Well, you have beaten them up…a lot.” His smile dissolved. “I still plan to hunt treasure.”
She tilted her head.
“It’ll just be paid for by the Institute, and all the treasures will go into museums now.”
She wrinkled her nose for a second. “Very well, Director Phoenix. I’ll be right beside you, keeping you safe.”
He pulled her close again, his mouth meeting hers. “I’ve got a feeling amazing adventures await us, Nera.”
“Then let’s find out.”
~ OFFICIAL DOCUMENT ~
The Magellan, Galactic Institute of Historical Preservation Starship.
Communication Records #PCR-998-2
Subject: Private Transmission between Dr. Niklas Phoenix and Dathan Phoenix.
