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Her eyes widened a fraction, and her fevered stroking of Hunter’s body slowed. “Love! This isn’t...” Or was it? She’d been dodging her feelings for so long and trying to convince herself she shouldn’t feel anything for him. But who was she kidding? Apparently not Hunter.

He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I know it’s true. I’m just waiting for you to catch up. Now, you need to stop touching me like that, unless you want this to get interesting.”

She licked her lips, still shocked by his love bomb. “This isn’t interesting?”

“It’s amazing, but I only have so much control.” He kissed her once more. “Stay here. I’ll check over the ship and make sure there are no more surprises waiting for us. And you’d better contact the Apocalypse and let them know we’re flying in on a Siblet vessel. If we get shot out of the sky after everything we’ve been through, I’ll be pissed.”

Cleo remained in her seat, still processing how casually he’d mentioned being in love with her. He really loved her? Or was that just a perfect line to win her over and break down her final barrier?

“Hey, are you okay?” Hunter said from the doorway. “I can stay with you if you’d rather. Are you still feeling bad? I can give you more energy.”

“Oh! No. You’re good. And I’m... fine. Go check the ship. I’ll send the message.”

Hunter grinned at her. “You sure? You look dazed.”

“Go. I’m not dazed, I’m... thinking.” It felt like she’d been slammed on her butt from Hunter’s words. Cleo was so mixed up; she couldn’t think straight.

She couldn’t have Hunter. Her position wouldn’t allow that, and her past meant she couldn’t trust him.

And if she gave into her desires, she’d lose everything.