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“Then I’m not resting. I’ll stay with you.”

He was about to protest, but knew it would be a waste of time. “Let’s get back to the cockpit.”

The last part of their journey was spent plotting their route around the waystation, talking tactics, and Dallin watching Sloane dozing in her seat.

He studied her discreetly as her eyes fluttered closed and her breathing evened. She’d never admit this poison was affecting her because she hated him to worry, but he could see it in the slight flush of her cheeks and her elevated pulse. Her body was fighting this poison.

He reached over and brushed a finger against her pulse point. He wanted her heart to race when she was around him, but not because she was sick.

“The waystation docking beam has latched onto us,” ELVIS said. “We’ll be landing in five minutes.”

Dallin’s hands clenched, and he had to force himself to relax. He’d been the one to make the decision to go on this mission, and he needed to see it through.

“Are you ready for this?” Sloane stretched in her seat. “It’ll be busy out there.”

“It’s just a few more aliens than I’m used to.”

She huffed out a laugh. “The waystation has over four thousand visitors every day, and that’s out of peak season. I hope you know what you’re getting yourself into.”

“I need to do this. If this is the source of the poison, I’ll face a little discomfort to bring this to an end. The crew is counting on me.”

“They’re counting on us. I wish you’d told me what you were planning to do. You keep forgetting how helpful I can be.”

“I never forget you. Let’s grab the equipment. The sooner we get this over with the better.” Dallin didn’t mean to snap, but he hated to admit he needed Sloane.

The ship docked, and he stood next to her, his hand hovering over the release for the docking ramp. His heart was beating too fast and his palms were clammy.

“You have an incoming message from the waystation,” the ship’s AI said.

“Open it,” Sloane said, when Dallin didn’t respond.

“This is docking bay security. There will be a few minutes’ delay before you can gain access to the entry lounge. We have a backlog of arrivals and need to clear the crowds.”

Dallin’s mouth went dry. A crowd. There were huge crowds of noisy, chattering aliens out there. He turned away and paced along the corridor.

“Did you forget some equipment?” Sloane asked.

“No, I just need to check on something.” He walked into the cockpit, his breath coming out too fast. He had to get a grip. This was about saving his crew and the human he loved, not screwing up because of his own issues.

Sloane’s hand rested on his back. “Do you need a little encouragement before we go out there?”

“I’m fine. I just need—” his words were cut off as Sloane clamped her hands either side of his head and kissed him.

His brain froze, his heart stopped, and all he could see was Sloane.

He groaned as her tongue urged his mouth open, then he was lost as he kissed her like his life depended on it.

***

The kiss had a crazyintensity to it that made Sloane a little scared, but a whole lot excited. Dallin’s tongue was demanding as his arms circled her and he pulled her closer.

Sloane’s pulse pounded in her throat as the kiss deepened. She’d expected Dallin to freeze the second their lips had met and then push her away. The wow-bam fireworks that lit up in her head were a delightful surprise.

Her fingers gripped his hair, wanting Dallin even closer.

He growled low in his throat, tipping her slightly so she was held securely in his arms, their chests pressed together as the kissing went on in an endless explosion of heat and aching desire.

Sloane’s heart felt like it would explode as longing pulsed through her. She’d never wanted anyone so badly.