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He pondered that possibility for a minute. “Talking things over with you eases the feeling that my head’s going to explode.”

“We should give it a go. What’s the worst that could happen?”

“I get wildly successful and have to give up my career in the lab to talk on the lecture circuit?”

She chuckled. “Imagine my sexy scientist, touring the universe with his adoring fans. Actually, I don’t want you doing that. One of those fans might catch your eye and you’d leave me.”

“Not possible. My attention’s already been captured by you.”

Sloane exhaled slowly. “We have a couple of big hurdles to get over before you become some lecturing superstar. And I don’t want you going too far away from me for too long. Not now I’ve finally got you where I want you.”

Dallin still wasn’t sure what this was between them, but he was desperate to explore it. But Sloane was right, there were challenges standing in their way. “Will you be okay for a minute while I check on the analyzer?”

“Sure. I promise not to die, so long as you’re back in this bed in the next five minutes.”

“That’s not even the tiniest bit funny.”

She smiled at him as he reluctantly released his hand from her grip and slid out of the bed. He headed to the analyzer, grabbed his clothes, and pulled them on.

“Are there any results showing?” Sloane called.

“Not yet. It’s too soon. There’s still thirty minutes left.”

“Then come back and join me in bed. I like feeling you next to me. Especially when you don’t have anything on.”

He was so tempted by everything Sloane offered. He had to find a way to fix himself and be with her.

An incoming call alert signaled. Dallin opened it to see Angel. “Hey, how’s everyone on the Apocalypse?”

“We’re struggling, but we’re still alive,” she said. “I’ve had a breakthrough with a temperature neutralizing drug. It’s helping to keep everyone stable. I figured Sloane might benefit from it.”

“Definitely. She’s taken a turn for the worse. What is it?”

“Hi, Angel, I’m doing okay,” Sloane said from the bed. “Dallin is overreacting.”

“I’m not,” he muttered. “Send me details of the drug.”

“Will do. The only side effect is that it makes the recipient tired. Once Sloane has this, she won’t be much use to you.”

“Then I’m not taking it,” she yelled.

“Yes, you are,” Dallin said. “If this helps slow down the effects of the poison, you must use it.”

“I’ll send through the details, and get a script to your local dispensary so you can pick it up straight away,” Angel said.

“Great. Did Cleo tell you we found traces of the poison?”

Angel nodded. “Let me know the second you have any results.”

Dallin ended the call and hurried back to Sloane.

Her face was already pale, and she was sweating. He’d only been away from her for a few minutes.

“I don’t want to take that drug if it makes me useless,” she said.

Dallin kissed her forehead. “You’ll be even more useless if you slip into a coma. I’ll go get the drug. Then we’ll figure out our next move with the antidote.”

He raced out of the room, found the dispensary, picked up the medication, and then hurried back to the ship.