Alora made the sign of the cross, her Catholic heritage summoned by the use of the fallen angel’s name. “You’re passionate about him. Off-balance. Be careful you don’t become what you profess to hate, for you’re lying to yourself that you don’t desire him. I’ve been home for five minutes and the energy between you is palpable.”
Lainey scowled. “Passion rarely produces favorable results for me. I think we saw that with Dalton.”
Alora stood and extended her hand to Lainey, pulling her into an embrace. “Dalton was an asshole, querida,” she said, rubbing a soothing palm over Lainey’s back. Drawing back, she grasped Lainey’s upper arms. “I don’t get the same read on Hunter. He seemed filled with resolve and a latent morality, but only time will tell.”
Lainey breathed a humorless laugh. “Time. It’s the one thing in my life I strive to control but never will. It’s my greatest adversary.”
“Hey,” Alora said, giving her a warm smile. “You kicked time’s ass, Lainey! You sent a living being back to the past. Don’t let this other crap overshadow that. I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you,” Lainey said, pride swelling in her chest. “I did it. I still can’t believe it.”
“I can. You’ve always been our shining star. We admire you so much and are so lucky to call you our friend.”
“Our family,” Lainey said, pulling her into another embrace. “I missed you so much, Alora.”
“I missed you too. I’ll take your advice and unload the supplies while I digest everything.”
“Sounds good,” Lainey said, releasing her. When Alora reached the front door, her hand froze on the latch, head hanging slightly.
“Holy shit,” she breathed, turning to look at Lainey. “Eli is one of the good guys.”
Lainey shrugged, still shocked by the knowledge herself. “Eli is one of the good guys. Until he shows us differently.”
“War makes for strange allies.”
“Damn straight.”
Alora drew open the door, sunlight streaming over her striking features, and departed up the stairs. Needing to digest the events of the most momentous day of her life, Lainey headed to her office to strategize.
Chapter 20
Several hours later, Lainey sat at her desk, contemplating the enormity of everything that had occurred in the past twenty-four hours. There were so many repercussions of what she now understood, even her fastidious intellect could hardly comprehend it.
A knock sounded on the office door, and her heart slammed in her chest. Hating that Hunter was the first person who flashed through her mind, she approached the door, opening it a mere sliver.
“Hey, duchess,” he said, the curve of his sexy-as-hell lips remorseful and a bit playful. “Marie forced me to bring this sandwich to you. She said, if you don’t eat something today, she’ll burn in hell for breaking her promise to Lewis.” Lifting the plate with what looked to be a chicken salad sandwich, he shrugged. “Do you mind letting me in? I’m terrified of the old bat. I can’t let her down.”
Lainey scowled, furious that blood was now coursing through her body, the nerve endings in a state of hyper-awareness. Why did she react this way to this man, with whom she so desperately wanted to remain aloof and dispassionate? Human attraction and its chemical reactions were an absolute bitch.
Eyes locked with his, she inhaled deeply, realizing he was determined. Stepping back, she opened the door.
“Fine. But only because I’m starving.”
He breezed inside, sitting on the leather couch in front of the bookshelf as she closed the door. Turning, she regarded him.
“Come on, Lainey,” he said, gesturing to the plate. “Sit down and eat. Your equations will be there in ten minutes. For a few moments, just relax and be a human instead of the scientist who’s going to save us all.”
The words were so similar to the ones Claire often spoke to her that she relented, moving over to the couch and reluctantly grabbing the dish. Sparing him a glare, she took a huge bite of Marie’s sandwich, eyes closing in ecstasy at the taste. It was heavenly.
To his credit, Hunter sat beside her, ankle crossed over his knee, quiet and relaxed. Yet again, Lainey wondered why their silence was never awkward. Although her vitals seemed to increase at his presence, much to her dismay, she never felt uncomfortable around him.
When she finished, he took the dish and rose, striding to set it on her desk. Slowly rotating, he sat on the edge and crossed his arms over his chest, legs outstretched. Those silver irises darted over her face, but she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of speaking first. No—he had some apologies he needed to make, and she damn well wouldn’t make it easy for him.
“I’m sorry I lied to you,” he said softly. “I was given a lot of advice from Lewis and Eli about how to handle this situation. Unfortunately, I fucked up. Big time. You have to know, I never meant to cause a rift between us. We need to work together, Lainey.”
She sighed, running her fingers through her hair, now thick and wavy since being released from its bun a few hours ago. Desire flashed in Hunter’s eyes at the motion, inciting a small fraction of satisfaction. At least he felt the undeniable heat between them too.
“It’s just so much,” she said, gaze lowering to the fingers twining in her lap. “My father lied to me. You lied to me. Nelson lied to me. I just don’t understand why people I care for would choose to deceive me.”
His expression was soulful and remorseful, caring and wistful, all at once.
“I mean my father and Nelson, of course,” she said, embarrassment causing her cheeks to warm. “I would never accuse you of caring for me. You know what I mean. It just hurts to be deceived. I’m not a fucking idiot. I probably possess the most brilliant mind on the planet, and even with that, others still feel they know best. It’s absolutely maddening.”
His lips curved, and his muscular body straightened. Lainey’s mouth watered at the set of his broad shoulders and confident stride as he came to sit beside her. Leaning back, he stretched an arm over the couch, causing her to turn slightly toward him to maintain eye contact.
“The truth is, Lainey, I do care about you.”
“You don’t even know me,” she said, feeling her eyebrows draw together.
“That, duchess, is where you’re wrong.”
Scowling, she said, “I don’t think I like that nickname.”
Hunter breathed a laugh. “I think it fits you perfectly. You’re a regal warrior who’s going to save the world. You’re breathtaking.”
The words, uttered so sincerely, literally knocked the air from her lungs. Struggling to speak, she sucked in a breath. “You know what I was thinking before you showed up with dinner?”
He shook his head, body language open as he waited for her to continue.
“That this isn’t the first time we’ve done this. If I truly did visit Eli when he was a child in 2039 then this is part of a new timeline we created. We must’ve failed since my grandfather still detonated the nukes, and we’re here, fighting the New Establishment.”
Gray eyes widened as he exhaled. “Heavy.”
She nodded, picking at a fleck of nonexistent lint on her jean-clad thigh. “How many times have I failed? How many people have traveled through time? Did the technology of the Sphere fall into the wrong hands? It’s driving me mad.”
His hand slid over hers, gently grasping and interlacing their fingers atop her thigh. “I don’t know. That’s what you’re here for. I’m just the hired help—grunt work and soldier duty. You’re the genius. I was hoping you’d have it all figured out.”
A laugh escaped her throat. “Having it all figured out is the opposite of where I’m at. At this point, maybe I should just let the world exist and live out my days with Marie’s chickens. I’ll eat their eggs and finally drink the damn Malbec I’ve been saving forever.”
His firm lips curved into a smile, and he gently tugged her, urging her to his side. Giving up the will to fight, she slid into his warmth, his a
rm across her shoulders. With his free hand, he cupped the back of hers, interlocking their fingers from behind as her palm rested on his thigh. Allowing herself to enjoy the comfort of his embrace, she rested her head upon his shoulder.
“Although that sounds interesting, your drive will never let you quit,” he said against her temple, his fingers drawing lazy circles on her upper arm where his hand dangled across her shoulder. “From what I know of you, Lainey, you’ll never stop trying to save the world.”
“You’re so convinced you know me,” she said, confusion in her tone, “but how could you?”
Warm breath flitted across the hair at her crown while he seemed to contemplate. Then, he told her. About the times he’d met with Lewis and the pictures he’d seen. About how he’d been so broken, but the thought of setting things right resonated with him. It pulled him from despair and gave him a reason to live again. And through it all, he began to feel a connection with her, spurred on by the incredible knowledge they would marry one day even though he’d never met her. It was all quite unbelievable.
“Regardless of what happens between us, if you decide you hate my guts and strangle me in my sleep, I’ll still care about you, Lainey. Your gorgeous eyes found me from a tattered photograph across time and they pulled me free from drowning in grief. For that, I’ll always be thankful to you.”
Such beautiful words, spoken in his gruff and sincere voice. Lainey thought them more apt for a poet than a fighter.
“How does such a hardened soldier have such a romantic side?”
He chuckled. “I don’t know. My parents were deeply in love before they both died of pneumonia when I was fourteen. Post-apocalyptic medical care was hard to come by, and they didn’t make it. But I remember their passion and the way they used to laugh with each other. I think I’ve always known I want that too.”
“I’m sorry they didn’t survive,” she said, squeezing their laced fingers.
“Me too,” he said. “I was on my own after that and joined the Old Rebellion when I was sixteen. Never looked back. I was determined to save others since I couldn’t save them. Told myself it was noble.”
She tilted her head back, lifting her gaze to his. “It was,” she said, her voice raspy.
“I’m not perfect”—sadness swam in his eyes—“but my intentions are good. I’m so sorry I fucked up, Lainey. I hope you’ll accept my apology and that we can move on from this. I’m determined to accompany you to 2035 and help you. I’m pretty stubborn, and even if you hate my guts, I won’t be swayed. I’m on your team now, whether you like it or not.”
God bless her heart, she liked it. Judging by her body’s reaction to the deep rumble of his voice, she loved it. Sometimes, the law of attraction made no sense. It was futile to maintain any pretense of anger or betrayal when she didn’t have the heart or energy to fight him. Her efforts were needed elsewhere and prolonging a rift between them was a waste of time. Lord knew, she had none of that to spare.
“Okay,” she said, nodding up at him. “Let’s formulate next steps. I’ve updated my team, and we’re going to meet in the bunker at midnight. I’m going to send Luke back and hope like hell he survives. If so, we’ll all transport back the next day. You, me, Cyrus, Sara, Claire, Zach, Alora, and Marie. From there, I have no idea what will happen. Hopefully, we’ll save the world.”
“Heavy,” he repeated, giving her a grin.
“Yeah,” she said, gaze sliding to his chest. “Everything is so damn heavy. I hope we succeed.”
Lifting his fingers to her chin, he tilted her face so that his eyes locked with hers. “With you leading the charge, I have no doubt.” His lips quirked. “Duchess.”
His tone was so sexy it almost melted her panties off. She imagined him saying the silly nickname against her skin, worshiping her as his lips trailed across her abdomen and below. Feeling the slickness between her thighs, she began to pant, her breath choppy and uneven.
“As much as I want to kiss you right now, I won’t.” Strong fingers trailed from her chin to her jawline, eventually cupping her neck. “I don’t want this to be one-sided, Lainey. I want you so badly, but I won’t be made the scapegoat for forcing something on you. When you decide you want me too, I’ll be ready. Until then, let’s work together to kick the New Establishment’s ass.” He placed a gentle peck on her forehead, causing her to shiver. “Good night.”
Slowly disentangling himself from her, he stood and placed his hands in the back pockets of his black pants. “Do you want me in the bunker at midnight?”
She shook her head, berating herself for already missing the heat of his body and the bliss of his touch. “I need you and Cyrus outside, making sure the troops don’t suspect anything. Hopefully, we can pull this off.”
His head tilted in acknowledgment. “Got it. Give Luke my best. He’s a good man, and I hope he makes it safely.” Pivoting, Hunter left the room, the door clicking softly behind him.
Lainey collapsed back on the couch, groaning in frustration as her flushed body vibrated with unspent arousal. Deciding the world she was striving to save had turned itself upside-down in the most confusing ways, she grabbed the plate and headed to the kitchen to do the dishes. Sometimes, one just needed to do some damn manual labor to feel human. Duchess, her ass.
When she reached the kitchen, she found the soap empty and the sink clean. Well, fine then. Placing the plate in the sink, she left it for Marie to clean with the breakfast plates in the morning. Hunter would have a field day, chiding her for leaving the platter unwashed. Realizing she was beaming at the thought, Lainey finally acknowledged that she reveled in his good-natured poking. Someone as serious as she needed it. In that way, they were a good match.
Rolling her eyes at the direction her thoughts had taken, she plodded to her chamber to grab a cat nap before midnight.
* * * *
Alora knocked on Cyrus’s door in the dim hallway. When it cracked a sliver, she slipped inside. He was bare-chested, wearing only black pants and socks.
“You caught me just getting out of the shower,” he said with a sheepish grin. “I’m going to sleep outside with the men tonight, so I can keep an eye on them.”
Her eyebrow lifted. “Won’t that be suspicious?”
He shook his head. “I fabricated some story about a night training that will commence at two a.m. It will ensure the soldiers sleep during Luke’s transport. Hopefully.” His broad shoulders shrugged. “We’re winging this, Alora.”
Giving a tilt of her head, she approached him, laying her palms flat upon his pecs. “Fabricated. Your vocabulary is growing, Cyrus. Claire’s lessons are paying off.”
White teeth flashed as he drew away and strode to the bedside table. “Where the Red Fern Grows,” he said, holding up a book. “Have you read it? I just finished it earlier. It’s my latest assignment.”
Her lips pursed as she contemplated. “I think I read it ages ago. It’s a classic.”
Cyrus nodded, reverently running his fingers over the book. It seemed to hold significance for him, and maybe a bit of…sentimentality? It was something she’d never seen in the stoic and practical soldier.
“I got the supplies you asked for,” she said, drawing the bag over her shoulder and setting it on the bed. Digging inside, she brought out three tiny vials. “Green, blue, and some strange shade of orange. I thought she’d like them.”
Cyrus took them from her, beaming now as he examined them. “These are perfect. Claire will love them. She was complaining the other day that all her nail polish was drying up. I can’t wait to see her face when she opens these.” His deep brown eyes sought hers. “Thank you, Alora.”
Alora studied him as realization washed over her. “You love her,” she said softly.
A large breath exited his lungs. “Of course I do.”
She grinned, refusing to let him play word games with her. “You love her as a man loves a woman.” Closing the distance between them, she slid her palm up his arm, gently grabbing his chin.
Turing his head, she forced him to make eye contact. “It’s beautiful, mi amigo. I’m so very happy for you.”
Cyrus tenderly grabbed her wrist, drawing her hand from his face. “It’s not meant to be. I’m too old for her. Too cynical.” Placing the book back on the nightstand, he gingerly rotated his hands, studying them. “These hands have killed, sometimes in instances I’m not sure were justified. She’s such a bright soul in our dark world. I want her to find someone who can give her a family and a future. Someone who isn’t haunted by nightmares and hopelessness.”
“You could give her those things, Cyrus. Perhaps you’re just afraid.”
“Perhaps,” he murmured.
They stood silent, digesting the contents of their discussion.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve lain with a man. I thought to come here tonight and perhaps take comfort in your arms. We haven’t done that in a while. But I realize now, our last time has already occurred.” Lifting to her toes, she gave him a soft peck on the cheek. With her thumb, she rubbed it away, the salve she wore on her lips sticky and glossy.
“I enjoyed the time we spent together, Alora,” he said, cupping her cheek. “You’re a stunning woman with a brilliant mind. But I…” He struggled to find the words. “I just can’t. I hope you understand.”
“More than you know, querido. I wish to find a man one day who will turn down a hundred willing women for the opportunity to be with me. Do you think I have a chance?” She waggled her eyebrows.
Cyrus chuckled. “I think any man who has the balls to take you on and try to win your heart is a saint and a hero. I hope you find him one day, Alora. You deserve to be happy.”
“So do you,” she said, allowing herself one more glance at his exquisite chest. She was only human after all, and he was magnificent. “Don’t let your fear guide you. I look forward to seeing the polish on Claire. Although, it will only shine half as bright as her beautiful heart. You chose well, my friend. Good night.”
She exited the room, lips curved as she smiled in the hallway. Something rustled to her left, and she turned to see Claire frozen outside her bedroom door, tears glistening in her green eyes.
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