Page 38 of Escape Velocity

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Amber pressed her forehead to Max’s chest. He had made wonderful love to her, as she’d known he would, and she wanted to stay in his arms like this for as long as she could. It wasn’t just the lovemaking. He could have left her to her fate on the space station. Instead he had risked his life to rescue her. That thought made her chest tighten.

What would it be like to have a good man trust you? Be committed to you no matter what? She hadn’t known him long, but she had quickly discovered his character. He might not follow all the laws of his world, but he did what he thought was right. In addition, he was brave and smart—and the master of many skills. When they’d first met, she had been using him to get off Naxion. Anyone would have done. Now it was painful to admit he was the kind of man she would have wanted to spend her life with—if she’d had any kind of choice. But above and beyond the jeopardy of her basic situation, she had given him little reason to offer her his loyalty.

He held her for long moments, and even when she felt the air cooling around them, he stayed where he was. But finally, she felt him stir.

He sat up, reached to the end of the bunk and pulled up the blanket that was folded at the foot.

“You were going to tell me what you’ve been hiding,” he reminded her, his voice gritty.

He’d covered them, but they were still naked, and she wanted to be dressed for this conversation.

“Give me a minute to clean up,” she whispered.

He answered with a little nod.