Page 16 of Human Reform
“I will spend every day making it up to you,” I promised.“If you fully agree to help us and prove yourself trustworthy.”
Her silver-flecked eyes met mine.“I’ll try to prove myself useful and worthy.”
“Thank you.”The words felt inadequate for the relief surging through my veins.
I studied her profile, the question that had been burning in my mind finally finding voice.“Why did you leave CyberEvolution?”
She was quiet for so long, I thought she might not answer.When she did, her voice was soft and vulnerable.
“For six years, I helped them treat cyborgs as weapons, as disposable tools.”Her fingers twisted the small chain bracelet on her wrist.“But it always felt wrong.I knew—hoped—that you were capable of so much more.”A small smile curved her lips.“I’m glad to see I was right.”
I wanted to pull her against me again and feel her heart beating against mine.Instead, I reached for her hand, a gesture that was quickly becoming familiar and necessary.
“We’re trying,” I said, “to build something better here.”
“I can see that now,” Alora admitted softly.
Without any conscious thought or concern for the consequences, I suddenly leaned in and captured her lips with mine.The kiss was soft and tentative at first, more like a question than a demand.Her lips were softer than I’d imagined—and I had imagined them, I realized, since the moment I saw her file.
When she responded with unexpected intensity, something primal unlocked inside me.Her fingers threaded through my hair, and I pulled her closer, my hand sliding around her waist as if it had always belonged there.The kiss deepened, turned hungrier, and a supernova of sensation exploded through my body.Her scent filled my lungs and became the only air worth breathing.
I’d analyzed tactical situations, security protocols, and neural frameworks with perfect precision my entire existence.But this—this defied analysis.This was pure, an unfiltered feeling, and it frightened and exhilarated me in equal measure.
When we finally broke apart, her silver-flecked eyes were wide with surprise, and her cheeks were flushed.My heart hammered like it was trying to break free from my chest.
“I…” Words completely failed me for perhaps the first time in my life.“I should go.”
I stood abruptly, running my hand through my black hair where her fingers had been moments before.The ghost of her touch lingered on my skin, and I knew with utter certainty, I would spend the rest of the night remembering the taste of her lips.
“Daxon…”
“Get some rest,” I said, cutting her off before she could say something I wasn’t prepared to hear.“Tomorrow we’ll start working on the coding issues.”
Her fingers touched her lips, and the gesture sent another wave of desire crashing through me.I needed to leave before I did something even more impulsive.
“I’ll see you in the morning.”
I backed toward the door, unwilling to turn away from her until necessary.I pushed the small button on my wrist communicator with practiced precision, my eyes never leaving her face.As the door slid closed, I caught one final glimpse of her sitting on the bed, looking as stunned as I felt.
Outside, I pressed my forehead firmly against the cool metal side of the structure and took several deep breaths.What was happening?I’d never experienced such a complete loss of control—not even during my worst glitches.
“Interesting development.”
I whirled to find Olivia standing there, a knowing smile on her face and a tray of food in her hands.
“It’s not what you think,” I lied, my voice rougher than normal.
“Really?”She arched an eyebrow.“Because your pupils are dilated, your skin is flushed, and your breathing pattern suggests elevated heart rate.”
“You’re not my doctor, Olivia.”
“No, but I recognize the symptoms.”Her smile softened.“Aeon had the same response after our first kiss.”
I pushed away from the structure, straightening to my full height.“I need to review security logs.”
“Of course you do.”Her gentle laughter followed me through the night air.
I didn’t look back.
