much enjoyment in life since returning, and yet, that sounded almost fun. So long as they managed to keep from hurting her in the process.
She frowned. “I could go right now with Mercy, if I could control the headaches.”
“No. Just me.” He cocked his head, searching for the right words. This close, with the fire crackling softly and the moon gliding across the sky, an intimacy wove around them that fired up his blood. It had been way too long since he’d bedded a female. That probably wasn’t even the correct terminology any longer. He tried to concentrate. “But you’re right that we need to teach you to shield your mind against whatever brain waves harm you.”
She leaned back. “Why just you?”
“Because then I can control the outcome,” he said easily. That seemed obvious, didn’t it?
Her face cleared. “Listen, Viking. I appreciate a control freak as much as the next absentminded professor, but you’re overstepping.”
Was he? He thought it through. “I believe you’re wrong. It’s my fault you’re in this situation.” He held up a hand before she could argue. “Yes, the Kurjans would’ve probably targeted you at some point, but we don’t know that for sure.”
“I’m one of the most visible physicists in the world right now. Of course they would’ve targeted me.”
Had he just insulted her? That truly hadn’t been his intention. “I think I could’ve protected you from afar. Let you go for the grant, work on the problem, without your view of the world having to change so drastically.”
Her chin jerked down. “That’s the most condescending thing I’ve heard all day. And that’s saying something.”
He paused. Condescending? Damn it.
“Besides, it’s stupid.” She said the words casually, as if she hadn’t just insulted him.
Irritation clawed down his back, melding with arousal in an uncomfortable mixture that made the blood pound between his ears in a roaring sound. “How so?” he asked, keeping his hoarse voice somewhat mild.
She rolled her eyes. Actually rolled those intelligent eyes like a teenager. “There is no way to solve this equation without a full knowledge of the facts. Of the ability to teleport—or rather, the different abilities and possibilities. The solution might be found by researching the differences between the Fae and the demons. Why they can both teleport but the Fae can actually travel to different worlds.”
Man, when she started talking in science jargon, his jeans became too tight. “Be that as it may, we’ve broken many laws by telling you the truth.”
“Since when do you care about laws?” she challenged.
He straightened his back. “Are you trying to pick a fight?”
She considered the question, her gaze directly on his. “No. I am challenging your supposition that you have any control over what I do or do not…do.”
Cute. “You sound like Shakespeare. Whom I’ve met, by the way.”
Her head did an adorable little spiral in the air. “You’ve met Shakespeare?”
“Yep. Guy drank like a fish.” Ivar leaned in to whisper. “And I’ve met Einstein.”
Her gasp was pure joy to his ears.
“What was he like?” she asked, her tone reverent.
“Kind. Thoughtful, smart, and very nice.” Ivar had liked the guy from the start. “He and Kane Kayrs were actually pretty decent friends. We’ll get you back in touch with Kane to collaborate. He had to return to headquarters, but we’ll make it happen.”
Delight absolutely lit up her entire face.
He grinned. “Now, it’s pretty late. Why don’t you get some sleep so you can teach tomorrow?”
Surprise joined the delight. “You’re not going to try and stop me?”
He ignored the hint that he wouldn’t be able to prevent her from leaving. “No. We’ve diagrammed a good plan so you can teach tomorrow and gather all of the resources you need from your office. But you’ll have to put in for leave. Maybe claim that after Dr. Rashad’s death or your car accident you need a sabbatical.” If she fought him on this, she wasn’t going to like the result. “We can’t keep your students safe, Missy. If the Kurjans come for you, they won’t care about collateral damage.”
She swallowed. “Well. Since you put it like that.”
Yes. He had thought his argument through thoroughly. “I hope you understand.”
“I do, and I can get my doctoral students to cover my classes for the remainder of the semester.” She looked at the notes strewn around. “I’m captivated by this problem, anyway. I need to follow the math.”
He stood and assisted her up. “Then we’re in agreement.” The woman barely came to his chin, and he wondered once again