need to hurry and dress. The previous night had been unquantifiable. She’d discovered elements to herself that she hadn’t identified before, and she was uncertain how to process the information.
Her question about mating him the day before now seemed naive. An abstract thought with no understanding of the real-world consequences. In speaking with Ivar, she’d learned he was educated and knowledgeable about pretty much every subject.
She’d underestimated him.
Even now, after the night they’d shared, much of him remained concealed. Maybe not purposefully, but she sensed in him aspects that she couldn’t understand, much less define. The need to solve the mystery of him drew her more strongly than any equation ever had.
He rolled from the bed to pull the shades over the one window more firmly shut, his nude body a study of muscle and sinew.
She partially sat up, holding the sheet to her chest, her gaze on his back. “Oh my.”
He looked over his shoulder at the dark shield of his rib cage. “Our torsos are fused front and back, protecting every organ. It happened during the ritual, and that part was more painful than any other hell world.”
She shook her head. “How?” There wasn’t a scientific theory that came close to explaining such a phenomenon.
He smiled and slid back into bed, grasping her hip. “How about you figure that out after the other problems? Dimensional jumping comes first.” He gave a gentle tug and landed her on top of his solid body. “How is your mind now?”
“The temple pain is still gone,” she said, a juvenile delight flickering through her. “Did I really expel you?”
“Yes.” His smile brightened his eyes to a light cerulean. A color nowhere near human. “We’ll practice throughout the day, before and after you teach, and then you can try with Adare later.”
She caressed his jaw, letting his whiskers tickle her palm. They were more auburn than his hair. She reached up and tugged on a strand above his ear that reached his shoulders. “These darker streaks in your hair. Were they always there?”
“No. Got those recently,” he said lightly.
Oh. Another change he’d endured. “They suit you,” she said, hoping that was permissible to say.
He grinned and wrapped one of her long curls around his finger, pulling hard enough that her scalp protested. “Okay.”
She smiled, looking at their hair together. The contrast of her black strands and his deep blond were intriguing. They looked right together. Was that a romantic thought? She liked him. She really enjoyed having sex with him. Maybe this was romance. They were lovers now. Did that mean they were dating?
If so, it would be temporary since he planned to sacrifice himself for his brother. “I like you,” she said quietly.
His eyes softened. “I like you too.” He blinked. “Huh. I really mean that.” His expression turned thoughtful. “Haven’t actually felt anything in a little while.”
Her entire being lit up from within, just like one of those silly girls back in high school. Was this really what a first crush felt like? She’d liked past boyfriends, and she’d enjoyed spending time with them. But she’d never experienced this rush of heat and wildness. The feeling that she could do anything—that the laws of the universe wouldn’t hold her back. For now, she’d just try to be honest with him. “I appreciate your taking me back to school today.” She couldn’t get an Uber so far out of town.
He caressed down her spine to her butt, his hand warm and firm. “No problem. The sun is out, so we won’t have any problems from the Kurjans. But it’s your last day of teaching for a while.”
His tone ignited an awareness within her. She blinked. “Agreed. I already said I wanted to start working on the equations for teleporting.” In fact, she wouldn’t be able to stop herself. “But that’s my decision. You understand that, correct?”
He studied her, losing the lazy contentment he’d exhibited all morning. “It’s a good decision.”
Tension ticked along her arms. “I think we should be sure we understand each other.”
“I think we do,” he said lightly.
“I’m uncertain,” she said, her knees falling on either side of his hard hips. They were still naked, and desire began to pulse between her legs, right where he was hardening. Her mind fuzzed, and she quickly marshaled her thoughts. “The reason I’m taking leave is because it’s the right thing to do.”
“I totally agree.” His flattened hand pressed her down onto him.
Her eyes nearly rolled back in her head. “Wait.” She scrolled