feeling you get when you jump off a cliff into deep water.”
He smiled and nuzzled into her. His mouth sought hers, and they shared a few wonderfully sweet kisses. Carefully, he unlatched her wrists and rubbed each one before pressing his lips to them. The clamps were removed next, and she hissed at the sudden rush of blood back into the compressed surfaces. He eased the discomfort with his mouth, gently laving until she mewled like a kitten. He discreetly removed the plug, wrapping it in a towel he retrieved from a drawer.
When he helped her out of the swing, she leaned heavily into him. He returned everything to its correct place and tidied up the space before sweeping her up into his arms and bridal carrying her to the bathroom. He gave her some privacy and then made her laugh when she stepped out and he picked her up again, carrying her to bed and tucking her in to wait for him.
After he finished using the bathroom, he slid in next to her. She happily wiggled closer when he opened his arms, and she rested her head on his chest, letting his heartbeat soothe and relax her. Just before she fell asleep, she whispered, “I’m so glad you came for me and brought me home with you.”
“I’m glad you let me keep you.”
Her eyes heavy, she stroked his chest. “Whatever happens, Cipher, I’ll be right beside you.”
“And I’ll be right beside you,” he promised. The last thing she remembered was the gentle feel of his lips brushing across her forehead as he whispered, “I’ll keep you safe.”
Chapter Fourteen
“Is it always this busy?”
Cipher looked up from his tablet as they waited on the Departures deck for their transport ship to the Mercy. A constant stream of soldiers and airmen along with wives and even small children moved along the wide corridor. “Yes.”
Although she enjoyed people watching, she was more interested in what he was designing on his tablet. He used his stylus to drag circuitry blueprints around the screen. “Is this one of your freelance projects?”
He nodded. “Civilian use.”
Over the last five days, he had shared so much of his work with her. Anything that wasn’t classified was fair game. He had also started teaching her how to code. She was a novice and made lots of mistakes, but he was so patient and encouraging. “Maybe someday we can build something together.”
He smiled at her. “I hope so.”
“Flight 6A boarding. Flight 6A boarding.”
“That’s us,” he said as the automated voice called out overhead. “Ready?”
She wasn’t, but the appointment for her first time in the hyperbaric chamber was today. Cipher had offered to reschedule when she had admitted her reticence, but she had decided it was better to face her fear. “I’m ready.”
“I’ll be with you the whole time.” He took her hand and interlaced their fingers. “I won’t leave you.”
She leaned forward and pressed her forehead to his. “Thank you.”
“Come on, baby.” He tugged her into a standing position and led her toward the boarding ramp for their vessel. “Let’s find you a window seat.”
She fell into step beside him, amused when he slowed his normally fast pace and long strides. When she noticed the way he constantly scanned their surroundings, she melted a little more for him. They were probably in the safest place possible, but he still maintained a protective stance, ready to shield her at any moment.
After they scanned their wrists at the entrance to the ship, they found seats in the front row. As promised, he secured the window seat for her. Like a child surrounded by presents on Wintermorn, she practically bounced in her seat as she waited for the ship to depart. She barely remembered her first flight so her excitement was high.
“Before we dock with the Mercy, you’ll be able to see Calyx from above and at least one moon,” he explained, handing her his tablet to hold while he adjusted his safety belt. It had clearly been used by someone much smaller and thinner, probably a wife, so he had to unfurl quite a bit of extra belt. “If you enjoy the flight, we can look into a pleasure cruise. There’s a line that operates out the colonies that’s highly recommended. I know a few guys who have taken their mates on it.”
“Where does it go?”
“It does a four-day loop around the colonies. There are shore excursions and it docks with a sky casino. It’s supposed to be a lot of fun.”
“I’ve