She blinked at him.“Um, I can’t sense anything from Cylo.I’d need someone to test—”
“Fyca, return to the comm,” Cylo said to his O.D.I.
The pilot hurried in and slid into the seat.
She stared at him then summoned an image of a white door with a massive crossbar as a handle.Across the top, she wrote his name, digging her finger into the paint as if it was still fresh.
“Once you have the door in mind, open it,” Iddan said.
She obeyed and cried out, falling to a knee when memories, thoughts, and desires crashed into her.Cylo roared something at Iddan while lifting her to her feet.
“Close the door,” the Durn said, his voice calm.
She slammed it.The ringing of a fireproof metal door reverberated through her skull.She gasped.No longer did Fyca’s thoughts torment her.“How is this possible?”she whispered, raising her gaze to Cylo’s.
“The mind is a powerful tool.We have yet to fully understand how humans compare to the many species we have studied.”Iddan offered a sweet smile.“Comm me if you need further guidance.”
Tears slipped free.She flicked them aside while beaming at him.“Thank you so much.”
“You are on a scimitar, yes?I would suggest you relocate to the viewing deck or, if the scimitar has the stock, thicken the bulkheads around your quarters.When you sleep, your control weakens.”
“We do not, unfortunately,” Cylo said, running his hand down her arm to lace their fingers.“The use of the viewing deck is wise.My thanks, as well, Iddan and Adviser Kanzo.”
She held out her free hand.“Um, Iddan, wouldn’t it be easier to lock myself behind a door?”
Cylo’s hand twitched, drawing her gaze to his long fingers.She smothered a shiver at the phantom sensation of his touch along her inner thigh.
Iddan laughed.“Indeed.I had not thought of that.It would be simpler than creating a door for every person you meet.But do know that should you open that door, you will be hit with a massive sensory overload.”
“Fair enough,” she said, quickly picturing a submarine-like door, old, with rusted metal brackets and a brass plaque embossed with her name.She ‘walked’ through and closed the door behind her.Silence engulfed her, leaving only her thoughts and feelings.But the door threatened to open, like the hinges or lock were broken.She shoved her full weight against it, begging it to stay shut.Several attempts followed until, sweat-drenched, she stepped back.
She returned to reality with a jolt.
The screen showed the passing stars.Iddan hadn’t bid her goodbye or anything.But she was so grateful that she spun and threw herself at Cylo.He caught her against his body, allowing her to cry like a toddler.When her sobs turned into sniffles and her eyelids threatened to seal, she pulled back and let herself rest her temple on his chest.
“Sorry,” she muttered.“When did you learn to do this?”
“Do what?”he asked, still rubbing her from her shoulder blades to her lower spine.
“Imagine a door to enclose me.”
He chuckled.“I did not.I have been using my willpower to control my reactions and thoughts.”
She forced a chuckle and shifted away from him.“That’s amazing.”
“I am glad not to have to do so anymore.”He caught her chin and raised her face for a perusal.With swipes of his thumb, he swept aside her tears.His touch was so gentle that flutters consumed her core.“What is wrong with my sleep pants?”
His question stunned her, leaving her reeling.“Your…pajamas?”Heat burned her cheeks.Memories flashed of his carved chest, his narrow waist, and Adonis belt.Not to mention the way the silk had clung to his thighs… She cleared her throat, not sure what to say.
“Yes.Why do you react like this?”He angled his head.“Your breathing and heartbeat are erratic.Your face is flushed, your eyes wide.”
She coughed.“No reason,” she rasped.
He scowled.“Why do you deceive me?”
Anger rolled off him.That didn’t bother her.What did have her leaping to grasp his biceps were the sour notes of pain.“Cylo, um, you look…good.”
He stiffened, then a smile bloomed, dimpling a cheek.“Ah, now I see.You like how I look as much I like the look of you?”
