“You sound shocked.”
“I just didn’t expect alien cuisine to remind me of Thai food.” She took another bite. “Though considerably spicier.”
I found myself watching the way her lips pressed together after each taste, and the delicate movement of her throat when she swallowed. A heat suddenly rose within me.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked softly.
“Like what?”
“Like you’re...” She set her fork down. “I don’t know. Seeing me for the first time.”
The truth tumbled out before I could filter it. “I’m just trying to understand what’s happening between us.”
FIFTEEN
OLIVIA
Morning light filtered through the examination room’s windows and cast long shadows across the pristine equipment. I arranged instruments on a sterile tray while trying not to notice Aeon’s powerful frame as he adjusted the examination table. Five days of working together had established a rhythm between us, professional and efficient yet crackling with unacknowledged tension whenever our hands accidentally brushed.
“Blood pressure cuff?” I asked, not looking up.
Aeon’s deep voice rumbled behind me. “Second drawer. I relocated them yesterday.”
I reached for the drawer, painfully aware of his proximity. “Next time, maybe mention the inventory changes before I waste ten minutes searching.”
“Noted.” The corner of his mouth twitched slightly—that almost-smile that had become increasingly common lately. “Efficiency is?—”
The door slid open with a decisive hiss, cutting him off. Commander Helix strode in, her pregnant belly prominent beneath her fitted dark uniform. Despite her condition, she maintained the rigid posture of someone accustomed to absolute authority.
“Dr. Parker. Aeon.” Her sharp eyes scanned our workspace. “I require escalation of the medical training program. Immediately.”
I straightened. “Commander, we’re following the schedule we agreed?—”
“Circumstances have changed.” Her tone left no room for debate. “Three cyborgs, including me, and two human women are now well into their third trimester. After Mira’s unexpected delivery, we cannot afford to be unprepared.” She placed both hands on the countertop, leaning forward. “The entire medical staff needs comprehensive training on complicated procedures. Now.”
I studied her face—the slight flush in her cheeks and the tension around her eyes. Something wasn’t right.
“Commander,” I said carefully, “have you been getting proper rest?”
Helix’s jaw tightened. “That’s irrelevant to this discussion.”
“It’s entirely relevant. Please follow me.” I gestured toward the adjacent observation room, surprised by my own boldness.
After a tense moment, she complied. Aeon followed silently.
Once inside, I pointed to the examination chair. “Sit.”
“Doctor, I don’t have time for?—”
“Commander,” I interrupted, “your face is flushed and you’re showing signs of hypertension. Either sit down voluntarily, or I’ll ask Aeon to assist you.”
Aeon shifted his weight, his imposing presence somehow backing my authority without saying a word.
Helix shot him a venomous look before reluctantly sitting. I wrapped the blood pressure cuff around her arm and frowned at the reading.
“Your blood pressure is dangerously elevated. This puts both you and your baby at significant risk.”
“Impossible. I feel fine.”
