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“I just realized something.” She looked up, again meeting my eyes. “I don’t think you can call me Tapley anymore.”

My heart gave a hard, unexpected tug.

I couldn’t lose this woman.

Ever.

“If we had more time, I would ravish you,” I growled.

She cupped my jaw. “Once we’re out of here, I’ll let you do whatever you want to me.”

“Even—”

“Yes, even that.”

“Well, there’s a first time for everything.”

We left the bed and walked to the door.

“There’s a first time for everything,” I repeated.

“Dez, I’m in my thirties. I’ve…done stuff.”

“With who? Travis?”

She didn’t respond.

“With Travis, Larke?”

“I love your type of crazy,” she said, grinning down at her hand.

I watched, pleased with myself that she could barely keep her eyes off the ring. Then, knowing if I didn’t leave now, I never would, I cupped the back of her head and pressed my lips to hers like I needed them to survive.

“See you soon, Mrs. Harding.”

She grinned. “See you soon, hubby.”

I chewed on my bottom lip.

We didn’t have time.

This woman was so lucky that we didn’t have time.

“I love you,” I said.

“I love you, too.”

“And Larke…with Travis?”

She shoved me out the door. “Bye, Captain. And don’t be late.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

LARKE

I walked along the tunnels, shining my flashlight down every side opening to check for rodents, human predators, and otherbeings.I couldn’t remember every turn Dez and I had made to get to our love alcove, but I wouldn’t be stepping off my current path. The memories we’d made there would be enough to last me a while.

I glanced at my left hand.