He carried himself like someone born dangerous.
But compliments?
Recognition?
Those unsettled him.
Interesting.
“You built something capable of mapping the skies of the multiverse simultaneously,” I continued. “Do you realize how insane that is?”
“Not insane. Useful, though. No?”
“Uh, yeah. Way useful. But why are you here? You should be heading your own Multiversal company! How are you acting like this is mundane?”
“It is mundane for me.”
He rolled his shoulders, and lust hit me square in the belly.
Fact: I want to climb him.
That was such an inappropriate thought.
And yet there it was.
Unavoidable.
Persistent.
Sten leaned over again, typing several commands into the program with broad strokes of his fingers.
I tried very hard not to stare at his hands.
Failed immediately.
Long fingers.
Strong knuckles.
Silver rings glinting beneath the dim study lights.
Hands capable of genius. Of violence.
Hands I desperately wanted touching me.
This was problematic.
Very problematic.
“Okay,” he murmured, voice lower now as he pointed toward the calculations. “Once these are entered, the program overlays realm movement with numerical astrology and resonance theory to chart a path toward, well…” He paused slightly. “…toward your true love.”
That last part almost sounded hostile.
I blinked.
“Well,” I said carefully, “I don’t think Professor Franco actually expects us to find true love.”
Silence.
