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He grinned. “High Command would have gone ballistic if you pulled their top crew off the mission.”
“I was thinking of going over Commissioner Viewick’s head to Jagger. I planned to go toe-to-toe with him and not back down until he agreed to reinstate you.”
“That would have been tough. He’s not a guy who likes to admit he’s wrong.”
“I’d have convinced him. And when he spoke to us, he was just pissed.” Cleo looked up, and pride filled Hunter at the determination on her face.
“Yeah, I reckon you might have convinced him. You always get me to do anything you want.”
She stood on her tiptoes and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. “I hated you not being around. The Apocalypse isn’t the same without you.”
“I missed the ship. But most of all, I missed you. Waking up in a barracks full of rough male soldiers was a shock to the system.”
Cleo grinned. “That’s what you’re complaining about?”
He leaned down to get another kiss, a kiss he’d never grow tired of receiving.
She readily gave it to him, her tongue stroking across his lips and meeting his as his mouth opened.
Cleo eased back and rested a hand against his chest. “It shouldn’t have taken me losing you to realize how much I wanted you.”
Hunter’s heart gave a hopeful thud. “You want me?”
“More than I want to slam my fist into Commissioner Viewick’s face for refusing to talk to me so I can change his mind about having you reassigned.” She sighed. “I’m such an idiot. I didn’t know what I had until it was gone.”
“I always knew what I had. And even though you refused to be with me, I figured it was enough that I could just be around you, breathe the same air as you, and see you every day to be happy. But it wasn’t. I want all of you, Cleo. I know you have your doubts, and you’re not sure you can trust me, but I’m here for you. Whatever you need. And I was already figuring out a way to get back to you. I was determined to keep fighting for us.”
“I’m glad you never gave up on us. Because I want you, too. I’m sick of hiding the way I feel about you. Ever since that night we spent together, I haven’t wanted to be with anyone else. Even if I notice other guys—”
Hunter growled. “You notice other guys?”
She pressed a quick kiss to his lips. “For about half a second, and then I realize they’re not you. I’m always comparing everyone to you, and they fall short. Your kindness, humor, dedication to me, even when I don’t deserve it. You showed me how committed you are, but I was too scared to see the truth. I want you back.”
“As your partner on the ship?”
“Yes! But more than that. I want you in my life for good.” Her gaze stopped on his mouth. “And in my bed.”
“Are you sure I haven’t died?” Hunter said. “Because I’ve been wanting to hear those words for a really long time.”
“You’re one hundred percent alive. Although you might not be for much longer if I don’t get you out of here and fixed up.” Cleo kissed him again. “And when you’re healed, I have a lot of making up to do to you.”
He grinned at her, heat firing in his belly and his cock twitching with longing. “What do you have in mind?”
“You, me, no clothes, and a locked door so no one can disturb us.”
“That’s my kind of making up.” He leaned down to grab another kiss. “Why don’t we make a start on that right now?”
Cleo gently eased out of his arms and gave a shake of her head. “If I fuck you now, it might kill you.”
He chuckled. “What a way to go.”
Ash strode into the room. “We found a way out. Let’s move.”
***
Cleo staggered as shesupported Hunter’s weight. Although he hadn’t complained once, he must be badly injured to lean on her so heavily. But he continued to limp along the corridor as they followed Ash and Georgia toward the escape point.
Her heart throbbed with excitement after everything she’d shared with Hunter. She was falling for him hard, and there was nothing she could do to stop herself. Who was she trying to kid? Cleo had fallen down this love hole a long time ago. She adored Hunter, but always insisted on putting her career first and making sure her professional face never slipped. Not anymore.
