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Rynan was still scowling at Dare. “I think you should see Elana now⁠—”

Dare ignored them both, gripped Dakota’s waist, and tossed her over his shoulder. He stomped out of the shuttle bay.

She’d had enough. She hammered at his back. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“You should be quiet right now.”

“I’m not yours to toss around and carry off like a sack of supplies.”

He ignored her.

She jammed her fingers in a sensitive spot in his lower back, near his spine. He let out a grunt, his arms releasing her. She twisted, got free, and landed in a crouch on the floor.

She looked up, and when she saw his face, she froze. His features were set in stark lines, and for the first time since she’d met him, his gaze didn’t look clear and direct.

She rose. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Then he staggered.

She moved, jamming a shoulder under his arm. She barely caught him before he crashed to the floor.

“Rynan! Justyn!” Her shout echoed down the corridor.

As she lowered Dare to his knees, she knelt in front of him, cupping his cheeks. His skin was clammy.

“Jesus.” Rynan appeared. “Knew this would happen, the stubborn bastard.”

“I’ll get the antidote,” Justyn sprinted away.

“What’s happening to him?” Dakota demanded.

“He was obviously hurt from whatever altercation you two had with Korrdo. He took a stimulant to have the strength to rescue you. Now he’s crashing.” Rynan had pulled out a handheld scanner, running it over the side of Dare’s head.

Everything inside her went still. She stared into those silver eyes. He’d risked his life to come for her? No one ever had before.

She grabbed his hand, holding his gaze. “You should have gone to the med bay.”

His fingers flexed on hers. “I’ll…be fine.”

Justyn skidded to a stop beside them. “Got the meds.” He held up a pressure injector.

“Don’t know how he’s still conscious,” Rynan grumbled. “Any other person would have gone into cardiac arrest by now. He needs the antidote.”

Worry fluttering in her belly like a swarm of insects, Dakota was snagged by Dare’s intense stare. His gaze bored into hers. She cupped his cheek. “Stay with me, Dare.”

She was vaguely aware of Justyn administering the antidote.

“His pulse is too fast,” Rynan said. “And his blood pressure’s low.”

“Come on, Dare.” She stroked his cheek. “Don’t tell me your own body would dare disobey you.”

“You…do.”

She smiled. “Yes. And you love it. Someone has to keep you sharp.”

“Pulse is leveling out.” Rynan sat back and huffed out a breath. “Pressure is rising.”

Dakota felt her own uncharacteristic panic start to subside. His cheeks looked less pale.