Page 35 of Starfallen
“But you could’ve been killed—”
“And so could you. I wasn’t the only one caught, but I did have the sense to ask for help when I needed it by calling Granny. It didn’t make me weaker. Harper and Rhys would gladly help us make the whole area around the cave safer. We could even ask for help in building a house.”
“I don’t trust anyone but Granny and you to—”
She sighs. “That’s just it. By making me come to Mars, you showed youdon’ttrust me.”
I slip my fingers into the spaces between hers and lean my head on her shoulder.
She does have a point, but she’s seen how ruthless my people can be, how dangerous her own people are.But I don’t want to fight.
“Red, I promised you I’d never let you die. I’m not afraid to do things you might not like to ensure your safety. I won’t apologize for that.”
“So ruthless.”
I lift a shoulder and pull her hand to my lips, pressing a soft kiss to the skin. “It’s in my DNA, I guess.”
“Don’t I know.” Sliding out of bed, she stands and turns to me. “Fine. I’m going to take a shower, then take me to your surprise. If I’m lucky, maybe one of those shields on the surface will short out and put me out of my misery.”
“Maybe I didn’t handle this the best way.” I quickly move to block her way to the bathroom. “But I’m not sorry for wanting to keep you and Kaden safe.” I trail the backs of my fingers across her face, then caress her stomach through the thin nightgown. “You, Kaden, and KJ are the most important people in my life. If I lost you...” A shudder runs along my spine.
Her posture softens and she leans into me, wrapping her arms around my neck. Standing on her tiptoes, she presses a sweet kiss to my lips, and I lose myself for a little while. When she pulls away, a little pang of loss prickles my heart.
“You are the only person who can make me angry and happy at the same time.” Twirling her fingers into my hair, she gives me a mischievous grin, which transforms her entire face into a glowing sun. “If I go see your dumb surprise, what’s in it for me?”
“Um,” I say as I grin. “A full-body massage...?”
She snorts. “And I know wherethatwill lead.”
I cup her butt and pull her closer, brushing my mouth to her earlobe and taking a nip. “Are you saying you wouldn’t enjoy it?”
“You’re impossible.” She turns so her lips press against my cheek. “And reckless.” Another kiss to the corner of my mouth. “And a total ass, but I love you, so take me to whatever it is you want me to see.”
Tiny wings of hope flutter within.Have faith in her love.Granny’s words ring through my head.
With a smirk, she steps away and heads to the bathroom.
****
AFTER I MAKE THE BED, I send a command to the medical carriers to wait outside. Once Tilly’s ready, I’ll have them run more in-depth scans to assess her health.And maybe they’ll be able to sneak past Kaden’s self-defense mechanisms.
Pride and irritation course through me knowing my son is unlike any Baltin ever created. Was it the combination of Tilly’s ancient genetics with mine? Or something else?
With more invasive tests I could get answers, yet I’llneverput my child through such torture.
But if someone finds out who Tilly is, whoheis...
Uneasiness stirs at the voice which sounds like Sparky.
No one will find out, I think.
Tilly bursts into the bedroom in a rush of steam. Most of the habitats use solar showers, but I specifically requested a bathroom with water. The less technology there is in here, the better. I grew up with science, so it’s nice to experience the natural world, even if I’m not technicallyina natural environment.
Unwrapping the towel from her head, Tilly lets her wet hair fall out. Instead of the beautiful coppery strands I love so much, only black hair falls around her shoulders.
I grunt. “What the hell did you do?”
“Do you like it?” She twirls, hanging onto the towel wrapped around her body.
“No. I love your natural color.” I grasp a lock and frown. “Why’d you do this?”
She slips an enhancer—which looks like a silver pen used for cosmetic purposes—into a side pocket of her backpack.
“Jareth, I can’t walk around with my red mess of hair. If someone spots me, they’llknowI’m not Baltin, even if they don’t know I’m your wife.”
She’s right. Red isn’t a natural Baltin hair color, but still... This transformation, this denial of a fundamental thing I’ve loved since the moment I found her, burrows into me with a sharp, sick ache. “I hate it,” I whisper, fighting an insane urge to grab the enhancer and change her locks to their original state.
“AndIhate being here. Guess we’ll both have to learn to live with it.” She sashays to the stocked closet and rummages through the clothing.
For some reason, I feel like she’s won a battle when I didn’t even know we were at war.
