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Basil raises an eyebrow, looking intrigued. “Enhanced how?”
“It’s custom-built for speed and maneuverability.” Zara’s eyes sparkle with enthusiasm. “It’ll help you keep pace with us, no problem. Plus, we’ll have a remote-controlled float traveling with us. It will carry extra tanks of air as a contingency with nozzles for human or shifters to use.”
Count on Zara to think of everything. “Thank you, Zara.”
“What about coms, Cordelia? I can customize a bio monitor for him. The rest of the team is already equipped to use the bio connection to communicate when we can’t speak.”
Turning to Basil I ask, “Are you up for it?”
He nods, determination etched on his face. “Whatever it takes. I’ll do it. Just tell me where and when you need me.”
Zara gives him a confident nod. “Meet me in the equipment room at 0330. We’ll get you set up. And now I am out of here!” She makes a beeline for the door and waves good night over her shoulder as she leaves the ECR.
I chuckle and gather up my things. Basil has not moved.
“Cordelia, could we talk?”
I pause, looking up at him, my eyebrow raised. “Sure. Go ahead.”
“Not here. Maybe in my cabin?”
My brow furrows as I think of what I still must do before I lay my head down to catch a couple hours of sleep. The look on his face is puzzling, and I have no idea what he’s thinking.
“Too far. Mine’s closer. You remember where it is? I’ll meet you there in 10 minutes. I have to log out and transfer the duty. Here’s my cabin code. Punch it in and wait inside.”
He takes the note from me, nods his head, and strides out the door.
I arrive at my cabin and find Basil already inside, pacing. He stops when he sees me, his eyes searching mine. The small space feels even smaller with his presence, the air thick with unspoken words.
“You wanted to talk?” I ask, leaning against the door.
“Yeah.” He runs a hand through his hair, a gesture I’m starting to recognize as a sign of his uncertainty. “I just… I need you to know how much I admire what you’re doing.”
His words catch me off guard. I expected another argument or maybe some strategic planning, not this.
“You’re the bravest person I know.” Stepping closer, he continues, “I’m honored to fight by your side.”
His words pierce through my defenses, exposing a heart I’ve kept guarded. What is he doing to me?
“I appreciate your words, but bravery doesn’t mean much if it gets us killed.”
He looks at me intently, his gaze unwavering. “I understand the risks. But it’s worth it if it means standing with you.”
I take a deep breath, my mind racing. This man who barged into my world with his suits and business plans is standing before me, baring his soul. It’s disarming.
“Just promise me you’ll be careful. I can’t lose you.”
His expression softens, and he reaches out, his fingers brushing mine. The warmth of his touch sends a shiver through me.
“I promise.”
The closeness between us is charged with something new and fragile. His eyes search mine as if looking for permission.
I step near, my world narrowing to his face.
He lifts his hand to cup my cheek gently, his thumb tracing a line along my jaw. “I’ve never met anyone like you.”.
The sincerity in his voice makes my breath catch. For so long, I’ve kept people at arm’s length, afraid of getting hurt again. But now this man—complicated, flawed, irritatingly in my face—appears before me, offering a chance I gave up on long ago. Am I brave enough to let him in?
