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“How did you sleep?”

“I passed right out,” said Octavia. “I must have been more tired than I realized. How about you?”

“I always sleep fine.” That was when his dreams weren’t interspersed with his desire for Octavia.

They reached the Foxhound. It was lighter and smaller than the Cobras they used on larger missions, but with its v-shaped hull and Invis Tech capability, it was ideal for keeping them safe.

Heath climbed into the driver’s seat. Malachi sat next to him. Jude and Octavia got in the back.

Low-level lighting lit the ramp as they journeyed toward the double doors sliding open in front of them. Then they were out in the night, making the hour’s journey to Octavia’s secure shelter.

Jude passed her a pulse laser protection vest. “It’s a good idea to wear one of these.”

Octavia nodded and took it from him.

He flicked on the comms channel and began a rapid scan of the main channels used by the State. “It’s all quiet so far.”

“Let’s hope it remains that way,” said Heath. “It will only take a single drone to spot us and decide to be nosy.”

Jude gritted his teeth. Even though the site they were going to was out of the way, there was always the risk of detection.

He sat in silence, his knee bumping against Octavia’s as they both listened to the comms channels. He liked their closeness. It felt easy and natural. His thoughts kept drifting back to earlier when they’d been on the bed together. An ache of longing filled him. Next time, he wouldn’t stop himself. He couldn’t stop himself. Jude wanted Octavia, every sexy inch of her.

“They always make me nervous when they’re quiet.” Octavia’s voice was low.

“Even Dinnorms have to sleep.” Jude touched the brim of her cap. “You don’t need to hide if you don’t want to.”

She glanced at Heath and Malachi. “Everyone will know soon enough. I can only conceal my face for so long before it gets strange.”

“You’re not strange, you’re gorgeous.”

She gave him a small smile. “I think you’re biased.”

“Damn straight I am.” He tucked in a strand of her hair that had come loose. “There’s no hurry. Whenever you’re ready. No one will think any less of you because of a few scars.”

She looked at the floor of the Foxhound. “Sometimes people get this look on their face. It’s like they see them, but then they don’t. They stare and look away. I guess they don’t know what to say.”

“They don’t do that to be mean.”

Octavia shrugged. “It feels mean.”

Jude placed a hand on her knee and felt her shiver. He hated her feeling bad. He wanted to say more, try to take this hurt away, but it was buried deep in Octavia. She would not let it go that easily. They continued the journey in silence, focusing on the radio transmissions.

“This is the place.” Heath killed the engine.

Octavia peered through the front window. It looked different every time she came here. The air raid shelter was concealed by a hedgerow of untamed bushes that changed with the seasons. There were swathes of brambles and thorny twigs that prevented people getting curious. It was a perfect, natural defense.

“We’ll keep watch from here,” said Heath. “Jude, you and Octavia head to the air raid shelter and get what you need. Let us know if there are any problems.”

Jude nodded as he unlocked the back door of the Foxhound. After a quick look around to make sure everything was clear, he hopped out. Octavia followed him.

“This used to be someone’s garden.” Octavia led the way past the hedgerow. “To the left of the garden was a huge detached house. It’s rubble now.”

“How the hell did you find this place?” Jude cursed as a thorn sliced his hand.

“I was searching the few remaining houses in this town,” said Octavia. “I came to the pile of bricks that used to be the house and kept going. Some of these big places have their own vegetable plots. You could often find fresh vegetables that had been abandoned. I came in at a different angle on my first visit and discovered the air raid shelter. It was perfect for what I needed. I stayed several days to make sure it was secure and no one else was using it.”

“It’s definitely got great defenses.” Jude sidestepped a thorn bush.