The Exchange Part 1 by N. Isabelle Blanco Page B

too-pale tone of her
     skin, her racing chest—and I know it hasn’t gotten any easier for her. The hairs at
     her temple are wet. She must have been splashing cold water on her face.
    She crosses her arms. “How are you feeling?”
    So steady. Holding herself together despite everything. So brave. Something unfurls in my chest, a warmth I’ve never felt before.
    It’s tenderness. Has to be, because the urge to have her in my arms almost overwhelms
     me. I lower my hands from the doorframe. “Come here.”
    She blinks at the tone of my voice. Yeah, I heard it too. Every aching emotion she's
     brought to life was laid bare in that tone.
    I reach for her waist, wrapping my hands around it. Her cheeks blossom with color
     and I’m pleased. The paleness of her skin worries me.
    My primal urges are calling for her and it’s such a God damned contradiction that
     I can barely keep up—protect her, soothe her, take care of her.
    Fuck her, wreck her, make her mine.
    Small tremors go through me as I pull her out of the bathroom, my hands locked on
     her tiny waist. Slowly, she lowers her arms, allowing me to lead her. Walking backwards,
     I keep going until the bed is behind me.
    Heart thrumming against my ribcage, I sit on it. Her eyes follow my every move. My
     mouth goes dry as I pull on her waist, making it obvious what I want. Her on my lap,
     her legs tight around me.
    Sapphire’s hands land on my shoulders. There’s a pause, a moment where she gauges
     the meaning of my silent request.
    My jaw tightens reflexively. I lift her off her feet and onto my lap.
    “Deimos, wait! What if you’re not okay yet? Please let me scan you first.”
    I settle her legs on either side of me. God, that pink-flushed, porcelain skin of
     hers is making me tremble. “I’m more worried about how you’re doing, baby.” Her blush
     darkens at the endearment. Knew she liked that.
    I slide my arms around her waist and nuzzle her jaw with my nose. “You’re going to
     let me scan you.” And you’re going to let me take care of you. I don’t tell her that last part, of course. Those vitals are foremost.
    Sapphire leans her forehead against mine, eyes closed. I literally can’t handle how
     attractive she is to me. I want to fucking bite her. Heavy breaths leave her petal-soft lips. I sense the lust between us and it’s
     driving me insane.
    “But what about you?” she asks. “You’re the one that almost bled out.” Her fingers
     flutter along the back of my neck. The tickling sensations makes me arch into her.
    "It wasn't that bad, Sapphire."
    "It was that bad, Deimos."
    I check a smirk. “I’m fine, Sapphire.” No I’m not. “Just tired. On that note: you’re going to tell me how to get rid of the bots. These
     little motherfuckers knocking me out was not appreciated in the least.”
    Shock flickers across her expression. Then she bursts out laughing, her entire face
     lighting up.
    Breath abandons me. I feel like my chest was head-butted by a fucking rhino. Holy
     shit, and I thought she was beautiful before? My semi-hard dick shoots to full length.
    I’m ready. Aching.
    I’m going to flip her over onto this bed, spread her thighs, and press my face to
     her pussy. Fuck, yes . I’ll make her ride my tongue, beg me to lick her dry.
    Before I can make good on my plan, Sapphire shakes her head. Still smiling, she moves
     her fingers and starts playing with the hairs at my nape. I force myself to hold back
     another shiver.
    She looks so happy. My chest puffs up with pride. I made her laugh. Gotta remember to do that more often.
    “Fine. I’ll let you scan me, but only if you promise to keep the nanobots,” she says.
    I’m sure the expression I’m wearing mimics my thoughts. She wants me to keep the fuckers?
     Why the hell?
    “Hear me out—”
    “Sapphire, no.”
    “I’m serious, hear me out.” She stops, eyes falling to my lips, back up to my brow.
    She starts laughing again, so hard she struggles to breathe