Page 103 of Jude

“Maybe Sophia thinks you are,” said Lincoln. “That’s why she’s willing to spend so much time on you. I bet she’ll give me a shot of serum and kick me straight out of medical.”

“You deserve that if she does,” said Jude. “You always mess with her equipment.”

Lincoln chuckled and winked at Tobias. “Not all of her equipment. I’ll leave that to Tobias.”

“You said yourself, all Sophia does is yell,” said Tobias. “Why do I want to be around that hassle?”

“Because when she isn’t yelling, she is cute,” said Lincoln.

Jude smirked. “Say that to Sophia’s face. She’ll probably punch your lights out if you tell her she’s cute.”

“What’s wrong with cute?” asked Lincoln. “Cute is great. Cute is adorable.”

“Exactly,” said Jude. “Cute is the last word I’d use to describe Sophia.”

“She isn’t cute,” said Tobias. “She’s smart and sexy. She knows her own mind and goes after what she wants.”

“A determined, hot-headed woman.” Lincoln grinned. “That’s just my type, as well.”

“You’ve already got yourself a hot-headed woman,” said Jude. “If Anastasia hears you making comments about another woman, you will pay.”

“I only have eyes for my beautiful dragon hybrid,” said Lincoln. “She has my heart and soul. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Jude smiled. He felt the same about Octavia. He just needed to get her alone so he could tell her how he felt and what he wanted to do with her.

As they entered the medical bay, Sophia emerged from the office. She sighed and shook her head. “Clarissa, Daisy. I’m going to need help.”

***

THE ROOM WAS DARK ASOctavia opened her eyes. For a second, she had no clue where she was. Then the familiar antiseptic scent of the medical bay drifted up her nose. She must have slept through almost a whole day.

She flexed her fingers and toes before stretching out. She felt bruised and achy, but other than that she felt good. The power of dragon serum.

Octavia looked around the room. The other beds were empty. There was a small light on in Sophia’s office, and she could hear the gentle whirr of medical equipment around her.

Easing out of the bed, she stood on her bare feet. She did feel good, not shaky or weak like she’d done when they’d traveled back to the bunker. She felt better than she had done in months.

She padded over to Sophia’s office, where the door was ajar. Poking her head around the side, she spotted Sophia. Her arms were on the desk, her fingers interlaced. Her head rested on top of her hand, her eyes shut.

There was a woman dedicated to her work. She’d never seen Sophia out of the medical bay for more than a few moments. Maybe when they both had some down time, she’d take her for a coffee or a beer at the Down and Out. It could be her way of saying thanks for making her feel so much better.

Octavia slipped back into the main room. She looked around and shivered. She’d had enough of this place. She wanted her own bed.

She walked to the door. Actually, she didn’t want any more sleep. What she wanted, more than anything, was to be with Jude.

Inching open the door, Octavia checked the corridor. It was empty. She hurried out, heading toward the living quarters. Nerves ran through her as she hurried to Jude’s door. She’d never felt like this about a guy before. She’d never gotten to know anyone the way she’d done with Jude. The fact their relationship started over the airwaves, forcing them to talk and show their loves and hates, what got them excited, and what left them cold. She really knew him. Even though they’d only met in person a few days ago, it didn’t matter. She felt as if she knew the true Jude, and loved every part of him.

His door was locked as she reached it. Octavia hesitated. Maybe he was asleep. She should let him get rest. He must be exhausted after what they’d gone through.

She turned away. She couldn’t stay away from him. Her hand went to the alert button, and she pressed it.

A few seconds later, a sleepy-eyed Jude opened the door. He only wore boxer shorts, his lean, muscular chest on display.

His eyes widened. He grabbed hold of Octavia. “Is everything okay? What are you doing here? Why are you out of the medical bay?”

His hands ran over her as he spoke, as if checking for injuries. His touch ignited a heat inside her. She only wanted that feeling to burn brighter and hotter.

“To answer all of your questions, everything is fine. I’m here because I want to see you. And I’m out of the medical bay because I feel better. Can I come in?”