Page 5 of Cyborgs' Origins
Through it all, she was painfully aware of the undercurrent of attraction that simmered between them, a magnetic pull that grew stronger with each passing moment. She was studying the hard planes of his features, the way his eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled, and the rich timbre of his voice thatseemed to reverberate through her very soul and between her legs.
By the time their meal drew to a close, Simone felt as though she had glimpsed a side of Tiberius that few others had ever witnessed, igniting a spark of connection she couldn’t extinguish and didn’t want to.
As they rose from the table, Simone was reluctant for the evening to end, a part of her yearning to prolong their time together.
He seemed to sense her hesitation, his gaze holding hers with an intensity that sent her pulse fluttering. “Thank you for a wonderful evening, Dr. Wiley,” he said, his voice low and intimate. “It’s been...enlightening, to say the least.”
Her cheeks flushed. “The pleasure was all mine, Commander,” she said, feeling awkward.
For a heartbeat, they lingered, the air charged with an electric tension that crackled between them. Then, with a slight incline of his head, Tiberius turned and strode from the room, his departure leaving a tangible absence in his wake.
Simone remained rooted to the spot, her mind whirling with a tumult of emotions. Desire, intrigue, and a deeper curiosity than even the most interesting scientific inquiry could inspire all swirled within her, leaving her breathless and unmoored.
As she made her way back to her quarters, she was replaying the evening’s events, savoring each moment, each stolen glance, and each tantalizing glimpse into Tiberius Peña.
She had crossed a threshold with him, and there was no turning back from the path she had set upon. For better or worse, she was inexorably drawn to the mercenary commander, her scientific curiosity blurring with a deeper, more primal yearning she could no longer deny.
As she drifted off to sleep, her dreams were filled with visions of the future, of groundbreaking discoveries anduncharted horizons, all inextricably intertwined with the image of Tiberius’s intense gaze and the promise of a linking that threatened to utterly consume her.
Chapter 2—Tiberius
TIBERIUS STRODE PURPOSEFULLYdown the corridor, his combat boots echoing against the metal floor. Two months had passed since Dr. Simone Wiley’s arrival on Durmox C7, and it was time for him to provide her with another full status report on the colony’s progress and the challenges they faced. They wouldn’t be having that same delightful dinner meeting as two weeks ago, to his regret.
As he approached the central command hub, the automatic doors slid open, revealing Simone hunched over a console, her brow furrowed in concentration. Izzy stood beside her, gesturing animatedly as she explained something on the display.
Tiberius cleared his throat, announcing his presence. Both women turned, Simone’s features relaxing into a warm smile that caused a now-familiar flutter in his chest. “Commander Peña, please come in.”
He nodded curtly, stepping into the room. “Dr. Wiley, I’m here to update you on our situation.” His gaze flickered to Izzy. “If you’d prefer to discuss this privately...”
“Not at all,” said Simone, waving a dismissive hand. “Izzy is my closest confidante. Anything you share with me, she’ll hear as well.”
Inclining his head in acknowledgment, Tiberius launched into a detailed report, outlining the progress made in establishing the colony’s infrastructure and the various challenges they’d encountered. He spoke of the scarcity of certain resources, the need for additional personnel in specificareas, and the ever-present threat of hostile encounters with the planet’s indigenous lifeforms. So far, all had been primitive without apparent sentience, and they were trying to minimize interactions to reduce the need for violence.
Throughout his briefing, Simone listened intently, her piercing green eyes fixed on him, occasionally nodding or asking insightful questions. Tiberius was captivated by her keen intellect and determination, qualities he deeply admired, but that wasn’t the main draw. He wanted her despite their gaping differences.
She’d grown up the pampered daughter of an intergalactic tycoon descended from obscene levels of wealth. No doubt, she’d struggled, but she’d never had that fear of an empty belly and having no idea when there would be food again. She’d never viscerally fought for survival, so what could they possibly have in common?
Sex. The word brought inevitable mental images that he tried to suppress so he could finish his report. A voice in the back of his mind insisted their connection was deeper than just physical, but he was a practical man, with no time for playing what-if or indulging in fantasies.
As he concluded, Simone leaned back, tapping her fingers against the console thoughtfully. “Thank you, Commander. Your assessment has been invaluable.” She paused, a slight smile playing on her lips. “However, I think it’s time we dispensed with the formalities. Please, call me Simone.”
Tiberius blinked, taken aback by her request. In his line of work, maintaining a professional distance was crucial, yet something about Simone’s warm demeanor made him want to acquiesce. “Very well, Simone,” he said, testing the weight of her name on his tongue.
Her smile broadened, and she inclined her head. “Do you mind if I use your given name?”
“Tiberius,” he said, the corners of his mouth twitching upward in a rare display of amusement.
“I’m aware, though I’ve only heard you called Commander or Titan.”
He nodded. “That’s my nickname. It’s common among soldiers.”
“Do you prefer Titan or Tiberius?”
He didn’t have to think that over. “I like how you say my name. Real name...” Their gazes locked and held for a sizzling moment as silence lengthened.
“I’m Izzy.” Izzy cleared her throat, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “I’m glad we’ve all been properly introduced.”
Simone nodded at Izzy’s words and flashed Tiberius what looked like a shy smile. As he held her gaze, he was drawn to the scientist all over again. Simone threatened to undo his iron control in the best way possible, but possibly so catastrophically that he might not recognize himself when it was over.