“I came to offer Ms. Brower her job back. Your women really miss her and they fired the last woman who held Ms. Brower’s position. They’ve stated they wish Ms. Brower to return to the dorm. I’ve been told by Justice that the women could choose their own house mother. I came here to let her know the job is open and available for her if she’s interested.”

“She doesn’t want it,” Fury stated firmly in an angry snarl.

Shit, Ellie thought. Fury isn’t keeping his cool at all. Her gaze flew to Tom Quish. He studied her and then he looked at Fury again. “She could remain living inside your home if you are worried about her safety. She could work at the dorm during your working hours. It’s not exactly what the job hours entailed but I’m sure everyone would be able to work around a schedule that you would find suitable.”

Fury finally glanced down at Ellie. “What do you think?”

It amazed her that he’d thought to ask her for her opinion at all after how he’d first reacted by refusing her job offer. She nodded. She knew Tom Quish watched both of them with fascination. Fury nodded back. His focus returned to Tom Quish.

“She will take the job on the condition that she lives with me.”

Tom looked amused suddenly. “Great, Ms Brower. Can you start tomorrow at nine?”

“Yes,” she answered before Fury could open his mouth and speak for her again.

The director seemed pleased. “Terrific. I’ll make the calls and have everything set up. Someone from security will drop by later with your new badge.”

“Thank you,” Ellie called out as she watched the new director jog away and out of sight before she dared face Fury. She shot him an annoyed look. “Damn it. You should have kept your cool. He knows we’re a couple. You acted like my boyfriend.”

Fury’s gaze darkened as his mouth tensed into a line. “I am.”

“Well, no one is supposed to know that. Remember? And thanks for letting me make a decision finally.” She stormed inside the house.

“Why are you angry?” Fury followed her and closed the door.

Ellie spun and put her hands on her hips. “We are supposed to hide our relationship, remember? Do you want those doctors bugging us to do tests and have people in our faces demanding we tell them how we have sex? I don’t. What if they want to video it? And you told him I didn’t want the job without even asking me first. I miss the dorm but I want to live here with you too.”

Fury knew he’d messed up. He’d been instantly alarmed when he’d gotten word from his men that Tom Quish, the new director, had come to his door. There could be no reason for a human to be in that section of Homeland except for Ellie. He’d quickened his pace knowing that everyone on the human side preferred Ellie not live with him. He’d heard their concerns and ignored each one.

Ellie loved working with New Species women, he knew how much they meant to her, so when he heard Tom offer her job back, he’d instantly said no without thinking. It had to be a lure to get her to leave him but one look at Ellie’s face told him that he’d messed up by answering for her. Human women could be as stubborn as New Species ones. They demanded the right to make their own decisions, and while they appreciated some protection, they were by no means weak enough not to be able to fend for themselves if the need arose.

He’d backed off when he received the assurance that Ellie could live with him and the job wasn’t a bribe for her to leave his house. He’d relaxed when the new director walked away but Ellie’s anger remained. He studied her features and knew she was still ticked off at him. He’d overreacted but he just wanted to protect and keep her with him.

He’d grown tired of hiding their relationship. He was proud to be with Ellie, even if some of his people didn’t understand. Some of them were still a bit bitter toward humans. That was their problem to deal with and as long as they didn’t take it out on Ellie, they could slowly release that bias in their own time frame.

He knew he needed to defuse Ellie’s anger. She had a quick wit, a great sense of humor, and she didn’t hold grudges for long. All things he’d learned about her. Sex also worked to soften her up and get her to forgive him.

A smile curved Fury’s lips. “Do you know how appealing you are to me when you’re angry? Videos, huh? I could buy a camera and tape us having sex.”

“No!” Ellie glared at him. “You better be teasing about that last part.”

He laughed. “I am. I don’t want to video our sex. I just want to have it.” He stepped toward her. “You are sexy when you’re mad at me, sweetness. I’m not kidding about that. I’m hot for you.”

Ellie backed up and let her hands drop from her hips. “I’m mad at you. Don’t you ‘sweetness’ me, Fury. I want to yell at you. You didn’t hide the fact that we’re together and you told that man I wouldn’t take my job back. That’s my choice.”

“You are right, I am wrong, and I’m sorry.” He grinned as he inched closer to her.

Ellie backed up more. “You’re humoring me, aren’t you?”

“Yes.” He winked. “Now let’s have sex.” He lunged, opening his arms, and tried to grab her.

Ellie spun toward the kitchen, amused at his playful demeanor. It was great to see the usually serious man so lighthearted. Damn, how can I stay mad at him when he acts this way? She couldn’t. She entered the kitchen and dodged around the small island. She grabbed it and her gaze narrowed when Fury stopped on the other side.