“I don’t believe so. That would be Slade. He’s in charge of hiring human employees.”

She took a deep breath. “I’ve had enough relationships fail to really want to avoid the pitying looks and personal questions if we stop seeing each other.”

The image of Richard and Creek interrogating her over what was going on between her and Tiger was enough to be in full agreement that they should hide their relationship a little longer. Then there was her family.

She inwardly groaned. One more lecture from her mother about dating men who weren’t right for her was the last thing she wanted to hear. The fact that Tiger was New Species was going to be a huge drawback in her family’s opinion. It wasn’t as if she could take him home to meet the family on holidays either. She was pretty certain they weren’t allowed to leave the NSO compounds to take vacations.

“So, we’re exclusive.”

He stared at her. “What does that mean?”

“I swore I wouldn’t see anyone else and I expect the same promise from you.”

He smiled. “You’re the only female I want.”

Her eyebrow lifted. “You’re a man.”

“What does that mean?”

She hesitated. “We’re exclusive, right?”

His expression turned serious. “I’m not human, Zandy.”

“Is that man code for you expect me to be loyal to you but you won’t make the same commitment?” Anger stirred. “That’s bullshit.”

“I won’t be sharing sex with any other females. You have my word on that.”

Zandy studied his eyes and saw honesty there. “Okay. Good. I’m not a doormat.”

“You’re sexy and beautiful.” A chuckle escaped him. “I take it that’s a human saying that means you won’t allow me to step on your feelings?”

“Good guess.”

“Hurting you is the last thing I want.”

“Yeah. Me too. It sucks.”

“Males have hurt you before.”

“Married and divorced twice, remember?”

His hand massaged her lower belly. “They were idiots. They should have known how to treat you to make sure they never lost you.”

She had nothing to say to that, unsure how to respond. Tiger could have her easily if he said he wanted something more serious between them. It scared her to leave herself open to possible heartbreak but she couldn’t deny her strong feelings for him, which were deepening every moment they spent together.

“I need to get a little sleep. I have to be back at work in a few hours. We’re still dealing with a lot of threats. The protesters have thinned but they will return first thing in the morning. They always do.”

He lowered his mouth and brushed a tender kiss on her lips. Her arms wrapped around his neck and her fingers played with his hair. She loved to fist the soft strands. A low growl emitted from him as he deepened the kiss. He slowly pulled away, to her regret.

“Don’t tempt me to stay, little one. I couldn’t say no to you right now and I need to.”

Temptation was a bitch, she decided, as she released him. She really wanted to seduce him into staying with her but he looked tired. He hadn’t gotten to take a nap the way she had before he’d woken her. “Go shower. When will I see you again?”

“Tomorrow evening. I’ll come back.”

“Okay.”

He cupped her cheek and stared deeply into her eyes. “I’ll be thinking about you.”

“Ditto.”

He chuckled as he released her and rolled away. She watched him strut na**d into her bathroom, appreciating his firm, gorgeous ass. The room darkened when he closed the door between them, blocking out the light. She turned onto her stomach and closed her eyes.

* * * * *

Tiger eased out of the bathroom and stood watching Zandy sleep. Her slow breathing assured him of that. He couldn’t resist sitting on the edge of her bed for a little while. Her face was turned his way and he reached out to brush a strand of her hair away from her cheek.

It would be so easy to scoop her up, blankets and all, and just take her to his house. Of course he wasn’t going there tonight. He’d bunk at Security on a cot. His gaze turned to the clock to learn it was well after midnight. He wanted to just curl up against her side and sleep, holding her in his arms.

It took every ounce of willpower to stand and get dressed. He left her bedroom quietly and exited the apartment. Two officers sat in a Jeep at the curb and both males stared at him. He made sure her door was locked before he avoided them by jogging off toward Security. He waved to the other officer he’d assigned to guard the back of the building after the breach. The exercise was always welcome when he had a lot on his mind.

He might not want a mate but the idea of losing Zandy to another male set him on edge. He was possessive of her and he’d marked her. The taste of her blood was something he’d never forget. Or her scent. He ran faster until he stressed his body to the point of exhaustion.

You can run but you can’t escape the truth. You are obsessed with Zandy Gordon.

Leaving her bed had been beyond difficult. She was about to ovulate. The smell was undeniable. He’d have to make a decision quickly about what to do about that. She assumed he couldn’t get her pregnant. He changed directions until he ended up at Medical. Someone was always on duty.

The elder Dr. Harris was dozing at a desk in the reception area when Tiger entered the building. The male jerked awake at the sound of the automatic doors and peered at him with confusion for a few seconds.