“I didn’t know you were dosed until after it was done. I made Dr. Harris take you off it as soon as I learned the risks. Some of it is still in your system though so your healing is continuing. We’re given it regularly when we’re injured.”

It was sobering. “Your people purposely take Mercile drugs?”

“They used us to perfect their performance.” He shrugged. “They work fine on Species but apparently are too strong for humans.”

She touched her cheek. “I’m healing at an accelerated rate.”

“Yes. Now you’ll heal normally after they completely leave your system.” He reached out and took her hand, gently holding it. “That’s why you need to take it easy and get plenty of rest. Don’t worry about anything right now. Stress is bad for your recovery.”

She couldn’t prevent the bitter laugh. “Right. Don’t be stressed. I just discovered I’ve been working for some ass**le who used me to screw over the NSO and I was almost sent to prison. I’m considered to be a bad person by your task force guys but all I wanted to do was save people.” The reality of her situation slammed home. “You’re not even sure if you can trust me.” She ducked her head, not wanting him to see her blink away tears. It was embarrassing to seem so weak after all he’d survived during his lifetime.

“Jeanie.”

The way he said her name in that sexy, husky voice drew her gaze. He released her hand and stood. She wondered if he was disgusted with her tears. He did the unexpected though by sitting on the edge of the bed and leaned sideways enough to brace one hand on the other side of her hip. He closed the space between them until their faces were inches apart.

She forgot how to breathe. There were no chains holding his arms above his head now, nothing to stop him from doing anything he wanted. He sniffed as he leaned in, seemingly interested in her neck as his nose brushed it. She held very still, unsure what his intentions were.

“True?” She whispered, drawing in a sharp breath.

He backed up a little to stare into her eyes. “You’re not aroused. I used to smell it on you when we were this close.”

Jeanie swallowed, stunned. Her cheeks warmed. “What?” She really hoped she’d passed out and had entered a nightmare. Wake up! Nothing changed as he blinked, the appealing brown of his eyes revealing darker flecks near his pupils as she stared deeply into them.

“I’ve thought a lot about our interactions in the past and if you’d still react the same way now that I’m no longer restrained.”

She had no words.

“I wasn’t sure if you were into control or if it was my body you found attractive.”

“I…” She swallowed again. “Control? I don’t understand.” She didn’t want to talk about his body. It was half bare and way too close to her.

“Some humans feel sexual excitement when they have physical dominance over another person. You could do anything to me without consequences. Was that why you were aroused?”

“I hated you being in chains. Not a day went by that I didn’t wish you were out of them.” That was honest.

He frowned. She glanced at his wide chest, the perfectly defined muscles of his pecs, at the dusky-rose color of the flat disks of his ni**les. They were slightly stiff, the centers beaded. She swallowed hard, unable not to glance downward to his washboard abs that nearly begged to be touched. She quickly looked up but her blush intensified when she realized he’d caught her perusal.

“It was my body that drew that reaction from you?”

She looked away and wished a hole would open up under her so she could disappear. He had her pinned on his bed between his hand beside her hip, the headboard behind her, and his body blocking her exit off the side.

“Jeanie?”

The sharp growl startled her and she jerked her gaze back to stare into his face. He appeared a little angry. “What?”

“I want answers and you’re the only one who can give them to me. Don’t play human games. Be direct. Why did I smell arousal on you when we were near each other?”

The urge to touch him became so strong she fisted her hand to stop herself from following through with the action. So many horrible things had been done to him in his lifetime that she figured he deserved answers to any questions he asked. Even if they happened to be uncomfortable and embarrassing for her.

“I won’t hurt you.”

“I believe that. It’s just that I didn’t expect this conversation.” She stalled, feeling a tiny bit of guilt. “It’s not an easy topic, you know?”

“Answer me,” he demanded, softening his tone.

“I was always attracted to you,” she admitted, lowering her gaze to his neck. It made admitting her secrets a little easier. “We weren’t able to spend a lot of time together but I just felt this pull toward you. It didn’t make much sense but that’s how I felt.”

“You wanted me to touch you?”

She nodded, lowering her chin but then turned her head away since it left her staring at his ni**les. “Yes.”

“Did you feel the same attraction with other Species males?”

“No! It was just you.” She lifted her head, holding his gaze.

“Why me? I need to know.”

“Oh hell.” She was embarrassed. “You really want to discuss this?”

“I do.”

“I just liked you. You’re attractive, True. You didn’t frighten me by snarling or snapping when I had to collect blood. I just…liked you.”