“I do, but we will have to come back for them. We don’t have room to take them with us tonight, and technically, we’re not here.”

“At least this gives us somewhere to start looking. If Kee can pull the surveillance video from the surrounding area, we might be able to track them back to their base.”

Torran remained silent. I touched his arm. “Why aren’t you happy about this? This is exactly the sort of thing we came to find.”

Torran shook his head. “I’m sorry. Of course, this is amazing. I had people scour this whole area, and they missed something you found in ten minutes. That’s incredible. You’re incredible.”

“But?” I prompted when his mental voice faded out.

“Nothing.” He shook his head again. “We’ll see what else your team can find. For now, let’s put this stuff back so we can return for it later.”

Most of the suitcases were already back in the vent when Torran cocked his head. “Someone is coming.”

I shoved the remaining suitcases in the duct and waved for him to replace the cover. Once it was in place, I tapped him and pointed up. “We need to hide. Boost me up a level.”

“Why?”

“Because we’re not supposed to be here?” It came out a question, because I wasn’t sure which part of my statement he was questioning.

“It’s too late,” he said calmly. “They’ll be able to sense you in a moment or two.”

“So shield me!”

“Last time—”

“Just do it,” I demanded.

The cool feel of Torran’s power swept over me, and I pulled my own shields closer. Rather than lifting me up a level, Torran pressed me farther into the narrow space between the wall and the transport storage tower.

My back hit the wall and Torran pressed closer, trapping me in the corner. My heart rate rose from a combination of fear and desire.

“I will protect you,” Torran murmured in my mind. “You are safe. Nothing will get past me.”

As strange as it was, I believed him. With his power wrapped around my mind, I should’ve been terrified, and part of me was, but I also felt protected.

Desire wove delicate tendrils through my veins. Torran was prepared to put himself between me and danger, and we were squeezed close together in a dark corner. Yes, we were hiding, but my libido apparently hadn’t gotten the memo that this was business and not pleasure.

I wished the armor wasn’t in the way so that I could feel the press of his body against mine.

A tiny groan came from in front of me, one I hadn’t heard across our telepathic link. “Try not to think too loud,” Torran whispered into my mind. “I’m trying to stay away from your thoughts, but it’s harder when I’m shielding for you.”