I pressed my finger to the coded lock by the side of the door hearing the hiss as the lock disengaged. With a push, the door swung open, revealing the tiny but well-kept cabin. When I began my search for the cyborg rebellion headquarters, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to find it. Then when I did, I knew I couldn’t just show up on their doorstep. Okay. I totally did that but not the first day. I had to talk myself into it. I had spent days pacing in the cabin working up the courage to go.
The cabin had been a lucky find. Tucked away, hidden among the trees, it was a perfect place to make camp. I rented it for a month, with the option to stay longer from the very nice older gentleman who owned it. I could do my job anywhere as long as I had access to the net, so taking that much time off wasn’t a problem.
The cabin was rustic, but had a few upgrades. The security system, large entertainment screen, and fast and secure link up to the net were a few that sold me on it. I watched Dax take in the cabin. “Not quite what you’re used to at headquarters, I imagine.”
He shook his head. “No, but I like it.” He smiled.
I smiled in return. “Good. I’m glad. How about I show you upstairs and you can get cleaned up?” I quirked a brow. “Cyborgs can get wet, right?” I plastered a serious expression on my face. With the amount of research I had done on cyborgs, I already knew that they could, but I wanted to have a bit of fun with the Science Model. In the few hours I had known him he seemed far too serious. Dax needed to have some fun. I only had him for two days, but I promised myself I would do everything in my power to make sure those two days were wonderful for him.
Dax huffed and his eyebrows shot up. I struggled to hold back the giggle threatening to break free.
“Of course! How inefficient of a design would it be if we couldn’t? I am submersible up to 2,000 meters.” He straightened his shoulders, pride beaming on his face.
That did it. I broke, my shoulders shook, and I doubled over, laughter bubbling out of my lips. It felt good after the day I had. I wiped the tears that had formed in the corners of my eyes away with the back of my hand. “Sorry,” another giggle broke free. “You just said that so seriously!” I straightened myself back up and gave his shoulder a playful nudge. I hoped he would laugh or smile in return but instead his face fell.
“You’re laughing at me?” His shoulders drooped.
Every trace of laughter vanished. “I was teasing you. I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m sorry.”
“No. I should apologize. The other cyborgs make fun of me and your laughter struck a nerve. I don’t believe you intended to hurt my feelings.”
I shook my head. “Never, Dax. I was trying to have fun with you.”
He nodded then gestured towards the stairs. “I’d liked to get cleaned up. Would you please show me upstairs?”
“Sure. Follow me.” I headed for the stairs, Dax in tow. I had planned to show him to the spare bath and bedroom, but my feet moved towards the master. My mind had obviously decided he should stay in my room.
Don’t get any ideas,I reminded it.I agree he needs the larger room with his size, but we will be staying in the other room. There will be no sleepovers with the Science Model.
The voice in my head, huffed.But what about the bed? We love our bed! It’s big enough for two. Wink, wink.
Shut up! We are not doing this, okay? He is going back. I won’t let you convince me to keep him. We had years to fall for him in our head, but he doesn’t even know us!
He could,the traitorous voice whispered.
No. My decision is final. Let it go.
Fine. I concede for now.
That would have to do. I didn’t have time to battle myself and deal with Dax at the same time. Once again, I reminded myself I couldn’t afford to get attached. Okay, more attached.
Chapter Seven
*Dax*