Page 53 of The Sterling Acquisition

“Seventy-two hours.” Orion’s expression sharpened, the strategic mind that made him so compelling finally back online. “What changed?”

“Gensyn analyzed the intelligence I sent them. They want everything—the complete research, the technology, and...” Dante paused, choosing his words carefully. “Any relevant test subjects for analysis.”

Orion’s face went very still as he processed what that meant. “They want to study me.”

“They want to understand how Project Tether works. You’re the designated test subject, which makes you valuable for research purposes.” Dante kept his voice neutral, professional, though Orion’s expression made him want to melt. “My original mission parameters included asset acquisition if feasible.”

“Asset acquisition.” Orion’s laugh was bitter. “So I go from being Leo’s pet to being Gensyn’s lab rat. How is that an improvement?”

Dante met his gaze. “Because I’m not delivering you to Gensyn.”

The words were loaded with implications that Dante was still processing for himself. Orion just stared at him, clearly trying to determine whether this was manipulation or genuine intent.

“Then what’s your plan?”

“Extract you first, separately from the technology. Get you somewhere safe while I complete the research acquisition.” Dante pulled up building schematics. “Then figure out how to explain to my corporate oversight why their designated test subject was unavailable for delivery.”

“That sounds like career suicide.”

“Probably. But watching you get turned into a chemical puppet isn’t acceptable.”

“Why?” Orion’s voice was quiet, intense. “Why does it matter to you what happens to me?”

That was the question Dante had been avoiding. Because the honest answer was complicated, selfish, and not what Orion needed to hear. “Because you’re magnificent when you fight,” he said. “And I want to be the only one who gets to see that part of you.”

Orion’s breath caught. “That’s...”

“Possessive? Selfish? Inappropriate?” Dante leaned forward in the chair. “Yes. But it’s honest.”

“You want to own me.”

“I want to keep you.” The distinction mattered, though Dante wasn’t sure he could explain why. “There’s a difference.”

Orion was quiet for a moment, processing the implications. When he spoke again, there was a different kind of tension beneath his word. “Show me the plan.”

Dante pulled up the facility schematics, grateful for the shift to practical matters even as part of him remained hyperfocused on the way Orion’s flush deepened as he leaned closer to look at the screen.

“The research is kept in Morrison’s private lab, here.” He indicated the secure section he visited with Duckie. “Biometric locks requiring both retinal scan and hand geometry—typical SVI excess, putting their faith in technology rather than human reliability. I have someone on the inside getting me administrative building override codes, the kind that get used in case of a fire or natural disaster. Security patrols every two hours, but they’re understaffed and predictable.”

“And me?”

“You’re the easier extraction. Leo gave me a key for our sessions, he has a predictable schedule, and the building has minimal security.” Dante traced possible routes on the screen. “The challenge is timing both operations without raising alarms.”

Orion studied the schematics, his brow furrowed as his mind worked through possibilities. The tablet’s blue light highlighted theangles of his face, casting his features in sharp relief against the harsh light of the room. “What about transportation out of SVI territory?”

“Covert local source, we’ll pay him well to sneak us out as regular cargo to the Neutral Zone.” Dante had spent hours working out the logistics.

“And you’re assuming I’ll go along with your alternative captivity arrangement.”

“I’m hoping you’ll prefer it to the available alternatives.” Dante met his eyes. “But ultimately, the choice is yours.”

They worked through the details for the next hour—entry points, timing, contingencies, communication protocols. Orion’s questions were sharp, intelligent, and focused on practical rather than emotional considerations. It was impressive to watch his mind work.

It was also incredibly arousing, which was becoming a problem.

“The window for the lab extraction is narrow,” Orion said, tracing patrol routes with his finger. “Fifteen minutes between security sweeps on this level, maximum.” A fine sheen of sweat began to form along his hairline, his earlier composure gradually yielding to biology despite the suppressants.

“More than enough time for someone who knows what they’re doing.” Dante was watching Orion’s profile, noting the way his pupils were dilating incrementally, the amber irises shrinking as the black expanded. Every time Orion shifted position, a fresh wave of his scent reached Dante.