Chapter Eleven

Lex drifted up from the depths of sleep with the most curious sensation. Security. For the first time since she could remember, Lex felt safe. Some part of her mind told her not to fight or question the feeling, but to enjoy it while it lasted.

Snuggling further into the pillow, she suddenly became aware of an odd weight around her waist and a warmth against her back. Opening her eyes, Lex looked down to find Lucas' arm tucked securely around her, his stomach pressed against her back.

Slowly, and with the utmost care, Lex turned around so she was facing him, his arm still draped across her middle. Raising her head, she propped it up on her hand and examined him closely.

In sleep, Lucas' face had an angelic quality. Long, lush dark eyelashes fanned out against his pale cheeks, full light pink lips slightly parted. The faintest hint of five o'clock shadow caressed his angular jaw, while his blond hair tumbled onto his forehead.

Looking at him, seeing the innocence and vulnerability shining in his young face, Lex felt a surge of protectiveness. He didn't know the cruelty of the streets, the isolation of having no family and no real, close friends. In more ways than one, he was the direct opposite of her.

As if sensing her scrutiny, Lucas' eyelashes slowly opened, revealing the glowing jewels behind. His lips curled into a lazy smile. "I figured you would have bailed on me," he said, his voice husky with sleep.

Lex smiled. "I might have gone looking for you, if I hadn't fallen asleep."

"I tried to work as fast as I could."

"Did you get it fixed?" Lex reached up and brushed a lock of hair away from his eyes.

"Yeah, ended up rewiring the whole thing."

"Smart boy."

Lucas' lazy smile faded. "Does that bother you?"

"Why would it bother me?" Lex frowned.

"The people you know, in your line of work, must be way cooler than me, a geeky nerd."
Lex laughed, shaking her head. "I've got news for you, Wolenczek. Most of the people I know are from the sleazier side of life. All out to make an easy buck at everyone else's expense. To me, you're like a breath of fresh air, something surreal and unattainable."

"Why unattainable?"

"You're into science. What happens when you mix oil and water?"

"One always ends up on top," he said, smiling devilishly, the dimple in his cheek peeking out.

Lex couldn't help but smile back. "Never thought of it that way. Smartass."

Chuckling, Lucas reached up and pulled her face down to his. Again her pulse thundered in her ears as their lips met, tongues engaging in a now familiar dance.

Lex's free hand tangled in his hair, his arm crushing her to him with surprising strength. He was like a drug to her, sending her senses soaring, and leaving her desperate for more.

So unaware of anything other than each other, neither noticed Darwin swimming in the flood tube until he banged the glass with his pointed nose.

They flew apart, Lex almost falling off of the narrow bed. Inside the tube, Darwin nodded his head, a mackerel dangling from his mouth.

"That's his way of telling us it's time for breakfast," Lucas groaned, running a hand through his tousled hair.

"Not raw fish, I hope," Lex wrinkled her nose.

"Only on Tuesday." Lucas laughed at her look of disgust.

After climbing off of the bed, Lucas escorted her back to her quarters, with a promise to return and take her to breakfast once they'd showered.

For the first time in her life, Lex was actually giddy with excitement.

"Lucas."

Lucas turned around to find Captain Bridger jogging towards him. "Hey, Captain."

"Glad I caught you. Listen, I'm going to be tied up most of the day with Ford, going over the drills, but I'd like to talk to you after dinner. It's important."

Lucas frowned slightly. "Is something wrong?"

"No," Bridger shook his head. "I'd just like to talk."

Still frowning, Lucas nodded. "Sure, how about seven?"

"I'll be waiting for you in my quarters."

After patting Lucas on the shoulder, Bridger headed down the hallway. Lucas watched him briefly before returning to his room.