Depths of Salvation (Love on the Edge) by Molly E. Lee Read Free Book Online

finally said, sucking in a sharp breath to reel in her laughter. “I haven’t a clue what you are, Connell. But I’m honestly looking forward to trying to figure it out.”
    The reality of her words—and how they warmed my blood—sent up about sixteen different red flags. I kept people away for a reason. I didn’t deserve anyone’s attention, let alone companionship. The only thing I deserved was a long, cold life underwater.
    “Hey,” she said, taking a step closer to me and placing her hand on my forearm. I didn’t jerk away from her touch. I should’ve. “That wasn’t a threat.”
    I shrugged. “I know.”
    She squinted, like she was trying to see past the hair I’d let fall in front of my eyes. “Then why do you look like I just challenged you to a cage fight?”
    I chuckled. Damn. How did she manage to wrench this shit from me? When I worked so hard to keep people away? Ordinary people took my standoffish vibe and elected to give me my space, but Sadie? She acted like it was a damn welcome sign—come in and pull back the curtains.
    Maybe it’s because you hold the future of her site in your hands. Don’t be a girl, dick.
    “You’ve got quite the setup here.” I motioned to the action behind Sadie where most of her team conducted all manor of tests of the beautiful plant life before them.
    “I’m lucky to have a team this dedicated and a space this stocked.” She smiled before it fell to a more serious look. “Though, the tests we’ve ran on the cell regeneration of the new-strain of algae aren’t going as quickly as I’d like. As much funding as I have here, I still have equipment and capabilities that will only take the tests so far.”
    “You’re hitting snags?” I asked, wondering what Mom could do with five minutes inside this place. I quickly shot the thought down as the familiar pain ripped through me every time I thought about her.
    “Yes. We have been able to study the strains enough to know it is capable of accelerating cell growth in its own species and even some sub-species of separate sea plants . . .” she chewed on the corner of her lip and I nearly forgot every word she was saying. “But it looks like it could have the same affect human cells as well. Proving that takes much more time and FDA approval. I’ve sent them a proposal with our research but I’m still waiting on their call.” Her shoulders dropped. “They may not get back to me in time. Getting to human testing can sometimes take a year or more, and I’m expected to approval in less than two months.”
    “You think that extreme is what it’ll take to placate Henrick?” I asked, shifting my weight.
    She glanced around her lab before bringing her eyes back to me. “I don’t know what else will. I’ve already given him so much value from this ecosystem and even more potential—I just need time. Time I thought I had before Slade decided to change his mind about the route.”
    I flinched from her hard look despite knowing I had nothing to do with that decision. But you are actively helping him see it to the end.
    Shit. The more she spoke about her site the more I felt like an asshole.
    “That wasn’t a dig,” Sadie said and sighed. “It only means I’ll have to find something more down there or pray the FDA comes through, speaking of.” She turned until she spotted Nemo. “You call them today, Nemo?”
    “Twice. Same answer. Our research approval is pending. You want me to try again?” He answered quickly.
    “Just the usual call before they close for the evening. Thanks.” She licked her lips, which I noticed more than I liked, and turned back to me. “Ready to get wet?”
    I cocked an eyebrow at her as she clenched her eyes shut.
    “I mean,” she huffed, “ready to see the ship? We can embark whenever you want.”
    “Yeah,” I nodded, swallowing another laugh.
    “Liz?”
    “Yes?” The blond woman was back at Sadie’s side in a millisecond. She’d obviously been