Fatal Connection: A Phoenix Agency Crossover Novella (Phoenix Agency Universe Book 15)

by Anna Blakely

  Heart pounding—because damn, he wanted to feel her hands on him—Alex forced himself to remain in place as she approached him again.

  “What does that mean, exactly?” he asked, both excited and terrified to hear the answer.

  “It means I can control the strength of the visions, now.” She raised her hand toward his chest like before. “They’re still there, but I can force them to become sort of muted.”

  “Muted?” he parroted her, trying like hell not to show how strongly the idea of her touch affected him.

  He wasn’t sure he was ready for her to discover his true feelings. Had no idea how she’d react if she found out just how much he cared for her.

  If she touches you, she just might see.

  Nervously licking her lips, Eden brought her hand closer. Almost touching him now, she nodded.

  “I can push back the visions and the colors that come with them, so they aren’t so overwhelming, like before.” Her golden eyes met his. “I’d really like to touch you.”

  Fuck. Me.

  Unable to choke out a response, Alex kept his mouth shut. With a single nod, he held his breath and gave her permission.

  Eden drew in a slow, deep breath, the quiet sound somehow filling the space around them. There was a slight tremble in her hand as her fingertips brushed against his thin button-up.

  Positioning her hand over his heart, Eden took another deep breath before pressing her palm flat against his chest. An electric pull zinged through him from the point of contact. The sensation was so strong, he almost reared back, away from her magnificent touch. Almost.

  Eden’s short, quiet intake of air was the only reaction he saw in her. But when she closed her eyes and smiled, Alex knew she’d seen more than he’d ever intended.

  No point in trying to hide it now.

  With that thought in mind, Alex closed his own eyes, finally letting go of the thoughts and feelings he’d been keeping bottled up inside.

  The protectiveness he felt for this woman. His need to keep her safe and away from harm.

  Suddenly, he wanted her to see it all. To know just how much she meant to him. Maybe then, she’d understand why he didn’t want her anywhere near this newest case.

  Alex thought of how it felt to see her smile at him. He remembered how the sound of her laughter could brighten even his darkest days.

  Eden’s breathing picked up, and Alex felt his heart rate spike. There was no way she couldn’t feel it, too. Though she hadn’t spoken a word, he understood exactly what she was seeing.

  The truth. She sees the truth.

  He’d worked so hard trying to hide it. Had become a master at schooling his expressions and ignoring the overwhelming reaction he’d always had when it came to this woman.

  Back when they’d worked together, he’d forced himself to keep his true feelings hidden. But now, even after all this time apart, Eden knew.

  One simple touch was all it took for her to see the truth…Alex was hopelessly and completely in love with her.

  Chapter Three

  Eden’s mind filled with a multitude of colors.

  Bright, vibrant colors mixed with warm, soothing shades. A few dark, unpleasant strands swirled and twisted, interlocking with all the others. But at its core, the combination was incredible.

  Images flashed behind her closed eyes, taking her by surprise. She’d been receiving pictures through touch as far back as she could remember, but these were different. These images were solely of her.

  Though Alex hadn’t said anything, she didn’t need him to. Eden knew she was seeing herself through his eyes.

  She could sense how she made him feel, the joy and peace her smile had brought to him during those rough days they’d experienced together.

  Eden had always known Alex cared for her. It had been there, in his eyes. Though she’d dreamed of taking their friendship to the next level, the frustratingly sexy detective had never given her any indication he wanted more.

  Finally touching him allowed her to see and feel what he felt for her. The realization was both shocking and exhilarating.

  Despite his efforts to keep his feelings for her hidden—something else she’d seen just now—he could no longer deny the truth. Neither could she.

  Alex loved her. Heart and soul, he loved her.

  For the first time, Eden found herself wishing he possessed the same gift. If he did, he’d be able to see she loved him, too.

  The longer she touched him, the stronger the images became. Memories morphed into what she could only assume were fantasies, and Eden felt herself becoming aroused from those alone.

  Through Alex’s mind’s eye, she saw the two of them together. Naked and in bed. Arms and legs tangling with one another’s while they made sweet, passionate love.

  Eden’s core began to swell and ache. She could almost feel his body on top of hers as he thrust his hips forward, rhythmically moving his hard, impressive cock in and out of her wet heat.

  Lost in the fantasy Alex’s mind had created, her heart raced, and her breaths released in hard, short pants.

  Still consumed by the erotic scene, Eden not only saw Alex’s hand reach between their bodies, she could actually feel his fingers as they began swirling around her swollen clit.

  The image filled with bright, flashing white lights, and Eden’s knees began to quiver beneath her as Fantasy Alex brought her to the brink of an explosive climax.

  Overcome with pleasure, her knees buckled and started to give way. Unable to hold herself up, Eden’s hand slid limply from his chest. She would have dropped to the floor had Alex not reacted so quickly.

  With his arms wrapped around her waist, he held on tightly to keep her from falling. “Whoa,” he soothed. “Easy, there.”

  Chest heaving, Eden allowed her eyes to flutter open. From the concern etched all over his handsome face, it was clear he had no idea what had almost happened.

  You almost brought yourself to orgasm right in front of him. That’s what almost happened.

  No, Alex almost brought her to orgasm. He just didn’t know it.

  “You okay?” he asked worriedly.

  Was she? Eden had to stop and think for a moment. Mentally, she was still reeling from the knowledge that the man she’d been harboring feelings for loved her back.

  Up until a few minutes ago, she was sure Alex’s silence these past two years meant he didn’t care for her at all. Now she understood he’d kept his distance to protect her. A thought that made her want to both strangle and kiss him all at the same time.

  Physically she was weak. This wasn’t new to her. Using her gift almost always left her feeling drained, usually for several hours. Longer, if the emotions she experienced were negative.

  Something new was the painful ache present between her thighs. Never before had she gotten a vision that had turned her on the way Alex’s fantasy had.

  It would serve the stubborn man right if she stripped down this very second and made him finish what his mind had started.

  When her tired eyes met his again, Eden realized he was still looking down at her expectantly, waiting for an answer.

  What was the question, again? Oh, yeah.

  “I’m fine.” She cleared her throat. “Sorry.”

  Like a cloud of smoke dissipating into the air, the fantasy slowly faded from her mind. The bright light lingered a little longer, but with his arms holding her in such a protective manner, the softer, warmer colors began to seep through.

  “Are you sure?” he asked, still obviously worried about her.

  “Yeah.” Eden nodded. “I’m good.”

  When she stood a little straighter, Alex assumed it was cue to release his hold. The disappointment she felt took Eden by surprise.

  Normally, she went through life doing everything she could to avoid making personal contact with other people. The knowledge that this man wanted her as much as she did him was a total game-changer.

  Alex’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed ner
vously. “So.” His dark blue eyes stared back at her. “I guess, now you know.”

  Eden nodded.

  An adorable blush began to creep behind the dark scruff covering his chiseled jaw. “I, uh…”

  His voice trailed off, and he took a step back. Acting more nervous than she’d ever seen him, Alex grabbed the muscles at the back of his neck again, his blue eyes becoming guarded.

  “I mean, if you don’t want…” he tried again. Finally, after taking a deep breath, he spit out what he was trying to say. “It’s okay if you don’t feel the same.”

  She couldn’t help it. Eden smiled.

  Closing the space this surprisingly vulnerable man had put between them, Eden brought her hands to his rugged face. Using what she’d spent their time apart practicing, she forced the powerful connection away and looked him straight in the eye.

  “I feel the same, Alex. I think I always have.”

  Relief poured from him as he leaned his forehead against hers. Placing his hands on her narrow hips he whispered, “Thank, God.”

  Between their quiet confessions and her willingness to touch him, it seemed Alex finally felt comfortable making physical contact with her. Something she’d desperately longed for.

  After giving them both a few seconds to digest what had just transpired, he lifted his head to look back at her again. Brushing some hair from her face, Alex tucked the strands behind her ear before speaking again.

  “I really, really wish Garrett wasn’t outside right now.”

  Though she understood what he meant, Eden feigned confusion and asked, “You’d rather he be in here, with us?”

  Alex’s broad shoulders shook with silent laughter. One corner of his mouth rose into the panty-dropping half smile she so fondly remembered. “Smart ass.”

  She shrugged playfully. “Some things never change.”

  Those crystal blue eyes bore into hers as he told her softly, “Thank God for that.”

  Wanting nothing more than to kiss him, Eden knew what would happen if she did. The fact that Garrett was right outside gave her the strength she needed to pull away.

  Clearing her throat, she crossed her arms in front of her and said, “You should probably get back to the station. I hear you have a serial killer to catch.”

  Just like that, a shadow fell across his handsome face. “I wish I could stay.”

  “I know.” She gave him a half-smile. “But, you have a job to do. And I have a decision to make.”

  A look of fear flashed over him. “Eden. Please, don’t.”

  “I didn’t agree to come back. Not yet, anyway.”

  “Damn it, Eden—”

  “I have to at least consider it, Alex. Women’s lives are at stake.”

  “So is yours.”

  “Alex.” Eden went to him. “I love that you care enough to worry about me, and I understand why.”

  “I don’t just care about you, Eden. What I feel for you…” he sighed. “It’s so much stronger than that.”

  “I know.” She smiled up at him. “Which is why I’m not agreeing to Murphy’s ‘request’—she used her fingers to make air quotes— “just yet. I’m only saying I’ll think about it.”

  A muscle in Alex’s strong jaw bulged, and though he looked like he wanted to say more on the subject, he didn’t. Instead he cupped her face with one hand and whispered, “God, I’ve missed you.”

  His words made her grin from ear to ear. His callused palm brushing against her skin filled Eden’s mind with an array of colors, their warmth reaching deep into her very soul.

  Leaning into his sweet touch, she whispered back, “I’ve missed you, too.”

  This time, it was Alex who broke away first. “If I don’t leave now, Garrett’s bound to walk in on something he would not want to see.”

  Eden chuckled. “Then, you should probably go.”

  She followed him to the door and out onto the porch. Sad to see him leave, she watched as he made his way down the steps. As he reached the stone pathway, Alex turned back around.

  “I’d like to take you out to dinner.”

  His words soothed the sting of his having to leave. Brow raised, she teased, “Like an actual date?”

  Alex grinned. “Yes, Eden. Like an actual date.”

  She smiled wide. “I’d like that. When?”

  “You free tomorrow night?”

  “Well…” she pretended to think. “My social calendar is a bit full these days, but I can probably manage to squeeze in dinner.”

  With a shake of his head, the ruggedly handsome detective chuckled. “Pick you up at six?”

  Eden smiled. “Six sounds perfect.”

  The blue in his eyes shone brightly as he tipped his chin. “See you then.”

  With that, Alex turned on his heels and walked back to the SUV. From behind the slightly tinted glass, Eden could see the knowing smile Garrett was giving his partner.

  Eden waited on the edge of the porch until Alex got behind the wheel and started the engine. Giving both men a final wave, she turned and headed back inside, locking the door behind her.

  Practically falling against it, she allowed herself a few minutes to process the day’s unexpected turn of events. Not only had she seen and spoken to Alex again, she’d touched him for the very first time.

  The powerful connection they’d shared told her so much more than she’d ever thought possible. Now she just had to figure out where they’d go from here.

  Thoughts of serial killers and murdered women began seeping through, threatening to ruin her euphoric state.

  Alex would be pissed if she agreed to be a consultant on his case. The last thing she wanted was to drive a wedge between them, especially before they even had a chance to see where their relationship could go.

  But if she didn’t agree to help, and another young woman was taken and brutally murdered, how would she ever be able to live with herself?

  As the evening went on, Eden continued to struggle with her decision. Later that night, after she’d gone to bed, her mom’s voice rang clear in the back of her mind…

  God gave you a special gift, sweetheart. Now, it’s up to you to decide how to use it.

  Chapter Four

  “Hey, Bennett.”

  Alex turned away from what he’d come to think of as the death board to find Detective Zoe Blake—the only female member of his unit—peaking her head through the room’s doorway.

  “Yeah?”

  “You have a visitor.”

  “Tell whoever it is I’m busy.”

  The petite blonde’s thin lips turned upward into a sly smile. “Pretty sure you’re gonna want to see her.”

  His heart thumped. “Her?”

  “Hey, man,” Garrett interrupted. With a cup of coffee raised in each hand, he carefully slid past Zoe and entered the room. “Sorry it took so long. The coffee shop was packed. And did you know Eden’s downstairs?”

  Damn.

  “I was just telling him,” Zoe answered for him. Then with her voice laced with sarcasm, Zoe said, “And, no, Caldwell. I didn’t want any coffee. But thanks for asking.”

  “I only have two hands, Blake.” Garrett handed him one of the paper cups before facing the woman again. “Besides, I thought you said you didn’t need a man to take care of you.”

  Zoe raised one of her brows. “I don’t need a man to take care of me. Just would’ve been nice to have been asked, that’s all. The coffee in this place tastes like battery acid.”

  Chuckling at the pair’s usual banter, Garrett looked at him and asked, “You gonna go see Eden, or do you want me to go get her?”

  “I’ll go.”

  Alex sat his cup on the table and headed for the door. As he walked down the first set of stairs, he considered kicking her ass out and telling her to go back home. Not that she’d listen.

  The fact that she was here could only mean one thing. She was going to help with the case.

  Gut churning, he made his way through the secured gate and
down to the station’s lobby. His dick twitched behind his denim crotch when he spotted her.

  Standing just inside the entrance, Eden nervously clutched a small, beige purse in her hands. Dressed in a grey pencil skirt, white blouse, and red heels, she was a vision. She also looked like she’d rather be anywhere else in the world but here.

  “Eden,” Alex said her name to get her attention.

  Her long, dark hair fell over her shoulder as her head swiveled around at the sound of his voice. She smiled and his heart thumped again but for a different reason.

  She always could light up a room.

  “Hi.”

  “Hey.”

  Standing in front of her now, Alex shoved his hands into his jeans to keep from pulling her to him. Time and place and all that.

  “I take it you decided to accept Murphy’s offer?”

  God, he wished she’d say no. That she was just in the neighborhood and decided to pop in for a quick visit. However, Alex knew that wasn’t the case.

  “It wasn’t really an offer, but yes. I’m going to see if I can help.”

  He closed his eyes. Eden may have discovered his true feelings for her when he was at her house yesterday, but that didn’t give him any sort of control over the decisions she made. Still, he had to give it one more try.

  “I don’t want you to get hurt again.”

  “I know.” She gave him a small smile. “But, we’ve discussed this already. That was a very rare incident. Nothing like that had ever happened before, and it hasn’t happened since.”

  Taking his hands from his pockets, Alex took a step closer. “Because you stopped.”

  “The intentional work, yes, but other than my gift, I’m just like anyone else. I occasionally brush against people on the sidewalk or at the grocery store. Most of the time, it’s nothing, but once in a while, I get a flash of hatred or anger that affects me.”

  “Not the same as connecting with a sadistic killer, Eden.”

  “I’m aware of that.” Her gorgeous eyes stared up into his. “Like I told you yesterday, I’ve been practicing my control, so the visions don’t affect me so strongly.”

  “You seemed pretty affected when you touched me.”