by Lisa Kessler
John lost himself in her eyes, and his words came directly from his soul. For a moment, he wasn’t sure if he spoke them aloud or just inside his head. “The cup took away the risk.”
She searched his eyes. “What are you talking about?”
He lifted her hand to his lips as the realization manifested in his heart. “For lifetimes, my life has been numbers and order. You brought in risk, and now I find myself wondering…” He looked up at the dark sky, searching for words. “I drank from the Grail to live forever, but I think my life was stolen the second that water passed my lips.”
She laced her fingers with his, squeezing his hand until he met her eyes. “It doesn’t have to be like that. Just because you can’t die doesn’t mean you don’t have any risks. You stepped in front of a bullet for me today. I’d say that was a huge risk.”
He chuckled, rolling his eyes. “I knew it wouldn’t kill me.”
“But you also knew it would hurt, and you did it anyway.”
“I’d do it again in a heartbeat.” His thumb caressed her knuckles. “This worry festering in my gut—I hate it.”
“But the adrenaline is a rush, right?” Her smile beamed even in the dim light. Her features softened. “Caring about me is a risk, but you climbed this sail anyway.”
“You’re the biggest risk I’ve ever faced.” He swallowed the lump in his throat. “Tell me something?”
“All right.” She nodded as a shiver ran across her shoulders. He needed to get her out of the cold.
“What drives you to keep pushing the envelope? You chase after risky investments, you steal artifacts from the government, you climbed the mainsail mast in a storm on the open ocean. It’s more than a yearning for adrenaline.”
She sighed, breaking eye contact. “From my mom, I guess. When her marriage fell apart, she grabbed the bull by the horns and got everything she ever wanted.”
“I saw your picture with her on your desk.”
“We should get back down before I end up dying of pneumonia.” She gripped the beam and turned around, placing her feet on the first rung of the ratlines.
John caught her wrist before she could move down any farther. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
She shook her head without making eye contact. “I’m not upset, just freezing my ass off.”
He let it go for now. This wasn’t the first time he’d seen Harmony disengage when things got too personal. In the office at the holidays, she always had an excuse to miss the family potluck event, and the company picnics, too.
He’d never given it much thought before, but every second he spent with her, the yearning to connect, to know every chapter of her story, ate at him. He shouldn’t pry. It was none of his business. After tonight, she’d have her replica to sell for the Digi Robins.
For all he knew, she’d go back to being a broker at his firm, nothing more.
His hand slipped off the ratline, and he cursed under his breath. “Damn it.”
“If you fall on me, I’m gonna be pissed,” Harmony called from below.
He grinned in spite of himself as he found his rhythm again. “I’m not fallin’ anytime soon, love.”
But truth be told…he was starting to suspect he already had.
For her.
Chapter Fifteen
David wheeled the container on a cart deeper into the underground warehouse of Department 13. The echo of the heels of his shoes soothed his nerves. This vault should’ve scared the shit out of him. Even he didn’t know the contents of every crate, but just the items he’d recovered over the past few decades could decimate the human race and the planet a few times over.
Some would just make life a living hell.
But something about the silence here brought him peace. As long as these crates remained here, undisturbed, Americans were safe.
He glanced down at the container. It was stamped with the item number and nothing else. Only those with a high enough security clearance would be able to access the database and discover Pandora’s box was hidden inside. With any luck, it would gather dust for eternity.
The inner container no longer silenced the whispers, as if the box could sense it would never be opened again. David started counting the echoed clicks of his footsteps, struggling to keep the temptation at bay.
You are as trapped as we… Freeeeedom could be yours…We will help you… Open the box.
He finally reached aisle twenty-five and turned to the right, keeping his stride steady and controlled. In a few minutes, he’d be free of this damned box, and it could rot in here for all he cared.
We can hellllllp…
“I don’t need any of your damned help,” he grumbled under his breath.
He stopped at the space number and looked up the shelves. He’d been down here before. He recognized the small crate on the second shelf. Inside, a small clay vessel trapped Apep, the Egyptian god of chaos. David didn’t organize the storage facility—the assignments for relics came through the spreadsheets—but he couldn’t help but wonder if it was a coincidence that Pandora’s box of evils would be resting so closely to the god of chaos.
The opening for this crate was on the fourth shelf. He double-checked his notes again, then flipped the switch for the lift. The top of the cart gradually rose, boosting Crate #999666 higher, toward its final storage place.
The whispers grew more frantic. David frowned. The evils in the box couldn’t possibly know their fate. Hell, they couldn’t even see.
Maybe they didn’t need to.
As the crate hovered just above its spot, he used the control stick to move it forward, sliding it into place on the shelf.
Christopher Bale… He needs usssssssss… We can save himmmmm…
David rubbed his forehead, stopping the progress of the crate. This thing was feeding on his fear. Chris wasn’t in any trouble, and a box of evil wasn’t going to help even if he were.
You need ussssssss…
“The hell I do.” He ground his teeth, pushing the level forward again. Once the crate was on the shelf, he brought the lift back down and pushed the empty cart down the aisle, struggling to keep from running.
Since joining Department 13, he’d tracked a hellhound, trapped a banshee, and faced off with demons countless times. This fear bubbling in his gut was unfamiliar and unwanted.
He left the cart at the entrance to the warehouse and turned to leave when one last whisper caressed his ears.
You’ll be baaaaaaack.
David stepped outside and smacked the button for the security door. The lead-lined iron barrier rolled down, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
If he never laid eyes on Crate #999666 again, it would be too soon.
He went to the elevator and punched in his security code, reminding himself that evil always lies. But somehow whatever was in Pandora’s box knew the secret David had never shared with another soul.
It knew about Chris.
…
John dropped to the Sea Dog’s top deck right next to Harmony. She grabbed his wrists, inspecting his hands, and shook her head. “Not even a mark.”
“You saw me heal from a bullet. Rope burn is nothing.” He chuckled.
“It’s still amazing.”
Colton walked over, stopping at John’s side. “Thanks for the help with the sails.” He pointed toward the stern. “There are towels and blankets in the captain’s quarters.”
John smiled over at Harmony. “Sounds like heaven.”
She grinned, her gaze sliding down his body. “I don’t know, you look pretty good wet.”
Colton laughed, clasping John’s shoulder. “You didn’t tell me your lady was blind.”
“Fuck off, quartermaster.” John shoved him playfully.
Colton glanced at Harmony. “You’re a natural on the lines. Welcome to work with my crew anytime.”
“Thanks, Colton.”
The quartermaster returned to his post beside Keegan at the wheel, and John took Harmony’s hand. “You’re
amazing.”
She peered up at him from underneath her wet hair with a smile he’d never seen on her face before, almost…unsure. “You make me feel like it.” She rose up on her toes and brushed a kiss to his cheek, whispering, “Thank you.”
He followed her toward the light filtering through the windows of Colton’s cabin, a beacon in the dark stormy night. John opened the door, and they stepped inside, pulling it shut behind them.
Skye’s eyes widened. “You guys are drenched.” She hustled over to the built-in dresser and tossed John two towels.
He handed one to Harmony and wrapped the other around his shoulders. Harmony trembled, her teeth chattering as she wiped her face and towel-dried her hair.
He glanced over at Skye. “Did Colton fill the fresh water tanks before we left the dock?”
She nodded. “Yeah. I think so. Want me to turn on the generator? It doesn’t take long to heat the water.”
“I’m…fine…don’t…go…to any…trouble,” Harmony sputtered as shivers racked her body.
Skye went back to the dresser and pulled out a sweatshirt and sweatpants. “Here, these are mine. They might even fit.”
John took Harmony’s hand, walking her toward the tiny bathroom. “Come on, love. You’re freezing.”
“Char went to the galley to check on Bob.” Skye walked to the door. “I’ll go see if he can make a hot toddy or something to help warm you guys up.”
John nodded. “Aye. Thanks, Skye.”
Drake and Greyson had been on the mast during the storm, too, but like John, none of them could die from pneumonia. John closed the lid on the head and sat Harmony down. Her lips were almost blue. Shit. He turned on the shower, praying Skye was right about it heating up quickly. He’d sailed on the Sea Dog countless times, but using Colton’s newfangled shower on board was new.
He knelt in front of Harmony and reached for her soaked sneakers. “If we can get the wet things off, that should help.”
She nodded, wiping her nose with a shivery grin. “You…just…want to get…me naked…again.”
Gods, this woman made him happier than he ever realized he could be. He raised a brow, grinning up at her. “Well…I am a pirate.”
The sound of her laughter soothed his worries. Her voice was getting stronger, too. “I don’t know how I missed your scoundrel tendencies all these years.” He stripped off her wet socks, and she wiggled her toes. “That’s better.”
Another wave of shivers shot through her as John reached out to put his hand in the shower. The water wasn’t hot yet, but warmer than the rain-soaked clothes she had on. He helped her up and lifted the drenched shirt over her head, dropping it on the floor with a splat.
She grinned, shaking her head. “It’s a good thing I’m not superstitious. We’ve been stranded in the rain twice in one day. That’s gotta be a sign.” Her smile faded. “Probably not a good one.”
“Bullshit. Easy for a man to stick by you in fair weather. It’s the man who stays when the storm is howlin’ that’s worth yer trust.” He pulled back the shower curtain and steadied her as she stepped into the tiny stall.
He’d been tempted to try to squeeze in with her, but he resisted. Not only was there barely enough room for one person, he wanted to get changed and bring in the dry clothes for Harmony.
Pneumonia killed people.
Gods, he loathed the constant worry, but he was fooling himself to think he could walk away now. Being near her reminded him what living was all about. She was an addiction.
He swallowed the lump in his throat. “I’ll be right back.”
Harmony moaned under the hot water. He almost forgot about the clothes and got into the shower with her after all. Running his fingers through his wet hair, he forced himself out into the bedroom and grabbed a pair of Colton’s jeans from the dresser drawers. The quartermaster was a little taller, but they’d work for now.
He sorted through until he found a long-sleeved thermal shirt and pulled it over his head. Better. He scooped up the sweats and another towel and headed back to the bathroom.
Harmony poked her head out, color back in her face as she smiled. “Good call on the shower. I feel human again.”
She turned off the water and took the towel, talking as she dried off. “The rain sucked, but I loved sailing with you guys tonight.” She wrapped the towel around herself and stepped out of the shower. “And thanks for your help with Agent Bale, and the fake box…” She sighed. “I feel like I owe you, and I have no idea how to repay the debt.”
He chuckled, shaking his head. “We received a payment of a million dollars’ worth of gold bars tonight because of you. Consider your debt paid in full.”
Her eyes widened as she pulled on the sweatpants. “Damn. No wonder Bale was so pissed. He thought your crew was going to have to work much harder to find that box.”
“Not my problem. We fulfilled our end of the bargain.” John stared at his hands. “So, what’s next?”
She put on the sweatshirt. “Next, I take the fake box and sell it.”
“Without any backup.” He tried to keep his voice even, emotions in check.
She came forward, lifting his chin until he met her eyes. “I won’t go alone, okay? I’ll take Tuck. We’ve got a plan.”
He had no right to ask anything more from her. They weren’t in a relationship, they were…fuck…he didn’t have any clue what they were. He stared into her eyes and finally whispered, “After you sell the box. I don’t want things to go back to the way they were.”
She raised a brow. “Are you firing me?”
He let out a half-hearted chuckle. “I think I’m asking if you might consider…dating.”
She worried her lower lip. “How does that work, exactly, with me being mortal and you being…not?”
“Hell if I know.” He stood up, taking her hands in his. “But someone pointed out to me tonight that living is a risk… And I think after being alive for lifetimes, I’d finally like to live for a change.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down to kiss her. Her lips were still cool, but her mouth was warm and inviting. His tongue swirled with hers as he tilted his head to deepen the kiss.
Gradually she withdrew, taking a step back. “I’m not sure dating is a good idea.”
He frowned. Had she just kissed him goodbye? The swell of passion washed back out to sea. “I don’t understand.”
“I’m not on equal footing with you. I…” She shook her head. “I can’t be dependent. I won’t. You have money, this ship, a big house in the historic district.” She pulled on socks, then reached for her shoes. “People come and go. The only person I can really count on is me.”
The boat lurched. He caught her arm, steadying her. “They must’ve tied us to the dock.”
She nuzzled against his chest. “Every single woman in Savannah would love to date you, John. You could have anyone.”
He kissed her hair and whispered, “Maybe, but none of them could beat Drake up the ratlines in a storm. And none of them would be ballsy enough to try to pitch me front companies that funnel money for their thievery rings.” He leaned back until he could see her face. “How could I settle for anything less?”
Her gaze searched his, and he waited for her to speak, but instead she tugged her shoes on and went toward the door.
When she turned to face him, regret lined her eyes. “You’re amazing, John. It would be so easy to fall in love with you, too easy. You’re smart, funny, and sexy—but loving you would make me weak, trusting you would make me foolish, and eventually I’d lose. I can’t let that happen.”
She wrapped her arms around her middle, making him ache to comfort her, but his feet wouldn’t move. She reached for the door handle, breaking eye contact. “I want to be part of something bigger, and if I’m going to change the world, I have to keep pushing. I’m sorry.”
She closed the door behind her, and the silence ached worse than any bullet.
He sat on the edge of the
bed, his head in his hands, struggling to digest her words. He should be angry. Hadn’t she just claimed trusting him would make her foolish? If he could muster some rage, maybe he could walk away. This was his opportunity to save himself from the insanity that came from caring for a mortal. He could settle back into his routines, working in the office, and sailing with the crew once or twice a week.
It would never be enough. Not now. Harmony had shown him, reminded him, what it was to really live. He couldn’t go back to just existing. He wouldn’t.
Harmony was worth fighting for.
John stood up, clenching his jaw against the emotions storming inside him. Somehow, he would find a way to win her trust.
But first, he needed to be sure she made it safely through the transaction for the Digi Robins.
Chapter Sixteen
Harmony hustled around the deck, helping the crew tie down the Sea Dog’s sails, anything to keep from thinking about what she’d just done. Second-guessing herself wasn’t going to get her anywhere. Every word she’d spoken to John was true.
How could she keep her independence in a relationship with a guy who made a million dollars in one night? And what about her cause? John already worried about her making the drop of the box. How long would they date before he started pressuring her to give up the Digi Robins’ mission all together?
He’d surprised her when he mentioned dating. For some reason, she had figured with him being immortal and her being…not, they might enjoy some steamy no-strings-attached nights and go their separate ways. Maybe he’d let her borrow his Porsche sometimes. Definitely nothing serious. What kind of future could he have with her, anyway? Her days were numbered.
John’s voice caught her attention. He stood on the railing with his back to her, pulling down a line and tying it off. His borrowed thermal shirt hugged his shoulders and back like a second skin. Damn. She’d get old and die while he stayed…sexy as hell.
