by JC Cassels
Trusting that his new friends were in good hands, Blade gripped the metal railing and took the steps two at a time. He didn’t slow down until he entered the master suite. The heavy purple curtains had been pulled here as well, enshrouding the room in deep shadow. Bo’s still form lay under the rumpled bedclothes. He sniffed the air, relieved to smell nothing out of the ordinary – no hint of ozone from a weapon discharge. Careful not to startle her, he crawled onto the bed and stretched out beside her.
With infinite care, he brushed the covers away from her pale face and tenderly kissed the corner of her mouth. Bo’s eyes fluttered open. With a small sigh, she turned her gaze to him. She held very still, as if she were afraid he’d disappear if she so much as blinked. After a long moment, she lifted a trembling hand and touched his face. Her thumb lightly stroked his bottom lip. Tears welled in her amber eyes.
“Are you really here?” The words came out thin and raspy.
His heart twisted in his chest at her misery and pain.
He tried a tight smile.
“I’m here.”
A tear broke free and rolled down her temple, disappearing into her hair. “The news said you’d been killed,” she whispered. “I thought I’d lost you, too…”
Her voice broke as her anguish billowed to the surface. Hiccoughing sobs racked her body. Closing her eyes, she shook her head and gasped for breath. He drew her into his arms as she reached for him. She clung to him like a lifeline.
“I’m here,” he soothed, stroking her hair.
Unbidden, chest-to-chest, her emotions threaded through his awareness. A dark wave of overwhelming grief and fear broke over him, drowning him in her sorrow. His stomach clenched with sudden nausea. A feral scream roared up from the depths of his soul and he brutally tamped it down before he could give it voice. Like a demon it clawed through his soul, leaving his chest aching and raw. Poisoned talons tore festering holes through his very core, only to fling the tattered shreds of his spirit into a howling, empty gale.
No! Holy Maker, not this again!
It was like reliving the days after Niall…
His head pounded with the force of it. Clenching his jaw, he closed his eyes and pulled her into the curve of his trembling body.
Bile rose in his throat. The world spun off its axis, upending itself, threatening to throw him off into oblivion. Dizzy… Lost…so very lost and afraid.
“I’m here,” he croaked.
Tears escaped his eyes and trailed down his face.
Holy Maker…, Please…no!
Sensing her slipping away, he gripped her tightly, pulling her closer in desperation.
No wonder Tese was afraid for her.
He was afraid for her.
“Where are you going, Bo?” he whispered. “Don’t leave me. I need you.”
A deep gasping breath, then a wailing cry split the still air, taking the last of Bo’s control with it. It echoed off the corners of the room, setting his ears ringing and his head pounding.
Like the shockwave from a supernova, her body seized and shuddered as the darkness exploded and gave way around them. Screaming in denial, her fists pounded against his chest as she broke and shattered. The lingering sparks and embers fell around them as the nature of her wails changed.
He absorbed her pain, letting it wash over him until she lay still in his arms, sobbing quietly into his shoulder.
Blade took a deep breath and reached for the thread that bound them together. Drawing on reserves he didn’t know he had, he poured into her all the comfort he could offer. Stroking her hair, he murmured softly to her in Gallic until, finally, she calmed and fell into an exhausted but peaceful sleep.
He held her until her deep, even breathing assured him she was comfortably asleep.
Pressing a tender kiss to her damp forehead, he untangled himself from her embrace and slipped out of the bed, careful to make no sound. Lifting an unsteady hand, he rubbed his forehead, trying to wipe away his weariness. With heavy steps, he descended the stairs.
Kayne and Phinny looked up from the couch facing the holovid, the sporting event playing out above the imaging platform forgotten. Adin sat at the bar, as far from the master suite as he could get. A tell-tale pile of cigarette butts in an improvised ash plate gave mute testimony to the force of emotions Bo had released. His sunshades sat on the bar beside it. He lifted his head and looked to Blade. Dark shadows circled his eyes.
Without comment, Adin reached for a bottle and filled a glass. He slid off the stool and carried the drink to Blade, pressing it into his hand. With a small nod of thanks, Blade downed half of it in one breath, welcoming the burn that slid down his chest.
The others held still, as if by moving they would somehow set off another wave.
“She’s going to be fine,” he said. “She’s sleeping now.”
Kayne and Phinny slowly turned back to the holovid.
Tese’s shoulders sagged in relief. “Thank the Maker,” she said, moving to his side.
Blade offered her a weak smile. “Any luck with the baths?”
She shook her head. “Your accounts are frozen.”
He nodded. “I know. Call Edge and see if he can help.”
Scrubbing her face with her hands she sighed. “Of course. I should have thought of that.” Rising up on tip-toe, she kissed his cheek. “I’ll ask him to hook you up with new accounts, too.”
“Thanks.”
As she went off to make the call, Blade glanced down at Adin, who still stood quietly at his side.
“She’s not just a Companion to you, is she?”
“Damn Delian,” he said, but there was no heat in it. “If I spend much time around you, I won’t have any secrets, will I?”
A sardonic smile touched Adin’s lips. “Your secrets are safe with me,” he said. “You’re in love with her?”
Blade nodded. “She’s my wife.” His softly spoken admission carried no further than Adin.
“And you can’t even begin to tell me why you want to keep that from becoming common knowledge, can you?”
“Nope.”
Blade met his stare, patiently waiting for the Delian’s next move. He didn’t have to wait long.
Adin nodded. “I can respect that.”
“Good.”
Blade sipped his drink.
“You know, it’s only a matter of time before whoever it is you’re running from tracks you here.”
“I know.”
“What are you going to do?”
Blade drained his glass and set it on a glass-topped table beside the staircase. “Well, first, I’m going to get you boys into the Imperial Baths like I promised.”
“And then?”
“I got nothin’,” he confessed with a small smile. “I’m winging it.” He nodded his head towards the staircase. “Which way I jump rides on her.” He folded his arms across his chest. “I’m not going anywhere until she and I get a chance to talk.”
“It’s all arranged,” Tese announced from the com-platform. “We have reservations at the Imperial Baths.” She winked at Blade. “Gena will meet us there and between us, we will see to your comfort.”
Like an eager pup, Kayne vaulted over the couch. “All our comfort?” He playfully waggled his eyebrows at her.
With a melodious giggle, Tese tossed her pink-streaked hair over her shoulder. “I’m sure we can satisfy your needs.” She ran a well-manicured hand down his chest.
Blade’s lips quirked in amusement. “Pace yourself,” he said. “Those two nearly killed my brother.”
Tese wrinkled her nose and stuck out her tongue at him. His smile widened and he winked at her.
“Will you be joining us, Blade?” She slipped out of Kayne’s grasp and took refuge at his side. Slipping her arm around his waist, she toyed with the fasteners of his shirt. “I would very much enjoy bathing you.”
Capturing her wandering hand in his, he lifted it to his lips. “I bring you three strapping young men to play with and still yo
u want more?”
“I’m surprised Madame Misou approved this outing,” Adin said.
“Blade is a particular favorite of Aunt Misou,” she said. “He has a free hand at the D’or Choh. He can have his pick of Companions. He has only to ask.”
“Then why do I keep getting saddled with you and Gena?”
She smiled up at him. “Because you always ask for the best.”
He nodded his understanding. “Of course,” he smiled. “How silly of me.” He looked to Adin. “I’m going to go get cleaned up and grab some sleep while I can. Why don’t you three go ahead to the baths.”
Adin nodded. Phinny switched off the holovid and rose.
Tese sidled up to Adin and deftly maneuvered his arm around her. “I’ll show your guests a wonderful time. It’s my pleasure to take care of them while they’re here.”
“The time of their lives,” Blade said. “Nice hotel, good food, the works.”
“Let’s get started, then.”
She wasted little time organizing the three men and ushering them towards the door. Blade started to head back up the stairs when she called his name.
“Edge said to tell you he’d leave a package for you downstairs,” she said. “He didn’t think you two would want to be disturbed.”
He nodded, feeling far older than his years. “Thank you, Tese.”
By the time the door slid shut behind them, he was already halfway up the stairs. He stopped and looked back over his shoulder. The sudden silence settled over him. For the first time in longer than he cared to remember, he was alone.
Gripping the metal banister, he turned and sat on the stairs. With forearms braced on widespread knees, he leaned forward and stared into nothing.
What the hell was he going to do when Kendall tracked him to Altair?
He ran his fingers through his hair and laced them together behind his neck as he considered his situation. After a long moment, he lifted his head and pressed his clasped hands to his lips.
Bhruic had seen it coming. He’d warned Blade and Royce to expect it. He’d made provisions.
Closing his eyes, he bowed his head, resting his forehead on his hands.
They’d be coming after Bo next.
In her current state, she didn’t stand a chance.
Taking a deep breath, he released his pent-up tension and lifted his head. Looking through the unruly hair that fell across his forehead, his gaze settled on his reflection in the mirror beside the door. His jaw hardened. A dangerous gleam lit his eyes.
Let Kendall come. Let him bring a small army. Blade didn’t have a holofeature career to protect anymore. He didn’t have to hide behind the playboy mask he’d worn for so long.
Whatever hell was coming for him, whatever hell was coming for Bo, it had better be prepared to face him. It had better be prepared to fail.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Throbbing pain pounded through Bo’s head. She forced her swollen eyelids open and immediately regretted it. Blinding sunlight flooded her scratchy eyes. Groaning, she flung her arm across her abused eyes and rolled away from the offending window.
A hard, male body blocked her retreat.
He grunted in his sleep and shifted.
Bo lowered her arm for a better look.
Despite the lingering discomforts from her crying jag, a relieved smile played about her lips.
She hadn’t imagined him.
With a small sigh of contentment, she burrowed deeper into the covers. She studied his face, starved for the sight of him. Slack-jawed in sleep, this was probably the most unguarded his expression would ever be…and the most honest.
Bo stifled a chuckle at the thought.
She snuggled closer and breathed in his clean, masculine scent. Maker help her, she never felt more safe than when she was close enough to him to feel the heat from his body and wrap herself in his scent. Closing her eyes, she breathed deeper of him.
Her nose twitched.
Her brow furrowed.
Something was different.
Raising up on her forearms, Bo leaned over his face and sniffed again.
He’d showered before climbing into bed with her, but the lingering fumes from the alcohol he’d been drinking still clung to him. Edging closer, she closed her eyes and tried to identify the acrid, almost bittersweet smell on his breath.
“What are you doing?”
She flinched in surprise.
His blue eyes studied her with amusement.
The smell of whatever it was on his breath turned her stomach over on itself. Sudden nausea roiled through her. Her eyes widened. A metallic taste filled her mouth. Pressing her hand tightly to her lips, Bo clambered over him and stumbled into the lavatory. She heaved into the basin.
“Are you alright, love?”
Sitting on the cold lavatory tile, she lifted her gaze.
Blade Devon, her husband, stood in the doorway big as life and naked as the day he was born.
Tears filled her eyes. “You’re here.”
He knelt down beside her and brushed her hair away from her face. “I’m here,” he said.
She touched his face, his cheek rough with stubble. “It’s been weeks,” she said. “Not a word from you since Lord Marin ordered you to Trisdos.”
His jaw tightened. “I’ve had a security detail on me the whole time,” he said. “Kendall has practically been grafted to me ever since.” His thumb lightly stroked her lips, sending a tremor through her and quickening her pulse. “When I heard about your father, nothing was going to keep me from getting to you.”
Tears filled her eyes. “They said Royce…”
“Who said Royce?” Blade shook his head. “No, love. Royce didn’t kill your father and you know it.”
“But they saw him.”
“Who is they?” He studied her face. “Galen? Jaden? No. Royce didn’t do it.” He brushed his fingers lightly along her jaw as his gaze grew distant.
He lost himself in his thoughts.
He stared past her. A muscle twitched in his jaw and his lips curled in a silent snarl. His blue eyes were like chips of ice – cold, flat and hard – as if his very soul had fled in fear of the rage boiling inside him. “When I find out who did this, I’m going to make them pay.”
Bo held very still, afraid to move, unwilling to draw his attention to her. She had only glimpsed this side of him a few times before, the side that had earned him the label of sociopath. Now the look on his face chilled her blood. She knew better than anyone that the hand lightly stroking her jaw was capable of snapping her neck like a twig. Sometimes she wondered how much in control of himself Blade Devon truly was.
“When was the last time you ate anything.”
The spell broken, Bo blinked and searched his face. “I don’t know,” she said. “I haven’t felt like eating.”
He rose, pulling her to her feet. “Wash your face,” he said. “I ran my clothes through the autovalet. I don’t think they’re done yet. I’m going to look for something to put on and we can fix something to eat.”
Bo’s brow furrowed. Ever since her return to Altair several weeks ago, she’d had bouts of recurring nausea. She hadn’t been able to think of food.
“I don’t think I have anything to fix,” she said.
His expression softened and he gently rubbed the back of his hand along her cheek. “Well, I guess I’ll have to go out and bring something back,” he said. “You don’t look like you feel up to going out.”
She shook her head. “I’m not hungry.”
“You have to eat. You need to get some color in your face.”
“I don’t want you to leave me,” she said. “I just know something horrible is going to happen if you do.”
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tightly to him, chuckling softly. “I’ll tell you what, I’ll run over to that little Mondhuic place in mid-town and pick up some comfort food. You place the order while I get dressed.”
Bo groaned. “You’re horrible
tempting me with comfort food.”
“I know,” he said. “Hey, look at me.”
Reluctantly, she lifted her gaze to his.
“I know what you’re going through right now,” he said. “I know you just want to curl up in a hole and die. But that ain’t happenin’. I’m still here, and I’m not going anywhere. Your life is going through some massive changes. So is mine. We’ll get through this together, just like every other married couple.”
With a small sigh, Bo nodded.
“I’ll be back before you know it.”
He kissed the top of her head. He let her go and went in search of something decent to wear. While he dressed, she placed the order and returned to the lav.
Bo stared at her reflection.
“Just like every other married couple,” she whispered.
She glanced over at the shower. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d bathed. As long as he was going out to get dinner, she had plenty of time to get properly cleaned up. After cleaning her teeth and rinsing her mouth to rid herself of the awful taste, she switched on the shower and stepped in.
Reaching for the scented soaps she only used on Altair, she let the soothing aroma fill the shower. It was odd how some fragrances turned her stomach and others soothed her. Even the stim-tea Tese had tried to coax her to drink earlier had nauseated her.
Shaking her head, she lathered her hands and ran the soap over her shoulders and arms, then over her tender breasts.
That was odd.
Bo stepped out from under the spray and ran her hands over her breasts once more. The slightest touch sent a tiny throbbing ripple of pain through them.
Her eyes widened. Her hands stilled. Bo counted off the days on her soapy fingers
“No…”
Her heart pounding, she hastily finished her shower and dried herself. Wrapping the purple towel around her, she opened the cosmetics cabinet and rifled through the contents for the small medical scanner tucked away in the back. With trembling hands, Bo switched it on and anxiously waited for it to boot up. Once it flashed its readiness, she keyed in the code and aimed it at her navel. After what felt like an eternity, it flashed again.
She held it in front of her face in disbelief.
