Sweetwater: The Kihn (The Sweet Series)

by Rivi Jacks

  I head back to the bedroom in a huff. I am so tired of being in the dark. I grab my phone and call Lucas’ cell. The call goes right to his voicemail. I head back to the kitchen, grab a coat from the sunroom, and head for the arena. I find it unusually dark and empty. I feel anxious walking back to the house. Where is everyone? I plop down on the couch in the bedroom and resign myself to wait until Lucas decides to come back.

  The next thing I know, he’s picking me up and laying me on the bed. “Is everything okay?” I ask sleepily as he pulls off my jeans.

  “Shhh, go back to sleep, everything is fine.”

  Everything is not fine. We are going to have it out. But that can wait until morning when we’re both rested.

  I snuggle against him under the covers as he holds me while I drift off to sleep.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  I stand at the bottom of the stairs, looking at the door above. I move up the stairs apprehensively. They feel endless. As I reach out to turn the doorknob, I hesitate, experiencing an overwhelming sense of fear. I do not want to open that door, but I do. When the door opens, I’m surprised. The room is bright with sunshine sparkling through the windows. A bed is in the middle of the room, and the quilt covering it has an unusual design. The bed is the only thing in the room. I’m tired, and I want to lie down. It looks so soft and inviting.

  I open my eyes. An old woman with long, straggly gray hair stands by the bed leaning over me.

  “You have to leave this evil place,” she rasps.

  I sit straight up with my heart pounding in fright. I look around to make sure I’m still in Lucas’ bedroom. Geez! That was an unsettling dream. Raking my hair off my forehead, I see that the sky is starting to lighten with the first traces of dawn. I throw the covers back, hurry to the bathroom, and eagerly return to get back in the warm bed.

  “Are you all right?”

  I scream, and it’s not a shrieky, girlie scream either.

  “Sofie!”

  “Lucas! What are you doing?” I lean over, holding my hand over my heart.

  He stands calmly, laughing softly. “I came to check on you.”

  I bound into bed and pull the covers up to my chin. “Do you men... enjoy scaring me?” Lucas laughs out loud.

  “It’s okay, Taylor,” he says toward the bedroom door. I glance, surprised, toward it. I didn’t hear anything.

  Taylor opens the door. He’s polite enough not to look in. “Just making sure it was a scream of pleasure.” He closes the door again.

  I groan, pulling the covers over my head. Lucas lies beside me and pulls the blanket out of my grasp. We lie there looking at each other. He smooths the hair off my forehead.

  “Bad dream?” he asks.

  “Hmmm.”

  Leaning over, he kisses my forehead. “Go back to sleep.”

  “Lucas?”

  “Yes, sweet.”

  “What happened last night?”

  “Last night?”

  I sigh heavily. “You never tell me anything.” I mumble as I scoot further under the covers, resigned to going back to sleep. I peek out as Lucas sits on the edge of the bed.

  “Is that what you think?”

  I snort softly. “It’s what I know.” My heart gives a hard bump as he leans over me, arm braced by my hip.

  “I’m sorry, Sofie. I’m not used to confiding in anyone other than my men.”

  “You mean you don’t confide in the women you sleep with.”

  I feel the anger emanate from his body. “It’s a little early to be pissing me off—don’t you think?”

  I squirm under his glare. “I’m not trying to piss you off,” I say in a choked whisper. “I’m just trying to understand why you don’t trust me.” Even in the low light, I see his surprise. He doesn’t say anything for several moments and I realize I’m holding my breath.

  “First—if I didn’t trust you, you wouldn’t be here.” Oh. “Second—” his voice still holds some measure of anger “—you are not a woman I sleep with. You are my life.”

  Oh! I rise to my knees and throw myself against his chest, wrapping my arms around his neck. He hesitates a moment, then he’s crushing me to him. I bury my face against his neck. I can’t get close enough as he squeezes me tightly.

  “I’m sorry,” I manage to say, once I trust my voice.

  “Shhh. It’s hard for me, my sweet,” he says softly. He strokes my back.

  “It is?”

  He tips my face up. “Yes.” He kisses the tip of my nose. “Especially—” he maneuvers me around until I’m lying back in bed and he tucks me in “—when all I want to do is protect and take care of you.”

  “Lucas—”

  “Sofie, I do not want to worry or frighten you.”

  “I’m more frightened not knowing,” I say softly. “You need to let me know what’s going on, if only for my own good.”

  I see a corner of his mouth lift. “I think we’ve discussed this before,” he says, slightly amused.

  “Yet, here we are discussing it again.” I roll to my side and pull the covers up to my chin.

  “Could you be any more tenacious?” he teases, tugging at my blanket.

  “Could you be any more frustrating?” I snap.

  He sighs thoroughly. I peek up at him. “Okay. I’ll work on my sharing skills.”

  “That’s all I ask.” I roll onto my back, catching his sudden frown.

  He exhales sharply. “That is all you’ve ever really asked of me,” he says softly.

  I watch, chewing my lip, as a myriad of emotions play across his face. I twine my arms around his neck, threading my fingers through the hair at his nape. “I did ask you not to cut down a tree,” I remind him softly.

  “Yes, but then you said it was okay to cut it down, so that doesn’t count.”

  “I told you to leave me alone.”

  “Yes, you told—that doesn’t count as an ask,” he says gently. He takes my lips in the sweetest kiss. Lucas laughs softly when he ends the kiss. “You need more sleep.” He rises.

  “Don’t go!” I plead softly.

  He leans back down to give me a quick, soft kiss. “There’s nothing I’d like better than to have you lying naked and moaning beneath me, Sofie,” he whispers. I feel myself blush profusely. “But I need to work, and you need more rest—for later.” He grins suggestively.

  I snuggle back down. I hear him say, “Sweet dreams,” before closing the door. I smile. I love pillow talk with Lucas. Then I gasp in exasperation. He still didn’t tell me what happened last night!

  Three hours later, I enter the kitchen showered and dressed, hair damp and down my back. Taylor is at the stove, frying ham and eggs, causing my stomach to growl. “Is there enough for me?” I ask.

  “Absolutely,” he says with a smile.

  Lucas and Andy are at the kitchen table. They have what looks like maps spread out. Lucas looks up, makes eye contact, and gives me a slow, sexy smile. My heart flip-flops when he winks at me. I smile back and mumble, “Good morning.” He looks good. I want to sit on his lap and have him for breakfast. I know my face turns red.

  “Hey, Sofe,” Andy says, not looking up.

  I set out plates and silverware on the center island. We’re halfway through our ham and eggs when Taylor starts teasing.

  “Do you scream a lot, Sofie?” he asks.

  “Not normally.”

  “My feelings are hurt,” he complains. “All I get is a little girlie yelp while Lucas gets a blood-curdling scream.” I don’t say anything. I’ve learned that’s the best way to handle a teasing male. “So, I’m wondering, did you scream a lot as a child?” I raise my eyebrow and continue my silence, wondering where he’s going with this. “I mean, it could explain why you’re a midget.” I snort softly. “All your growing energy was directed toward your vocal skills. It’s a theory, mind you, but I’m guessing that’s what happened.”

  I laugh. “You’re too funny, Taylor.”

  “That’s what I was going for.�
� He gives me one of his dazzling smiles. I smile right back at him. “Do you want another cup of coffee?” he asks as he stands.

  “Please.” I hand him my cup and glance at Lucas. His head is down as he and Andy continue their map quest.

  I insist on doing the cleanup, but Taylor won’t leave, and we both have the kitchen ship-shape in no time, with maximum horseplay. I’m real curious about what happened overnight, but I’m not sure I should bring it up. No one else does, so I’ll have to wait until Lucas and I are alone. I just hope he means what he said, and he’ll actually start telling me what’s going on.

  Taylor and Andy have been talking quietly off to the side—once again keeping me out of the loop—when they announce they are leaving to run an errand for Lucas.

  Lucas said he trusted me, but maybe the others don’t. I hadn’t thought of that. As they go out the door, Lucas looks my way. His expression puzzles me.

  “What?” I ask.

  “You know Taylor likes you.”

  “Yeah... I like him too.”

  He stands. “I heard about your under-the-mistletoe kiss.”

  I can’t help it—I blush. Damn it! Why do I do that? Lucas makes a disgusted sound and walks out of the kitchen. I look after him. What the hell? I follow him to the bedroom, close the door, and lean my back against it.

  “Are you... jealous?” I ask.

  He is suddenly in front of me, and I inhale sharply, wishing I hadn’t closed the door. He steps close, the toes of his boots touching my toes. I try to step back, but the door is solid behind me. His silvery gaze meets mine. His voice is quiet, dangerous, and the muscle on the side of his jaw jerks. “Do you want me to be?”

  I swallow and rasp, “No.”

  He leans down. “That’s good—because you know what they say?” I shake my head no, unsure what response he wants. He brings his face close to mine. “Paybacks are a bitch.”

  “What?” I whisper. He takes me by the shoulders, moves me away from the door, and shuts it behind him as he walks out.

  Emma Rae drops by shortly after noon with the dress I asked her to get from my house. We talk a little about the goings-on of the night before, but she doesn’t know anything either. She leaves around four to get ready since Lucas and I are picking her and Andy up at eight-thirty. Unlike me, she has all the details.

  I’m ready by seven-thirty. I haven’t heard from Lucas since he left that morning, and I’m a little apprehensive. My hair is fixed in a twisted up-do, and I’ve applied a little more makeup than normal, but it looks good with my pretty black dress. The bodice is black lace over a nude fabric. It has a deep V-neck in front and a deeper one in back, with a built-in bra, which I like. The skirt is short and full and looks good with my four-inch heels. One thing I’m not wearing is the charm necklace Taylor gave me for Christmas.

  I sit in the living room on the edge of the couch. I don’t want to do anything to muss myself. This will be our first date, kind of, and I’m excited. When eight rolls around, I start getting nervous. At eight thirty, I’ve resigned myself to the fact Lucas isn’t coming. Why did he get so mad about Taylor? He has to know there’s nothing between us. Taylor is a good friend. My relationship with him is similar to the one I have with my cousins. I’m debating changing my clothes when I hear a car. I say a quick thank you, Jesus and grab my wrap and purse.

  But it’s Andy at the door. “Lucas got held up. He’s meeting us at Impulse.” I stand in the hallway in my fancy dress, no longer wanting to go. I think Andy sees the sudden mutiny on my face. He pleads softly, “Please, Sofie. It can’t be helped. I’m sorry.”

  For Emma Rae, I decide. I’ll go for her. I take a deep breath. “It’s okay.”

  Andy helps me with my wrap and holds my arm as we descend the steps. “You look lovely.”

  They are driving the Hummer, and Emma Rae hops out to give me a hug. I climb in the back, and Andy closes both our doors. Emma Rae is wearing a pair of fancy new cowboy boots with her dress. I tell her the boots look hot with her outfit, and they do. Andy turns around and smiles his agreement.

  “They’re a gift from Andy,” she tells me proudly.

  I look at Andy. “You did real good.” He gives me another smile. “Emma Rae, those are just too cute.”

  “I know.” She leans over to kiss Andy’s cheek.

  It’s not the first time I’ve been jealous of their easy relationship. I play it cool, but I’m upset Lucas didn’t bother to call me. He is clearly still upset, and this is his way of getting back at me. Maybe he’s been busy with paybacks. My stomach churns at the idea of him being with someone else. I don’t have any experience dealing with the emotions I have for him. I suddenly want to go home. My home.

  We arrive close to the pre-arranged time, and Andy drives around the side of the building. The parking lot is packed. He pulls into a reserved parking space with a black Porsche in the next space over. Lucas leans against the car, waiting for us.

  He looks unbelievably handsome, as usual. Pushing away from the Porsche, he opens my door and holds out his hand. I hesitate, looking into his beautiful eyes. A corner of his mouth lifts, and I have trouble catching my breath. “Sofie.” He says my name in that way only he does.

  After I place my hand in his, he pulls me from the car into his arms. He curves his hand around my nape and bends his head until his mouth is near my ear. “You look beautiful.” His voice is rich and deep. He greets Emma Rae and Andy as we step toward the building.

  A side door opens for us. A large man, presumably a bouncer, wearing a black T-shirt and jeans greets us. “Good evening, Mr. Santiago.”

  “Tony,” Lucas says, “this is Miss Reece.”

  “Miss Reece.” Tony tips his head politely, and I give him a smile. “Right this way, please.”

  As we follow him, Lucas keeps me close to his side. I look around, surprised the club is so large. Large, and packed with people. It’s staggering when I consider that most of these people are probably supernaturally inclined.

  Colored lights shine on the stage where a band plays, strobing back and forth. The dance floor looks as if it’s made of some type of translucent material. It’s lit from underneath, giving the floor’s honeycomb pattern a pink-and-blue effect. The bar, dimly lit, has mirrors across the back wall that pick up the lights flashing on the stage. The rest of the interior is semi-dark. And noisy. The music is loud, and everyone seems to be having a good time.

  Several dancers are on the floor, but the band suddenly switches songs and plays a vampire song I recognize as one done by the group Concrete Blonde. The dance floor quickly fills with people moving to the hypnotic beat. Tony leads us around the dance floor to a large table facing the dancers. It’s probably the best-situated table in the whole bar. I notice people turning to look at us, and I even notice a couple of pointed fingers.

  Andy and Emma Rae leave us to dance after dropping their coats. Lucas helps me with my wrap, moving his hand over the skin on my back, sending goose bumps over my body. As I sit down, he leans over and says, “You look gorgeous.” His lips settle on the pulse point on the side of my neck while his hand caresses the other side. I sigh, biting my lip as I tilt my head to give him better access. I close my eyes and breathe in his scent.

  When he releases me, I notice several people watching his display of affection. Lucas sits down after taking off his leather jacket. He’s wearing nice black jeans and a white, long-sleeved shirt. I wonder where he changed, but I ignore any suspicion when I notice his neck exposed by the undone top buttons of his shirt. A sudden desire to lean into him and snuggle my nose and mouth against that neck leave me with a deep yearning. I tear my eyes away and look into his face. He watches me from under his lashes.

  “Mr. Santiago?” We both look up at a young woman in an understated, elegant black dress. “May I take your coats?”

  After she leaves, Lucas grabs my chair with his foot and pulls me closer. He gives me a wolfish grin. I smile hesitantly. He has me so confused, I don’t know
if I’m coming or going.

  Another young woman, in a more revealing but equally tasteful black dress, arrives at our table. “May I get you something to drink, Mr. Santiago, Miss Reece?”

  He leans close to me. “What sounds good, my sweet?”

  I order wine for Emma Rae and myself. Lucas asks for a bottle of tequila and four glasses. He gives me a lazy, devastating smile, making me feel lightheaded. I have to look away to keep from jumping him.

  Lucas leans closer. His warm breath touches my ear, making me shiver. “Dance with me.”

  I look at the dance floor and the people swaying to the sultry beat. “No, thank you.” I need to chill out a little, be a little less self-conscious before I can dance.

  “Are you afraid of being too close to me?” His voice is dark, his eyes piercing when I look at him. His voice sounds arrogant. “What? You’re here—but you don’t have to enjoy yourself?”

  “No! I mean... no, that’s not it.” I meet his dark gaze.

  He stands, holding his hand out. “Humor me.” His voice is deep, husky, and my breath catches as I take his hand. He leads me onto the dance floor and takes me into his arms. My heart starts pounding, hard and fast. “Are you all right?” he asks, gazing down at me.

  I nod, not trusting my voice. We fit together well on the dance floor. It seems we fit together well just about anywhere.

  “I love your dress,” his dark voice vibrates in my ear.

  “Thank you.” My voice doesn’t want to work right. It comes out all soft and fluttery.

  His hand strokes the skin on my back. “You smell wonderful.” He kisses the top of my head. “Sweet.” His voice caresses my skin and I sigh, pressing closer. His arms tighten around me, and I shift against him, feeling better than I have all day.

  He chuckles softly by my ear as he feels the tension leave me. “Better?” I hear the smile in his voice.

  I sigh. “Much.” I snuggle as close as I can while still dancing. His low laugh vibrates through my body. I tease, “My warden decided to let me out for the evening.”