by Cate Dean
“Practicing,” he muttered, and pulled her back against his chest.
Skin on skin, he teased her, slowly drove her to the edge of crazy—
Her cheerful ringtone interrupted, stilling them.
“Let it ring,” he whispered. He kissed her neck, his lips and tongue tasting her skin, heating her faster than a roaring fire.
As much as she wanted him to keep going, she reached up and touched his arm.
“It might be Hank.”
He sighed, and eased his grip on her, enough to let her reach her phone. She froze when she saw the number on the screen. It wasn’t Hank.
“Lidia?” He sat, taking her with him. “Who is it?”
“A voice from my past,” she whispered. Taking a deep breath, she swiped the screen. “Hi, Tami.”
“Lidia—oh, thank heaven. I was terrified that you’d changed your number, or your phone. I wouldn’t blame you—”
“Why did you call, Tami?” If she didn’t interrupt, her best friend would ramble on until she ran out of breath.
“It’s Ned.” Lidia closed her eyes, gripping the phone. “Somehow, he knows where you are. He’s on his way there now.”
Harry curled his body around her, like he felt the surge of panic that threatened to drown her. His presence calmed her, lessened some of the panic.
“—there, Lidia?” Tami’s high-pitched voice snapped her back. It only reached ear shattering when Tami felt out of control. “I need to know you’re okay.”
“I will be. Thanks for the heads up—I really appreciate it.”
“I can fly out there, stay with you.”
“No.” Lidia couldn’t imagine flamboyant, outspoken Tami in the same room with Harry. And she wanted Harry with her, at her side, when she faced Ned one last time. “I don’t want you caught up in this.”
“You know I’ll stand next to you, no matter what.”
Lidia sighed. “I do know. Thanks, Tami, for calling. For everything you did to get me here.”
“Are you happy, sweetie?”
She looked over at Harry, his dark, sun streaked hair tousled, his gaze steady. He was steady, and strong, and exactly what she needed in her life.
“Yes, Tami, I am. I’ll call you later, okay?”
“You better, or I may fly down there anyway. Love you, sweetie.”
“Love you back. Bye.”
She ended the call, and took her time setting the phone on the nightstand. She knew Harry would have questions, and she was still processing what Tami told her.
How did Ned find her? She was so careful to cover her tracks, and she had planned her escape when she knew he would be out of town on business.
Harry’s warm hand spread across her back. “Talk to me, Lidia.”
She swallowed past the panic lodged in her throat. “My ex is on his way. He found me.” Harry gathered her into his arms, rubbing her back. “I don’t know how he found me, Harry. I did everything I could to—”
“Hush,” he murmured, his hand soothing. “You will not face him alone, love.” His hand stilled, and he must have realized what he’d just called her. “Lidia—”
“Say it again.” She lifted her head and met his eyes. “I like the sound of it, being your love.”
He closed his eyes for a second, then lowered his head until his breath warmed her lips. “I have been yours since before the moment I saw you, smiling down at me. I have been terrified that I would chase you away, after learning of your recent troubles.”
“You’re the rock in the middle of all this, Harry. Someone I can hold on to, someone I know won’t desert me when things get rough.” What he’d said hit her. “What do you mean, before you saw me?”
He swallowed, and she was afraid he’d lie, or evade. Instead, he sat, taking her with him.
“The night before we met, I had—I had a dream. About you.”
Shock jolted her.
“I was fighting someone, wasn’t I?” she whispered. “A faceless, hooded figure stealing my power.”
He nodded, and ran one hand through his hair. “I stood in shadow, unable to move, or help. I wanted to stand between you and your nemesis, Lidia. I wanted to protect you—”
“Even if it was just a dream.” She leaned against his chest, his heartbeat soothing her. After hesitating, like he was afraid she’d push him away, his arm wrapped around her. “I felt—someone, and I knew I wasn’t alone. It helped, Harry. It helped me fight, helped me drag myself out of the dream when I couldn’t fight anymore.”
“Lidia.” His heartbeat sped up. “I feared you might think I was—”
“Insane? Delusional? Hardly.” When he let out a shaky breath, she eased back, until she met his eyes. “You’re the best part of my life, of this place. I can’t imagine Nocturne Falls without you.” She reached up and cradled his cheek. “I’m falling for you, Harrison Grey. I hope that doesn’t scare you.”
He answered by kissing her, lowering her to the bed as she wrapped her arm around him. Lidia let herself be drawn into his warmth, his strength. She would need it, and him, when Ned showed his pinched, angry face.
~ * ~
Hank’s call interrupted them, and Harry took the phone from Lidia, informing him that they would be down at the station in an hour. Then he ended the call and tossed the phone at the nightstand.
Lidia caught it before it tumbled to the floor, and set it next to the lamp before she turned to face him.
“Hank knows you’re with me.”
“Yes.”
“This is a small town.”
He nodded. “Yes, it is.”
She let out an exasperated sigh. “People are going to talk, Harry.”
His smile warmed her. “I hope so.”
She smiled when kissed her throat, picking up where they left off. She let her head fall back to give him more access, and he rolled her until she was on her back, his weight pressing her into the bed.
“We only have an hour, Harry.”
He wiggled his eyebrows. “There is much I can do in an hour.”
She burst out laughing—then forgot everything as his lips cut off her laughter.
~ * ~
Once she could think straight, she eased out of bed, letting him sleep, and headed for the bathroom. An angry yowl had her changing direction, running to the door. She opened it enough to squeeze through, and closed it before Max could shoot inside.
“Sorry, old man. I have company in there.” She sat and pulled Max into her lap, rubbing him behind the ears. “I know it’s fast, but I’m falling in love with him, Max. I think he might feel the same. I need him, as much as I need you, grumpy.” He butted her with his head, and she smiled, knowing she had been forgiven. For now.
“Thanks, Max. I have to take a shower, but let’s get you some breakfast first.”
He meowed in agreement, and ran down the stairs, waiting for her when she reached the kitchen. Lidia opened a can of his favorite cat meal, and dumped it in his new bowl, setting the bowl next to his water.
“Enjoy, sweet boy.”
She sensed Harry just before he wrapped his arms around her, so solid, so strong as he pulled her in.
“Good morning,” he whispered, kissing his way from her sensitive earlobe down to her throat. She let out a sigh and relaxed against him. “Do we have time for our breakfast?”
“Not if I want to take a shower. But you can eat while I’m doing that. I’ll grab something for the road.”
“We will both grab something for the road.” He turned her, and walked her toward the stairs. “I could do with a shower myself.”
“What about your bandage...” Her voice faded when she turned in his arms and saw his left side. He had removed the bandage at some point—and all that remained of the nasty claw marks were three faded red streaks. “Harry—”
“It took most of the night.” He pressed her hovering hand to the newly healed skin. “I will need another day or so to recover my strength. Stop frowning, Lidia—what happened bet
ween us did not affect my recovery. Quite the opposite.” He raised her hand to his lips, and she shivered when he kissed her palm. “You have renewed my spirit, and my belief.”
“Oh, Harry.”
He kissed her before she could say something sappy and over the top.
“A quick shower?” he asked.
“Separate bathrooms.” She pointed her finger as he sputtered a protest. “We’ll never get to the station on time if we end up in the same shower.”
“Good point.” He kissed her again, until her knees threatened to buckle, then let go, forcing her to grab for the nearest wall. “Go take your shower, my beautiful Lidia. I will use the bathroom down here.”
He disappeared into the kitchen before she could protest. Max protested for her, yowling until Harry had obviously retreated to the bathroom at the end of the short hallway.
Lidia smiled, and made her way upstairs, her legs still shaky. She had never been attracted to the quiet, stable type. Now, she knew that along with it, she got the strength, the loyalty, and the good heart. Men like Ned were part of her old life, for good.
She couldn’t wait to tell him, and boot him out of her new, happy life.
~ * ~
Harrison tucked Lidia’s hand in the crook of his arm as they walked through town, proud, and happier than he had ever hoped to be.
They had obstacles to overcome, but he was confident that they would face them, together, and be stronger for it.
The police station appeared before he was ready to relinquish her. But he knew she would want to stand on her own for this, and freed her hand, opening the door for her.
“Thank you, Harry.” She paused, looking up at him, her grey eyes serious. “For everything.”
His voice lodged in his throat, and he lost the chance to say what was in his heart. He followed her inside, and braced himself for the confrontation with Jared. There would be time later to tell Lidia that he was in love with her, and in a more appropriate place.
Hank greeted them, looking grim.
“I’m sorry, Lidia, Harrison. I had to let Jared go.”
“What?” She sounded more angry than scared. “Why?”
“His father stormed in last night, and forced me to set bail, which he promptly paid. In cash.”
“I thought he had to go through the system before he could do any of that.”
“Small town.” Hank sighed, rubbing his forehead. “And Jared’s father has enough leverage to get things done. I’m sorry—if you still want to make a statement, I’ll make sure he answers for his assault on you and Harrison.”
Lidia seemed to deflate. It hurt Harrison to watch her lose the spark that made her vivacious. “Can I think about it?”
“Not too long, but yes. I’ll need your answer by the end of the day.”
“Thank you. I’ll let you know before then.” She turned, and looked surprised to see Harrison behind her. “I’m sorry, Harry. I need to go.”
Before he could stop her, she pushed past him and ran outside.
“Thank you, Hank. I will keep her safe.”
Hank nodded. “I don’t doubt it for a second.”
Harrison ran after Lidia. He didn’t need to go far; she had stopped at the corner, cradling her left arm, tears sliding down her face. Afraid to scare her, he stopped just out of arm’s reach, where she could see him.
“I am sorry this happened, Lidia.”
She nodded, and wiped at her face. “I hate crying. I’m an ugly crier.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Excuse me?”
She sighed, and turned to him. “You know, someone who looks ugly when they cry. I know women who cry with such grace, it’s like a gift. I always look like someone punched me.”
“You are beautiful, Lidia, no matter what you happen to be doing.”
“What did I do to deserve you, Harry?”
He took a chance and moved to her side, cradling her cheek. “You smiled at me, Lidia.”
With a sigh, she leaned into him, more tears spilling down her cheeks. He wiped them away, and wrapped his arms around her when she started crying in earnest.
He kissed her forehead, and whispered against her hair. “I’m going to take you home.”
“No.” She sniffed, and accepted the handkerchief he offered, smiling up at him. “I should have known you’d carry the real thing.” She blew her nose, and tucked the handkerchief in her coat pocket. “I’ll wash it and get it back to you.”
“You can keep it. Let me take you home, Lidia.”
“I’ll be fine. Why don’t you meet me there later? You have a store to open.”
“I am not stepping foot in my shop until I know you’re safe.”
“Ned—right.” Her sigh had him sliding his arm around her waist. “I almost forgot about him invading my life again. I still have time. Even if he hopped on the first plane this morning, he won’t be here for hours.” She ran one hand through her hair, still damp from her shower. “Let me get cleaned up, you take care of what you need to at the shop, and we can regroup at my house.”
Harrison didn’t like leaving her alone for one moment, but he nodded. “I will not be long. An hour at the most.”
“I’ll have a late breakfast ready when you get there.” She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. “Then we can figure out what to do for the rest of the day.”
He blinked, not certain she meant what he thought she meant, until he met her eyes. Amusement sparkled in the grey depths, and the weight on his heart eased. The Lidia he loved was back, even with all she faced.
“I will think hard on it,” he whispered. Then, not caring if the entire town saw, he kissed her, letting her know how much he cared, how important she was to him.
When he freed her, she stared up at him, dazed and flushed.
“Wow.” She touched her lips, and he wanted to kiss her again. “Who knew good boys could kiss like bad boys?” She winked at him, and made her way across the street, looking over her shoulder every few steps. He waited, watching her. “Go,” she said, her voice carrying across the street. Harrison was aware of every tourist, every local on the street staring at them. For the first time, he didn’t shy away from the attention. “Do what you need to do.” A smile tugged at her lips, and he knew her next words were about to change his life. “I’ll see you at home, Harry.”
She blew him a kiss, and disappeared around the corner.
“You’re a lucky man.” The feminine voice startled him. He turned around, and found the Fae, Willa Iscove, behind him, her eyes dancing. “And she’s lucky to have a man standing at her side. Especially now.” She touched his arm, and he felt warmth spread through him. “Take care of each other, Harrison.”
“Thank you.”
She nodded at him, and continued down the sidewalk.
Harrison took a deep breath, and headed for his shop. He was a lucky man—and he would do whatever it took to keep Lidia safe.
Even if that something meant facing off with her past.
Ten
Lidia felt calmer after walking home.
She wasn’t alone anymore. For the first time in years—maybe ever, she was with a man she really believed in. A man she knew would stand beside her, no matter what came at them.
She ran up the porch steps, digging her keys out of her pocket. Max would get some spoil time before she started making a late breakfast for Harry. If Max was lucky, he might get his own share of the bacon she planned to—
“Hello, Lidia.”
She stumbled to a halt, turning toward the familiar voice. He stepped out of the shadows of the deep porch, one hand in his pocket.
“Ned,” she whispered. “You can’t be here—how are you here?”
“A friend with a private plane. What did you do to your hair?” He almost wailed the last word, and she fought a satisfied smile.
“I cut it, to suit me.”
“You butchered it! All that beautiful hair, gone.”
She was already exhausted, and he’d o
nly been here a couple of minutes. “Get over yourself, Ned.”
“Aren’t you happy to see me?”
“I’ll never be happy to see you.” She ran down the steps—and let out a raw cry when he grabbed her.
Ned clapped one hand over her mouth and carried her back up to the porch, pushing the door open with his shoulder.
How did he—
She was too angry to finish the thought. This man dared to invade her home—
A muffled yowl had her fighting in his grip. He let her go and backed out of punching range.
“Where is Max?”
“I put him out.” Ned wrinkled his nose. “Filthy animal shouldn’t be in the house, Lidia. How many times have we had this discussion?”
“My house,” she said, gritting her teeth on a curse. “How dare you waltz in here like you think you belong. I want you out, Ned. Now.”
She pointed to the front door, hoping her arm didn’t shake. She was beyond furious.
“I came to reason with you, Lidia. To bring you home, where you belong.”
She took a deep breath, counted to ten. “This is my home. It’s time for you to get out, because you’re not welcome.”
He sighed. “I was afraid you might react this way. I didn’t want to force you, Lidia, but if that’s what it takes,” he slipped his hand into his trouser pocket. “Then I’m willing to do it.”
He pulled out a small white stone and held it out.
Lidia recoiled, recognizing the stone. It was the one from her dream. She could feel the same pull of the spell imbedded in the stone. A spell designed to draw a witch’s power.
“It was you,” she said. “Why?”
“Your power was coming between us, keeping you busy when I needed you. I thought if you didn’t have it anymore, you’d need me. To protect you, to love you, like I want to.”
“You thought—” She couldn’t comprehend his twisted reasoning. “You stole the most important part of me, because you thought I was ignoring you?”
He stared at her. “I didn’t steal it. She told me it would just make you less of a witch.”
“Ned.” Lidia forced herself to speak calmly. “My magic is fading, disappearing. What did you think she meant?” And what witch was he talking about? Who hated her enough to cast this spell, knowing exactly what it would do to her?
