“Not if you stop talking. I can’t believe he went into the dressing room to get it on with her.” Julie giggled again.
Mia walked up from behind. “What are you doing?”
Julie whirled around. “Oh, Mia. I was just …nothing.”
Frowning, Mia looked at the door. “Is Caylee still in there?”
“Yes,” Julie answered.
Mia knocked on the door. “Caylee, open the door.”
Julie shook her head. “I don’t think she wants to.”
Mia gaze narrowed on the door. “Why?” She grabbed Julie’s arm. “Where the hell is Haden?”
“He’s in there with her.”
“Oh, hell. Are you okay, Caylee?” Mia pounded her fist against the door. “Open the damn door!” She rattled the doorknob, and then turned to Julie. “Are you sure they’re in there?”
“Yes.”
“Get me the key.”
Julie shook her head. “She said she’s okay. I think they’re having sex. Besides, I don’t know where the key is.”
“The key is behind the counter! Get the damn thing!”
Julie nodded. “You don’t need to yell at me.”
“I’m sorry. I’m not mad at you. I’m just worried. It’s too quiet it there. Just find the key.” Mia watched Julie walk away.
* * *
One moment they were flying, and the next they were in the dressing room. Caylee looked up at Haden. Fury, deep, violent fury filled his eyes, but she had no fear of it, of him. She placed her hand on his chest to push him back. “Thank you.” She felt his heartbeat, steady and strong against her palm. “You were right—it was a beautiful view of the forest.”
Blinking back tears, she slowly lowered her hand to her side. She wanted to talk him out of going after the vampire, but she knew it would do no good to try. She knew he would do what he believed was right. And to him, killing the vampire was the only way to protect her. Maybe he was right. She honestly didn’t know. But she did know her life wasn’t worth his. “Please, Haden, be safe.”
He took her hand in his. “Your life is far more valuable than mine.” He brought her hand to warmth of his mouth. “But don’t worry about me. I will be safe.”
Looking down at her feet to avoid his gaze, she pulled her hand free. “Goodbye.”
“No. Not goodbye. Never goodbye. Stay merged with me at all times.” Forcing her to meet his gaze, he lifted her face. “I’m serious—stay merged with me. I love you, Caylee.” He paused for a long moment. “With every ounce of my heart and soul, I love you.” He bent his head to kiss her.
* * *
Mia pressed her ear against the door. She could hear Haden and Caylee whispering, but she couldn’t make out what they were saying. She knew something was wrong. Caylee would’ve answered her. Julie handed Mia the key. “Thank you, Julie.”
Nodding, Julie sat next to Brianna on the couch. Mia unlocked and opened the door. She was more relieved than embarrassed to catch them kissing. “Caylee, why didn’t you answer me?”
Caylee jumped out of Haden’s arms and turned to face Mia. “I didn’t hear you.”
Taking a step back to give them room, Mia glared at Haden as he wrapped his arm around Caylee and led her out of the dressing room. He was smiling, looking far too pleased with himself for her liking. “I seriously doubt it was that good.”
“Mia.” Caylee shook her head.
“The dress is perfect, Caylee. You look damn hot in it.”
“Absolutely wickedly hot.” Haden pulled Caylee into his arms to kiss her. I love you, Caylee. Keep in mind I will come back to you immediately if you don’t stay merged with me. He reluctantly released her and left. He didn’t want to leave her there. In fact, everything in him was screaming at him, demanding he take her away by force, but he was certain it would be mistake. She needed to come to him willingly. Using force would cause her to fear him, and he couldn’t permit her to harbor any fear of him. He planned to destroy Paul so she was safe and he could fully concentrate on dealing with getting rid of Phillip and Emmett.
* * *
A few hours later Caylee returned home.
“Where the hell have you been?” Emmett shouted. Caylee slowly closed the door, taking a moment to make sure her mind was disconnected from Haden, and then she turned to face her uncle. “I’ve been waiting for hours.”
“I was in town.” Her voice was barely audible. Her throat felt as if it had collapsed, so she placed her hand over it. Her pulse raced. She couldn’t catch her breath.
“What the hell were you doing?”
Wide-eyed and speechless, she fought to seize the strength and courage to respond.
“Answer me!”
Shivering, she swallowed hard. “I went to see Mia.” She took a deep breath.
“Is that right?”
“Yes.” Her heart raced madly. Knowing Haden was close by, she kept a barricade over her mind against his intrusion. He would rush to defend her if he realized she was in danger. She needed to prevent it. In the past, Emmett had physically attacked her, but it had been months since he last struck her because she carefully avoided stumbling onto the triggers of his rage.
Lowering his brow, he was silent for a moment as he glared at her. “Do you’ve any idea how late it is?”
“I know it’s late. I’m sorry, Uncle Emmett.”
Nodding, he lowered his heavily wrinkled brow even more. He leaned against the back of the chair. “Phillip was here to see you today.” Leaning forward, he rubbed his chin. “He doesn’t like you hanging out with Mia. She’s trouble.”
“She’s my best friend.”
“Settling for you, Phillip has every right to expect you to honor his wishes. You won’t see her again. You know how particular he is concerning you’re behavior.”
She thought of Haden. Something inside her snapped. “I’ve given this marriage some thought. I don’t want to marry Phillip. We’re complete strangers—besides, he’s a much older man.”
Clenching his fists, Emmett glared at her from across the table. “You don’t have a choice.” Why? She could feel the color draining from her face. Why had she opened her mouth? She stared into his eyes. For several seconds everything was frighteningly still and silent. She knew it was coming. He sat there glaring at her. The depths of his rage and hatred nearly caused her heart to stop. She wished he would scream or even strike her. Any response, any at all, would’ve been better than none at all.
He stood up. “You worthless bitch!” Throwing his chair back against the wall, he lunged in her direction. She glanced at the door. Haden would protect her. She reached for the door. Her fingertips grazed the handle as her body was thrown to the floor. She stood up on trembling legs. Emmett slammed his fist against the wall, narrowly missing her head. He grabbed a handful of her hair and pulled her away from the door. Reaching up, she tried to loosen his grip.
He threw her to the ground. With her hair still tangled in his fist, he leaned over her. “You’re a filthy, ungrateful whore!” He jerked her head back and forth. “I’ve taken care of your ass this last year!” He ripped his hand free. “Look at me, bitch!”
Shocked, she gasped and then, reaching for her head, she turned and looked up at him.
“I’ve kept your secret!” He backhanded her.
Holding her hand over her face, she glanced, tears blurring her vision, at the door and started to stand up.
“You’re not going anywhere.” He grabbed her shoulder and shoved her down. “Do you want everyone to know what you’ve done?” Forcing her to look at him, he grabbed her hair. “Do you want everyone to know you’re nothing but a filthy whore?” He let go of her hair.
Whimpering, she bowed her head.
“Look at me!”
Looking up at him, she raised her hands to shield herself from another blow.
“Phillip intends to announce your engagement in the next few weeks. You will stay away from Mia, do you understand?” Taking a step backward, he lowered his head and scowled at he
r.
Nodding, she slowly stood up. He stepped nearer.
“Answer me!” Saliva spewed from his mouth and splattered onto her face.
“Yes.” She wiped the moisture from her face. “I understand.”
He shoved her to the floor and walked past her. Then, swearing beneath his breath, he stomped down the hall in the direction of his room. She stared at the front door, hot tears streaming down her face. Luckily, she had been able to keep her mind closed to Haden. He hadn’t seen the attack—if he had, he would’ve barged in to protect her. But if he discovered the truth he would despise her. She stood up, secured the lock on the door, turned the lights off throughout the house, and then fled to the solitude of her room.
* * *
While searching for Paul, Haden started to get distracted by a feeling of uneasiness. It didn’t help that every time he reached for Caylee’s mind, he was blocked. He had an overwhelming feeling she was in danger. Fearing he’d missed something and Paul had managed to get to her, he decided to go to her immediately.
As a vapor, he entered Caylee’s house and immediately felt the negative energy of violence. He couldn’t identify the origins of it, but he was certain it had something to do with her uncle. She was clever enough to hide it, knowing he would respond and fearing when he did he would learn too much about her past. How could he prove to her she was wrong? He didn’t blame her for the past. Did he really need to prove anything to her? He could force her to leave with him. In time, she would learn to trust him, knowing he loved her unconditionally.
He entered her bedroom, walked over to the bed, and looked down at her, sleeping soundly. He couldn’t force her to come with him. It would be a terrible mistake. She would fear him rather than trust him. Somehow, he needed to find the strength to wait for a little while longer. He knelt next to the bed and kissed her brow. I love you.
She opened her eyes and started to breathe heavily. Shivering, she pulled her blanket up to her chin. Eyes opened wide, she blindly glanced around the dark room. Trembling, she sat up and turned the bedside lamp on; then, leaving the warmth of her bed, she searched every corner of the room. The entire time she felt the sensation of being watched.
I told you to stay merged with me. Blocking me was a very naughty thing to do.
I don’t always do as I’m told. She took a deep breath and then slowly released a sigh. It’s late. I’m tired. Leave me alone. She didn’t wait for an answer, figuring it would be best to ignore him. The moment the thought entered her mind, she heard his soft laughter in her mind. Irritated, she climbed into the bed, turned off the light, pulled the blankets over her, and closed her eyes.
In spirit form, Haden stretched out next to her, listening to distant cries for help. Paul was on a killing spree. Haden knew he should go out to stop the vampire. For the majority of his existence, he would’ve done it without thought; it was his duty to stop the carnage. But, since Caylee was able to break their mental connection at will, he needed to be near her. The world would have to go on without his help. He was a guardian and protector to no one except for Caylee. She was his only concern now. Nothing else mattered. He couldn’t leave her even if he wanted to. She was weak, vulnerable to death.
She slept soundly, embraced by peace for no longer than an hour, and then she started to thrash around and whimper. Regaining physical form, Haden pulled her nearer. Molding her body against his, he wrapped his arm around her, her body fitting perfectly against his. He whispered soothingly in her ear until he’d chased away every last remnant of the night terror from her dream.
~ Nine ~
CAYLEE WOKE UP slowly, Haden’s enticing, masculine scent filling lungs. She stirred restlessly, her body curiously achy and remarkably warm with his arm wrapped around her and his body so snugly pressed against her backside. “What are you doing!”
She threw her blankets aside, turning to look at him, but he wasn’t beside her. It was just a dream. She should’ve been relieved, but she wasn’t, not really. Resting her head on the pillow, curling her body up in a tight ball, she frowned.
Good morning, little love. Haden’s voice was a deep, warm, seductive whisper in her ear, a tantalizing caress that spread over her flesh. There’s no need to be disappointed, I was here with you in your bed all night, loving you, holding you in my arms.
All night? What if my uncle had seen you? She shook her head. You’re making me crazy. Stay out of my head! Setting her teeth on edge, she heard his laughter mocking her. I’m serious, Haden! Nibbling on her bottom lip, she frowned. You need to find another diversion to entertain yourself. Silently cursing the sliver of sunlight peeking through her curtains, she sat on the edge of her bed.
You’re all the entertainment I can handle. Feeling the heat of his breath on her neck as he whispered, she shivered. Stomach fluttering, her womb clenched. It was all an illusion. He wasn’t even really with her. And he sure as hell wasn’t making her panties damp. He was in her mind, tormenting her. She really hated him. She hated the power he had over her. She was a wreck. Her flesh hurt. Her breasts were way too sensitive and achy.
Why are you doing this? We aren’t right for each other. We both know it’s true. Surely you have other women you could go bother. She waited, but he didn’t respond.
He wouldn’t. Her comment didn’t deserve a response. Besides, at the moment he had his hands quite full dealing with her uncle in the front yard. He’d never had so much trouble gaining a guardian’s consent to allow him to date a woman. Not that he’d ever cared to gain consent in the past. In fact, he didn’t really care if he got her uncle’s consent. He was starting to view her uncle as an enemy. An enemy in need of attention. An enemy he needed to know better.
After several moments, she stood up and walked across the bedroom, and then stared at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were red and swollen, and a small, barely noticeable bruise was forming on her cheek. Reaching up, she ran her fingers through her hair, but getting stuck in the snarled mess she was forced to yank them free. She splashed cold water over her face and then brushed her hair until it was free of knots and tied it back to avoid anymore. Her eyes were still a bit red and swollen, but her hair managed to make a complete recovery. A little makeup and she was good as new. Well, ready to start the day anyway.
Exiting her room, she smelled something burning. She made her way to the kitchen and saw Emmett had left a cast iron skillet on a hot burner. She grabbed the handle, and her flesh sizzled. Gasping, she dropped it.
Standing at the end of the driveway, Haden’s head snapped up, and his gaze locked onto the house. What happened, Caylee?
Using a cloth from the sink, she knelt down, wrapped it around the handle, and picked the skillet up. Nothing happened, Haden. I want you to leave me alone. I’m not kidding—I want you to leave me alone. I never want to see you again. Muttering a few curses beneath her breath, she placed the pan in the sink and filled it with water. And I never want to hear your voice in my head again.
She searched the house, including his room, but Emmett wasn’t there.
Hoping she was alone to go about her day in peace, she decided to look outside. She stepped out onto the porch and shut the door. “Ouch.” Glancing down at her blistered palm she took a step and then looked up.
“No way.” Mouth gaped wide, she went completely still, too startled to even breathe. Haden and Emmett were standing toe to toe, a few hundred yards away. Emmett appeared angry, but Haden appeared amused. Unable to look away, she reached behind her back and placed her hand on the doorknob. Startled by an instant, sharp pain, she gasped loudly.
Haden lifted his head to make eye contact with her. Don’t lie to me. You’re in pain. What happened to your hand?
How could you do this to me? Wide-eyed, she stared at him for a moment; then, with barely noticeable movement, she shook her head and narrowed her gaze on him. What was he trying to do? Reaching behind with her uninjured hand, she tried to turn the knob. I told you to stay away.
Like you, I don’t always follow orders. With a thought, Haden held the door closed. You’re not thinking about going back inside, are you?
She continued to panic; heart bounding too fast, she struggled with the doorknob. Go away!
It’s not happening. Haden held up his hand to silence Emmett. “Wait.”
Emmett frowned. “Wait for what? She’s not going anywhere with you.”
Haden pointed in her direction. “I want to ask her.”
Adrenaline raced through her bloodstream, causing her body to tremble. What are you trying to do? Turning on her heel, she rattled the doorknob but was unable to get the door to open up. “C’mon,” she said as she struggled with the knob, “just open.”
Rage welling up, Haden tilted his head to the side. Her fearful state of mind was unacceptable. He couldn’t stand the sight or the feel of it. His frustration grew quickly, causing lightning to erupt and thunder to rumble in the distance. “She will decide.” Voice elevated, he pointed in her direction.
A cold wind blasted past Caylee. Stop it! She looked up at the darkening sky. You’d better not make it rain! She continued to struggle with the door, but the door didn’t budge an inch. She glanced over her shoulder at Haden and Emmett. Oh God, no. They were both looking at her. I know you’re holding the door shut. Let go of it now! Desperate, she looked at the door and tried to open it, but it still didn’t budge. “This can’t be happening.” She continued to struggle with the door. “Please, just open.”
“No.” Emmett grumbled. “You need to leave.”
“Not until I ask her.”
“Forget it.” Emmett shook his head.
“You want me to leave, right?” Haden rolled his shoulders in a laid-back shrug. “I’m not leaving until I ask her.”
“You’re leaving now.”
“Ask her to join us for a moment.”
“You aren’t going to talk to her.”
The ground trembled beneath Haden’s feet, as he walked toward Caylee. Blood pressure rising, Emmett lunged and grabbed his arm. Eyes flickering from blue to black, Haden turned to face Emmett. “Don’t touch me.” Lightning raced across the sky directly overhead, and thunder echoed.
Eternal Breath of Darkness Page 12
