by Deanna Chase
I swallowed. “I don’t know. She just…disappeared.”
“Abducted?” Kane grabbed my hand and squeezed. “No trace or anything?”
“No traces.” I pursed my lips together. I really didn’t want to talk about this. “It’s been a long time. Like I said, Kat is my family now.”
“That’s why you moved here?”
“Mostly.”
He raised his hand to my face and leaned in brushing my lips with his. “I’m really glad you’re here.”
I gave him a sad smile and looked back at Pyper. “I’ve been wondering about something.”
He raised an eyebrow and waited.
“Have you tried dreamwalking her?” I asked softly.
Kane’s face softened as he took in what I said. “I hadn’t thought of that. Do you think it would work for a coma patient?”
“No idea, but I’m not so sure she’s in a coma. At least, the way the doctors define one. This is something different. I don’t know what, though.”
“I haven’t really slept much since this happened. But I suppose it’s worth a try.” He turned back to Pyper, clasped both hands around her right one and rested his chin on top of his knuckles. “I’ll see you soon, love,” he said to her.
I suddenly felt like an intruder and quietly let myself out of the room. On the way to the nurses’ station I ran into Holly. “Hey.”
Holly’s eyes sagged with lack of sleep, and their redness indicated she’d been crying again. “Any change?” She sniffed.
“No, not really. Kane’s with her now. Do you want to join me for coffee?”
“I don’t think I could drink one more cup.” She held her hands up. “See how jittery they are? Way too much caffeine.”
“I think tomorrow after the first pot we should switch you to decaf.” I guided her toward the vending machine and bought her a package of crackers. “Maybe these will soak it up a little.”
We sat on the hard plastic chairs in the sterile waiting room.
“Thank you.” Holly stared at the package.
“It’s really not a big deal. Don’t worry about it.”
She looked up at me. “Not the crackers. I meant for all you’re doing to help Pyper with the café and the club. She doesn’t have a lot of people to count on, you know.”
Her statement startled me into momentary silence. I’d been rotating duties with Holly and Charlie at both The Grind and Wicked, to cover for Pyper and Kane. I blinked and said. “You’re welcome, but she does have people. You, Charlie and Kane come to mind pretty quickly. That’s more than a lot of people I know.”
She fiddled with the plastic wrapper on her crackers before answering. “I haven’t been very friendly toward you.”
I continued to watch her. The statement was true. I didn’t know what to say.
“I just wanted to say I’m sorry.” With her face set in determination, she met my gaze. “I was jealous. I have no excuse.”
“Oh. I sort of thought it had to do with Kane. It’s okay, I understand.”
“Kane?” She laughed. “Oh no, not because of him.” Her laugh turned into a schoolgirl giggle. “Because of the time you were spending with Pyper.”
“Pyper? Why?” Did Holly have a crush on Pyper? That made no sense. She was giddy when she’d mistaken us for a couple.
She shrugged one shoulder. “Pyper’s my closest friend. The closest one I’ve ever had actually, and when you two started spending so much time together I just assumed you were becoming a couple. She doesn’t get close to people easily. But when…”
“When you realized Pyper and I were just friends, you were afraid I’d take her away from you?” I finished for her.
“Yes,” she said. “It’s stupid I know. I don’t have a lot of experience with female friendships.”
Apparently today was the day for confessions. I put on what I hoped was a reassuring smile and peered into her eyes. “We all have insecurities. I understand, but I think you should give Pyper more credit than that. She has room in her heart for more than just one person.”
She smiled back at me. “I know. And I see what a great friend you’ve been to her. I hope one day you and I can be good friends too.”
Movement in the corridor caught my attention. I stood. “I think we’re already on our way. Here comes Kane. Why don’t you go see Pyper now?”
Kane reached my side just as Holly waved and took off down the corridor.
“What were you two chatting about?” he asked.
“Just clearing up a few things. Ready?”
He nodded and took my hand as we left the building.
I propped my feet on the coffee table in Pyper’s apartment. We’d decided it would be better to be in her space when Kane tried to connect with her.
“We could order some takeout.” I said, closing my eyes and relaxing into the overstuffed cushions. Kane hadn’t eaten anything but cafeteria food in days, and I certainly didn’t have the energy to cook.
“That’s a good plan.” A moment later I heard him order a pizza. Worked for me. “It’ll be here in thirty minutes,” he said.
“Thanks.” I opened my eyes and smiled when I saw him sitting exactly as I was in the chair beside me. “Mind if I borrow your shower?”
He opened one eye and his lips quirked up in a half smile. “Want some company?”
My smile blossomed into a grin. “Someone needs to wait for the pizza.”
“Damn.”
I left him with a mournful expression on his face and took my time in the water, letting the hot stream soothe my aching muscles. When the water turned tepid, I reluctantly turned off the tap and reached for the oversized bath sheet. That’s when my phone started to ring. I wrapped my dripping hair in the towel before making my way to the bedroom, where my phone lay on Kane’s dresser.
“Yeah?”
“Oh good, I caught you,” Kat said. “I just got off the phone with Ian.”
“Finally. Where the hell has he been?”
“With his aunt. Apparently they went to consult a paranormal expert and got caught in a ghost hunt. All of the electronic equipment went haywire, including his cell phone. He hasn’t been able to reach anyone for five days. He just got our messages. He says he’ll be back in town late tonight.”
“Okay. I’m not sure what good he’ll be to us now. But at least we don’t have to worry about him.” I wrapped my free arm around my bare body, chilled from the air conditioner.
“He feels terrible and says he might be able to help. Apparently he learned some new tricks.” Kat chuckled. “He sounds like a boy at Christmas.”
“Boys. All right, then. Kane’s going to try to dreamwalk Pyper tonight. We’re hoping it might help us understand what’s going on.”
“That’s a great idea. I’ll get Ian to come by in the morning.”
“Sounds good.” A door clicked shut in the other room. “Dinner is here. I better go.”
“Later.”
I flipped the phone shut and as I started to make my way back into the bathroom, the bedroom door opened.
Kane filled the doorway and froze. His gaze roamed the entire length of my bare body. Twice. Then his eyes met mine. “Sorry. I thought you’d be in the bathroom.”
I stood still, like a deer caught in headlights.
He walked into the room, never taking his eyes off mine. “Dinner’s ready.”
I gulped as his eyes turned from cinnamon-speckled mocha to molten chocolate. “All right,” I said, my voice barely audible.
He choked out an oath, his voice as rough as his hands when he grabbed my hips, yanking me to his solid frame. Our lips met in a crush of impatience. Need clutched at my heart as it pumped rapidly, threatening to jump out of my chest. I wanted this. I wanted him like I’d never wanted anyone before.
My impatient hands found their way under his shirt as he pushed me up against the wall. I pressed the length of my body closer, desperately trying to fuse with his.
“I’m at a disadvan
tage here,” I whispered against his lips.
I felt his slow wry smile just before he kissed me again and moved my hand to the fly of his jeans. “Do something about it.”
I rose to the challenge, flipping the button open with my thumb and forefinger. He stilled as I undid the zipper. With one stroke of my hand over his silky shaft, he groaned. Heat shot to my center. I placed both hands on his hips and yanked down, stripping him of his jeans.
I consciously did everything I could to keep his emotions from merging with mine. Once that happened I’d be lost at sea, overwhelmed by the tide of his desire. I wanted to feel his strong hands and muscular body, to get lost in all the delicious little details of his exploration. Like right now, the way he gently held my nipple in his teeth while the tip of his tongue teased.
I pressed my back to the wall, arching my hips against his full erection. A deep, satisfied chuckle rumbled in his throat. Humorous, was it? We’d see about that. His lips trailed a line of kisses up my collarbone. I shifted, making space between us, then placed one hand around his neck and the other around the base of his cock. His lips froze mid-kiss. I stroked the length of him until his hips moved in rhythm with me.
It was my turn to chuckle. Not so funny now.
His kisses resumed, more savage than before, and my body lit like crackling fire. A moment later he produced a condom from the nearby dresser.
Thank heaven for the prepared.
His hands moved to my ass, boosting me up, and I wrapped my legs around his hips. The tip of him pressed at my opening. Our eyes met for two long beats. The intensity broke though my defenses and as his unrelenting desire flooded my core, he rocked his hips and entered me.
A cry of pleasure ripped from me as I came almost instantly. I held on, letting myself ride Kane’s desire as he pounded into me, over and over, bringing me once again to the edge. Until this time we shuddered together.
“Lord, help me.” His lips were pressed against my neck, muffling his voice.
“I think it’s too late for that.”
He pulled back and grinned. “I’m going to need some for the next round.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Greedy.”
“Yes.” He set me back on my feet and stepped backward, pulling me with him. “I need to lie down.”
I stopped, rooted to the floor, and stared over his shoulder.
Slowly he turned toward the direction of my gaze.
“Do you see that?” I asked.
“Yes.”
Chapter 20
Kane moved, shielding me from the ghost as I grabbed the discarded towel. I covered up and peered over his shoulder. A red/orange rage illuminated from Bobby, gripping my interior like a vice.
I stumbled forward and held onto Kane’s shoulder with one hand, trying to stay conscious. He tensed. Protectiveness flowed from him, easing Bobby’s emotional hold on me. Sighing in relief, I moved to Kane’s side. He radiated disapproval. I squeezed his arm. “It’s all right. Just stay next to me. Your emotions help.”
Uncertainty flashed over his face, but he nodded.
The energy around Bobby turned a deeper red as his rage grew out of control. I clutched Kane’s arm as a tremor of terror ran up my spine. Determined, I took a small step and stared into Bobby’s eyes.
In a quiet voice, I spoke. “Bobby, stop this. I am not your wife. I know I look like her, but I do not belong to you. I belong with Kane.”
Kane’s pleasure seeped through the fierce protective vibe he had going on, strengthening my resolve.
The rage stronghold had begun to fade, but as Bobby turned to Kane, a fresh wave of angry possessiveness lashed out, making my knees buckle.
“Stop it!” I yelled. “Even if I was who you think I am, is this how you’d treat your wife? Is this how you treat someone you love?” I hugged my arms to myself, trying to see past the pain searing though my chest. “Please, just let me have my life.”
Kane’s arms wrapped around me, and a fresh wave of his affection circled me in a gentle caress. Bobby’s hold on me vanished. I reached around Kane’s torso and stared at him with wide eyes. “How did you do that?”
“What?”
“Your energy replaced his. He isn’t affecting me right now.”
His eyes searched mine. “It must be because you belong with me.” He tilted his head, tightened his hold and gave me a slow lingering kiss that made my toes curl in pleasure. I leaned into him, cherishing the tenderness of the moment. When we broke apart I let out a soft sigh and leaned my head on his chest. Kane stroked my hair and whispered, “He’s gone.”
“I know.”
“Come on. You need to eat.” Kane took a few steps back, deeper into the bedroom.
“But the pizza is out there.” I pointed toward the door.
“Yes, but I really need a shower first, and I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
I laughed. “I knew you’d find a way to get me in the shower.”
He grinned and pulled me along after him.
After a second round of lovemaking, we finally emerged flushed and smelling of the rainforest.
“I’m starving,” I said as I placed a full plate of pizza in the microwave.
Kane picked up a cold piece and ate half of it while pulling two beers from the refrigerator.
“Yuck. I love pizza, but cold pizza is just not right.”
“What? You can’t be serious. Besides, I can’t wait. Someone used up all my reserves.”
I chuckled when he leaned in to nuzzle my neck. “Stop. Go into the living room. I’ll meet you there with warm pizza in hand.”
The microwave dinged, and I switched the plates.
“You go. I’ll be right behind you.” Kane handed me the beer bottle and gave me a tiny shove.
With the pizza in one hand and a Guinness in the other, I curled my feet under me and sank into the couch. I’d finished two pieces by the time Kane appeared. He lifted an eyebrow. “Must have had a good workout.”
“Something like that,” I said between bites.
We ate in companionable silence. When the last slice of pizza was gone, I grabbed both plates and took them to the kitchen. It didn’t take long to load the dishwasher and clean the counters, but desperate to avoid the upcoming conversation I moved on to scrubbing the sink. By the time Kane came to find me, I’d cleaned the stovetop, wiped down the appliances and had moved on to sweeping the floor.
“What are you doing?” he asked.
“Just a little cleanup.”
“A little?” His eyebrows rose as he looked around at the sparkling kitchen. “Are you cleaning out the refrigerator next?”
“Uh…no.” I put the broom back in the closet.
Kane smiled and took my hand. “Thank you, but that wasn’t necessary.”
I shrugged and let him lead me to the living room.
“All right, what is it you don’t want to talk about?” he asked after pulling me down on the sofa next to him.
I shook my head. “I can’t keep any secrets from you.” How did he do that? It must be some kind of special gift. Only, not a weird psychic or dreamwalker gift. Just a natural gift of perception.
“It’s hard to hide from the people who love you.” He wrapped his arm around me and pulled my head to his shoulder.
Love. There it was. I knew he loved me. I could feel it just as I felt the love growing in my heart for him. A lump clogged my throat and I took a shaky breath. “I’m sorry I hid my ability from you.”
“It’s all right. I understand.”
I sat up, unwrapping myself from his embrace. “It’s really not okay. I wasn’t honest with you, and considering how hard I was on you after you told me about the dreamwalking, I can’t understand why you aren’t more upset.”
“Maybe it’s because I knew about your ability. You didn’t tell me, but I felt it and knew what I was getting into. Plus, you weren’t influencing the way I felt about you.”
“But you weren’t upset when I wasn’t hones
t with you. Why?”
“Is it so hard for you to understand?” He tilted my head to look in my eyes. “I know what it feels like to have people run from me due to my ability. I already knew why you didn’t tell me.”
My heart squeezed. He’d known his share of rejection, just as I had, due to something neither of us could control. And what did I do right after he told me about his gift? I ran. “I’m so sorry.” I tore my gaze away and focused on our clasped hands. “I hurt you.”
“I deserved it.” I could hear the smile in his voice. “But you should know I really didn’t dreamwalk you on purpose. My subconscious took me there and was in charge in my dreams…at least at first. So everything that happened, well, I didn’t control it. It’s just what I secretly wanted.” He paused and his voice hitched. “And my emotions…those were real.”
I lifted my gaze to really study him. “You were never trying to manipulate me.” It wasn’t a question, but he answered with a shake of his head.
“I love you, Jade.” His hand tightened on mine. “I want you as my partner, my friend, my lover. But I only want you if you want me the same way. I wouldn’t try to trick you into anything, or expect you to be anything other than who and what you are. That isn’t who I am.”
“I know,” I said with intensity. “I know that isn’t who you are.”
He pulled me into his lap and held me close. “So what do you say?”
Joy spread and filled all the empty corners of my being. “I love you, too.”
Kane’s arms tightened around me, while his lips brushed mine. I leaned into him, hugging tight and sank into the kiss. When I pulled back, the softness of his eyes matched the tenderness escaping from his being.
I snuggled back into his chest and rested my head on his shoulder. “We need to talk about Pyper.”
“All right.”
“I feel guilty being happy about us when she needs help.” I buried my head deeper, as if to hide from myself.
“Don’t. I know Pyper and she’ll be thrilled for us, no matter how or when this came about.” He stroked my back.
“I know. It’s not that. It’s because I don’t know how to help her. At the calling Lailah did,” I cringed at the use of her name, “the vision of the so-called ‘goddess’ said I needed to change things. That I held the power to alter the course now set. I don’t know what that means. I don’t know what I can do, other than try to reach her emotional energy. And that isn’t working.”
