She laughed and he slipped his hand down between her thighs; soon her laughter changed to moans of delight. He lifted Addie up and turned her toward him as she wrapped her legs around his waist, lowering herself onto him. She quivered at the pleasure of having Cael inside her again as he moved deep within her.
How did he stir such erotic emotions in her? All those desires, somehow missing from her soul, now came to the surface. His possessive hands on her slick hips guided her slowly as he went deeper and deeper, until the rhythm intensified.
He pulled her close, his chest against hers, buried his face in her hair and whispered, “Addison.” The sweet sound of her name spoken in a voice so soft and husky sent an erotic shudder through her body.
They moved together, water sloshing about as they both exploded in a swirl of ecstasy.
She sat against him, resting her head on his shoulder, neither one of them wanting to think about what horrors tomorrow might bring.
***
Down in the brush, Eidolon stood looking up at the low light trickling out the window of Addie’s apartment. He had ventured out to this town on a hunch about Ristéard’s sister. Discovering Maia MacKenna had a niece was indeed an unexpected bonus. When he witnessed her using that pathetic little power of hers he was overjoyed, realizing she must be the offspring of Ristéard, once his close friend, then over time, his greatest adversary. Ristéard had refused to recognize any of his plans and ideas for the future of the Sectorium, leaving Eidolon no choice. Ristéard had to die. Together, they could have had it all.
Addison MacKenna, a secret daughter hidden away all these years. She must have the crystal and the journal hidden somewhere. But now Cael Sheridan was here in his way. He'd take care of him. Patience, he thought. They’ll slip up and when they do, I’ll destroy them. He didn’t see her come or go from her apartment at all last night. Her truck was here—but he was no fool, and soon figured out they’d tricked him. He'll find them and then the fun will begin.
***
Addison’s arms flung out and the lamp went flying across the room waking Cael up from a most pleasant dream after a night of intense sexual gratification. They hadn’t fallen asleep until just before dawn. His eyes shot open. A small fire burned on the floor next to the dresser. She screamed and he tried to grab her arms but her legs kicked out and he went flying off the bed, landing on the floor. He got up, pulled the blanket off the bed, and threw it over the fire, stomping his foot on it. He jumped back on the bed, pinning her arms down before she did anymore damage.
He shook her shoulders. “Addison, Addison, wake up.”
“No, please, stop you’re killing him,” she sobbed.
“No, baby, it’s me, Cael. Wake up, you’re having a nightmare.”
Addison opened her eyes and flung her arms around him. Cael scooped her up in his arms and she curled into him as he cradled her.
“Oh, God.”
“It’s okay, you’re safe. Nothing’s going to harm you.”
“Not me, not me. You ... he was killing you.”
“I’m fine, baby. Look at me, I'm fine. Nobody is going to kill me, I promise.” As he said the words, he prayed he'd be able to keep that promise.
“Just hold me.”
“I’m holding. You hold onto me.” When he managed to calm her down, she pushed slowly away and wiped her tears with the back of her hand.
She looked around the room at the damage. “Oh God, I’m so sorry. Look what I’ve done. I couldn’t control my abilities in my nightmare. I’ve never experienced anything like that. My nightmares are usually about something chasing me, never involving any powers before.”
“You didn't know you had any abilities until a few days ago, and you just met me. It seems somehow reasonable that I would show up in your nightmares.”
“But as a victim?”
“Why not? Your powers are still so new to you. It’s only natural you would ...”
Cael paused, realizing the irony of that statement and rephrased it. “You’ll learn to control them. We’ll take time today and work on them. I’ll teach you what I know.”
“But I have to work today.”
“I hate the idea of you having to work when you have so much more to learn, but you’re right. We do have to act as if nothing is wrong. You’re going to need to take your truck to work today—for appearances—in case Eidolon is watching. We’ll come back here during your afternoon break and practice your skills then. How’s that?”
She nodded, regained her composure, and went to clean up the mess made by the fire and the lamp.
“This rug is ruined. Tom Willits is going to want you to replace it. I’ll pay for it.”
“I’ll take care of it, don’t worry. You go ahead and shower first. I’ll start some coffee.”
She started to protest, and stopped when he shooed her toward the bathroom. “Thanks. I’m sorry about this. A shower does sound good though; the warm water usually helps wash away the nightmares.”
Cael stood in the bedroom, listening as the shower started. His heightened senses allowed him to hear the sound of the water flowing over her body and he imagined the feel of the soap sliding over her skin. He glanced at his uncontrollable erection and thought he would go crazy. Willing himself to think of something else, he remembered the coffee.
***
Addison had her head back, water flowing over her slick skin, when he placed his hand at her throat. She started to scream just as Cael’s lips met hers. She tasted sweet and her tongue was warm. He pressed his lips harder as she lifted her hands to his face, then she pulled away.
“What happened to the coffee?”
“I got distracted.” He turned her around and cupped his hand over the soft mound of curls between her thighs. Leaning her against his chest, they swayed together under the spray of the shower.
“I’m glad you decided to join me. This will definitely make the nightmare go away.”
“Mmmm ... anything I can do to help.”
He tried to force himself to go downstairs and make coffee, but it was no use, he’d lost the battle. He kissed her again, picked up the soap and slid it over her breasts then down to her thighs. She turned to face him, took it from him and washed his chest, moving down across his stomach. Unable to take it anymore he turned the water off—gathered her up in his arms—and carried her to the bed, snagging a towel on the way.
Her laughter was music to his ears. “You’re getting the floor all wet. Why didn’t you just teleport us back to the bed?”
“I tried—apparently I can’t teleport when I’m aroused.”
“Really? Now, that’s interesting. At least now I know we won’t end up in some strange place in the heat of the moment.”
The idea of not being able to dematerialize when he needed to was a bit disturbing, but soon forgotten, as he placed her on the bed and straddled her.
“Shut up and kiss me.”
***
After a morning full of impassioned lovemaking and breakfast, Cael and Addie materialized in her apartment. Looking around, it didn’t appear as though anything had been disturbed. She changed her clothes, wanting to wear something other than one of her old black T-shirts, and chose a long-sleeved, pale blue blouse, exposing just a hint of cleavage. She enjoyed the look on Cael’s face when she put it on.
They left the apartment and Addie turned to secure the lock.
“I'm not sure what Eidolon is capable of yet and since the truck has been here for two nights, let's make sure it's safe and no one's tampered with it. Can you start it from up here?”
“I don't know. I'll try.”
She pointed her fingers toward the truck and the engine started without a hitch.
“Seems okay. Let's go.”
The drive to the Cliff Hanger was quiet and Addie wondered if Cael had as difficult a time as she did concentrating on anything other than the passion they shared earlier. Arriving at the bar and grill, Addie started to leave the truck but turned back toward C
ael. He must have sensed her apprehension. “Don’t worry. I'll be there in a minute and I will be around here all day—maybe not inside, but in the area. I’ll know if you need me.”
“Good.” She smiled and kissed him lightly on his lips before turning to get out, but he caught her arm and pulled her back. Fisting his hand in her hair, he tugged her head back and covered her mouth with his, massaging her breast in his other hand, stirring up that burning desire.
He ended the kiss just as abruptly. “Don’t think you can slip away from me so easily, Addison MacKenna. I’ll never let you go with just a peck so don’t ever attempt it again.”
“Male domination.” She shrugged. “Hmmm … an interesting concept, but outdated. Do you really think you can win my affection with brute masculine force?”
“I know so.”
“Ha, you sure are full of yourself, fly-boy.”
“That may be, but I’ve yet to have my fill of you.”
Chapter 20
Lunchtime at The Cliff Hanger was in full swing when Addie walked in. All the tables by the window were already occupied. She snatched her apron off the hook and fastened it around her waist as she stepped behind the bar.
Gerry glanced over at her and did a double take. He set a beer down in front of a customer and walked over to her.
“You’re looking a wee bit flushed, sweetheart,” he whispered close to her ear, making her flinch.
When Cael came walking through the front door she couldn't hide the gleam on her face.
“Well, I guess I know where your glow is coming from. Just be careful where you put your trust, okay?”
Addie felt her cheeks get hot as Gerry patted her shoulder. Cael came and sat right in front of her. His smile brightened the perpetual sparkle in his eyes. “Hey, gorgeous, is it okay if I sit here while you work?”
Addie started to answer but Gerry beat her to it.
“You can sit there all bloody day as long as you order something, but just don’t distract my bartender while she’s working.”
“Hey, Gerry, how’s it going?” Cael said.
“Things were fine. You and Addie have been getting to know each other, I gather.”
Addie winced at Gerry's cheeky remark. Why had he become so insolent?
“So just where were you all day yesterday?” Darcy stood, her hands on her hips, glancing from Addie to Cael, a smirk on her face.
Addie didn't think things could get any more embarrassing but sighed, realizing there was no escaping all the curiosity.
“I was with Cael at his house.”
Darcy blinked her huge eyes. “All day? All night?”
Gerry pointed his finger at Cael. “Just so you know, Addie is very dear to my heart, so if you plan on spending time with her, you better treat her right or you’ll have to deal with me.”
Addie wanted to crawl under the counter and never come out. Gerry was worse than her father would have been.
“So noted,” Cael said, giving Gerry a two-finger salute.
Addie was relieved he hadn't given him the one-finger variety, though she wouldn't have blamed him. Gerry was being a dick and she wasn’t sure why.
“Do you suppose I could get a Coke, Addison?” Cael asked as he cleared his throat.
“I’m sorry,” Addie whispered to Cael as she handed him a Coke and turned toward Gerry. “You people are driving me crazy.”
“I just want to make sure your new boyfriend here knows how much we love you. You can appreciate that, right, Cael?”
Boyfriend? Addie hadn’t really thought of Cael as her boyfriend. She wondered if he would even stick around after he found her father’s murderer—that is, if they survived.
Just then, Bart Calloon walked in and sat down next to Cael. “Hey folks, what’d I miss?”
Addie rolled her eyes. “I need a break.” She threw down the rag she was using, and stomped off to the restroom with Darcy right behind her.
“You just got here!” Gerry bellowed behind her, but she ignored him.
“Okay, what gives?” Darcy asked.
“What do you mean ‘what gives?’ You and Gerry—that’s what gives—acting like police sergeants. I have had a man before, you know. Do you have any idea how embarrassing this is?”
“You had him? You mean you slept with him?”
Addie couldn’t help smiling at the memory.
“Oh, this is good—tell me more.” Darcy rubbed her hands together as if she was getting ready to dig into a succulent piece of prime rib.
“Ugh.” Addie went into a stall and slammed the door.
“Oh, come on, Addie, I’m sorry. I won’t tease you anymore. Really, we’re all just happy for you. Gerry’s right, it’s because we love you.”
Addie came out from the stall and went to the sink to wash her hands. “Yeah, yeah, I know.”
“Okay, so dish, what was he like? I mean was he good? Come on, I would tell you.”
“Yes, he was ... better than good, and I wouldn’t exactly say we slept.”
“Really?”
“Really.”
“Not at all?”
“Well, maybe an hour or so.”
“Oooo, sounds like you hit the jackpot.”
“Yeah, it’s kind of scary. I’ve never been with anyone like him before.” Of course, Addie didn’t think there was another person alive who had the abilities Cael had, so naturally, there wouldn’t have been anyone like him before. But aside from that, the emotions and intensity of the sex amazed her and also frightened her a little.
“What are you afraid of, falling in love? Maybe if you had played the field more, you’d have someone to compare him to.”
Addie threw a crumpled paper towel in the trash and studied Darcy for a second. She considered saying something along the lines of, “Like you?” but didn’t want to start an argument by making accusations. “That reminds me, are you still planning to go riding with Tim tomorrow?”
“Yeah, why? Do you and Cael want to come? Does he ride?”
“No, he doesn’t ... I mean, I don’t know if he rides, that’s not the point. The point is, I think you should take things slow with this Tim guy. What do you really know about him, anyway?”
“You’re telling me to take things slow? Do you know how ridiculous you sound when you come in after spending the whole day and night having sex with a man you barely know? You have some nerve. Jared put you up to this, didn’t he? Maybe you should practice what you preach.”
Darcy stormed out of the restroom almost knocking Jared down. “And you, mind your own fucking business. You don’t own me. If you ever try to interfere in my life again, I’ll ... ooh, just don’t.”
“Well shit, that went well.” Addie put her head in her hands and hoped she hadn’t just ruined the best friendship she’d ever had.
As Addie stepped out of the bathroom, she passed Jared. “Oh, hey. Look, I’m sorry, I tried, but …”
“I’m sorry, too. I should have known what her reaction would be. She has a temper like a rabid wolverine. I heard her all the way out here.”
Addie winced at the thought of Cael hearing everything she and Darcy had said. “Do you think anyone else heard?”
“Nah, I was standing right here, that’s why I heard.”
She started for the bar.
“Addie?” Jared touched her arm.
“Yeah?”
“Don’t be afraid of falling in love. It looks good on you.”
“Thanks.” She headed back to the bar, hoping Gerry had settled down about Cael. God, why was Gerry acting like a tyrant?
“Hey, Addie, my nephew here tells me the two of you’ve been spending a little time together—nice to hear. I always thought she was the prettiest girl in town,” Bart said, leaning in closer to Cael.
“Your nephew? You never mentioned Cael was your nephew,” Gerry said.
“Guess it never came up.” Bart winked at Cael.
“Well now, isn’t this interesting?” Gerry said.
&nb
sp; For the remainder of the morning, Darcy and Addie avoided each other, which wasn’t too difficult considering Darcy’s cold-shoulder persona. Cael had left with Bart, telling her it would look better if he wasn’t sitting there all day. He thought people might think he was some crazed overbearing boyfriend or something. Addie shuddered at the reference. She’d certainly had enough of over-powering men today.
***
Cael was glad for the opportunity to talk with Bart privately. They walked the long road back to Bart’s place; a golden blanket of leaves covered the road and crunched under their feet. The wind picked up a few, blowing them in a small circle before they slowly floated back to the ground. The crisp, chilly air stung Cael’s face and he pulled the collar up on his jacket, before tucking his hands in his pockets.
“You’re in great shape. Have you been going to the gym?”
“I’m not too bad for an old geezer, huh?”
“You’re hardly old, though I hear that’s the way you’ve been referring to yourself lately.”
“Yeah, old Bart, rhymes with old fart, funny huh? I take this walk everyday for starters—there and back. Sometimes I get to the gym with Gerry. Speaking of old geezers—how’s your mom?”
“She’s fine, although I don’t think she’d appreciate being referred to as an ‘old geezer.’”
“Right, but being her twin, I’m privileged. So, what do you think Eidolon’s next move is going to be?”
“I’m not sure, but I think he’s acquired the ability to split himself as well as shape shift or something.”
“Or maybe it’s all an illusion.”
“I hadn't thought of that. I suppose anything’s possible, but how do you fight an illusion?”
“Don’t know son, I just don’t know.”
“Do you suppose it’s just coincidental Maia MacKenna came back here to live with Addison, or do you think it was part of some grand scheme Ristéard set in action before he was murdered?”
Whisper Cape Page 15
