“But I can’t keep her safe from Eidolon if I can’t use my powers when I’m ... I can’t control myself. The attraction’s too strong. Just the thought of her makes teleporting difficult.” He ran his hand through the side of his hair, pushing the black strands behind his ear before resting his elbow on the arm of the sofa, placing his forehead on his hand.
Siana sighed, sat back in her chair and toyed with a small pearl-handled magnifying glass Cael's father had given her. “I know the feeling. I also struggled with that when I met your father. I’ll admit emotions for us are more intense than for normal humans, but sometimes love is stronger than the physical attraction. Now that you’ve admitted to loving her, you can find a way to use your abilities during those moments—it is possible. I know it’s possible. You just need to channel your emotions. There’s a part in your brain you can keep open … find it and you’ll maintain your abilities. It’s difficult at first, but after a while, it’ll become second nature.”
Cael hoped she was right and prayed he would have another opportunity to find out.
Siana laid the magnifying glass on the desk, pushed the sleeves of her royal blue jacket up her arms, and folded her hands on top of the desk. “Now, what else do you know about Eidolon?”
He sat back on the sofa and told her about the two women, how much they resembled Addison, and that the police didn’t see the relationship between the two deaths. With the added knowledge of Addison’s fingerprint on the beer bottle, Siana agreed it had to be Eidolon sending a message.
“When can you bring her here?”
“I don’t know. She works so damn much—we don’t want to disrupt her normal routines and give ourselves away—maybe between her shifts, but ...” Cael shook his head, knowing he'd made a terrible mistake.
“But what?” The edge in Siana's voice caught him off guard and he felt like a child again.
“She may never want to see me again after the way I spoke to her this morning. I thought she would be safer if our relationship ended. I told her it was over.”
“Cael, my dear, I love you very much, but sometimes you do such idiotic things.”
“I thought it would be best.”
“Well, go apologize and bring her here as soon as possible. She needs to see the facilities. She needs to learn more about herself—and quickly.”
Cael was grateful he’d always had an unfettered relationship with his mother—he could tell her just about anything. Nothing seemed to shock her, but then, he never had much choice. He often wished he had the ability to block her out. After all, there were times when a man needed his privacy.
Chapter 24
After finishing the coffee and destroying the muffin, Addie walked to a small boutique. The crowded area swarmed with tourists and she still had that uneasy feeling someone was watching her, but there were many people about and she did not notice anyone looking suspicious.
She shrugged off the feeling when she entered the trendy shop and found a beautiful black and lavender lace blouse. When paired with a short, tight, dark lavender skirt, it offered just the right amount of femininity. Showing off a few curves couldn’t hurt, and dressing a bit sexier might make Cael regret what he’d said.
She tried on the skirt. It hugged her bottom more than she was used to and she winced at the length, just inches below the top of her thigh.
“I guess a few sexy outfits won't hurt.”
Her rent was due soon, but hell, it was only money, and tomorrow the world might end. She splurged and bought two more skirts, one black and one dark green with white squiggly lines through it, and two more blouses to go with them. And, damning Darcy’s Goth description, she went ahead and purchased a few new tops for work as well.
Addie left the boutique sporting the lavender skirt and the blouse that matched and walked into a shoe store. If she was going to start wearing skirts, she should have some decent shoes to go with them. She found a pair of strappy black heels she thought went well with the lavender and black skirts and a second pair in gold with tiny green speckles. The heels added a good three inches to her five-foot-eight frame, bringing her closer to Cael’s six-foot-two. She might have trouble walking, but she didn’t care.
She continued on her little shopping spree, feeling excited about her new look. For a change, the sun sat bright in the sky, warming her cheeks. Addie, pulling her hair up in her hand for a minute to feel the warmth on her neck, approached a small lingerie shop and stopped to glance in the window. When she sensed those eyes on her again, she went into the store—getting off the street made her feel much safer.
Racks of lacy bras adorned the aisles, and tables lined with silk panties in every color to match graced the store. Addie had spent more money then she intended already, but with Cael on her mind, she actually enjoyed browsing through the soft, delicate panties and bras. Her breath hitched when her fingers brushed over a silk, sexy, elegant black bra and panty set that might drive Cael crazy—if in fact, she’d have another chance to drive him crazy. She went ahead and purchased a chic white-lace bra and matching panty as well.
Addie walked to the register and paid, then held up the black set. “Um, I'd like to wear these now, if that's okay.”
“Sure, the dressing rooms are over there.” The saleslady pointed to two sets of curtains covering the entrances to two rooms side by side.
Addie took her time, wanting to stay in the store for as long as possible.
After the lingerie store, she headed down the street toward her truck. She glanced at her watch, noting it was a little before one o’clock. The streets would soon fill up with more tourists, but for now, they seemed quiet. A bird flew low then swooped up into the tree at the corner. Another joined it. Out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw someone approaching her. She turned and the figure darted into the doorway of one of the shops, preventing her from getting even a glimpse of the person. It was probably her imagination—only someone in a hurry to go into a store.
Hearing footsteps close behind her and the faint sound of her name, her legs shook as she walked faster—well, as fast as she could in her new heels—in the direction of her truck. Then someone grabbed her shoulder.
***
Cael walked into the Cliff Hanger Bar and Grill and panic swept over him when he didn’t see Addison anywhere. The remnants of a busy lunch hour were evident by the unoccupied tables left with dirty dishes and glasses.
He strolled toward Darcy who hummed some song he couldn’t quite put his finger on, filling the air with her off-key voice, triggering a weird sense of ease and placidity. He took another step in her direction when something with the force of a Mack truck hit his jaw, sending him backwards, slamming him against the door where he slid to the hardwood floor. Cael looked up, stunned to see Gerry standing there, his hand still in a fist.
“You’ve got a hell of a nerve showing your face in here! Get the fuck up.”
Bart came over and placed his hand on Gerry’s shoulder in an effort to calm him and prevent another attack on his nephew. “What’s the problem, Gerry? What’s Cael done?”
Gerry glanced at Bart with a hint of annoyance on his face.
“He bloody well knows what he’s done, now get up, you son of a bitch.”
“Let’s try talking about this as civilized men,” Bart said.
“It’s okay, Uncle Bart, I deserved it.” Cael stood, rubbing his chin. “I don’t want to fight you, man. I’m sorry. I know I’ve hurt Addison.”
“Hurt her? You could have killed her. Fucking right, you deserved it. You deserve more than just a punch in the jaw. You’re twice her size and any asswipe who manhandles a woman that way is not a man in my book but a no good son of a bitch punk.”
“What are you talking about ...? Is she okay? I never ... I would never lay a hand on Addison, or any other woman for that matter.”
“Where did she get the bruises on her arms, then?”
“What? What bruis ... Oh, the bruises.”
“Yeah
, the bruises. So you admit you gave them to her?”
Cael lowered his head in shame. “Yeah, I did.”
“You son of a bitch.” Gerry lunged at Cael again, but this time Bart held him back.
“Hold on a minute.” Cael held up his hands. Gerry’s face was crimson and Cael hoped Bart had a strong hold on him while he tried to explain.
“I swear I didn't do that on purpose. Addison and I were playing around the other day. She was showing me her martial arts skills and she got the bruises while she was blocking my kicks.”
“Martial arts?” Gerry said.
“Yeah, she’s got a hell of a right cross, too—almost knocked my head off.”
“If the bruises were accidental, then why did you say you deserved to be hit?” Bart said.
“Because, I told her we were through. Christ, I’m an idiot. I was only trying to protect her.” He glanced at Bart who nodded in acknowledgement, before letting go of Gerry and offering his hand to help Cael.
Cael stood rubbing his jaw. “But now I realize I’m in love with her.”
“You’re in love with her?” Gerry and Darcy asked in unison.
“You sure have a funny way of showing it,” Gerry said as he walked to the bar and sat on an empty stool. Nick was already scooping up ice and placing some in a bag. After handing it to Cael, he poured a double shot of whiskey, placed it in front of Gerry, then poured another for Cael.
Gerry handed one of the glasses to Cael then picked up the other. “Drink, it will ease the sting.”
Cael looked at Gerry, nodded. “Thanks.”
“It'll help me apologize. Sláinte Mhath.” They swigged down the contents. “She was cr ...”
“Quite pissed off.” Darcy jabbed Gerry’s side.
Cael sensed Darcy's protection of her friend's pride and admired it. Women never wanted men to know they made them cry. He was even more worried about Addison now that he knew she’d been crying.
“Ah ... fuck,” Gerry mumbled, glancing at Darcy.
Cael placed the ice bag up to his jaw and flinched when he first felt the cold.
“I had to make her angry with me so she would think I wasn’t good enough for her.”
“Bollocks to that. Completely unnecessary, you’re not good enough for her—but hey, that’s just my opinion.” Gerry rubbed his red knuckles.
“Why would you think you weren’t good enough for her?” Darcy asked.
“It’s the work I’m involved in. Being a private investigator can sometimes be ... dangerous. Where is she, anyway?” Cael asked, still holding the ice to his jaw.
“I told her to go home. The pole she had shoved up her ass was beginning to irritate everyone. She was arguing about anything and everything.” Gerry barely had time to finish his sentence when Cael dashed out the door and disappeared.
He materialized in Addison’s empty apartment and then teleported to his house, calling out her name as he searched every room, finding them empty as well.
“Addison, where are you?”
If anything happened to her, he would never forgive himself. He went outside and stood stiff as a board, concentrating on her, but he couldn’t sense her anywhere, which meant she wasn’t close by.
Think, Cael!
Addison knew she'd be safe as long as she wasn't alone, didn't she? Where would a young woman go when she wanted to be around other people and occupy some time? Then an idea snapped into his head.
***
Addie stiffened, but was relieved to discover it was Lieutenant Whelan’s hand on her shoulder. She stood facing him, her hand over her heart; she sighed.
“Lieutenant. You scared me half to death.”
“Hello, Addie. Sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
“I guess I’ve been a little jumpy lately.”
“What brings you downtown, aren’t you usually working on Saturdays?”
“Yes, but I needed to take some time for myself today. I never get a chance to come down here and shop.” She held up her packages as proof. “What brings you down here?”
“Just work. Listen, let me ask you a question, if you don’t mind. Umm ... you know Darcy pretty well, right?”
“I suppose, yeah.”
“Is she involved with anyone ... I mean, does she have a boyfriend?”
She had to catch her laugh. “Darcy? No. Not presently.”
“Well, do you think she’d be interested in going out on a date with me? I mean ... unless she has some deep repulsion to cops or something.”
“I think you’re safe there. I’m sure Darcy would love to go out with you.
“Really, has she said something? Talked about me?”
“You could say that. Go ahead—ask her out. You’ll have a good time.”
***
Cael hurried down the street just in time to see Addison talking to Lieutenant Whelan and his heart leaped realizing she was safe. He ran up to her, taking her in his arms, not caring if she was still mad at him or if he was interrupting her conversation.
“Addison. Oh God, Addison, I’m sorry, I’m such an ass. Please forgive me, baby.” He planted little kisses over her mouth and cheeks.
“Cael,” Addison mumbled.
Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of the lieutenant standing there.
“Did something happen? I’ve been worried sick, are you all right? Is she okay, Lieutenant?” He glanced at the lieutenant while keeping her close and protected.
“Yes, she’s fine.” The lieutenant’s eyes shifted, scouring the area, then he frowned and flushed a little. Cael had a sudden impulse to whisk Addison away from him.
“I’m fine, Cael,” Addison said. “We were just chatting. I was doing a little shopping, and ran into Lieutenant Whelan here.”
Cael sensed anxiety from Addison and felt her heart beat against him more rapidly than normal. He realized it was something more than just her being mad at him. He believed there was something she wanted to tell him but didn’t want to say in front of the lieutenant.
“Lieutenant, sorry I haven’t had the pleasure, Cael Sheridan.” Cael eased his grasp around Addison but left his arm around her shoulder, reaching out with his right hand to shake the lieutenant’s.
“Ah, right, you’re the P.I. the chief told me about.”
“Yes, has the chief briefed you on what I suggested?”
“Yeah, he did.” Whelan’s brow furrowed and his voice sounded skeptical.
“So, I take it from the look on your face you agree with him.”
“Yeah, I do. There’s no solid connection to support your theory.”
Cael was perplexed as to why the chief and the lieutenant were so intransigent about the two deaths being unrelated. Anyone could see there was a resemblance between the two women. That fact alone should have their guard up, but he let it go. “You may be right. It was just a hunch, anyway.”
“Well, sometimes those hunches pay off. Addie, I’ll definitely ask Darcy, thanks for the tip. Y’all take care and have fun enjoying the brief sunshine. I hear it’s supposed to rain tonight.”
“Yay, more rain. See you, Lieutenant,” she said.
Cael turned Addison to face him. “Baby, you know I didn’t mean any of those things I said.”
“Then why did you say them?”
“Because I’m an idiot. I thought I’d be able to protect you better if we weren’t involved. After reading your dad’s letter, I started thinking about everything. Addison, I can’t teleport you away from danger when I'm sexually aroused and I was frightened for you.”
“Oh. Well, as you so nastily pointed out, I do have my own powers and I’m learning more about them every day. I think I can defend myself. I don’t need you to be frightened for me, or to protect me.”
She turned to walk away and he took her by the arm, tugging her around the nearest corner. Within seconds, they were in the bedroom at the beach house. He backed her up against the wall with his hands on her shoulders.
“You have no
idea what could happen.”
The shock of the abruptness of their travel caused Addison to drop her packages and she raised her arms, shoving her hands against his chest.
“Addison, you can’t possibly believe I meant any of that. It’s all about your safety.”
“My safety, because of my father.”
He searched her eyes. “You know it’s more than that, and you’d be damn stupid to think otherwise. You know I care about you.”
She shoved at him, but he didn’t budge. “Then call me stupid. You don’t need to care anymore. I can take care of myself.”
He grabbed her arms, held them above her head, pinning her back to the wall. “Fuck this, Addison. I will not apologize for caring about you.”
His body pressed hard against her so that she was unable to move.
“Let me go, you’re hurting me.”
“No, I’m not, and I never will, not intentionally.”
You hurt me, her mind screamed, and he flinched, feeling the pain that emanated from her thoughts.
“I'm sorry. You need to know that. Believe that.”
His lips were inches from hers and he felt the heat. He swung her around, shoved her to the bed, then stretched out on top of her. Still pinning her arms above her head, he nipped at her neck.
“I care about you, Addison. God, I care about you so much and I want you so bad.” Then his mouth covered hers hard, possessively, his free hand roaming over her trembling body. Pushing up the skirt and tugging down her panties, his fingers searched and found her warm and wet. Her moans ignited his already sizzling blood. “Scary bad,” he whispered, as he slipped her blouse and bra up to expose her breasts before tasting them.
He unbuckled his belt, unzipped his pants and shoved them down with his free hand. With her skirt yanked up to her waist and her arms still pinned above her head, Addison let him take her. He thrust into her hard; she opened to him, moved, and rose with him.
Whisper Cape Page 19
