“I blame myself,” she suddenly blurted. “I trusted him. He was handsome and charming and I trusted him. How could I be so stupid?”
Terry shook his head and resisted the temptation to take her into his arms. So fragile. So beautiful. So broken. “Those vampires could charm the pants of anyone. It wasn’t your fault that you fell for one.”
“No, Terry.” Her head cocked slightly to the left as her right eyebrow lifted. “It wasn’t a vampire who deceived me. He was human. A human male.”
“I … I guess I just assumed.”
“I thought they must have told you my story.” She shrugged and asked, “What do you know?”
Terry scratched the back of his head and wondered what to say. He knew she’d been held hostage by vampires and severely traumatized. Should he tell her that? Would she really want him to know?
“Not much,” he told her honestly. “They, I mean, David and Meaghan told me it was your story to tell, when you were ready.”
She glanced at her watch. “Then, I guess I’m ready.”
****
Susie drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. He stared at her with wide, gentle eyes. Eyes that promised to understand. She hoped she hadn’t misunderstood his expression. Here goes.
“One of the girls at the gym told me about a guy she knew from back in high school and thought we might click. I hadn’t been on a date for over six months so I allowed her to set up a blind date.” Geez, how lame do I sound? “Anyway, it started out fine. He was handsome and charming and had lovely green eyes.” Although they paled in comparison to Terry, whose emerald-green eyes closed slightly as his eyebrows furrowed.
“I thought … I’m sure someone told me that it was a vampire who took you.”
“No. Patrick, the blind date, turned out to be Anna’s ex. He’d made a deal with the vampire to lure me away in order to blackmail Anna.”
“Bastard!” Terry slammed his fists down into the sand. “How much did he get for selling you to the blood suckers?”
She shook her head. “He didn’t want money, he wanted immortality.”
Terry sat bolt upright, his hands dropped to his sides, and his mouth gaped open. “You’re shitting me? He actually wanted to become a vampire?”
A wave of nausea swirled in her stomach as she remembered the conversation Patrick had with Torke, the ancient vampire. Not only had Patrick wanted to be turned, he practically begged for it. She barely managed a nod as she struggled to keep the bile from rising to her mouth. The acrid taste a further reminder of her time in captivity.
“You don’t owe me an explanation,” Terry told her as he hesitantly leaned toward her. “If this is too difficult for you—”
“No. I can do this.” He had meant to touch her, to console her. She could see it in his body language. And, damn it, as much as the thought terrified her, his reluctance cut her to the quick. “I’m terrified, Terry. But not in the way they think.”
He tilted his head a little to the left. “They?”
“Anna and the others.” She tapped her fingers on her knees, trying to distract them from disappearing into her mouth. “I’m sure they think I blame them for what happened, but I don’t … truly I don’t. It’s just—”
“Being around vampires brings back the memories?”
Two fingers on her left hand slipped into her mouth. It felt comforting. Helped her to be brave.
She shook her head as she lowered her chin. Maybe if I don’t look at him?
“They’re all newlyweds who can’t keep their hands off each other. It’s hard to watch.”
“Oh.” He reacted with a slight frown. Fine lines worried his brow. “That came out of left field. I’m not sure what to say.” His mouth twisted a little on one side, then, he chuckled, instantly covering his mouth with his hand. “I’m sorry, Susie. I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but…” The chuckle escalated into a laugh.
“It’s not funny,” she reminded him, but even she saw the humor in what she’d said and giggled in response to his reaction. “Okay, maybe a little.” She covered her face with her hands as she felt the heat rise to her cheeks.
“If it helps, I find it nauseating myself,” he confessed. “But I’m guessing that there’s more to it.”
When his laughter abruptly stopped, she removed her hands and turned to face him.
“Is it wrong to be jealous?” she asked. Tears burned behind her eyes, threatening to spill over her cheeks. “I feel so alone, as though I’m trapped in a prison of my own making.”
She felt the pressure of his hand over her own and the instant tremor that always followed physical touch, but she refrained from pulling away.
“You’re not alone, Susie. Whether you want it or not, you have many friends who are here to support you.”
Tears dampened her cheeks. She swiped at them with the back of her hand. “But—”
“But you can’t stand to be touched.”
“Not since … you know.” The drumming in her ears kept time with the erratic beating of her heart as she mentally prepared herself to confess. “There were six of them. I think Torke called them his minions. Whenever he wasn’t around, they’d … they’d…”
“It’s all right, Susie.” He gave her hand a squeeze. “You don’t have to tell me.”
“If not you, who else?” she asked, her voice breaking into a sob. “I can’t tell Anna and the doctor wouldn’t believe me.” She gazed into the emerald of his eyes, hoping, pleading to a higher power. Please don’t let him be another Patrick.
“When they weren’t biting me, draining my blood … their hands were all over me. They tore at my clothes, threatened to … do worse. Torke promised them that, once he had what he wanted, they could do what they wanted to me. Every night they reminded me of that. Reminded me of what to expect.” Her voice rose in pitch until she almost screamed her confession. “I hear their voices in my dreams every night. I see the lust and hunger in their eyes and feel their icy hands on my skin. I imagine what would have happened to me if Anna hadn’t come when she did.” She pulled her hand away to shield her face from the pity she expected to see in his eyes.
****
Poor kid. He desperately wanted to pull her into his arms and comfort her, but even the touch of his hand had alarmed her. Yes, he’d noticed the way her hand trembled beneath his, fluttering like a little bird caught in a net. Her eyes had widened then glazed over as if she were about to faint. Her face visibly paled, making her freckles stand out like polka dots on her already fair skin. Skin that, he suspected, usually enjoyed time in the sun. Not that her skin looked sun damaged or rough. Far from it. Nevertheless, freckles gained the name sun kisses for a reason. When those vampire bastards stole her confidence, they stole the light from not only her days, but also her nights.
“I can’t even imagine how horrible it was for you,” he told her, “and I’ve seen evil in many forms.” More than I care to remember. “But, Susie, if you let them extinguish your light, you shift the scales in their direction.”
As she turned her head to face him, shards of light poked through the clouds behind her, highlighting the gold strands in her summer-blonde hair. The fingers of God. A gasp slipped from his lips and his body reacted with a tremor that extended to his groin. Damn, she’s fine.
“Scales?”
What was I talking about? “Scales? Oh, yes. I mean the balance between good and evil.”
“What has that to do with me?” She leaned away and narrowed her eyes as though she were trying to read his mind. For a moment, he wondered if she could. Hell, David could and did, much too often.
He rubbed the back of his neck and grimaced. “If we’re being honest. I have a confession to make.” He waited for a reaction that didn’t come, then continued. “After our first meeting at the office, I did a bit of digging.”
This time, she did react. In the few seconds it took for her to jump to her feet and stand, legs apart, hands on hips, he got a glimpse of the plucky g
irl described to him by her friends.
“You were investigating me?” Her blazing eyes warned him that if looks could kill, he’d be stone dead. “Why would you do that?”
He rose slowly, holding his hands palms out as he tried to explain. “It’s not what you think.”
“Really? What am I thinking?”
Terry shrugged. “Judging by the expression on your face, I’d guess you’re thinking about breaking my nose.”
Susie bit her bottom lip, made a choking noise, and then burst out laughing. “You really are good at gauging people, aren’t you?”
Bells tinkled. At least it sounded like bells. Her laughter like music to his ears. Her smile everything he’d imagined it would be and more. If she took that swing and splattered his nose, he’d go to the hospital a happy man. A small price to pay.
“I’ve made a career of it,” he reminded her, returning the smile. “Although, some people are harder to read than others.”
She crossed her arms over her chest, narrowed her eyes, and asked, “So, you’re saying that I’m one of them?”
Dark clouds began to roll in, and while they’d been talking, the sun had begun to set. Terry motioned toward the car. “It’s getting late and I think there’s a storm coming. Can we talk about this while I drive you home?”
The light in Susie’s eyes diminished. Her shoulders ascended to her earlobes and she hugged her arms tighter around her chest. The frightened kid resurfaced.
“It’s almost dark.” She practically squealed as she rushed toward the car. “Yes, take me home. Please, take me home now.”
When he closed the car door behind her, he felt her emotional shield snap into place and it hurt as much as a physical slap. There would be no more discussion tonight. He shook his head and jumped into the driver’s seat, pausing for a moment to check on his passenger. So close. She sat curled into a little ball, shaking as she stared blankly out of the window. He covered her with his jacket, turned over the ignition, and began the silent journey back to the mansion.
Chapter Eight
“What were you thinking?” David growled the moment Susie disappeared into her room. “I told you to have her home before dark.”
“I know, I know.” Terry stared down at his own feet, his head turned slightly away from his angry boss. “We were talking and time got away from us.”
David’s expression softened. “She talked to you?”
“Stranger things have happened. I’ve been told that I’m not completely unfortunate looking.”
“You’re a hottie,” Meaghan called from inside the house. “For heaven’s sake, David. Invite the man in.”
David narrowed his eyes and frowned as he ushered Terry inside. “If I must.”
As he entered the living room, Meaghan rushed to greet him with a hug. David’s eyes flashed amber, warning him to keep his distance, so he gave her a quick peck on the cheek and broke away. Tempting as it was to piss off David, common sense warned him that it wasn’t a good idea to bite the hand that feeds.
“Okay, Terry. Spill.” Meaghan dragged him over to one of the huge sofas and sat beside him. “I heard you tell David that you and Susie had a conversation.”
“Move over,” the gruff voice behind him ordered before he had a chance to speak. David brushed him aside to sit by his wife.
“David!” Meaghan yelped. “That’s so rude.”
“Was I being rude?” He turned to Terry, with daggers for eyes.
“He can’t help it, Megs.” Dickhead. “He feels threatened by my good looks and dazzling personality.”
David’s shoulders drew back, puffing out his chest. “If anyone should feel threatened, Palmer, it should be you.”
“You look a little flustered, boss?” He turned back to Meaghan, whose eyes were now as wide as saucers. “Maybe he’s worried that you’ve changed your mind, reconsidered your decision to choose him over me.”
David rose from his seat and stared down at him. “Or maybe I’m wondering why I bothered to save your life when you seem hell-bent on getting yourself killed!”
Springing to his feet, Terry bellowed, “Are you challenging me? ’Cause if that’s—”
“Break it up!” Meaghan stood between them, holding them apart. Her physical strength surprised him. “What’s gotten into you two? I thought we were past all this jealousy crap.”
“Jealousy?”
Terry recognized the mousy little voice instantly and turned to face Susie, who stood trembling by the entrance to the room.
“It’s all right, Susie,” Meaghan told her in a calm voice, her palms facing outwards. “The boys are just letting off a little steam. Nothing to worry about.”
Susie turned her attention to Terry. The pained expression on her face confused him. Why is she upset?
“You and Meaghan. You were a couple?”
“We’ve known each other forever. She’s the closest thing to family I have.”
“It’s none of my business,” she mumbled with a shake of her head. “I just came in to thank you for the lift today and to excuse myself.” She turned to Meaghan. “If you don’t mind, I’m heading off to bed.”
As she headed out of the door, he called to her.
“Thank you for the talk today. If you’d like to finish the conversation tomorrow, I’ll be at the office.”
With a shake of her head, she called her good nights and left.
****
Second-hand Susie. That’s what they should call me. She threw herself face down onto her bed and buried her face in one of the pillows. First Anna and now Meaghan. Would she always be runner up?
Patrick had told her—in no uncertain terms—that he had no interest in her at all. She was merely a pawn in a game. The bait to catch the one he truly wanted … Anna. Now, just when she had allowed herself to trust again, just when she’d begun to allow herself to imagine being with a man again, Terry had shown his true colors. He wasn’t interested in her at all. Anything he did for her, any interest in her well-being was to score brownie points with Meaghan. Damn him! She pounded the pillow with her fists. How could she be so blind? So trusting? She’d promised herself to never again be fooled by a handsome face and gorgeous eyes. If only she’d listened to her own good advice. If only she hadn’t trusted him with her story. He’d probably tell Meaghan and she’d tell the others. They’d all act differently around her from now on. She’d see a change in their behavior. They’d be uncomfortable in their own home. She couldn’t do that to them, not after all they had done for her. It wouldn’t be fair. No. It was time to leave.
****
Having set her alarm to wake her before the others retired, Susie dressed quickly and met Anna in the kitchen.
“You’re up late, or should I say early.” Anna checked her watch. “Are you okay?”
“I’ve decided it’s time for me to get on with my life,” Susie told her. “If I hadn’t given up my apartment, I’d leave today but—”
“Susie. I wish you’d reconsider this. We love having you here. There’s no hurry for you to move out.”
“I appreciate all that you’ve done for me, Anna. You’ve all been so kind, but I’ve got to move on and I can’t do that while I’m living here.”
“Come and sit with me.” Anna took her by the hand and led her into the living room. As they sat on the couch, she asked, “Why the rush?”
Susie took a deep breath and prepared to deliver the speech she’d practiced all night. It pained her to lie to her friend but, she had no choice.
“Dr. Dubois thinks it would speed up the healing process. She says that until I return to my usual routine, I won’t make any headway. I have a little money saved, so I should be able to find a place pretty soon, but I’m not sure if I’m ready to return to the gym so I guess I’ll need to find another job too.”
“Have you ever worked as a receptionist?” David asked as he entered the room. “Sorry to eavesdrop but, you know, vampire hearing.”
“I know my
way around a computer and I can type at seventy words a minute.”
“Great! You’re hired.” He helped himself to a drink and offered the bottle of Cabernet to the women.
“A bit early for me,” Susie reminded him, pointing to her watch. “Hired? To do what?”
“To work at the agency.” He downed his drink in one swallow. “Palmer can’t man the phones and work the dayshift alone. It would really help us out.”
He flashed her one of his cheeky smiles and she struggled to find the words to refuse his request. No wonder Meaghan had fallen for him. Devilishly handsome, outrageously rich, and that brazen sexuality … wow! How could any woman refuse him? The idea of working with Terry after discovering his interest in Meaghan made her uncomfortable, but how could she reject his request for help, after all they’d done for her?
“I don’t see that I have much choice.” She fake-grimaced. “Fine, when do start?”
David’s grin spread from ear to ear and his eyes twinkled with mischief as he said, “How about nine AM?”
“Today?” Susie yelped. “I haven’t even worked out where to live yet.”
“My old place is empty,” Anna reminded her. “It’s fully furnished and ready to move in.”
“Really? I love your house.” She remembered the good times with Anna’s father, sharing a drink after work and many laughs, both with Jake Derwent and Anna. “But only if you charge me rent.”
“Don’t be silly,” Anna argued. “You’re doing me a favor.”
“What? No! That’s too generous. I can’t—”
Anna grabbed both her hands and held tight. “It’s the least I can do for you. Besides, I couldn’t bear to have anyone else living there, and it breaks my heart to see it empty. You’d be doing me a favor, keeping the happy memories alive.”
“There’s no point in arguing with her,” Derrick called from the kitchen as he made his way in to join them. “I haven’t won a fight yet.”
Holding back tears, Susie flew to Anna and threw her arms around her friend. “How can I thank you for all you’ve done for me?” She glanced in Derrick’s and David’s direction. “All of you.”
Take Back the Night (Blood Brothers Book 3) Page 6
