by Lisa Acerbo
“Whatever you’re plotting, don’t try it.” He moved a hand from her chest. It slithered to the button on her jeans.
“Stop, please.”
“Shut up. You’re going to enjoy it.”
Jenna waited. His hands forced the buttons of her jeans. Her knee came up hard. It was a weak attempt, her legs partially trapped, but his grunt left her with a small wave of satisfaction.
He yanked her ponytail forcing her cheek to scrape against the wooden board. Once again, stars littered her sight. Nausea threatened. His hand roamed across her breasts, and she closed her eyes in hopelessness.
The worst would come.
Fresh air graced her face, and she inhaled a full breath. George’s weight eased off. She opened her eyes to find him gone. Lifting herself to a sitting position, she peered around.
Caleb dangled George by his feet, out the window in the loft.
His eyes held murder.
“You don’t understand, Caleb,” the hanging man cried.
“I understand perfectly. Do you want me to drop him or not, Jenna?”
George begged for his life.
Relief flooded her. She sat and pondered the situation, enjoying the fact the would-be rapist was about to plunge to his death.
“I’m waiting,” Caleb shook George by the legs.
“I’m thinking.” She wriggled her hands out of the rope, fixed her shirt, and rebuttoned her jeans.
Caleb watched her do so, his lips a tight line.
He deserves to die. But he’s one of us. Is he? He’s a rapist piece of shit. Can you have his life on your soul?
“I’m dropping him,” Caleb announced.
She swallowed the blood in her mouth and swiped at the same covering her face. “As much as I’d love to see you do it, there are so few of us. Each and every death is a horrible thing, even if that death would be George.”
“He tried to rape you,” Caleb pleaded with her. “Let me drop him.”
“You’ll make sure he won’t try it again, right?” She stared into his beautiful eyes and couldn’t believe she once found them menacing. They were red with anger but something more. An emotion she’d never believed could exist after a zombie apocalypse.
Caleb hauled George into the loft—the man’s pock-marked face as bright as an apple. He dropped George onto the wooden floor, then bent down, his face inches away.
“If you ever come near Jenna again, I won’t consider what she wants. Listen close and believe this. You don’t go in the same room, don’t speak to her, don’t get close to her, or you will wish I dropped you from this window. Do you understand?”
George nodded.
“Say you understand.” He growled the words. A wolf protecting his pack.
Dank fear radiated off George. He whimpered his answer. “I understand.”
“Get out, now, before I change my mind,” Caleb said. He picked the man up and threw him into the door.
George slid down the steps and was gone.
Caleb rushed to her side. “Are you okay? Really okay?” He brushed hair and blood from her face.
“I don’t feel so good,” Jenna said. The light in the room strobed, then the world vanished into darkness.
When she opened her eyes, he was an angel hovering above.
“Am I dead?” she asked.
“You passed out for a minute, but you’re fine.”
“Am I going to die?”
“No, but you look like you might.”
Blood splattered the floor. She lifted her shirt to examine it. More blood. “That’s what every girl wants to hear. How bad is it?”
She’d be okay. He was here, which was nice. But she was strong. There’d been much worse in recent times to deal with. This was a walk in the park.
“You have a cut on your lip, and it looks like your nose was bleeding and maybe still is. There’s a nice bruise on your cheek, a bump on your forehead, and some small cuts. Are you sure you don’t want me to kill him? I want to kill him more than you’ll ever know.”
“No. No killing.” She sat tall. “The Counsel can deal with this. I’m fine.”
“You’re not fine and it’s his fault. Are you able to stand?”
She wobbled to her feet. “I owe you. Between going into Pittsfield for the medicine and now this. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you?”
He hugged her carefully, wary of aches and pains. “I’m sure I’ll devise something,” The whispered words departed before he stepped away with a smile.
18
The Counsel came close to banishing George, but in the end, didn’t. He stayed far away, and Jenna never even had to pass him in a hallway. After Emma confirmed all Jenna’s injuries were superficial, she spent her extra time with Quentin, who continued to improve, each day gaining stamina.
Caleb thought of numerous things for her to do to repay him. They were all to her liking. He made a plan for them to spend free time together. They played boardgames in front of the large picture window in a grand room off the main lobby, which provided a spectacular panorama of the tree line and reservoir below.
The next day, they sat reading the limited supply of popular paperbacks pre-pandemic. She’d picked up a teen vampire romance, more so to have fun with Caleb than having a true interest in reading the novel.
“You guys are supposed to sparkle in the sun,” Jenna said, reading lines out of the book.
“We don’t sparkle because we’re not vampires.” His mouth turned into a thin line. “It’s fiction.”
“Fact is stranger than fiction these days.”
“What else does it say?”
“All vampires are gorgeous and sexy. Not.”
“Gee, thanks. Glad to know you find me attractive.”
“You said you weren’t a vampire.” Her eyebrows rose in question. “Are you recanting your position?”
“Not a vampire.”
“I must disagree, but I still find you only slightly attractive. I guess that will have to do thanks to the exorbitant number of Streakers, all of whom are rather homely.” Jenna dropped the book to the ground. She sashayed close, moving like a predator cornering its prey. With a wide-eyed stare, he appeared so lost and befuddled, Jenna had to force back a smile. “Here, let me show you.”
Her hands stroked his chest, searching for the belt threaded through his jeans and grasped the belt buckle.
Confusion radiated off him.
“Gotcha.” Jenna sprung away.
He yanked her into his lap. “Not nice. I’ll so get you back.”
“Caleb, we need you in the office,” Billy called from the next room, as if not wanting to disturb whatever was going on between them.
With that, he dumped her on the floor and left.
The next day Jenna plotted revenge, offering to play Caleb in monopoly, one of the many abandoned games at the inn. The two turned out to be competitive, and the contest raged on until early morning when Jenna was finally out of all her fake cash and had mortgaged all her property.
“I’ll loan you some money,” he offered.
“I’ll cut my losses and head to bed.”
“You’re no fun. Are you?”
I’m tired is what I am. It’s way past my bedtime. I have horses, a garden, and chores in the morning. Not to mention, I’m still in recovery.”
“Don’t remind me, or I’ll start plotting ways to murder someone in their sleep again.”
“I haven’t laid eyes on him since the incident.”
“Incident? Understatement of the year.”
The duo returned pieces to the box, closed the lid, and put the game back on the shelf. She waved before heading for the door, but he grabbed her hand.
“Let me walk you to your room.”
“Why not.”
“We need to discuss one more thing about the George incident.”
“I don’t want to rehash it anymore. I’m fine.”
“You and I both know there is something seriously wrong with a person w
ho could do that. He could be dangerous for everyone here.”
“The Counsel decided. It’s over. Don’t ruin an otherwise great night.”
Caleb didn’t press about the situation when they climbed the steps. At her door, his lips met hers. He smelled of exotic spices and tasted like honey. She wanted more. His strong hand framed her face, and his lips stole her breath.
When he stepped back, she understood loss.
Gentle fingers traced a heart on her hand. Their lips met again. He reached under her shirt, hand tickling her side and moved to her stomach, accidently touching the scars.
Jenna went rigid.
“Did I do something wrong?” he asked.
“This is moving fast. I need some time and to set things right with Quentin. He can’t walk out of his room before I explain what’s going on.”
“We’ll go easy.” His hand under her chin. Her eyes met his. “Don’t ever forget how beautiful you are. You’re Venus, and I’ll wait as long as you want just for a chance to bask in your splendor and taste your lips one more time.”
Why did he say things like that?
He was gone before her hand turned the doorknob.
Their attraction ran deep.
No denying that.
. Whether she admitted it or not, it had been obvious since fighting the Streakers together at the school. For a moment, just one moment, she’d been wrapped in a flame, like a dynamite keg ready for ignition. After tonight, she assumed Caleb had felt the same way and now wanted for her to take the next big step, the serious move forward in her own time.
When she hunkered down to bed, her dreams ran rather randy.
Life turned routine, something long forgotten and wonderfully mundane. The garden, the horses, visits to her sick friend, and time with Caleb all claimed Jenna’s energy. She saw Quentin every day but avoided talking about anything emotional, wanting him to heal. But with every new visit, her discomfort rose. Many times, Aiko sat Quentin’s bed, whispering to Quentin on her arrival and sending her the evil eye until one of them departed. Aiko’s exit strategy usually included a kiss that appeared to be more for Jenna’s benefit than his.
Had Aiko been telling Quentin how much time Jenna and Caleb were spending together? Was she filling him in on other details?
Jenna hadn’t asked Quentin about Aiko only because she wasn’t ready to explain her relationship with Caleb, but it had to be soon. Guilt about not being completely honest made tossing and turning in bed a nightly ritual.
So angry. That woman was the one who had suggested the group let Quentin die, but now she nursed him back to health.
If that wasn’t enough, Aiko fed Quentin information about Caleb out of spite rather than true concern for Quentin’s emotional state. She was sure of it.
Two weeks had passed since the trip to Pittsfield, and it was time to come clean with Quentin. When she arrived, he was out of bed, showered, and sitting in a chair, clean T-shirt over his flannel pajama bottoms.
“I’m so happy to see you up. This is great.” She made her way over to the chair and gave him a hug.
He refused to meet her eyes. “Thanks.”
“Are you okay?”
His hands remained limp at his side. “You don’t have to keep coming to see me. I won’t be offended.”
“I want to be here and love hanging out with you. I’m happy you’re better.” Her hand covered his.
Quentin drew back. “Let’s face the truth.”
“The truth? What truth?”
He gathered his words. “I appreciate all you’ve done for me. I would be dead without you, but even recovering, I worried I might change, be susceptible to the virus from the bite. If that happened, I didn’t want you witness it after all you went through to get the medicine. I might still change.”
“You won’t. People have survived the bite before. We’ve both seen people in the group heal fine when bitten or scratched.”
“We don’t know anything these days. Maybe I am changing now. It could happen years from now. I didn’t want to be close to someone only to lose them, but after Aiko told me about you and Caleb . . .”
“Why couldn’t she keep her mouth shut.”
“It was better I found out. At first, I believed it for the best. It would be easiest to let you go, but now I don’t know what I want.”
“What do you mean?”
“What happened to us? We had something real.”
“We have a real friendship. That’s rare.”
“I want to be clear. I can’t be your friend. I’ve been in this stupid bed with nothing to do but think, and I’ve finally got my head straight about this whole situation.”
“I don’t understand. You say we had something real, but the only thing I’ve seen this last week is you’re happy to be around everyone else but me. Aiko’s always in here. If you like her, I’m happy for you.”
“It’s different with her. She’s immune. The virus has already changed her.”
“Changed her into a cold-hearted bitch. She’s the one who wanted to do nothing.”
“She explained, and I understand her point of view.”
“You understand her but not me?” Frustration and sadness played tug-of-war. “I’m your friend. I was there for you when she wasn’t.”
A deep rattling cough from Quentin sent Jenna into panic mode. She brought him water.
“I’m fine,” he said after a few sips.
“I don’t mean to sound angry. I’m confused. You’re so distant. I want us to be friends like we’ve always been.”
“Always friends. Wasn’t there more?” Quentin stood.
Jenna followed his lead, inching closer. He reached for her, laced his fingers behind her neck, drawing her in. Their lips met.
With all her heart, she tried to create the excitement of their first kiss, but all she managed to do was to muster camaraderie. She had mistaken comfort and caring for something more. While she cared for Quentin, their relationship lacked passion.
He crushed their bodies together, bruising her lips. Jenna could do nothing to stop him. At last, he drew back.
“Well?” His gaze met hers. “Tell me you didn’t feel anything?”
She dragged in a long breath. “My emotions for you are real, but I’m not in love with you.”
“No?”
Was this all about his jealousy? “What do you want me to say?”
“Aiko and George both told me.” A muscle twitched in his jaw.
“What exactly did they say?”
“Details. Lots of gory details.” His eyes registered pain.
“It’s not what you’re imagining.” Her hands shook, so she balled them into fists.
Her gut clenched knowing she was an awful person for not hashing this out sooner.
Fear of losing him made her delay. Now he’s angry and jealous about Caleb. Maybe he had the right to be, but these stupid emotions are impossible to control.
“Caleb and I never planned any of this. I can’t explain how it is when I’m around him.”
“I understand.” He held her gaze. “No. I don’t understand.”
“Let me explain what happened.”
“That’s the last thing I want to hear. Don’t come to see me anymore.”
“You’re my best friend and more. I’m coming back here every day until you kick me out.”
“One day, I’ll do it.” He bit at a thumb nail. “I need time. Can you just leave me alone for a while?”
When the door closed, the separation became permanent.
How could she have destroyed her relationship with him?
Throughout her chores and work with the horses, their conversation haunted her. Later in the evening, Caleb became the needed distraction. Once again, skipping the communal dinner, the two dined alone on the back patio. While a beautiful night, a fall chill danced around them.
“How’s Quentin?” Caleb asked.
“Better. The bites need more time to heal, but he’s doing well.
No fever, no problems. He’s walking short distances, but Emma has him on bed rest until next week because of a lingering cough. It really effected his respiratory system and ability to breathe.”
Should she tell him the rest. The urge not to was overwhelming.
“Good news.” His gaze probed hers. “What about George? Has he come near you?”
“I haven’t seen George since that night, and every time he sees me at the end of a hallway he turns and runs the other way.”
A savage smile crept across his mouth. “Just the way I like it.”
There needs to be honesty if this relationship is to have a chance.
“Quentin’s heard about us from Aiko and George.” She refused to make eye contact. “We need to step back. I don’t want to hurt Quentin anymore than I have.”
“Tell me what really happened today when you saw him. You’re sad.”
She pushed her plate away, relived the conversation with Quentin, and by the end, tears threatened.
Caleb moved around the table, sitting close, and drawing her in for a hug. “I’m not confused.” The words tickled her cheek. “This is right, and I can’t stop how I feel about you. I’m not going away. You’re stuck with me, and you better learn how to deal with that.”
His words caused a shiver to run through her.
What they were building together was different from anything she’d ever known. So intense when compared to her emotions for Quentin, but he represented the normal world, comfort, and friendship. Chemistry with Caleb promised something much different. She’d drown in the physical ache running through her and go willingly.
She had to be with him. It was like she had no alternative. But damn it, if she’d expose her weakness to him.
“Promise me one thing, Jenna.”
“What?”
“You’ll give me one more date.”
She studied him. “One date.”
He grinned like he’d won an Olympic Gold. “I’d better plan then.” Gathering up the dishes, he headed back inside.
Jenna sat watching the clouds shift in the dark sky, enjoying the night and the bracing wind.
