Freefall Page 4

  “It is a palace,” she breathed. “To me.”

  He patted her hand, smiled, and led her to a large bedroom near the end of the hallway. There he told her to find something suitable to wear. Anything she wanted was fine.

  “Whose room is this?” she asked, curious about the huge bed adorned with a frilly lavender bedspread.

  “This is where Bryan’s sister stays when she comes to visit. She’s about your size,” he said, heading toward the door.

  “He never mentioned a sister.” Now that she thought about it, he didn’t mention all that much about his personal life.

  She scanned the room to glean whatever information she could about Bryan and his family. It seemed his sister had a fondness for antique furniture and romance novels. The bookshelves were lined with them, as was the bureau and bedside table. The oak furniture was dark, in perfect condition, and gorgeous. “I guess there’s a lot I don’t know about him.”

  Elliott nodded. “Probably. Bryan is a complex and private man. Few know him very well. Even fewer call him friend. He is discerning and demanding. The people in his life are of the highest caliber.” He paused, gazing at her thoughtfully. “Take your time, Sara. I’ll be right outside.”

  “Okay,” she said, her attention turning to the rows of clothes and racks of shoes. Bryan’s sister had quite the wardrobe. How often did she visit, Sara wondered. And what kind of person was she? Did he have only the one sister, or were there more?

  She’d have to ask. What kind of a man was Bryan? Did he have hobbies, too? She couldn’t imagine him working with clay, like Elliott, but surely he did something besides work and take his graphic designers to the Florida Keys.

  What kind of a woman got inside him? What qualities would a woman have to possess to make a man like Bryan love her. He’d never mentioned marriage. Was it something he dreamed of?

  Sara smiled. Who was she kidding? She had no delusions about who and what she was. Men like Bryan Hodges didn’t marry women like her. She was too fiercely independent. Too much of a challenge, more than most men could or wanted to handle. She liked that about herself. Most men didn’t, but she’d come to accept that and was okay with it.

  So, if Bryan didn’t? Well, it was his loss then, wasn’t it? If that was the case, she suspected he’d never figure that out, and supposed that was fine. Whatever time she had with him was good enough. Carpe diem, baby.

  And the second she thought that, her mind scoffed. You little fibber, it said. You’re not a carpe diem kind of girl.

  People change, she argued. I could be.

  Sure, you could, it countered. Is that what you want? To live only for the moment, without a care about what tomorrow might bring?

  Well, no. Not really.

  Truth was, she didn’t think she had a future with him, and that thought hurt. She really would miss him once he moved on, but no way would she believe the worldly and enchanting Mr. Hodges would allow any roots to grow beneath his shoes with one woman. Not for long. He just wasn’t that sort of man.

  At the same time, a tiny morsel of hope remained. Though she suspected she should, Sara just wasn’t quite ready to let it go.

  “Oh, come on,” she chided. “You don’t know what he feels. Quit sabotaging yourself.”

  She let out a slow breath, continued her search for something appealing and blue, and tried to think about something besides the blond rogue who waited for her somewhere inside this beautiful palace. Her treacherous mind (and the part that refused to believe he had no feelings for her) had different ideas.

  Did he want to know anything about her? He’d seen the small tattoo on her left shoulder (or so she presumed when he’d made love to her from behind), but hadn’t asked about it. If he’d already known that she’d had it for as long as she could remember and couldn’t remember how she’d gotten it, she wondered if she’d be here now. Or would that be his excuse to go find someone else?

  Not everyone could deal with the idea that a tattoo of a wolf’s head inside a perfectly round circle could appear on her shoulder without any effort on her part.

  She sighed. Carpe diem.

  Sifting through the closet, she finally chose a black leather mini skirt and a soft, white silk tank top. They wouldn’t have been her first choice, but they fit and, at that point, she was too tired to care. If he was going to dump her for what she wore, well, he didn’t deserve her.

  It was that simple.

  Sara dressed quickly, washed her face, then opened the door and found Elliott snoozing in a chair he’d leaned back against the wall. She roused him to say she was ready.

  He rubbed his eyes and stood. “All set?”

  “Yeah, I think so,” she said, checking her skirt for the hundredth time. Was it short enough? Jeez, she’d have to stand all evening or risk giving Bryan a peek.

  “Bryan knows you’re tired tonight, Sara. He won’t keep you up long,” he said, as he led her toward the great room.

  “Thanks,” she said, smiling. “And thanks, for all you did today.” She stopped him to deliver a chaste kiss to his cheek.

  His gaze drifted over her face a moment before a slow smile came to his face. “It was the least I could do.” He brushed her cheek with his thumb, which now felt more brotherly than anything. Earlier, she’d thought…

  Nah…

  She didn’t know what she’d thought, and so she set it aside.

  A moment later, Elliott was about to open the door when he stopped abruptly, concern knitting his brows. “Relax, Sara,” he said, sliding his arm around her shoulder. “This is supposed to be fun. You look like you’re on your way to a funeral.”

  “I do?” She thought about that and realized he was right. Her shoulders were tight and her mouth a downward slash. Well, that wouldn’t make a positive impression, would it? She laughed softly, realizing she’d been thinking about the attack and wishing she knew more about the beasts they’d killed. “Sorry.”

  “No problem. I just want you to enjoy yourself.”

  She gave him a quick hug. “Thanks, Elliott.”

  He nodded then opened the door for her. “Anytime.”

  Sara wished he’d come in with her. Having him at her side was much like having her big brother tag along. Something about him made her feel safe, which was a nice change of pace.

  She faced him, not quite ready to part ways. At the same time, not sure what to say.

  “Go,” he said, tilting his head toward the door.

  She looked at him a moment, her lips pursed. If he felt anything for her, he didn’t show it. In fact, he’d done nothing but steer her toward Bryan, as a personal assistant probably should.

  Well, that settled that.

  She turned and crossed the threshold.

  Bryan Hodges leaned casually against a long table, dressed in a beautiful black suit, crisp blue shirt and a thin black tie. His blond hair curled around his collar in such a way that he looked every inch a Greek god, a proud golden warrior. He wore a wireless headset and was just finishing a conversation. “Then I’ll meet you in Barcelona next week. Congratulations, Del.” He tore the headset off and tossed it on the table.

  “Welcome,” he said, kissing her cheek. “Are you all right?”

  “Yes, thanks,” she said, nodding. As she took in a slow breath, his intoxicating, earthy sexual heat surrounded her. Like wood and smoke. Very masculine. Surprisingly addictive.

  “Please, sit.” He pulled out a chair for her. “What can I get you to drink?”

  Sara thought a moment as she carefully lowered herself into the chair. “Hot tea?”

  “Of course.” Bryan turned and snapped his fingers. Instantly, a small dark-haired woman who’d been standing nearby darted out the back door.

  She returned only seconds later with a tray. Setting it down on the table, she poured the tea into a gleaming white mug, then backed away in silence.

  Sara took a sip. “Thank you,” she said softly.

  “My pleasure.” He smiled, then ran his l
ong fingers across the bottom of her jaw. “I’m so glad you’re here. I missed you.”

  “You did? You could’ve called,” she said, feeling a little awkward. “…ah, you know, if you’d wanted.”

  “Well, my business trips are usually quite hectic and exhausting. I didn’t want to nod off while talking to you.” A little smile came to his face.

  “Sure,” she said, her gaze dropping to her cup of tea. “I understand.”

  “Don’t take that to mean I didn’t want to talk to you, Sara. I did. Running off on business after a weekend like that just tore me up, but you can’t let a good opportunity get by you,” he said matter-of-factly.

  She shrugged one shoulder. “It’s fine. No harm done.” Unless you counted the night she cried herself to sleep.

  He seemed to accept that. “I’m glad to hear it. Did you enjoy the flowers?”

  “I did, very much. Thank you,” she said, managing a little smile. “So you’re leaving for Spain next week?”

  “I just sold my last business so, yeah, I need to turn things over to the new guy. It’s time to slow down, I think. I may become a partner in an internet-based business, but I haven’t decided yet.” He flashed a smile. “Maybe I’ll just hang out on the beach for a while.”

  She chuckled. “Great idea. I sure enjoyed it.”

  “As did I,” he said, his gaze dropping to his hands. He fell silent, leaving her to wonder what was on his mind.

  “You okay?” she asked.

  “I could have lost you tonight.” Grasping both her hands, he kissed the back of each one, then met her gaze.

  In the depths of his green-gold eyes, she saw fear. He’d been afraid for her. Afraid of losing her. Sara studied his face a long moment. Maybe she’d misjudged his feelings for her.

  He took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “But now you’re here, safe, with me.”

  Her thoughts shot back to the animal’s hot breath against her face. “Yeah, I am. In all fairness, though, I’m here because of Elliott. I doubt I would’ve survived with two animals in the house. He saved my life,” she admitted softly. Thank heavens he’d been there.

  Bryan nodded. “Yes, he did. He’s a good man.”

  “Agreed. If you hadn’t sent him to pick me up, I wouldn’t be here.” Mauled to death by two huge animals. And she still didn’t know exactly what they were. “I owe him.”

  “No, you don’t. Elliott’s job was to bring you to me. That’s what he did,” Bryan said with a nod.

  And for some reason, his tone irritated her. “We both killed something in my house tonight. We both could’ve died. He went beyond duty, if you ask me.”

  “His duty is to go beyond duty, Sara. That’s what he gets paid to do.” Bryan studied her a moment. “Did you think there was something personal behind what he did?”

  Sara’s cheeks heated up. “Oh, no. Of course not,” she lied. “I just think it’s a lot to ask of someone.” Now she had to wonder what she’d seen in his eyes. Nothing, apparently.

  He shrugged. “It would be, if it wasn’t his job. He likes adventure.”

  “Sure.” Any other stupid mistakes she could make? How completely humiliating. Thank heavens she hadn’t actually said anything to him. “Who doesn’t?”

  Bryan leaned closer, resting his hands on her thighs. “I want you to stay with me for a few days.” Before she could voice her protest, he raised a finger. “Elliott will have a look around your place and see if he can come up with some reason why this happened. More importantly, make sure it doesn’t happen again. You will stay here. With me.” Bryan kissed her hands again.

  He had a point. It might not be safe to go back, though she wasn’t exactly comfortable staying here with nothing of her own. “I have work to do and my computer’s at home. My clothes. I can’t wear your sister’s stuff indefinitely, you know.”

  He waved the objection away. “Nor would I expect you to. I’ll have your computer and clothes brought to the east study. You’ll have absolute peace and quiet there. I won’t take no for an answer. You don’t even have to sleep with me…” His gaze lowered to her mouth. “…though I won’t stop you if happened to find your way into my bed.” His eyes glittered with a look that said he would make it worth her time. He drew in his bottom lip, then grazed his teeth across it, letting it out ever so slowly.

  A silent promise of a little sleep and a lot of tongue and skin and cock.

  Sara shivered. He flashed that dazzling smile again. Oh yeah, she thought. Bryan knew all about the art of seducing a woman and used that knowledge shamelessly.

  “I guess I could stay.” Damn. Her voice sounded much softer than she’d intended.

  “Good,” he purred. “I promise, you won’t regret it.” His gaze slipped lower to her throat. The playful lover instantly vanished. In his place was the golden warrior, the one comfortable with command and unwavering obedience. “You’re not wearing the necklace.”

  Her hand flew up to her throat. She’d intended to put it back on after her second shower, but had, quite simply, gotten distracted with a million other things. “Oh… I forgot to put it back on. I’m sorry.”

  Bryan grasped her shoulders and gave her a little shake. “It’ll keep you safe, Sara. I need you to wear it at all times. That means always.”

  “I know what it means, Bryan. I’m not an idiot,” she said hotly. “I got distracted by, oh, I don’t know, the attempt on my life.”

  He sat back and raised both hands. “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’ll have Elliott bring it tonight, along with your other things.” He straightened, then strode to the intercom on the wall. “Elliott,” he snapped. “Sara left the talisman at home. Please get it right away. While you’re there, pick up some clothes and her computer. She’ll be staying with us for a few days.”

  “I’m on it,” Elliott responded.

  Bryan nodded once then returned to her. “Just promise me you won’t take it off again.”

  Sara didn’t see what the big deal was. It was just a necklace. It no more had magical powers than she did. And she didn’t have any.

  “I mean it, Sara. I want you safe.” He came back to her and scooped her up in his arms, holding her so tight, she could scarcely breathe. “Promise me, Sara.”

  She didn’t understand, but nodded anyway. “I promise.”

  He let out a breath. “Good. Now, you must be starved. Let’s get you fed.”

  She set her annoyance and confusion aside and smiled. Bryan was trying to take care of her. It wouldn’t hurt to let him fuss over her a day or two. She could put up with it. After that, she’d be back home. Who knew what would happen after that?

  Chapter Two

  Bartell Jameson paced the floor, hands clasped behind his back. This was not going well at all.

  “Tell me again what happened,” he snapped.

  Bobby was the first to open his yap. “She busted my knee up. And then she did something to Joely that made him drop like a sack of potatoes.”

  Alan chimed in. “I saw it too, boss. I parked the car beside them, and ol’ Joely just dropped onto the hood like he’d been shot or something. I didn’t hear no gunfire, but Bobby was screaming like a little girl. Couldn’t hear shit over his yowling.”

  Bobby scowled. “Let’s see how you like it, asshole.” He rose from the chair, only to have Joely step between him and Alan.

  “Save it, Bobby. You’ll need your strength for the full moon,” he said, resting a hand on Bobby’s shoulder.

  Bobby glared at Alan a moment longer, then slowly returned to his seat.

  Bartell sat in an old black leather chair. A lot was riding on their ability to bring Sara Steadman to the Xylan Circle

  at midnight, two days from now. “What happened after that?”

  Joely turned his attention to Bartell. “The second our wounds healed, everything turned blue, like this big light had been turned on. It hurt my eyes so much they burned. But what really got to us was the high, pitched shriek. Damn near broke my
eardrums. The weirdest thing is that it seemed like it was coming from the girl. All we could do was get out of there before our heads split in two.”

  Bartell eyed Bobby and Alan. “That how you saw it, too?”

  Both heads nodded.

  Bartell sprang to his feet, letting his claws lengthen and curve into razor-sharp talons. He struck the driver full on, instantly shredding the man’s throat, then watched him sink to the floor with dispassion. There was no place for failure in his pack.

  A moment later, the body morphed into its true form.

  Swiftly he turned to face the two dogs. “You fail again, and you both die. Don’t bother coming back here until you’ve got the bitch with you. Is that understood?”

  More head bobbing.

  “Good. Now, get out of my face.” He pointed to the dead dog on the floor. “Take this mongrel with you.”

  Chapter Three

  Elliott had backed the limo into Sara’s garage so he could load up the bodies of the two dead dogs. He’d have Marissa stop by in the morning to tidy up the place. It wouldn’t do to have Sara come home to such a mess.

  “How thoughtful, dear brother, to clean up after the little mortal,” Aphrodite said as her form shimmered into the physical realm. “Aren’t you a sweetheart?”

  Elliott turned to face her. “What do you want?”

  She tsked him. “Is that any way to greet your sister?”

  “Half sister,” he snarled. “And yes, it is.”

  “Well,” she huffed. “Then I will take my leave of you. Remember this, Elliott Hunter: she called them into her life. Your little mortal? She called them.”

  Elliott narrowed his gaze. “What do you mean, she called them?”

  Aphrodite raised her eyebrows and smiled. “Now you’re willing to talk to me? I think not, little brother. Find out for yourself. Ask her about the tattoo.” She blew him a kiss while she slowly dissolved into the night, leaving him furious with her for taunting him like she did. Again.

  He leaned against the car and closed his eyes. Waited. Aphrodite had a way of setting him on fire without trying very hard. Most days, he’d just as soon throttle her as look at her.