Sylvia Day - A Touch of Crimson

“Captain,” Jason greeted him in a slow, knowing drawl.

“You have news for me?” He went into the kitchen and washed his hands, rinsing away the now beloved smell of Lindsay’s desire. His blood still raged from the remembered feel of her body’s tight hot clasp. That bright moment of connection would have shattered him if she hadn’t made him laugh, which he hadn’t done in so long he couldn’t recall the last time. He’d forgotten how potent their affinity was. He couldn’t remember it ever scorching him so completely. He felt as if he’d been run through a forge, heated until he was molten, then refashioned into something new and untarnished.

“Where’s Shadoe?”

He turned around, feeling an odd agitation at the use of a name he couldn’t yet explain to Lindsay, and found Elijah with Jason. The truth of what he’d been doing before their intrusion wouldn’t escape the notice of a lycan’s more primal instincts. Lindsay’s scent was all over him, and from the flaring of Elijah’s nostrils, the lycan recognized that.

“Lindsay,” Adrian emphasized, “is still recuperating.”

Jason studied him openly. “But she’s been up. She… ate.”

“Like a lumberjack.”

“How’s her arm?” Elijah asked, his face studiously impassive.

“Healing nicely.”

“Good.” The lycan gave a brisk nod of satisfaction.

Adrian crossed his arms, appraising Elijah. There was no longer any doubt the lycan was an Alpha, not after watching him with the other lycans when they cleaned out the Hurricane nest. Also no doubt he was dangerous-his inherent dominance and ability to draw other lycans into following his lead could only result in trouble. For now, however, he was committed to Lindsay. She’d saved his hide-more than once, he said. He would repay that debt by protecting her with his life and, right now, that was just the level of loyalty Adrian needed to keep her safe.

“I just wanted to check with you,” Jason began, moving to the dining table, “about our plans to head back up to Utah tomorrow. Is that timeline still doable?”

“I said it was.” Adrian’s voice was low and smooth, but he had to make a concerted effort not to clench his fists as Jason paused before the very spot where he’d been buried inside Lindsay just moments earlier. “Six o’clock sharp I want to be on the road.”

“Okay.” Jason set his hand on the table and looked at him. “Helena’s in Vegas. She wants to see you.”

“I’ll meet with her as soon as I change. Elijah, stay with Lindsay.”

Adrian headed toward his bedroom on the opposite side of the living area from Lindsay’s. He closed the door and sat on the edge of the bed, exhaling harshly before picking up the phone and hitting the button that connected him to her room.

It took her a long time to answer. “Hello?”

“Linds… Are you okay?”

She sighed. “No. I’m pretty far from okay.”

His eyes closed. Her embarrassment and confusion were tangible. “I have to go out. Elijah will stay with you. When I get back, you and I will talk.”

“All right.”

“If you need or want anything while I’m gone, charge it to the room.”

“Oh god.” She groaned. “Please don’t buy me off.”

“Wouldn’t think of it. You’re priceless.”

There was another long pause. When her voice came again, it was laced with steel. “You’re right, Adrian. You can’t afford me. The price is too high. I won’t let you pay it.”

He looked at the closed door and cursed under his breath. She needed his attention and reassurance after what they’d just shared, but with the others here he could do nothing to soothe her. There were things he couldn’t yet say, but could show her, if only they had privacy. “We’ll talk when I get back,” he said again.

“Be careful.”

“Stay out of trouble.” Adrian returned the receiver to the cradle and pushed to his feet. The sooner he took care of business, the sooner he could return to Lindsay.

Lindsay took a second shower. When she came out of the bathroom, there was another outfit laid out on the bed. This one was on a hanger and covered by a boutique’s protective bag. She revealed the garment inside, finding the outrageously priced tags still attached. It was a beautiful ensemble, with chocolate-hued palazzo pants paired with a multihued turquoise and gold shell. Expensive and elegant, so suited to Adrian’s taste.A makeup case sat beside it, filled with brand-new MAC makeup. And lying innocuously on the bed beneath it all was a money envelope branded with the hotel’s logo, filled with a two-inch-thick stack of crisp hundred-dollar bills.

She ran her hands down her face with a groan. She was in so far over her head she was drowning. Adrian was too much for her. She couldn’t handle it. Couldn’t handle him. The looks he gave her, the way he spoke to her and touched her… whatever the hell they were doing wasn’t a fling for him. And no matter what she said, no matter how hard she tried, he was determined to have her at any cost.

She dressed and made herself presentable, then settled into the seat Adrian had occupied earlier and called her dad.

“Eddie Gibson, Gibson Automotive,” he answered.

“Hey, Dad.” She heard the whirring of air tools in the background, and her throat tightened with homesickness. Her father didn’t know about the darker aspects of her life, but he knew she was unusual and he loved her unconditionally anyway. “It’s me. Sorry I didn’t call sooner.”

“Hey, baby. Are you feeling better?” His beloved voice was gruff with concern.

Frowning, she asked, “Better? Yes, I feel good. Great, actually.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” A relieved sigh crossed the line between them. “I was worried when I couldn’t get ahold of you. Every time I tried your cell, it went straight to voice mail.”

“Yeah. I haven’t charged it since I got here. It might’ve died.”

“Tell Adrian I appreciate him calling and letting me know you’re all right. If he hadn’t done that, I’d probably have called the national guard to hunt you down.”

“Adrian called you?” A tingle moved through her. With everything else he had on his plate, he’d taken a parent’s concern into consideration and went out of his way to alleviate it. His thoughtfulness touched her deeply.

“Yesterday. Told me you were knocked out by a stomach bug. You should take it easy for the next couple of days and drink lots of liquids. And you might consider investing some time in Adrian Mitchell. He sounded like he really cares about you. Could be something there.”

If only. She’d finally met a man she didn’t have to lie to or hide from, and she couldn’t have him. “Are you taking care of yourself?”

“Knowing you’ll nag me if I don’t, yes. Went over to Sam’s last night and played poker, too.”

“Good.” She’d been pushing him to get out more. A poker night with the guys was a good first step.

“Where are you? The caller ID says Mondego Resort.”

“It’s a Gadara property,” she explained, having noted the Gadara Enterprises logo on the bedside phone as she dialed.

“So you’re already back in the saddle then. You need to take care of yourself. You’ve always pushed yourself too hard.”

“Look who’s talking,” she shot back. “I’ll make you a deal: every time you take a day off, I’ll match it with one of my own.”

He laughed, and she absorbed the sound with delight. “All right. Deal.”

“I love you. I’ll call again in a couple days, but if you need anything or just want to chat, I’ll make sure my phone is charged.”

“Will do. Love you.”

Returning the receiver to the cradle, Lindsay stood and moved to leave the bedroom, grabbing her messenger bag on the way out. The living area had been devoid of masculine voices for a while now, but she still took a deep breath of courage before opening the door. Hearing her father’s voice had helped her get her focus back, but the feelings of vulnerability and exposure remained. Adrian got to her. As much as she wished it otherwise, she had so few defenses against him.