The Awakening (30 page)

              He sighed, and pulled her into an embrace. "I'm sorry," he whispered into her hair. "Oh Aelan I'm sorry. No you aren't a game." He smoothed his hand over her hair gently. "But something had to be done...this is the way I took."

              Raina melted at the contact, even if he held her carefully, not passionately. She curled into the length of him, and absorbed what she could of his warmth. "I thought you had gone to her. You didn't want me anymore."

              She felt his laughter rumble in her ear, as her head lay on his chest. "Not Elenora, I promise you. I prefer blue eyed blondes," he teased. He tugged at a blonde curl. "I'd prefer they didn't slap me...but beggars can't be choosers." He smiled sweetly.

              She blushed, not looking up. "You asked for it," she murmured.

              His chest lifted in a heavy sigh. “It won't happen again...leaving you out."

              Raina breathed in his scent, and felt contentment.

              "We have to be careful around Thanatos, Raina. He reports to her. If he thinks there’s anything between the two of us, he will run to her. He's already been rubbed the wrong way with her renewed interest in me. He'll do anything for her favor."

              Raina nodded against the front of his suit. She understood. "The office skit...that was a test, wasn't it? He wanted you to give in, to get you in trouble?"

              He nodded. "Yes."

              "I understand he will go to her...but what do we have to fear of this woman...even if she is immortal?"

              "Just as I have certain gifts, and Thanatos has certain gifts...so does she. And she knows people Raina... Elly can be very dangerous."

              "Don't call her that," Raina protested. "She doesn't deserve a pet name from you!" She had heard him say it just once, and she hated it. "Unless the pet name is She-devil...because that’s what she is!"

              Nolan laughed softly and brushed his hand down the length of her hair again. He was allowing himself more than usual today, but he knew his hands would soothe her wounded ego. "She-devil it is then."

              "Thank you," she giggled against the fine clothes.

              "What are her gifts?"

              "Trust me when I say they are not good.”

              He brushed her hair again, and she felt herself relax.

              "Thanatos said he tried to tell her there was nothing between us," she whispered.

              "He lied," Nolan growled. "I thought he was going to do that...the night after dinner, but he told her everything. He even found out about the kiss and told her. That was the final straw. That’s when she made the ultimatum. I leave you alone...or she'll find a way to make both our lives hell."

              Raina lifted her eyes to his. "Hell to me would be to be without you."

              He smiled gently. "I'm thinking that would be my hell too." He glanced around suddenly feeling exposed. "Let’s get in the car. We will find a place to talk."

              She smiled and got in, grinning at him as he closed his door.

              He turned the ignition, and gave her a sideways glance. "What?"

              "Three times today," Raina said with pride.

              He shook his head. "Three times what?"

              "I've shocked you!"

              He chuckled. "Namely?"

              "When I showed up with your lunch," she held one finger up. "When I trashed your mountains of paper," she held up two fingers, then a third, "When I slapped your face."

              Nolan laughed. "Yes, yes you did! The face slapping though...I'd rather not have you repeat!" He gave another chuckle.

              She sat back in the seat with a sigh. Secrets with Nolan could be fun. Tricky, but fun!

              "Could we go to the park forest again? To the river?" She was hopeful.

              He glanced down at the expensive suit he wore.

              "Or not," she cut in. "I just thought it would be...nice."

              "You want to go see the river?"

              She nodded, biting her lip. "But you're not dressed for it...we'll just...”

              "If you don't mind stopping at my apartment...I could change."

              Her heart leapt in her throat. His apartment?

              He glanced her way and grinned, melting her. "Did you remember to buy a camera?"

              She blushed. "I didn't realize I'd have to have one on my person at all times. No, I haven't bought my thirty-five yet." She frowned.

              "Just means we have to take another trip," he sighed, then gave her a wink.

              Raina was warmed to her toes.

              The drive to his apartment wasn't long. They pulled into the complex and drove nearly to the very back. He pulled into his parking space, put the car in park, and turned to her.

              Raina held her breath...not knowing quite why. Maybe it was the silenced engine that allowed her to hear her own breathing...Nolan’s. He was so near in the car it flustered her. She glanced out the window, then back to him. "Where’s the bike?"

              He chuckled. "The garage, right there." He pointed. "I shouldn't be surprised you would ask about the bike."

              She blushed, and then reached for the door handle. She stopped at the touch on her arm.

              "Would you mind if I run in by myself? My place isn't fit for visitors." He looked embarrassed.

              She smiled and gave a quick nod. She needed time to recuperate.

              He slid elegantly from the vehicle and started up the walk. He looked so fine in that suit. His broad shoulders filled the jacket so well.

              She sat back, closed her eyes and blew out the breath she was holding. When she opened them, minutes later, he was striding to the car. He wore those jeans...the ones she remembered from their walk in the woods. They hugged his hips nicely and the long lean legs....she bit her lip. He wore just a plain white T... so simple, but caused so many errant thoughts. She would be blushing right now if he only knew. Heck, he may blush himself.

              He slid back in the car with a grin.

              She smiled back, studying the perfect face, and feeling jealousy for the sunglasses on top of his head, buried in his hair.

              He lifted his brow and presented her with a box.

              Raina blinked. "A gift?"

              He nodded, his eyes going dark. "I got it last Sunday."

              She fumbled with the paper that was wrapped around it, and then gasped softly. She pulled out the thirty-five millimeter camera.

              "Locked and loaded," he whispered. "I wanted to get you the best. I hope it will do."

              She was speechless. She just looked at him in disbelief. It was one of the most thoughtful things anyone had ever done for her. The fact that he remembered delighted her even more.

              "I had a hunch we might go back. I wanted to be prepared." He shrugged. He couldn't look more adorable, waiting for her reaction.

              Raina knew her words would come out in a squeak or in tears. She just shook her head. Her heart slammed in her ribs, as she turned to face him. She leaned closer, touched the stubble jaw and kissed his cheek. To Hell with boundaries...this was nothing. She had no words, and she wasn't sure he'd accept a bear hug. A simple kiss on the cheek should do the trick!

              Nolan closed his eyes, and then opened them as she pulled away. His own pulse thrummed in his veins. "You're welcome," he murmured huskily.

              Raina smiled. "You know what would make this day even better?"

              The corner of his mouth turned up with amusement.

              "If we could take the motorcycle!" The blues danced.

              His eyes went from head to toe, with appreciation. He shook his head. "Next time wear jeans and I may consider it. I'm not taking you on the bike in capris."

              She frowned.

              "Tuck that lip in," he chuckled, and then started the car.

Chapter 11 Escapades

            
 
A week of bliss passed for Raina. She and Nolan had successfully met three times with no incident. They were quick visits...never at her house anymore. Thanatos would be watching. Though Emily and Bradley didn't understand why they had to keep the visits a secret, they enabled them.

              Right now, Emily was driving Raina to the Park Forest. She'd be dropping her off, and Raina would take the path down to the river herself. She was a hiker; she'd be safe on her own. Nolan still insisted she bring Turk. He was ever the careful one.

              Turk had his head out the window now, his tail slapping the back of Raina's seat. She didn't mind in the least, as she sat hugging her camera to her chest. It was now one of her cherished possessions.

              "So you mean to tell me...you meet this guy in secret. You are in secluded gorgeous places...and there has been no more Tom foolery since the night of the party?" Emily was continuing on with her earlier train of thought.

              Raina rolled her eyes. "I promise you, if there were...who else, but you, would I share it with?"

              Emily sniffed. "But he's so pretty!"

              Raina laughed at this. "And I can't be friends with pretty?"

              Emily shrugged a slim shoulder. "Seems so unfortunate."

              They both giggled at this, as the car pulled into the forest. Emily pulled over when instructed, and turned to her friend.

              "Have fun! And be careful with your...err, friend," she giggled. She leaned over and hugged her swiftly.

              Raina nodded with a blush, getting out, and helping Turk from the back. She had no need, but law said she must leash the pup. He wouldn't leave her side, which was Turks style, so he whined when the red leash was clipped on.

              "Only for a bit buddy...it’s the price you pay for a walk!"

              He looked with excitement to the trees.

              They headed toward the path she was starting to know well! Her heart kicked up a notch when she heard the river, and knew it would be only moments until she saw him! She quickened her step, and Turk obeyed, stopping his sniffing, and sensing something ahead. Did he know his Nolan awaited them? She felt he probably did.

              He was sitting on their rock. His pants were rolled up to his knees, the well-shaped calves dangling. So he hadn't been able to resist the cold water yet again? The boyish quality warmed her heart to him.

              He grinned and leapt down, coming to greet them. His smile was warm, inviting, sexy as hell…the usual.

              Turk jumped up, planting his paws on Nolan’s chest, and struggling to lick his face. Nolan embraced the dog, and then pushed him down. He gave Raina’s arm a squeeze, and motioned toward the rock.

              Raina followed obediently. "How long have you been here?"

              He hefted her up, and even Turk, but remained on the ground, looking up at her.

              "A couple hours. Remember, this is where I come to think straight. My place. I needed some time," he chuckled.

              Raina nodded. "Thank you for sharing it....your place."

              He leaned against the rock. "Well, it’s my place when I'm here alone. It’s ours when you are here with me." He didn't let his eyes wander from the water.

              Raina liked the sound of that. She drew in a breath of air. "I like our place," she whispered, and it sounded so intimate.