Fallen Death (The Trihune Series Book 3) (15 page)

He rose, gently laid her down. Covered her with the blanket hanging off the back of the couch. At the door, her heart picked up speed. Sarid glanced over his shoulder. Less than a second later, soft whimpers. He was almost within arm’s reach when she jerked awake, a scream falling from her lips.

“Ssshh, angel. It’s just a dream.”

She gasped for air, eyes darting around the room, landing on him.

“You’re shaking.” He wrapped the blanket around her shoulders, pressed her against him. “Want to tell me about it?”

Head shaking, she pushed away from him, stood. The blanket fell to the floor. “It’s fine. I’m fine.” She stumbled from the room without meeting his gaze.

He followed. She checked each lock on the door. Went through the kitchen to the windows near the table. Then the ones in the front room by the TV. He stopped her before she could move down the hallway. “What are you scared of?”

“I’m not scared. Just checking the windows. I forgot to do that earlier.”

There was something in her tone. He let her go, stayed in place as she went into Keandre’s room, the bathroom, and the last room at the end. When she didn’t emerge, he went to her, paused in the doorway.

Asjhone’s room was smaller than Keandre’s. Or maybe it seemed that way because her full size bed took up most of the space. There were two other pieces of furniture. A small dresser and a chair in the corner.

On the bed, cellphone in hand, Asjhone stared at the screen. She didn’t look up as he entered the room. Or when he sat next to her.

“I forgot to call Keandre. I normally call him before bedtime when he spends the night at Devan’s house. But we were,” she shook her head, waved her hand in the direction of the door.

They’d been kissing on the couch.

“I’m sure he’s fine,” he said.

She glanced at him, eyes wide with a glassy sheen. “You think?” Her voice was small, vulnerable.

“Absolutely.”

She nodded. Dipped her head again. Rose. Paced in front of him. Phone still clutched in hand. “Yeah. You’re right. Tamera might allow them to play at the court without supervision, but she’s not a horrible mother.” She wiped her left hand on her pant leg, then switched the phone to her other hand and repeated the gesture with the right. “Keandre doesn’t spend many nights away from home. I worry about him. But he’s fine. I’m sure he’s fine.”

Sarid said nothing, just watched until she wore herself out and sat next to him again. She scrubbed a hand over her face. “Sorry I fell asleep. Were you leaving?”

“Yes.”

“You don’t have to stay. I’m fine. Really tired actually.” The knuckles on her hand holding the phone were white.

He gently reached for the device. She held onto it for a split second before allowing him to take it. “Yeah. It’s probably too late to call.” She shook her head. “I don’t know what I was thinking.”

He reached forward, set her phone on the dresser. “You were thinking like a mother worried about her son.”

She bit her lip. Looked away.

Sarid picked up her hand, it was trembling. He stroked the soft skin with a light touch down each finger. “Tell me about your nightmare.”

“It’s not important.”

“Tell me anyway.”

She didn’t speak for a while and he thought she might not, then, “There was a man,” she cleared her throat. Took her hand back, clutched it to the other one. “I was pregnant. He was screaming. Angry.” She wrapped her arms around her abdomen. Started rocking slightly. “He punched me. In the stomach. I fell to the ground. He began kicking. Didn’t stop. I tried to protect my baby from him. I failed.” She inhaled a shaky breath. Exhaled the same. Then met his gaze, tried to smile. “It was just a dream.”

He studied her. Thoughts swirled in his head, but weren’t something he could think about with her right here. So he concentrated on making her feel better. “Yes. You’re awake now. Safe. And so is Keandre.”

She licked her lips before biting the lower one. Then laughed. It wasn’t one of his favorites. Coming to her feet, she shook her head. “You must think I’m . . . Actually, I don’t know what you’re thinking. But thank you for staying. I’m fine now and—”

He grabbed her wrist, pulled her to him. She caught herself on his shoulders.

“Please stop saying you’re fine. We both know it’s a lie.” He cupped her chin. “And what I’m thinking is you’re the loveliest female I’ve ever seen. I’m also thinking I want to kiss you again, but that’s bad form. When my girl just woke from a bad dream, I shouldn’t focus on my own desires. Plus, I don’t want to lead you on.”

A slow smile spread across her face. “Your girl?”

His fingers moved to cup her cheeks, thread through her hair at her temples. “Does that bother you?”

She shook her head. “No.” Then using his shoulders as support, kneeled on either side of his thighs, lowered down to his lap.

He moved his hands to her back.

“Does this bother you?” she asked.

“Not at all.”

She rested her forehead against his, wrapped her arms around his neck. Then shifted until her head was on his shoulder. After a large exhale, she snuggled closer.

“I feel safe when you’re here,” she whispered.

He tightened his hold.

“It scares me.”

He tried to pull back, to see her face, but her muscles tensed, so he stopped. “Why? Do you think I’ll hurt you?” He was scared of that, too.

“No.” The answer was quick, firm. But her trust was a short-lived happiness. Her belief wouldn’t change anything. She didn’t know the true him. Otherwise, she’d never lie so defenseless in his arms.

“I’m afraid you’ll make me weak.”

He didn’t stop from pulling back this time, searching her face. It offered no answers. “What do you mean?”

“I’ve taken care of myself and Keandre for so long; it’d be easy to let go, to rely on you. To trust,” she added under her breath. She closed her eyes, rested against his shoulder again. “And it scares me.”

He rubbed her back. “My only wish is to see you happy. I don’t ever want to hurt you.” Yet, he would be leaving her in less than a week.

Selfish.

But he was unable to stay away from her for the little time he had left.

“You only want to see me happy.” Her tone said she didn’t one hundred percent believe him.

“How could I want anything else, angel?”

“See, so easy.” A soft sigh escaped. “Will you stay with me, Sarid?” She lifted her head. “Just to sleep?”

He hesitated. Checked in with the demon. “If you’re sure.”

“I am.”

“Then I will.”

Her lips lifted in a beautiful smile.

Asjhone used the bathroom first. Sarid went after, accepting the spare toothbrush she laid out for him. Once finished he stood in her doorway. She was asleep. On top of the covers. Body facing him. Knees slightly bent. She wore a faded T-shirt and cotton pants. Her feet were bare. Toenails painted a bright yellow. Face relaxed, and if possible, even more angelic. He sat on the bed and untied the laces of his boots.

“Hey.”

He glanced over his shoulder. “Sorry, I woke you.”

“I wasn’t fully asleep yet.” She propped her head up on her hand, bit her bottom lip. “Are you sure this is okay? Staying here. With me. If you’re uncomfortable you can go. I don’t want you to feel pressured to do anything. Not that I expect anything. Like I said, just—”

He leaned over, kissed her tirade away. “I want to stay.” He rose. Kicked off his boots. Began to unbuckle his pants, but paused, fingertips on the zipper. With a shake of his head, he re-buttoned and reached for his shirt instead. He set his shirt on the chair. Lined his boots underneath. When he turned, Asjhone was pulling back the covers.

“Take your pants off, Sarid. It won’t bother me.”

“I’ll be fine.”

“No, really. You can sleep in your underwear. Be comfortable.”

“And if I’m not wearing any?”

Heat filled her cheeks. “Oh.” She dropped her gaze.

They lay facing each other. Sarid’s feet hung off the end. He pulled the covers up to his waist.

She stared at him, eyes trailing down his face to his chest, arms. “I didn’t expect . . . This is very intimate,” she said softly after a pause.

“Too much?”

She shook her head, bit her bottom lip again. He freed it, stroking its softness with the pad of his thumb. “Turn around.” She complied and he wrapped a hand around her waist, pulled until her back was against his chest. An audible breath left her mouth and she placed a hand on his arm that rested on her stomach.

“Okay?” he asked.

“Yes. Very.”

When her breathing evened out, he closed his eyes.

He’d never slept this close to someone. Especially not a female. He ignored the heat sweeping through his body. It didn’t have a place in this bed right now.

Tonight was a gift.

One he’d always treasure.

Chapter 29

“
Wayne?” Asjhone had tugged on her boyfriend’s suit jacket before remembering he didn’t like it when she did that and instead had rested her hand on his forearm.

They had been at another one of his work parties.
He had one practically every week and always wanted her to go.
Even though he spent most of the time ignoring her. But he was up for partner and had to suck up to the “incompetent, moronic, asshole losers”. His nickname, not hers. She barely said more than hello to any of them.

Wayne smiled at her, though his narrowed gaze said he was displeased.

Yeah, well, she wasn’t too happy either. She had a major test to get through tomorrow and a twelve-hour shift at the hospital after that.

Plus, she was wearing a skirt. With heels. From her mother’s closet. “Just until I make partner, baby. I want us to make a good impression.” One of the many reasons Asjhone was studying to be a nurse. Scrubs, or as she liked to call them legal pajamas, and tennis shoes. Every. Day.

“Are you ready to go?” She wanted to put on her pajamas, the non-scrub kind, go over her notes one more time, and go to sleep.

“Picture?”

Asjhone glanced at the woman in front of them. She held one of those cameras that needed a manual larger than her Microbiology textbook just to understand.

Wayne slid a hand around her back, fingers resting on her butt. “Absolutely.” He grinned at Camera-girl. “Come on, Asjhone. Over here.”

With a frown, Asjhone allowed herself to be pulled over to the couch. Wayne said something to the two guys already there and they shuffled to their feet. After sitting in the middle, he yanked her to him. She wobbled on her heels.

He chuckled. “Someone had too much to drink.”

Camera-girl giggled.

Asjhone bit back a retort. He knew she wasn’t drinking. Knew she had an early day tomorrow.

One picture then they were going. She moved to sit next to him. His grip on her hip tightened.

“Wayne—”

“Sit on my lap.” His voice was low, demanding.

She eyed him, contemplated putting up a fuss, then figured they’d be able to leave faster if she just complied. With a sigh, she parked it on the end of his knees.

He wrapped his arms round her waist, pulled her against him. His chin rested on her shoulder. “Your tits look great in that top,” he whispered. “I’ve thought of nothing else all night. I can’t wait to get you in my bed.”

Heat stirred low in her belly, but her earlier anger combated the flames. Eyes forward, she waited for Camera-girl to snap the damn photo. “I’m not going home with you, remember? I have that test tomorrow then the hospital afterward. I need sleep.”

He stiffened.

“Ready?” Camera-girl asked.

Asjhone smiled, forced herself to relax back into Wayne.

There was a flash, then, “great. Thanks, guys. You’re such a cute couple.”

Wayne rubbed his nose along her jawline before placing a kiss on her cheek. “It’s all her.”

“Aww.” Camera-girl’s gaze softened. “You’re so lucky,” she said to Asjhone.

As soon as the woman left, Asjhone stood. “Ready? I need to go.”

He frowned. “Why are you always in a hurry? I told you how important these parties are to me.”

“And what about me? What’s important to me? My schooling. The hospital.”

“Once we get married, you won’t need to work. I finally got you to quit that awful diner, when will you move in with me? I’ll support you.” He pulled her into his arms. Ran his hands up and down her back.

Asjhone pushed against his chest. He tightened his hold and when she began to struggle, he let go so fast she stumbled back a few steps. Her eyes tightened. “We’ve had this discussion before. I’m not in the mood to have it again tonight. Take me home.” Without waiting for an answer, she headed toward the front of the house. He followed.

“We’re not leaving.”

She paused. “Fine. I’ll call a cab.” The lighting inside the coatroom was low. And too many women had worn black coats. How was she going to find her own in here? A hand gripped her arm, whirled her around.

“I said, we aren’t leaving. Not until Turano leaves.” Turano, one of the incompetent, moronic, asshole losers.

She jerked out of his grip. Her heart pounded. Throat dry. “You can stay. I’m going.” She didn’t need her jacket. Her mother had another one just like it.

He stood in front of her, blocking the way. Arms crossed over his chest.

“Let me by, Wayne.” She forced her knees to lock. To stop shaking.

“No.”

He reached for her. She slapped his hand away. Retreated a step. Then another one. He mumbled under his breath. Something about manners.

“Move away from the door.” She couldn’t prevent the tremble in her voice.

Wayne was always bossier, on edge, when he was around work people. She didn’t like it, but tolerated it. He worked long crazy hours, was always stressed. Once he made partner, things would quiet down. But tonight, this Wayne . . . It was her first time meeting him. And she didn’t like it.

At all.

And dammit, why had she left her cellphone in the car?

Was tonight the time to say enough? She exhaled, felt a pang in her chest. So, he was domineering at times? A control freak. It’s what made him a great lawyer. Most of the time he was sweet and attentive.

“This isn’t working out,” she said quietly.

He stilled.

“I . . . I need some space. To think about things.”

Mother would be disappointed. She loved Wayne. Perfect husband material.

“What things?” His voice was devoid of emotion.

Did she really want to do this?

Yes. Mother didn’t have to date him.

“Us,” she said.

He remained stoic for just a second longer then his face fell. “Please.”

It wasn’t the word so much as the emotion behind it that had her pausing.

“I’m sorry,” he continued. “I know I’m being an ass. It’s just, I’ve heard talk around the office. Turano’s leaning toward Jonathan. I can’t let that happen. I just can’t. Please, baby. I need you. You keep me steady.” He took a small step forward, when she didn’t move away, he did it again. Until he was in front of her. Slowly he raised his hands, fitted them around her waist, tugged her close. “Please. Don’t leave me.” His voice cracked. “Everyone leaves me.”

Oh. Her hand went to her chest. Never had she seen him so vulnerable.

“I’ll do better. I promise. Please.”

She had wrapped her arms around him. “Ssshh.”

“I couldn’t stand it if you left me, baby. I’m begging. Don’t leave.”

“I won’t,” she had promised, and had cupped his head with her palm, pulling him closer. “I won’t.”