Sea Haven 02 - Spirit Bound

like Stefan Prakenskii had when he felt threat on the most elemental level.
    “Just hear me out. If you still want to call the police or have me leave, I’ll go,” he said, keeping his voice pitched low, velvet soft.
    Stefan knew Judith didn’t really have much choice in the matter. He had her hand pinned, but she wasn’t thinking about that. He could tell. He didn’t make the mistake of smiling. He didn’t feel much like smiling and doubted if bashful American businessman Thomas Vincent would either. He’d just been caught with his pants down by a beautiful woman.
    “I don’t tell people . . .” He broke off and shook his head, letting go of her hand and shaking his head. “You’re going to think I’m insane. Look, let’s just call it a night and I’ll look at the books some other time.” He ran his finger around the inside of his collar again and rubbed the bridge of his nose looking, for all the world, like a very uncomfortable man.
    “Just tell me.” Judith’s dark gaze slid away from his, giving him a glimpse into her insecurities.
    Her psychic abilities were strong. He could feel the sheer potency of her energy surrounding his. When his energy rubbed hers, the boost was so powerful he expected to see sparks, an explosion, something tangible. Yet Judith didn’t feel in control of her power and that gave him an advantage. If she was uncertain of herself, that left the door open for inexplicable things to happen—like Thomas Vincent accidentally sending his fantasy straight into her mind.
    He shrugged. “Fine. I have certain abilities and I think Sea Haven has an energy that amplifies . . .” He trailed off uncomfortably again.
    The moment Thomas’s hand had settled so gently over hers with such hidden strength, preventing her from calling the sheriff, Judith’s entire body felt the surge of heat rushing between them. The fire was hotter than anything she’d ever experienced, a flash of need that grew and spread and left her aching and restless.
    Shocked, ashamed and certain she’d humiliated herself for life, she swallowed hard studying Thomas Vincent’s averted face. His awkwardness was endearing and completely at odds with his large, muscular appearance—as was his speed and his gentleness. She had done her research on him the moment Inez had asked her to meet with the man. She distrusted outsiders on principle and since Levi had married her sister Rikki, even more so. Her entire family was fully aware Levi Hammond wasn’t his real name, but none of them cared. He was theirs now, and they’d protect him just as they did each other.
    She’d searched the Internet for Thomas Vincent and his name came up repeatedly in an instant. He was much more than he had said so casually. He was a man who had a reputation for brilliant deals, swooping in on failing businesses, turning them around and then selling them for quite a profit. He was reportedly worth millions. He was the only son of a railroad worker. His mother had died in childbirth and he’d been raised by his father. The father had never remarried and had died several months earlier of cancer. It was easy to see why he was such a powerful figure in the business world, but a little shy with women.
    There were several photographs of Thomas Vincent with his father, and the two had looked very close. Her heart had gone out to him. It was no wonder he was contemplating a life-changing move. And God help her, she was attracted to him. That was the biggest red flag of all. She would never again risk falling for someone and put those around her in danger. She didn’t make good choices. But never once in the last five years had she thought this could happen to her—this amazing invigorating, exhilarating response to a man.
    She wanted to help him out of his dilemma even though he’d scared her to death. She had been flirting. Not overtly, but she’d definitely let a little leg show, hoping to draw his attention. She’d had very erotic fantasies about him throwing her down on the counter—something completely out of character for her—and she’d somehow connected with his mind.
    Her wild fantasies about him had gotten out of hand and he’d picked them up and thought himself responsible. Clearly he had psychic ability and, by her reaction, there was no doubt that she’d given away the fact that she was adept as well. She should have been surprised, but the truth was, Sea Haven did have energy, power, whatever one wanted to call