Silencing Eve

do without undergoing the same bonding we did last time.” His brows rose. “You see, I’m not giving you the answer I’d like to give you. Maybe because I don’t like being a drug you can’t do without even on a temporary basis. Well, actually I would, but I don’t want it to be based on a physical weakness. When I touch your body again, I want you strong and wanting it.”
    She forced her gaze away from him. “I believe you’re being honest with me. Though I don’t want to believe it.” She started up the steps toward the porch. “I can’t afford to be stupid about this. I’ll see that I rest more.”
    “And I’ll be close by in case you need me,” he said softly. “All you have to do is call.”
    She ignored those words. “Tell Joe I’m fine, that I’m only going up to see Kendra. Do not tell him I’m tired.”
    He nodded. “Whatever you say.” He stood watching her from the bottom of the stairs. “But Quinn never trusts me entirely. He’s too protective of you, and he’s seen me do a few things that are both violent and unorthodox. It might be better if you give him a text from your cell.”
    Yes, she’d say that Caleb’s causing a killer’s heart to explode from a rush of blood could be termed both violent and unorthodox. She opened the cottage door. “Perhaps you’re right. I’ll tell him myself.”

 
    CHAPTER
    3
     
    CALEB WATCHED THE DOOR CLOSE behind Jane before he started to turn away. She had looked fragile and almost breakable during those last moments. That would not last long, and the strength would be back. It was Jane’s strength that had first drawn him to her when he’d met her all those years ago. Yet now this breakable quality filled him with an almost primitive desire to reach out and touch, hold. Hell, he wanted to touch, stroke, hold, whenever he looked at her, no matter what the circumstance.
    He should have lied to her, he thought recklessly. He had never wanted to have sex with anyone as much as he did Jane, and that lust was growing in intensity. Yet for some reason he couldn’t reach out and take what he wanted. Most of the time lies were counterproductive, but to increase Jane’s physical need for him could have been—
    “Is she okay?”
    He turned to see Margaret standing behind him. “Hello, Margaret. I’m afraid I was a little rude when I whisked Jane away from you.” He added mockingly, “Did you trail along behind us to make sure I wasn’t going to harm her?”
    “Yes,” she said bluntly. “I knew she’d slap you down if you annoyed her too much, but I’m never sure what you’re going to do. You’re one of the wild ones. I thought that it wouldn’t hurt to tag along.”
    “I’d hardly cause a furor at this sad occasion.”
    “Yes, you would. If it suited you. But you know that Jane would never forgive you.” Her gaze went back to the door at the head of the steps. “She did look tired. Is she okay?”
    “If she rests.”
    She turned to look at him with narrowed eyes. “You know that’s true. Why? Is it that blood thing that Jane told me about you?”
    He said warily, “It depends what she told you.”
    “Only that you have this kind of blood gift that was passed down through your family since ancient times.” She giggled. “And that you’re not a vampire.”
    “How kind of her to specify.”
    “I was disappointed. I was sort of sensing that blood thing whenever I was around you. That’s why Jane finally broke down and told me about your family. She didn’t want me asking you about it. I think she didn’t know how you’d react.”
    “You wanted me to be a vampire?”
    “No, but I’ve always been interested in vampire bats because I can never read any of their impressions. I thought I might be able to get a clue from you how to do it.” She made a face. “Not that I can read minds or anything. I just get occasional impressions, particularly from the wild ones.”
    “And I’m a wild one?” He smiled. “Let me see. Primitive, barbaric, possibly violent?”
    She nodded. “All of those things. Along with intelligence and cynicism and…” She shrugged. “Who knows? Every person has their own soul.” She beamed at him. “But I’ve always liked you, Caleb. You’re very interesting. I just have to watch and be careful that you don’t hurt Jane while you’re trying to have sex with her.”
    “Indeed? May I say that it’s none of your business, Margaret?”
    “Of course you may. But you’d be wrong.