“Did he confess his feelings?”
“What? How do you know? I didn’t even know.”
“It is clear in the way he looks at you.”
The tears came again.
“Goldie, what is it?” He wrapped his arms around me.
“He’s my best friend. I don’t want to lose him.”
“You will not lose him. He cares far too much for you to let this change your friendship.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“I just am. Trust me, you will get over the awkwardness and be back to normal in no time.”
Comforted, I snuggled closer to Ian. He was so warm, and I fit so well in his arms I became so relaxed I thought I might be able to sleep.
My eyes had just closed when he began talking again, “I want you to invite Juliana to join you when you do one of your yoga sessions. Tell her you think it’ll help her heal or some other Yogi nonsense.”
“Why?” I prefer doing yoga alone since I also use that time to meditate.
“I am hoping it will relax her mind enough so I can try to garner more information. I will join you.”
A laugh escaped me without warning. “You doing yoga? Oh! That will be so…” He glared at me and I stifled the laughter the best I could. “Great! That will be so great!”
********
Halfway through the yoga session Ian left the room. I figured it was a sign he had heard something. I was anxious to find out what it was, so the second Juliana was back in the guest wing I went off to seek Ian out.
He was on the deck sunbathing with Rufus. They were both in swim trunks, and while I could appreciate Rufus’s physique, the sight of Ian’s bare chest made my mouth go dry. I suddenly forgot why I wanted to speak with him.
“You’re blocking the sun,” Ian muttered without opening his eyes. A slight smirk on his lips. “Sit or move aside.”
“Well, I’m glad to see recent events between us haven’t changed your demeanor toward me.”
He sat up to face me. “I think you know I am not the most affectionate person in the world. No matter my feelings for you, I am not the romantic type. I hope that will not be a problem.”
Rufus let out a groan. I sneered in his direction.
“I was kidding. I don’t expect you to kiss my feet and tell me how much you love me…” I stopped abruptly. He’d never said he loved me. I felt my face flush, and I was suddenly overly warm. “Uh, not that you love me, I don’t mean to assume. I know this is new to both of us so… Uh, I mean, no that won’t be a problem.”
He leaned over to kiss me. “You are adorable.”
“You guys are sickening,” Rufus said as he rose and entered the house.
“He’s a regular ol’ ray of sunshine, that one.”
“I assume you are here to find out what I heard?”
“Yes, please.” I crossed my legs under me, ready to listen.
“Not here. We will go for a walk on the beach.” He took my hand in his and led me to the beach.
“And I thought you weren’t the romantic type,” I said, wiggling our joined hands.
“Eh, a little hand holding never hurt anyone.”
We walked about half a mile from the house before he started to talk. He told me he’d been able to pull memories from Juliana’s mind. Even in such a relaxed state her mind had been stressed and a little chaotic.
From what he could gather, Juliana had been Gabriel’s favorite. We knew that, but we hadn’t known why. It seems she had been stronger than the other women, also smarter and more stubborn. It took a lot to make her scream and Gabriel preferred a challenge. As I knew all too well. He tortured her to the brink of death and then forced her to drink his blood so she’d heal.
“She must have Fey in her. Even a bit.”
“I agree,” he replied.
“Interesting…”
“Most definitely.”
“I wonder what else his blood did to her… or for her.”
“I assume it has extended her life expectancy. Possibly made her harder to kill than a typical mortal. Also, though I am not too hopeful because of the blindfold, it is possible that since I cannot wipe her mind, she may have the location of some of Gabriel’s hideouts somewhere in there.”
“Oooh, good thinking.”
“You will need to befriend her. Gain her trust and get her to tell you about her ordeal.”
“She may trust you before she’ll trust me. She thinks I’m a freak.”
“Well, I do not think you are a freak.” He wrapped his arms around me and lowered his lips to mine.
Chapter Twelve
Over the next week Juliana and I ran and did yoga together every day. We also prepared food for the mortals. I was more comfortable in her company. I think she felt the same, though I could tell she was still holding back.
When Friday rolled around, I finally straight out asked her for any information she may have remembered.
“I hate to ask you, but is there anything you may have left out? Anything else that may have popped up since you spoke with Ian and me? I know it’s painful, but we need to know as much as possible so we can put an end to him.”
“I swear to you, I have told you all I can. The auction site was an empty room, except for the stage and chairs.”
I sighed. I felt defeated. We were never going catch the slimeball.
“Okay. Well, thanks for what you’ve told us so far.”
“I will keep trying to remember. I promise to let you know if anything pops up. So… does this mean we can’t hang anymore?”
“What? No! Of course not. I’ve enjoyed spending time with you. It’s refreshing to be with a woman for once… I never realized I’ve been missing out on that connection. I’m around the guys so much.”
“Good, I’ve enjoyed this time too. Being a P.I. I spent a lot of time with men, too… or alone. I’m glad to have met you, just wish it had been under better circumstances.”
“I couldn’t agree more.”
We stood in awkward silence until she finally spoke again.
“Well, I’m sore from that last workout. I think I’ll go soak in the tub. Catch you later.”
“Sounds good.”
When I entered the room, I now shared with Ian, he was lounging on the loveseat with his arms spread across the back and his legs stretched before him, ankles crossed.
“I was wondering when you would return,” he said with a small smile.
“What’s up?”
“I was hoping for some time alone with you.”
“Oh? Well, I think that can be arranged.”
Locking eyes with him, inch by inch I removed my leggings. I reached for the hem of my shirt, lifting it ever-so-slowly. I continued my strip tease until Ian made a low growl and sprang from the sofa.
I shuffled backwards, laughing a little, as he tried to grab me.
“Goldie…”
“Yes, Ian?”
I tossed my top to him. The look on his face, the want, the need I saw there, ended my teasing. I stood letting him look at me in only my bra and panties.
As I removed my bra, I watched him. His mouth was open slightly and his breath was quickening. He took a step toward me. When I didn’t move, he closed the distance, crushing his lips to mine.