“You don’t need to know.” My voice is a low rasp.
“Actually, it might be better if someone else—” Death starts to say.
“Not going to fucking happen.” I take Nia’s hand and then let it go again. What the fuck am I doing? I’m not her fucking boyfriend. I don’t do the whole handholding thing. “I’ve got a target on my back already. I won’t put anyone else in harm’s way. I will take care of it. I’ve already committed to helping Nia.”
“I agree with Rage,” Nia says. Her voice is soft and unsure. “We shouldn’t bring anyone else into this mess. We probably shouldn’t be here.”
There’s a part of me that wants to turn and walk away because I’m jealous of the thought of anyone else having sex with Nia. I’m feeling protective of her. I’m a selfish bastard. That’s the main reason for taking on this role right now. It has nothing to do with saving my friends. That’s secondary by a long fucking shot to actually wanting inside her again.
It’s the sex. It’s amazing. I almost feel normal when I’m with Nia. I know this is risky, but I’m doing it anyway. It’s calming, and if there’s one thing I need, it’s to be calm. I try to forget that on the other side of all that calm is Gaire, who is anything but calming. I’m making excuses to fuck her again, but I guess I’m okay with that.
“If it doesn’t make too much of a difference, you might need to consider other options,” Death cautions. “I need to go and get Tri. He’s still at my father’s house.”
Oh shit! I completely forgot about Trident. I really do have my head up my ass. I nod once. “How long do we have before he finds us?”
“I’ll be back in two hours to move you,” Death says. “I think you’ll be okay for that length of time. Make the most of it.”
“We will.” I feel my whole body tense. I hate running like a coward. I want to destroy that fucker so badly. I can’t seem to get a handle on him long enough to be able to do it. I hate feeling so useless. So weak.
Death disappears.
“Can someone tell me what you guys were just talking about,” Jarrod asks. “What do you have to do? Can I help?”
“No, you can’t. Are your bedrooms upstairs?” I ask.
Jarrod nods. I can see the confusion on his face.
“You heard Death. We’ll be here for less than two hours. We need a bedroom now. There isn’t much time.” I know I’m being a dick, but it can’t be helped. I’ll make it up to Jarrod.
Jarrod shrugs. “Of course, I guess you need to freshen up. Catch some Zs.” He nods a few times.
I don’t say anything.
“Um…the last bedroom is mine. You can take any of the others.”
I nod. “Don’t disturb us,” I warn him.
He frowns. “Do you need food?”
“We don’t need anything. Just the room. Send Death up when he gets here.” Then I’m taking Nia’s hand and leading her up the stairs. My mouth is dry, and my dick is hard. I can’t believe how ready I am to have sex again. I don’t just want it. I crave it. My body is buzzing with need. These near-death experiences seem to have that effect on me.
“Do you think it will help?” Nia asks. “Do you think…?”
I glance back as we reach the landing. “There is only one way to find out.” I stop walking, “Are you okay with this?” I realize that in my urgency, I never actually considered Nia.
She nods once. “Yes.” Her pupils are dilated, and her breathing is rapid. I realize that she is just as turned on as I am.
I pass the first bedroom and push open the door to the very next one. I shut the door behind us. My eyes are on Nia. She grips the hem of her dress and lifts it over her head.
I’m floored all over again at how fucking gorgeous she is. From her eyes to her tits to her flared hips. She’s perfect to hold onto. Perfect to bury into. Just perfect.
I pull my own shirt over my head. “I need a shower, but I’m not leaving you here. It’s too dangerous.” I feel anger well inside me. “Not that I’ll be all that effective at fighting that dickhead off.” My voice is a low growl. I toss my shirt on the ground.
18
Nia
Rage’s broad chest is heaving. His hands have balled into fists. I can smell adrenaline and a good dose of testosterone. There’s also the peppery scent of anger. His muscles bulge and shift beneath his skin. He’s as terrifying as he is beautiful. He may not think much of himself, but I know he’s ultimately a good man. He’s helping me. Thing is, I’ve looked into the eyes of true evil. Rage is too hard on himself. He isn’t five seconds away from being Gaire. He’s nothing like that asshole.
I can see that he’s beating himself up over what just went down with Gaire. “You did a great job,” I tell him, meaning it.
I’m leveled with a dark stare that has my heart beating faster.
He disappears into the bathroom, and I hear the water spatter to life. I follow him. “I mean it,” I say. “There’s another thing that’s improved during a compulsion, and that’s my senses. When your boot connected with his torso, I heard a rib snap. You broke one of his bones.” I grin broadly. I still almost can’t believe it. I know I probably shouldn’t be this ecstatic about something so violent, but I am, and in a big way. “In the year I knew Gaire, no one got that close to begin with. If they did, they didn’t get a punch or a kick in. Not one that actually connected and did damage.” I laugh. “I’m sure he’s afraid of you. I love the idea of him being the one to feel pain for a change, and not just for me but for all the people he’s hurt over the years.”
His gaze softens for a moment. “I appreciate the compliment, Nia, but I think you’re being a little optimistic about my abilities.” I think I catch a half-smile…or at least the start of one.
I watch him toe off his boots and then unsnap his jeans. “I’m serious,” I say. “You’re so much better than you think. Your ability to keep your feet under you…” I shake my head in awe.
“He’s much stronger. I hate saying it, but it’s true.” Rage steps into the shower and under the water. His gaze is still on me. “We need to somehow break that stupid bond so that you can hand his ass to him.”
“You’re far stronger than you realize,” I tell him. “I can’t do it without you.”
He barks out a laugh, “You mean you can’t do it without my dick.” He palms his member. It’s hard and standing to attention.
“I do need your…” I look down and smile, pulling my bottom lip between my teeth. Then I look him in the eyes again, “I need more than just that from you. I’m hoping you’ll come to see that.” I realize I’m sounding sappy. Like I’m talking about feelings. “You’re so strong. So incredibly powerful. Far more powerful than Gaire could ever hope to be,” I rattle on. At this point, I’m laying it on too thick. I’m trying to cover up for my sappiness.
“That’s not a good thing.”