FicWad

CHAPTER SIX

It surprised Tynan when she heard the big clock in the library chime eight. Once she’d heard from Mrs. Pellman that Lam had accepted the invitation, and would arrive at eight thirty, she’d become lost in Faelen’s fantastic collection. She sat on the third level catwalk with an exquisitely inked and illuminated copy of Espiritu Sancti, and Lam could arrive any minute.

She replaced the book with great care, and dusted off the seat of her jeans as she hurried down to the ground floor. Colorful pictures from the beautiful, five hundred year old book swirled before her mind’s eye. Her heart had raced every time she’d turned a page. She’d felt privileged to have seen it, touched something so rich in history and glorious to the senses. Her heart continued to race. But, now because her moment of liberation stood at hand.

Tynan crossed the flagstone hall, giving the gaslight splashed tapestries a final appreciative look. She almost sympathized with the loss Faelen would suffer, no longer surrounded by his things, when they carted him off to jail. Almost, but not quite. Maybe the state of California would reopen Alcatraz just for him. That would really put a smile on her face.

She went into the gold suite. It deserved its name, having a huge bed dressed in a brocade spread, tasseled pillows, and a sheer canopy of some gauzy material, all in shades of gold and brown. With its deep plush white carpet, low furniture and abundance of cream and white pillows, the sitting room possessed the same Middle Eastern flavor as the bedroom. Altogether a great place to stay, if she had the choice.

Regrettably, she’d have to leave her suitcase. She’d no doubt have to escape in a big hurry and she couldn’t very well carry it to dinner. Small price, she thought, taking her hair down and running a brush through it. From her grey reticule Faelen had brought with her the night before, she took out a few necessities: driver’s license, social security card, credit card. She tucked them into the pockets of her jeans.

Tynan couldn’t help wondering at Faelen’s logic. She doubted he intended to let her leave tonight. But how could he expect to keep her locked up like Repunzel in the tower, when an outside party would find out about it?

She met her own gaze in the mirror, and a shiver passed down her spine. He didn’t expect her to leave. That’s why he took this in stride. Somehow, some way, he believed he knew a way to control the situation.

A surge of challenge-fired adrenaline raced through her. She felt the charge of it like electricity, and smiled at her reflection. Her resolve to outwit Faelen steeled.

Tynan didn’t know where Faelen intended for her to wait. For that matter, she didn’t care. When she had finished French braiding just the front of her hair and had woven that small portion to the end, she left the suite. She considered waiting for Lam in the foyer. Pausing in the hall, she gave that a second thought. Faelen would anticipate her trying to plead her case to Lam first thing.

She turned on her heel and headed for the kitchen. The instant she opened the double doors leading into the back hall, the mouth watering aromas of fresh bread and Italian spices hit her. Animated voices wafted from the kitchen along with the delectable smells. The clink of glass and rattle of plates accompanied them.

Accessories to felony shouldn’t laugh and joke as they worked. They should conspire in whispers, glancing over their shoulders. As she followed the scents and sounds, she added to herself they should also have shifty eyes. Not look like the smiling, chatting people working in the kitchen.

A young man with blonde hair and intelligent brown eyes looked up from the cutting board where he sliced zucchini. “Miss Singleton!”

At his exclamation, six other pairs of eyes snapped to her.

Tynan decided she’d thrown them for a loop appearing back here. “Where will you serve supper?”

“In the solarium,” answered the chef, who’d introduced herself at breakfast as Karen.

Tynan recalled Faelen telling her the flowers he brought came from his solarium. “Shall I wait there?”

“Yes.” Karen smiled. Faelen will join you in just a few minutes.” She pointed to a big door in the far corner. “If you like, you can go out through there.”

Following Karen’s indication, she opened the tall door and stepped out into a warm, torch lit paradise.

She shut the portal behind her and took in her surroundings. Beneath her feet lie grey stone. To her right, stood a curved wall of glass, perhaps forty feet high. A frosted glass door, shaped in a corresponding curve did not disrupt the continuity. An array of fragrant flowering shrubs and plants lined it. Her nose identified jasmine, rose and something sweet, like honeysuckle.

Across from the kitchen door, two fat club chairs upholstered in a dark plaid flanked a marble topped table. The table hosted a carved humidor, a candelabra fashioned to resemble a willow tree, and the half dozen or so lit white tapers in it.

Stepping farther out, she looked to the left. A glossy dining table sat among six matching chairs. In its center, rested another taper filled, willow tree candelabra. A grey stone wall reached halfway to the soaring, glass ceiling, extending from the corner of the house where she’d emerged. It stopped perhaps eight feet from the outside wall of the solarium, where it joined with a high wooden gate of equal height. Whatever portion of the solarium lie beyond there, she could not see.

Here and there, tall tiki torches cast their glow. Lazy curls of myrrh incense smoke floated from a rock shaped burner sitting just in front of the white roses and cala lillies that lined the divider.

A shadow detached itself from the darkness along the stone wall. Tynan smothered a cry of surprise. The torch light revealed Shang, Faelen’s enigmatic servant. Dressed in a suit similar to the one she’d seen him in before, he looked at once casual and formal. The juxtaposition stemmed from the comfortable cut of his clothes and his formal manner, she reasoned.

Shang bowed. His long braid slid over his shoulder, almost to the floor. Straightening, he said, “Forgive. I did not want ma’am-san to believe herself alone.” Myriad accents swirled in his voice, as intriguing as his old-fashioned formality. He straightened.

She could have taken his explanation to mean he didn’t want her to think she lacked supervision and could attempt to bolt. Instead, she decided he intended to protect her sense of privacy. Turning to better face him, she replied, “Thank you. Shang, isn’t it?”

“Yes, ma’am-san.”

“Call me Tynan,” she requested. “I appreciate your announcing yourself.”

He gave her a brief shallow bow. When he looked up, he repeated the action more quickly. She frequented Chinatown and Little Tokyo enough to know he intended to leave.

Swiveling in the direction his eyes had flickered, she saw Faelen. He strode across the stone verandah outside the solarium, booted footfalls light for such a big guy, and opened the door. A gust of cold October wind washed in with him, tangy with sea air and carrying the roar of crashing surf. The sound of the door closing behind him echoed.

Her senses came alive in a wild rush. The scent of the flowers and incense grew stronger. The flickering firelight looked far more romantic, and her black-haired, golden-eyed captor appeared far larger and sexier. And more sinister.

Tynan granted herself one second of doubt, to wonder at the intelligence of challenging him. Then, she greeted, “If it isn’t my illustrious jailer. Well, Lam should arrive any minute.”

“Yes.” He’d changed into black suede pants styled like jeans and a crisp looking white shirt tucked into them. The simple, expensive garments accentuated his slim-hipped, broad-shouldered body, and called way too much attention to his long limbs. Vitality crackled around him, charged the air with electricity.

She resisted the urge to step back as he came to stand before her. He made her uneasy, much like she felt seeing a lion or tiger in a cage. Despite the bars between them and herself, she always experienced a thrill of fear and awe. With him, however, she kept thinking she was safe with him. Just not safe from him.

Tynan tried for a casual attitude. “Lam owns a wonderful bookstore on Stranton Street.”

“Yes,” Faelen replied. His amber eyes appeared to glow in the low light.

His one word answers started to annoy her. “You’re familiar with it?”

His gaze moved over her face. “I am now.”

“Wait just a second,” she shot back, suspicious. “Did you go see him and try using that bizarre mind thing?”


“I did not.” He reached out and lifted a lock of hair off her shoulder. Tynan watched in helpless fascination as he rubbed in gently between his long, tapered fingers. They held obvious strength, tempered with a masculine elegance.

Her heart turned a somersault in her chest, then began to kick behind her ribs like it wanted free. That inundating feeling of seduction he generated warmed her skin, then soaked through to touch her vulnerable core. She noticed the wedge of deep golden brown skin chest showing above the open, top three buttons of his shirt.

“Stop it.” Tynan battled the river of overwhelming sensuality flowing inside her. She summoned the grit that kept her sane the night her parents were killed, and snatched her hair from his grasp.

“I’ve told you how difficult I find not touching you, little one.” His husky velvet and leather voice shot straight to her palpitating heart.

“Don’t call me that. I don’t want endearments from you.” She met his glowing gaze. Daring him.

“Ty, you never cease to amaze.” Lam’s voice cut the tension.

Tynan almost went limp with relief. Not because she would see the end of her privileged incarceration, but because of the dangerous ground she’d stepped onto.

“Lam!” She rushed to him and threw her arms around his neck. His short bristly hair brushed her cheek, and she inhaled the comforting scent of patchouli. “Take me home.”

Lam hugged her, laughed, and leaned back. “Can we wait a bit? I’ve envied R.F Cairo’s collection for years. I’d like to have a peek at it before I go.”

Elusive pieces of the vague puzzle fell into place in her mind. Articles in the society column, exclusive invitation only art showings, and many bits of information rushed back to her. With so much hitting her at once, she hadn’t put things together. He’d introduced himself as Faelen, and in her mind, he’d become just the man who’d turned her life upside down.

“R.F Cairo,” she murmured, feeling incredibly dense for not realizing who he was to the world. “The reclusive collector of rare old books, and esteemed artist.” The mural in the front room fit now. R.F Cairo had won international praise for his lifelike work.

Lam gave her a quick kiss on the cheek, then stepped back. He kept his arm around her as he faced Faelen. “Guess your hunter’s instinct lead you to the finest woman in our little city.”

The surreal quality of the moment made her glance back and forth between the two men. “Lam, hold on a sec, do you feel funny? Like you’re thoughts might not come from your head?”

He returned his attention to her. Worry lines creased his forehead. “You all right?”

Tynan shut her mouth. Pushing that line of questioning, justified or not, would undermine her credibility. She glanced at Faelen. His expression remained smooth and unreadable. Tynan turned back to her unsuspecting friend. “I feel great.” She smiled at him. “I just wondered if this fantasy world of a house had influenced you.”

Lam smiled. She felt him relax. “I’d lay money it has you. Else you wouldn’t have suspected me.”

Faelen’s gaze moved to a point beyond them. His gave a slight nod, and a few seconds later, Eldon came carrying a huge silver tray. Cut crystal decanters of various spirits caught the torch light, glittering like gems, and a two bottles of wine crowded upon it. A uniformed maid brought a tray of glasses, and a second, a bottle of champagne half submerged in a silver bucket of chipped ice.

“Can I offer you a drink?” Faelen walked to the table. “Thank you, ladies. Eldon,” he said in dismissal.

“Love one,” Lam answered. She knew he’d dismissed her earlier request to leave, and her question about his thoughts. To him, all unpleasant matters were settled. Like most Englishmen, he allowed almost nothing to disturb the pleasure of the evening meal. She let him kind of push her toward their host. “Brandy, please, if you’ve got it.”

Faelen looked at her. Her heart turned over again. Doing her best to ignore her response to him, she took a deep breath. “Champagne.”

He pulled the bottle from its cold bed, and filled a tall flute. Tynan took great care not to touch him as she accepted the glass of fizzing wine. She suspected her knew it, and avoided meeting his eyes.

“Thank you,” she murmured.

Faelen poured three fingers of brandy into a large snifter and handed it to Lam. “I hope you enjoy it. It’s from a case a friend of mine discovered last year.”

Tynan watched him pour himself a smaller portion of the brandy. When he set the decanter back upon the tray, Lam lifted his glass. “A toast. To a brilliant artist.”

Faelen inclined his head in a brief, gracious nod. Tynan felt like throwing her wine in someone’s face. But it was a toss up as into whose; her smooth captor’s, or her bedazzled friend’s. Smiling, she raised her flute. “And, to getting what one deserves.”

“Hear, hear.” Lam took a sip of his brandy.

Faelen touched his glass to hers. “Salud.”

She tried not to watch. But, found she couldn’t help it. He raised the snifter. She saw him take just a sip, then lower the glass. His sculpted lips showed the faintest sheen from the liqueur, almost like an invitation to taste it from his mouth. Her stomach fluttered. The palms of her hands tingled and her lips, too.

She turned away. Her breath seemed caught in her chest and her nipples tightened against the slick fabric of her bra. Damn him.

“Tynan’s right about the house.” Lam’s crisp voice cut the tension. “It’s like a fantasy.”

To draw attention from her sudden about-face, she strolled around the table to gaze out the glass wall. A tower-like structure jutted up from the land, just to the right of the house, perhaps fifty feet out. She wondered at its function. As she watched the moon gild the crests of waves in the distance, she listened to them.

“A Venetian architect,” Faelen replied, “Giavanni de Favio redid the place for me when I bought it.”

“I’ve heard of him.” Lam’s voice held a tone of respect. “I must say, his work here justifies his reputation.”

None too happy with her friend at the moment, Tynan rolled her eyes. Trust Lam to know about Italian architects. He seemed to always know things like that. She sipped her champagne, and considered how to manage a moment alone with him.

“We bore her,” Faelen said.

Tynan faced him and smiled. “Not him.”

Her captor laughed, a rich masculine sound of pleasure. He held out his hand in invitation. “Come. I promise to do better.”

She glanced at Lam. He wore an expression of complete surprise. “That tongue of your has an edge like sword, Ty.”

“It’s one of my favorite things about her.” Faelen’s gaze moved over her with a proprietary leisure that made her bristle. His good humor just didn’t sit well, given the circumstances.

“Just as well,” she returned.

Faelen smiled, flashing those fabulously white, strong looking teeth. “The lady doth protest too much.”

Lam made a choking sound in his snifter. He lowered his glass and chuckled.

“At least,” Faelen amended, “that’s what I hope.”

She fumed at the silky, gentleman’s disclaimer. It allowed him to deliver the barb, yet appear modest. Unable to think of a reply that wouldn’t make Lam wonder at her sanity, she said, “I’d like to see what’s beyond that stone wall.”

She’d wanted to put him on the spot. He set his brandy on the table. “Let me show you.”

Tynan placed her flute on the table. “By all means.”

She noticed Lam carried his drink with him as the went to gate. It matched the stone divider in height. Although the torch light cast flickering, deceptive shadows, she watched Faelen work the combination lock. His swift, efficient movements took maybe a second. Then, he removed the lock, hung it through the catch on the gate, and pushed it wide.

Tynan tried, really tried, not to let the beauty of it seduce her. Still, she ached from the sight.

“My private garden.” Faelen stepped back.

“Bugger!” Lam exclaimed, manners in absence.

A large, crystalline pool, pear shaped and tiled in pale blue, resided at the heart of the garden. It’s purple tile border separated it from the rich soil beds hosting white and red Cala lilies, white orchids and extravagantly rare black roses. Cut white marble pathways bisected the flora. Papyrus grew in vivid green clusters. Fig, citrus and palm trees added dimension.

Tall carved torches lit the garden, and water lily-shaped floating candles illuminated the pool. As she lifted her gaze, she saw gaslight chandeliers hanging from the vast ceiling, anchored with clever slim beams.

She walked forward, trying to take it in. Something caught her eye. Homing in on it, she saw a balcony high to the left. A black, wrought iron spiral staircase lead from it to the ground. She did some quick estimations, calculating the balcony’s position on the house.

Facing Faelen, she said, “That’s where I’d place your room.”

He did not hesitate. “Yes.”

“The headboard of your bed rests against that wall. And there’s nothing but wall there. It’s solid” The moment the words left her mouth, she realized the impression she gave Lam. And, the way she’d sound when she tried to relate her story of captivity. The ‘victim’ coolly relating details of her ‘captor’s’ bedroom. She’d once again undermined the credibility of her story.

Tynan glared at Faelen.

The exquisite beauty of the place remained, but she couldn’t enjoy it. She waited at the gate as Lam took a brief look around. Faelen remained near her. He answered Lam’s many questions, and played host with amazing ease despite the situation.

When Lam stopped at the far end of the pool to admire the fall of water spilling down from a rock wall, Tynan’s control snapped. “You did that to me on purpose. You wanted Lam to think I knew the details of your room because I’d slept with you there.”

She refused to face him as he stepped closer. “I did not. There’s a panel which slides into a recess in the wall. When you were there, I had it in place”

She felt like hitting him. His unprecedented ability to evoke her primitive physical urges made her more angry. “When he comes back here, I’ll tell him everything.”

“I agree. The air needs clearing.”

His reasonable tone infuriated her. It defied the laws of nature for someone to have such self-possession.

“Don’t direct that at me. You’re more angry at yourself.” Faelen delivered the order in the low, even tone of a man accustomed to obedience. “Lam,” he called, “There’s something I’d like to discuss before our meal is served.”

She knew her current temper jaded her perception, but she thought Lam trotted back like a trained spaniel.

“I want to tell you,” Tynan began, “this man kidnapped me.”

Lam turned his gaze to Faelen. “That’s a new approach.”

“She’s telling you the truth,” Faelen responded. Tynan thought she might suffer from audible hallucinations, until she saw the look on her friend’s face. “Listen to her,” Faelen continued. “Then listen to me.”

Tynan spilled out the story, suffering only a second’s remorse as she edited her sexual responses to Faelen. Lam said very little, just interjecting a few British curses. When she finished, she felt a bit foolish. If Faelen didn’t back her, she’d sound crazy.

“Ready to listen to me?” Her abductor asked.

Lam ran a hand through his white-blonde hair. “Bloody hell.” He nodded, took a pull of his brandy.

“I’ve known Blade for years,” Faelen revealed. “He’s a thorn in the side of many social circles. You might remember when the congressman’s daughter disappeared about five years ago.”

Tynan’s gaze snapped to Lam. He seemed to consider that. “I do. They tried every legal action. Without a body, they couldn’t charge him.”

“His real name’s Malcolm Calix. You may recall that, too. He has less regard for human life than he does any law. San Francisco police did all they could to be able to even question him. Blade’s clever and brutal. He used all his resources to cover his tracks.” Faelen paused. She watched Lam. Her friend’s eyes never strayed from him.

Her kidnapper continued, his tone even and matter-of-fact. “He’s set his sights on Tynan.” Lam made a sound of objection. Faelen went on, “His attempt to trade my friend for her failed. I went to his home and took her. Next, he’ll try taking Tynan. He has many who follow him without question. Even a bungled attempt could prove dangerous.”

“Christ.” Lam grasped her hand. “Cairo’s approach may’ve lacked political correctness, but what else could he’ve done?.”

It almost didn’t register. By degrees, she absorbed it. “Don’t tell me you side with him.”

“Ty, with that blighter in pursuit, you should be grateful Cairo protected you. Come to it,” he continued, “what problem could you have with a vacation? You’re, for all intents and purposes, unemployed and there’s nothing to keep you from enjoying yourself.”

She couldn’t believe it. The only person she could count on to miss her, wanted her to remain missing.


CHAPTER SEVEN

He saw Tynan pull her hand from her friend’s. Then, she turned and went out through the open gate. The wake of provoked emotion she left struck Faelen in a palpable wave.

“I regret the animosity my actions have caused,” he told Lam. “Not my actions.”

The tow-headed Brit looked a bit scattered. “You did the best thing.”

Faelen followed her with gaze. “She’s too stubborn to know I’m saving her life.”

Running his hand through his hair again, Lam then finished his drink. “Sod a dog.” He shook his head. “She’ll have a rant, then forgive me.” Pointing a long finger, he said, “You she’ll chew to pieces.”

“I anticipate it. I’ve several things in the works to end the threat. But, it’s going to take some time for me to take care of Blade.” He turned toward the dining area of the solarium. “My chef should have our supper ready. Shall we?”

Tynan stood facing out to sea, watching the waves perhaps. His patience for her using the turning of her shapely back as a snub began to wear thin.

She turned to face them as they approached. Those tip-tilted, pale green eyes of hers narrowed at him. “Eldon tells me they’re about to serve.”

He seated Tynan to the right of his place, indicated the chair to the left for Lam. The air around them thrummed with tension, generated by her emotions.

Faelen drew Lam into conversation about books as they were served soup. Hoping to ease the mood, he invited the other man to see his library following the meal. He wanted the man firmly in his corner. Faelen listened to Lam’s description of his most recent finds. But, his attention remained upon Tynan. She left her tomato and crab bisque untouched, her Sauvignon Blanc untasted.

Through the serving of the lobsters, the Mediterranean mussels in saffron broth, baby vegetables with prawns and the salad Niscoise, she ate perhaps a half dozen bites. Faelen ate even less, though only because his metabolism had no need for it.

“You’ll have to talk to me soon, Ty,” Lam said as the servers set the almond soufflés and fresh berries in cream. He’d consumed his meal with equal parts gusto and good manners. “That Poe you ordered should come in by the end of the month.”

Tynan placed her fork along the edge of the soufflé cup. With studied care, she laid her napkin upon the table and looked at her friend then Faelen. “I’ve listened to the both of you chatting as though a felony hasn’t been committed,” she began, the tautness of her voice warning of her simmering temper. “As if I did not object to the decision you’ve made. A decision that is neither of yours to make.”

“Acting bloody stubborn about this,” Lam replied. He took a bite of his dessert. “What problem do have with camping here a bit? Be angry at his methods, but don’t put yourself in danger he can help you avoid.”

“There is one very simple, very large problem you both ignore with infuriating ease,” she shot back. Shoving back her chair, she stood. “I do not want to stay.”

“Why not?” Lam asked, appearing at a loss. “I’d stay if I could.”

“Lam, if you’d excuse us.” Faelen pushed back his chair and rose. “Please, enjoy your dessert. Eldon will take you to my library when you’ve finished. We’ll join you in a while.”

That brought her gaze to him in a snap.

Faelen went to her, he pulled out her chair a little more and said, “Come with me. I’d like to discuss something.”

Tynan did not take his arm when he offered it. He decided he’d let her have her way about that enough. Picking up her small hand, he place it around his arm and held it there with his other hand. She gave him a look that made him think she’d make a scene. But, she seemed to grit her teeth and opt to cooperate for the moment.

Faelen took her out of the solarium and down the stone stairs and out to the foot of the tower He punched the in the entrance code and saw the light on the keypad change from red to green. The wind picked up again as he opened the door. Holding it for her, he put his hand at the small of her back and urged her in.

Tynan proceeded him. Faelen shut the door behind him. The silence surrounded them at once. “Stay where you are,” he told her, “I’ll get the light.”

He crossed the stone floor to the far wall of the small entrance room. Before he flipped the switch, he stole a look at her. She could see nothing, so she would assume it hid her expression. His eyes adjusted in seconds to the dark, and he saw the unchecked emotions on her face. She looked young, scared and so uncertain, his heart ached for her.

Faelen turned on the just the small safety light he’d installed for his human servants. She blinked and his own eyes adjusted to the change. Inclining his head toward the stairs, he held out his hand. “I want to show you something.”

She started past him. Faelen caught her hand, twined his fingers with hers as he went to the steps. He lead her up past the two lower rooms he kept for his more unique guests. When they arrived at the top level, he turned up the gaslights and observed her reaction to his most private domain.

Tynan’s eyes widened. She gazed about the room, her grievances against him seemed forgotten for the moment. “You paint here?”

“Yes.”

Pulling her hand from his grasp, she walked toward the half finished painting resting on his black easel. “I know this place. It’s the lighthouse just south of the city.”

“Five miles from here.” Faelen watched, fascinated by her unguarded reaction to the work in progress. A smile flirted at the corners of her lush mouth. Her expression reflected something, fond memories of the place perhaps. Abruptly, she turned from the piece. “What did you want to discuss?”

Faelen went to stand before her. “Tell me why you don’t want to stay.”

“I resent the way you brought me here and I despise feeling like a prisoner.”

“If I could’ve convinced you to come on your own, I’d have preferred it.”

“Since you didn’t have time,” she shot back, “no problem. Just throw me over your shoulder like some Neanderthal toting his kill back to the cave.”

Faelen called upon his reserves of patience. He studied her, noticing the ring she twisted with her thumb, the defensive posture. For the first time, he sensed a weakening in her. Even in the library, as her grief spilled out, she hadn’t seemed vulnerable.

“The imprisonment is in your mind,” he told her. “If you think of your stay here as a safety precaution, you won’t feel that way.”

“Why should I? I am a prisoner.”

He considered the lack of personal numbers in the address book Shang brought from her apartment. All but two had been for businesses. “I admire your desire to remain independent, to look after yourself. But, the police couldn’t save a woman with a huge, powerful political family. Do you think they can protect you?”

“That is my concern.”

Faelen didn’t want to hurt her. He almost dreaded confirming his theory. “Will your family keep you safe, Tynan?”

A naked expression of grief and pain flashed over her features. Then, her expression smoothed. “I’ll watch out for myself.”

He hurt for her, becoming more certain by the second of her isolation in the world. After losing his parents, one hundred and seventy three years ago, he knew about isolation. He knew she wouldn’t welcome his touch, his comfort. For the moment, he allowed her distance. He kept his hands at his sides.

“I understand you better now,” he confessed, feeling her loneliness. “You hold on to your independence so fiercely because you think it’s the only thing truly yours.”

Tynan froze. It appeared she even ceased to breathe for a moment. Then, hot color suffused her cheeks. She backed away from him.

“That’s why you hold your books so dear,” he continued. “Not just because you love them, but because you need to build something. Having your own shop would give you a stand-in family. A place where you’d belong. A reason to live.”

“Stop it.” Tynan halted her retreat as her back met the wall. “I’m not some weeping orphan.”

“No,” he agreed. “You’re a courageous one.”

“We’ve left Lam long enough.” She seemed to compose herself. Moving out from the wall, she smoothed her hair.

“I have a question for you.” Faelen saw the wariness haunting her eyes. He felt it in his soul. Still, he intended this moment of reckoning to evolve in his favor. “If you can answer ‘no’, I’ll put you in his car myself.”

Tynan held up a hand, shook her head. “I hear a ‘but’ coming. We’ve been here before.”

“Yes. You must swear not to lie.” He’d sensed she held honesty in high esteem. Several times she could have lied to him, she’d chosen not to. “Will you do that?”

She hesitated, which assured him she gave it thought. “Yes.”

He accepted her vow. Choosing his words with care, he asked, “Do you want away from me so much because you’re afraid you’ll want to stay?”

Her lips parted. A denial seemed ready upon her tongue. She met his gaze. “You’ve done some weird things to my head. I can’t trust myself to answer.”

He held out his hand, palm up. “Touch me, and tell me you believe that.”

“What’re you talking about?” Tynan began twisting the ring with her thumb again. Aside from that telling gesture, she remained still.

“Despite your denial, you trusted me when we first touched.” Faelen extended his arm. “Put your hand on mine, and tell me what you feel.”

She shook her head. “I told you before. I can’t believe it.”

“I understand why you might not trust anyone else.” Faelen gazed into her eyes, let his desire for her flow. “Trust yourself, Tynan. Aren’t you the only person you believe you can?”

“Leave me alone.” She walked toward the stairs.

“You swore,” he reminded. “I have no answer.” Turning, he saw her halt at the top of the steps.

“I can’t answer your tricky question.”

Faelen closed the distance between them. Catching her shoulder, her turned her to face him. He felt every throb of her pulse, wanted to soak her into himself. His canines tingled, ached with wanting to lower. Soon his hunger would become a need.

“Answer.” He inhaled her scent, felt the warmth of her beneath the denim shirt. The lure of her blood reached him. His senses filled with her in a maddening rush. Decades had passed since he’d felt this way. Faelen stepped back. “Yes or no?”

“Damn you!” Tynan fled down the stairs.

Faelen worried she might try to find her way back to the solarium. Although the half moon had risen, it did more to cast deceiving shadows than light the way. He caught up to her with the speed he made a habit to conceal. Half way down the staircase, Faelen swept her up in his arms.

“No!” she exclaimed. She hit him with her fist.

“Is that your answer?” Faelen carried her down and out of the tower, kicking the door closed behind. The alarm would reset itself. He ascended to the solarium with her. Inside, he set her on her feet.

“Yes!” She fought free of his hold and landed with admirable grace. “No, it’s not. Leave me alone.” She made a sound of disgust and stalked away.

Faelen followed her to his library. It gave him a strange tingle to have a relatively unfamiliar human in it. Still, when his mate threw open the door, he adjusted.



Tynan’s thighs trembled. Her face felt tight with emotion. She glanced around the library, seeking Lam. On the third story catwalk, she caught a glimpse of green. The shirt he wore, she realized.

“Lam!” She couldn’t help thinking how little comfort his presence really provided. “I want to go with you. Right now.”

She saw him through the metal, his image intersected by the iron grid. He walked toward the stairs. “Bloody stubborn, Ty.” Descending, he met her halfway across the library. “You hadn’t moved here when all that Blade fellow did was splashed about. Didn’t see that missing girl, the photos her family published, did you?”

Faelen’s painful insight into her psyche still stung. She didn’t like the idea of his delving back in. “I don’t care about that. You both said the police couldn’t prove he did it. I’m going home.”

Lam’s eyes met hers, full of affection and sincerity. “Cairo has the clout and blunt to protect you. Give him a few days to do what he can days. Then if you say ‘go’, I’ll fetch you back.”

“I see you believe I’m better of here.” Tynan heard the frost in her own voice.

“Give hard-assed a break, will you?”
S
he tried not feel betrayed. Again. “I can’t right now.”

He put his hand beneath her chin. “Buss us a kiss.”

Tynan discovered relenting hurt too much. “Not tonight.”

Lam kissed her cheek. “I’ll ring you tomorrow.”

“Goodnight,” Faelen said, stepping up to shake Lam’s hand. His voice held a warmth that infuriated her. “You’re welcome in my home. Take advantage of my open invitation.”

“Thank you, I will, Cairo.”

Tynan didn’t turn to watch him leave. She fixed her gaze on the ever blazing library hearth, as it snapped and cracked, consuming its fuel. Some much had happened in so little time. For over twenty-four hours she’d ridden an emotional roller coaster. It had sapped her energy, leaving her temporarily out of steam.

Behind her she heard the door close. Instinct told her Faelen remained.

“I know what you’re going through,” His voice filled the cavernous room. Its seductive warmth twined through her like ivy.

She shut her eyes for a second, then said, “Enlighten me.”

“You’ve reached the point where you have to decide between hanging on to your objections and feeling strong. Or letting go and being strong.”

It made too much sense. “Convenient for you to make me believe going along with this is right.”

“I don’t make you believe anything,” he replied. She felt him at her back, so close the heat of him reached her. The silence with which he’d approached gave her a little shiver.

Tynan’s entire body responded to him. She felt weak and receptive. With great effort, she forged past it. She forced herself to think more objectively. Lam would call, so she wouldn’t be unaccounted for. He’d hit the nail on the head when he pointed out her lack of obligations. She had tucked back enough personal savings with her frugal lifestyle, to fulfill her household expenses for about five months. Long enough for her business to return profit. Assessing the pros and cons of the situation, she decided to stay.

“A few days,” she agreed after a long moment.

“Good,” he said, deep voice rich with something like approval. He came to stand at her side, facing her.

She kept her eyes fixed on the hearth. Taking a slow breath, she prepared to make a confession. “Faelen, I don’t really think what happened to my apartment was your fault. I do believe if you hadn’t gotten involved, he might not have done it. But, you’re making it right. So, I won’t bring it up again.”

“My respect for you grows by the moment.”

She turned to face him then, uncertain how to take his words. His expression displayed nothing but honesty. No hidden meanings or sarcasm appeared to lurk beneath.
Then again, with him, maybe she lacked the ability to see with clarity.

“I think I’ll turn in,” she told him. The past forty-eight hours had sapped her energy.

Concern transformed his features. “Of course.” He took her hand, placed it upon his arm, and walked her to the door of the gold suite.

Tynan’s heart gave a sudden lurch. She experienced an abrupt case of butterflies, as if he had walked her home following a date. Determined to keep a grip on herself, she asked, “Tomorrow we go see my apartment?”

“Yes.” His brilliant amber eyes moved over her face, making her feel he missed no detail. “Will it make you happy to see order restored?”

“Do you have to ask?” The moment the words left her mouth, she recognized their bantering quality.

Faelen tilted his head just a bit, his scrutiny intensified. “I’d like to hear I’ve pleased you.”

His words struck her as incredibly erotic. They hinted at something more carnal. Her breath arrested for a moment. She sought a way to break the tension. “I’ll feel better when I see it.”

“You’ll praise me then?” His teasing tone tempted her to more intimate conversation.

Tynan knew she needed to end this now. “Goodnight, Faelen.”

He opened the door. “Goodnight, ilshlava.”

Glancing once at his sensual face, she went into her room. He shut the door behind her.

Tynan exhaled in relief. Her belly still quivered from the sudden case of nerves. The trying events and tension left her weary to the bone.

She changed into a pair of her own pajamas brought from her place, washed her face, brushed her teeth and combed out her hair. The worn, familiar fabric of the PJ’s brought from her house, offered relaxation by osmosis. Someone had turned back the bed. She crawled in and turned off the bedside lamp.

In the dark, with the cool myrrh sheets and the thick, downy covers insulating her from what might come tomorrow, Tynan felt herself sliding toward slumber. Faelen’s voice returned to her in a lazy swirl.

“I’d like to hear I’ve pleased you.”
I
nto the darkness, she sighed.



The rich scent of coffee and baking bread greeted Tynan as she approached the kitchen. Karen looked up from the steaming loaf she stood slicing.

“Good morning.” She resumed her expert cutting. “Coffee’s over there.” Karen inclined her head toward the twin chrome sinks.

Tynan saw the thermal pot resting to the left of them. “Thanks.” She entered the sunlight filled kitchen. “How can you slice it while it’s hot? I always smash it when I try.”

Karen glanced up, smiled. “Practice.”

A row of red mugs waited on the counter beside the pot. Tynan filled one with the vanilla scented brew. “Different coffee each morning?” She looked out of the window. Beyond the stone verandah and many graduated wooden decks, the land dropped off at a sharp angle. Before, she’d seen this only in the dark.

“We switch often,” Karen replied. “Hungry? I did parmesan proscuitto quiche and three melon salad with blueberries.”

“Slacking?” Tynan asked, amused. “Yesterday the menu stretched a mile.” She sipped her coffee, turning from the view of white crested, distant waves. Until now, she hadn’t let herself think how much she missed morning social time. Her aunt had always risen early, and the two of them spent the first bit of their days talking and laughing, hands wrapped around warm mugs of coffee or hot chocolate.

“I put on such a huge meal last night, I doubted you’d be hungry.”

“I didn’t eat much.” Tynan made her admission before it occurred to her Karen had referred only to her, not Faelen. “Your taskmaster might need something more substantial.”

The other woman set aside her knife, ruffled her ultra short white blonde hair. “Perhaps.” She then brushed by Tynan to wash her hands and pour a cup of coffee. “I like your friend. He stopped in here for several minutes, checking out the meal and asking questions.”

Tynan considered Lam’s fondness for fast food and snack cakes. His kindergarten palate would drive a skilled chef crazy. The latent matchmaker in her toyed with the pairing just the same.

“He can charm,” Tynan allowed, “and disappoint.”

“Can’t we all.” Karen sipped from her cup, set it aside. “Most of the staff is off for a few days, to relax before the guests arrive. Let me play two parts, and fix you a plate.”

A suspicion that the woman had somehow evaded her, nagged at Tynan. She felt dodged, but didn’t know how. “I can manage. Guests?”

“We’re expecting four, maybe five. It’s been arranged for three weeks.” Karen picked up her mug. “Mr. Cairo plans for the two of you to leave after you eat. You help yourself, and I’ll take my coffee for a walk on the beach.”

When Tynan stood alone in the kitchen, she puzzled over her feelings. She couldn’t shake the suspicion she’d missed something. About Lam, the guests? Giving a mental shrug, she helped herself to a quick bite and then went to locate her kidnapper-cum-host.