~ SEVENTEEN ~

Adam knew something was bothering Gabe when they met up in the morning. He decided to do some poking. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

“You’ve never lied to me until now.”

“That’s not true.”

 “Not about anything important. I want you to tell me what’s wrong.”

“It’s nothing.”

“I’ve known you long enough to know when something is weighing on your mind.”

“Kazimir shouldn’t have been able to get his men inside the hotel. Someone is going to get hurt. We need to get the hell out of here. We need to draw him away.”

“How far are you suggesting we go?”

“We need to follow through with our plan to return to Russia?”

“I know damn well you aren’t afraid of Kazimir.”

“Staying here is a mistake, Adam. We’re putting too many innocent people in danger.”

“Innocent people live in Russia as well. And we can’t leave. You can’t leave Larissa. You know Kazimir isn’t working alone. If you leave and Evolved goes after…”

“Joseph can watch over her. Besides, he doesn’t want us to stay here.”

“If he truly wanted us to leave he would’ve forced us out. He isn’t a pushover. Trust me, Joseph Payne is not a demon I would choose to pick a fight with for no good reason. If he wanted us to leave the hotel, we would go with smiles on our faces. He wants Kazimir dead and Evolved destroyed as much as we do.”

“That was before you decided to allow Kazimir to come in here undetected.”

“Me? It was a mistake. I allowed myself to get distracted.”

“Distracted? You know damn well you decided to just forget about Kazimir to go after Evolved. Larissa could’ve been killed.”

“With you watching over her? I doubt it.”

“She would be dead if I hadn’t happened across them as they were preparing to kill her.”

“You didn’t happen across it. You’ve taken an interest in her. You’ve been watching over her. I’d bet anything you had one of your premonitions.”

“I decided to watch out for her because your new recruits decided to fuck with her.”

“Our new recruits. And you killed them, didn’t you?”

“You know I did.”

“Why would you find it necessary to continue to protect her after you eliminated the threat?”

“Figuring out who’s with you and who’s against you isn’t easy. You’re surrounded by enemies. I might’ve miss one or two. I’m not willing to let her pay for your bad judgment.”

“What if we head to Russia and Evolved gets their hands on her? Premonition or not you would never make it back here to protect her.”

“Damn it.”

“Tell me what’s wrong, Gabe. Tell me what you’re attempting to run away from.”

“Nothing. I just have a bad feeling. Something is going to happen. Something terrible. I want to stop it, but I don’t know how to do it.”

“I’ve always considered your intuition entirely reliable.”

“Not now. I usually have better insight. I have none.”

“That’s because you’re running from something you should be embracing.”

“You have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“What is Larissa to you, Gabe?”

“This has nothing to do with her other than the fact that she’s innocent and we nearly got her killed.”

“You can tell me anything, Gabe.”

“I always do.”

“You can trust me.”

“I just think sticking around is a mistake.”

“We’ve made mistakes before. We’ll make them again. I’m not perfect. You’re not perfect. If we set out to do something and we fail, we don’t give up on our goal, we don’t quit trying to achieve it. We keep fighting for it.”

“We begin again.”

“That’s right.” He placed his hand on Gabe’s shoulder. “We begin again.”

****

Hanna walked over to the window. The view was absolutely amazing. She looked down at the street. Cars and people were coming and going. So many people had no idea how dark and dangerous the world was and has always been. They didn’t know about the monsters secretly living all around them.

You’re upset, babe. Despite his physical absence, she felt his arm wrap around her from behind and pull her close. She closed her eyes and breathed in his addictive scent. Do you need me?

No. I’m fine, Adam. I know you need to take care of some business.

Nothing is more important than you. If you need me, if you want me, I can come back to the suite.

She laughed. I will always need and want you, but I am fine. I was just planning to take a shower.

Say no more. I’ll be right there to lather you up.

What makes you think you’re welcome to join me? I didn’t say anything about taking a shower with you.

I’m an optimist.

I’m showering alone.

You’re never alone. I am always with you, babe. She felt his body hot and hard against her back side and the warmth of his breath on her ear, and then his teeth nipping, moving from her ear to her jaw and then down her neck to her shoulder.

You’re driving me nuts, Adam. Go take care of your business.

Only if you promise to miss me.

I already miss you.

And I miss you.

****

Larissa knew something was wrong. She clearly remembered planning to go to the locker room to check out the damage and go for a swim. She remembered hoping to entice Gabe to go with her. She had a vague memory of being in the elevator with Gabe. She had an even vaguer memory of being in the pool with him, kissing him, feeling his body against hers. But she didn’t have any memory of leaving the pool and returning to her room. It was as if she’d blacked out.

She picked up her phone to call Gabe and question him. But then, remembering the pool was under constant video surveillance, she put her phone down on her desk and logged onto her computer. Within seconds, she was watching them in the pool. All at once, her memory returned. She remembered every kiss. Every touch. Every desire. Every sensation. She remembered inviting him to her room.

In disbelief, in shock, she watched as a blueish white flame surrounded them and swallowed them up. They were gone. They flame was gone. The pool was empty.

She picked her phone up and called Joseph.

“Good morning, Larissa.”

“I need to meet with you, Joseph.”

“Problems?”

“No. I need to take a few weeks off.”

“Is this about what happened in the locker room?”

“Among other things.”

“If you’re in trouble, I…”

“I just want to get away. I need some personal time.”

“That’s fine. Take all the time you need. Does Gabe plan to tag along with you?”

“What the hell are you talking about? Why would he go anywhere with me?”

“I’m just asking. I sort of got the impression that you had something going on with him.”

“He’s a friend. That’s all. Nothing more.”

“Does he know you’re leaving?”

“Is there a reason I need to inform him about what I am doing?”

“No. I was just wondering.”

“And you’d better not tell him.” She paused. “I have hired a young woman from the shelter. I’ve place her in a permanent room. I’m working out a schedule for her to get back into school. Can you keep an eye out for her while I’m gone?”

“Sure thing.”

“She’s important to me.”

“I got it. You can trust me.”

“She’s pregnant.  She has a restraining order against the father of her baby. He’s trouble. He has been extremely violent with her.”

“I’ll take good care of her. Just leave a file on my desk with all the information.”

“I actually want to introduce her to you before I leave. She’s a bit timid. I don’t want her to feel uncomfortable around you.”

“What time?”

“I’m heading to her room right now. I’ll bring her up to your office in a few minutes.”

“Sounds great.”

“Thanks, Joseph. Someone is at the door. I’ll see you in a few minutes.” She hesitated by the door for a second, hoping like hell it wasn’t Gabe. She wasn’t ready to deal with him. She wasn’t sure if she would ever be ready. Holding her breath, she opened her door. “Oh, good morning, Anne. I was just planning to head to your room.”

“Good morning.”

“Walk with me.” She motioned for her to follow. “After I take you to the doctor’s appointment today, I’m taking some personal time off and heading out of town. I’ll be gone for two weeks, but I don’t want you to worry about anything. You’ll be safe here.”

“It feels safe here.”

“That’s wonderful.  I am taking you to meet my partner, Joseph Payne. You can go to him for anything while I’m away. He’s a very good man. He’s more than a partner to me. He’s like a brother. I don’t want you to worry about going to him. And, just in case you need or want to talk to me, I’ll leave you with my phone number. You can call me anytime.”

“I don’t know how to thank you for all you’re doing for me.”

“You don’t need to thank me.” Larissa turned to face Anne. “I’ve been where you’re at. Like I said, we all have our starting points. This is yours. And I truly believe in you. You’re going to be fine here.”

Larissa led Anne into Joseph’s office. “Hello, Joseph. Do you have a minute or two?”

“I sure do.” He got up from his desk and walked over to them.

She handed him a large file. He set it on his desk.

“This is Anne Lockhart. She’s going to be staying here. We’re working on a schedule for her.”

Joseph held out his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Anne.”

She took his hand. “It’s good to meet you. Mr. Payne.”

“Joseph is fine.”

She nodded.

Mia walked in. “I’m sorry.” Joseph, as always, was instantly at her side with his arm around her. “I’ll come back later.”

Larissa turned to Mia. “Actually, I was going to ask if you plan to go to your boutique today.”

“I’m heading there now.”

“I wanted to send Anne in today to get a few things.”

“What about now?” Mia smiled at Anne. “You can walk over with me.”

“I don’t…”

“I’m giving her an advance.” Larissa handed Mia a credit card. “Do you mind charging whatever she wants to purchase on my card?”

Mia laughed. “I have a habit of losing things. You don’t want to send me off with your card.”

“It’s true. She loses everything.” Joseph laughed.

“Stop it.” Mia elbowed him. “We’ll square up later, Larissa.”

“Are you sure?”

“It’s no problem.” Mia motioned for Anne to follow her to the door. “Let’s go shopping.”

After they left, Larissa pointed at the file. “Everything is in there. You might want to let Mia know about her ex-boyfriend. He’s no good. I’m sure he’s looking for her.”

“I’ll call her. And don’t worry, we’ll keep an eye on her while you’re away.”

“Thank you, Joseph. I know you will. And try not to burn the hotel down while I am gone.”

He laughed. “I will work really hard at making sure it is still standing when you return from your vacation. When are you leaving?”

“In the morning.”

“Give me a call if you need anything while your away.”

“Will do. And thanks again for looking out for her.”

“You’re welcome. I am happy to help. It’s good for the soul.”

“I agree,” she said, turning to leave and finding Gabe and Adam standing in the doorway. “Excuse me.” She walked past them and out the door.

“Larissa,” Gabe said from behind.

She kept walking away as if she didn’t hear him.

He grabbed her arm and spun her around. “You’re leaving town?”

“No. I’m not really going anywhere. I’m just taking some personal time off.”

“I need to talk to you.”

“I’m sorry, Gabe. I don’t have time to talk right now. Can we get together later?”

She sensed his heart beating too fast, hers jumped as if trying to join his. Despite telling herself it was a trick of her imagination, she knew it really happened.

“Is something bothering you?”

She gave him what she hoped was a convincing smile. “I just have a hundred things to do this morning.” Without thought, she moved closer to him, placing her palm on his chest over his heart.

He placed one hand over hers and wrapped his other arm around her. “I know you’re upset, Larissa.” He frowned, looking at her as if searching for something. “When can we get together to talk?”

She licked her suddenly dry lips. “Later this evening.”

“I know your planning to leave. You’re running from me, from us.” He bent his head, brushed his lips over hers. “Run if you must, but I will follow you. I will find you.”

“Why?” She shook her head. “Never mind. I really need to get back to work.” She pushed herself out of his arms. The loss of his touch, his warmth hit her hard, nearly causing her to double over. “What have you done to me?”

“What are you talking about?” he asked.

“This isn’t me. This isn’t me, Gabe. What I feel for you is too…” she trailed off.

“Let’s go away.”

“Where?”

“Anywhere.”

“No. I can’t do this. Not with you. You made me believe in more. More doesn’t exist. I am ending this before it’s too late.”

“We need to talk.”

“About last night?”

“About us.”

“Not now.” She was a wreck. How did she let herself fall in love with him? It was insane. She was insane. Nothing would ever be the same. She’d allowed herself to need him. She didn’t want to leave him. She wanted to be with him. And that was sick. How could she still want him after he took her memory away? He didn’t want her to remember being intimate with him. That hurt. Really hurt. It cut too damn deep.

“I love you, Larissa. I never meant to hurt you.”

“Love?” She shook her head. “How the hell do you love someone you don’t know. I was wrong to blame you. You didn’t do this to me. I did it to myself. I let myself get carried away.”

“You’re panicking.”

“No. I’ve come to my senses.” She turned and walked away from him.

She felt him watching her. She got onto the elevator and took one last look at him as he stood alone in the hall. His pain. Her pain. She felt it all. She’d never felt so alone. She knew he felt the same.  When the door closed, she started to cry.

He didn’t love her. He couldn’t. If he loved her he would’ve stayed with her. He wouldn’t have wanted her to forget his kiss, his touch. He wouldn’t have wanted her to forget the fire that spread between them. The desire. The ache. The need. He regretted it. Why else had he opted to take her memory and leave her?

She’d wanted to spend the night with him. She’d been unable to think of much of anything other than him since the night they met. It was only days ago, but it felt like an eternity.

Maybe he was scared of commitment. Not that she’d expected it. Or maybe it was something deeper. No. It wasn’t a fear of commitment. He feared losing his life. A life he’d lived for a long time. A life of danger. He told her he’d never given the danger a second thought until he met her. He’d chosen a life a danger. He didn’t want her enough to walk away from it, but he cared too much to place her in a life of danger.