"I knew of no camera," he said softly.
"But you looked at it," she said.
Had he seen it and not known what he was looking at? It was possible. Linx wasn't familiar with all of the inventions on Earth. Still had he suspected there was something wrong with the situation last night, beyond the obvious, he would've never allowed Tabby to be placed in such a vulnerable position.
Of course, she would never believe him. The only way he’d convince her was if he righted the situation.
When he didn't answer immediately, Tabby said, "I'd like you to leave. I have a lot to think about and I can't do that with you here."
"Tabby, let me explain." His chest tightened at the thought of leaving. It went against every fiber of his being. Warriors didn’t abandon their…mates.
She shook her head. "It doesn't matter now. The damage is already done." Tabby walked over to the door and opened it. "Please, leave."
"I can fix this," he said.
"Don't! You'll only make things worse for me and for Taylor," she said. "Now go."
The emotions he'd kept carefully contained rioted inside of him as Linx stepped out onto Tabby's front porch. He turned back to look at her one last time and found himself staring at her closed door. How had things gone so right and so very wrong in such a short period of time?
Linx pulled out his translation device and looked up 'taped'. He read the definition twice, convinced that there had to be some kind of mistake. But there was no mistake.
Anger boiled in his gut, threatening to explode.
Did she really think so little of him that she'd believe he'd do something so low? The answer Linx got didn't sit well. Tabby had all but accused him of having no honor. He may not take life or this quest very seriously, but he'd given her no reason to question his honor. It was the one area of his life that Linx never joked about. That fact that Tabby did...hurt.
Somehow he’d fix this mess. He had to. His life and future were riding on his success.
* * * * *
Making Linx leave was the hardest thing Tabby had ever done in her life. She'd thought it would be easy. Just push him out the door and forget about him. Trouble was Linx wasn't the type of man that a woman forgot about. He was the type of man that a woman remembered fondly in her twilight years. The kind of man that could still bring a twinkle to her eyes no matter how much time had past.
And she'd just kicked him to the curb.
"You did it because he betrayed you," she muttered. "He knew about the camera and never said a word."
Except...Linx had looked genuinely confused when she'd accused him. Almost like he didn't understand what she meant, which was impossible. Only a simpleton wouldn't get it. She'd been direct—thanks to a burst of courage prodded by a sharp stick of anger.
Of course now that he was gone, Tabby was still in the same bind she'd been in when she arrived home.
She thought about calling the police to report the abuse she'd noted. But Tabby knew that Taylor would never press charges. And since she hadn't actually 'witnessed' Sergei hit her sister, there wouldn't be much the police could do. Taylor could say she walked into a door and that would be the end of it.
Tabby's thoughts turned to Linx once more. How could she have been so wrong about him? She'd always prided herself on being a good judge of character. Had lust destroyed her brain cells? Probably, but last night hadn’t all been about lust. And that hurt most of all.
Tomorrow she would go into work and give her notice. They would be shocked, but she had no choice. Better that than have them learn the truth. She had a little savings. Enough to live on for a few months. After that, maybe she'd change her name. Dye her hair. She glanced down at her long burgundy hair and fresh tears began to flow. The thought of having to change her hair was too much. She'd already sacrificed enough. How much more did she have to lose?
* * * * *
Chapter Seven
Linx hailed a taxi and returned to the strip club. He may be angry at Tabby’s refusal to believe him, but Linx was furious with Sergei. No way would he let the man get away with threatening her.
He paid the taxi and watched it drive away. He gazed up and down the street, but no one was around. There were no cars parked outside the club yet, which was perfect for what he had in mind. Linx walked up to the front door and turned the knob. It opened. He found Boris inside, sitting on a barstool watching some kind of sporting event.
The beefy wall of a man stood and glared at him. "What do you think you're doing here?"
"I want to speak with Sergei." Linx watched as Boris raised his hand and gave some kind of a signal. Alexei and Viktor slipped out of the shadows. He eyed the men and grinned to himself. At least now it would be somewhat of a challenge.
Boris glanced over his shoulder. "We have a slow one.” He nodded in Linx’s direction. “He thinks because of his porn debut last night that we’re going to just let him walk in here and talk to the boss."
Viktor laughed and muttered something about a big dick under his breath.
Alexei moved in closer. "We owe you for that little stunt you pulled the other night. Don’t know how you did it, but we had to replace our car."
Linx arched a brow and leaned against the doorway. "And I owe you for taping me and my lady friend in a rather delicate position."
Alexei snorted. "You missed your calling, pretty boy. You could've made some serious money with that dick of yours, but now it's too late because nobody's going to hire you once we get done messing up your handsome face."
“I’ve heard of this. Is this what they call ‘trash talk’ here on Earth?” Linx asked.
“Duratski!” Viktor said.
“You’re right, he is an idiot,” Alexei added.
Bolstered by the other men's nearness, Boris made his move. The big man came in swinging, but Linx was ready. He caught Boris’ massive fist in his hand and squeezed. Bones crunched beneath his fingertips.
Boris howled in pain.
"What..." Viktor reached for his gun, but before he could pull it out of the harness beneath his jacket, Linx was on him.
Alexei rushed forward and barreled into Linx, sending him flying through the air. Linx flipped end over end and landed lightly on his feet, then rushed them. The beast rose inside of him and claws sprang from his fingertips. He felt his teeth lengthening and his vision shift.
Alexei helped Viktor up. Both men faced him.
"What is he?" Viktor asked.
Boris cradled his hand and stared in horror. "He's a Tchort. A demon. The devil himself."
"Kill it!" Alexei shouted.
The men drew their guns and fired wildly. Linx leapt into the air and landed on Viktor, who in turn fell into Alexei. Boris's gun wavered as he tried to get a clear shot. Linx didn't give him the chance. He faded and appeared behind the big man. He grabbed Boris around the neck and slammed his head into the bar. He went down hard and didn’t get back up.
Linx disappeared again, then reappeared long enough to rain blows upon Alexei and Viktor. The men swung and missed, nearly hitting each other. Linx kicked Viktor in the solar plexus, doubling him over and slammed his fist into Alexei’s throat. The big man wheezed and dropped to his knees. Linx punched him in the head. Alexei fell over. Viktor moaned and Linx backhanded him. By the time he was finished, all three men were unconscious.
Sergei came out of his office with a shotgun in his hand. "What did you do to my men?” he asked, surveying the carnage. “Do you have a death wish?" He cocked the gun.
"No, but you must," Linx said. "Did you think I'd let you get away with threatening Tabitha? A man who threatens defenseless women has no honor."
"You're a dead man," Sergei said. “You just don’t know it yet.” He fired. The concussion of sound from both barrels going off was deafening.
Linx faded instantly. When he reappeared again, he had Sergei by the throat, his claws sinking deep. "Do not make threats you cannot keep."
Sergei choked and blood trickled down
the front of his shirt.
Taylor came running out of the back office. "What are you doing? Are you trying to get us killed?"
"He will not harm you or your sister. If he does, I will return and strip his flesh from his bones." Linx glared at Sergei, making sure the beast glowed in his eyes.
Taylor scrambled back with an alarmed cry. "What are you?"
Linx spared her a glance. "It's not important 'what' I am. All that's important is that Sergei understands what will happen to him if any harm comes to your sister." He squeezed and heard the man wheeze. "Nod if we understand each other."
Sergei's jaw clenched and he glared in defiance.
Linx tightened his grip and felt the blood flow increase. "I said, nod if we have an understanding."
Sergei looked over at Taylor, a promise of retribution in his eyes, then he nodded.
Linx squeezed until he passed out, then stared at the woman whose face was so much like the one haunting him. "You're coming with me."
Taylor backed away. "I can't go. If I leave, he'll come after me and kill me."
Linx shook his head. "No, he won't."
She rubbed her trembling hands over her arms. "You don't know him like I do," she said. "He doesn't forgive and he never forgets. By coming here and doing this--” Taylor motioned to the bodies on the ground. “You've signed mine and Tabby's death warrants."
"I have ensured your safety," Linx said. "A simple thank you would be enough. Now get your things. You’re coming with me."
Taylor backed away.
“After everything he’s done to your sister, you still want to stay with him?” Linx could understand her fear, but not her misplaced loyalty.
“I have no choice.”
"Fine, we'll do this the hard way." Linx took out his weapon, flicked it to stun and fired. Taylor's eyes rolled back in her head. He caught her before she hit the dirty carpet.
Linx carried the unconscious woman out the back door and found a sleek, black vehicle parked in the alley. The design told him it was built for speed with its highly polished paint and shiny silver wheels. The dark windows gave the driver total anonymity, while the car all but screamed for attention. Linx knew it had to belong to Sergei. He was the only man that he’d met vain enough to need it. He gently placed Taylor on the ground and went back inside to retrieve the keys. He located them in Sergei's office shoved in a drawer.
After liberating the keys, he walked back out into the alley and opened the car door. He lifted Taylor and slipped her onto the backseat, then jumped behind the wheel.
He wasn't altogether certain how to operate the machine, but he'd watched Tabby and the taxi driver enough to have a pretty good idea. Linx figured if he could drive a spaceship, this land vehicle shouldn't be much of a problem.
It turned out he was right about operating the vehicle, but he could’ve done with a better understanding of what the various lights and signs meant. Linx didn't think Sergei was going to be too happy with that four-foot long 'scratch' running down the side of his ‘Porch’. At least that’s what Linx thought the vehicle was called, although after the last turn, it might’ve been missing a few letters.
It took some backtracking, but Linx eventually found Tabby's home again.
Tabby stepped out onto the front porch when he pulled in, her eyes widening when they landed on the car. "What are you doing here? How did you get Sergei's car?" Suspicion dripped from every syllable.
“He didn’t loan it to me, if that’s what you’re thinking.” Linx's temper flared, but he bit back words guaranteed to provoke her. He put the car in park and stepped out of the vehicle. "I took care of the problem."
Tabby frowned. "The only problem I have is you."
"I'll be gone soon enough. In the meantime, I'd appreciate some help getting your sister out of the car."
Tabby rushed forward. "What is Taylor doing here?"
"I couldn't exactly leave her after my conversation with Sergei and his men." Linx smirked. “I thought you’d be pleased.”
"I am.” She stepped closer. “Now tell me about this conversation you supposedly had." Tabby looked inside the car. Her eyes widened when she saw Taylor slumped forward in the front seat. "What have you done?"
"I got your sister back for you," Linx said. "You said that's all you wanted. All you cared about." He didn’t try to conceal his bitterness or the pain that came from her rejection.
"What's wrong with her?" Tabby glared at him.
Linx glanced at his passenger. "She's stunned, but is otherwise unharmed.”
"How did that happen?" she asked. This time there was something on her face that Linx hadn't seen before...fear. Tabby slowly backed away.
"I would never harm you or your sister. She didn't want to leave Sergei after I'd spoken to him." He gave her a pointed look. "It was not safe for her to stay."
Understanding dawned and Tabby nodded.
"If you help me get her into the house, I will leave you and you'll never have to see me again." She had no idea how much it cost Linx to say those words. He felt as if his two hearts were being ripped from his chest. But if his absence would ensure Tabby’s happiness, then somehow he’d force himself to leave.
The beast within him snarled, but he steadfastly ignored it. He’d just have to find another woman, another mate.
Even as the thought crossed his mind, Linx knew he wouldn’t be able to replace Tabby so easily.
* * * * *
For some reason the idea of never seeing Linx again, didn't sit well with Tabby. She may not know him fully or understand his motives, but thus far he'd come through for her when she'd needed him. Of course, that knowledge didn't stop the growing concern in the back of her mind from kicking its way to the forefront. She knew there was more going on here, than what he'd said.
Tabby examined Linx from head to toe and noticed that his knuckles were red and slightly swollen. "What exactly did you say to Sergei?"
"I asked him to leave you and your sister alone," he said.
Tabby wasn't buying the look of innocence on his face, even if there was something about it that made her heart melt. "What did Sergei say?"
Linx shrugged. "Not much at first, but eventually he agreed that it would be in his best interest to do so."
"Uh-huh, sure." There was no way Sergei would just agree to something like that. He was a man used to getting his way in all things. "That’s such a nice story. What are you leaving out?"
"Nothing," he said.
She knew it was a lie, but didn’t call him on it. Tabby helped Linx carry Taylor into the house. She could see the bruises on her twin's face beneath her carefully applied makeup. She wondered, not for the first time, how long Sergei had been abusing her. Linx placed Taylor onto the couch and walked to the door. Tabby's heart tripped and began to pound. He was really going to leave. And she’d never see him again.
What did you expect? It’s not like you asked him to stay.
Tabby recognized panic when she felt it. "Where will you go?" she asked before she could stop herself.
"I told you that I'd leave you alone,” Linx said. “I always keep my word.”
Tabby glanced back at Taylor. "Thanks for bringing my sister home." She watched him walk to the door. Something inside of her cried out as he stepped outside. Tabby knew his leaving was for the best, but that didn’t stop a part of her from wanting him to stay.
Linx opened his mouth like he wanted to say more, but nodded instead and left.
A lump formed in Tabby's throat as she tried to swallow. Her eyes burned as she blinked back tears. What was wrong with her? She'd only met the guy a few days ago, so why did it feel like her heart was breaking?
* * * * *
Taylor woke with a start. Tabby had been sitting by her side for over an hour, when her sister shot up and frantically looked around.
"Where's the monster?" Taylor asked.
Tabby frowned. Maybe her sister's brain had been damaged when Linx stunned her because she wasn't makin
g any sense. "Honey, you're at home."
Taylor stared at Tabby for what seemed like an eternity. "Where did that guy go that you were with the other day?"
"Linx?"
"I don't know what his name is. The one you had sex with on the video," she blurted.
Tabby flushed. She and her twin were close and talked about everything...or had in the past, but for some reason she didn't feel comfortable discussing Linx. And she certainly didn’t want to talk about the video. She’d been reliving that night in her head ever since he walked out the door. “Why do you want to know?”
Taylor did a quick scan of the house. "Is he here?"
"No." She didn’t miss him. And Tabby would continue to tell herself that until she believed it.
Her sister deflated in front of her eyes. "Thank goodness."
Tabby’s brow furrowed. Why would Taylor say that, especially after everything Linx had done for them—for her? "I think maybe you need to lie back down."
Taylor stared at her, then slowly did as she’d suggested.
"Would you like a glass of water?" Tabby asked as much for herself as for her sister. It was obvious that Taylor was in shock. She just didn’t understand why.
She nodded. "Yeah, that would be nice. I don’t feel so well."
Tabby walked into the kitchen. More than anything else, she wanted to get her thoughts straight. She needed answers from Taylor and she wasn't precisely sure where to begin. She grabbed a glass and filled it with water, then walked back into the living room.
"What happened?" She handed Taylor the water.
Taylor's wild gaze continued to explore the room. "Are you sure he's gone?"
"Yes! I don’t know why you keep asking," she said. "Did Linx hurt you?"
Taylor frowned, then her expression cleared. "No, not exactly hurt, but he shot me with something."
Tabby’s breath froze in her lungs. "He shot you?" She thought about the weapon he’d aimed at Viktor’s and Alexei’s car. Had he used the same thing? If it could do that to an engine, what would it do to a person? Tabby scanned Taylor from her toes to the top of her head and back again.
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