“Right,” he said, strolling to the kitchen as if he’d been invited to stay.
“Hey! Where are you going?” Addie trailed behind him.
He stopped at the entrance, glancing around at the empty counter, the empty stove, and the dark oven. He opened the refrigerator and saw the starkness of the cold box. “Yeah. I see you have plenty to eat.”
His sarcasm exhausted her. She leaned against the doorframe, suddenly faint, unable to hold herself up.
Aiden stepped within inches of her, staring into her eyes as he propped his hand along the side of the doorframe very close to her face. She stole a quick glance at his long fingers.
“Look, I’m not blind. I can see you’re hurting. I can see you’re starving yourself. I can see that you’re sick with love and worry. I didn’t come by to upset you, and I’m not going to lie to you. I like you.” When she started to protest, he placed his finger over her lips. “And because I like you, I care about how you are getting along. I don’t expect anything from you.” Her knees grew sapless from standing and they buckled under her as she grabbed onto his arm for support. “Look at you, you can barely stand up, you’re so frail. You need food and …” he sniffed at her hair, “a shower.” She gaped at his audaciousness but resigned herself to hearing him out because she knew, this time, he wasn’t going away. “Now,” he continued, “there are a few events that are going to take place over the next hour. I’m going to go to my truck and get those steaks. Then I’m going to cook them while you go upstairs and take a shower. Then you will come back down here and you will eat. I am not leaving until all those things happen.”
Addie was weak, but damn it if she’d let him or anyone bully her, even if he was right. She slid down against the wall and under his arm, freeing herself from his all too close incarceration.
“Fine,” she huffed and took off upstairs, leaving him standing in the kitchen. I hope he chokes on the steak. Well, not really. She just didn’t like being told what to do, especially by him. She liked her pity party, even if it was lasting a bit longer than she knew it should.
***
Addie had to admit the steaks smelled heavenly and she caught her stomach growling again in anticipation. She supposed it had been a while since she had a decent meal. Whenever depression set in, Addie’s appetite always diminished.
“I wasn’t sure how you liked your steak. I hope medium is okay.” Aiden opened a bottle of wine, offering her a glass. Addie shook her head. If she had to sit and eat, she could do that, but damn it, she wasn’t going to pretend everything was fine and act as if she was enjoying herself by indulging in wine.
Aiden shrugged. “Suit yourself. Uh … you don’t mind if I have some, do you?”
When Addie didn’t say anything, Aiden poured the red liquid into one of the crystal stem glasses he’d pulled from the cupboard. Addie tugged out a chair and sat in front of one of the plates. Conversation of any sort with Aiden seemed too difficult as she eyed the food. Juices from the steak ran into the bottom of the baked potato loaded with butter and sour cream. “What, no chives?” she asked, using her best sarcastic tone.
“Oh, so you are going to talk to me. Well, if you want to call that talking. I guess we can start with that.”
“I don’t mean to be rude, but why exactly are you here? I mean, why should you care whether or not I eat?”
“I told you, I like you. You haven’t been around the bar, and like everyone else, I was beginning to get concerned,” he said, cutting into the steak and taking a generous bite. Unable to resist any longer, Addie cut her own steak, took a bite and couldn’t hold back the “mmmm” that escaped her lips as the juices spread over her tongue and aroused her taste buds. It had been a while since she’d eaten and this steak was cooked perfectly, which only brought memories of Cael and the way he loved to cook for her.
“You don’t need to be concerned for me. I’m a big girl.” She studied him as he chewed. His five-o’clock-shadowed jaw flexed, his throat constricted and released with each swallow. He was an attractive guy and she had to wonder why he didn’t have someone in his life.
His blue eyes darkened and she could have sworn they grew bluer, a deep royal blue, as he picked up his wine glass. Staring at her over the rim, he took a sip. “I realize you are but I don’t mind helping out when I can.”
“You know, there are other women, women who are available that you should be spending your time with. Not me.”
“None as beautiful as you, so that would be a waste of my time.”
Unprepared for the compliment from him she responded with sarcasm. “Thanks, but flattery will only get you the wine you’re drinking and the steak you brought and cooked.”
“Not looking for anything more than that and I’m not trying to flatter you, simply stating the facts. I hate to see you spending your days sulking over someone.”
“That would be none of your business.”
“Uh oh, is that your panties I detect bunching under you, making you squirm? I’m not saying you don’t have the right to sulk. But you’re much prettier when you smile.”
Oh, now he was infuriating, in a charming sort of way, but she wasn’t interested. Cael would be back. She knew it in her heart. She just wished he’d hurry up.
“I, uh, heard talk at the bar that the flower girl from the wedding, the one who made the bullet ricochet, was having a birthday party this weekend. I know you’re fond of the child. I thought you might like to go. I … I could take you.”
“What?!” The mention of Breena and how she made that bullet ricochet with her hand had Addie getting all defensive. She’d only had to live with the secret of having abilities for a short time, but she knew how important it was not to have outsiders know about them.
Aiden looked puzzled at her exclamation. “What do you mean, ‘what?’”
“I mean, how? Who told you about that? How do you know about Breena and what she can do?”
“I was there, remember? Well, not exactly at that moment, but Gerry told me what happened. She saved his life. He was extremely grateful.”
“Gerry told you,” she repeated. The nonchalant way he said that took her by surprise. Why would Gerry reveal their secret to Aiden? Unless Aiden had abilities.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to shock you. I thought you knew.”
“Knew what?” She played the ignorance card, needing him to reveal his knowledge before she said anything.
“Well, we, you and I, have a similar ability. I thought Gerry would have mentioned it. He told me about yours, so I just assumed …”
“He didn’t,”’ she interrupted him, staring at Aiden, unable to make any other words form on her lips, not sure why she was so shocked. But, jeez, Gerry could have said something. Shoving back from the table, she stood, reached into the cupboard, and grabbed a wine glass as the sudden urge to have a drink consumed her.
“I’m sorry. I guess he would have eventually if you weren’t hiding out here all the time.”
Pouring herself some wine and then sipping it, she watched as he reached behind and grabbed the candle from the shelf, placing it on the table. She observed, staying silent until the wick slowly grew bright with flame.
“Nice. Is that the best you can do?” she said unable to contain the contempt dripping from her voice.
He laughed. “You’re a tough audience.”
“Well, I do have some experience.”
“Playing with fire is never something to take lightly, no matter how well you can manipulate it. There’s always a danger of letting it get out of control. I like to keep it within a certain boundary.”
“I see,” she said, relaxing a bit as the wine settled in, smoothing out the rough edges of her unease. She wanted to disagree with him, considering her own abilities, but decided to keep quiet. Now she needed to know everything there was about Aiden and what his abilities were. “What exactly can you do with it?”
“Not as much as I hear you can. I can light candles, like this.
” He picked up the small candle from the middle of the table and snuffed out the flame between his finger and thumb, then placed the unlit candle back on the table. A few seconds later, the flame ignited again. “And start small fires. I suppose I could set a person on fire; however, I’ve never had cause to want to find out. I can’t project flames through the air like you; it’s more of a mind thing with me and I sure as hell can’t control it once it starts.”
“I can,” she murmured more to herself than to him, but knew he’d heard her.
“You can what?”
“Control it.”
“How?” His face lit up with a mixture of intrigue and admiration.
Addie pushed herself up, held out her hand, and a ball of flame formed in her palm.
“Jesus,” Aiden said, jumping to his feet and taking a step back. He stared at her incredulously. She stopped with that, letting the flames dance in her palm, still too unsure of him to show him what she’d just recently discovered she could do.
“Jesus,” Aiden repeated. “Can you feel it?”
“No.” There was no pain. No burning sensation. Not anymore. “When I first acquired the ability, I’d get annoying, shocking prickles in my fingers, but I’m used to it now and those prickly stings are only mild tingles now.” She closed her hand over the flame and it disappeared with not so much as a single scorch mark or other trace.
“Holy hell, girl. You’re a human torch.”
She lowered her hand and sank back down in the chair while grief pummeled her heart as she remembered what it was like the first time she’d ever made a fireball with Cael. He’d been so patient with her, yet so determined. She wished he could see her now. The traveling flames were new, something she’d only done once before while fretting about his disappearance.
Needing to think about something else she asked, “What else can you do?” She was curious now. It didn’t hurt to talk to the guy. She was always interested in learning more about people like herself. Besides, knowing what types of powers a person possessed helped her know exactly what she was up against, in case a situation ever arose where she’d need to defend herself. Aiden seemed like a nice guy, and although Gerry’d known him practically his entire life, as far as she was concerned the jury was still out. Nice guy or not, she could tell when someone was putting the moves on her and Aiden was most definitely showing his charming side. In fact, she felt a little guilty sitting here having dinner with him. What if Cael came back right now and found Aiden in their kitchen, eating steak and sharing a glass of wine—by candlelight?
“I can see into the future a little as well as the past.”
His words startled her and catching herself before she spit wine all over the table, she covered her mouth with her hand. “Wait. How far into the future?”
“It varies. I’ve never put an exact length of time on it. Anywhere from five or ten minutes, give or take a few.”
“What? You’re kidding. Why didn’t you say something?”
“About what?”
“Why didn't you see it coming? Or did you deliberately not say anything?”
“I’m sorry, darlin’, I’m not following you. What exactly are you asking?”
“Don’t play dumb with me. You know perfectly well what I’m talking about.”
“Well, considering this is very upsetting to you, I can only assume you’re referring to the situation at the wedding.”
“Yeah, damn it!” She was on her feet now, prompting Aiden to stand. “The ‘situation’ as you call it, where Gerry was shot and my fiancé disappeared. Why the hell didn’t you warn us?”
“Well, I didn't get out there in time. As best man I felt it was my responsibility to keep the guests inside and away from all that was happening. It was bad enough that they had to witness Finn making a bloody fool of himself and confessing to killing Careen after that woman’s accusations. I’m sorry, I can’t see the future unless it involves me or I’m witnessing something and paying attention. And if you are going to ask why I didn’t stop the fiasco with Finn confessing, save your breath. I hadn’t been paying attention to him either as I’d been concentrating on the pretty female standing in front of me right now who’s hell bent on reading me the riot act for not seeing into someone’s future. I think you are acting a bit irrational. Are you listening to yourself, darlin’?”
Addie hung her head in her hands. Yes, she heard herself, heard Aiden too. She had no right to blame him for anything. He’d been doing what he should have been doing, except for the concentrating on her part. “I’m sorry. It’s all so difficult.”
“I know, love.” He tilted her chin up with his finger so she had to look at him. “I know it’s easier to blame someone else. Helps take some of the burden away. You can blame me all you want if it makes you feel better. I want to be here for you. I am here for you.”
Addie forced a smile. “Thanks, but …”
“No buts. I’m not so bad once you get to know me. You might start to like me, even, and if …” he cleared his throat, “if your boyfriend doesn’t come back, I want you to know how deeply sorry I would be for you, but also maybe a wee bit glad. Not wishing anything bad to your beau, of course, but happy that I might have a chance with you then.”
She stared at him, noticing again eyes of the deepest blue she’d ever seen, the pupils completely disappearing as the blue took over. Every line, every muscle in his face showed her how sincere he was and at first, she was surprised. How stupid she’d been not to have recognized his affection before, or noticed how strong it seemed to be.
“I’ll hold you while you cry. Hell, I’ll even hold you when you laugh.”
She gave him half a smile. He seemed genuine enough. Cael had to come back, but in the meantime, would it hurt to let Aiden keep her company once in a while?
“So how about it?”
“How about what?”
“I’ll go with you to the girl’s party. Maybe we can get each other drunk or something. I’ll even let you take advantage of me.” He winked.
She couldn’t help laughing now. “It’s a kid’s party.”
“Ah. Right. Well, we’ll bring our own bottle then.”
Chapter 6
Discovering five years had passed without any memory of them had been an awful blow to Cael’s state of mind and he decided a rigorous swim in the ocean might help improve his disposition. He swam out past the waves, anger swelling his head. What the hell had happened? What could have caused it? Or who? He didn’t think he knew anyone with the ability to remove memories, but considering the empty time span, anything was possible. After several laps out and back through the waves, his waterlogged body laden with exhaustion and the fury inside his veins had disintegrated to a dull annoyance. Strolling slowly away from the soft, foamy surf, water beaded on Cael’s chest and he shook the sea from his hair. Snatching up the towel he’d left in the sand, he began drying off when he noticed a couple of women eyeing him—with admiration, if their smiles were any indication. They seemed young, definitely underage and he prided himself with the knowledge that he’d taken good care of himself over the past five years. The six-pack and firm pecs were a testament to the fact he hadn’t let up at the gym. His arms needed a little more work though, he decided. As he towel-dried his hair, he considered his face. When he’d looked in the mirror earlier that morning, he’d noticed a laugh line at the side of his mouth that he couldn’t remember being there before. He supposed he did look a little older. A little older was an understatement. He was five fucking years older. He headed inside the bungalow and straight to the mirror in the bathroom to check out that line one more time. A soft glow from the overhead light illuminated the tiny space, giving him a shadowed appearance that did make him look a bit older, if he was any judge. He flipped the other switch on, brightening the room, and studied his hands that he now realized were thirty years old instead of twenty-five and that pissed him off. How the hell had it happened?
He decided there wasn’t anything he c
ould do about his age now, it wasn’t possible to go back in time. Grateful he’d kept up with his workouts, diet, on the other hand, he could only guess about, knowing what he normally liked to eat and it wasn’t always healthy. Ahhh, he supposed it wasn’t too bad, though he did have a sweet tooth for pie. Thinking of good cooking, he realized that although he didn’t want the razzing from her about losing his memory, he needed to contact his mom. Maybe she would be understanding and not scoff at him the way she often did when he did something foolish. Siana Sheridan, always the proper, perfect lady. When was the last time he’d seen his mother? Surely, it hadn’t been that long since he’d spoken to her or seen her.
Five years were missing from his life, five entire years gone in the blink of an eye. He thought of Stefan and Claire’s young daughter, Breena. God, she must be what, ten years old now?
Cael thought he would go crazy listening to Finn brag all morning and afternoon about the woman he’d taken to bed last night. He finally got the guy to shut up when he told him what year it was. Finn had a hard time believing him, but when Cael showed him the daily newspaper he’d grabbed on the way to the room last night, Finn simply sank down on the sofa and rubbed his head. There had to be a damn good reason they’d been wrapped in each other’s arms when they materialized on the beach and he didn’t think they’d been dancing. But neither one of them could remember.
Tahiti was several hours behind the mid-west where the Sectory was located. Cael glanced at his watch, noting it would be around noon back home. He looked at Finn sprawled out on the small sofa, snoring, his feet dangling over the edge. The guy was dead to the world. Finn’s all-night romp in the hay and loud sexual antics were working in Cael’s favor. He might just be able to disappear for an hour without the guy even realizing he was gone. That would be plenty of time to visit good old mom and see if she knew anything. Chances were, she wouldn’t know what happened to his memory, but she might be able to fill him in on some things anyway, bring him up to date. Christ, he really dreaded this.
A Secret Fate Page 5