Skin Walkers Conn

by Susan A Bliler

  At the end of the hall Conn pulled a key card from his pocket and scanned it quickly on the security sensor. The door didn’t beep, simply clicked open.

  Conn placed a hand on Aries’ shoulder to keep her from entering. He strode past her and inspected the room before turning to her, “It’s clear.”

  Outside the door, Aries balked. Her mind was going a mile-a-minute. She’d seen a grandiose staircase in the center of the building. Her eyes flicked to the door knob. If she jerked the door closed, it might just buy her enough time to make it to the stairs. But it’s fucking freezing outside. Even if I did escape, I’d die of exposure.

  The corner of Conn’s mouth lifted, “You might make it to the second floor, but that’d be it. The manor houses many Walkers, and my men have been assigned temporary quarters on each of the other three floors.”

  When Aries didn’t move Conn’s smile disappeared, “Not to mention that the drugs are still in your system and you haven’t eaten. Your too weak Aries, don’t try it.”

  He was right, but it didn’t keep her from lifting her chin defiantly and contemplating slamming the door in his face just to piss him off.

  Dissatisfied with her lack of movement Conn dropped his head to eye her, the lines of his body now taut with impatience, “You have two seconds to get your ass in this room.”

  Aries’ voice was soft, “And if I don’t?”

  Conn did something than that surprised and shocked her. His typically angry features broke into a heart-stopping smile, revealing perfect white teeth and an air of youth that made him, for once, seem not so harsh, but his next words dispelled such fantasy. His challenge was simple. “Find out.”

  Aries pulled his oversized shirt tighter around her before stepping into the room.

  Conn locked the door behind her before crossing the room and drawing the blinds closed. The suite was elegant. Dimly lit lamps dotted the main sitting room and a small chandelier hung over a cherry wood table to her left in the small dining and kitchen area.

  Conn pointed down the only hall in the suite. “Bathroom’s at the end of the hall and your room is on the right. There should be clothes on the bed. I suggest you shower while I prepare dinner.”

  Aries’ teeth caught her bottom lip. “I thought I was going to the holding cells?”

  Conn frowned down at her, “How do you know about the holding cells?”

  She dropped her eyes, “You mentioned them in the car.”

  “I thought you were passed out?”

  “I heard.”

  Conn snorted before crossing into the kitchen and turning on the faucet to wash his hands, “Aries, I’m tired, I’m starving, and I’m cranky. I suggest you get in the shower before I decide to give you one myself.”

  Her brows drew together as she frowned at his back.

  He turned then, “Did I forget to mention that I’m horny?”

  Aries felt her cheeks flame and she turned to walk quickly down the hall. She heard Conn laughing at her hasty retreat.

  Down the hall she flicked on a light in what Conn had deemed to be her room to discover an interior as exquisite as any she’d ever seen. A large canopied bed sat against one wall while large cherry wood furnishings adorned the room. The muted tan and soft yellow of the drapes and carpet, were also reflected in the satiny bed spread and array of pillows on the bed, giving the room a warm homey feel. A fire blazed in a hearth across from the bed and next to the sole window in the room.

  Aries crossed to the window and peered out. She found the mechanism to roll the window open and quickly did so before popping the screen out. She was leaning halfway out the window when she jumped at Conn’s voice.

  “There’s no way down.”

  Aries pulled back into the room sheepishly, “I know…I wasn’t…” She held up her hand and it was full of already melting snow. “I just wanted to touch it.”

  Conn eyed her, “Have you never seen snow?”

  Aries looked down at the slush in her hand before tossing it out the window and dusting her hands together. “I have. I just…” Her shoulders slumped, “It’s been a really long time.” It was apparent by her tone that her self-inflicted exile hadn’t been by choice. She’d run long and far from home, and she’d regretted every second of it.

  “So you’re from the North then?”

  Aries’ head lifted and her expression shifted. Her obvious joy at what she’d seen and felt out the window vanished to be replaced by the steely resolve she used to fool others into believing that she didn’t care one way or the other. She turned and snapped the screen back into place before closing the window. “I…didn’t say that.”

  “That’s not an answer.”

  Aries crossed to the bed and grabbed the pile of folded clothes that were on the bed when she’d entered, “It’s the only answer you’re getting.” She came to stand in front of him, her head up, her eyes challenging. “Can you let me pass? I believe it was you who demanded I shower.”

  Conn kept his eyes on her as he turned sideways, forcing her to do the same then rub against him as she past. She could’ve sworn she felt a rumble in his chest as she brushed by.

  Chapter 9

  Aries had intended to shower as quickly as possible, but the hot water raining down on her was glorious, especially after the past few days spent traipsing around the country in a slip.

  The shower stall was granite with dual rain showers overhead and jets that shot out from both sides of the wall, giving off an earthy aroma. The pressure felt superb on her aching muscles and tired body, but the longer she stayed in the more sluggish she became. She used the shampoo and conditioner on the shelf to quickly wash and rinse her hair before taking up the razor she’d snatched out of a cabinet and unwrapped before climbing in the shower.

  Living in South America hadn’t afforded her the luxury of long steamy showers with an array of scented toiletries and now she was reluctant to get out.

  She shaved and washed her body before opting to wash her hair a second time before she was finally confident that she’d diminished enough of the hot water to leave Conn not only cooling his skin, but his libido as well.

  She smirked to herself, self-satisfied, as she pulled a large fluffy towel from the cabinet and dried herself before slathering on the lightly scented lotion she found in the cupboard. God, it feels so good to be a girl. She hadn’t felt or smelled this lovely in months.

  She swiped a hand over the fogged up mirror before grabbing the brush that sat on the counter and combing out her long black hair. She eyed the white streak that had grown naturally at her right temple. She had dyed it several times over the years, and then finally gave up trying to hide it. Funny that it should bother her now. She threaded her fingers through her hair trying to cover it up best she could.

  “Fuck it!” She shook her head before turning to inspect the clothes that had been provided for her.

  A dark pair of hip-hugging yoga pants were coupled with a matching t-shirt. Folded underneath the clothes were a pair of white satin panties and a bra that she instantly knew was too small. She squeezed herself into the bra, refusing to meet Conn without the article whether it fit or not. She struggled for several minutes to force her breasts into the too small cups before she was satisfied that her girls would stay in place. Next she slid on the panties, tugged on the yoga pants and pulled the top over her head. She was overjoyed to find a pair of fuzzy slippers underneath the stack of clothes.

  Exiting the bathroom, she had pulled her hair to the side and was threading her fingers through it to start a side braid when it hit her. The scent of grilled steak and warm yeast bread had her mouth instantly salivating. She hadn’t even realized how hungry she’d been until the aroma reached her. Now, her belly spasmed painfully at the promise of nourishment. When she reached the kitchen Conn was just placing two plates on the table.

  “Perfect timing,” he smiled at her. “Hope you’re not a vegetarian.”

  “Definitely not.” She pulled out a chair and t
ook a seat in front of one of the plates while Conn set cold cans of Coke near each of the plates then claimed his own seat.

  Aries waited for Conn to take up his fork before touching hers. She was surprised when he lifted his plate slightly off the table and bowed his head, “Grandfather, we thank you for the honor of your gifts, and pray you continue to bless us with your protection and guidance.”

  Aries quickly lifted her plate and set it down, following Conn’s lead before she offered a muttered, “Amen?”

  Conn winked at her as he took up his fork. “A’hau.”

  They ate in silence for several minutes. Aries devoured her perfectly cooked steak that seeped warm juice. Her baked potato with sour cream didn’t last much longer, and she was halfway through her salad with ranch dressing and crunchy croutons before she stopped to take a healthy drink of her soda and noticed that Conn hadn’t touched his food.

  Her startled eyes shifted from his full plate to her nearly empty plate, “Oh God!” Her hand gripped her stomach and she dropped her fork, “Did you drug me again?”

  Conn erupted into laughter, “No!” He was trying to sound reassuring but it was hard to believe when he was laughing so hard. Finally, he sobered. “No, Aries it’s not contaminated in any way.”

  Pulling her brows together, her eyes dropped to his plate. “Then why aren’t you eating?”

  Conn shoved the plate away from him as he slowly stood crossing to lean against the fridge. “Beats the hell outta me.”

  “But,” Aries turned to eye him in confusion, “you must be hungry. Mr. StoneCrow said you haven’t eaten since before you found me.” She quickly did the math in her head, “It’s been at least three days.”

  Conn sighed, shoving a hand roughly into his hair, “I know. It must be the flu or some bug I picked up in the jungle.” It was a lie and he knew it. Walker’s were immune to illness. “I just have no desire to eat.”

  “You don’t look sick.”

  Conn shook his head, “No, I don’t feel it either but something’s off.”

  Aries turned back and stood to push his plate back to his place at the table, “Well, maybe if you tried a few bites it’ll trigger your appetite.”

  Conn moved to lean a hip against the kitchen counter and smiled at her apparent concern, “I tried it while I was cooking. Made me sick.”

  “I could make you some soup, if you’ve got some.”

  Conn stared at her for long moments before finally shaking his head.

  “Come on, it’s been three days. There must be something you’re dying to have.” Aries turned to watch as his eyes slid from her face down her throat to rest on her chest. Her cheeks flamed as she turned back to the table and lifted a hand to her chest to ensure everything was where it was supposed to be. Shit! One of her nipples had popped free of its insufficient confines and mortification seared her as she knew with certainty that it’s what Conn had been eyeing.

  Aries shrugged feigning nonchalance tucking herself back in before taking another drink of her Coke and pretending not to notice the hunger she’d seen in his eyes that hadn’t been a yearning for food.

  “Well luckily for you there happens to be an overbearing doctor on the estate that is just dying to run some tests. I suggest you take my place and let her draw your blood and find out what’s wrong.”

  “I’ve got a better idea.” Conn shoved off the counter, “I’m going to see how much hot water you left me.” He was heading for the hallway, “I suggest you finish your dinner.” He stopped where he could still see her, “And Aries?”

  She turned to stare at him.

  “If you leave this suite while I’m showering, I will track you down. And I promise you, you will regret making me chase you again.” He didn’t say anything else, he didn’t need to. He disappeared down the hall and as Aries was finishing her salad she heard the shower blast to life.

  ***

  In the bathroom Conn quickly peeled off his clothes and stepped under the hot spray of the shower. He smiled knowing Aries had hoped to leave him with only cold water. StoneCrow

  was well equipped and if there was one thing it could guarantee it was a hot shower.

  He lathered shampoo into his hair as he thought of the slight woman in the kitchen of his suite. Damn she’d looked good in the tight stretch pants Eden had provided.

  She was one of the smallest most unassuming women he’d ever laid eyes on, but her looks were deceiving. She fought harder and was more cunning than most men he’d captured. Hell, she was more cunning than half the men he worked with.

  The memory of her rolling out of the helicopter and the looks on the faces of his men had him smiling and shaking his head. He’d been certain James had fallen in love the instant Aries dropped from the cabin door.

  He forced the smile from his lips as he ducked his head under the spray. He’d been smiling too much lately, it was out of character and if he’d noticed then his men certainly had as well. Damn woman! I don’t know what the hell she did to me in that jungle, but it needs to be remedied quickly.

  His stomach growled angrily demanding to be fed, which was cause for more concern. He’d chanced two croutons while Aries had showered and he couldn’t even formulate the saliva to swallow. He’d grabbed a glass of water and choked them down, but that only resulted in him coughing them up moments later. He was hungry, ravished actually, but for some reason it was physically impossible for him to eat. So much so, that he was considering taking Aries’ advice and calling Dr. Arkinson. Funny thing was he knew that whatever was wrong with him had been caused the night he’d locked eyes on Aries in the jungle. It was a reaction to her, and that kept him from informing the Doctor or Monroe. He didn’t want to give them any more excuses to force unwanted examinations on Aries.

  He’d given up trying to explain to himself the odd possessive protection he felt compelled to provide her. Sometime during the flight from South America to Montana, he just decided to go with it and hoped it would fade. Not only had it not faded, it had grown worse. The mere thought of Mason even staring at her had him shielding her from Mason’s view in the infirmary. He knew he was out of line, but he simply couldn’t control himself.

  He rubbed a hand over his face as he dropped his head letting the water beat down on him. He shook his head, laughing in incredulity at himself. “Keep the money, I’ll keep the woman?”

  It was the first time in his career that he’d ever backed out of a deal after delivery. It was bad form, and even worse for business. He clenched his teeth, the muscle at the side of his jaw working angrily. If it got around that he wasn’t a man of his word…Christ, the mistake wouldn’t just affect him, it would hurt his men as well and that led to one certainty. He needed to keep his distance from Aries.

  He exited the shower and dried quickly before dressing in a pair of black BDU pants, clean white t-shirt, fresh socks, and a pair of lace-up combat boots. It was his preferred mode of dress when not ‘on-mission’. He didn’t bother running a brush through his too short black hair.

  He found Aries in the living room, and Conn winced as he watched her lift a can of beer to her lips and take a drink. “You really shouldn’t be doing that.”

  Aries turned to stare at him, her eyes taking in his dress. “Going somewhere?”

  Conn ignored the question and stalked across the room to take the beer out of her hand.

  “Hey!” She protested.

  Conn crossed to the sink and poured the remaining beer down the drain, “The tranquilizers still aren’t completely out of your system. The alcohol enhances the effects.”

  Aries let out an exasperated sigh as she threw her hands up and fell back into the sofa. “Great! Drugged again!”

  The corner of Conn’s mouth lifted as he stared at her, “It might not be that bad. You may not even notice.”

  Aries lifted a hand to rub her temple. “Oh, I notice. I thought I was just getting really tired, but now that you point it out I’m feeling a little…fuzzy.”

 
Conn moved to stand in front of her. “How many did you have?”

  “Three.”

  “Three!”

  Aries’ eyes snapped open to pin him accusingly, “Hey, you were in there a really long time!”

  Conn laughed, “Well then I guess it’s a good thing you’re showered and fed.” He bent and scooped her up, drawing a shriek from her at the unexpected move.

  “I can walk.”

  Conn strode effortlessly down the hall with her cradled in his arms. “We won’t chance it.” Anger flared to life at his own total disregard for the pep talk he’d given himself in the shower. He was supposed to be keeping away from her, but some part of him couldn’t help but take advantage of every excuse to touch her.

  He carried her into her room and set her on the bed before peeling back the covers and moving her until she was on the sheet where he was able to cover her up. He felt her tense at the sudden intimacy and moved away from the bed to stoke the fire, placing another log on the hearth. “Warm enough?”

  “Fine, thanks.”

  Conn rose and strode to the door stopping to flick off the light.

  “Conn?”

  “Yes?”

  Aries sat up in bed to stare at him. “W-what is a Walker?”

  Conn didn’t answer right away, he simply stared at her for long moments as if deciding whether to tell the truth. Finally, he answered. “We are Walkers.”

  “We? You and your men?”

  Conn’s expression tightened, “You and I Aries. We are Walkers.”

  Aries shook her head, her mouth moving to formulate her next question as a flash of panic washed over her features.

  Conn held up his hand, “Tomorrow Aries. Tomorrow.”

  “Wait!”

  “What is it?”

  “Is Monroe going to let Mason hurt me tomorrow?”

  There was a growl to his voice. “No one is going to hurt you! I won’t allow it.” Then he closed the door and left Aries on her own.