by Ava McKnight
She let out a sharp, hollow laugh. “Of course not. You wanted to use me for your own personal amusement and you knew exactly what it would take to get me to consent. You bastard."
Ryan started, nearly stumbling backward as though she'd delivered a powerful, physical blow to his midsection. “You don't understand."
"Actually, I do.” She stood. Her gaze scanned the room for her clothing. Locating the small heap on the floor, she walked, unsteadily, to the middle of the room, swaying slightly on the tall heels she still wore. She collected her skirt, blouse and bra and held them tightly to her chest.
"Catalina.” Ryan's voice was quiet, full of remorse. “I can't give you the Lake Shore Drive property. But I can give you everything else you've ever wanted. A home. A family. You belong here, with me. With us."
She clutched at her clothing, as though holding her personal items to her body would shield her from the lies he wielded so expertly.
"I'm going home."
"You can't."
Her gaze snapped up and locked with his. For a moment, she had the distinct impression that he meant to keep her here. But that was ridiculous. He was a successful, well-known businessman. Not an abductor of rival colleagues. Still, an eerie chill crept up her spine.
"I have to go.” She turned and headed toward the door. Before she reached it, Ryan suddenly stood between her and the exit. He blocked the tall door with his massive, imposing frame, his arms crossed over his wide chest. How he had arrived there before her was beyond Cat's comprehension. His lightning-quick movements were unfathomable. Cat shook her head, hoping that would somehow dislodge her illogical thoughts, the illogical vision before her.
Her mouth opened, but no words were forthcoming. He'd rendered her speechless.
Chapter Six
Ryan heard her demand for an explanation, though no words escaped her mouth. In her head, she tried to process the events of the evening. She was unsuccessful at reconciling it all. Too many impossibilities plagued her, and she wasn't open to alternative explanations.
Ryan would have to help her to understand what was inconceivable to her.
"I'll explain everything,” he told her. “It will be difficult to understand at first, but eventually, you'll realize that I speak the truth."
"You don't speak the truth,” she spat, suddenly finding her voice. “You weave a web of lies. Deception. Betrayal. I'll never believe anything you say. Now get out of my way."
Ryan admired her moxie, her backbone. He fought back the grin that threatened his lips. Now was not the time to antagonize her. She was already on edge, already on guard. He had to fix this situation. Quick.
"Catalina, I won't hurt you. Ever. Nor will I lie to you again. It was necessary this one time. I had no choice."
"Bullshit. Now, please. I'm asking you to let me go."
"I can't do that. You must stay with me."
Her jaw fell slack and her beautiful green eyes widened. “Exactly who do you think you are?"
Ryan rubbed his jaw. Rather than fight this battle, he'd prefer to curl up on the bed with her, hold her until she regained her strength, then make love to her again. Obviously, that wasn't an option. She was pissed.
Not that he blamed her.
He had intentionally dangled a carrot in front of her and then snatched it away when he'd gotten what he wanted. But he wasn't done with her.
This was just the beginning.
"My name is Rynon. I come from a different time than your modern world.” Her mouth gaped open. “I promise to protect you, and the child that will grow in your womb.” Ryan didn't think she could be more stunned. He was wrong. She stood staring at him, aghast and dumbfounded. Utterly mind-boggled.
Before she had a chance to reject his words, he rushed further into his explanation. “My coven will protect you. It is their destiny as well. For nine months, they will ensure your safety. And then ... I will make you immortal."
Ryan wasn't sure how he expected her to respond. Laugh, cry, kick, scream and claw at him to let her out the door? She did none of those things. She merely stared at him, her mouth still gaping open.
He didn't necessarily take that as a good sign. He forged on, anyway. “You belong here now."
Slowly, she shook her head. “No,” she whispered. She took several steps away from him, backing toward the middle of the room. “You can't keep me here, against my will. Seth will find me."
Ryan's hands clenched into tight fists at the mention of his nemesis. His archrival. The steward of the Novus Semino. “Seth Hilliard cannot breach my security. Nor can his coven."
"His coven?” She shook her head again, as though desperately trying to clear her muddled thoughts and find coherent ones. Suddenly, her gaze locked with his and she asked in a low, frightened tone, “Who are you? What are you?"
Ryan knew the time had come to reveal his identity, to explain to her about the coven. To warn her of the vampire war that was nearly upon them. “I told you my name. What I am will be more difficult for you to comprehend. You must not be afraid of me, Catalina. I will not hurt you. Ever."
He took a small, tentative step toward her, which she responded to by stepping backward, away from him, keeping an ample distance between them. Not that she could stop him from reaching out and gripping her upper arms to hold her in place. But he wouldn't do that. Unless necessary.
"Why are you doing this to me?” she asked.
"Because I know things you don't."
"How?"
"Because I'm a vampire."
Cat's vibrant green eyes widened. The look of shock, horror, and disbelief that wreaked havoc on her lovely features disheartened him. Several long, seemingly endless minutes ticked by as she fought to make heads or tails of what he'd said, what was transpiring between them. But her thoughts were too jumbled to wade through, too convoluted. He searched them with his psi powers, but even Ryan couldn't piece together the confused mess of internal thoughts that plagued her mind, so he stopped trying.
"Cat, you must believe me."
"Right,” she gasped. “Because you've been so forthcoming and honest this entire time. You really do deserve my trust. You've earned it, in fact.” Her sarcasm was just, yet unexpected. It wounded Ryan.
"I apologize for my indiscretion. It was necessary, I've told you that."
"I will never believe anything you say.” She stepped around him and tried to escape once more, but Ryan again blocked the door.
"How do you do that?” she demanded.
The same way that I read your thoughts and project mine into your head.
She choked back a cry. Her lips trembled and her body followed suit, as it began to quake noticeably. Tears sprang to her eyes. “What do you want from me?"
"I want you to be safe."
Her strangled laugh stung just as much as her disbelief in him.
"Catalina...” He reached a hand out to her. She rebuffed his offering, yanking her arm away from him.
"Don't touch me,” she hissed. “Ever."
His jaw worked again. “You must trust me."
"No!” She lunged for the door. Her hand gripped the doorknob and she gave a quick twist of her wrist to release the latch. But just as she yanked the door open, Ryan placed a large hand on the center of the door and slammed it closed.
"You cannot leave,” he repeated.
"Let me out!"
"No.” He gripped her arm. She struggled against him. “Listen to me, Cat."
"Please let me go!” She pleaded with him.
His strong hands clasped her shoulders, forcing her to drop her clothing. He stared deep into her eyes. “Catalina. Seth is the enemy. I will protect you from him, but you have to do as I say."
"Seth is not my enemy. He's my mentor. My boss. My friend."
"No.” Ryan let out a low growl, his anger sparked by her unwavering loyalty to the steward of the Novus Semino. He knew there was only one way to convince her of who—of what—he was.
"Don't be frightened,�
�� he whispered. “I won't hurt you.” A moment later, his fangs and fingernails extended. He knew his eyes turned black and held a hard, flat glint to them. He opened his mouth to let the light catch his sharp fangs.
At first, she gasped and stared at him in what appeared to be shocked disbelief. But then some sort of reality seemed to set in, and the next instant, she let out a blood-curdling scream that echoed in the cavernous room and bounced off the walls.
Ryan let out a long-suffering sigh. Not more than two seconds later, vamps from his coven came crashing through the floor-to-ceiling windows that lined the far wall, sending glass shards and wooden splinters flying in every direction. The door behind him was kicked in and suddenly, the room was filled with nearly two dozen vampires, fangs bared as they crouched low, ready to pounce on their prey.
Attack mode stalled, however, as they quickly realized there was no danger to Cat.
Her mouth clamped closed and she pulled Ryan's unbuttoned shirt around her naked body. Her gaze swept the room. Ryan's soldiers were dressed in semi-formal attire. They'd been enjoying Elaina's birthday party, until they'd presumed duty called.
Ryan dragged a hand over his face, then rubbed the back of his neck, feeling the knot that formed there. He glanced over at Braedan. “False alarm."
But he had to admit, it was nice to know the compound was well protected. As was Cat. The vampires stood and began shuffling out of the room.
"Sorry about the mess,” Braedan said.
When the crew left and the room was silent again, Ryan moved slowly, so as not to startle Cat, and took her hand in his. “Come sit down."
He led her to a chair. She followed as though in a trance. He helped her to sit then knelt before her. Taking both of her hands in his, he said, “You're safe here. Those vampires came to rescue you. It doesn't matter what the threat, they will always protect you."
"Will they protect me from you?” Her voice was small, quiet, yet tinged with something dreadfully close to loathing.
Ryan's teeth clenched for a moment as he ground them together, while fighting off the dismay that built inside him.
Damn it. How was he going to convince her that he was the good guy?
"You don't need protection from me, Cat. I told you..."
"Yes, I know what you've told me.” She stared at him, still looking overwhelmed and confused.
Disheartened, Ryan raised their linked hands and gently kissed her fingers. Suddenly, he thought of a different strategy ... a different approach. “I knew your father,” he said in a soft voice. “And your mother."
Her breathing picked up. Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she gazed at him, wary and cautious, as she tried to discern his intent.
Ryan took advantage of her silence. “Jacob and Mia were good people. I mourned their passing."
The tears in her eyes spilled down her cheeks at the mention of her parents. “How do you know their names?"
"Catalina, you must believe me. I knew your parents. I know you. I've waited twenty-six years for this day. More than that, really. I knew my destiny three hundred years ago.” He smiled at her. “But you weren't born yet."
Her mind worked feverishly to process his words. He could barely keep up with her quick mental deductions, questions and confusion. He trudged on, knowing he would never have another chance like this to explain what he needed to. “Your father was a part of the coven. Your mother wasn't a vampire, but she was a part of the family just the same. Palomus—that's the name your father was known by within the coven—protected her as I will protect you. But you must understand, Catalina, that if you do not follow my directions, if you rebel against me, your life will be in grave danger. As your mother's was."
Her head tilted to the side and she regarded him for a moment. Finally, she said, “My parents died in a car accident when I was six."
"That's what you were led to believe. But in truth, they were destroyed by the Novus Semino."
Her eyes narrowed. “The new breed?"
Surprised, Ryan said, “You know Latin?"
"Of course. Seth...” She shook her head, a guarded expression crossing her face. It passed as quickly as it came, but her shoulders remained bunched. She was still wary of him. “Seth insisted I speak and write several languages. He said it would help with international transactions. Though I never quite understood why he wanted me to know Latin. No one speaks it anymore.” She looked away, as though considering the curious predicament.
"He's done an excellent job with you. He's groomed you well. And now you're devoted to him. Loyal to him.” Ryan fought to keep the loathing and anguish from his voice.
"Yes. He's been very good to me.” Her gaze returned to him. A new, steely determination glowed in her green eyes. “You cannot sway my feelings for him. Whatever your issue is with Seth, that's your problem. If the two of you want to fight over land, be my guest. But don't use me to get what you want."
"I'm not using you. You belong with me, not with him. You belong here."
She slumped back in the chair and closed her eyes. He could feel her exhaustion. It was all consuming, draining her completely. “I can't think straight anymore,” she whispered. “None of this makes sense."
"I know.” Ryan scooped her up in his arms and carried her out of the damaged room and down the west wing to his master suite. He placed her gently on his bed and then stretched his long body out beside her. Using his psi powers, he coerced her into a submissive state, leading her toward a dark abyss so she could rest. “Sleep now, Catalina. I will explain more in the morning."
She yawned as fatigue consumed her entire being. Her body inched away from his, but that seemed to be the only protest she had the strength for. Within minutes, she was asleep in his bed.
Chapter Seven
Cat woke the next day in a quiet, dark room. The bedside clock revealed that it was close to six p.m. For a moment, she had no idea where she was, no recollection of the night before.
Why wasn't she in her own bed, in her own room? How the hell had she slept all day?
In a flash, everything returned to her. The party. Elaina and Ryan's seduction. The lies he'd told her. The vampires...
Cat bolted upright and threw the covers off her body. She reached for a bedside lamp and found one. Flipping the switch, the room was suddenly cast in soft yellowish light. She still wore Ryan's shirt and the intimacy of it made her skin crawl. She loathed the man. She hated him for lying to her, for deceiving her. She hated him for making her want him so desperately that she'd abandoned her good sense and scruples so that he could use her body for his own personal pleasure.
And then, to top it all off, he'd kidnapped her and held her captive in his mansion.
The bastard!
She wouldn't let him get away with any of this. She'd escape. She'd go straight to Seth and tell him the elaborate plot Ryan had executed against her—against them. Seth would deal with him. He'd call the authorities. Ryan would be arrested and hopefully his ass would remain in jail for a long, long time.
She frowned, suddenly realizing that Ryan Donovan was a powerful man. Would he even be tried? Or would he buy his way out of the charges?
Damn it. She had to get to Seth. He would know what to do. No way in hell would he let Ryan get away with compromising her the way he had. Nor would he let Donovan renege so easily on the Lake Shore Drive deal. Once Cat explained to him how far she'd gotten in the negotiations, Seth would find some way to secure the deal. He always did. Seth Hilliard did not like to lose.
She found her clothes from the night before, laid out neatly on the chocolate-colored velvet settee in the sitting area. She quickly shed Ryan's shirt and tossed it carelessly on the floor. She'd stomp on it for good measure, but she didn't have the time. She had to get the hell out of this nightmare.
Once dressed, she crept to the door, having no idea what she'd find on the other side. She cracked the door and peered around the tall ornate creation. Everything in Ryan's mansion was disgustingly perfec
t. The long corridor she viewed was decorated with stylish antique pieces that were likely imported from Italy. His old-world, Tuscany taste complemented her own, but that was of little consequence. For whatever warped reason, Ryan Donovan wanted to hold her captive in his house. She wasn't going to let his elegant, sophisticated taste or his incredibly hard, sexy body sway her.
She let out a groan. Now was not the time to be thinking about Ryan's handsome face or his killer body. Except ... Instinctively, Cat ran a hand over her flat belly. He hadn't used a condom when he'd fucked her, and she wasn't on the Pill—what would be the point when she rarely had sex?
Her frown deepened. He'd been supremely confident last night that she would end up pregnant. With just one try. Why was he so certain? Worse, what if he was right? What if she was, at this moment, harboring Ryan Donovan's evil heir in her womb?
Oh, Christ. She had to get the hell out of here.
Stepping into the hall on her tiptoes so that her tall heels wouldn't make a sound on the marble floor, Cat crept slowly down the corridor. She rounded a corner and a door opened. Her heart jumped into her throat.
"Oh, hi!” Elaina said in her chipper voice. Dressed in another gorgeous red outfit, this one a pantsuit, she looked as fabulous as the night before. “You're awake! Great! I'll call the cook and have her fix dinner for you. Unless you'd prefer breakfast.” Elaina's arm linked with Cat's and she began to lead Cat back down the hallway, in the direction from whence she'd just come.
No!
The word echoed inside Cat's head, but she didn't let it out. As Elaina cheerfully escorted her back to the prison that was Ryan's room, Cat's mind worked feverishly. She had to get Elaina to help her. That was her only chance for escaping.
"So what do you like?” Elaina posed the question as though they were discussing a pleasant Sunday brunch. Like there was nothing out of the ordinary about this scene. As if there was nothing bizarre or completely fucking ludicrous or wrong about kidnapping a woman and holding her against her will in this ridiculously expensive mansion!