Heart Ache (Bound by a Touch Novels #1)

by Morgan Kearns

  Her breathing stuttered, and the muscles of right hand tensed just slightly. He leaned closer to make sure she was okay.

  “Hi!” She jerked straight up, bringing them nose to nose.

  He jumped and evaporated to his bedroom. His brain registered what had happened and he vaporized to the same spot he’d just left.

  Her scowl was frigid. “I thought you might show up at some point. Since you’re too chicken to do it when I’m awake.” Her voice lacked all emotion, was completely flat, totally monotone, and Nikolai suddenly wished he hadn’t come back.

  “I guess I deserved that.”

  “You deserve a lot more than just that.”

  Nikolai didn’t know whether she was friend or foe. Her heart raced, the increase supplied more blood and a stronger scent; the lemon overpowering the coconut. Animosity rolled off of her in waves, along with frustration, sadness and—he sucked in a breath—love?

  “I just wanted to check on you.”

  “I’m fine. Confused and a little freaked out, but … yeah, I’m fine.” She gathered the covers to hide away the minute pieces of skin showing from under her nightgown. She stared at him, the silence deafening. Moments ticked into minutes, and Niko thought he might just go crazy. But then she spoke.

  “Why did you hire Stephon?”

  “He’s a private investigator and he will find out who killed your hu—” He nearly choked, but cleared his throat and finished, “—killed Jayson.”

  Her eyes flashed. “You just wanted to keep your hands clean so you paid someone else to do it?”

  “No!” He crossed the room and hauled her out of the bed and into his arms before his brain even registered the motion. He gripped her hard in his hands and, somewhere in the rational part of his thoughts, he knew there would be bruises tomorrow. Bruises he’d hate himself for giving her.

  “Let go of me!” She jerked out of his hold. “Who the hell do you think you are, Nikolai? You kill Jayson—”

  “I didn’t kill him.”

  “—then just expect to claim what you think is yours?”

  “You are mine.”

  “I belong to no one, you arrogant prick!” She picked up a romance novel off of her nightstand and chucked it across the room. It landed just shy of him. The pillow however would have nailed him in the head if he hadn’t dodged with his heightened speed.

  “I don’t even know what to believe anymore.” Then like a deflated balloon she folded in on herself, dissolving into a puddle on the floor. Tears glistened in her eyes and she dropped her head into her hands.

  The anger and frustration within him melted away, replaced by every tender emotion he’d ever felt for her. He knelt beside her, using one finger to trace the soft skin of her neck and bare back.

  She flinched and it nearly killed him. Knowing she feared he might hurt her cut deeper than any blade. His mother had had the same reaction more times than he could count. Ekaterina Voinea had needed to fear for her safety, though. And Ekaterina hated her heartmate.

  He eased her into his arms and inwardly cheered when she didn’t pull away. She curled up in his lap, her fingers weaving around the cotton of his t-shirt.

  He wondered if it was possible for a heart to explode. His might be the first. The intensity of the blood rushing through his veins was the greatest high he’d ever experienced. He’d never felt so much love for another person.

  “Believe this, Gabrielle—” He tipped her chin so she’d see the truth of his words in his eyes. “—I love you. You are my heartmate, and I would do anything to make you happy.”

  Her eyes fluttered closed and she sighed, her hand releasing its grip. “Even murder?”

  “Yes.”

  Her eyes flew open, narrowing with accusation. She pulled away and jumped to her feet, bolting to get as far from him as the room would allow. She backed into a corner, her eyes wide with panic. She folded her arms over her chest and shook her head violently.

  “You need to leave.”

  His heart dropped to his toes. He wasn’t sure she could have said anything to hurt him worse. He knew he should leave. But her body was reacting to his, he could smell it. He had to get through to her. This might be his chance, his last chance and he was not going to waste it.

  He would push her just a little further. Leaving her, walking away from her forever would be the end of his world. He stepped forward cautiously, and placed a palm on her cheek. She didn’t flinch this time, only closed her eyes and accepted his touch. Leaning down ever so slowly, he kissed her.

  “I love you,” he said against her lips.

  “Not enough, Niko. I don’t think that’s enough.” A heavy sigh escaped her lips and she rested her forehead against his chest. “You know, as crazy as it is, I can accept the whole vampire thing. But I can’t be with someone I can’t trust, and as much as I want to, I can’t be certain you didn’t…” Her voice broke and she stepped back putting what felt like the Grand Canyon between them. “Please Nikolai, you have to go.”

  “This isn’t over.”

  “Yes. It is.”

  He walked to the doorway and stopped to memorize everything about her, just in case. But then, he wished he hadn’t. Gabby had collapsed onto her bed, lying on her belly, great shudders shaking her delicate body.

  “Gabrielle, please.”

  “Niko … just … go.” Her plea was soft, soggy. She lifted herself from the mattress, squared her shoulders and swallowed hard. When her eyes met his, the determination in them made Niko gulp. “And consider this my two week notice.”

  He wanted to argue, but could see the topic wasn’t up for negotiation. He offered the only defense he could.

  “I love you, Gabby. With every last beat of my heart, I love you. Never forget that.”

  A sob caught in her throat. A big, fat tear slid down her cheek. “You are no longer welcome in my home, Nikolai Voinea.”

  His mouth dropped open. Panic consumed him like a wave. But with his invitation rescinded he had to leave. The pull to get out nearly ripped him in two. He closed his eyes, concentrated on where he wanted to go, and left his everything behind.

  Gabby tried to pull herself together, but walking into the office she shared with Nikolai was now complete and utter torture. She’d once looked forward to walking through those doors, sitting down at the desk, and stealing glances at the man she loved. That seemed like a lifetime ago.

  She knew he was behind the closed door. She could sense him. With every ounce of control she could muster, she forced herself to sit down in her chair and, after a few clicks, open her email.

  A door opened, but not the one she was hoping for. Vincent and a young woman Gabby had never seen before strolled through the door.

  “Since you’ll be his assistant,” Vincent was telling her, “Mr. Voinea will be interviewing you himself.”

  For the first time in her life, Gabby understood honest-to-goodness jealousy. Had Niko searched the city for the most attractive women he could find? Gabby’s teeth ground together and her eyes narrowed in the direction of the unsuspecting replacement.

  My chair isn’t even cold yet.

  “Mr. Kottke,” her tone was cool, and the use of his formal title was an added ice cube, “may I help you?”

  His head jerked in her direction, obviously surprised by her presence. He looked at Niko’s closed door, then back at her.

  “Hi, Gabby … I didn’t expect … I thought you…” He took a breath and simply said, “Nik told me that you wouldn’t be back.”

  She forced a smile she didn’t feel to grace her lips. “He must have misunderstood. I did give him my two weeks, but I fully intend to finish out my time here … myself. Can I tell Mr. Voinea who is here to see him?”

  Vincent never got rattled—well, almost never. Sweat beaded on his forehead under his short black hair. His iceberg blue eyes searched hers for answers. He opened his mouth, but closed it again. His black brows crinkled, nearly touching in the middle. She respected Vincent Kott
ke, and it wasn’t fair to treat him badly. It wasn’t his fault Niko was a lying jerk!

  She fought the urge to scowl at her replacement. It wasn’t her fault either.

  “Mr. Kottke?” She stepped around the desk, resisting the urge to put her hands on her hips.

  “Um…” He shook his head. “This is Taylor Morris. Here is her resume.”

  He held out the fancy schmancy, expensive paper lined with just how capable Taylor was to be the new woman in Nikolai’s life. Gabby tried to take the resume calmly. And failed, practically ripping the paper. Vincent pretended not to notice, smiling at the blonde bombshell.

  “Please feel free to call me, Miss Morris, if you have any questions. Goodbye, Gabby.” His eyes searched hers for a moment, full of painful knowledge then he tipped his head and disappeared out the door he’d entered. Gabby now recognized Vincent for who he really was, what he was.

  She stared after him, feeling like a fool. How many other people had lied to her?

  A faked cough brought her attention back to the annoyed girl waiting to take over the best part of Gabby’s life.

  “Have a seat and I’ll let Mr. Voinea know you’re here,” Gabby said in a cool, professional tone. Then, after taking a deep breath and smoothing her skirt, she opened the door to Nikolai’s office and stepped inside, closing it behind her. “Niko.”

  The snap of his pencil cracked loud as a bomb, and he raced around the desk to stand directly in front of her. He reached for her, but seemingly thought better of making contact and shoved his gloriously large, strong hands deep into his pockets.

  “Gabrielle, what are you doing here?” He rubbed at his chest. “I thought I was … imagining things.”

  Tears stung her eyes and she blinked violently while holding out the paperwork Vincent had given her. “It seems my replacement is here.”

  “No one could ever replace you, love.”

  Gabby’s knees went weak and her heart stopped beating just for a moment. She grabbed hold of a chair to keep from getting up close and personal with the rug.

  “Yeah, well—” She forced a breath into her unaccepting lungs. “—it seems like you’re trying.”

  His long fingers raked through his dark strands. A groan of frustration rumbled in his chest just before he turned to drive his fist into the desk. “Dammit, Gabrielle! I have a business to run!”

  “Of course you do.” All the weak, fluttery feelings left. Her spine straightened as did her shoulders. Forget jaded or jealous or hurt, Gabby’s anger would give her the strength she needed. “Unlike you, Niko, I believe in actually doing what I say. I gave you my two week notice and I fully intend on suffering through it.”

  He whirled around. In a flash he crowded her, his large body forcing her backward. Her legs hit the couch which rested next to the window and, despite her efforts, she landed with an oomph! on her butt. Those large hands of his landed with thuds on each side of her head. Her eyes went wide as she watched his intense face getting closer and closer to hers.

  When their noses nearly touched, he said, “Suffer, huh? You have no idea the amount of torture it is being next to you … and yet so damned far.”

  “Not my fault.”

  The muscle in his jaw jumped. His eyes flashed silver. “And I have done everything I’ve said I would do, Gabrielle.”

  She found it hard to breath, even harder to think, as she stared up into the onyx of his eyes. His broad chest expanded with each deep breath and each huffed exhale came out a growl.

  “It’s the stuff you haven’t done that pisses me off,” she whispered.

  His lips were on hers in the next second. Soft lips, hard kisses. His knee lowered onto the couch between her legs, pushing her skirt up her thighs until it was almost obscene. His hot breath caressed her cheek. His lips tickled her ear.

  “Does that piss you off?”

  “Y- yes.” Damn, she sounded pathetic.

  A trail of warm, slick fire spread from her ear to the point where her pulse beat hardest in her neck. His lips closed over it, his tongue stroking.

  “What about that?” he breathed.

  “To- totally,” she groaned.

  He knew he had her, and that did piss her off. His lips returned to hers, their tongues wrestling for only a moment before he pulled away. Desire reflected in his eyes, turning them the most exquisite shimmering silver.

  “I would love nothing more than to take you right here, right now. To have the scent of your sex forever stained on the leather…” He groaned; a completely masculine, guttural sound. He ran the tip of his nose up her neck, sniffing as he went.

  Her entire body reacted; her blood heated to molten lava and everywhere else turned liquid. She had to bite her tongue to keep from offering herself up to him.

  “But I really have work to do.”

  “Asshole.”

  Nikolai chuckled softly and stood to his full height. Silver danced in his dark eyes and, despite his casual façade, his reaction to the situation was obvious. He sucked in a deep breath and offered her his hand.

  She allowed him to help her to her feet. It felt too good—too comfortable—to be this close to him.

  He kissed her on the cheek. “Don’t give up on me, Gabrielle, please.”

  “Two weeks, Niko. I leave in two weeks.” Gabby was proud of herself when she actually walked out of his office unscathed—for the most part.

  Nikolai settled back into the leather chair behind the desk, arranging his pants for whatever comfort there was to be had. Which was none. His mind was on one thing—one very special thing—and he barely noticed as the blond with legs that went to her neck sauntered sexily into the office.

  She was a pretty female, and the quickening of her heartbeat and sudden flood of arousal in the air were telltale signs she found him attractive. But none of that had anything to do with the smug smile of satisfaction lifting Nikolai’s lips. His eyes focused on the doorway the female had entered, on his female in the outer office tossing papers and cursing him under her breath.

  Did Gabby really think he couldn’t hear every frustrated accusation? He almost laughed out loud when she went on a diatribe about damp kittens, teasing roosters, and braless gardening tools. She had quite a unique take on the English language, one he didn’t always understand.

  “Mr. Voinea,” the female in front of him spoke in a low, sexual tone, “it’s so very nice to meet you.”

  He stood and shook her hand over the desk. “Yes, nice to meet you, too. If you’ll excuse me for just a moment, I have an important phone call to make. It’s a pressing matter. You understand?”

  “Of course.” She offered him an award-winning smile he only saw in periphery. Through the open door he watched Gabby none-too-carefully cleaning out her desk.

  “Please have a seat.” He motioned toward the matching set of leather chairs in front of his desk and picked up the phone. After punching in some numbers, he waited, smiling. This plan of his was going to work. It had to.

  “Flowers by Flo,” answered an elderly female voice, “Flo speaking.”

  “Flo, it’s Nikolai Voinea.”

  “Mr. Voinea.” She sounded pleased—and flirty. He could imagine her finger-combing gray stands back into the bun she always wore. “What can I do for you?”

  He turned in his chair and spoke in a whisper, “I need a dozen roses. A large, beautiful arrangement. The cost doesn’t matter.”

  “What color?”

  He paused, carefully sucking his lip between his teeth. “What color says ‘I love you’?”

  “Red says … that.” Disappointment flooded the statement from the woman who had been happily married to the same man for nearly fifty years.

  “Perfect. Can you have them here, at my office, within the next ten minutes?”

  “Oh, well, perhaps fifteen.”

  “If you make it ten, I’ll pay you double.”

  “They’ll be there in ten, then.”

  “Thank you, Flo.”

 
“Mr. Voinea,” she said hesitantly, “what do you want the card to say?”

  The card. The card had to be perfect. His mind tossed words around like balls in a lottery bubble.

  “My dearest Gabrielle,” he whispered the words with reverence, “I have loved you from the first moment you walked into my life and I will love you until I am no longer living on this earth. Let me love you. Be my heart. Nikolai.”

  There was only silence on the other end of the line and Nikolai wondered if Flo had gotten his sentiments for the card. Then she sniffed.

  “Oh, Mr. Voinea, I wish Fred could write his feelings like that.” Another sniff. “I wish he felt feelings like that. Gabrielle is a lucky woman.”

  “I am the lucky one,” was his response. “As quickly as you can, Flo, please.”

  “Sure thing, Mr. Voinea. I’m here for all your needs.” She giggled with a slight hysterical edge. “Your floral needs, I mean.” Then the line went dead.

  Nikolai turned to find female hazel eyes focused on him. She raised a brow muttering, “Pressing matter” under her breath. Nikolai knew he wasn’t meant to hear her and ignored the statement.

  “Sorry about that,” he said with a smile. “So, thank you for coming in, but…”

  She leaned forward, resting her crossed wrists on her knees. Her blouse fell open and the pose offered an uninhibited view of her navel—and everything else in between. The girl really should have worn a bra.

  He kept his gaze on her face.

  “I’d really like to discuss my qualifications, Mr. Voinea. Being your administrative assistant would be a position I would enjoy very much. And I’m sure you would, too.” She winked.

  “Yes, about that, Miss Ryan has decided to stay. She’s not leaving Voinea Enterprises.” Or my life.

  “Oh.” Sculpted blond brows pulled together in the middle.

  Before she could question him, Niko said, “We’ll keep your resume on file in the event things change. I’m sorry to have wasted your time.”