Deadly Attraction
Page 7
He groaned. “I could be torturing you for no good reason?”
Had she the strength to lift her good hand, she would have brushed the lock of black hair from his forehead and tried to rub away the worry lines above his nose.
“You’ve been torturing me since you made love to me in an erotic vision. I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. Or the fact it was a one-time deal.”
“Jade…”
“Just do it,” she insisted. “Please.”
He didn’t hesitate a moment longer. He clasped her hand with his large one and then used the other to shift the protruding bones. She screamed from the pain, despite her best effort to remain quiet. Darien didn’t let up, doing exactly as she’d asked him to.
When he was apparently satisfied with the placement, he sprang from the mattress and washed his hands in the basin Sheena had supplied, then dried them. He snatched the decanter of brandy his assistant had left behind. He refilled the glass and turned back to Jade.
“No,” she said. “I had just enough to help me focus. I need to hang on a few minutes more, and another drop will put me out in a heartbeat.”
She could already feel the alcohol’s effect. It was helpful and she could concentrate on what she needed to do, though exhaustion crept around her consciousness.
Darien took large drinks from the glass before setting it aside. He dragged a chair over and sat bedside.
“What else can I do?”
Her head rolled against the pillow. “I’m not going to be able to stay awake. I won’t heal much while I’m asleep, but resting will return some of my strength, so I can continue when I wake up.”
His gaze slid to her hand. “The bloodflow has already slowed and it’s soaking into your skin.” He skimmed two fingers over her temple. “Are you warm enough?”
“Yes.”
He bent his head and kissed her softly. “If I could take all this pain away, I would.”
She attempted another smile. “Don’t try to read my mind. It’ll hurt you more.”
“I’m not the one you should be worried about.”
“Take a look in a mirror,” she muttered. “I know I look bad, but so do you. You can’t try to absorb anything I feel.”
“It’s my fault you’re injured. And there I was the other day, telling you I didn’t want your friend Michael to hurt you again. I’ve gone and done it myself.”
“Not your fault.”
“Yes, it is,” he whispered. His lips grazed her cheek, then her jaw. “I didn’t keep you safe.”
“I didn’t let you.”
He sighed. “This castle isn’t the home you love. I understand why you insisted on staying there, not here. But until you’re healed, please sleep in my bed.”
Honestly, there was no place she’d rather be while she recovered. Especially not alone and suffering in her cottage. But a daunting thought flitted through her nearly numb brain. “The slayers will look for me. They’ll see the tracks and the blood and come to the castle for me. They’ll want to take me back.”
“Not until you’re healed,” he murmured, his breath teasing her neck, comforting her. “Just get better. I’ll deal with everything else.”
Her eyelids closed once more and she couldn’t help but give in to the drowsiness that consumed her. She had to place her faith in the Demon King and believe no one would harm her while in his care.
Chapter Five
Darien felt sick to his stomach. Not a common occurrence for an immortal of any species. His gut clenched so tight his abs hurt. And deep in his damned soul, an unfamiliar sensation taunted him. The human sleeping restlessly in his bed unleashed emotions within him so potent, he wondered if lust had become an extreme understatement for the feelings he had for her.
He kept the fire blazing and the natural rosy color returned to her lips. Her cheeks glowed with a similar tint. She’d lost whatever shoes she’d been wearing, if she’d had a chance to slip into them at all. He pulled the turned-down duvet from its folded position at the foot of the bed and carefully draped it over her.
The temptation to slip into her mind was difficult to resist. Returning to his bedside chair, he brushed strands of hair from her face, gently so as not to disturb her. Possibly, in her slumber, her thoughts might be more peaceful. If he could further soothe them so she could regain her strength, then he could push past the strain she caused him over her agonized state.
He took another sip of brandy and then relaxed in his chair. Closing his eyes, he concentrated his thoughts solely on Jade. That was how he could invade her subconscious mind.
Envisioning himself lying next to her, his arm around her as she slept, he stroked her hair and whispered, “You’re safe here. With me.”
She snuggled closer to him.
“I’ll take care of you.” His fingers swept over her cheek and her lips curled upward. “Just lie here with me. Sleep and heal.”
Darien continued to hold her and smooth his fingers over her hair in his mental image. He had no idea how much time passed. Although he wanted her to recover quickly, he didn’t mind comforting her. Having Jade in his arms, even if only in his mind’s eye, brought a measure of relief to him. Along with the hope he could actually help her heal. Or at least help her past the pain.
Sheena returned and unobtrusively informed him that the sun had risen, then said nothing more. The heavy window coverings made it possible for her to roam the castle during the day. They were pulled back at night. She moved quietly, stealthily about the room. His eyes remained closed, his thoughts on Jade, but he could still hear his efficient assistant in the background.
When Jade finally stirred, later in the evening, Darien opened his eyes. During Sheena’s visit, she’d left fresh towels, a satin robe and slippers on the bench that ran the width of the sturdy, intricately designed four-poster bed. He knew she wasn’t far away, likely in her own sanctuary on the opposite side of his study, awaiting any command he might have.
He moved from his chair to the edge of the mattress, cautious not to jostle Jade.
Her eyes opened. “What do I smell?” she asked in a hoarse voice, no doubt a result of her screams and dry throat, since she hadn’t had anything to drink in nearly twenty-four hours.
But Sheena had thought of that as well. A crystal pitcher sat on the large nightstand, along with a bowl of chicken broth.
“You’re hungry then?” he asked as he reached for a glass and poured water for her.
“Starving. And thirsty.” She used her good hand to shift on the bed and prop herself up against the mound of pillows. “How long have I been asleep?”
“All night. All day. Into another evening. How do your hand and wrist feel?”
“Better. I healed more than I’d anticipated.” She tried to swallow, but apparently had no real reason for it.
He held the glass to her lips and she slowly sipped. When she’d drained the contents, he set the drink aside and said, “Sheena brought you soup. Are you able to eat some?”
Jade nodded. “Does she think of everything?”
He spared a glance at the items laid out neatly on the bench and said, “Yes. Apparently, she’s fascinated by you. Your tenacity, in particular.”
She let out a low grunt. “Right. I’m so focused, I pass out from the pain.”
“She had no doubt of its severity. Yet you held on long enough to start the healing process.”
“My back was killing me,” she said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if there’d been a hoof print on my spine. I had to fix that first so I could breathe and concentrate.”
“Your loss of blood alarms me,” he said, his voice turning contemplative. “If you need to retain most of it to regenerate tissue and whatnot, then I can understand having to keep it on your skin. But you can’t keep it all in one place.”
She lifted the cloak covering her and groaned. “Your bedding. I’ve made a huge mess.”
“I don’t care about that. And don’t think anything of it.”
With a nod, he said, “She certainly has proven herself capable of rising above. I’m extremely impressed. And pleased. She’s been very resourceful.” She’d taken care of all the little necessities so Darien could stay by Jade’s side. He’d reward the vampire for her loyalty—and for her graciousness.
Reaching for the bowl she’d left behind, he said, “How about you try this?”
Jade eyed the offering. “You have someone cook for you? Demons eat human food?”
“Sure. We drink beverages as well. It’s vital for some, like the shifters. A treat for others, like the vampires.”
Her teeth gnawed her lower lip, then she asked, “And what sort of demon are you?”
“Eat, and I’ll tell you.” He lifted the spoon from the plate on which the bowl sat. He dipped the utensil into the broth and then held it steady for her to sip, repeating the process until she sighed contentedly. Finally, he returned the dishes to the nightstand.
“That was more than chicken broth,” she said. “That was a flavor explosion.”
He grinned. “I have a very competent staff.”
“Clearly.”
“Now,” he said as he refreshed her water glass and gave it over. She still favored her good hand. “You want to know what type of demon I am.”
“If you don’t mind helping me get my facts straight.”
“Not at all. I want you to know the truth.” He splashed a bit of brandy into his own tumbler. “Actually, I’m not any particular species of demon. I’m immortal by birthright. It’s hereditary in my family. A rare gift bestowed upon a distant ancestor for saving a high-ranking demon from an unjust death sentence.”
Her eyes narrowed on him. “You don’t take animal form, suck blood or grow horns?”
With a shake of his head, he said, “Nothing like that at all. What you see now is what I always am. It took two hundred years for me to look like a thirty-year-old man, but since that time, the aging process has all but come to a grinding halt.”
She studied him closely, then teased, “Just two gray hairs?”
“Where?” he quipped.
Her laugh warmed his insides. “Just kidding. You’ve managed to keep them at bay.”
“Surprising.” He stood and paced alongside the bed.
In a quiet voice, Jade said, “I imagine it’s not easy ruling an entire continent.”
“No.” He turned to face her. “Especially when it was something I never wanted. Those are my trials and tribulations.”
Her brow furrowed. “When we were at the library, I made it sound as though you haven’t a care in the world because you’re a demon. Obviously, that’s not the case. I’m sorry I was so cavalier about your…kind.”
He gave this some thought, then returned to his spot on the edge of the mattress. “Don’t apologize. We’re just as guilty. The demon viewpoint of humans is that you’re weak of mind and body. But that’s not true. The slayers and witches have proven it, the reason I have to be so diligent in keeping them in line. But you’ve also demonstrated how strong the human spirit can be.”
“I’m a little different than most humans.”
“Yes, you are.” He considered her abilities. “Do you understand how you ended up with your particular gifts?”
She shook her head. “I only know that, similar to you, they were passed from my father.”
He gazed at her, finding the sentiment intriguing. “We share a number of connections.”
Shifting again on the bed so she sat up, she placed the glass on the table and then trailed her fingers over his temple, whisking away locks of hair. “Yes, we do. You were in my head again last night.”
“I couldn’t help it.” The torment of her previous pain made his voice tight. “I needed to do something to try to alleviate as much of the physical ache as I could, so you’d be able to rest.”
She smiled. “It worked. I felt at peace. Comforted.”
“I really should keep my distance. But you are so irresistible…” He leaned toward her and his lips touched hers.
This time, he bypassed the restrained kiss he’d given her in the library. His fingers tangled in her hair and his mouth sealed to hers but for a few seconds. Then their lips parted and his tongue delved inside as he kissed her deeply. Passionately. The way he’d dreamed of.
Her fingers curled around the material of his shirt, just above his pectoral muscles. She returned the kiss with equal fervor. Her lips were soft and her mouth warm and inviting. A moan lodged in her throat and it made him hard for her.
He eased her back until she lay against the pile of pillows. He deepened the kiss as his other hand shoved the cloak away and slid under the hem of her sweater. His fingertips grazed her smooth flesh and she jolted.
Tearing her mouth from his, she gasped. “Darien.”
His cock throbbed at the way she said his name on such a lusty sigh. Yet he pulled back. “You still need recovery time. I’m overwhelming you.”
“Yes,” she said. Then shook her head. “No.” Her brows knitted together as she seemed to fight for a breath. She held up her injured hand and inspected it. “Some tenderness still and bruising. The bones are healed though.” She wiggled her fingers to prove her point. “But I’m a mess.”
The bed was too, truth be told.
“Sheena,” he said in low voice, knowing she’d hear him with her keen senses. She appeared instantly. “Have Jocelyn change the linens.”
“Of course, my Lord.” She left them as hastily as she’d joined them.
Darien carefully scooped Jade into his arms and carried her into his spacious bathroom. He set her on the ledge of the tub, encased in marble.
“This room is unbelievable,” she said, openly marveling over the opulence. “And this bathtub…it’s the size of a swimming pool.”
He chuckled as he turned on the water at three different angles. “When have you seen a swimming pool?”
“In Lisette’s books.” She watched him for a moment, then added, “You have running water to faucets?”
“Yes. I do enjoy some household amenities. Elevated water towers with air pressure and manual pumps create the flow of water. Boilers keep one tank hot. Be mindful of the temperature.”
“Duly noted,” she said. Then asked, “Why are you so adverse to electricity?”
“I haven’t found a need for it yet.” The candles nestled in the elaborate wall sconces provided dim lighting that lent a degree of sensual ambience to every room in the castle. He found the atmosphere inviting.
Jade said, “Neither have I, but Lisette recovered a hair dryer from pre-war days. I’d love to plug it in and give it a try. Hair this long takes some time to dry.”
“After thirty-five years, I’m not sure you’d want to test her relic. You might electrocute yourself.”
“Hmm. Yes, there is that.”
He stood and stripped off his shirt. Her gaze never left his chest.
“You’re going to join me?” she asked, looking so hopeful, it made his heart twist. He’d do anything she asked of him, he realized. But that would hardly be prudent. He’d already crossed too many lines where she was concerned.
“No,” he said regretfully. “I’m going to take a shower and then eat something while you relax in the tub. Take your time. Enjoy. I’ll bring you a book if you’d like.”
Her gaze swept the cavernous room. He always kept a low blaze in the fireplace and Jocelyn, his personal housekeeper, had a penchant for leaving large, fresh floral arrangements scattered about the room on various end tables that accompanied the armless chairs in corners.
“You’d better check on me periodically. I could move in here and you’d never hear from me again.”
He grinned. “If you like it, stay awhile. I’ll find you some reading material.” He left the room and went into his study. He had a wide range of novels from which to choose. Military documentaries, classic American and Britis
h literature, world history… He had a feeling she’d studied up plenty on the latter, given Lisette’s vast collection, so he selected something different.
Returning to the bathroom, he handed over the book.
“Pride and Prejudice.” She frowned. “Never heard of it.”
“That’s likely because Lisette’s idea of history doesn’t date past the early 1900s. This book was first published in 1813. I think you’ll find some interesting aspects to it.”
She flipped open the cover to find a loose sheet of paper. “What’s Wikipedia?” she asked as she eyed the printout.
“Oh that. It used to be an online encyclopedia when we had computers and the Internet. That document is a synopsis of the book.”
Her eyes widened as she scanned the text. “‘Obsequious veneration’? ‘Pedantic nature’?” Staring up at him, aghast, she said, “I have no idea what those words mean.”
He laughed. “Don’t worry about them. Just read it. The novel is hailed as one of the most romantic of all time.”
“A romance novel?” Her brow raised. “In your personal library?”
With a shrug, he said, “I like to stay abreast of all genres. Besides, I rather enjoyed the 1800s.”
“Jesus, you’re old.”
Another hearty laugh filled the room. “And you have a thing or two to learn about being couth.”
“Now that is a word I know. I just have difficulty employing the concept. Particularly around an arrogant king.”
He knelt beside her. “I haven’t been so arrogant.”
“No,” she murmured as she grazed his jaw with her fingers. “Maybe that’s not the right word. Confident better suits you.”
“Not so much when it comes to you.” His heart constricted further. An odd sensation. He kissed her, then stood and toed off his boots.
She said, “This tub will take a half hour to fill, at least. So I’m just going to sit here and watch you undress, if you don’t mind. Take your time,” she added his previous sentiment.
He groaned. “You’re not making it easy for me to keep my distance.”
Jade shot him a seductive look. “I never once said that was what I wanted.”