Six Times a Charm

by Deanna Chase

  Kane filled the doorway and froze. His gaze roamed the entire length of my bare body. Twice. Then his eyes met mine. “Sorry. I thought you’d be in the bathroom.”

  I stood still, like a deer caught in headlights.

  He walked into the room, never taking his eyes off mine. “Dinner’s ready.”

  I gulped as his eyes turned from cinnamon-speckled mocha to molten chocolate. “All right,” I said my voice barely audible.

  He choked out an oath, his voice as rough as his hands when he grabbed my hips, yanking me to his solid frame. Our lips met in a crush of impatience. Need clutched at my heart as it pumped rapidly, threatening to jump out of my chest. I wanted this. I wanted him like I’d never wanted anyone before.

  My impatient hands found their way under his shirt as he pushed me up against the wall. I pressed the length of my body closer, desperately trying to fuse with his.

  “I’m at a disadvantage here,” I whispered against his lips.

  I felt his slow wry smile just before he kissed me again and moved my hand to the fly of his jeans. “Do something about it.”

  I rose to the challenge, flipping the button open with my thumb and forefinger. He stilled as I undid the zipper. With one stroke of my hand over his silky shaft, he groaned. Heat shot to my center. I placed both hands on his hips and yanked down, stripping him of his jeans.

  I consciously did everything I could to keep his emotions from merging with mine. Once that happened I’d be lost at sea, overwhelmed by the tide of his desire. I wanted to feel his strong hands and muscular body, to get lost in all the delicious little details of his exploration. Like right now, the way he gently held my nipple in his teeth while the tip of his tongue teased.

  I pressed my back to the wall, arching my hips against his full erection. A deep, satisfied chuckle rumbled in his throat. Humorous, was it? We’d see about that. His lips trailed a line of kisses up my collarbone. I shifted, making space between us, then placed one hand around his neck and the other around the base of his cock. His lips froze mid-kiss. I stroked the length of him until his hips moved in rhythm with me.

  It was my turn to chuckle. Not so funny now.

  His kisses resumed, more savage than before, and my body lit like crackling fire. A moment later he produced a condom from the nearby dresser.

  Thank heaven for the prepared.

  His hands moved to my ass, boosting me up, and I wrapped my legs around his hips. The tip of him pressed at my opening. Our eyes met for two long beats. The intensity broke though my defenses and as his unrelenting desire flooded my core, he rocked his hips and entered me.

  A cry of pleasure ripped from me as I came almost instantly. I held on, letting myself ride Kane’s desire as he pounded into me, over and over, bringing me once again to the edge. Until this time we shuddered together.

  “Lord, help me.” His lips were pressed against my neck, muffling his voice.

  “I think it’s too late for that.”

  He pulled back and grinned. “I’m going to need some for the next round.”

  I raised an eyebrow. “Greedy.”

  “Yes.” He set me back on my feet and stepped backward, pulling me with him. “I need to lie down.”

  I stopped, rooted to the floor, and stared over his shoulder.

  Slowly he turned toward the direction of my gaze.

  “Do you see that?” I asked.

  “Yes.”

  Chapter 20

  Kane moved, shielding me from the ghost as I grabbed the discarded towel. I covered up and peered over his shoulder. A red/orange rage illuminated from Bobby, gripping my interior like a vice.

  I stumbled forward and held onto Kane’s shoulder with one hand, trying to stay conscious. He tensed. Protectiveness flowed from him, easing Bobby’s emotional hold on me. Sighing in relief, I moved to Kane’s side. He radiated disapproval. I squeezed his arm. “It’s all right. Just stay next to me. Your emotions help.”

  Uncertainty flashed over his face, but he nodded.

  The energy around Bobby turned a deeper red as his rage grew out of control. I clutched Kane’s arm as a tremor of terror ran up my spine. Determined, I took a small step and stared into Bobby’s eyes.

  In a quiet voice, I spoke. “Bobby, stop this. I am not your wife. I know I look like her, but I do not belong to you. I belong with Kane.”

  Kane’s pleasure seeped through the fierce protective vibe he had going on, strengthening my resolve.

  The rage stronghold had begun to fade, but as Bobby turned to Kane, a fresh wave of angry possessiveness lashed out, making my knees buckle.

  “Stop it!” I yelled. “Even if I was who you think I am, is this how you’d treat your wife? Is this how you treat someone you love?” I hugged my arms to myself, trying to see past the pain searing though my chest. “Please, just let me have my life.”

  Kane’s arms wrapped around me, and a fresh wave of his affection circled me in a gentle caress. Bobby’s hold on me vanished. I reached around Kane’s torso and stared at him with wide eyes. “How did you do that?”

  “What?”

  “Your energy replaced his. He isn’t affecting me right now.”

  His eyes searched mine. “It must be because you belong with me.” He tilted his head, tightened his hold and gave me a slow lingering kiss that made my toes curl in pleasure. I leaned into him, cherishing the tenderness of the moment. When we broke apart I let out a soft sigh and leaned my head on his chest.

  Kane stroked my hair and whispered, “He’s gone.”

  “I know.”

  “Come on. You need to eat.” Kane took a few steps back, deeper into the bedroom.

  “But the pizza is out there.” I pointed toward the door.

  “Yes, but I really need a shower first, and I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

  I laughed. “I knew you’d find a way to get me in the shower.”

  He grinned and pulled me along after him.

  After a second round of lovemaking, we finally emerged flushed and smelling of the rainforest.

  “I’m starving,” I said as I placed a full plate of pizza in the microwave.

  Kane picked up a cold piece and ate half of it while pulling two beers from the refrigerator.

  “Yuck. I love pizza, but cold pizza is just not right.”

  “What? You can’t be serious. Besides, I can’t wait. Someone used up all my reserves.”

  I chuckled when he leaned in to nuzzle my neck. “Stop. Go into the living room. I’ll meet you there with warm pizza in hand.”

  The microwave dinged, and I switched the plates.

  “You go. I’ll be right behind you.” Kane handed me the beer bottle and gave me a tiny shove.

  With the pizza in one hand and a Guinness in the other, I curled my feet under me and sunk into the couch. I’d finished two pieces by the time Kane appeared. He lifted an eyebrow. “Must have had a good workout.”

  “Something like that,” I said between bites.

  We ate in companionable silence. When the last slice of pizza was gone, I grabbed both plates and took them to the kitchen. It didn’t take long to load the dishwasher and clean the counters, but desperate to avoid the upcoming conversation I moved on to scrubbing the sink. By the time Kane came to find me, I’d cleaned the stove top, wiped down the appliances and had moved on to sweeping the floor.

  “What are you doing?” he asked.

  “Just a little clean up.”

  “A little?” His eyebrows rose as he looked around at the sparkling kitchen. “Are you cleaning out the refrigerator next?”

  “Uh…no.” I put the broom back in the closet.

  Kane smiled and took my hand. “Thank you, but that wasn’t necessary.”

  I shrugged and let him lead me to the living room.

  “All right, what is it you don’t want to talk about?” he asked after pulling me down on the sofa next to him.

  I shook my head. “I can’t keep any secrets from you.” How did he do
that? It must be some kind of special gift. Only, not a weird psychic or dreamwalker gift. Just a natural gift of perception.

  “It’s hard to hide from the people who love you.” He wrapped his arm around me and pulled my head to his shoulder.

  Love. There it was. I knew he loved me. I could feel it just as I felt the love growing in my heart for him. A lump clogged my throat and I took a shaky breath. “I’m sorry I hid my ability from you.”

  “It’s all right. I understand.”

  I sat up, unwrapping myself from his embrace. “It’s really not okay. I wasn’t honest with you, and considering how hard I was on you after you told me about the dreamwalking, I can’t understand why you aren’t more upset.”

  “Maybe it’s because I knew about your ability. You didn’t tell me, but I felt it and knew what I was getting into. Plus, you weren’t influencing the way I felt about you.”

  “But you weren’t upset when I wasn’t honest with you. Why?”

  “Is it so hard for you to understand?” He tilted my head to look in my eyes. “I know what it feels like to have people run from me due to my ability. I already knew why you didn’t tell me.”

  My heart squeezed. He’d known his share of rejection, just as I had, due to something neither of us could control. And what did I do right after he told me about his gift? I ran. “I’m so sorry.” I tore my gaze away and focused on our clasped hands. “I hurt you.”

  “I deserved it.” I could hear the smile in his voice. “But you should know I really didn’t dreamwalk you on purpose. My subconscious took me there and was in charge in my dreams…at least at first. So everything that happened, well, I didn’t control it. It’s just what I secretly wanted.” He paused and his voice hitched. “And my emotions…those were real.”

  I lifted my gaze to really study him. “You were never trying to manipulate me.” It wasn’t a question, but he answered with a shake of his head.

  “I love you, Jade.” His hand tightened on mine. “I want you as my partner, my friend, my lover. But I only want you if you want me the same way. I wouldn’t try to trick you into anything, or expect you to be anything other than who and what you are. That isn’t who I am.”

  “I know,” I said with intensity. “I know that isn’t who you are.”

  He pulled me into his lap and held me close. “So what do you say?”

  Joy spread and filled all the empty corners of my being. “I love you, too.”

  Kane’s arms tightened around me, while his lips brushed mine. I leaned into him, hugging tight and sank into the kiss. When I pulled back, the softness of his eyes matched the tenderness escaping from his being.

  I snuggled back into his chest and rested my head on his shoulder. “We need to talk about Pyper.”

  “All right.”

  “I feel guilty being happy about us when she needs help.” I buried my head deeper, as if to hide from myself.

  “Don’t. I know Pyper and she’ll be thrilled for us, no matter how or when this came about.” He stroked my back.

  “I know. It’s not that. It’s because I don’t know how to help her. At the calling Lailah did,” I cringed at the use of her name, “the vision of the so-called ‘goddess’ said I needed to change things. That I held the power to alter the course now set. I don’t know what that means. I don’t know what I can do, other than try to reach her emotional energy. And that isn’t working.”

  Kane sat silent for so long, I finally glanced up to catch his eye. “What?” I asked.

  “I don’t know. I really don’t. And as far as Lailah is concerned, I’d just as soon not have you involved in any more of her brand of magic.”

  I sat up. “I’m not too keen on it either, but I feel like I have to do something.”

  “Okay, we’ll try to figure it out, but not right now. Both of us need sleep. Will you stay with me while I try to dreamwalk Pyper?”

  I nodded, got to my feet and held out my hand. “Come on. Let’s go.” I couldn’t help my lips from curling into a small smile.

  Ten minutes later we climbed into Kane’s bed. I stared at his chest, my eyes lingering. I reached out and ran a hand the length of his torso. “I wanted to do that since the first time I woke up next to you.”

  Kane caught my hand and kissed it. “If I hadn’t thought you had a concussion, I don’t think I could have kept my hands off you.”

  I scooted closer and snuggled up next to him. “There wouldn’t have been much of a fight.”

  He groaned. “Now you tell me.”

  “I think you’ll live.” I lifted my head. “Will you take me with you in the dream?”

  “I already planned on it.”

  Pressing my head to his chest, I relaxed. “Thanks. I want to try to reach her mentally before we go.”

  “You can do that from here?”

  “Maybe. The closer I am emotionally to someone, the easier it is. And the fact we’re in her apartment helps. Plus, you’re her best friend. If we’re connected I might reach her.”

  “It’s worth a try.” Kane reached over and flipped off the light.

  “Okay, I’m going to read you first. I need to lock in your emotions so I can differentiate and concentrate on Pyper,” I said.

  “All right.”

  Because Kane and I were now connected emotionally and physically, reading him became as effortless as breathing. His energy flowed through me as if it were my own. I didn’t think I could block him now even if I tried. His pleasure warmed my skin, and I lightly trailed my fingers over his as I paused to enjoy the moment. But soon the weariness and worry for Pyper intruded.

  In my mind I conjured up Pyper’s distinct energy. It wasn’t long before I entered the void I’d been experiencing at the hospital the last few days. I was close. As I had earlier, I forced my essence deeper. Instantly, pain rippled down both my arms and legs. Through the haze I barely heard Kane gasp in alarm. Instinctively, I stiffened, trying to hold as still as possible and the stabbing jabs eased to a dull ache.

  “Pyper,” I whispered. “We’re here. I can feel you. Please, tell us where you are.”

  Anger and despair filled the void, masking hopelessness.

  “It’s not hopeless. Kane and I are coming for you. Tell us where to look.”

  Pyper, I’m here. We both are. Don’t give up. We’re coming for you. Kane’s voice rang in my head.

  I jerked, momentarily startled. How did he do that? My focus waned, and I felt Pyper slipping. “No,” I said in a raised voice and concentrated. “Where are you?”

  Pain pierced my hands, and I bit down on my lip to keep from crying out. Kane’s arms tightened around me with fierce protectiveness.

  Roy. Kane, Roy has me. Help. Pyper’s faint voice barely registered in my mind. A white-hot bolt of terror punched me in the stomach, and the connection was lost.

  Kane shot straight up as I rolled away and vomited right there on the bed.

  “Oh, God. Oh, God. Oh, God,” I said over and over. “I’m sorry.”

  Kane grabbed the quilt and carried it out of the room. In no time he was back. “Are you all right?”

  Barely holding back my gag reflex, I shook my head and wobbled my way into the bathroom. When I was sure I could hold down the rest of my dinner, I reemerged and found Kane hovering by the door.

  “Jade.” He rubbed my back as I padded back to the bed. “Are you okay?”

  I nodded and sat with my back against the headboard. “All of that pain was Pyper’s”

  “What pain?”

  “Oh, you didn’t feel it?” When he shook his head, I continued. “Her hands are in awful pain, like she’s been stabbed or something. I got sick because I experienced a sucker-punch of some sort. Only it wasn’t me, it was her.”

  Kane’s eyes darkened to almost black, a shade I had never seen in my vast experience of analyzing his eye color. Fury and hatred engulfed me.

  “I know. I feel the same way.” I ran my hand up his arm. “Why did you gasp? What did you feel?
”

  “Your energy changed. It went from a light airy feel to heavy and somehow foreboding. I knew something wasn’t right.”

  “That’s when I felt all the pain.” I rubbed my palm. “Who is Roy?”

  “I only know one Roy. He was the previous owner of the club.” Kane paused. “He died six months ago.”

  “A ghost,” I whispered.

  Chapter 21

  The turbulence coursing through Kane was like nothing I’d experienced before. Hatred, compounded with a fierce possessiveness, overwhelmed his other protective instincts. I imagined a wolf protecting his den while he simultaneously stalked his prey.

  “Kane?”

  He turned, and his emotions surged through me, zapping my remaining energy.

  “I know you’re upset. You have every right to be, but I need you to calm down. Please.”

  He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Sorry.”

  I pulled him down in the covers and cuddled up close. “Just focus on me for a while, okay?”

  He kissed the top of my head. “I’ll try.” The intensity of his emotions faded, but the anger didn’t disappear.

  “I’m going to try to relax and sleep. I’ll be waiting for you when you’re ready.”

  “I’ll see you soon,” he said.

  I closed my eyes and stretched my aching limbs. Kane felt good, too good in my arms, and it didn’t take long for me to drift off. Immediately Bobby appeared at the foot of the bed, shining in his bright light. All the red anger he’d displayed earlier in the night was gone, replaced by a peaceful acceptance. I dozed in his presence until finally, after what seemed like hours, Kane joined me.

  Bobby came and stood next to the bed, his light washing over both of us. I looked from him to Kane and back again. Bobby nodded, turned his lips up in a sad smile and faded into the night, his light going with him.

  That was weird. I stared at the spot Bobby had vanished from.

  Focus, Jade. I need to take you to Pyper. Kane’s voice rang clear in my head.

  My eyes found him. His determination and sense of urgency snapped me back into the moment. With our hands clasped, our bodies rose together in a transparent image of ourselves. We floated through the walls and floors, ending up next to the stage in the middle of Wicked.