The Mind Readers, Book 1

by Lori Brighton

  Chapter 13

  The drive to town seemed to take forever, every moment lasting an eternity. I wasn’t sure what to talk about and apparently neither was Lewis as we remained awkwardly silent. I still had a little bit of a headache, but the thrill of being on a date overrode the pain and I didn’t want to be home right now.

  “You’re doing really well, Cam,” Lewis said, finally breaking the silence.

  I smiled, but I didn’t want to talk about my abilities or lack thereof. Besides, if I was doing so well, why had he looked so dour after I’d thrown Aaron on his butt? “Thanks.”

  No, I didn’t want to talk about me, and I didn’t want to talk about Lewis’s odd reaction. I couldn’t stand the thought that he might be jealous of my powers. There was only one thing I wanted to know about and that was Lewis himself. I wasn’t sure where he’d come from, who his family was, nothing. Of course I couldn’t read his mind, so that didn’t help.

  “Headache?”

  “Huh?”

  He looked pointedly at me and I realized I’d been rubbing my temples. I lowered my hands to my lap. “Maybe a little.”

  He shrugged, slowing the car as we entered town. The street lights flashed across his face. Was it my imagination or did he look a little pale? “When I first learned how to block my thoughts I’d get headaches.”

  My interest piqued. I knew Aaron had taken him in, but at what age had he started training? “Oh, yeah?”

  “It will get better soon.” He stopped in front of a large Victorian inn and restaurant. The place was glowing with lamplight, behind it the setting sun sent brilliant orange rays across the bay. It was gorgeous. Romantic. So, why was I suddenly uneasy to be here with him?

  Because while stepping out of the car, the cool night air tugging at my hair and the skirt of my dress, I remembered this was a date…a real date. I hadn’t been on a date in forever. During my junior year, I’d started going out with my first real boyfriend. A month later, when he’d realized he wasn’t going to get laid, I’d heard he was going to dump me. So I dumped him first. To be honest, I’d only gone out with him so I could double date with a friend. But it still stung. Now…my God, now I was on a date with a guy who actually liked me. Then again, if what Olivia said was true, he only liked me for now…until the next woman came along.

  His warm hand rested at the small of my back as we made our way up the wide wooden steps to the restaurant. Only a few people were in the building, most tourists having gone to dry land for the winter season. The inside lobby had a large antique desk. Flowered wallpaper decorated the walls and a golden chandelier dangled from above. Yep, definitely a date.

  “Lewis!” A gorgeous hostess wearing a short black skirt rushed forward with a ready smile on her face. Startled, I stepped aside. She gave Lewis a tight hug and Olivia’s annoying comment came roaring back.

  You think you’re the first one Lewis has led on?

  I stood there awkwardly as they talked about where Lewis had been. He brushed off her comment with an answer about visiting friends on the mainland. I had to resist the urge to push myself between them and say, “Here I am!”

  It seemed like an eternity before he finally looked at me. “This is Cameron.” He took my hand, pulling me forward.

  She seemed sincere when she smiled and her thoughts were only pure friendship. Her kindness made me feel somewhat better. It didn’t last. “You want your usual table?”

  Usual? In that he came here often… with other girls? This date was quickly turning into a nightmare and the worst part was that I knew I was being ridiculous.

  “Yeah, near the windows.”

  He led me toward the back of the restaurant, a large open area that had obviously been added onto the building at a later date. He was still smiling, completely oblivious to the fact that I’d turned into a silly, jealous girl. And I was being silly, I knew that, but I couldn’t seem to stop myself. He pulled out a chair for me, the perfect gentleman. The chatter in the room was a soft murmur that I barely heard, I was too intent on knowing what Lewis was thinking, secretly hoping his wall would slip and a thought would seep out. I know, I was pathetic.

  “I love this spot,” he said. “You can see the bay, the boats coming in, the sun setting. Perfect.”

  “Yeah.” I swallowed hard and looked out the large floor to ceiling windows, but the beauty of nature was completely lost on me. “You come here often then?”

  He shrugged, unconcerned by my question. “There aren’t many other places to go on the island.”

  I suppose he was right. But Olivia’s comment was still there, taunting me. Why was I letting her get to me? But I knew why, because deep down I couldn’t believe that someone like Lewis would really like me. God, I was no better than Annabeth. I’d been playing second fiddle to Emily for way too long. It had destroyed my self-confidence.

  An older woman dressed in black with a white apron took our orders, leaving us with a basket of bread. The moment she left, Lewis leaned across the table.

  “So,” he said, staring at me intently. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing,” I replied a little too quickly.

  He nodded slowly, but I could see he had his misgivings. “You sure?”

  I unfolded the white napkin wrapped around my silverware. “Yeah, fine.” I laughed, but it came out sounding a little manic. Olivia had turned me into a crazy woman, which is probably what she was hoping to do. “Where’s your family?”

  He blinked, surprised by the sudden change in topic. Good, I wanted to catch him off guard. “Ummm, dead.”

  I wanted to sink to the floor with mortification. I was such an idiot. “I’m so sorry.”

  He shrugged and looked out the windows again. “I was young, it’s been a long time.”

  I played with my cloth napkin, heat rushing to my cheeks. I’d never felt more horrible, yet I had this odd, totally inhumane desire to ask more. I felt this frantic need to know everything I could about him. Maybe not everything, just his deepest darkest secrets. I guess I hoped the more I knew, the closer we’d be. “How’d it happen?”

  He looked at the wooden tabletop, taking his own napkin and placing it on his lap. He didn’t say a word and didn’t look like he wanted to speak. His reaction left me cold.

  “You don’t have to talk about it. I’m sorry I brought it up.”

  He shook his head. “No, it’s just…” He looked at me, his gaze so warm and intense that my heart skipped a beat. Yet there, in the back of his eyes, lurked something more… secrecy.

  “What?” I asked.

  “It happened the same time your father died.”

  I hadn’t been expecting that and for one long moment I merely stared at him, wondering if I’d misheard. “How?” I whispered.

  He lifted his glass of water. Your father, my parents were being used. They didn’t want to be used anymore. They decided to break out of the S.P.I. encampment, along with a few other people. Our parents didn’t make it.

  Why did I have a feeling there was more to this story? More he wasn’t going to tell me at the moment? But why would Lewis keep secrets from me?

  He smiled, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Don’t worry about it, okay? We’re protected. Safe. They can’t get to us.”

  “But where have you lived all this time?”

  He sighed, realizing I wasn’t going to shut up. I probably should have, but I couldn’t help myself. “First with an uncle, then when he died, Aaron came for me. I was eight when I moved here.”

  “You’ve been here since you were eight?” He nodded and I continued with my third degree. “What about schooling?”

  “I home schooled.”

  It sounded lonely to me, stuck on this island as a child. “And college?”

  He shrugged. “Why go to school when I have the ability that I have?”

  I didn’t see what reading minds had to do with college and getting a decent job, but was waylaid from asking more when the waitr
ess arrived with our plates. On the way to the restaurant I’d been starving, now I could barely think of food. There were too many thoughts, too many questions rushing through my head. But foremost was the fact that our parents had died together. We were like some sort of weird retelling of Romeo and Juliet in which we survived and our families died. I could certainly understand Lewis’ need to see S.P.I. pay for what they’d done. Although I hadn’t truly known my father, even I felt the need to avenge his memory.

  I lapsed into silence as we ate our food. As ridiculous as it sounded, I couldn’t help but wonder if we were destined to be together. I felt connected to Lewis like I had with no other. But did he feel the same way? Or was I just another girl in a long line, as Olivia implied.

  “Lewis!” As if the Universe was playing some cruel prank on me, a young woman came rushing toward us. She didn’t have trouble walking in her high heels and slinky black dress. Her hair was as red as the lipstick she wore. Lewis stood as she reached the table. He didn’t look ashamed or embarrassed when she threw her arms around him. He sure as heck didn’t push her away, as I’d been hoping.

  “When did you get back?” she asked.

  “Few days ago.”

  She pulled away, not bothering to glance at me. “Thank God, it’s been so boring with you gone.”

  Heat slowly burned my cheeks as realization dawned. While I’d lived on the mainland, wasting away because no one understood me, Lewis had been perfectly happy here. He had friends and a life, while I’d been living this pathetic half-existence. It didn’t seem quite fair.

  “Call me soon,” she said. “We need to go out.”

  “Sure.” Lewis settled back in his chair and the girl flounced away. He hadn’t even introduced me. I dragged my fork through my rice, staring hard at my plate. I would not cry. I was being irrational, ridiculous. I refused to be another Emily.

  He slid me a glance. “You’re thinking something again, something I can’t hear, but I can see it on your face.”

  I forced myself to laugh. “No, nothing.”

  He was silent for a moment, so silent that I worried about what he was planning next. “I don’t date a lot. I don’t come here with a long line of women.”

  The blood drained from my face. I felt cold. Then just as quickly, heated embarrassment rushed through my body. “I…how’d you know?”

  “Your thoughts—”

  “You said you weren’t reading my thoughts!” I realized I said that a little too loudly and glanced around to make sure we hadn’t been overheard.

  “I stopped blocking when I thought you were controlling yours. But they’re slipping through your defense.” He seemed frustrated, disappointed in me.

  Well, screw him. I started to stand, embarrassed, humiliated. “I’m leaving.”

  “What?” Unbelievable. Why are girls so irrational?

  I froze, shocked by the sudden invasion of his thoughts into mine. My God, did he even realize his thought had slipped out? The question quickly gave rise to the realization that he thought I was irrational. I’d had to watch him practically make out in front of me with two other girls and he was annoyed with me?

  I tossed my napkin to the tabletop and pushed open the closest door. I found myself on a boardwalk that led to the beach. The air was chill, the wind bitter. I’d freeze out here, but couldn’t seem to care at the moment. My heels sank into the sand as I made my way to the shore. Too much. I kicked off my shoes. It was all too much, too soon. God, what was wrong with me?

  “Cameron!” Lewis was coming after me.

  I didn’t want him to. I wanted to be alone. I wanted…I didn’t know what I wanted. I sank onto the sand, pulled my legs to my chest and rested my head on my knees. A tear slipped down my cheek, then another and another. God, I was crying and I couldn’t seem to stop. It was supposed to be the perfect date. But then Olivia had ruined it, and those girls had hugged Lewis, making me doubt him. He’d practically ignored me. The worst part was realizing that my dad…his parents…they’d been murdered together. Knowing the facts made it too real, all too…real.

  My dad had died.

  “Cam,” Lewis settled beside me, his body touching mine. He was warm and I had to resist the urge to sink into him. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I don’t know.” I stared at the sand, too embarrassed to look up at him.

  I didn’t know how to explain my tears because I wasn’t sure why I was crying. He’d think I was insane…then again he probably already did. I took in a deep breath and lifted my head, staring at the ocean. The sun had almost set, the water growing dark. He couldn’t read my features, couldn’t see the tears. The darkness gave me courage. I closed my eyes and opened my mind, taking down that steel wall Aaron had taught me to build.

  My dad is dead. I’m afraid of my powers. What if Lewis is using me?

  The thoughts tumbled from my mind, into the dark world, into his mind. I felt his body stiffen. I knew he’d heard my thoughts and for a moment I regretted being so open. I turned my face away, too embarrassed to look at him directly.

  Lewis was silent for a long moment. He didn’t say a word, nor did he open his mind to me. I closed my eyes and closed my mind. I’d told him what he needed to hear. No need to let him know how utterly humiliated I was at the moment.

  “I guess it’s normal,” he finally said, “for you to be afraid. It’s all new to you. You didn’t realize what you were capable of.”

  I nodded slowly, so relieved he was talking to me, at the same time leery of what he’d say. He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and I sank into his side, soaking up his warmth. “I vaguely remember when I came here. It was…overwhelming. I was younger, it was easier for me to handle it.”

  I drew my fingers through the sand, the gritty bits clinging to my skin.

  “And as for your dad…I’m sorry.”

  Of course he was, and of course he knew exactly how I felt because he’d gone through it. “How’d they die?” I dared to look at him.

  He swallowed hard, staring out at the dark waves. I wasn’t sure if I’d gone too far, if perhaps he’d change the subject. But finally he looked down at me.

  “I was there right before it happened.”

  My heart stopped. The pain I felt for him was almost unbearable. Compassion took hold of my chest and squeezed.

  “They worked for S.P.I., supposedly. We’re still not sure if S.P.I. is even a legitimate branch of the government. But anyway, they were draining them. That headache you have is nothing compared to what they experienced. One night they decided to break out. But S.P.I. found out. While they were escaping, they were captured.”

  I rested my head on his shoulder. I didn’t need to know more, but I did wonder how much he’d seen. I prayed he hadn’t been there when his parents died.

  “Cam,” he said softly. “I didn’t introduce you to that woman because she’s worse than Emily.”

  Relief was sweet. “Oh.”

  “When I see her, she always tells me to call her, I never do. She’s a fake and it’s easiest just to play along.”

  Wonderful, he’d read those thoughts as well. Still, I smiled, the tension in my body easing some.

  “The hostess who checked us in is dating a friend of mine; that’s how I know her.”

  Heat shot to my cheeks. Okay, maybe I shouldn’t have let him read my mind. I was beginning to look like a total idiot.

  “And Olivia…she’s…I don’t know.”

  But I did. She was jealous. Just as I’d assumed, so why didn’t I go with my gut? Why had I let petty insecurities get the better of me? “I’m sorry,” I sighed. “I hate not knowing what you’re thinking. I’m not used to it, you know?” I looked up at him and he nodded.

  “I’ve felt the same about you. I don’t have a clue what you’re thinking and it’s frustrating as hell and interesting at the same time.”

  I grinned, a teasing smile. “You find me interesting?”

  He s
miled back, reaching out and tucking a loose lock of hair behind my ear, letting his fingers trail down the line of my jaw, light as a feather. “Yeah, you could say that.”

  I rested my hand on his drawn up knees, turning to get closer to him. “If you want to know something about me, just ask.”

  The wind ruffled his hair, and his gaze dropped to my lips. “You’ll answer? No matter what the question is?”

  “Sure,” I said, wondering if I’d regret my ready reply.

  “Well, I’ve been wondering…” He leaned closer to me, his mouth next to my ear, his breath warm on my skin. “If you liked our kiss.”

  Heat swept through my body. I couldn’t believe he even had to ask that question. I was blushing, but fortunately it was too dark to tell. At least I hoped it was too dark. I didn’t want to seem like some inexperienced loser.

  He pulled back and looked directly at me. “Well?”

  “Yes.” I smiled. “I liked it, very much.”

  He drew his finger down the side of my face, a gentle touch. A buoy dinged somewhere out on the ocean, an eerie, magical sound. “And would you mind, very much, if I kissed you again?”

  My heart squeezed. “No, I don’t think I would.”

  He grinned as he leaned closer to me. Before his lips touched mine, he paused, his breath warm on my lips. Savoring the moment, I closed my eyes. An unsteady heartbeat later, I felt him lean into me and then his lips met mine.

  His mouth was warm, firm. Lovely. His arm tightened around my shoulders, drawing me closer to his chest, while his other hand cupped the side of my face. I wanted to touch him, to pull him even closer, to do anything possible to keep him from moving away. I slipped my hands up his chest, my palm lingering over his heart, the beat steady and strong. My entire body tingled, from my toes to my fingertips. When his tongue slipped across my bottom lip, I shivered. I could kiss him forever.

  “Well, how sweet. Young love,” the unfamiliar voice was like a foghorn.

  Lewis jerked back, his breathing harsh. His narrowed eyes were focused on some point behind me. Startled, I spun around. A man stood near the shore, only feet from us. It was too dark to make out his features, but I could tell he was older, maybe Aaron’s age. He wore a dark suit and a smirking grin. My shock gave way to embarrassment. Slowly, Lewis stood, taking my hand and pulling me to my feet.

  “How are you, Lewis?” the man asked. His gaze slid to me. “And who is this?”

  Watching him warily, I swiped the sand from my clothes.

  “No one you need to be concerned with.” Lewis’ grip stung almost as much as his words. I tried not to take his tone to heart. I knew he was upset, although why I wasn’t sure.

  He started up the dune, tugging me along. I had just enough time to pull on my shoes. His steps were fast and hurried, determined. In my heels, I could hardly walk, let alone at his pace. Stumbling, I glanced back. The man was following.

  “Why the hurry?” he asked, his long legs easily catching us.

  Who is he? I demanded, asking Lewis with my mind.

  He didn’t respond.

  “Lewis,” I tried speaking out loud. Still, he didn’t answer, but merely stared straight ahead, as if I wasn’t there, as if the man following wasn’t there.

  “Running away only makes you look guilty,” the man said.

  Guilty? What the hell was going on? Lewis stopped on the deck. I ran into his back, my face pressing to his hard shoulder. For one long moment he didn’t say a word, then slowly he turned. He didn’t look down at me, but kept his hard gaze focused on the man in the suit. He was pale with brown hair, I could see that now under the lights from the restaurant.

  “What do you want Rodgers?” His hand was tight in mine, his anger palpable.

  Rodgers smiled, his thin lips and wide nose stretching. “You remember my name, I’m honored.”

  “Cut the bullshit,” Lewis snapped.

  I stepped back, surprised by his hard tone. I’d never really seen Lewis angry, I’d rarely heard him curse. It confused and worried me more than I wanted to admit.

  “Now, now, there’s a lady present. We should watch what we say.” The man shook his head, as if disappointed. I could see his features now that we were close to the light from the restaurant, but there was nothing familiar about his face. “Who is this young woman, by the way?”

  “A friend.”

  Rodgers looked directly at me and I felt his black gaze shiver over my skin, as if he could read my very soul. “And does your friend have a name and a voice?”

  “Cameron,” I said.

  “Cameron, so nice to meet you.” He held out his hand.

  I paused for only a moment, but realized it would be too rude to ignore him, so I slipped my hand into his. His fingers were firm and warm, but his touch made me oddly cold.

  I drew back, stepping closer to Lewis.

  Rodgers was back to staring at Lewis. “You’ve been gone for a while.”

  “Yeah, I can leave the island. I’m not a prisoner.”

  He clasped his hands behind his back. “Didn’t say that. My, you’re paranoid.”

  “I’m not paranoid, I’m late.” He gave the man a stiff smile. “We have to go.”

  “Sure, don’t want to break your curfew.” He seemed amused by that.

  Lewis didn’t respond, merely tightened his hold on my hand and led me around the deck, toward the front of the building.

  “Lewis.” He was walking too fast and my voice came out breathless. “Who was he? What’s going on?”

  He released my hand and moved around to the driver’s side. “No one, get in the car.”

  I pulled open the door and slipped inside, waiting for him to explain. No way was I letting him get away with that pathetic answer.

  He was quiet as he settled in the seat and we pulled out of the parking lot. It was only once we’d made it through town that I asked him again. “Lewis, come on. What’s going on?”

  “He’s one of them.” He didn’t look at me as he said that. He was upset, and it was worrying me. His knuckles were white as his fingers gripped the wheel. His hard gaze remained pinned straight ahead.

  “One of who…” My blood went cold. “He’s with S.P.I.?”

  He nodded. We were silent as he drove up the hill, my thoughts in turmoil. I thought I’d be safe here, they’d promised I’d be safe. But how safe could I be if S.P.I. knew where we lived? Lewis stopped as we waited for the gates to open.

  “But…how do you know for sure?” I asked, deciding to be calm, rational.

  Lewis drove through the gates and onto Aaron’s property. As the gates closed behind us, I admit I did feel somewhat safer. Which was ridiculous. I mean, we couldn’t live behind these gates forever. “He’s been sniffing around here for months.”

  Panic set in, bitter on my tongue. Months? “Why? How’d he find you?”

  He finally looked at me, his eyes softening with compassion. Maybe he’d read my thoughts, or maybe the panic was obvious on my face. “Don’t worry, he can’t hurt us. He doesn’t have any reason to search our home.”

  He could find a reason, I had no doubt. If he really wanted to, he could get in. They told me I’d be safe. They said I was a sitting duck if I stayed in my hometown. I’d believed them. But for the first time since arriving, I wondered if I was any safer here than I’d been with Grandma.