Deadly Attraction

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.”

/> “How can Sheena stand to come into this room? It must reek of my blood.”

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.