Amethyst Flame (Flame 2)

She closed her eyes, but soon felt soft fingers dragging over her face. Ah, the girls were here.

“You’re smiling.” Vaughn’s gorgeous, deep voice again. “Was that an opiate?”

She chuckled. “No. It’s my own concoction with a spell. It’s made from flowers from my garden. I think one of them is used in amethyst flame. No wonder Loghry’s addicted.”

When the first rush of feel-good passed, she tapped the basket. “There’s a jar in there with a lavender colored balm. All I need you to do is spread some on the wound. Can you do that?”

“Of course.”

“Am I still bleeding?”

“Not as bad.”

“Good. The balm will take care of the rest.”

She closed her eyes again. She could feel the ghosts flying around the room. They seemed almost cheerful. They were probably getting used to their new state.

Just like she was. She chuckled again. “I’m so smart.” Had she said that aloud?

She felt a pressure on her calf that only registered as pain in the dimmest way. “Put it on thick. You know, glob it on.”

“Will do.” Then, “Jesus.” He sounded startled.

“What?”

“It’s healing so fast.”

“Yeah, cuz I’m smart.” She laughed again. Everything seemed so funny right now, including her self-proclamations of genius.

“Well, you’re definitely smart, although I’d say you’re also high as a kite.”

She worked to open her eyes. “I should have shared.” She lifted her hand that still held the vial. “You can have the few drops at the bottom.”

Vaughn’s face was suddenly hovering above hers. “I’ll pass.” But he took the vial from her anyway. Probably a good idea. It was made of glass and her motor functions were off.

“Vaughn?”

“Yes?”

He was still right there above her. “You are so beautiful. I mean, I know I should say ‘handsome’, but oh, my God, your eyes are like steel and your face has all these angled planes. And I love your straight black brows because it makes you look serious and committed. I like committed men.” She chuckled some more. “Like Loghry. That bastard is damn committed.”

She saw Vaughn’s lips curve. Then his face left her line of sight. She reached for his tank, wanting to pull him back, but her arm wasn’t working right. “Where are you going?”

“Nowhere. I’m right here.”

When he floated back into her field of vision, this time she made a concerted effort to grab his shirt. She succeeded and pulled him closer. “Vaughn, I want you. I’ve wanted you bad since you took me on your couch. Do you know that I started volunteering for any Trib assignment that would take me to Crescent? I wanted to see your face again. Your body. Oh, God, your body. You are so built. Did I ever tell you that?”

She tried to pull him down to her, but he gently took her hand and unwrapped it from around his shirt. “You’re drugged out, sweetheart.”

“But I know what I’m saying. I want you.” What she didn’t know was why she was pelting him with her lust. “Sorry. You’re right. I’m not myself.”

“It’s okay. I have a confession to make as well. I’ve spied on you. I’d make any excuse to go to the Trib. I saw you a few times.”

She laughed. Everything seemed so funny. “I love that you’ve been watching me. Now I don’t feel like such a dork. Maybe we’re both dorks.”

“Maybe we are.” Was he chuckling as well?

“You’re not. I am, but you’re not. You’re a man. A real man. I respect the hell out of you, Vaughn. I need you to know that, even if my head is swimming right now.”