His Dark Embrace

“Well, he was right about that.” Taking a place on the floor beside Skylynn, Thorne lifted a journal from the stack and began reading through it, no easy task, given Paddy’s abominable handwriting. What was it about doctors? Thorne wondered as he turned a page. He had seen six-year-olds with better penmanship.

He picked up another journal. Like the last one, this contained nothing other than routine notes about routine operations, and questions and comments about an occasional experiment gone awry.

After three hours, Skylynn closed the book she had been reading and stood up to stretch the kinks out of her back and shoulders. “I’m afraid this is a lost cause.”

“So it would seem.”

“I guess you’ll just have to find another tonic.”

He looked up at her, mute, the muscles in his jaw clenching as he stood.

“You can, can’t you?” she asked. “I mean, it isn’t keeping you alive or anything, is it?”

“No, it’s not keeping me alive.”

“Well, then,” she said, smiling. “That’s a relief.”

“Indeed,” he muttered. But time was running out. “Would you like to have dinner with me this evening?”

She blinked up at him. “You mean, like a date?”

He laughed softly. “Yes, if that’s all right. I was thinking we could go to The Manor.”

“Oh, I’d like that.” The Manor, which was built along the lines of an old English castle, complete with a bridge and a moat, was nestled high in the hills overlooking the city. “What time?”

“Seven-thirty?”

“All right.”

His gaze moved over her, as soft as a caress, as hot as a forest fire. “See you then,” he said, and went up the stairs.

Sky stared after him, her thoughts reeling. She had just agreed to have dinner with the mysterious Mr. Thorne. Mysterious, indeed, she thought, and then frowned. Earlier, he had told her he was thirty-nine, but that was impossible. Kaiden had been living in the house across the street ever since she was five or six. Even if Kaiden had been in his twenties at the time, he would now be in his mid-forties.

Talk about dating an older man, she thought with a grin.

Apparently women weren’t the only ones who lied about their age. Either that, or Granda really had found the secret to eternal life.

Sky dressed with care that night. After donning her favorite navy blue dress and matching heels, she brushed her hair until it shone, then applied a bit of makeup. She slipped a silver bracelet on her wrist, dabbed a bit of perfume behind her ears, and then, after a last look in the mirror, she went downstairs to wait.

Kaiden arrived at the stroke of seven-thirty. Clad in black slacks, a white shirt open at the throat, and a long black leather coat, he was easily the sexiest thing she had ever seen on two legs.

He whistled softly when he saw her.

“Right back at ya,” she said, grinning.

“Better get a coat,” he advised. “It’s chilly out, although it’s a shame to cover that dress, or what’s in it.”

“Flatterer.”

“You look exquisite.”

His breath fanned her cheek, but it was his words that made her insides curl with pleasure as he helped her into her coat.

His car, a low-slung, silver-gray sport’s model, was parked at the curb.

“Nice,” she murmured as he opened her door.

“I just bought it today.” Rounding the front of the car, he opened the door and slid behind the wheel. “Buckle up and let’s see if she’s as fast as the dealer said.”

It was in Sky’s mind to protest. She had never been crazy about fast cars, but she couldn’t resist the twinkle in Kaiden’s eyes. “Try not to wrap it around a telephone pole,” she muttered as she fastened her seat belt.

“Don’t worry, Sky Blue. Nothing bad will happen to you while you’re with me.”

Oddly enough, she believed him.

She had to admit, going down the freeway at over ninety miles an hour was thrilling, exciting, and scary as hell. She had leased a Honda in Chicago and never driven it over sixty. These days, she drove Granda’s old Lincoln.

Kaiden looked over at her and smiled, and Sky couldn’t help smiling back. He looked like a little boy who had just gotten everything he ever wanted for Christmas.

A scarce ten minutes later, Thorne pulled up in front of the restaurant’s valet parking area. He looked over at Sky, his hand caressing the leather-covered steering wheel. “So, what do you think?”

“It’s very nice.”

“Nice?” he exclaimed, looking offended. “Nice? Is that all you’ve got to say?”

Sky grinned at him. “What do you want me to say?”

He laughed as he exited the car and came around to open her door. “A summer day is nice. Good music is nice. This car ...” He shook his head. “This car is the bomb.”

“Well, just don’t blow it up on the way home,” Sky said, putting her hand in his.

“Not to worry, fair lady.”

The interior of the restaurant was reminiscent of a castle, with shields and banners and a coat-of-arms depicting a knight on a black charger. An enormous chandelier hung from the ceiling; a life-size mannequin wearing what looked like an authentic suit of armor stood beside the front door. Sky noted that the booths were curved and high-backed for privacy. The tablecloths were dark red. Flickering candlelight added a touch of romance and mystery.

A hostess wearing a period costume seated them immediately. A waitress dressed as a medieval serving girl brought menus, then asked if they would care for a glass of wine or an appetizer.

At Sky’s request, Thorne ordered a bottle of Kendall-Jackson Merlot and a plate of pâté de fois gras.

“I’ve never been here before,” Sky said, admiring the decor. “It’s lovely.”

“I’m glad you like it.” Thorne picked up his menu. “So, what are you in the mood for? Chicken? Fish? Steak? Lobster?”

“I don’t know.” She glanced at the bill of fare. The prices were outrageous. She would have loved to order the lobster, but it was over forty dollars.

“Don’t worry about the price,” Thorne said, noting her hesitation. “Order anything you like.”

“Are you sure?”

“I can afford it, Sky Blue. Why not have the lobster? It’s excellent.”

“You must have been reading my mind.”

He didn’t say anything, just looked at her and smiled when she ordered the lobster.