Hearts in Darkness (Nikki & Michael 2)

"She wasn't. She was trying to discover more information about Vance Hutton." Nikki frowned. “The actor? Why?"

"He's disappeared from an exclusive resort in Jackson Hole, and apparently he's not the first."

"So why are you getting involved?"

"The resort is the base for some form of dark force. Whether it is a vampire or something worse, Seline can't say. So she sends a killer to hunt a killer."

A chill raced across her flesh. What in the hell could be worse than a vampire like Jasper? “So how did my name get involved?"

He shrugged gracefully. “Seline's visions sometimes have a will of their own."

"And you believe her?"

His dark gaze met hers. “I would not be here otherwise."

Though she'd known this all along, having it said out loud seemed to make it final. Unchangeable. Like he'd taken the knife from her boot and sliced open her heart.

She looked down at her coffee. A tear ran down her cheek and splashed against the back of her hand. She ignored it. “What happens if the kid I'm looking for isn't in Jackson Hole?” Even though it felt as if someone were squeezing her throat tight, her voice came out even, as devoid of emotion as his.

"If it comes to that, you can search nearby areas during the day." She frowned. It was tempting, if only because she'd be close to Michael. Yet she couldn't escape the feeling that he wasn't telling her everything. “How expensive is this place?"

"The Circle will pay for everything."

"And in return?"

He hesitated. “You are to be my cover. The resort is geared towards couples." A couple? How could that work when he couldn't even touch her? And even if he could, could she survive touching and kissing and loving him, knowing all along it was nothing more than a lie? That after the mission was over he'd simply leave? “If you think you can share my bed and just walk away again, I've got news for you—I'm not that easy."

"I never thought you were.” He sighed and looked away. “Believe me, this is as hard for me as it is for you. But we have no other choice."

"Bullshit, Michael. We have plenty of other choices. You're just afraid to try.” As she'd been, not so long ago. Yet even then, even as he'd tried to make her admit her feelings, he'd warned he would never stay. That she could never share his world.

She hadn't believed it then, and she didn't believe it now.

"I have watched the passing of three centuries,” he said softly. “I have buried those that I cared about more times than I want to remember. I do not want to have to bury you as well."

"And I have lived just over a quarter of a century, but I've watched my mother, father and lover die brutal deaths. What makes us so different?"

"The fact that I must drink blood to survive.” His voice was as hard as his expression.

"A fact I'm well aware of, believe me."

He made a chopping motion with his hand. “Enough, Nikki. This is strictly a business proposition, nothing more."

After what they'd been through? After what they'd shared? Not likely.

"Okay then,” she said, her voice sharp. “When do we leave?" He raised an eyebrow in surprise. “No further arguments? Questions?"

"Nope. You can brief me on the details during the flight there."

"Okay.” He hesitated, his expression a little confused. “We have seats booked on the eight-thirty flight." She glanced at her watch. If she went home now, she'd have plenty of time to catch a shower and rest before she had to get ready. She gulped down the last of her coffee and rose.

"Since it's nearly ten and the sun plays havoc with your health, do you want to stay here? The sofa's still in the storeroom if you want to lie down."

"If that is all right by you.” He was regarding her warily, as if expecting a violent explosion at any second.

"I have to see MacEwan at five, so I'll come by and pick you up after that."

"Fine.” He frowned. “Are you okay?"