Gates of Paradise (Casteel 4)

you." He spoke as if he were speaking to a little girl

who might be frightened by his sudden appearance. "Tony, what are you saying?"

"I'm saying I do love you; I do want you. I do

need you, Leigh." His voice was a hoarse, .throaty

whisper.

"Leigh? I'm not Leigh. I'm Annie. Tony, what's

wrong with you. Please . . get me Rye. I want to

speak to Rye. I'm hungry," I said, nervous and

frightened now. "I slept through supper and I'm

hungry, I'm sure Rye will be happy to get up and

prepare something for me," I babbled, hoping to snap

him out of his dream. He sounded and looked like a

man who was sleepwalking. "Go wake him. Please." "She's asleep. She won't know anything," he

said, moving around the side of my bed.

"She? Who's asleep?" My heart was pounding

harder and harder. I felt as if my lungs were collapsing. it was so hard to catch my breath. My face felt

hot, my neck on fire, and my mouth had become

terribly dry. I couldn't swallow.

"Not that it matters. She doesn't know what I do

at night or where I go. She doesn't even care anymore.

She has her own interests, her own friends." He

laughed. "She has herself. She's always had herself

and that's always been enough for her, but it's not

enough for me, Leigh. You were right." He reached

out for my hand. I pulled it back and moved as

quickly as I could to the other side of the bed, but the

newfound strength I had found in my lower body

during the day seemed gone. Fear and shock drove all

my energy away. I was beginning to feel numb all

over and not just in my legs. I had to bring him to his