Her glazed eyes all too quickly returned to their usual sharpness. They widened and her brows furrowed as I watched the uncertainty take hold of her. What I wouldn’t give to keep her from where she was about to go.
Miranda pushed away from me gently, and I released her. I wanted to scream, but I swallowed it and fisted my hands to keep from grabbing her again.
I need you. I need you. I need you.
The demand throbbed in my mind, but I shoved it deep down.
It was only because of her and all she’d done for me that I was capable of grabbing hold of my madness with a tight grip.
Miranda's eyes held a strange wonder as if she were seeing me clearly for the first time. I studied her right back, drinking her in with my eyes, trying to brand the image in my mind. Her breasts rose like waves cresting the shore while sweat glistened on her face and skin like a river of diamonds. I fell into the fathomless black pools of her dilated pupils, while the heavenly scent of bergamot and sex wrapped around me.
Did she also notice the grasp I had on my sanity?
Fuck, not only that, where shards of electrified glass used to travel through my veins, I was now pumping hot with endorphins and desire. Is this what living felt like?
The only pain I felt emanated from hard-on so intense it pinched as well as throbbed. But witnessing Miranda succumb to release was far more gratifying. This might be the best day of my entire existence.
The best day since I met her lips for the first time.
It almost scared me to think of what tomorrow could bring. I'd never expected this. I had never expectedher.
Her eyes bounced back and forth from each of mine, as if rapidly processing something. Then Miranda dove for her sword, grabbing it before plunging it into my chest.
Shock didn’t even register, it happened so fast.
Regret instantly filled her eyes, along with the glassiness of unshed tears. Her hand shook on the hilt of the blade.
I understood. My little badass had let herself be vulnerable, and I’d seen it. She had to kill the witness.
I was always out of control and vulnerable, and it still pained me. It’s why I didn’t mind my condemnation to solitude. I didn’t want anyone to see me like this. It only made me feel crazy.
She looked so scared. Scared of herself? Of what we just did? Of what she felt?
Life leeched out of me, but I reached out and covered her hand on the blade with my own. I tried to give her a reassuring smile.
It’s okay. I’d die for you.
It was the best death I’d ever tasted. Knowing it would ease her pain.
And then I was gone.
ChapterEighteen
THE BADASS
Iran out of there so fast I forgot my jacket. I merely clenched Bob as I dashed for the car. My brain raced. I couldn’t get hold of a single thought until I was in my house with the door shut behind me.
Back against the door, I slid down. Strange mewling sounds escaped me. I didn’t know what they were until I touched my face. I was crying.
“What the hell is wrong with me?” I asked out loud.
“It’s likely all that killing. It can’t be good for you,” a voice answered.
I froze, fear slicing through my shame. “Who’s there?” I jumped to my feet. Bob was poised out in a threatening manner to any intruder. The red of Xander’s blood stained the tip and another wave of pain and shame smashed into me. Still, I remained vigilant.
“I’m right here.” The voice said again. It was male with a French accent.
I swept my arm to the left and then the right, still seeing no one, though it sounded like it came from right next to me.
