“Well,” he said, clearing his throat again, “that gave me answers I wasn’t aware I needed.”
“It’s not whatever you think it is. It’s not scientific.” Dillon snorted from the lift. “It’s forces far bigger than us.”
“Quantum forcesarebigger than us,” Frank muttered. “Science is making leaps and bounds in this field every day.”
“Science can’t explain what I’ve seen them do.” Dillon crossed his arms.
“Well, I hope it can.” Frank scowled. “Because science is what will hopefully save their lives.”
“What? Like it saved all the others?” Dillon rolled his eyes. “You need to think outside the box, Frank. What if this is far bigger than quantum whatever and on an entirely different stratosphere?”
“Then we’ll figure it out and—”
Lucien staggered, crashing against me.
“Lucien?” I supported him as he found his feet. “Ugh, you shouldn’t have helped me. You’ve hurt yourself in the process.”
I told you I will always help you.No matter the cost. He gave me a wretched smile.But...I can’t deny I need you.Stepping closer, he pressed the softest kiss to the corner of my mouth, drowning outFrank and Dillon’s argument.I’m going out of my fucking mind feeling you hurt. I’m moments away from passing out, and if we don’t find a room soon, these people will be witnessing a lot more than a kiss.
Falling into his arms, I hugged him hard, hoping body contact would keep us alive for a little longer.There are rooms below. The moment we can extract ourselves from Frank, we’ll heal.
His thoughts bled into me, wondering if he had the lifespan to wait, but then he pushed me away and nodded.I’ll be patient.
Thank you, Lucien. For everything.
Always. Giving me one last smile, he turned to face Frank and any softness in him vanished. His mind returned to what Frank had said as he asked, “What does Rook mean...we met before she was even born?”
Frank stopped squabbling with Dillon. Exhaling slowly, he rubbed a hand over his jaw as he studied the still twinkling frosty walls. Fear etched his eyes. “It can’t have gone that far...can it?”
“Can’t what have gone that far?” Lucien scowled. “Answer my question. How did Rook and I meet when—”
“Stop.” Holding up his hand, Frank looked a million years older. “I’ll tell you everything. I vow on my children’s lives that I’m on your side and I will do whatever is necessary to help you, but first...I need to understandhowto help you.”
Studying us with a sharp, clinical inspection, he balled his hands as if he wasn’t prepared to hear our answer. “Can either of you eat? Drink? Please tell me you can still share a meal and digest it.”
My face fell, knowing exactly where he was going with this.
Sucking in a breath, I admitted, “Nothing stays down. Not even water.”
“Shit,” he cursed under his breath. “Shit.In that case, we need to hurry.” Marching into the lift, he stabbed one of the buttons far harder than necessary. “Get in. We don’t have much time.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
MY SKIN CRAWLED AS WE STOOD IN THE metal box, sinking deep into the belly of the glacier. The journey seemed to take forever—silent and swift—Whisper chuffing quietly with discomfort.
Laying my hand on his shoulders, the cat gave me a grateful look just as the doors opened, revealing a futuristic-looking labyrinth.
“Follow me.” Frank strode quickly down a steel-encased corridor. Heat vents pumped fresh air and warmth around our feet while the weight of the glacier felt as if I’d just entered a crypt.
My crypt.Ourcrypt.
Rook didn’t speak, but her fingers sought mine as we passed natural crevasses—some narrow and razor-sharp, others wide enough to swallow a truck. Each pocket of ice was reinforced with pillars and transparent walls, allowing the glacier’s blue gleam to break up the monotony of steel.
Far too many men and women darted around, looking official and busy. A few cast pleasantries at Frank, but a lot of them took one look at me and Rook and found something else to do.
I scowled, focusing on Rook. Her blood-splattered filthy nightgown was probably part of their wariness, along with the frailty of her body. My heart seized as I truly drank her in. She looked dreadful. Her eyes bruised with exhausted shadows; her lips pinched and face gaunt.
Gee thanks. Her sarcasm strayed into my thoughts.
