“When you die, you get stuck to the location you died. In your case, this property. Even if your family wanted to, they wouldn’t be able to come here as ghosts themselves,” I explained.
“But they never even returned when alive,” she sobbed, looking heartbroken. “They just left me here.”
Erik stepped closer to the crying girl, joining her on the bed. “They didn’t know you’d still be here, Rita. If they did, I know they would’ve returned and said their goodbyes, even if they couldn’t see or hear you.”
Her eyes were full of hope as she looked at Erik, “You think so?”
He nodded. “I’m certain. And now it’s time to see them again, don’t you think?”
Rita looked to the right, and the last thing we saw was her smile as I helped her through. We wouldn’t ever know if she saw her family or not, but I hoped she did.
Dylan shivered, a clear sign that even he had felt her passing.
“She’s gone,” I announced anyway. “I understand why the kids were afraid of her.”
“Why? Was she hostile?” Dylan questioned.
I shook my head. “She’d been stabbed to death and wore her bloodied nightgown.”
“Fuck,” Dylan muttered, his eyes wide.
“Yeah,” I sighed. This was just another work case for most mediums, but I knew I’d never forget her, even if we’d only shared half an hour together.
“Let’s tell the owner what happened," Dylan offered, still holding my hand. “Then we can rest up at the hotel and plan for the castle case tomorrow.”
I smiled and let him lead me downstairs. He knew I needed to process what had happened and the sooner we were alone the better.
Chapter Nineteen
Dylan
We’d napped and showered in our hotel room, sadly separately, but I had big plans for my man. Kneeling next to my suitcase I saw Mike’s eyes widen with recognition. I pulled the brown whip out of my suitcase and watched as he blushed and tried looking anywhere but at the long brown thing in my hands. I grinned as I stalked toward him. He was sitting on the hotel bed in his boxers and he had no idea how much fun we were about to have.
“Why is thatthinghere?” he asked, his tone raspy.
“Well, considering you didn’t want it at Christmas, I figured I would bring it. Make you use your present as it’s intended to be used.” My cheeks hurt from how wide I was smiling, but Mike was just too damn cute when he got all flustered. Jackson had given himthe whip as his Christmas present before Mike left for Africa. Mike had rejected the gift, all but throwing it back at Jackson. I’d asked if I could have it, and I was so glad I did. Jackson knew quality whips. Even though it had been a gag gift, he’d still bought one of good quality.
“I can’t believe Jackson knows you have it.”
I shrugged. “They own a BDSM club. Hell, theylivein a BDSM club. I don’t think they’ll think less of you if you enjoy spanking.”
“Do you?” he asked, a little annoyance in his tone now.
I smirked. “Never tried it. Always wanted to, though. I figured why not try it together.”
“What makes you think thatI’venever tried it?” he countered, acting all casual about spanking now.
That made me pause. “Have you?”
He let out a sigh. “No.”
“Thank fuck,” I breathed. “I already hate Vera enough as it is, no need to make her interesting all of a sudden.”
That made him laugh. “You do know I’ve been with other women than her, right?”
“Shhh,” I said, shushing his mouth. “In my mind you’ve only ever been with me. Let’s not ruin the illusion, shall we?”
He rolled his eyes, but his smile was wide. “Only ever you,” he agreed easily.
