Page 24 of Fateful Reunion

“That’s just sick,” Zane grunted to himself.

Charles ignored him, and addressed Grayson instead. “Oh, and Grayson, that’s not a license to get into her pants. Do you understand me?”

“Sure.”

Charles had to turn away from the hybrid’s smirking face, or he was likely going to smack him. But right now, he didn’t think he had any other choice. Ilaria was too close to the edge. A wrong word could tip the balance of power between her and the evil inside her. A young tomcat like Grayson might be just the right medicine for now.

“I still say we get backup,” Zane insisted now.

“I thought you said you counted for two,” Charles replied, not liking the vampire’s combative attitude.

“Nice try, buddy, but insulting me won’t change my decision. Roxanne, I’m going to call HQ, whether you like it or not. This is a job for more than three people. Particularly since Romeo here”—he motioned to Grayson—“won’t be any use at all should something go wrong.”

She nodded. “Fine. Get backup, but don’t have them come to the house. I don’t want Ilaria to feel threatened. Have them stationed around the perimeter.”

Zane pulled his phone from his pocket and marched into the kitchen.

“Grayson, why don’t you give us a moment,” Roxanne said.

“Why… uh… oh. Sure, yeah. I’ll just… wash my hands, or something.” He awkwardly sauntered out into the hallway and disappeared into the bathroom.

Suddenly alone with Roxanne, there was silence. Charles shifted his weight from one foot to the other. He had come clean. No more secrets. No more lies. Now he needed to find out where they stood.

Yet he hesitated. He’d said everything there was to say. There was nothing else to reveal. He’d told her already that he loved her. That he’d never touched another woman after her. That he still wanted her.

The ball was in her court. It was up to her now to take the next step.

Roxanne made a motion as if readying herself for something difficult. His heart leapt, filling with hope.

But whatever Roxanne had wanted to say or do, didn’t happen.

Because the earth beneath their feet began to shake.

~ ~ ~

The earthquake was barely a 5.5. Nevertheless, Roxanne braced herself as the familiar rolling waves tried to rob her of her balance. After a few seconds, it was all over. She did a quick assessment of everything around her. A painting on the wall hung askew, but it hadn’t fallen down. A vase had tipped over, but fallen, safely, on a cushion.

Roxanne sighed with relief and gave Charles, who looked a little bit shaken, a reassuring smile. “Probably only a five pointer.”

“More like a five point three,” came Grayson’s reply from the hallway as he strolled into the living room.

The door behind Roxanne opened.

“Barely a four point eight,” Zane claimed coming out of the kitchen.

“You’re not even a native Californian,” Grayson said. “What do you know about earthquakes?”

Roxanne rolled her eyes. Those two got increasingly competitive the more time they spent with each other.

“More than you, considering I’ve lived in this state longer than you have.” Zane pulled his phone from his pocket and waved it in Grayson’s direction. “Wanna bet I’m right?”

But instead of answering, Grayson turned his head to the hallway. “The earthquake woke Ilaria.”

Roxanne listened. Grayson was right.

“I’ll check on her,” Charles said and rushed past her, waving to Grayson. “You’re coming with me. I doubt she’ll want to sleep now. There are likely to be aftershocks. Somebody should keep her company.”

Grayson grinned and followed Charles upstairs. Roxanne watched both of them disappear and heard them enter Ilaria’s room.