Page 73
“Then why are you asking me to trade secrets? Sounds like you shouldn’t be in here?”
He laughs, a sound that sends heat fanning across my body. Am I a godless heathen who just wants to consume delicious men?
“You’re right. I’m not allowed to be here without the owner’s knowledge. But I don’t see him anywhere protesting, do you? And I heard there was an incident in the household last night and wanted to check things out.”
There again, is that heady tug of his lips which shoots desire straight to my core.
“Why?” I ask.
“It’s a good excuse if I ever get caught. Sheriff and all, you know?” He shrugs and stuffs his hands into his coat pockets. “Besides, the house is filled with secret entries and passages. It’s easy to get around.”
“You didn’t answer my question. Why choose me for your investigation if you’re just going to sneak in and wander around anyways?” I ask, lowering my voice.
Christian tilts his head, studying my face. “I have my reasons. And because you’re already inside.”
Cold air circles around us. My fingers tighten around the handle of the hidden knife.
“All of you better start speaking. Otherwise, I’m just going to figure out this silent mystery by myself.” I resume walking toward my destination.
“Where are we going?” he asks, two steps behind.
I glance at him over my shoulder. Being around him felt like my animus was taking force. Call it a feeling of enmity. Ill will. Whatever, it is I recognize I’m struggling much more around him. Somehow though, I don’t buy my own thoughts about him. I am attracted to him. Was it more than I was attracted to Kieran? Maybe. But I wouldn’t act on it.
“I’m searching the hospital room. Want to assist?”
His lips tug upward, showing me straight sharp teeth.
Their teeth are so similar.
“I’ll go anywhere you are,” he says, darkly.
A mocking breath leaves me and he responds by giving me a wink.
“Let’s go. I’m looking for a journal.” I turn away from him, striding to the door at the end of the hallway.
Christian begins to follow.
“You know —” Halting, I pivot on a heel and turn to him. “If I find out you’re hiding things from me, and you know what’s truly happening here—about me—you need to tell me because I don’t think you’re going to like it.”
“Is that a threat?” Christian Valen’s face is inches from mine as he backs me against the wall.
“Yes.” My hand grips the knife.
“I hope you hold me to it. No one should lie to you. Now come on, you were showing me something.”
The room smells like dust and old candle wax. The last time I stood here I had my first glimpse at what creatures linger in the estate. The same instruments lay in wait, untouched. But the floor is now clean.
“Do you think he knows I’ve been here?” I ask.
Christian gives a noncommittal shrug. “I highly doubt he cares.”
“Why do you say that?”
“You’ll soon learn that Kieran always has something planned.”
“Why then am I not with you if you’re so concerned?” I jab a finger in his direction.
“You don’t need a man to save you. Besides, I think you may be safer here.” The words sound bitter in his mouth. I have no intention of deciphering it as I rifle through a stack of papers.
