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Chapter 31
Nayome tried to watch Bal covertly across a large solid wood dining table. They had gathered for breakfast at Gabe’s house shortly after the plane landed. A room just off the kitchen housed a formal dining room, which boasted sweeping views of the surrounding forest. Much to Nayome’s disappointment, Wynn had tagged along as well. She could feel Wynn’s gaze like daggers in the back, keeping her on edge. There was something different about Bal, she thought. He looked…lighter, almost happy. Nayome was curious if they had finally put the issues with the FBI to rest. His energy was magnetic though, and Nayome was struggling not to stare.
“So…” she asked, after swallowing a sip of fresh squeezed orange juice. “Were you able to get a hold of the footage from the FBI safe house?”
Gabe smiled at her. Nayome tried but failed to suppress a shiver and averted her eyes. Even though he had undoubtedly been a tremendous help to her in New York, she couldn’t get comfortable in his presence. Not after experiencing the psychic manipulation he was capable of first hand. She wasn’t sure, but she thought if she avoided eye contact with him, it might keep her mind safe from his probing. “Indeed. Felix is still working to clear up the electronic records, but we expect no more trouble. At least for now.”
Nayome cleared her throat and glanced around the table, feeling uncomfortable. Gabe hadn’t said anything of Bal’s suspicions that the agents had been tipped off, and she felt out of place at this grand dining table. Could they suspect Wynn also? “So, I can return home? To work?”
“The threat to you in New York is indeed ended,” Gabe agreed, but Nayome noticed he had a strange look in his eye as he glanced sideways at Bal, who was remaining silent.The threat to me in New York, not here?
“And the threat to you?” Nayome asked.
“In this case, they were one and the same.” Gabe started tapping one of his long, elegant fingers on the table. “Nayome, I would like to invite you to stay with us here. I believe there is much you could learn about your abilities. Not to mention, it will be safer for you to reside within our protected lands. Another incident, accidental slip up…well, we might not be able to protect you if you’re abilities were discovered, exposed.”
Nayome ignored the frustrated gasp coming from her left, as Wynn sat up straight, mouth opening indignantly to voice her opposition. Nayome beat her to the punch. “Thank you, Gabe. I truly appreciate what you have done for me, but I cannot stay.”
Nodding, Nayome listened as Gabe gave her a lowdown on how they traveled without passports. From the sounds of it, they have stationed key personnel in specific roles—air traffic control included—to ensure they could move undiscovered. Their jet could refuel and be ready to go within the next six hours as soon as they found a window. Nayome could be back in her own bed by nightfall.God, that sounds good.My own bed. Except…
“I do have one request,” Nayome said, tentatively. All eyes swung in her direction and she shifted in her seat. “Since you believe now that I am one of you, could I visit your place in New York? Access the libraries?”
“I will make the arrangements,” Gabe confirmed, smiling and standing. That signaled their breakfast had come to an end, because Ce and Wynn stood as well. Grumbling, Wynn headed for the door. She shot one last glare across the room to where Nayome was still seated, but the news that she was leaving seemed to have pacified her and she didn’t have any more comments.
Nayome watched as Ce exchanged a few hushed words with Bal, before gathering her things. As she passed by Nayome heading towards the door, she stopped and moved in for a tentative hug. The move surprised Nayome, but she found herself smiling as she reached in to quickly embrace Ce’s slight frame. She liked Ce.
“If you accidentally travel to our home again, you better stop by for a cuppa,” Ce said grinning.
“I’ll look forward to it,” Nayome agreed. They barely knew each other, but she felt that she and Ce could have been real friends if they had met under different circumstances.
And then her and Bal were alone.
Nayome wondered if Gabe had orchestrated it. He and Bal had been exchanging not-so-subtle, meaningful glances over breakfast. Nayome found her glance was skittering around Bal’s presence, resisting the magnetic pull she always felt when he was near.
“Is there anything I can say to make you reconsider?” Bal asked quietly. Nayome heard his chair scrape the floor as he rose to his feet. Heavy footfalls grew closer as he walked around the table, coming up behind her.
Closing her eyes, Nayome felt the warmth of his presence at her back. She allowed herself to feel the longing running through her for a second before turning to face him. “You know I have to go back. It’s my home. My job, my friends…”
“Aren’t you curious what could be, if you stayed?”
“Of course I am. But this is a part of me now, this magic. I will bring it back with me to New York, not leave it behind. I can’t abandon my life,” Nayome thought she sounded rehearsed, as she recited the same thoughts that had been repeating in her head all night. Bal was kneeling in front of her now, and Nayome felt herself responding to the sight of him there.It’s not fair that he is so beautiful.In her chair, they were at eye level with each other. Their eyes met effortlessly and held, something unspoken but powerful passing between them…
“I’m not asking you to stay just for the magic,” Bal murmured.
Sucking in a surprised breath, Nayome wanted to look away, but couldn’t tear her gaze away. “Bal…” Her voice came out sounding like a plea.
“Yes, Nayome?” Bal asked, a small smile appearing at the corner of his lips. The tension thickened the air between them until she felt like she was being held up with the weight of it.
“I can’t,” she said, but it didn’t sound convincing, even to her own ears.
Bal must have been moving towards her, because he suddenly leaned back on his heels, a shadow crossing his features. “I don’t understand. We could be great together.”
“I…just don’t think it’s realistic, that we could work.”
“But what’s the harm in trying? Am I missing something? You’re attracted to me, I can see it shining in your eyes,” Bal said, his voice gravelly. Nayome felt heat pooling low in her body as she squirmed in her seat.He’s got me there.
“No. Bal, I’m not interested. I…my life has been a wreck since I met you. I love the magic, the feeling it gives me, but…I want to go home. Back to normal. You don’t fit into that life with me. I wish I could have both, but I just can’t. And I choose New York. I want to go home,” Nayome said, words tumbling quickly out of her mouth, tripping over each other.There isn’t another choice. I have to make him understand.
Nayome watched, feeling like she was losing something precious as she saw the warmth drain out of Bal’s eyes. He was looking at her like he had day they first met. Cold. Indifferent. Walls up. Standing back up so he was towering over her, he paced the length of the room a few times before turning back to face her.
