AllFreeNovel
Share Us
He took a step toward her. Grabbing up one of the patio chairs, she used it as a shield. Just as quickly, he tore it from her grasp and threw it aside. She bumped into the balcony’s wall, and her heart skipped a beat. Seizing her wrist, Dylan jerked her to the railing.
Twisting, she tried to pull free and screamed again. But he secured her by the waist, lifted her, and slammed her stomach against the railing.
“Look good, Caitlin,” he snarled, his voice as black as the water several stories below them, where white foam capped the miniature waves like whipped cream. “You tell anyone I was with Alicia and you’ll go missing.” He shoved her head down, forcing her to see her family’s watery grave. Threatening to push her over the top, his body wedged against hers so she couldn’t kick him, couldn’t move. “A poor mixed up girl who missed her mommy and daddy and little sister so much, she jumped. Didn’t you tell the doctor that you wanted to die?”
“Alicia.” How did she know? Unless…unless Caitlin’s psychiatrist had told her foster parents and Alicia weaseled it out of them. But wasn’t that privileged information?
“You wished you’d died with your family? Here’s your chance.”
The railing dug into Caitlin’s stomach. She gripped the rod with all her strength. “Please, dear God, don’t let him push me over.”
“You won’t tell anyone. Understand?”
The ship carved through the waves, sending the water flying in a fishy spray.
“Understand?”
She would not be cowed. She would not!
He released her, and she stumbled back to the deck, her arms and legs shaking as she collapsed on the patio. Stalking off, he slammed the patio door shut. She couldn’t move, couldn’t stand, couldn’t cry, just sat on the deck, feeling numb all over.
Alicia stared at her through the glass, then said something to Dylan. He shook his head, brushed her aside, and left. Alicia opened the patio door. “Are you all right, Caitlin?” This time there was no sarcastic edge to her voice.
Alicia’s hair was wet, but she was fully dressed, a bright red hickey on her throat. It clashed with her peach shirt. Odd how something like that would catch Caitlin’s eye, when the ocean was so close by. When the black water threatened to swallow her whole. Just a few inches farther over the railing and Dylan could have thrown her overboard. Would the fall have killed her?
Divers off cliffs in Acapulco, Mexico, could dive over a hundred-and-thirty feet, couldn’t they? And survive?
She was a good swimmer. She could swim for a while. Without a life jacket? Forever in the black waters? Until the sharks came to feed.
“Caitlin.” Alicia touched her shoulder. “You’re scaring me. Why don’t you come inside?”
Why? Caitlin had finally gotten this close to the ocean. Why ruin a good thing? If she returned to the room, maybe she’d never be able to get this close again.
“All right. If you don’t want to come in right now, just stay out here. Uhm, you come in when you want.” Alicia walked inside and shut the door, but she stood staring out the glass at Caitlin.
Caitlin wanted to stand, to look over the railing, to see the ocean and not be afraid, but she sat frozen to the patio unable to move an inch in any direction.
***
Swearing he heard Caitlin’s silent plea for help, Levka rubbed his temple and concentrated. Determined not to return to the wheelchair, he stiffly walked alongside Ruric, attempting to help him locate whoever intended to pull a prank on a passenger or passengers. But he couldn’t help worrying about Caitlin.
Finally, Ruric grabbed his shoulder. “I’m listening for the teens who were planning some mischief. What are you listening for?”
Levka stood taller. “We have the same mission in mind. Arman and Stasio, as well, as they eavesdrop on people’s conversations.”
Ruric began walking again. “It isn’t so, Levka. You’re trying to hear Caitlin’s thoughts. Unless you wish to reveal who and what we are, I suggest you don’t tell her we can converse telepathically.”
“I fear she may already know this on some level.”
Stopping, Ruric faced him. “How?”
“Stasio tested her last night. Told her telepathically that she was getting sleepy, though I would not have suggested it. But you know how he is.”
“Yes, out of control.”
“Caitlin looked in Stasio’s direction, but seemed confused. I think she didn’t believe others could have her ability. She probably has met only maybe one or two in her lifetime, if that.”
“We shouldn’t pursue this. Unless you’re willing to make her yours.” Ruric raised his brows and smiled.
