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With reason. He prowled across the short distance and stopped. His power, that of a demon hundreds of years old, buffeted her.
Shivers sparkled down her spine.
For some time, he said nothing, choosing instead to search her face as if her features would tell him of her honesty.
She wanted to add to her apology, but kept her lips sealed. Either he would accept her words and set his price, or the fight would be on.
Something jiggled in her memory. Fight. “Why didn’t you fight me last night?”
The barest suggestion of a smile, one not particularly nice, curved his lips. “I knew you wouldn’t kill me.”
“You knew.” Her thoughts flew in a confusing whirl.
His stare gained intensity. “Whydidn’tyou kill me?”
Now there was the question. She moved to the fish tanks and picked up the small canister containing her friends’ food. Her thoughts awhirl, she needed to settle so she could think.
“I already fed them.”
She put the pellet container back carefully, afraid her shaking hand would knock it over. Slowly, she turned to face him. “Why? How much?”
“The internet said three or four pellets twice a day with a fasting day. Why? Because I didn’t know when you’d be back.” His calm, patient tone gave no indication of anger.
She stilled. Why would he take care of her fish…
Because she cared for them?
He didn’t fight back because…
He cared for her?
If he…
Then…
The knowledge stunned her momentarily with its simplicity.
From practically the moment she’d met him, she’d placed her trust in him instinctively.
He was the one she’d never dreamed she’d have. One to share her life’s work and her physical passion. The one with whom she could share her endless years.
She raised her gaze to his, wanting to say anything, everything, but her surprise, her hope, her need couldn’t get past each other in her throat.
“I do have one condition of repayment however.”
His stern words cut through her competing emotions, and she licked her lips. He didn’t share the same bond with her. Now she’d realize her actions’ repercussions.
He pulled the black handkerchief from his pants pocket.
CHAPTER17
Caro’s eyes widened and a gasp, audible over the hum of the aquarium pumps, burst from her lips. She said nothing, merely stared at the folded square in his hand.
Had he misjudged? “Do you accept?”
“Is…is this my punishment?” Trepidation lurked in her gaze.
“Punishment? No. Pleasure? Yes.”
