Page 50 of A Touch of Crimson
He stared at his reflection, regulating his breathing and willing his countenance into the tight, austere lines he was expected to present. He tucked his wings away, knowing they’d betray his roiling emotions as surely as his gaze did.
The bell rang a third time, followed by another round of knocking. He yanked on the levered handle of one of the double doors, then walked away as the door began its automated glide back into a locked position. As he crossed the room, he mentally crushed some of the most fragrant flowers in the massive floral arrangements scattered about the vast suite. The cloying scents couldn’t hide the lush smell of sex from the powerful nostrils of an angel, but at least he could show respect by making the effort.
“Captain,” Jason greeted him in a slow, knowing drawl.
“You have news for me?” He went into the kitchen and washed his hands, rinsing away the now beloved smell of Lindsay’s desire. His blood still raged from the remembered feel of her body’s tight, hot clasp. That bright moment of connection would have shattered him if she hadn’t made him laugh, which he hadn’t done in so long he couldn’t recall the last time.
He’d forgotten how potent their affinity was. He couldn’t remember it ever scorching him so completely. He felt as if he’d been run through a forge, heated until he was molten, then refashioned into something new and untarnished.
“Where’s Shadoe?”
He turned around, feeling an odd agitation at the use of a name he couldn’t yet explain to Lindsay, and discovered Elijah standing with Jason. The truth of what he’d been doing before their intrusion wouldn’t escape the notice of a lycan’s more primal instincts. Lindsay’s scent was all over him, and from the flaring of Elijah’s nostrils, the lycan recognized that.
“Lindsay,” Adrian emphasized, “is still recuperating.”
Jason studied him openly. “But she’s been up. She…ate.”
“Like a lumberjack.”
“How’s her arm?” Elijah asked, his face studiously impassive.
“Healing nicely.”
“Good.” The lycan gave a brisk nod of satisfaction.
Adrian crossed his arms, appraising Elijah. There was no longer any doubt that the lycan was an Alpha, not after watching him with the other lycans when they cleaned out the Hurricane nest. Also, no doubt he was dangerous—his inherent dominance and ability to draw other lycans into following his lead could only result in trouble.
For now, however, he was committed to Lindsay. She’d saved his hide—more than once, he said. He would repay that debt by protecting her with his life, and right now, that was just the level of loyalty Adrian needed to keep her safe.
“I just wanted to check with you,” Jason began, moving to the dining table, “about our plans to head back up to Utah tomorrow. Is that timeline still doable?”
“I said it was.” Adrian’s voice was low and smooth, but he had to make a concerted effort not to clench his fists as Jason paused before the very spot where he’d been buried inside Lindsay just moments earlier. “Six o’clock sharp, I want to be on the road.”
“Okay.” Jason set his hand on the table and looked at him. “Helena’s in Vegas. She wants to see you.”
“I’ll meet with her as soon as I change. Elijah, stay with Lindsay.”
Adrian headed toward his bedroom on the opposite side of the living area from Lindsay’s. He closed the door and sat on the edge of the bed, exhaling harshly before picking up the phone and hitting the button that connected him to her room.
It took her a long time to answer. “Hello?”
“Linds… Are you okay?”
She sighed. “No. I’m pretty far from okay.”
His eyes closed. Her embarrassment and confusion were tangible. “I have to go out. Elijah will stay with you. When I get back, you and I will talk.”
“All right.”
“If you need or want anything while I’m gone, charge it to the room.”
“Oh god.” She groaned. “Please don’t buy me off.”
“Wouldn’t think of it. You’re priceless.”
There was another long pause. When her voice came again, it was laced with steel. “You’re right, Adrian. You can’t afford me. The price is too high. I won’t let you pay it.”
He looked at the closed door and cursed under his breath. She needed his attention and reassurance after what they’d just shared, but with the others here, he could do nothing to soothe her. There were things he couldn’t yet say, but could show her, if only they had privacy.
