Page 26 of Awakening Storm

Her words were a punch in his gut that he hadn’t seen coming, and desire flooded every part of his being. His brows shot towards his hairline. He stepped closer and put his hands on her shoulders, drawing her near.

“A no-frills c-companion,” she stammered, scooting backward. When there was a bit of distance between them, she crossed her arms over her chest.

He caught her reluctance and, with a slow smile, matched her stance. “You’ve known me all of . . . six hours and this is your plan?”

She shrugged and shifted her weight.

He had to admit her proposal was damned tempting. No one had been on the island for that length of time. Not even the crazy archangel, Seth, stayed for long.

Three weeks.

He filled his lungs with air and held the breath until his heart hammered against his ribs, then released it with a controlled exhale.

“Before being so quick to stay here, let me share with you that I ran into Theodora again while I was getting your satchel. She seems quite intent on claiming you.”

“And if I don’t want to go to this universe of hers?” she countered.

“Like I told you before, it’s not exactly an invitation. More like an abduction.”

“Don’t you have any authority over this island?” She gave a circular wave of a hand. “Can’t you stop her with your shape-shifting powers and all?”

“I don’t think so. I . . . I don’t know. I’ve never tried. My duty has always lain elsewhere.”

Her gaze narrowed on him. “Do you mean you’ve simply allowed her to take the others?”

“It was none of my affair.”

“And now?” She stepped right up to him, chest to chest, challenging.

In one swift movement, he cupped a hand behind her head and drew her to him until his mouth firmly took hers in a searing kiss. To his delight, she kissed him back, opening her lips and meeting his tongue as he tasted her.

Abruptly, he came to his senses and released her. She fell back a few steps, catching herself against the counter.

“I don’t want to see you get hurt or taken. You should leave first thing tomorrow.” He spun on his heel and headed up the spiral staircase to the library. It had the only other bathroom in the place, plus a sofa to crash on. Not that he’d be able to sleep.

* * *

Rhianna touched herfingers to her lips, trying to hold back a smile. That had been extraordinary. She couldn’t believe the way her body responded to Aidan’s touch, his kiss. She’d gone all mushy inside.

She stood rooted in place and listened to the click of his steps until their tone changed. He must have reached the landing. Finally, she stepped back on rubbery legs. Geez, it was warm in here. She fanned her face.

As she ambled to the bedroom, she admitted he was right and she probably should call it quits. She hadn’t been totally honest about her reason for staying. It wasn’t the money. In truth, she came on the show to get answers. She’d gotten some of those—to an extent. If she wanted to learn more, she had to stay.

An image of her grandfather dying without her invaded her thoughts. Was it worth not being with him? She might as well go home and spend the little time she had left with him. But something inside was begging her to stay.

She dropped, exhausted, on top of the covers, and his scent enveloped her. It was his bed after all.

From upstairs she heard a piano playing. Intrigued, and even though she was tired, she rose and followed the music. At the top rung of the stairs, she paused, trying to view past a bookcase into the room. She moved as quietly as she could. It reminded her of when she was a child and she used to hide behind the recliner in the living room to eavesdrop on her parents. She didn’t want to be caught sneaking around by Aidan, but she was so curious.

“You can come in,” he said without pausing in his playing. “I know you’re there.”

“I don’t mean to interrupt. I just heard the music. It’s beautiful.” She walked over to the nearest chair, sat, and folded her feet beneath her bottom.

She looked around, immediately falling in love with the room. It was lined with tall, overflowing bookshelves, and in the center of the room was a grouping of furniture—a sofa, one chair, a coffee table, and an end table. Like downstairs, it seemed built for personal use as opposed to entertaining.

In the corner, Aidan was playing a grand piano. Her presence didn’t seem to bother him, those large hands mastering the keys perfectly, his body swaying with the intensity of the piece. A longing stirred in her belly. Music did that to her. Hell,hedid that to her, the voice in her head admitted.

When he finished, her heart was pounding. She clapped.