Page 49 of A Game of Love and Betrayal

She’d sought the man she planned to murder for comfort in her distress. And she’d let him touch her and bring her to immense pleasure.

No, terrible was too simple a word for this. Catastrophic. That was more fitting. Had she thought the way she reacted to his voice was problematic? That was nothing compared to this.

Brynleigh recalled what she’d called him: her safe haven.

Gods damn it all.

She wanted to bang her head against the wall but decided the doctor probably wouldn’t receive the action well. Instead, she rubbed her temples and attempted to talk some sense into herself.

The captain was not her safe place. He was the pinnacle of everything dark and dangerous in her life.

Brynleigh needed to get her head checked because mentally sane people did not find the man who killed their family attractive, let alone dream about him bringing them to orgasm.

The doctor hung up the phone and met Brynleigh’s gaze. “You’ve had quite an eventful few days.” Carin’s voice was soft, and there was a trace of kindness in her eyes. “They tranquilized you in Golden City and transported you here.”

Brynleigh’s heart tightened, and a cold sweat broke out on her forehead. “Am I…” She licked her lips. “Am I still in the Choosing?”

“You are.” A gentle, practiced smile likely meant to help her patients feel at ease danced on the doctor’s lips. It didn’t quite work, but Brynleigh appreciated the effort.

“Where are we?”

“We’re in a safe place, dear. Your Matron will explain more when you’re better. We’re on a warded compound, and no one will get to us here.”

Brynleigh blinked, her mind whirling as it attempted to keep up with this new information.

“You should rest,” continued the doctor. “Now that you’re awake and I’ve checked your vitals, there are a few things I need to take care of.”

Carin went to leave, but Brynleigh reached out and grabbed her hand.

“My things.” Desperation coated the vampire’s words as she remembered her folded picture. She’d left it in the Hall of Choice. “Are they gone?”

She almost didn’t want to hear the answer. If she lost the picture…

Grief cut off her airways and stole her breath.

No.

Tears stung the back of her eyes.

Panic rose and rose within her. This couldn’t be happening.

She grabbed her necklace, but it didn’t help. The picture… she needed it. It was too important.

Oh gods.

Her heart raced.

A warm hand covered Brynleigh’s, grounding the vampire. “Not to worry.” A squeeze. “Everything was packed and brought with you.”

It was here. Not lost.

Slowly, so slowly, Brynleigh’s heart slowed. Her eyes shuttered, and she exhaled. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” Carin strode to the fridge and withdrew a few bags of blood. “You know, I’ve been watching the Choosing. For what it’s worth, I’m rooting for you and Captain Waterborn. The two of you make a handsome couple.”

With a wink, the doctor handed Brynleigh the blood and pulled on a coat. “I’ll be back soon. You should sleep. The tranquilizer they gave you is still in your system. Rest will help.”

Brynleigh didn’t move as the door slammed shut behind Carin. It closed too quickly for Brynleigh to see anything except for the dark outline of a man’s body. A guard, she assumed.

---