Page 64 of Psycho

I glanced at the bedside clock: 12:06 p.m.

I’d slept in this late?

“But, Nera”—Psycho slid his thumb over my jaw and stared at me in the eyes—“you’re gonna have to tell him most everything this Deon guy has done. Do you think you can do that?”

“I can. And I will. I know those guys are old and there’s nothing they haven’t seen.”

“That’s a great attitude to take, and also very true.”

“Where are the girls?” I asked.

“Safe,” he replied. “Charlie was awesome. She had faith in us that we’d be rescuing these girls and went out to get them supplies, like feminine products, soap, razors, shampoo, that kind of shit. We also got a bunch of burner phones for them to use. Most of them are waiting for family to come get them.”

“Most?” I asked.

“Leticia, she said her name was. She is hesitant to call anyone.”

“Can I talk to her?” I asked.

He stood and grabbed my hand. “Of course, larkspur.”

I looked up at him, love and something close to relief shining in his eyes. “What?” I asked.

“Are you all right? Really?”

“If you’re asking if they touched me, the answer is no. That Deon asshole backhanded me but I’ll live.” I reached up and touched my cheek, where it still burned.

“You have a handprint around your throat.” He looked murderous.

I reached up and touched that. “Oh, that was a different vamp.”

Shep’s eyes turned to fury. “I’m gonna kill Deon slowly.”

“Get in line.” I smirked. “I’ll be cutting his dick off first. I know you men usually can’t stomach that.”

He visibly grimaced.

“Told you.”

Shep put his arms around me and pulled me flush with his body. “I missed you so much.” He gripped my face with both palms and stared into my eyes. “Nera, do not ever do that again. You understand?”

I nodded, my eyes filling. “It was stupid, I know. They said no cops… I apparently don’t watch enough TV to know that means I’ll for sure get kidnapped.”

He gave me a brittle smile. “It’s just a scare tactic. They wouldn’t have done anything to you or that redhead if you had brought the calvary. They would have just fled. They’re fucking cowards.”

“I know,” I whispered. “Hey. How did you find us?”

He grinned. “Agatha.”

“Ah, locator spell?”

“Yep.” His eyes volleyed between mine and he whispered, “Nera, can I kiss you?”

“You never have to ask,” I murmured before he leaned down and pressed his mouth to mine.

We stood like that for a while, kissing, hugging, comforting each other. I was aroused, and I could feel he was too, but now wasn’t the time.

I gently broke the kiss. “Where’s Leticia?”

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