Page 49 of Tainted Gifts
"I suppose I can take that out of the cold case files and store it in the justifiable-killing section instead."
He smirks, though it's forced. Fuck. More pity.
Simone's arms suddenly wrap around his waist as she sleeps peacefully, reaching for security in a touch. It's then I open myself up to her thoughts, and I gag when I see the dreams of her and Kellan lost in the throes. Holy shit.
I lock up that section quickly, not allowing myself to see anymore of his bare ass as she imagines it to look.
Kellan smiles softly while unwinding her arms from him, but she refuses to budge, gripping him tighter, and giving me a devious plan to keep my girl.
It's not me Simone wants, it's the hybrid. And with the way Kellan Maverick's reputation is, Simone is just his type.
If Aria got that mad at me for simply lying next to Simone - while we're broken up and she's with another guy - then she'd tell Kellan to go fuck himself if he does anything less innocent.
Gah, I'm such an asshole for even thinking like this. But I can't help it. I love her too much to hand her over without a fight.
No. I can't do it. I couldn't bear to see her hurt and lose the girl she loves like a sister simply because I'm too selfish to let her go.
"What sort of range do you have on that mind shit of yours?" Kellan asks, catching me by surprise.
I narrow my eyes at him, suspicious of why he'd ask such a thing.
"Don't give me that look. You've asked numerous questions about me and my secrets. That shit wasn't free. It's your turn. Besides, you can't read my mind, so it's not like I'm gaining an advantage."
True, and fair enough. I have asked a lot of questions.
"It varies. If I can see you, it doesn't matter how far away you are, I can read your mind. If I can't see you, it's a little harder. If we're alone and you're in another room, I can hear you just fine. If you're in another room and there's fifty people around, the signals get messed up without a visual stimulant to guide me. That's not something I give away too freely, so don't abuse it."
He shrugs, rolling his eyes. "Dude, you know I'm an emergent. I think that's got a bigger price tag than your information."
I almost laugh, but I refrain. He's got me there.
"So. can you tune people out?" he asks, giving up on his mission to disentangle Simone from his waist when he realizes he can't do it without hurting her.
If he knew what she was dreaming, would he go ahead and do something that stupid?
Stop it, Jase. Don't be a sick bastard.
"No," I lie, not wanting to divulge too much. Besides, he might tell Aria.
He nods, accepting the fib. I'm grateful when I hear us pulling up in front of the Hollister Compound, our temporary base to meet with the council. I wish I could carry Aria up to my room to be with me instead of leaving her in his hands.
I stifle a grin when I see her scandalous thoughts back in play, this time here in this RV. Damn, don't I wish.
"We're here," Mel says while joining us.
Simone's grip on Kellan is almost comical, and he huffs in frustration for his unsuccessful attempt in gently wrangling her off of him.
"What the hell?" he grumbles to himself, forcing a soft chuckle from my lips.
"It looks like you'll have to carry her up," Mel says with a devilish grin.
His head flops back, groaning as he pulls her to him instead of trying to unhinge himself anymore.
"Fine. I'll be back for Aria. Just let her sleep until I return."
He starts carrying Simone out as all the waking children are met by caring, worried faces of my most trusted advisors. Their eyes are stained with dread as they stare at the little ones they know carry such an ill fate. I won't let it happen though. Commander or not, I'll leave the United to keep them safe.
"I'll deal with getting the kids settled. You deal with her," Mel says with a warm smile, winking at me to let me know she just had my back.
