Page 95 of Strictly Forbidden

And they certainly didn’t come from Kage’s boots. I knew the imprint very well. It was details like that I’d crafted into my books. Fear swept through me, but I couldn’t panic. If I did, I would likely scare Max into acting out of the norm, possibly even running off.

“So, come on, boy. Let’s go back closer to the house.” My voice was as plastic as could be but there was a lilt to it.

He lifted his head and the moment he issued a very low-slung growl, I knew instinctively we were in trouble.

Max didn’t want to come at first. I moved closer, scanning the area. I realized I’d been stupid enough not only to leave the phone inside Kage’s office but also the weapon he’d taught me how to shoot.

And I’d had a pretty good aim.

Prickles shifted across my skin from both the wind and the sense that we were being watched. I tried to tell myself I was just being silly, but the cigarette butts hadn’t been buried in the snow for long.

“Come, Max,” I whispered in a low voice. “We need to get back to the house.”

Finally, he moved by my side and the moment I took off running, so did he. My heart was in my throat, the horrible terror I’d felt at various times over the years exactly the same. I could see the cabin a few seconds later and while there was a slight sense of relief, I knew better than to feel anything else but utter anxiety until we were safely locked behind closed doors. Almost there. Almost there.

I was within two feet of the front porch when I heard a cracking sound.

Then a husky and very dark chuckle.

“Hello, Noel. It’s going to be a pleasure to get to know you. I’ve already heard so much about you.”

I had my hand on Max’s collar, fighting to keep him from racing toward the stranger. He bucked hard, struggling with my hold as I turned around.

I’d had strange epiphanies over the years, those moments when my brain turned off everything but a flashback of moments when I’d been held a prisoner.

Now was no different except the momentarily images felt like little more than illusions. The memory was short but telling.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t see you there,” I said as I jumped from my car, thankful I hadn’t hit the man who’d suddenly been there in front of me.

“It’s okay,” the stranger said with a smile on his face. “I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going.”

“You’re sure you’re not hurt?”

He laughed, his eyes scanning me in my entirety. The man was good looking, the kind of guy every woman would snap her head toward if he walked into a room.

“God, no. My mind was just preoccupied. I’m Joel.”

“Noel. Well, I’ll be more careful next time.”

He walked closer and I gathered the scent of his cologne, the strong fragrance of cardamom and other exotic spices hitting my senses. He pulled out a cigarette pack, tugging one into his hand and shoving it back into his jacket pocket.

I don’t know why but the gesture as he lit the end seemed sexy, which wasn’t like me in the least. He pulled a drag into his mouth and lungs, holding it for a few seconds before exhaling. “I know this might sound crazy, but would you like to go out for a cup of coffee or maybe a drink?”

His offer was almost tempting but the timing was off like almost everything else in my life. “I have an appointment I can’t miss. I’m sorry.”

He glanced up at the building, nodding a few times. “Yeah, I do too. I guess maybe another time. I would like that very much, Noel. Anyway, I’m fine.”

With that he walked away and I stood where I was for a few seconds, watching as he quickly smoked his cigarette before heading inside the building.

Before I returned to my awaiting car, a cold shiver drifted down my spine for no reason at all.

Oh. My. God.

“You.” It was one of those stupid things to say in the face of utter danger.

He smiled and did exactly as he’d done before when I’d almost hit him in the parking lot of my psychiatrist’s office. The entire meeting had been a setup. He pulled out a cigarette and lighter. The moment was caught in a blip in time, slowly moving forward as if in slow motion. I couldn’t take my eyes off him as he lit the end, taking a deep puff.

“What are you doing here?” I was stupid enough to ask.

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