Page 37 of The Flame

“Does that mean the heirs will be brought in today? I mean, now that Ward X is empty and available.”

She set her shoulders back, stating with an air of authority, “You and Belinda won’t be involved in their rehabilitation.”

“Oh, I know,” I said. “I was just curious.”

Her gaze narrowed on me. “That’s none of your concern, Georga.”

I cursed myself for the foolish move. I’d pushed too hard. I no longer had to worry about the kind of suspicions my behavior might raise after the fact, but I couldn’t lose my position before the great escape.

“Understood,” I said with what I hoped was indifference and hastily exited her office.

That evening, Roman brought home a tranquilizer gun and a small, flat box that contained four darts. “Aim for the largest area, the chest is your best bet. The darts will penetrate a shirt, or scrub top, even a sweater or white coat. If they’re wearing a heavy jacket or coat, then you’ll need to aim for the neck.”

“It shouldn’t come to that,” I said with more confidence than I felt.

“Either way, try to get as close as safely possible before you pull the trigger.” Roman grinned without a trace of humor. “The propulsion is strong, that’s not the problem. But if you’re close enough, you can’t miss.”

I gave him a look. “Says the man who can probably hit his target with his eyes closed. You do realize I’ve never held a gun before, right?”

He didn’t laugh. “Do you realize how many reservations I have about this plan?”

I did, and I wasn’t about to entertain any one of them. “Show me what to do.”

Roman demonstrated how to load a dart, then he handed me the gun.

The weapon was black, and hard plastic. Much lighter than I’d expected. Then again, I had nothing to base any expectations on. Roman made it look effortless, but it took me three attempts before I managed to pop the dart into the spring mechanism. Once I’d done it, though, once I knew how much pressure to apply, it came naturally.

“Get comfortable with the grip,” he said. “Make sure your finger has an easy reach on the trigger. Here, let me guide you.”

He positioned himself at my back, reaching around me as he caught my wrists and extended our arms, then wrapped both hands around the cold, plastic butt in my hand. I was instantly aware of his body pressed to mine, of being folded within his masculine embrace, inhaling his scent. Heat swept through me and my skin pricked with desire.

I wasn’t the only one affected. His mouth brushed the spot below my ear, not quite a kiss, but somehow so much more.

“Roman…” His name was a sigh and a groan. “You’re distracting me.”

“Maybe we should have a timeout from this training session.” His voice was gravel, husky with temptation as his mouth trailed down the side of my throat.

I rested the back of my head against his chest and tipped my eyes up, and I almost gave in when I saw the hunger in his molten silver gaze. “What about my parents? We have to be there for supper in half an hour.”

There was a devilish glint in his eye, a wicked grin sliding across his bristled jaw. “We can be late.”

It was that grin that did it. I missed this side of my husband so much, and I hadn’t been sure I’d ever see it again, and here it was…for me.

Needless to say, we were late for dinner with my parents.

11

Icouldn’t say I enjoyed the last dinner with my parents. Because that’s exactly what it was. Everything was too intense. I was frantic and desperate. I felt like I had to absorb every smile, every look, every word and hug and mannerism, and before I could savor the moment, it slipped away with the knowing that this was all I’d ever have of them.

Memories.

Pictures in my head.

I wouldn’t get to see the fine lines around my mom’s eyes and mouth age into proper wrinkles. I wouldn’t get to see the gray streaks in Dad’s hair overtake the brown. I would never again get to see my dad’s eyes and words fill with the pride and love he carried for his only child. I would never again feel my mother’s comfort or even feel the sting of her stern reason.

My parents would be captured in this moment, forever frozen.

As the evening drew on, I became quieter and quieter, frustrated at myself for wasting this precious time.

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