Page 23 of Preying Game

He proceeded to his right. There were no doors immediately, but finally he came to an exercise room which seemed to be filled with standard equipment like a treadmill, a bike and racks of weights, all outdated models.

A little farther on was a larger gym, big enough for a basketball court. Ropes dangled from the ceiling along one wall. Another wall had netting like you might see on a military obstacle course.

He exited the gym and walked toward another door. It had a window, and when he saw a flight of stairs that led up, he felt his heart start to pound. At the top, he could get outside and find out where he was.

But when he pressed his hand against the door the way he’d done in Alice’s cell, nothing happened. It remained a solid barrier, and he couldn’t do the trick of pushing through.

He cursed silently. Probably he was at the limit of his range. He’d opened himself to Alice and used her to draw him here. She must be the key to how far he could go. With a grimace he turned and walked back down the hall.

When Jonah disappeared, Alice felt a terrible sense of loss. She backed up and sat on the bed, staring at the spot where he had disappeared, wondering how long he would be gone and if he would return. As she sat with her pulse pounding, she wasn’t sure what to hope for.

Seconds ticked by. Then minutes. Had the connection to him been cut again?

She had almost given up hope, when she saw the wall waver, and suddenly he was back in the room.

What happened? She asked.

I was in the corridor that led to the gym and the exercise room. I saw the door to the stairs, but I couldn’t get any farther.

She heard the frustration suffusing his inner voice.

Why not?

I think it has something to do with being close to you. I can only get a certain distance away from you.

Disappointment made her fists clench. She’d hoped he’d be able to get out of the house—or at least upstairs.

I couldn’t see outside, so I don’t know where we are.

Not your fault.

We have to try something else.

What?

I don’t know. He sounded discouraged, and she fought her own disappointment. Just his coming here had felt like a miracle. And it was. But it wasn’t enough to save her life. The longer she was trapped in this place, the less likely she was to get out alive.

He had remained near the door.

Stepping across the small room, she pressed against him, and his arms came up to encircle her.

He stroked his hands up and down her back, and his touch sent little currents of electricity over her skin. I’m not sure what’s best, he murmured inside her mind.

In what way?

Since this is—paranormal—there are a lot of ways to think about it. If I build up the connection with you, maybe I can get upstairs. On the other hand, what if I get more substantial? I can already touch you. Any more substance, and I might not be able to get through the door. But being more here might mean I could stop him from hurting you.

She hadn’t considered any of that.

You’re right. There are a lot of ways to think about it. But I vote for the idea of us getting closer.

Let’s see what happens if you focus on me.

She liked that suggestion.Closing her eyes, she clasped her hands around Jonah’s head and brought his mouth to hers. She felt a moment of resistance before he gave himself over to her.

She felt a flare of triumph as he moved his lips against hers, sliding, nibbling, and then urging her to open for him. When she did, his tongue slipped into her mouth, and she gloried in the intimacy of the kiss.

Without letting go of him, she moved backwards until she felt the bed frame hit her lower legs. Bending her knees, she sat down, bringing him with her.

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