Page 59 of Séance

“Looks like you’ve got some explaining to do, Tally-Rue,” Jameson says with a spark of humor in his voice, but his pale blue eyes are dead serious.

I take a step back, suddenly feeling too exposed.

“Rue, where are your shoes?” Ellis strides down the steps, his pace unhurried. His glasses magnify his soft brown eyes, and the concern in them makes me feel vulnerable.

I swallow around the lump in my throat, my eyes dropping to my clasped hands, and I shrug. “We were in a rush. I didn’t have time to grab everything.”

Ellis slips a finger under my chin and gently lifts my face. His expression is so fierce that my eyes widen, and I’m held immobile by his intensity. I’m used to seeing anger and disgust. I don’t know how to react to anything else.

“You came to our rescue without care or concern for your safety.” His thumb sweeps out, brushing along my jaw, and I shudder at the light sensation, my eyes closing as pleasure sweeps through me. “The least we can do is make sure you’re okay.”

When I hesitate a moment longer, he steps closer and softly murmurs, “Please.”

I find myself nodding before I even consciously make a decision, my stomach erupting like a flock of birds taking flight, and then the ground disappears out from under my feet when Ellis sweeps me into his arms. My breath catches, but unfortunately, it’s not enough to stifle my embarrassing squeak. I loop my arms around his shoulders, clutching him close as I look at the long distance to the ground.

As he marches toward the house, I duck my head against his neck, squeezing my eyes tightly shut. His stride hitches, his arms tighten, and the smell of books and burning candles fills my senses. Thinking he’s about to drop my ass, I practically cling to him like a barnacle and murmur, “I can walk.”

A shiver goes through him, his arms tightening even more, and I swear I almost hear a growl rumble from his chest. “No.”

That’s it.

Argument over.

I gradually relax into his hold when he shows no signs of struggling under my weight. Not ready to face the others, I keep my head lowered, my eyes heavy with sleep. I know they want answers, but I’m not ready to give them yet.

I just want one more night to build pleasant memories before my world comes crashing down around me again. Is that too much to ask?

The cool night air disappears as I’m swept into the house. I can hear the guys talking to each other, but I don’t pay any attention to them, my sole focus on the man holding me in his arms. Though Ellis might be the shortest and slimmest of the guys, he has no trouble holding my weight. The muscles flexing under me are distracting, begging me to explore them, and I’m almost afraid to move and draw attention to the fact that I’m struggling not to feel him up like some perv.

I don’t recall ever being held so gently, like I’m something precious, and it’s a novel experience that I’m not sure I completely like.

Being near them puts me on edge.

They are always close, lingering in my space and touching me.

It has me jumping at shadows, unsure if I should flinch or lean closer.

With my brain a jumbled mess, I’m barely aware of my surroundings until Ellis gently lowers me onto his lap.

My spine snaps straight as I go rigid in his arms, but he doesn’t loosen his hold. After a moment, he rubs his hand up and down my back soothingly, and I gradually melt against him, the tension slowly evaporating.

That doesn’t mean I’m not on high alert. I’m conscious of his steady breathing and the slight thump of his heartbeat under my head, ready for the slightest shift in his mood. If it were anyone else, I would have already bolted like a rabbit.

I remain for one reason.

I need to know if the guys can be trusted before I become any more invested in them.

Chapter Nineteen

JAMESON

Igently dump Gunner’s heavy ass onto the couch, wincing when I get a clear look at him under the bright light. They got him good. I focus on his injuries, so I don’t give into the almost manic need to hunt the fuckers down and end them.

I stare off into space, thinking about how I am going to dismember and get rid of the bodies, when Jace grabs my shoulders, squeezing just a little too hard to get my attention.

“Why don’t you get the supplies?” He shakes me slightly to make sure I’m listening, and I nod obediently. “Hicks and I will look after Gunner. You can help Ellis with Rue.”

It takes a second to process his words, then another beat to reel my anger back. I slowly unclench my hands, then nod and obediently rush to the closet where we store most of our supplies. While the bathrooms do have emergency kits, the back closet in the kitchen is a virtual doctor’s office.

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