Page 7 of Shadows of Eternity

“Are both your parents Lakota?”

“Yes.”

“They must be very proud of you.”

Rohan nodded. Perhaps they would have been.

“It must be exciting, traveling around the country,” Leia remarked as the waiter delivered their drinks.

“It’s getting old,” Rohan said. His gaze caressed her. “I’m thinking of taking a long vacation.”

“Oh?”

“I’d like to spend part of it with you.”

It was suddenly hard to think, to breathe.

He reached for her hand, his fingers linking with hers. “Would you like to dance?”

At her nod, he led her onto the dance floor and took her into his arms. He was tall, so tall. He slow-danced with the same lithe grace he used onstage. She had no trouble following his lead. He held her close, making her feel safe, protected, as if nothing could ever hurt her again.

Rohan frowned as he caught snatches of her thoughts. No wonder she was leery of strangers, he mused. She had been kidnapped when she was four years old. Although she had few actual memories of the event, it had haunted her as she grew older, which led to a year or two of therapy, which had helped considerably.

He spoke to her mind, assuring her that she had nothing to fear from him, felt her relax in his arms.

They danced and talked the night away. It was late when he walked her to her car. “Any chance you’d give me your phone number?”

She hesitated only a moment, then quickly recited the number. “Aren’t you going to put it in your phone?”

“I won’t forget it.” His gaze moved over her as he drew her into his arms. When she didn’t resist, he lowered his head and kissed her good night. “Call you soon.”

Murmuring, “Good night,”

Leia unlocked her car door and slid behind the wheel. She smiled all the way home. It had been heaven, dancing with Rohan. She had loved being in his arms, the sound of his voice, the way his gaze caressed her, the way he listened to her. By the end of the evening, she knew she was in danger of losing her heart.

She called Janae the minute she got home. “You can stop worrying now. Mother. I’m safely home, my front door locked.”

“Hey, what are friends for if not to worry? How was your date?”

“Wonderful.” Leia closed her eyes, wishing she were still in Rohan’s arms.

“Are you going to see him again?”

“I hope so.”

“Well, I’m glad you had a good time. Keep me posted.”

“Will do.”

“You’ve got it bad, don’t you?” Janae said, sounding resigned. “I can hear it in your voice.”

“Good night, Janae.”

“Sweet dreams.”

“For sure,” Leia said, and ended the call.

Rohan strolled through the dark night searching for prey. But it was the woman, Leia, who occupied his thoughts. She was young, untouched, innocent, beautiful. And vulnerable.

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