Page 30 of Hidden Raphael
Her entire body shook in tune to the ringing. "No. I should stay with you."
"You're safer here."
No. She reached out and grabbed his shoulder. "I can't lose you, Raphael."
He turned back to stare into her eyes. "You won't. Just stay safe, in your room."
His intensity made her believe he had the power to destroy any threat. She sighed, reached out, and intended to kiss his cheek.
He turned straight at her, and their lips locked. She dropped her bag to the floor and wrapped her arms around him. His lips burned, and she melted into him. The entire world faded to black.
Another explosion pierced the air. He stepped back and his pupils were dilated. She tried to catch her breath in between her words: "Come…home…to me…"
He jumped back like she'd scorched him. His hand brushed against her spine, and her entire body mellowed. "Lock the door behind you."
All she could do was nod. He turned and ran back to the hallway. She stared after his broad shoulders until he disappeared in the shadows.
Then a bang echoed in the hallway, and the pictures shook on the wall.
She shut the door, then bolted it. She threw the bag on the bed and clutched her medallion.
No one could hurt Raphael. She'd not let them. She stared around the room then ran to her dresser. The Taser was there. She clutched it in her hand and stood near the door. If anyone stormed inside or went near Raphael, then she'd shock them.
The clock in the hallway ticked like it banged against her head, but then it ended and the silence screamed louder than the hard tone of the bell. The minutes ticked by as she peered out of her bedroom and stared at a clock.Tick. Tock.She might need another weapon if she didn’t point right.
The blackness of the night and the storm outside hid the moonlight. Her pulse ran.Tick. Tock.Was Raphael okay? What happened next? Was this some horror movie where she died after her hopes were dashed?
Raphael had survived in the past. He'd be fine.Tick. Tock.
Should she run and find Meg? Raphael told her to stay in her room. Kimberly shook her head like that would get rid of her negative thoughts. She took a second to close her eyes, center her thoughts, and let her thumb and forefinger go into circles.
Her mind didn’t rest. What if Raphael needed her? Clutching the Taser in her hand, she decided that if she could help, she should. She had no other weapon, so she had to make do with this.
Kimberly opened the door, and the entire hallway was black as night. Should she get the candelabrum? No, she thought. The light might attract the wrong person. She closed the door without a sound, and her heart pounded in her chest.
Thunder and lightning crackled in the air outside.
She had memorized the layout of the hallway and felt her way toward the stairs, where she used her hand to find the banister.
A thud sounded in the air and she ducked. Waited. Swallowed. Footsteps echoed in the hall, too heavy to be Meg. Her entire body shivered, and she raced back to her room, slamming the door shut behind her.
Her heart pounded in her chest. She aimed the Taser at the door. If someone barged through, then she had one chance to defend herself.
Cold sweat formed on her brow. Footsteps drew closer. Her heartbeat accelerated.
Her entire body shook.
The footsteps came closer.
She lifted the Taser, but her arms wobbled.
A loud pounding at her door shook the wood. Would Roger knock? She swallowed, unsure if she should call out or stay silent.
Ice ran down her spine. She closed her eyes and intended to strike if anyone came in. Another knock.
"Kim. It's me. Rafe."
Rafe? Wasn't his name Raphael? Was it Roger? His voice thundered through the door and she stumbled as she walked forward. It hadn't sounded like Roger.
