Page 109 of Legacy of Danger
His voice, a low gravelly sound, shredded her. "And as soon as I make sure you will not be hurt because of all my... bad stuff... I'll get out of your hair for good. I know you don't want anything to do with me after all that happened. I can't blame you."
"No, Vaughn. I don't think that."
"Then you're an idiot."
His words landed like a jab to the jaw, and she reeled backward a step. "What?"
"Hey, if you don't want me in your house, I won't argue. I can stay in the truck all night." He rubbed his temple. "But I need to be close."
"Is that you or your mental power talking?"
"Both."
Another shiver hit her, and she motioned him into the living room, flipping on the light. He took off his hat and stood a few inches inside the house but didn't move. The stark expression took her breath away.
No way could she ask him to guard her for the night. "Listen. I don't mind you staying here, but I'm sure I'll be fine."
He barked a laugh. "Fine."
"Yeah, fine."
"You weren'tfinewhen that thing reached for you. Hell, you could have broken your neck falling off the back of that horse."
She stepped in front of him. "But I'm okay now."
With a rough knuckle, he brushed her aching jaw where she'd hit the ground. She flinched.
"Obviously."
"I'm not a fragile piece of china, you know."
"Hell yeah, I know you're tough as nails." He shoved his hand through his hair, giving him a wild appearance. "Even the biggest, baddest person in the world might not be able to stand up to whatever was out there tonight."
"That creature wasn't your fault, Vaughn."
"Wasn't it? Maybe not, but it was my fault that it got close enough to hurt you. And you'd better believe I won't make that same mistake again."
Her nerves sparked, irritating her skin, followed by a fleeting headache. "Hey, are you doing that psychic protective thing again?"
"Maybe. Why?"
The pieces fell together. "Because every time you do it, I get a headache. That's why I thought I was getting migraines over the past week. That's so strange."
"Well, let's ice that crappy cake." He entered the house behind her, slammed the door, and then leaned against it, hands rolled into fists and head hanging low. "An even more fucking fabulous side effect. If I leave you alone, you might get hurt. If I'm here with you, my presence will cause you pain. Damn it." He thumped his chest hard, like a bass drum. "I am sorry for everything, Mariah."
A virtual wave broke on top of her, pushing her underwater. "Everything?" she whispered.
"Listen to me." She had to strain to hear him. The words barely escaped his clenched jaw. "I would never trade what we had together last night for anything in the world. But somehow, because of our connection, it puts you square in the crosshairs of god-knows-what. Even worse, the simple act of being near me causes you pain. If anything happens to you, I'm not sure if I could live with myself."
Hot bubbles burst in her head; she blinked back tears. "So you're taking the blame for something you had no control over?"
"Well—
She crossed her arms. "Hush. I'm not done." His mouth gaped open. "When will you get it? You can't control everything that happens in life. You can't dictate someone's feelings. You can't make people behave in a certain way. We have no power over choices that other people make. Hell, I know that as well as anyone, with my past. So get it through your thick skull. None of this is your fault."
"Mariah." It sounded like the word had been ripped from his soul.
Lifting a hand, she shook her head. "Know what? I'm done talking. You want to wallow in self-pity and blame? Be my guest. But don't make me a party to it." She pointed. "In the hall closet, there's bedding for the sofa couch, if you'd like. Take whatever food you want from the fridge and pantry. I'm done for the night."
