Page 13 of Touch Of Fate
“Let’s go in the back,” Lace suggests. “It doesn’t have windows.” I’m staring at Archer, and Lace grabs my hand before I can pull away.
“Shit.”
There are some things you don’t want to know about your sister.
Chapter Four
Mara
Her life begins to flash through my head, but stops abruptly. I look down, and she’s still holding my hand. Confused, I turn my head. Rome is holding my other hand.
“It was instinct,” he says. “If I could take the man's emotions and make them void, I could take hers. Counteract the touch.”
“Mara,” Lace swallows harshly. “I didn’t think.” She moves closer. “You can touch me.” I haven’t hugged my sister for years. It wasn’t as bad when I was younger. As I aged, it became toopowerful to ignore, and I decided not to risk it. I shut off all physical affection; it wasn’t worth the pain.
“Sister.” I yank her hand, and she hits my chest. She wraps her arms around me, tucking her face into my neck. I meet Rome's eyes, his hand firmly in mine. “We haven’t hugged since we were little.” I palm the back of her head, and tears fill my eyes. Coming back from the Games was the most painful time of my life. I couldn’t hold her, comfort her, especially after what I did, and the torture of touching the shifters.
“Fuck, Mara,” Rome says, watching Lace burrow closer.
“I’m sorry,” Archer says. “To both of you. I can’t imagine the pain.”
“I should be thanking both of you,” I say, and Lace sobs. “We’ve had a hard time dealing with it. I didn’t think we would ever be able to be close.” I glide my hand down her hair. “I’ve tried to take care of her in every other way, but nothing can replace physical touch.” I exhale harshly. The only things I’ve allowed myself is brief touches to her shoulders or a light nudge of my hip.
“I think we have to explore your powers. Together, we could possibly direct your gift and make it do what we want.” Rome raises our joined hands briefly. “There may be a point when I don’t have to be in contact for you to hug her. You could turn it off and on like a switch, and guide it.”
“I—” I’ve never thought it possible. “I would like to try.” I look down at Lace. “Even if this is the extent of what we can do, I’m grateful.” Lace pulls back, wiping her cheeks.
“Love you,” she whispers. “Excuse me.” She rushes away.
“Is she alright?” Archer asks.
“She’s uncomfortable showing emotion in front of strangers.” I smile tightly, wishing I could comfort her. Lace needs some time alone. “We can go in the back.” They follow me through thestore. I stop at the door to the back room and pause. “Wait here for a minute.” Rome nods, and I slip through the door.
The room isn’t big. Lace has two chairs for customers and a long counter where she stores her supplies. There is a small, comfortable seating area on the opposite side. I hurry to the small couch and gather the stuffed animals. With the soft toys held tightly in my arms, I struggle to open the door to the closet, but get it open on the third try. I carefully place all of them on the shelf. Lace would be upset if the guys saw them. She thinks it’s childish, but can’t help her need for them. I would hate to embarrass her any more than she already is. I doubt Rome and Archer would notice or care. It’s Lace’s choice to reveal that side to anyone.
Slowly walking back to the door, I glance around to make sure I didn’t miss any. I stumble to a halt when I catch my reflection in the tall mirror.
Oh. No.
Speed walking closer, I stare in horror at my hair. You know what happens when you lie down? I have a rat's nest on the back of my head. My hair is almost to my waist, but part of it is smooshed to the back of my head. I lean forward. Are those crusties in the corners of my eyes? This is how I met my bond. I raise my hand, but stop. If I fix it, it may be more obvious. Fuck it. Running my fingers through my hair, I roll my eyes. My jeans are the most faded pair in my closet. We rarely dress up for work, so I grabbed the most comfortable pants. My shirt is long-sleeved and loose around the neck. It falls off my shoulder, and I constantly have to pull it up, but it’s super soft.
Touching the corners of my eyes, I walk back to the door before they think I escaped out the back, since it took so long.
“Sorry,” I say softly as I open the door.
“Don’t worry about it,” Rome says, tucking my hair behind my ear. I roll my lips as they walk by and then shut the door. He definitely noticed.
“Does Lace do tattoos?” Archer asks, wandering around.
“Yeah. She has a small customer base. All kinds of shifters and humans come to her for ink.” I put my hands in my pockets, watching Rome open a book of her work. “She’s really good. Several of mine are her work.” I startle when Rome’s eyes lift, pinning me in place. The intensity in his gaze makes my breath catch.
“How many do you have?” He looks at my bare shoulder. “More than I can see.”
“Yes.” I gulp. Why do I want to strip and show him?
“Hmm…” He grins and returns to the book.
“How long has she been doing it?” Archer asks, oblivious or ignoring our exchange.
