Page 51 of Touch Of Fate
“Yes. They have a system in place,” she answers.
“You believe in him,” he mutters.
“I wouldn’t have asked him to assist us if I didn’t,” she says softly. “You guys don’t trust easily.”
“We have years of reasons not to,” Rome says. He doesn’t look away from the road, and I study his face. I want to brush his hair away from his eyes and feel his scruff against my skin. The needto offer comfort is strong, yet he portrays the confidence that he doesn’t need any help.
“Do you need me tonight?” Archer asks him.
“No.” Rome glances in the mirror.
“I need some time,” he says.
“Whatever you need,” Rome replies. “I’ll spell the houses. You know how to get in when you are done.” I resist the urge to look at Archer, not knowing enough about him to understand how his magic works.
“Thanks, brother,” Archer whispers.
“Mara, are you doing all right?” Lace asks, leaning forward. She cups my shoulder, and it’s beginning to feel normal for her to touch me.
“I’m good,” I reply softly, reaching around with my free hand. I graze her knuckles with my fingers, brushing softly before dropping back to the seat. “My energy is dropping, but it’s better this time. I’m looking forward to sleeping.”
“Me too,” she sighs. “Is it weird that I don’t care that they are dead?”
“No. They deserved it,” I say firmly.
“Do you look at me differently because I killed them?” Rome asks, and I frown.
“Of course not,” she says. “You did it to protect Mara and those women.” He nods, and I watch him with narrowed eyes. I assumed he didn’t feel any guilt over their deaths.
“You are correct. One of them went after Mara. I couldn't allow that.” He lifts his fingers, caressing my hand. “My actions should prove to you that I will do anything to protect both of you.” I exhale lightly. Maybe his words were said just to prove a point.
“Regret is a waste of time,” Archer says. “It would change nothing. Those men are where they belong.”
“Where do you think they go?” she asks.
“That is a question for the universe,” he responds lightly. “Hopefully, somewhere they will be tortured for the rest of time.”
“That’s dark,” she mumbles.
“We live in a dark world.” I look over my shoulder and meet his eyes. His emotions seem unstable, and it makes me curious about him. “Rome is a good one to have on your side when everything goes to shit,” he says, smiling. Whatever he is trying to communicate to me makes me uneasy. Is it a warning or a compliment?
“We’re here,” Rome says, and I turn around.
“I’ll be back in a few hours,” Archer informs us.
“Take the car,” Rome says, opening his door. We get out, and I wait as Archer moves to the driver's side. My bond steps close to him, putting his hand on Archer’s shoulder. “I’ll be there in a few,” Rome says to me. I pause a moment and walk toward the house.
“What do you think is happening?” Lace whispers from beside me.
“I don’t know.” I glance at the post I put up so our owl could perch, and notice him watching us.
“I hope he’s okay,” she says as we stop by our doors. Lace opens the little container she keeps on the bench and pulls out a cookie. I watch as she crumbles it in her fist and scatters the pieces across the little table. Yes, our bird loves treats. He stares at the table, but he won’t eat until we leave.
“He will be,” I say, smiling. My face is tight, and I don’t know if I believe my words. “Get some sleep.”
“I will. I love you.” She smiles and enters her house.
Unlocking my door, I glance toward the driveway before stepping inside. It feels good to be home. The events of the night are shoved to the back of my mind, and I turn on the lights as I walk to my bedroom. I grab some comfortable shorts and a loosepajama tank. Showering is necessary. I feel dirty, as if their evil rubbed off on me.
