Page 45 of Touch Of Fate
“That’s actually sweet,” I mumble. As soon as I leave the room, I hear Lace’s angry voice.
“I’ve never been called that,” he says dryly.
“First time for everything,” I say, shaking my head. Opening the side door, I jerk when Lace throws herself into my arms. Rome presses his hand on my back, lending me his magic.
“What happened to your face?” Rome asks Archer, and I look over Lace’s head. Archer’s eye is black and swollen.
“You think she’s quiet and sweet,” he grumbles, pointing at Lace. “She’s a hellcat when it comes to you. She punched me in the face when I wouldn’t let her come to you.” I gasp, hiding my laughter.
“Why didn’t you heal it?” Rome asks, twisting his lips.
“I wanted to have proof,” he says, lifting his hand. He holds his fingers over the black and closes his eyes. His spell floats in the air, and when he drops his hand, the bruise is almost gone.
“Archer can’t heal completely,” Rome explains, the question on the tip of my tongue. “As you know, healing is more complicated than other spells.”
“He deserved it,” Lace exclaims, tightening her arms. “Are you okay? I was terrified when they explained.”
“I’m fine. Rome gave me some space to tell him some hard things.” I know I’ll have to explain everything to her, but now is not the time. “A waitress's memories transferred to me, and we have to find the man who gave her nightmares.”
“He's bad,” Lace guesses, pulling back.
“Very. The worst,” I whisper.
“Oh, no,” she whispers back.
“What did he do?” Archer asks.
“Abused her in every way a man can.” He inhales sharply. Men will never understand the ways women are in danger every day. They don’t have to worry about walking to their car at night or looking over their shoulder every time they leave the house. Going out in the world is scary. Sometimes, as Sofie learned, you can be in the same house as a predator, so you can’t escape.
“When should we do it?” Lace asks.
“Now,” I say briskly. “He’s been watching her. I don’t want something to happen if we delay.” I’ve lost track of time and realize it’s late. We can sleep later. Sofie needs to rest easy.
“Archer, will you move the coffee table?” Rome asks, grabbing my hand. Archer moves into the living room, and Rome pulls me into the kitchen. “I know it needs to be done, but are you sure you're ready?”
“I’m feeling good,” I reassure him, but doubts creep in. “I surprised myself last time. I’m hoping it goes smoothly. I won’t be able to sleep until we find him. As much as I would love togo to bed next to you, safe and warm, my thoughts would be plagued with the hell she has gone through.”
“Alright.” He kisses my forehead. “Let’s find the fucker.” He leads me to the front of the couch. Lace is sitting in the corner of it, her legs folded. She watches us with concern.
“Your power is getting stronger,” she says.
“Yes,” I agree.
“Along with Rome’s, your house may get destroyed,” she mumbles.
“We haven’t had time to learn how to control it,” Rome says. “In time, all the lights won’t burst.”
“I think it’s only going to get worse,” Archer says, leaning against the kitchen counter. “Once you bond, it may level out.” I sit on the floor and ignore the excitement his words cause. Bonding with Rome is becoming more appealing.
He didn’t look at me with disdain or judge my actions in the Games. He held me, comforted me, and agreed with what I had to do. He reacted in a way I had hoped for, and it assured me that he would stay by my side. There is much more we need to learn about our lives before we met, but we have time.
Why wouldn’t I want to complete the soul bond with him?
Chapter Ten
Rome
Ijoin Mara on the floor and hold my hands out. She takes a deep breath and then places her palms on mine. The magic flares, ready to connect to her. The rush I get from the contact causes my eyes to droop. Her spells make me hard. I’ve held back from showing her my desire to be with her in every way, knowing she needs time to trust our bond, but my need is growing rapidly. I have to concentrate on the task at hand and ignore the effect she has on me and my magic. I open my eyes fully, calling on the power within.
