“Right.” I said it so matter-of-factly that it startled Henry. “I’m still not understanding why you’re here, instead of protecting England.”
“So we can contain it. The further away from our shores, the better.”
“Then how do you think the virus got out?”
“One of the other agents…” Henry swallowed hard. “There are a few possibilities, all very plausible.”
“Perfect.” I became suspicious that maybe it was Henry, but I didn’t let on that I was.
“It’s not me, if that’s what you are thinking.” Damn it. How did he do that? “I saw the light ages ago and abandoned the program, as you heard when I was giving Roger an earful. The day I proposed, I threw in the towel.”
He still hadn’t convinced me. He could have released the virus. I was trying not to think ill of him, but how could I not after what had happened?
“Was it the butch chick that’s coming?”
“No. I can trust Sophie with my life. Besides, she was in England. Roger thinks she’s going to make me go back. Not happening. And she isn’t butch. You’ll see.” He seemed excited about her coming. Great, I thought. I felt the heat of jealousy flare up in the pit of my stomach.
“So you think Roger sent this agent with the virus in on purpose?”
“Oh, most definitely. It was the only way he could prove a point and feel like he was in control. Why not take out the super power? He would have the world at his mercy and feeding out of the palm of his hand. It’s precisely what he wanted, the ego-driven son of a bitch.”
“I just don’t understand why he would do that.”
“He’s mental. I do wish I had all the answers for you. The only thing I can really think of is that Roger felt like he could get the upper hand. If he could release this virus and have the agents contain it at the borders, then England…or shall I say, Roger…would have control of the world, essentially. Now I need to try to protect the innocent. The virus is here and we need to fight it.” He took a deep breath.
“Elaina, I am so sorry I got you into this mess. This is killing me. Because of me, you have lost most of your family and friends. And you may even lose me, if Roger’s bleeders find me. Obviously, he doesn’t want me to release the program information or his agenda. They will protect their secret at any cost.”
“Henry.” I reached out to him. I was really worried about his safety. “I believe this would have happened with or without you. If I didn’t have you on my team,” his eyes lit up at that term, “I might be one of the undeads right now. Or true dead in the streets somewhere.”
“I’m not even sure if survival is the best thing. You saw how rapidly it spreads. They are savages. This will change the human race. It may even eliminate it.”
“Right. Well, I’m glad to take on this fight with you.” Henry looked at me with intensity. I could see the love in his eyes.
“I hope you don’t regret this.”
“Honestly, I don’t really have a choice, do I?” He shook his head, then cupped his hands around my face and started to kiss me.
I returned his kiss, and it became more passionate by the second. He tipped me back and positioned himself over me. My body was buzzing with excitement. He groaned as his tongue attacked mine, exploring every part of my mouth. He ran his lips over my jawline, and laid soft kisses down my neck…then someone knocked on the door.
“Fuck me,” Henry grumbled.
“Nope.” We both laughed a little. He got up and cracked open the door. Nick was standing there with his arms crossed. I sat up and tried to look casual. Nick looked down and ran his hand through his hair. He was embarrassed, but probably not as embarrassed as I was.
“Uh...I’m sorry if I interrupted anything, but I have been pacing back and forth. I want an explanation. You promised me that.” Nick looked at Henry.
“Yes. Yes, I did. Give us a moment, please.”
“Sure.” Henry turned to me. Nick stayed in the doorway, arms crossed. I looked at Nick so Henry knew he was still there. He mouthed Thank you to me and kissed me on the forehead. I smiled and we walked out to the living room.
Chapter 4
I
t was a bit of a cold reception for us in the living room. I was wondering what they were talking about. Then again¸ they were probably wondering what Henry and I were talking about…or maybe doing. The thought made me blush. Everyone was cleaned up and trying to relax some. I didn’t realize we had been talking that long. Henry nervously cleared his throat.
“Has everyone eaten something?” Henry asked.