She frowned, but said nothing more as she headed for the stairs.
Julian went to the bedroom to change. As he was pulling on his pants, he caught sight of Grace's photographs on the dresser. She looked so happy in her childhood. So free. He particularly liked the picture where her mother had her arms wrapped protectively around Grace's neck while the two of them laughed.
In that moment, he knew the truth. No matter how much he might want otherwise, he could never stay here with Grace. She had said it herself the night he appeared.
She had her own life. One that didn't include him in it.
No, she didn't need someone like him. Someone who would only bring the unwanted attention of the gods down upon her head.
He would beat the curse, and then he would take Athena up on her offer.
He didn't belong here. He belonged in ancient Macedonia. Alone.
Chapter 10
Something was wrong. Grace could feel it in her bones as she drove them into the Quarter. Julian sat beside her, staring out the window.
She'd tried several times to get him to talk, but he remained tight-lipped. All she could figure was that he was depressed by what had happened in the bathroom. It must be hard for a man used to being in control of himself to lose it that way.
Pulling into the public lot, she parked the car.
"Ooo, it's hot," she said as she got out, and was immediately assaulted by the thick, heavy air.
She looked over at Julian who was truly dazzling in the dark sunglasses she'd bought for him. He'd already started to sweat.
"Is it too hot out here for you?" she asked, thinking of how awful it must be for him in jeans and a knit shirt.
"I'm not going to die from it, if that's what you mean," he said sardonically.
"Just a little testy, are we?"
"I'm sorry," he said as he joined her. "I'm taking things out on you mat aren't your fault."
"It's all right. I'm used to being a scapegoat. In fact, I've made a profession of it."
Since she couldn't see his eyes, she couldn't tell if he was amused by her words or not.
"Is that what your patients do?"
She nodded. "It can get really hairy some days. I don't mind the women yelling at me so much as the men."
"Have they ever hurt you?" The protectiveness in his Voice startled her. And it felt strangely wonderful. She'd missed having someone to be protective of her.
"No, they haven't," she said, trying to dispel the tenseness of his body. And she hoped it stayed that way, but after Rodney's call, she wasn't so sure that he might be the one exception who ended up hurting her.
You're being ridiculous. Just because he's creepy doesn't mean he's dangerous.
Julian's face was stern and harsh. "I think you should find a new occupation."
"Maybe," she said dismissively. She had no intention of giving up her job. "So, where would you like to go first?"
He shrugged nonchalantly. "Makes little difference to me."
"Then let's go to the aquarium. At least it's air-conditioned."
Taking his arm, she led him across the lot, and down the Moonwalk toward the aquarium.
Julian remained silent as she paid their admission, and then led him inside. He didn't speak again until they walked through the manmade water tunnel that allowed them to watch all the different species of sea creatures in their natural habitat
"Incredible," he breathed as a huge stingray swam over his head. The look on his face reminded her of a child. An inner light sparkled in his eyes, warming her heart.
Suddenly, her pager went off. Grace cursed, until she saw the number.
Someone was calling her from the office on a Saturday?
How weird.
She dug her cell phone out of her purse and called.
"Hey, Grace," Beth said as soon as she answered. "Listen, I'm down here in my office. We were broken into last night."
"No! Who would do such a thing?"
Grace caught the curious look Julian directed at her. She offered him a tentative smile as she listened to Beth Livingston, the psychiatrist who shared office space with her and Luanne.
"I have no idea. They've got a crime scene unit down here taking prints. As far as I can tell, though, nothing important was taken. Did you have anything valuable in your office?"
"Just my computer."
"It's still here. Anything else? Money or anything?"
"No. I never leave valuables there."
"Hang on, the officer wants to talk to you."
Grace waited until she heard a man's voice. "Dr. Alexander?"
"Yes."
"I'm Officer Allred. It looks like someone took your Rolodex and a few files. Any idea who would want them?"
"No, I don't. Do you need me to come down there?"
"I don't think so. Basically, we're just pulling prints, but if you can think of anything else, please give us a call." He handed the phone back to Beth.