Quicksilver Dreams(205)

                “You won’t be allowed to leave here,” Ryder stated firmly.

                Frank’s bloodshot eyes darted frantically around the room for an escape route. He had blood coming from his nose.

                “Taylor, move! Get over here!” Ryder commanded.

                Energy depleted from the mental assault I’d delivered, I could just barely stand and, ever so slightly, shake my head, feeling helpless. It was taking all my strength to simply continue remaining upright, but my will was greater than the black void that threatened to drag me down. I needed to know that Ryder was safe.

                “She’s quite done in, isn’t she? Poor thing can’t even talk,” Frank mocked, though even his voice sounded weak. “But no worries. I have other plans. You’ll have to excuse me from this conversation. Shall I give my regards to your mother, Taylor?”

                What?

                “Follow the pitiful cries of the children, Senior Officer.”

                With that, Frank lunged toward me. Ryder cursed furiously. With a harsh shove, Frank threw me toward Ryder, who caught me safely, not letting me hit the floor. Almost immediately, Frank was engulfed in vibrant blue light and disappeared.

                The wave of exhaustion swept through me, as it had the other time I’d unleashed a major mental attack. No! I fought it, trying to stay conscious. My legs were wobbly and my mind beckoned the peaceful bliss of darkness. I saw Ryder scoop up his necklace and pop it over his head in one smooth motion as he came to me.

                Rest, lin’de. Don’t fight it.

                But Ryder...

                We’ll talk later.

                I don’t want to leave you.

                You won’t. I’ll take care of you. Always.





Chapter Twenty-Two

                “Is she all right?”

                I remembered the imperious voice well. This was not how I wished to wake up after a long, healing sleep. I opened my eyes to see I was comfortably ensconced in Ryder’s bed, overlooking the ocean at Venice Beach—not that I could see the water, as it was pitch-black out. I was sure tired of losing time.

                “She’s still out,” Ryder replied quietly, though I could detect the strain in his tone. Ryder and his father sounded as though they were right outside the door.

                “Are you sure she’s all right? Does she need medical care? She’s been unconscious for quite some time.” His father actually sounded concerned. Weird.

                “This happened last time,” Ryder replied. He paused a moment, and new relief sounded in his tone. “She’s back. I can feel her energy signature again. I’ll see if she’s ready to visit.”

                Ryder came through the door, big and dangerous looking, taking up all the space in the doorway, and paused. He just looked at me with a burning intensity. Grim with emotion, his pale eyes held mine in thrall. Silently, he approached and knelt by my head, gathered me in his arms and buried his face in my neck, breathing deeply. It was like he needed the reassurance of my scent, which touched off an ache in my heart.

                He really and truly needed me. Me. This big, powerful warrior wanted me. Yeah, he was now in a position to do me emotional harm, but I was in the same position with him, and all either of us could do was trust. Looking at his head, bent in need to me, I knew I was ready to do this.