“Well, time isn’t something we have in abundance.” Milliner scooted out of the booth and stood. “Find her fast. I’m not sure how much longer I can hold off the others.” Without another word, he threw a few bills on the table and walked out of the diner.
* * * * *
Jake waited for Heather to react to his apology. He knew he’d upset her and didn’t want his lack of discretion to shatter the bond forming between them. The need to protect her had taken root when he first saw her in the alley behind his restaurant. She’d looked so fragile, so helpless. It would have been unthinkable for him to abandon someone in need. Protectiveness was a driving instinct. He would have reacted the same way regardless of who the abused person had been.
Still, his feelings for Heather were much more complex than protectiveness. He was physically attracted to her. There was no denying that. But he sensed an untapped potential, a wealth of possibilities she’d yet to explore. He wanted to assist her, empower her and watch that potential blossom into something extraordinary.
“Why did you do it?” She turned from him and crossed the living room, not waiting for his answer.
“Why did I tell Ian and Devon about the first injection?” He followed her to the floor-to-ceiling windows that dominated the outer wall. Aspen spread out before them, a compact rectangle in the valley below. Beyond the village rose Aspen Mountain, the ski runs barren stripes upon its majestic face.
She turned toward him, her features bathed in sunlight, thick-lashed eyes rivaling the sky. Even without makeup or elegant clothes, she was stunning. No wonder half the Canine Network was fighting over her.
“Do you really think what happened to Carlos is part of some international conspiracy? It makes you sound paranoid.”
He smiled. Her criticism was understandable. He’d been skeptical too until he’d seen the backers’ handiwork firsthand. “Is it hard to believe humans are trying to recreate and manipulate our abilities or are you reluctant to consider that your father is involved?”
“I’m not as naïve as you think. I’ve had a front row seat to many of my father’s darker moments. I know he’s ruthless.”
“Let’s go outside.” Needing to touch her, Jake held out his hand. “The view is even better from the deck.”
“Is it safe? What if someone sees me?”
“There’s no reason for the hunters to be looking for you in Aspen. Lexxie’s the only one who has any idea that you’d come here. Do you trust Lexxie?”
She nodded and slipped her hand into his. He led her back across the living room and out the side door between the kitchen and dining room. A multi-level, railed deck hugged two sides of the house, offering unobstructed views of the valley. An eating area complete with gas grill, smoker and table and chairs was situated on the upper level, while a semi-enclosed hot tub nestled on the smaller level below.
“Wow,” she whispered. “Just when I thought this place couldn’t get any more impressive.” She rested her hands on the wooden rail and turned her face to the sun. A breeze rippled through her unbound hair, beckoning his fingers. Sunlight brought out the red highlights, making the curly strands appear more copper than gold.
He wanted to bury his hands in her hair, holding her still while he ravaged her mouth. His tiger tossed his head, restless and hungry. “I meant what I said,” he digressed. “I shouldn’t have said anything to the others without asking you first.”
She looked at him, searched his gaze for a moment then returned her attention to the scenery. “You’re forgiven.” She sighed. “It’s not like anything we do can bring Carlos back.”
Moving up beside her, he rested his hands on the railing too. “I thought you didn’t know him well.”
“I didn’t.” Her fingers tightened and then released but she continued to stare straight ahead. “If his transformation was triggered by the injection, then I’m responsible for his death.”
“No, you’re not.” He lightly grasped her chin and turned her face toward him. “You did nothing wrong. It’s possible that your father didn’t even know what was in the injection.”
“Then why did he give it to me?” She shook her head, dislodging his fingers. “Never mind. That’s all in the past. I have enough problems here and now.”
He couldn’t argue with her logic so he let the subject drop. “I know your family history, but I don’t know that much about you. How do you spend your days? Have you ever thought of leaving Snowmass and making a life for yourself?”