had been drawn into a world she would never understand, a world she had never dreamed existed except in nightmares. And as much as she loved Gabriel, she wasn't sure she had the courage to face what he was.
From his place on the bed, Gabriel watched Sara's face. Even if he hadn't been able to read her mind, her every thought, her every emotion, was clearly etched on her face, in the clear depths of her eyes.
She had been so certain she loved him, so confident of her ability to accept him for who and what he was, and now she had come face-to-face with the ugly reality of his existence, and she couldn't accept it.
Feeling sluggish, he sat up and ran a hand through his hair. He could not blame her for her fears, could not fault her for being afraid.
He watched her leave the room, returning moments later to hang garlic around the bedroom's single window. The pungent smell sickened him, but he would have to endure it for Sara's sake.
Their gazes met when she turned away from the window.
"Did Maurice bring you home this afternoon?"
"No, I left early."
"I told you to stay with Maurice."
Sara shrugged. "I couldn't concentrate, so I came home."
"Dammit, Sara Jayne, I don't want you going out alone."
His obvious concern brought quick tears to her eyes.
"Sara..."
She went to him then, and he wrapped his arms around her, tucking her close to his side.
Sara relaxed against him, her earlier fear seeming foolish now. This was Gabriel. He would never harm her. With a sigh, she snuggled against him.
Moments later, she was asleep.
Gabriel held her close, his nostrils filled with a multitude of odors - the fragrance of Sara's hair, the scent of her skin, the tantalizing aroma of the blood flowing through her veins. And over all the smell of the garlic that clung to her hands, yet he knew he would have walked through a field of the vile stuff to hold her close.
His internal clock told him night was fast approaching. Soon it would be time for Sara to go to the theater.
Soon Nina would be on the prowl. Was she here, in Paris, even now? How could he thwart her if she truly intended to do Sara harm? If he agreed to do as she asked, would she agree to leave Sara alone, or would her pride demand that she carry out her threat? If he could find her lair, he might be able to lie in wait and destroy her when she was at rest. The question was, would he be able to do what had to be done before she discovered his presence, before the daylight destroyed him, as well?
He held Sara as the shadows grew long, felt his strength slowly increase as the sun went down. And still he held her close, listening to the steady sound of her breathing.
"Are you coming to the theater tonight?" Sara asked.
"I'll be there." He grinned at her. "But only if you clear the door."
Laughing softly, she removed the garlic from the lintel and washed the holy water from the floor.
"Is Maurice coming to pick you up?" Gabriel asked, helping her with her wrap.
"Yes, but I'd rather go with you."
Gabriel shook his head. "No, go with Maurice. I'll follow along behind."
"Why?" She drew a deep breath. "You don't think Nina is here, do you?"
"I don't know, but if she is, I'd like to take her by surprise if I can." Gabriel cocked his head to one side, then grunted softly. "Maurice is here."
A moment later, there was a knock at the door.
"Be right there," Sara called.
"Let Maurice bring you home."
"All right." She rose on tiptoe, brushing her lips across his, and then she opened the door and stepped outside.
Maurice stared at her, his brow furrowed. "What's that smell?" he asked. "Garlic?"
"Yes," Sara said quickly. "Shall we go?"
She took Maurice's arm and urged him down the steps. It was full dark now and her heart began to pound as he helped her into the carriage. Was Nina out there somewhere, waiting?
Maurice settled onto the seat beside her and took her hand in his. "How are you feeling?"
"I feel fine," Sara replied. "Why do you ask?"
Maurice frowned at her. "You left rehearsal today because you weren't feeling well. I just wondered... what's wrong, Sara?"
"Nothing."
"Don't lie to me, Sara Jayne. You've never missed a rehearsal before, not even that time you sprained your wrist. What's going on?"