Lover Uncloaked (Stealth Guardians #1) - By Unknown Page 0,35

demons are getting stronger. I don’t think we have the luxury of preserving one human’s life if it means jeopardizing millions because of it. We have to adjust our thinking to that.”

Yet even as he said it, he knew if he were given the order to kill Leila, he wouldn’t be able to execute it. And that was the reason why he had to hand this assignment over to somebody else.

“You have to give humans a chance. Can they never redeem themselves in your eyes? Every life it worth saving,” his father claimed.

Before Aiden could stop himself, the words were out. “So was Julia’s.”

At the other end of the line, his father pulled in an audible breath. “Don’t bring your sister into this. This is not about her.”

“It is. It’s always been about her. Nothing has changed.” Julia would be alive today if he hadn’t failed. If he’d acted earlier. If he hadn’t hesitated in killing his charge. He had his sister’s blood on his hands. It still stained his hands even after all these years. And it haunted him day and night.

“Then I suggest you make an effort to change. It’s time to move on and let the past lie where it belongs. We all grieved, but you’re the only one who’s never closed this chapter.”

“And how do you expect me to move on? I’m responsible for her death.” Aiden felt old pain well up in his chest. “I know in my gut that I’ll fail her.”

There was a moment of silence on the other end before his father spoke again. “Fail Julia or fail your charge?” His father sighed. “I think this assignment is exactly what you need. Don’t fight it. Whatever your gut is telling you, follow your instincts. You won’t fail her—neither of them.”

Aiden opened his mouth to ask his father what he meant, but didn’t get a chance.

“Good night, son.”

The click in the line confirmed that his father had disconnected the call.

Why had he not had the guts to tell his father outright that he couldn’t remain impartial when it came to Leila? Was it because deep down he didn’t want to be pulled off this assignment after all? That he wanted to continue to protect her because he wanted to be near her? How would he make it through this night, let alone the assignment, knowing what his body craved yet his code of ethics forbade?

Like an electric shock, a thought suddenly jolted him. Lifting his head, he listened. The shower was still running. With a jerk, he moved to the bathroom door. He’d been to this motel before. It was old and run down, but it served its purpose. However, the water supply in this dive left much to be desired. Aiden glanced at his watch. She’d been in the shower for half an hour. There couldn’t possibly be any hot water left.

“Leila.” He knocked to be heard over the running water. “Are you okay?”

There was no reply. He strained to hear whether she might be crying, but apart from the sound of the water, his sensitive hearing couldn’t discern any other noises.

“Leila!” he called out again.

What if she had hurt herself? Or had she overheard his conversation with his father? Damn it, he had to get in there and make sure she was okay. She’d probably be pissed at him for barging in on her, but he could live with that.

He passed through the door and stepped into the steam filled room. His eyes adjusted instantly and honed in on the window above the toilet. It was open.

“Stupid, stupid, stupid!” he cursed himself and rushed out of the empty bathroom.

He’d fallen for the oldest trick in the book. And he only had himself to blame.

TWELVE

Leila had noticed a sign for a subway station when Aiden had driven up to the hotel. Her handbag clutched tightly to her body, her limbs shaking from the cold night air, she ran, or rather limped, toward the entrance as fast as her aching ankle allowed. She fumbled for some quarters and dropped them into the ticket machine. The clinking of the coins as they made their way through the machine echoed in the empty entrance area.

She cast a look over her shoulder, scanning her surroundings, hoping that Aiden was still at the motel, thinking she was in the shower.

Her eyes tried to penetrate the dark but couldn’t. She saw nobody and hoped she was alone.

A coin dropped from her trembling fingers. She bent to retrieve it