"The mere fact you ask yourself those questions suggests his plan hasn't entirely worked." He walked back into the room and placed a steaming tray on the bedside table. She ignored it and sat up. “He had me for three nights, Michael. He might still have my mind. What happens if I do betray you?"
"We'll deal with it if and when it happens.” He sat on the bed beside her and placed an arm around her shoulders. She leaned into him, savoring the warmth of his body.
"We cannot undo what has been done. You must fight it, Nikki."
"And if I can't?” She rested her cheek lightly against his shoulder and tried to ignore the gentle strength with which he held her. Lord, it felt so right in his arms...
"Then we're all in trouble."
The grimness in his voice made her shiver. Just what would he do if she ever did betray him?
He sighed, a slightly bitter sound that pierced her heart. “When will you realize I would never hurt you?"
"I'm sorry.” She bit her lip, regretting her thoughts the minute his arm left her shoulders. His touch fought the demons in her mind, easing the chill forming a tight knot of fear in the pit of her stomach. He rose and retrieved the tray, placing it over her knees. “Finish the whole bowl. You need to get some nourishment back into your system. Give me a call if you want anything else."
"Why? Where are you going?” She hated the slight edge of panic in her voice, yet the thought of being alone filled her with fear.
"I'll be resting on the couch in the other room. It's been a long three days, I'm afraid." Had he eaten ... ?
"I haven't.” His answer was grim. “Do you think it was easy for me, knowing who had you? Imagining what he was doing?"
"I'm sorry.” She hesitated, not sure what to say, not sure how to take the touch of pain in his eyes. “I just thought vampires had no choice but to sleep during the day."
"Everyone must sleep, Nikki, even those of us not quite human. Vampires do so during the day because, for the most part, the sun is deadly to us."
She remembered the sun touching Jasper's back, and the red welts it left there. “And feeding?” she asked softly, not really sure if she wanted to know the answer.
"I do not dine on human blood, Nikki. Nor do I need to feed every day, as Jasper and Monica must.”