get a handle on him long enough to be able to do it. I hate feeling so useless. So weak.
Death disappears.
“Can someone tell me what you guys were just talking about,” Jarrod asks. “What do you have to do? Can I help?”
“No, you can’t. Are your bedrooms upstairs?” I ask.
Jarrod nods. I can see the confusion on his face.
“You heard Death. We’ll be here for less than two hours. We need a bedroom now. There isn’t much time.” I know I’m being a dick, but it can’t be helped. I’ll make it up to Jarrod.
Jarrod shrugs. “Of course, I guess you need to freshen up. Catch some Zs.” He nods a few times.
I don’t say anything.
“Um…the last bedroom is mine. You can take any of the others.”
I nod. “Don’t disturb us,” I warn him.
He frowns. “Do you need food?”
“We don’t need anything. Just the room. Send Death up when he gets here.” Then I’m taking Nia’s hand and leading her up the stairs. My mouth is dry, and my dick is hard. I can’t believe how ready I am to have sex again. I don’t just want it. I crave it. My body is buzzing with need. These near-death experiences seem to have that effect on me.
“Do you think it will help?” Nia asks. “Do you think…?”
I glance back as we reach the landing. “There is only one way to find out.” I stop walking, “Are you okay with this?” I realize that in my urgency, I never actually considered Nia.
She nods once. “Yes.” Her pupils are dilated, and her breathing is rapid. I realize that she is just as turned on as I am.
I pass the first bedroom and push open the door to the very next one. I shut the door behind us. My eyes are on Nia. She grips the hem of her dress and lifts it over her head.
I’m floored all over again at how fucking gorgeous she is. From her eyes to her tits to her flared hips. She’s perfect to hold onto. Perfect to bury into. Just perfect.
I pull my own shirt over my head. “I need a shower, but I’m not leaving you here. It’s too dangerous.” I feel anger well inside me. “Not that I’ll be all that effective at fighting that dickhead off.” My voice is a low growl. I toss my shirt on the ground.
18
Nia
Rage’s broad chest is heaving. His hands have balled into fists. I can smell adrenaline and a good dose of testosterone. There’s also the peppery scent of anger. His muscles bulge and shift beneath his skin. He’s as terrifying as he is beautiful. He may not think much of himself, but I know he’s ultimately a good man. He’s helping me. Thing is, I’ve looked into the eyes of true evil. Rage is too hard on himself. He isn’t five seconds away from being Gaire. He’s nothing like that asshole.
I can see that he’s beating himself up over what just went down with Gaire. “You did a great job,” I tell him, meaning it.
I’m leveled with a dark stare that has my heart beating faster.
He disappears into the bathroom, and I hear the water spatter to life. I follow him. “I mean it,” I say. “There’s another thing that’s improved during a compulsion, and that’s my senses. When your boot connected with his torso, I heard a rib snap. You broke one of his bones.” I grin broadly. I still almost can’t believe it. I know I probably shouldn’t be this ecstatic about something so violent, but I am, and in a big way. “In the year I knew Gaire, no one got that close to begin with. If they did, they didn’t get a punch or a kick in. Not one that actually connected and did damage.” I laugh. “I’m sure he’s afraid of you. I love the idea of him being the one to feel pain for a change, and not just for me but for all the people he’s hurt over the years.”
His gaze softens for a moment. “I appreciate the compliment, Nia, but I think you’re being a little optimistic about my abilities.” I think I catch a half-smile…or at least the start of one.
I watch him toe off his boots and then unsnap his jeans. “I’m serious,” I say. “You’re so much better than you think. Your ability to keep your feet under you…” I shake my head in awe.
“He’s much stronger. I hate saying it, but it’s true.” Rage steps