"I won't tell anyone," she insisted, softening her voice. "I just need to know."
"What difference would it make?" he snapped, growing tired of this conversation. "Would you throw me out?"
"No," she said breathily, sounding reconciled. "I don't think I could ever throw you out."
"Then why do you have to know?"
The fire returned to her eyes as she narrowed them on him. "Because I want you to be open and honest with me, to share your life."
Her words tore through him. Bitter longing swelled inside his heart as he remembered how hopeless having her had seemed as a mortal man. Back then only social standing and gossips had stood between them. Now the entire universe was united to keep them apart. "What makes you think I want to share my life? Maybe I'm just using you for sex."
Her face stricken, she backed away from him. "Are you?"
The pain in her eyes ripped him apart. He didn't want to hurt her.
"Are you?" he asked, turning the question back on her.
"Tell me what it is you want from me, Sunshine."
"I honestly don't know. Part of me is drawn to you and part of me is scared of you. There's something very dark inside your eyes. If I wanted to get to know you better, would you let me?"
"No," he said between clenched teeth, "we can't."
"Then you owe me a reason why we can't. You know I'm not some child in need of a father to make my decisions for me. I thought you respected me."
"I do."
"Then treat me like an adult. Tell me why it is you refuse to answer even the most basic question about yourself."
What she asked for was impossible. He could never tell her about his current life, not unless Acheron or Artemis released him from his oath.
"If I tell you who I am, your life will be in danger."
"I live in New Orleans over one of the most popular clubs in town and park my car in an alley where two men were murdered last night. My life is always in danger."
"Those weren't men last night and they weren't murdered." Talon didn't know why he let that escape.
"Then what were they?"
Tell her...
The command was so strong. Never once had he broken his Code of Silence. Never.
"The Daimons wanted to party with your girlfriend, Celt. Don't leave her unprotected."
She had a right to know what was out there gunning for her.
"Talon." She stepped into his arms and placed her hands on his face. Her touch was soothing and warm.
It almost succeeded in breaking him.
"Trust me. Whatever it is, I won't ever tell a soul."
"I can't, Sunshine. I can't."
"You won't, Talon. You won't." She expelled an irritated breath and dropped her hands. "Fine. Keep your secrets. Go ahead and blow me off. Live a happy life and do whatever it is you do."
She moved away from him.