It had given him more comfort than he had a right to ask for.
What if you fail again to kill Desiderius?
The idea horrified him. Amanda would be alone. He closed his eyes and thought of her lying in the hospital like Tabitha. Or worse.
No, Amanda was right, he needed to teach her to protect herself.
Desiderius was too dangerous. Too crafty. Worse, the bastard had delivered on his promise. He knew exactly where to hit.
"Kyrian?"
He looked up at Amanda.
She brought the plate of spaghetti and salad over to him and set it on the table, then placed her hand against his brow. "Don't think about it."
"Think about what?"
"Desiderius. You were thinking so hard, I swear I could hear your thoughts."
Esmeralda stuck her head in the kitchen. "I'm headed out to deliver Cara's baby. Are you sure you're all right alone with him?"
"I'm fine, Essie. Go, shoo, begone."
"All right, but I'll call later."
Amanda growled at her sister and looked at Kyrian. "Have you ever tried to live with nine mothers?"
"No, I can't say that I have."
After he had finished eating and called Nick, Amanda took him upstairs to bathe.
Kyrian stood completely still as she unbuttoned his shirt and removed it, then she undid his pants. He hardened as her fingers brushed against him. "You know, I haven't had an actual bath in decades. I always shower."
"Well, this will be more fun-I promise." Rising up on her toes, she kissed him lightly on the lips.
Kyrian followed her lead as she placed him in the tub. The hot water felt wonderful against his skin as she lathered a washcloth. He traced the line of her jaw with his fingers.
Amanda removed her clothes, then joined him in the tub.
Kyrian wrapped her in his arms, but as she moved against him, old memories assailed him.
All of a sudden, he was in his old home and he could feel Theone against him. See her cold face.
Amanda felt him stiffen. "Did I hurt you?"
"Let me up," he said, pushing her away.
Something was wrong with him. Something bad. "Kyrian?"
He wouldn't meet her eyes and suddenly she understood what D'Alerian had meant earlier.
Determined to rid Kyrian of his demons, she grabbed his face in her hands and forced him to look at her. "Kyrian, I am not Theone and I will never betray you."
"Let me-"
"Look at me!" she insisted. "Look into my eyes."
He did.