Legacy of Secrets 01-Cursed Secrets (26 page)

“I hope you’re right,” I answered as Lia bounded into the kitchen.

“Right about what?” she asked, looking us both over.

“Nothing important. Come on, we’ll be late,” I eyed Austin. He stared blankly after Lia as we left and I couldn’t help feeling that something was off.

“Well, you’re going to have to help me up again. You haven’t put the steps on yet,” she accused.

“I know. I’ve just been a little busy. I’ll get right on that,” I snapped. Her expression halted me.

“I’m sorry. Look, I don’t want to argue tonight. This is about you and your grandfather, not us. Are we agreed?”

“Yes. I don’t want to argue either.”

“So, can I help you in?” I smiled halfheartedly. She nodded.

I braced myself for the jolt and slowly snaked my hands around her hips. She gasped, I almost did too, when the humming came alive. It was almost impossible to pull away, but I knew I had to. Her heart sped up as I stared into her e
yes and for a moment, forgetting what I was supposed to be doing.
She gently moved my hands away and the haze lifted from my mind. I backed away slowly, rubbing the back of my neck.

She exhaled a shaky breath, “I’m not sure this is a good idea. I can only control so much…”

“I’ll just keep my distance, it will be fine.”

“You don’t get it,” she whispered. “It doesn’t matter if you keep your distance. When you’re close, my body just reacts. If I catch myself before the sensations hit, it’s almost bearable. Once it happens, there’s no going back. I’ll just make you uncomfortable.”

“Lia, I understand more than you think. I told you we can do this and we will. Now buckle up,” I shut her door and took my time getting in.
After taking a few deep breaths, I put my game face on and climbed in for the ride.

The trip wasn’t uncomfortable, possibly a better word is tense. Neither of us spoke much, afraid something might ignite the electricity between us. It was nice, though. I missed being alone with her. I smiled and relaxed against the seat.

“What are you so happy about?” she grumbled.

“I wouldn’t say I’m happy, but I’m content. What are you so
un
happy about?” I glanced at her blank expression and chuckled.

Lia

“That’s a stupid question,” I shook my head.

“I suppose it is. But if you go home acting miserable it may be harder to prove I’m taking care of you.”

“I know,” I stared out the window, hoping I was a good actress.

“Can I ask you something?” his voice sent a nervous shudder down my spine.

“That depends on what it is.”

“Why doesn’t me being a vampire bother you?”

“Why would it? I knew you before you told me. It didn’t change anything,” I looked at him, wringing my hands in my shirt.

“You aren’t afraid I’ll hurt you? That one day it will be too much to resist and I’d bite you?”

“No. Honestly, I’m more afraid of hurting
you
,” his laughter filled the small space.

“Now that is absurd. I’m
practically
immortal, Lia.”

“But none of us know what I’m actually capable of. I don’t even know what I am, which makes sense as to why you hate me.”

“I do not hate you.”

“Right,” I snorted.

“I don’t. I can’t, actually. That’s why I get so angry. None of this is your fault. It’s not right for me to blame you. But…”

“Ah, there it is.”

He sighed, “But it’s safer for you if our relationship is less complicated.”

I busted out laughing, “As if it isn’t
complicated
already? Even if I had
zero
abilities, you’re still a vampire so I think that would be considered a complication, don’t you?” I smirked.

“Maybe, but maybe not. Despite what you may believe, I have remarkable
self-control
,” his glanced toward me.

The smile slid from my face and I sighed, “I know you do.” I waved off his questioning look and retu
rned to staring out the window.
We were silent the rest of the drive, lost in our own thoughts. I couldn’t shake the memories of before; when I was hap
py. So much happened so quickly;
it seemed so long ago.

As we pulled into the driveway, I fought against a new wave of emotions. I was so happy to see Nana and Pops, but terribly nervous at the same time. Figuring out what I needed to know was going to be difficult to say the least.

“Do you want me to wait in the car?” he asked.

“No. I’ll feel better with you there, I think,” I answered hesitantly.

“Okay. Do you need a minute?” he grazed my arm with his fingertips lightly, sending a shock through my system. I grasped the door handle, trying to steady the surge that threatened to overtake me. His breath caught, but he continued brushing my arm ever so lightly.

“Why are you torturing me?” I asked through clenched teeth.

“Perhaps I torture myself more,” he breathed into my ear. My heart skipped a beat.

“How do you figure?” I whispered while refusing to look at him.

“Because I feel what we both feel. Right now, it’s
very
hard not to act on those feelings,” he answered and leaned even closer.

“I thought you have remarkable self-control,” I smirked.

******************************************************************************

With a past fueled by blood, sex and death, Christian vowed to be different. The things he witnessed left him hardened, turning his body and heart to ice.

A tiny sliver of humanity remained, leading him to Lia like a moth to a flame. Mortal desires awakened inside him, chipping away the cold. He tells Lia his story, realizing she's the one who revived him. She's the fire to his ice.

“A successful person is a dreamer whom someone believed in…”

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