mystic caravan mystery 02 - freaky lies (23 page)

Kade refused to back down, instead brushing his hand over my ear as he pushed a strand of hair from my face and tilted my chin so my eyes had nowhere to look but his handsome face. “What’s wrong?”

I wasn’t sure how to answer. “I’m okay.”

“You don’t look okay.”

“I … .”

“This is never going to work if you shut me out,” Kade said, his voice taking on a harsh tone. “I know you’re used to doing things on your own, but … .”

“It’s not that,” I said, cutting him off before he could get up a full head of steam. “I don’t know what to think about what just happened and I’m trying to wrap my brain around it. I’m not trying to cut you out. I’m trying to … figure … my way in.”

Kade exhaled heavily and then sucked in a calming breath. “Okay. Tell me what happened and we’ll go from there.”

I recounted my visit with Melissa, making sure to keep my voice even so I didn’t risk terrifying Kade – and ultimately myself. When I was done, Kade was even more confused.

“I don’t understand.”

“I can’t see my own future,” I explained. “No seer I know can. Even Max can’t see his future, and he’s the most powerful person I know.”

“So, you’re saying that you can’t see your future but this girl did,” Kade said, licking his lips. “What did she see?”

“She just warned me to be careful.”

“You’re keeping something from me,” Kade prodded. “What?”

“I’m not keeping anything from you,” I snapped, my full faculties finally returning. “She warned me something was coming and told me to be careful. Then she took off. That’s everything that happened.”

“Don’t yell at me,” Kade shot back. “You’re white … like ghost white … and your hands are shaking.” I glanced down and found he was right. When did that happen? “You’re afraid. I’ve never seen you like this before. I’m trying to help.”

“I know you are,” I said, tamping down my irritation as I struggled to maintain my cool. “I don’t know what to think.”

“I asked you about this before,” Kade said. “You told me you couldn’t see your own future so it was worthless to even try. If that girl sought you out she thinks she can see your future. She would only come to you if you were in danger. So … are you going to die?”

I hated how worried he sounded. “I’ll be fine,” I said, forcing a bright smile. “I have an inner danger alarm.” Which had technically been on the fritz, but he didn’t need to be reminded of that.

“Your inner danger alarm didn’t work the other night in the cornfield.” Kade’s tone was accusatory. “Your inner danger alarm didn’t tell you that another body was going to be dropped two miles from here.”

Good grief. He’s shrill when he works himself up into a lather. “I’ll be fine.”

“You will be fine,” Kade agreed, his resolve firm as he rested his hands on my shoulders and gazed into my eyes. “It’s okay to be afraid, though. You don’t always have to be so strong.”

I opened my mouth to argue but he cut me off with a kiss. It was soft at first, giving and full of solace. It changed quickly, though, as shared need overwhelmed both of us. Before I realized what was happening his hands were tangled in my hair and I was out of breath.

I had a feeling we were finally going to solve that trailer rocking problem – although making it back to my trailer seemed daunting given the fact that I had no inclination to move. My tent was right there, though. “Inside,” I murmured, grabbing the front of Kade’s shirt and pulling him in the direction of the partially open flap.

“No, let’s go back to the trailer,” Kade argued. “I want to lock the door and shut out the world. We can’t do that in your tent.”

“I … .”

“Shut up,” Kade growled, slamming his mouth into mine as he twined his fingers in my hair. I had no idea what argument I could mount but he was apparently sick of playing the waiting game. “We’re doing things my way for a change.”

Kade lifted me off the ground, never moving his mouth as he tugged me in the direction of my trailer. This part of the circus was relatively quiet and empty, but we still drew a few stares.

“Kade, people are watching.”

“Then I hope they like the show,” Kade said, slowly lowering me back to the ground and prodding me forward. “Move. I don’t want to hear one argument from you.”

I knew he was bossy, but this was something entirely new. “Are you sure?”

“Oh, don’t do this,” Kade whined. “I’ve been sure for … what feels like forever. At first I didn’t want to rush things; I didn’t think I was ready because I had to get used to this place. Then I didn’t rush things because I didn’t think you were ready.

“Honey, I’m ready to rush things,” he continued. “I’m pretty sure we’re both ready.”

“I’ve been ready for weeks,” I admitted breathlessly, throwing my arms around his neck as I rolled to the balls of my feet to give myself easier access to his mouth. “Let’s go.”

“Finally! Sometimes I think you argue just to argue,” Kade muttered, wrapping an arm around my waist as he tugged me toward trailer row.

“When you’re right, you’re right.”

“You can be right once we get out of these clothes,” Kade said, pressing another kiss to the corner of my mouth.

“I can’t believe this is finally going to happen.”

“Well, believe it,” Kade said. “I can’t wait one more second. Move your legs.”

My heart thudded with anticipation as Kade’s hand landed on my hip, imparting a sense of urgency with a simple touch. It might be a mistake, but somehow I knew I wouldn’t regret it. I might end up with only a fond memory out of the joining, but it would be something I would never forget.

My mind was already in my bedroom when Luke appeared on the pathway in front of us. Of course.

“Don’t even think about it,” Kade hissed, grabbing my hand and jerking me back when he caught sight of my confused best friend. “Turn around and … go someplace else.”

“What’s going on?” Luke asked, his eyes busy as they roamed over our disheveled clothing. I had no idea how my peasant blouse ended up untucked, or how Kade managed to pop two buttons off his shirt. “Oh, wow. Are you finally going to go deep sea diving for Poet’s pearl?”

He has a horrible way with words sometimes. “Um … we’re just taking a walk.” I was flustered, my mind jumbled. Losing myself in Kade for a few hours seemed like a good idea. Luke’s ruining it seemed a cruel punishment.

“Not that I’m not excited for you, but how did this come about?”

Kade growled. No, really. He sounded like an angry bear. “Luke, I will beat you if you don’t get out of our way.”

Luke smirked, undaunted. “I’m not in your way. I think this is a great thing. I believe you’re supposed to make sure the grounds are empty before engaging in kinky time, though.”

Kade growled again, the sound low and unnatural. “Someone else can close the circus down tonight. I’m … not feeling well.”

“Yes, I and I have to take his temperature,” I added.

“We all know the best way to do that is with tongues and wandering hands,” Luke said. “I really don’t want to rain on your parade – I’m telling the truth this time – but Max wants us to be on top of our game because he’s convinced undercover police officers are sneaking around. He sent me to ask that you stick close to the parking lot until everyone is gone.” The look Luke shot me was one of pure sympathy. “I’m sorry.”

Kade sighed as he glanced at me. “I can quit.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. The moment had already passed. “It’s fine,” I said, forcing a smile. “You have a job to do. I understand.”

“Oh, don’t make it sound as if the world is coming to an end,” Luke whined. “I’ll feel guilty if that happens.”

“Yeah, guilt isn’t the emotion I’m getting from you,” Kade said, running his hand down the back of my head as he pressed a quick kiss to my forehead. He wisely avoided my mouth. It would feel like too much of a tease if he went that route. “I think you’re enjoying this a little.”

“Maybe a little,” Luke conceded. “I don’t want Poet upset, though, so I’m only enjoying the part where you’re worked up. I’ll keep her company while you’re gone. That should make you feel better.”

“How?”

“I’ll make sure she shaves her legs and gets all pretty for when you’re done,” Luke replied, his smile bright. “Anticipation is half the fun.”

“It had better be,” Kade grumbled, moving in the direction of the main tent. “After all of this, I’ll cry if I don’t get to the actual fun part.”

“SO, TELL
me what’s going on with Tall, Dark and Grumpy,” Luke instructed, sitting across from me at the picnic table and shoving a beer in my direction. We’d left Kade ten minutes earlier, but I was still fixated on the moment we let slip through our fingers. “He seems even more annoying than usual.”

“He’s just upset.” I twisted the top on the beer and guzzled half of it before risking a glance at Luke. “We’re both upset because you have rotten timing.”

“I’ll buy some of that,” Luke said. “Something else is going on, though.”

He can always read my moods. It’s sweet … and frustrating. “What makes you say that?” I can turn avoidance into an art form if I’m motivated.

“I know what you’re doing, and that never works on me, so I have no idea why you even try to snow me,” Luke said, rolling his eyes. “If you want me to spell it out, Kade seems worked up by more than the possibility of sex, and you’re lost in your head. What gives?”

“Something happened tonight.”

“Yeah, Kade shoved his tongue in your mouth and was prepared to go all caveman and drag you to your trailer,” Luke said. “I saw that.”

“Not that.” I told him about my conversation with Melissa, being careful to leave nothing out. Unlike Kade, who was still learning the nuances of the paranormal world, Luke understood everything.

“I won’t let you die,” he announced, his eyes narrowing as he searched the area for potential threats. “That’s not going to happen on my watch.”

Even when I’m angry with him I love him beyond reason. “She didn’t say I was going to die,” I cautioned. “She just warned that I was a target.”

“We both know what that means,” Luke said. “If she saw you get attacked and survive she would’ve let it go. She only feels propelled to warn you because she knows you’re going to die.

“Well, let me tell you something, missy,” he continued. “That’s not going to happen as long as I’m drawing breath – and if I die before you I expect you to want to die, too, so that won’t be an issue. I don’t care if I have to tie myself to you. I’m not letting you out of my sight until we put Lincoln in the rearview mirror. I’ve always hated this town. Now I really hate it.”

“You’re going to tie us together?”

“That’s what I said.”

“That should make the sex Kade and I finally have more interesting,” I teased, earning a small smile from Luke. “She warned me because it’s possible to change the outcome. I have to be vigilant.”

“You have to let others help you,” Luke corrected. “I’m not messing around here. I’ve resigned myself to losing part of you to Security Studmuffin. I won’t lose anything else.”

I reached over and grabbed his hand, giving it a good squeeze as I locked gazes with him. “I love you no matter what. You know that, right?”

“I love you more.” Luke’s eyes were glassy. “I love you the most.”

I let loose with an exasperated sigh. “It’s not a competition, Luke.”

“It is a competition,” Luke countered, his eyes moving to the busy circus grounds as Kade led the guests off the premises. “I always win when I compete. You know that.”

“I do know that,” I said, meeting Kade’s eyes as he passed. He offered a small wave before shooting Luke a dirty look.

“Don’t let her get drunk,” Kade shouted out. “I want her firing on all cylinders when I get back there.”

“No promises,” Luke yelled back, although he offered Kade a thumbs-up. “I’ll make sure she’s washed, powdered and oiled for you.”

I made a face as Kade smiled and continued toward the parking lot. “Wouldn’t oil and powder work against each other?”

“Only if you don’t know what you’re doing,” Luke replied. “I happen to know what I’m doing. I’m a genius.”

“So you’ve told me.”

Luke’s expression turned serious. “We’ll get through this. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“I won’t let anything happen to you either.”

“You’re the other half of my heart,” Luke said, his voice cracking. “I know I tease you, but … you’re the best thing that ever happened to me.”

My eyes flooded with tears. “Luke, don’t say things like that. You’re going to make me cry.” I surreptitiously swiped a falling tear. “I don’t want puffy eyes.”

“Yes, you have to look good for your big night,” Luke said, grazing his thumb against my cheek as he swiped the moisture away. “I meant what I said, though. I’ll love you forever.”

“If that’s true you’ll give me those cheerleading photographs to make me feel better.” It was a quick conversational turn, but I wasn’t above using potential tragedy to get what I wanted.

“Oh, that was low,” Luke muttered, shaking his head. “Just for that I’m going to show them to Kade as soon as he gets back here.”

“If you do that I’ll wrestle you down in the dirt until your clothes are ruined.”

“That’s the meanest thing you’ve ever said to me.” Luke looked affronted. “Here I am being all sweet and you go off and say something like that.”

“I’m sorry.”

“You should be sorry.”

“I still want those photos,” I said.

“Learn to live with disappointment.”

I launched myself over the table, taking Luke by surprise as he giggled. He managed to get his hands around my wrists before I got a hold of him. It was an immature moment, but I think we both needed it to head off the serious thoughts plaguing us.

The happy moment was fleeting because a blood-curdling scream cut through the night air, causing everyone in the vicinity to shift his or her attention toward the parking lot. A murmur went up through the slow-moving crowd, but they remained calm until a second scream erupted.

Then everyone panicked, additional screams joining the fray as the terrified guests began pushing toward the parking lot, creating a stampede. They didn’t realize they were heading toward danger, not running from it.