“Almost finished.” He shifted his shoulders to face me, curling both hands around my skull.
I tried not to think about what the other ride-goers were seeing. A man getting ready to kiss a woman?
No thoughts, remember?Right. I needed to let Cain do his thing.
“There’s a block, but it’s not like anything I’ve encountered before.” This close, through the dark glasses, I could see his silver-and-ice eyes darken. “I don’t think it was a Fallen who did this. Even if it was, I’m not strong enough to get past it without risking damage to your brain.”
The spinning ride slowed its turning, and the outside world took shape.
“No, I’d prefer to keep my mind in one piece.” I rubbed my temples and squinted from the building headache.
Cain put his hands around my wrists and pulled them away. “Let me.”
I didn’t argue. The mother of all migraines pounded inside, making the cheery, recorded music seem louder than it had a few minutes ago.
Those black tendrils of power swirled around his fingertips then he tangled them into my hair, resting his thumbs against my forehead, pressing the tips against my skin. The pain immediately vanished.
I let out a small moan of relief.
His eyelids lowered, and his stare landed on my mouth.
“Thank you.”
My words seemed to break whatever spell he’d been under, and he removed his hands. “You’re welcome.” His tone, quick and clipped, seemed gruffer than usual.
“Guess I’ll never know what happened to me or my dad that day.” The carousel came to a stop, and I stood, ready to leave because it gave me the creeps.
“Maybe it’s better you don’t remember.” Cain rose to his feet, took my elbow, and led me out of the crowd. “I didn’t sense any maliciousness in the block. If anything, it felt...protective.” He took my hand and steered us to a concession stand at the edge of the picnic area. “I think it’s connected with the necklace.”
I rubbed the pendant, grateful for its protection. “What are we doing?” Seeing Cain standing in line, about to order a hamburger like a normal person, almost made me bust out laughing.
“This is a lunch date, is it not?” He lifted an eyebrow, his irises once again hidden behind the dark glasses.
The smell of grilling hamburgers and French fries sent my stomach into a long growl.
“That it is, but I was going to pay for it.”
“Too late. I’m taking care of it.” Stepping up to the counter, he directed his next words to the vendor. “Two combo meals, please.”
The man, his clothing covered with an orange apron, rang up Cain’s order. “Eighteen fifty, sir.”
Cain plopped another twenty-dollar bill on the counter.
Probably more stolen money.I shook my head and grimaced.At least he’s targeting corrupt people.This change in behavior, though mild, gave me hope.
“We can talk and enjoy each other’s company.” I gave Cain’s arm a squeeze. “I want to stop worrying about the past or the future, at least for a while. Let’s just live for now.”
The cashier turned, washed his hands, and lifted two fully cooked patties lying on the grill and threw our food together, then handed the stacked tray to Cain.
He took it and loped to an empty table. “Living for the moment sounds delightful.”
I slid onto the seat beside him with our thighs touching one another and let the sunshine and fresh air wash away the darkness.
When Cain gave me a bright grin, happiness and hope rose in my chest. I nudged a shoulder into his, knowing no words were needed.
That tentative connection I’d felt from the first time we’d met seemed to strengthen. For whatever reason, he and I had been meant to find one another. Maybe I was supposed to be his tether to humanity, a line to lead him out of the black world he’d lived for so long, a balm against the loneliness he’d known for so many years.
For whatever purpose he needed me, I’d save him no matter the cost because he’d do the same for me.
