She recalled what Aerén had told her about Reynner and the women from his world. Despite knowing he loved her, her stomach twisted into a painful knot.
“Eve.” He cupped her face and brushed his lips against hers. “That was eons ago. None of them meant anything, until you.”
Her throat tightened with suppressed emotions at his words. And deep within her soul she felt his absolute love, like a warm glow.
Eve pulled back, determined to end this goddess’s hold on him. “Reynner, tell Inanna no.”
“It’s not that simple. I gave her my word not to use my powers for that night until I left the next day. But she didn’t release me like she’d promised. Instead, she bound me to her while I was in a drugged sleep. No, I have no idea how. Maybe it was through the wine I had, the crap she burns in her place...”
Shaken to her core, Eve whispered, “But you must have mages, oracles who could—”
He shook his head. “I've tried them—tried everything, I even cut the damn brand off my chest, nothing works.”
“That star?” she said horrified. “Sheput that on you?”
He nodded.
Now she understood that day in her studio when she’d thought he didn’t want her to touch him. It was the star. Eve’s fingers balled into fists. She wasn’t a violent person, but right then, she wanted the goddess drawn and quartered.
“Eve, there’s something else you must understand, must be prepared for. Being with me is dangerous. I don’t want you hurt or caught in any crossfire. Inanna is lethal—”
“I don’t care.”
“She’ll use you, hurt you to get me to do what she wants.”
At his warning, her heart constricted. “Wh-what are you saying?”
His expression became granite. “Don’t worry, I’ll handle her.”
“Reynner—”
“You are my life, Eve. I will never let anything happen to you.” A vow.
Still, unease filled her. She recalled the kiss in the gallery. Ice brushed over her skin in foreboding. In life, nothing was permanent, and that witch could take Reynner away from her.
No. Never. Not if she could help it.
“C’mon,me’seya, let’s get you inside, you need to rest. We have a long night ahead of us tomorrow. We start scouting for the artifact.” He opened the car door, came around to her side, and helped her out.
Before she could ask, he smiled. Said, “Sweetheart.”
As they headed into the building, Eve’s cell beeped. She retrieved her phone from her bag and read the text message from Kataya.Are you all right?
She tried to text but the darn cracked glass made it difficult. Autocorrect was giving her the strangest words.Damn. She needed to reassure her friend she was okay.
“May I borrow your cell?” she asked him. “Mine’s gone all wonky. It’s Kat, she’ll think something awful happened if I don’t respond.” Eve realized then she probably should apologize for her friend’s anger at the gallery. “Reynner, I know Kat can be in your face at times, but it’s just her way. She saw that woman kissing you, and all her alarms went off.”
Reynner stroked her back then handed her his phone. “You don’t have to explain anything. Make your call.”
***
After Eve had gone to bed, Reynner headed back to the living room. Aerén had taken the bedroom Reynner had used before, but sleep was the last thing on his mind.
Now that he no longer had to hide his feelings from Eve, he slid safely into her mind, needing the contact—the anchor. Heavens, he closed his eyes, reveling in the peace their bond provided him.
A peace he’d never thought possible.
He glanced at the corridor. Longing for her hit him hard. He planted his booted feet to the floor so he wouldn’t head back there. She’d had a tiring day, needed the rest, and he needed to think. He had bigger problems now.
