She found Reynner alone in the living room, dressed for the day in black jeans and a gray tee, his hair tied back with a black elastic band.
At her entrance, he turned from the window. She wondered if he ever relaxed. Everything about him was too contained, except for that time in his bedroom when he’d lost control. He may have been furious with her, but that’s how she wanted him. All raw passion focused only on her.
She met his cool gaze. No, she wouldn’t ever see him lose control like that again.
Swallowing her regret, she poured a mug of coffee, loaded it with sugar, and took a deep drink.
Reynner crossed to the small counter that separated the kitchen. “Are you all right?”
She nearly choked on her coffee.Of course, he’d ask about last night.Her gaze shifted to a bakery box on the counter and clung to it like a lifeline. “I’m fine. You got doughnuts?”
She lifted the lid off the carton and found an assortment of cakes. Selecting one powdered with sugar, she took a bite. Nope, she couldn’t imagine Lucan trekking through the Village to buy doughnuts. He’d probably freeze everyone with his glacial stare. It had to be Reynner.
“Where’s the mage,” she asked, licking her lips free of powered sugar.
“Gone.” At the abrupt response, she looked up. The burn in that indigo stare held her breathless. He looked like he wanted to devour her. And naturally, her treacherous body melted in response.
But when his expression closed off, wiping out the moment like it had never happened, pain rose from deep within her. Her appetite disappeared. She dropped the doughnut back into the box. If he could pretend there was nothing between them, then she’d just have to try, as well.
Eve forced her mind back on the job she had to do. “What happens next?”
“Once the scroll reveals the location of the Stone, we go get it.”
“That’s it?”
He nodded. “I asked Lucan to hold off with the scrying since the scroll seemed to be having an adverse effect on you. It would be safer if we went back to Exilum to do the rest.”
He didn’t have to remind her that their enemies were lurking in the shadows, waiting for an opportunity to grab the artifact.
“We’ll leave as soon as you’re ready.”
That’s what he thought. Before she took off to another realm, her life on this one needed her attention first. She discarded her coffee and rinsed her mug in the sink. “Not today.”
“Why not?”
Setting the cup aside, she shut off the faucet and faced him. “Because I have a life here, too. I don’t know how long we’ll be gone. And I can’t have my friends wondering where I am.” At his narrowed-eyed look, she couldn’t resist adding, “You can come over tomorrow, I should be ready.”
“So you can keep your date with the artist?” The flat words took on a razor edge.
“That’s none of your business.” It wasn’t jealousy that provoked his reaction, but his determination to not let anything stand in his way of finding the artifact.
Well, too damn bad. She choked back her anger, swiped her car keys and bag off the counter, and stormed to the front door. And came to a grinding halt when she found him already there. She really hated that he could move so fast.
It was pointless to say anything, especially when he hadthatlook on his face. One that spelled trouble, all tight lips and hard eyes. Clamping down her frustration, she stalked out of the apartment. When she stopped beside her blue Mini Cooper, he stared at her like she’d lost her mind. Unlike normal people, she couldn’t take public transport because the risks were too great. A crowd meant opening herself to a crapload of emotions. And summer was far too hot to wear gloves all the time.
Reynner strode over to his Porsche parked on the opposite side of the street. He opened the passenger door and waited. As far as the debate of wills went, she wasn’t winning this one.
“Where to?” he asked once they were in the car.
“The gallery.”
***
Eve thankfully stepped out of the ancient elevator when the door finally chimed open on the sixth floor. Being so close to Reynner wasn’t good for her peace of mind. Now with the scroll in hand, it should only be a matter of days before the Stone was located. Then Reynner would be gone.
She pulled in a deep breath and tried to ease the compression in her chest at the thought as she entered the air-conditioned gallery. The strong odor of linseed oil and paint assailed her nose.
Eric wasn’t in, but his assistant, James, was. Slender and average height, he slouched at his desk, one hand playing with his spiked brown hair as he spoke on the phone.
