She didn’t invite him in.
He raised an eyebrow, and she glanced over her shoulder but still hung onto the door.
He rested his hands on her shoulders, leaned down, and kissed her cheek. He always experienced an unexpected need to protect her, whenever he saw her—something he’d never experienced before, even with Kaitlin. But then, Kaitlin could look after herself, or so she’d always told him.
When he stepped back, she was studying him, head cocked to one side.
“Can I come in?” he asked.
“Of course. Kaitlin will be...”
“Happy to see me?” he finished for her.
She didn’t answer. She was the only member of the Kindred Kane couldn’t read. Whatever the Conclave had done to her mind, it had locked it away from the rest of them. With most people, he’d just have a quick glimpse inside their thoughts. But from Josie, he got nothing. And she gave nothing away outwardly. He’d guess she didn’t like him—she was Kaitlin’s friend after all.
Then the solemn expression melted, and she smiled. “No, she won’t be pleased to see you. She really doesn’t like you; you know.”
“I know.”
“Persuade her to go to the meeting.”
That was a surprise. He’d been sure she would side with Kaitlin. She must have seen his expression. “She needs to spend time with them. She won’t admit it, but she misses them.”
“I doubt she misses me.”
“No, probably not. Kaitlin hates you.” She gave another small smile. “She’s always talking about you.”
What the hell did that mean?
Then she shrugged. “But time is running out. She needs to forgive herself for what happened to Sam and move on before it’s too late.”
“She’s done nothing that needs forgiveness.” Unlike him.
“Weknow that.”
Finally, she stood back and opened the door wider, and he stepped into the hallway. He could hear voices and he followed the sound, opening another door that led into a living/dining area. Kaitlin sat at the table. They’d clearly just finished eating, the table cleared away.
As always, his gaze was drawn toward her, and a fist clenched around his heart. She was so bright, she almost shone. Her hair was cut short, but with a fringe that flopped over her forehead,and which sported a violet streak through it that matched the tight T-shirt she wore.
She was ignoring him and concentrating on her companion. A man. A stranger. Kane was guessing that she already knew he was here—he’d never told her not to go into his head. He could stop her if he wanted to, but why bother? She’d always said she wanted a world with no more lies, and he had nothing to hide from her.
Of course, that made him wonder what she was hiding from him. What didn’t she want him to know she was thinking? Why had Josie said she talked about him all the time?
Best not to read too much into these things. Likely, it was just wishful thinking.
Finally, she looked up and straight into his face. She stared at him for a moment, a challenge in her eyes, then she leaned across, slipped her hand around the strange guy’s neck, pulled him close, and kissed him.
Chapter 5
Kane watched the kiss through narrowed eyes but remained silent.
He sensed Josie come up beside him and gave her a sideways glance. She looked no more pleased about the kiss than he was.
Finally, Kaitlin released the man and raised her head, her expression...defiant. Still, she didn’t look as if the kiss had stirred her in any way.
Kane turned his attention to the man. He’d said he wouldn’t go into Kaitlin’s head, but anyone else was fair game. Unlike the Kindred—who had been brought up to never read anyone whowasn’t a designated target—Kane had never had any limits on who he read.
Except self-imposed ones, and he didn’t bother much with those.
