C5 CHAPTER FIVE

PULLED by some magic tide, Philian Rivers washed into Mario ’s path.

From her vantage point, Nikki could see her husband’s sober expression falter as he looked up at the man who blocked his progression to her. She waited long enough to see the recognition flicker across Mario’s features as he stared at the giant in white.

Another second and surprise left Mario ’s face and hatred flooded in.

Nikki didn’t wait to see what happened next. Slipping out of her shoes, she whirled and ran up the stairs.

The house was a mini palace, big as a hotel. At the top of the stairs, Nikki slipped past the sign marking the hall beyond as “Private.”

Oh well, she’d ask Armris later who owned the palace so she could beg forgiveness for trespassing. Escape was more important at the moment. She hurried down the hall, testing a few of the doors to see if one could lead to a safe hiding place.

None of the doorknobs turned. Nikki ran barefoot from one to another, imagining Mario stalking up the stairs, the victor (of course) of whatever faceoff he might have had with Philian Rivers. He’d pause at the top of the stairs, order his Shades to wait, and come for her.

Finally, the door at the end of the hallway opened and Nikki walked out onto a balcony. The air was cold and crisp but did little to cool her overheated skin. Hurrying to the balustrade, she leaned over and looked out over the garden, heaving in a deep breath.

Second floor. No way down. Nowhere else to run.

She blinked rapidly as her heart raced, looking over her shoulder. Maybe he wouldn’t find her? But there’d been that look in his eye. He was done waiting.

Two months ago, riding in Maeve’s car away from the Udall Estate, she’d texted him: I’ve left you. I’m somewhere safe. Please don’t come after me.

She’d turned her phone off, and Maeve had dropped her off at Ophelia ’s apartment. After kissing Drutus goodbye (and getting a doggy lick in return), Nikki had gone inside to Ophelia and Annabelle, to hug and cry. Armris had shown up an hour later bearing wine. Armris hadn’t chastised her, but hugged her until tears came to her eyes. They drank until dawn.

The next day, she turned on her phone and stared at the six voicemails Mario left her. And one text: We need to talk.

After saving the voicemails without listening to them, she’d texted him back. She was a coward, but she was resigned to being one.

I can’t right now but we will soon. I promise. I need time.

She’d left out what she really wanted to say. His reply said it for her. I’ll wait. I love you.

He’d kept his word. He hadn’t sought her out for two months. Oh, Nikki knew he checked up on her, and every week flowers were delivered to Ophelia ’s apartment that Annabelle and Ophelia swore weren’t from any of their admirers. But no phone calls, no texts. No showing up on her doorstep. Nothing until tonight. His patience had run out.

Nikki took her now freezing hands away from the stone and rubbed them together. The truth was, as much as she’d been dreading this day, she knew it needed to happen. Closure, right? Everyone said it was important. If only she was strong enough.

She and Mario were wrong for each other. From the beginning they’d sparked like fire but what was it worth if it burned the whole world down?

She’d told herself that she needed the past two months to think. But the truth was, sticking her head in the sand was the only way she knew to become deaf and blind to his charms. Seeing him again now, she knew the truth.

She wanted him. She…liked succumbing to the pull he had over her. If she was being honest with herself, and this was very, very hard to admit…she always had. She wanted his overwhelming strength to roll over her and fill her with desire. She wanted him too much.

And she hated herself for that. Her desire for him, her weakness. She wanted to be able to stand up to him and prove she was strong enough to live her own life.

She had to break the cycle. It was up to her.

Footsteps sounded behind her.

And now was her chance.

Finally, she was here in front of him. Mario stepped through the grand doors and out onto the balcony with her. His wife. They were reunited at last.

The last two months had been hell. Ask anyone who’d been around Mario. Sharo, the Shades. They’d all learned to steer clear of him other than when absolutely necessary.

Nikki ’s back was to Mario but he knew she felt him. She always could. They were connected, no matter the miles that might separate them. Nothing could sever their bond.

So he’d given her the time she asked for. She’d been scared. Everything that had gone down…it was bad. She thought she needed space, so okay. Every single day he’d wanted to drive over, tear down the door to her friend’s apartment, and drag her back to the Estate where she belonged. At his side.

For her, though, he’d fought his less evolved nature and let her be. But enough was enough. She was his wife and it was time for her to come home.

“Nikki.” Her name was a sensuous caress on his tongue. He’d never wanted anything as much as he wanted her.

She turned and the string of connection between them pulled taut.

She was so fucking gorgeous, he almost lost his breath. She was statuesque and beautiful, delicate, with