Duke pulled close to the walk, then turned to Olivia. Can you park this? Call Marrok and tell him your location. Suggest that Sabelle fetch you as soon as possible. I hate to leave you alone, even for a moment.
Olivia laid a soft hand on his shoulder. Im fine.
Bad people still want their bloody hands on you, my little le Fay. Youre in danger. Be careful.
Le Fay? Like Morganna le Fay?
A smile curved the beautys mouth. Youre like the annoying big brother I never had.
Big brothers know best. Now go.
At Olivias nod, Duke exited the vehicle, doffing his sweater. When, the back door opened, he leaned in. Sydney wriggled to lower her skirt, which earned her a growl from Caden. Hurstgrove never looked her way.
Come with me. Duke grabbed Caden by the neck and yanked him to his feet. Caden fought, hitting his head on the top of the door.
Careful! she insisted.
As soon as he cleared the vehicle, Caden snarled and whirled, throwing wicked punches in the air.
Duke spun him around, then clamped his arms around Cadens middle. Put this on. He tossed her his sweater. Go. Open your door. Well follow.
Sydney skipped the lift and headed for the stairs, uncertain that Duke could contain Caden during the ancient machines long ascent.
Behind her, Caden grunted, straining to be free. She swallowed. His desire was contagious. Want hiked up her breathing, cramped her sex. But terror crept in. What if she couldnt help him? What if her efforts to reach his heart didnt heal him? What if this was all due to that damn book?
Suddenly, Duke huffed. Bloody hell!
Glancing over her shoulder, Sydney found Duke doubled overand Caden charging for her. He pinned her to the wall a moment later, grabbing her thigh in one hand and nipping at her throat with his lips. She felt his erection pressed against her. Her anticipation skyrocketed, and she palmed her way under his shirt, eager to feel the hot, bare skin of his back.
Not in the hall, Duke admonished. Lets get behind closed doors, shall we?
Oops! No matter how badly she wanted Caden, Hurst-grove was right. Admittedly, it was odd to be nearly ravished in front of a stranger, and she was hardly in the humor to provide a peep show for her neighbors. But caring at the moment was bloody hard. What woman didnt have a fantasy or two about a man being so overcome with passion he was hardly himself? Even more, the fact Caden had asked her to be the anchor in his storm added to her thrill.
So when Caden pressed against her and whispered that he couldnt wait to be alone with her, inside her, she melted all over again.
With a curse, Duke managed to pry Caden away and push him up the stairs. They trudged toward her door.
As they reached it, Duke tried to soothe her by patting her shoulder. After youre inside and together, all will be well.
Suddenly, Caden shoved her behind his big, hot body, then whirled to face Hurstgrove, then clasped his hand around the dukes throat. You will not touch her.
Right. Duke held up both hands in surrender. Wont do that.
Caden growled and let go, then turned back to Sydney. Possessiveness? Yes, it was in his eyes. Shed always been certain that this relationship meant more to her heart than his, but now . . . now she questioned that. Was she finally seeing the emotions hed kept hidden behind his barriers?
Hoping yes, she raced for her door, inserting her key with trembling fingers. He was right behind her, pressing her to the wood, breathing hot and hard in her ear.
Dont leave me, Sydney.
She finally managed to turn the key, and they spilled inside the little flat. Caden roared in after her, his expression a pledge that he meant to have her. Heart trumpeting, she drew in a ragged breath. Duke followed them in, shutting and locking the door, his gaze discreetly focused elsewhere.
Hurstgrove spotted the hallway leading to her bedroom and gestured to her. Take him.
Be with me, Caden murmured. Now. I need you.
Sydney wanted that more than anything, but needed some information about his condition first. Were here. Explain. Why is he suddenly a randy octopus and why does he want my help?
Duke mussed his expensively coiffed hair by raking a hand through it. He cursed something ugly. Then he glanced at Caden, feverish and sliding his hands over her arms, across her abdomen, burning her up with his touch.
This is off the record. If one word of this appears in your tabloid, I will use all my wealth and connections to shut it down and unemploy you permanently.
His intimidation tactics startled Sydneyand annoyed her. If he hadnt been Cadens friend and she hadnt seen his concern in action, shed have tossed him out on his ear. Yes, he was wealthy and powerful, but if she stumbled upon a hidden truth, she wanted to tell it. Still, she had no doubt Duke could make good on his threats.
I dont like being bullied. She glared at Duke.
Understood. But youre dealing with something very dangerous you cant possibly understand.
Her heart stopped. Cadens condition is that serious?
Duke hesitated. Not exactly. Its everything youve been writing about.
Caden had warned her of that repeatedly, seemed gravely concerned about her safety. In what way? What does magic have to do with him?
At that moment, Caden planted his mouth on her neck, hand under the sweater, and whispered of his need. She shivered, her mind whirling and her body aching. But Dukes words demanded a few moments of attention before she lost herself in Cadens touch.
Were out of time. All I can say now is that Caden has been touched by magic and hes chosen you, and you alone, to provide a healing touch. Hell reject all others, I suspect.
The fact hed chosen her was both thrilling and surprising, but . . . Touched by magic? Cursed?
Sydney thought again of the book and all shed written and winced.
Im certain thats how he sees it. By joining with you, he can convert the energy you generate together into something that heals him.
How do you know? Sydney managed to gasp out as Caden gripped her hips and pressed into her, clearly ready for a night of sin. She wasnt at all immune to the idea.
Ive been through this. He needs you now. Please, Duke cajoled. Hes going to require everything youre willing to give. Just dont kiss him. It would be catastrophic.
To his health?
Cadens hands maneuvered up her belly, to the sweater and began lifting it. Sydney tried to wriggle away, but his grip was like iron. He wanted her. Now.
Duke nodded. And perhaps yours.
Does this have anything to do with the book? Sydney hated to think shed done this to him. Hed be furious and hate herand rightfully so.
Caden had apparently tired of talking. He tore Dukes sweater from her body and urged her down the hall. When she resisted, he scooped her up and carried her.
What theCaden!