Page 81 of Twilight Destiny

“What’s the bad news?”

“Luca wants to kill you himself. One other thing. Rhinehart said he’d decided stealing something from the witch wasn’t a good idea, since whatever he took would lead Luca straight to him unless he could hand it off right away.”

That made sense, Kincaid mused, and wondered why he hadn’t thought of it. Had his whole conversation with the hunter been a ruse? If so, to what end? And what about Izabela? She must have known whatever Rhinehart snatched from Luca would lead the necromancer right to him.

“He’s up to something,” Saintcrow remarked. “I just can’t figure out what the hell it is. Anyway, I told him he could stay until Friday.”

Kincaid grunted. “It’s your town. I just hope you know what you’re doing.”

“Anything else bothering you?”

“When there is, I’ll let you know.”

“Yeah, I’m sure of that,” Saintcrow muttered. “Are we done here? My side of the bed’s getting cold.”

With a shake of his head, Kincaid transported himself back to the restaurant. As long as Rhinehart was in town, he wasn’t going to leave Rosa’s side.

Rosa glanced up, startled, when Jake slid back into the booth. “I thought you were going home to rest?”

“Yeah, well, I changed my mind.”

She lifted an inquiring brow.

“Rhinehart’s in the hotel.”

“What?” she exclaimed. “Why?”

“He came here looking for sanctuary and Saintcrow decided it was better to have him here, where he could keep an eye on him. Can’t say as I agree with him. The man’s hiding something. I just wish I knew what the devil it is.”

“Maybe I should talk to him.”

“You stay the hell away from him, you hear me?”

Rosa stared at Jake. He was worried about her. She understood that, but she didn’t like him telling her what to do, or the tone of his voice. Asking was one thing, but this?

Kincaid swallowed his rage. It wasn’t directed at her. And it was mostly concern, not anger. “He’s up to something, love. I don’t know what it is. And I know I don’t have the right to tell you what to do, but please do as I ask. If anything happened to you … ”

Reaching for his hand, she twined her fingers with his. “Nothing’s going to happen. But I love it that you care. I’m done here,” she said, pushing her plate aside. “You should go to Blair House and get some rest.”

“I’m not leaving you alone. Let’s go upstairs. I can rest in the smaller bedroom.”

“All right.”

They took the elevator up to their room. Once inside, Kincaid wrapped her in his arms and held her close for a long moment. No one in his life had ever been more important to him than she was. Never had he felt this protective, this responsible, for anyone. He breathed in her scent, kissed her lightly before going into the second bedroom and closing the door.

Rosa stared after him. Was he overreacting? Or was she really in danger? She had to admit, she found it a little disconcerting, knowing Paul Rhinehart was in the hotel. She knew Jake was worried about her, but he was in far more danger from the hunter than she was.

Sitting on the sofa, she grabbed the remote and switched on the TV, determined not to think about it. After a few minutes, she glanced at the bedroom door. What was it like, the Dark Sleep of his kind? Was it like being asleep? Or was it like death? Did it come over him gradually? Or all at once? Did he dream? Was he aware of his surroundings? If she peeked into the room, would he know? If she kissed him, would he feel it?

So many questions. Would she ever know everything about him?

Did she want to?

Rosa wasn’t in the mood to go out for dinner. Earlier, she had pulled on a comfy pair of sweat pants and a baggy shirt and didn’t feel like changing clothes. After a moment’s thought, she ordered a shrimp dinner from room service.

She ate while watching an old Clark Gable movie. She had been a fan ever since she’d seenGone With the Windon cable as a teenager.

The guy from room service had just left with the tray when Jake emerged from the bedroom. Her gaze ran over him. Clad in nothing but a pair of jeans riding low on his hips, he looked sleepy-eyed and so sexy it made her mouth water. She bit down on her lower lip, sorely tempted to take his hand and lead him back to bed.