UP IN FLAMES

“You got blood on your pj’s,” Alaric pointed out. “You have to change.” He glanced at his watch. “It’s late, but if there’s any plywood around, I can get it nailed up over that window”

Though privately she knew there was no way she could make herself go back into that room tonight, she nodded. Alaric seemed to read her mind because he said, “I can get them for you. Just tell me what you want and where to find them.”

His compassion ignited a spark to warm her inner chill. “The third drawer down in my main dresser has my pajama bottoms. Any pair will do.”

He nodded. “Wait right here.”

As if she intended on going anywhere. Wrapping her arms around her middle, she watched as he disappeared into her room. Though the idea of his hands on her personal things made her feel slightly unsettled, she appreciated his offer of help.

“Here you go.” Returning, he handed her a pair of black-and-red-plaid flannel bottoms. Since she didn’t have the heart to tell him those were for winter, she thanked him and took them into the bathroom to change. Once she had, she wadded up the bloody pair and placed them in the trash. After washing her hands, she stepped back into the hall. The sound of hammering told her Alaric was already hard at work boarding up her window. The knowledge should have made her feel safe, but didn’t. If she let herself, she knew she’d keep seeing the bright light of the drone approaching her window, crawling away and almost making it just before the thing exploded. No thank you. Her bedroom would be off-limits for tonight.

“The police are on their way,” Alaric said, as soon as he returned. “Do you want me to get you a bathrobe or something?”

She needed a bra. Swallowing back her pride, she asked Alaric to get one for her. Instead of asking any questions, he hurried back into her room and brought her one back. Though she felt her face heat when she took it from him, she avoided his gaze, murmured thank you and once again went into the bathroom and put it on.

When she emerged, she thanked him.

He was still holding the hammer. “My work is not pretty, but it will work until I can get a window guy out here to replace it.” He explained. “The police are also on the way now,”

Vanessa shook her head and Alaric gestured toward the stairs. “Are you ready to go down?” he asked.

With him right behind her, she went down and took a seat in the den to wait. The police arrived, asked their usual questions and took a look around both the backyard and her bedroom.All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

When they’d gone, Vanessa sighed. “Why do I feel like that was just a huge waste of time?”

Alaric shrugged. “I’m sure they’re working on it.”

“Are you? I don’t get the feeling.”

“They’ve got a lot on their plate. Since no one has been harmed, they’re probably focusing more on Christopher’s murder than these attacks.”

“Seriously? Are you saying someone else needs to get killed before they take notice?” Without waiting for him to answer, she grimaced. “I’m so tired of all these.”

Shaking it off, as he had ever since becoming involved with her, Alaric gestured toward the stairs. “How about you try and get some sleep?”

She didn’t move. “My room is full of glass.”

Good point, he thought, although he wasn’t really asking her to go up to her room. “We can clean that up in the morning. You can have my bed. I’ll make a pallet on the floor or take the couch.”

Eyeing him, she considered. “I don’t want to…..” She began,

“I don’t mind.” He covered his mouth to mask a yawn.

Instead of arguing, she nodded. “Okay.”

Without saying another word, she turned and made her way up the staircase. He followed her, intending to see her safely to bed before trying to grab some shut-eye himself.

Once they’d reached his room, she stood on the balls of her feet between the doorway and the bed, almost as if she were poised to run. He thought he understood her uncertainty. “I’ll sleep downstairs. You won’t need to worry about anything, I promise.”

“Thanks, but I might have to be the one on the couch.” She gestured toward the window. “Every time I look at a window, all I can see is that drone flying close, its bright light trained on me, right before it exploded.”

He thought about pointing out that there were windows in the downstairs den too, but decided against it. She’d realize that soon enough. “Wherever you feel most comfortable,” he said instead, expecting her to push past him and make her way back to the first floor. Instead, she cocked her head and considered him.

“Come here.” The low thrum of desire in her voice ignited an answering spark deep within him.

Battling himself, he didn’t move. “Why?” he asked,

“I need you to distract me.”

His mouth went dry. “Distract you how?” he managed, even though he knew. Instead of answering, she crossed the distance between them. Reaching up, she cupped his face with her hands and pulled him down to her lips and kissed him. As always, every single resolve he’d struggled to hold on to went up in a blaze of lust.

“I don’t think…” He made one last valiant effort.

“Then don’t,” she said, right before she removed her sleep shirt, bra and flannel pajama bottoms. Gloriously, breathtakingly naked, she took his hand and placed it on her bare breast. And he was lost.

Shedding his clothes so quickly they tangled at his feet, he pulled her close and kissed her. Of course they ended up in bed. How could they not, when he’d always been unable to resist her? Vanessa was both his Waterloo and his nirvana, and his last thought before he gave in to the inferno raging between them was that-no matter what happened-she would forever be his love.

———

After, Vanessa lay dozing in his arms, sated and happier than she should have been. Whatever else he might be, Alaric had the power to make her body come alive.