She Calls For Me

“You know that it is!” She cried. “What are we going to do?”

Before he could answer she wailed pitifully. “I’ve betrayed you! After all you’ve done for me and your many kindnesses. What a fool I am!”

His brows drew together as he knelt before her to ask softly. “Sabine, how have you betrayed me?” He asked softly.

“I didn’t listen.”

He studied her. Her skin was perfect porcelain. Her eyes as round as a dove’s and as blue as a summer sky. Her hair was a white cloud of snow waving over her shoulders. Her lush mouth was beckoning enough to wake the dead. Chavias gut tightened.

If Radix gets his hands on her. Chavias knew all the evils Radix would do to her. And have done to her.

Until she’s as dark as he is.

Chavias was nearly quaking with rage and fear. I won’t let that happen!

“You went outside, Sabine. Twas’ all.”

She eyed him from beneath lowered lids. “What was it?”

“A minion. A Sarabi.”

“It was the most hideous thing I’ve ever seen.”

He nodded. An apt description.

“You called to me for protection?”

She gave a confused nod.

He couldn’t help the sad smile that crossed his face.

She cares for me. Trusts me at least, on some level. That thought touched him to his very core.

“I don’t understand?”

“In all your life, have you ever trusted anyone enough to ask for help?”

“No.”

“Then shouldn’t I feel privileged, honored at the implication?” He offered her a hand up. His was large, brown, and callused. “Do you trust me, Sabine?”

Her eyes moved rapidly over the floor as she considered the question. Finally, she lifted her gaze back to him with widened eyes. “I do.”

“Chavias!” She leapt to her feet. “What’s going to happen to you? Soon Radix will know you’ve been protecting me. What will you do?”

She’s right. He’ll kill me. I’ve always known he would when he caught me. But suddenly Chavias was less resigned to it.

With their telepathic link, Radix would already be aware she was here and would soon be getting word of the exact location and information about her.

Then he’d find out about Night Manor. That it’s mine and I acquired it right before she vanished.

Sighing his shoulders fell. “It was only a matter of time.”

“No.” Her eyes were wide. “You’re not saying what I think…”

“My concern is not myself, Sabine. Never has been. We must make certain you’re safe.” He gave her a long look. “And I know of only one who may protect you.”

She looked up at him. Question on her face.

“I have to find Sebastian.” He turned to leave the room muttering. “Only he might listen…”

Unlikely as it may be.

He may kill me for asking. He’ll think she’s a spy.

Or that I’m leading Radix to WaterRose.

“I’m sorry. It’ll wait.” He said from the doorway. “You must rest.” He turned and leaned against the doorframe to watch her tuck obediently beneath the coverlet. “I’ll keep you safe. I’ll find a way.”

Seeing she was shivering he walked over and straightened the coverlet over her.

She watched forlornly as he passed the foot of the bed. “Don’t go.”

He froze. His back to her.

I never thought I would hear her say that. Not to me…It was like a punch to the gut. Forcing himself forward, he made his way to the door.

“Chavias don’t leave me again. I just want to be where you are. I feel safe when you’re here.”

I can’t be here.

You can never count on me.

“Come back here and lay with me. Please.” She pleaded. “I’ll fall asleep if you’re with me.” His step faltered, and his back straightened.

Sighing heavily, he returned to the opposite side of the bed. Climbing under the coverlet with her. Boots hanging over the edge as he scooted as close as he could.

She eased her body back until her back was against his chest.

His face automatically fell to inhale the smell of her hair. He held her in the crook of his body. “You don’t make being a gentleman an easy task, sweet Sabine.”

She smiled softly as her body relaxed against him.

Not taking me seriously, apparently. He sighed. Lying there a long while. Torn.

When her breathing deepened, he carefully slid his arm from beneath her and eased from the bed. Silently crossing the floor and out the door to walk the corridor. Involuntarily tossing a last look back at the woman sleeping so soundly.

I want to be laying with her. I don’t want to go. He yearned to return. To lay at her side until Radix slit the throat of his wretched body.

But some things are simply not meant to be.

So why was it so painful to consider. He knew what’d happen if he sent the voluptuous little blonde into the care of Sebastian.

No man could resist her. He saw her perfect features in his mind’s eyes and knew the awful truth. I’ll lose her.

It’s for the best. Chavias stared at the floor, pained as he rounded the banister to take the stairs. She’s composed of light. Whereas I’m made of darkness…

I’ve nothing to offer such a woman. He reminded himself, brokenly.