Page 15 of Clash of Sin and Secret

Zane lifts his arm and wipes his eyes on his sleeve. “An energy pulse hit the residence. It knocked out power, and I thought we were under attack again. I came to check on you and I found you on the floor…dead.”

The word hangs in the air and there’s not an ounce of drama added.

“How is that possible?”

Zane shakes his head, pain etched across every feature. “I have no idea. I found you and then Huntley got here, and he brought you back.”

My eyes dart to Huntley, standing next to Tucker. The devastation in his gaze stabs at something deep inside me. I can’t grasp why it hits so hard.

“You saved me?”

Huntley juts out his chin but doesn’t meet my gaze directly. The Viking is uncomfortable and shifts on his feet like he’s ready to bolt. Staring at him, all unsettled and upset, something hot burns in my veins.

I want him…but I don’t want to want him.

“What did you do to me?” The question comes out as more of an accusation, but with my current state of arousal ramping up for no apparent reason, I think I have the right to be a little freaked out.

His jaw clenches tight. “I called your blood and got your heart pumping again. It was nothing nefarious.”

“No, it was fucking brilliant,” Zane adds.

The gravity of the moment settles heavily between us. Despite where Huntley and I ended up, we were close once. And he saved my life.

I meet his gaze and offer him every bit of humility and gratitude I can muster. “Thank you.”

“I’m glad it worked.”

What would’ve happened if it hadn’t? Could he have claimed the squire powers? They were always supposed to be his. Did saving me deny him what he covets most?

Lost in the fog of near death, it takes a moment before I realize all three men are staring. They seem lost in thought as well, or mesmerized might be more accurate. They’re looking at me like I’m everything to them when all I feel is confusion squeezing my heart.

It’s too much.

I wriggle free from Zane’s embrace and push myself off the floor. There is no dignity for me while standing naked before them, but I try not to think about it.

“While seeing me naked isn’t new to any of you, I need to clean up and go to bed. When I come back, could you two please be gone? We’ll talk more in the morning.”

“Scottie, no.” Zane reaches for me but stops short when I give him a look.

Closing my eyes, I soften my voice and try again. “I’m thankful the two of you were here, but I’m emotionally spent. Go get some rest. I really am fine.”

“And I need to make sure you stay that way. Go get cleaned up. We will be waiting when you get back. I’m calling a Midnight Madness Pajama Jam.”

I arch an eyebrow. “We’re not nine anymore.”

“No, but I’m the king of this castle and you, my fair maiden, aren’t leaving my sight until I’m sure you truly are all right. We’re not going anywhere.”

Huntley frowns. “I…uh, I’ll check on the power outage and lock down the compound.”

Zane shrugs. “Suit yourself. I’ll be right here if you need me.”

I send Tucker an apologetic shrug. “I’m too wiped to argue. Sort out what side of the bed you both want. I’ll take the middle.”

CHAPTER FIVE

Scottie

“Get away from me!” I scream, lashing out. My fists meet empty air, but it doesn’t matter.

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