Page 49 of Deadly Sights

When we finish eating, I ask, “What did you do with the man in the bookstore?” I stand and slip the top button on my pajama shirt free.

While browsing the Denver specialty shops, I spied a man following us. He was oblivious to Julian. When I thought I wouldhave to find an excuse to leave my friends and intervene, the man and Julian disappeared. Although I have an idea, I want confirmation, and to reward Julian for his good work.

Julian’s gaze focuses on my movements and he pushes his chair away from the table, granting me an unobstructed view of his naked body. “What any good protector would do.”

I free another button and expose the curve of my breast. “Who is he?”

“Hewasan associate who chose the wrong target.”

“And what did you learn?”

With the last button loose, I let my top hang open.

Julian licks his lips and swallows. His voice is strained when he answers, “He was surprised to see me, which works to our advantage, but…”

“But?” I play with the pajama bottom’s waistband.

“He was more concerned with your memory returning.”

This development concerns me, and I cease toying with Julian. “What did he say, exactly?”

My frown causes Julian to mull over his interaction.

“He asked if you remembered anyone else from your past, then said there was still time before you destroyed everything with what you know.”

“What am I supposed to know?”

Our eyes meet as the enormity of the revelation hits us.

“Whatever it is, it’s big enough to threaten the organization.”

A new realization hits me. “The last time you saw me before the nightclub, I was ten years old. What knowledge could I have had?”

“You were searching for your parents. Maybe you saw or heard something you weren’t supposed to.”

I think back to the few memories I remember from my youth. The clearest are the ones after my accident. Shit! I gasp. “If that’sthe case, my accident might not have been by mere chance but a hit on my life.”

“Well, fuck! They just put a ticking clock on jogging your memory.” Julian pulls me into his arms. “I won’t let them hurt you.”

“Hmm.” I push him toward the chair.

“Nadira?” He releases me but the frown crinkling his brow tells me he’s not sure if I’m pushing him away again.

“There’s nothing we can do about them tonight.”

“True.” He watches me with an intensity that belies his simple response.

When he bumps against the chair, I shove him until he drops onto the seat. “And because of you, I know more than I would have without you.”

“Also true.” His shoulders, tensed from the moment I separated from him, now droop in relief that I don’t equate him with the man he killed for me or the rest of his organization.

I drop my pajama top and bottoms. “That’s deserving of an award. How do you want me?”

Julian licks his lips. “I can get whatever I want?”

“Within reason.”

“I want an entire night holding you in my arms where you don’t sneak out in the early morning hours. And your face is the first thing I see when I wake.”

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