Page 43 of Soul Sucker

“Ah.”

He kissed her again, this time parting her lips with his tongue and possessing her mouth with a tenderness she hadn’t expected. She shut her eyes and kissed him back, let her hand curve around the back of his head to keep him near. He drew her even closer, one arm around her hips, the other around her shoulders until he was practically holding her up.

“Mmm…” she murmured against his mouth. “Very nice.”

“You’re welcome.”

Her cell chimed and then again. She forced herself to stop kissing him. “I have to answer it. It’s either Laney or Madison wanting to know why she can’t get into her own bedroom.” It was also another distraction, but she guessed he knew that.

She scowled at the screen. “Laney’s not making any sense. I’ll try and call her.”

Vadim stepped away. “Go ahead.”

She touched the screen and Laney picked up instantly.

“Oh my God, Ella, I can’t do this anymore, I just can’t…”

“Laney, what’s up?”

She was crying so hard that Ella could barely understand her. She glanced over at Vadim who could clearly hear as well.

“I can’t, Ella. I’m a worthless mess. I don’t deserve to live like this, or find happiness. I just don’t. I’m sorry. This is the best thing for everyone.”

“Laney, just hang on, I’m coming over right now. Just keep it together.”

Vadim was already opening the door. “Where is she?”

“Not far from here.”

He nodded and they both headed for the front door. Madison appeared in the hallway and shouted something after them, but Ella didn’t even stop.

“Got an emergency! I’ll call tonight!”

As Madison opened her mouth again, Ella was already through the door and running. Vadim kept pace with her, his sunglasses neatly in place, his breathing easy. She unlocked her car and leaned across to let him in.

“Thanks.”

Ella started the engine, praying that it would turn over. “We’ll be there in about ten minutes.”

“Good.”

She grabbed her sunglasses from her purse and backed out of her space. “The air con is broken. If you get too hot, crack open a window.”

She concentrated on her driving, aware of a growing anxiety in her chest.

“Do you think she’s totally lost it?” Ella blurted out.

“Has she turned twenty-seven?”

“Not yet. Two weeks to go, I think.”

“It’s unusual for a complete breakdown to occur before an empath’s actual birthday.” He sounded way too calm for her liking. “Most empaths I’ve met have been relatively normal up until then.”

“Relatively.” She took a sharp right and Vadim grabbed onto the back of his seat. “That’s not helping.”

“Did you say she was meeting her OCOS mate today?”

“Not in person. He was supposed to call her. Maybe he was a complete dick and she’s gotten scared about what will happen if she rejects him.”

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