Page 16 of Dark Visions

Aislinn reached for the envelope gingerly, afraid of who may have touched the material. Kane saw her hesitation and took the packet from Mr. Lewis, his eyes widening at the big man’s abruptness.

“I really am sorry this didn’t work out, Miss Carter. I hope that your health improves in the future.” Lewis eyed the big man standing protectively over Aislinn. There was something dangerous about him, and it wasn’t just the scars and burns on his face and neck. This man had seen things, seen war.

Aislinn nodded at Mr. Lewis. She wasn’t angry at the man. She understood his need to have consistency in the office, and unfortunately, she had been unable to provide that to the firm. It wasn’t the first time, and it wouldn’t be the last time she’d have to leave an employer due to her headaches. She gathered her few belongings into a large tote bag she kept in her desk drawer and straightened the company files on her desk. Grabbing her coat, she left her cubicle for the last time.

Kane laid his hand on her back and began to guide her out of the office.

“Oh, Miss Carter, one more thing. The emergency room doctor, Dr. Krauss? He called here looking for you. Something about papers needing to be signed.” Aislinn paled, her stomach dropping into her shoes. She swayed against Kane as he gripped her waist, holding her firmly to his body.

“It’s not a problem,” said Kane. “We were headed there from here.”

Lewis eyed the two suspiciously and nodded. He was fond of Aislinn, but her constant absences from the mysterious headaches interrupted his flow of business.

By the time they reached the sidewalk again, Aislinn sucked in a deep breath of fresh air and leaned against Kane.

“I don’t think I can go back there,” she said.

“I’ll be with you, Aislinn. We have to go back, honey. We have to find out if he knows anything.”

“Oh God! You don’t think? You know, think that he knows? He couldn’t know, could he?”

“I don’t know, baby,” he said, pulling her in for a hug. “Let’s go get my car. We’re not far.”

A few blocks away, in the underground garage of his apartment, they retrieved his truck and headed toward the hospital.

“Can we stop at my place first? I need clothes and toiletries and things if I’m staying with you again.”

Her statement was quiet and shy. Kane realized she was unsure of where their relationship was going. Hell, he was unsure! He hadn’t experienced a relationship that lasted more than three days in twenty years. Yet he knew in his heart that Aislinn belonged with him.

Kane nodded and followed her directions to the small efficiency apartment. It wasn’t run-down, but it wasn’t exactly in the best neighborhood in the city. Kane wondered why she hadn’t used some of her trust money to buy a better place but decided against asking her. He was sure that Aislinn had her reasons, and they were exactly that, her reasons.

He watched Aislinn move around the tiny space packing two large suitcases with what appeared to be everything she owned. The furniture was sparse and worn but clean.

“I-I don’t own any of this. It came furnished. I never know when I have to leave somewhere quickly, so I don’t buy anything really, other than necessities.”

Kane nodded, watching her nervously straighten the apartment. The pit in his stomach grew wider at the thought of Aislinn returning to this place. She belonged with him. They belonged together.

“Drop the key at the landlord’s.” It was a statement. No, it was a command, and Aislinn looked up at him, shocked.

“What? I-I can’t, Kane. We…”

“You can. You and I… you and I are real, and we’ll figure it out, but you’re not coming back here. It’s not safe, and it’s certainly not where you belong.”

“Kane,” she said softly, “I appreciate this, all of this, but you don’t owe me anything. I want to see what happens with you and me too, but not at the expense of your privacy.”

“Fuck my privacy,” he growled, “this isn’t about my privacy, Aislinn. This is about how I feel about you, what’s between the two of us. Now, if you don’t feel the same way, then just tell me. But me? I know that this is real.” His insecurities and doubts were creeping into his thoughts, all the failed relationships, all the women he hoped would love him for him.

“I do feel the same way,” she said, moving closer to him. She placed her head on his chest, wrapping her arms around his waist. “I don’t understand it either, but I know that I’ve never felt safer or more at home than when I’m with you.”

She looked up to see a strange look on his face and knew the words weren’t exactly what he wanted to hear.

“Kane, I have never allowed a man to touch me as you did. You know that. That should tell you how I feel about you and where I’m willing to go with this, with us. I just didn’t want you to do anything out of obligation.”

“This isn’t about fucking obligation, Aislinn!” he yelled. He dragged his hand through his shaggy hair and stepped back from her, taking a long shuddering breath. “I care for you. I-I can’t explain any of this, but you’re mine, Aislinn. Mine.”

She stared into the rich emerald depths of his eyes, searching for something, waiting to feel something that would send a memory or a nightmare to warn her, waiting for the other shoe to drop as it always did. But there was nothing except calm, peaceful waves of warmth and desire.

“I am yours. And you, you, Kane Jackson, are mine.” He stared at her for a moment and then grinned, a mischievous victorious grin.

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