Page 17 of Dark Visions

“Damn straight.”

Kissing her nose, he grabbed the two large bags and opened the door. Aislinn turned and looked around the tiny space. There was no sadness in leaving this place. This would be the end of a chapter and, hopefully, the beginning of her book.

She knocked on the superintendent’s door and handed him the key and her notice. Her rent was paid through the end of the month, so wouldn’t be a factor, and he was certain he could rent the place quickly. The older man liked Aislinn and was always kind to her. Kane loaded her bags, and when he slid into the truck, he reached across the seat and grabbed Aislinn’s hand.

“Are you ready, baby?”

“Ready,” she smiled.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Two hours later, Aislinn had taken over half of Kane’s closet and three drawers in his dresser. She changed into jeans and boots, a snug plum-colored sweater hugged her body, and Kane couldn’t help but feel his libido kick in every time she moved. Her curves were made for a man’s exploration, had his mouth watering, and if he had anything to say about it, he would be the only explorer where Aislinn was concerned.

“You ready to head to the hospital?” he asked.

“I guess so,” she said, holding her hand against her stomach. The butterflies were in overdrive, and she felt certain she would let breakfast fly if she didn’t get control.

“Let’s get this done and then head up to the university.” She nodded and followed Kane back down to the garage. Twenty minutes later, they pulled into the emergency room parking lot and headed inside. Kane stood at the nurses’ station while Aislinn stood behind him, terrified to touch anything.

“We’re here to sign some paperwork for Aislinn Carter. Dr. Krauss contacted her employer about it.”

“Oh, yes, Miss Carter,” said the woman. “Here you go. I just need you to sign here and here, stating that you left without doctor’s authority. How are you feeling? How is the headache?”

“It’s-it’s gone now, thank you.”

The nurse held out a pen to Aislinn, and she cringed, shaking her head. She reached inside her purse and pulled out her own. Careful not to touch the paperwork, Aislinn quickly signed her name where indicated and stepped back from the desk.

She felt the sharp stab in her head before she felt the warmth of someone’s hand on her back. Her vision turned blood red, the entire scene before her changing instantly. Her legs shook, and before she knew what was happening, Kane had pulled her to his side, the vision gone.

“I’m sorry I startled you,” said Dr. Krauss. “I don’t believe I’ve ever had a woman react quite that way to my touch.” He smiled at Aislinn and winked at Kane. A wink that Kane wanted to knock off his face.

“I just wanted to make sure you were feeling alright, Miss Carter. You left the other night before I could complete my exam.”

“I… I’m fine. Really, I’m doing much better. I see my own doctor this afternoon.” Krauss eyed her suspiciously and then looked at the large man standing next to her.

“I see. And who is your regular physician? I’d like to make note of it in the records.” He eyed the young woman questionably, testing her.

Aislinn fumbled to find the right words. She didn’t have a regular doctor because she couldn’t dare see one that would touch her and send visions her way. Before she could completely make a fool of herself, Kane took over.

“She’s seeing Dr. Adam Thorn.”

“Thorn. I’ve heard of him. He was an Army surgeon, wasn’t he?” asked Krauss.

“He was. We were in the same unit together.”

Krauss nodded again, his eyes traveling to the wounds on Kane’s neck. There was a flash of empathy and interest, medical interest, no doubt, thought Kane.

“I see. Well, if you should need anything else, Miss Carter, please let me know.”

He held out his hand, and Aislinn looked horrified. She looked up at Kane pleadingly, and he reached for the doctor’s hand and squeezed.

“Sorry, she’s quite a germaphobe.” Kane pulled Aislinn tight against his body and led them back into the parking lot. Taking a bottle of antiseptic cleaner from his emergency medical kit, he squeezed the gel into his hands and wiped vigorously. Seeing Aislinn watch him, he stopped.

“Will this help?” he asked.

“I-I don’t know. I think so. Did you feel it again?” she asked.

“Oddly, no. I’ve never felt it so strongly and then not felt it when I met someone a second time. It’s really strange, but something was different today, and I don’t know what.”

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