Page 7 of Joshua's Mistake
In a few moments linked with him she had seen way too much. Yet he couldn’t help being relieved everything she’d gotten from him hadn’t been dark. His body fought with good sense. Remembering how erotic it had been to visit her mind, he couldn’t help wanting to explore that place again. He backed away.
She watched him.
“Are you setting me up?” he asked.
“No. I don’t know why this is happening.”
“Someone wants to get rid of us. What’s your psi ranking, Tessa?”
“What does that have to do with anything?”
“Some people think a ranking over five is more danger than benefit. Plus, they wouldn’t have called me in for just anyone.”
“You think there’s a conspiracy. All three of the men on my team were level six.”
“And you?”
“Seven.” She narrowed her eyes. “I heard a rumor you were level eight or nine. Of course, I never believed it. I met an eight once and he was close to insanity just from the constant input. Everything I’ve ever heard about you tells me you’re not insane. I would have felt any craziness when we were linked. Your mind is focused, organized.”
He couldn’t help smiling. “It might be better if I didn’t tell you.”
“Who else are you going to trust?”
She had a point. He trusted his brother and sister-in-law. He could go to them, but he didn’t want to involve them just yet. Not until he knew what was happening.
“You don’t trust me.” She looked out the window into the dense trees. “Why should you. I let you mind-rape me less than an hour ago, but why should that move me up on the great Joshua Lakeland’s list of the trustworthy?”
Her anger was genuine. “The fact is you allowed me in and by definition that means there was no rape. However, you’re right, I should give you something in return for what can only be described as a valuable gift. Your mind is quite beautiful.”
That piqued her interest. He could feel her curiosity blooming as her eyebrows rose. She wanted to touch him. He sensed her hesitation and he agreed she should keep her distance. “It’s a wise choice, beautiful. I’m not safe for you.” He shook his head and put the car in reverse. “I have a level ten psi ranking.”
“Ten.” The word came out on a breath. Her fear doubled. “Now I wish we were talking about sex.”
Smiling, he ran his fingers down her cheek and brushed his thumb over her bottom lip. Everything about her made him want to hold her, comfort her and fuck her. He knew she could sense his attraction, but blocking it would be a waste of energy he might need later. Besides, if he blocked her, he would have a hard time sensing other dangers.
She was just as attracted to him. He could feel it and it had kept him semi-hard since he’d first seen her in the beach house. Of course, he’d crave a woman people want dead. Why couldn’t he fall for a nice girl in a coffee shop or in a bar, like normal guys?
Who the fuck are you kidding, Lakeland?
