Page 37 of An Assassin's Death
“Impossible.” He releases me and rubs a hand over the back of his neck.
I look up and narrow my eyes, holding my hands up, palms out. Wiggling my fingers, I snark back, “Does this lookimpossible?”
I instantly feel bad about the remorse that flickers in his eyes. I take a shaky breath, letting out some of the tension that’s built over the last few hours. Spots blur my vision and once more I have to blink past the lightheaded feeling.
Truly, it’s surprising that they knew Mouse had been in my apartment. EvenIdon’t always know when he’s around.
I wrapped my fingers with medical tape, securing the gauze in place and start in on the next hand.
“So what happened? Why are your hands and shoulder a wreck?” I look up at Tylin, and answer his question.
“I was ambushed when I got back to the Lifeless League.” I wonder what he’s thinking. His face doesn’t give me any indication that he even heard what I said. He’s simply a mask of sharp, cruel features.
Pain stings through my head as I glance around the room, looking at each guy in turn. Rory’s standing in the entryway to the kitchen, leaning against the doorframe. His arms are crossed, muscles pulling the sleeves of his t-shirt taut. He looks like an intimidating bodyguard.
More like a bouncer.
He’s just waiting for me to fuck up so he can throw me out on my ass. I don’t give him the satisfaction of a reaction to his intimidation tactics. I’m worn out and in no mood to deal with his trust issues.
“Armond was holding a meeting when I got back. I walked in late and he used me as an example.” My voice goes hard at the end of that statement. My organs still ache from the assault. That’ll happen when the life force is savagely ripped from your body. I’d been so close to death. I rub my newly bandaged fingertips over my chest, an echo of the pain a hollow reminder of the encounter. “He started draining me. I almost fucking died.”
“How did you escape?” Rory asks, skepticism and accusation thick in his question. It’s like he’s demanding I admit some form of treason.
My eyes shoot to Jameson, and I know he knows. He gives nothing away in his handsome features. Only silence.
“I used my power to get the hell out of there. I was cornered by the other assassins. I got scalded fending off attacks.” It’s a half truth. A little white lie. I did use my powers, but most of them don’t know about my extra abilities. I’m not ready to talk about it yet, though. I’m hopeful I’ll be able to skirt around that conversation for a little while longer.
Jameson, surprisingly, is true to his word. He keeps his big, sexy mouth shut. Why does that suddenly make him more attractive? I give him a small smile and his eyes heat, running over me from head to toe. It’s like he’s checking me for other injuries but enjoying the view at the same time.
The extra energy that I’m carrying suddenly flares to life, causing my heart to pick up speed. Thrumming, my blood simmers in my veins and my breath catches. My whole body is alive and my head spins from the extra powers that are still burning within me.
I need to sit down.
I need to expel Armond’s energy. I just have no clue how to do it.
Coming to my rescue, Jameson walks over in that sauntering way of his and slips behind me. Warm fingers grip my shoulders.
“Come on, babe. Let’s get you off your feet.” He’s being sweet. Now who’s the knight in shining armor? I admit, it’s nice to have someone looking after me.
“Heaven knows you didn’t get much sleep last night,” Jameson says, leaning into me, the heat of his body wraps over my shoulders like a warm blanket. His body language portrays that he’s confiding in me alone, but his voice is loud enough to carry to each of the remaining men in the kitchen. The fucker.
Tylin growls low in his throat at Jameson’s comment but doesn’t move a muscle. Leading me from behind, Jameson steers us out of the kitchen. When we reach the exit, however, Rory doesn’t budge. Standing sentry, he glares at me through narrowed eyes. The muscles of his arms flex, the only indication that he’s not a statue.
“Thank you for your protection, big guy, but I think I can fend off the advances of one beautiful woman.” Jameson teases the giant man and lets his hands spark to life on my shoulders to illustrate his point. Small jolts of pain shoot through my body, but instead of hurting, I feel my power mingling with his, sucking the sparking energy inside.
I’m like the fucking energizer bunny; super charged and ready for anything. I’m nearly shaking with the overload and the room is officially spinning around me. Every nerve in my body is hyper aware. My nipples are hard pebbles beneath my bra, the fabric causing zings of pleasure to shoot straight to my clit. A moan slips from my lips and I hear Jameson chuckling behind me.
I’m going to slap the man when I get the chance. I’d do it now, but he seems to be aiding in my escape. I just want to leave the vicinity.
After a long moment, Rory turns sideways, giving us permission to pass. I move forward to skirt around him, but Jameson closes the small distance between us, angling me sideways, my front to Rory’s. Stepping in behind me, he presses me into Rory, effectively sandwiching me between both of their hard bodies. I can feel each defined ridge of Rory’s stomach as my hands plaster against him. I push away to create a little space between the brooding asshole and myself, but all that does is press my ass into Jameson. The hard outline of him is evident against my curves.
Everything feels hazy but even within the haze I’m aware that Jameson is being a fucking asshole right now.
I wiggle against him, which also rubs me against Rory. I’m too far gone to care about his reaction. He can glower all he wants as long as he holds still. I feel the pleasuring pain of Jameson’s power zinging along my nerves and I can’t think straight. My chest heaves against Rory as I try to get enough oxygen, hoping it will help settle the world around me.
With a grunt, the brooding bouncer grips my hips and stills me. I look up at Rory with a dazed expression. The green of his eyes seems to darken and I wonder if the morning light bouncing around the kitchen is playing tricks on me.
We stand there, frozen and staring at each other. Then Mouse appears at my side and places a hand on my upper arm.
