Page 73 of The Vampire Always Rises
Yes. Barely. I feel like I was hit on the head with a piano.
Where are you?I paused at the top of the stairs, looking wildly up and down a hallway filled with closed doors.
I don’t know. It’s dark, and my hands are tied. I don’t appear to be able to move.
I looked at the doors, and glanced upward where the stairs continued. “Attic,” I told Kelso. He looked as eager as I felt when we dashed up a second flight of stairs, and started down the hall throwing open doors as we went.
Merrick was, indeed, in an attic room tucked up way under the eaves, lying on the floor under a rickety iron bedstead. On top of the bed was Han, also tied up, and unresponsive.
“What happened?” I asked Merrick as soon as I cut away his bonds. I winced when he rolled over and I saw his face was splattered with blood. “Glorious grand geese, Merrick! You’re bleeding!”
Unable to stop myself, I covered first his face in kisses, then went for his lips. His mouth was warm, and wonderful, and tasted like he’d been eating cloves. He moaned as his mouth parted, allowing my tongue to make tentative little dabs inside.This is so ... I’ve never done this before! With my tongue in your mouth, I mean. It’s ... mrowr!
It would be better if my head didn’t hurt so badly,he said.
I released his hair.Oh. Sorry. I didn’t know I had grabbed your head.
“It’s all right. The kiss was worth it, although ...”
“Although what?”
“Nothing.”
“You know I’m not going to be happy with a ‘nothing,’” I pointed out.
“I know that very well, but it’ll have to wait.” He winced when he touched his forehead.
Itsked. “You poor thing. What happened?”
“Your cousin happened. Or one of his men. Ciaran and I were ambushed while Han and Nico were disabling their security.”
“Who’s Nico?” I asked, helping him sit up before moving over to remove Han’s bonds.
“Another Horseman.” Merrick wiped blood from his face, and glanced around the room, stiffening. “Where are the others?”
“Ciaran is downstairs. He’s out, but he’s breathing, so I assume he’s OK. I don’t know where this Nico person is.”
Merrick leaped to his feet, an act that he clearly regretted when he wobbled a little, clutching me for a few seconds before regaining his balance. “Where is your cousin?”
“I don’t know. He ran out when we attacked.”
Merrick, who had given Han a fast examination, had turned and started for the door while I was speaking, but paused to look back. “We? Who is with you? And speaking of that, what are you doing here?”
I pointed the switchblade at him. “Do not even think about telling me I should have stayed in Nice, because you know that’s only going to piss me off.”
He thought about it for a moment.
I can tell what you’re thinking, you know.
I know,he said with a mental sigh.God help me, I know. Just as I know that I’d move heaven and earth to keep you safe all the while you’re going to be running headlong into danger. You’re going to lead me a merry dance, aren’t you?
I smiled, and handed him the switchblade. “That depends if you like to dance.”
He started to leave, checked himself, then scooped me up for a kiss that fairly scorched the hair right off my head.You’re going to exasperate me, annoy me, and fill my days with danger, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I love you, too,I said, kissing him with enough passion to ignite a bonfire.
He froze.Tempest ...
