Page 86 of The Spider Queen

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“I will,” he promised. “When we get to a private hotel room. I need to be able to look at you and—”

“And what?” I demanded.

“Hold you when you need holding.”

“Am I going to need that?”

He didn’t pause, but said flatly, “Yes.”

“You’re going to clobber me, aren’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Well, at least you’re honest about it,” I muttered, looking out the window. Hunter and I fell into silence. The last thing I wanted to do was be alone with my thoughts.

Thane? Are you there?

Silence.

I really need you.

I felt something. A tiny pulse, a thread, an acknowledgement.

Can you hear me?

The tiny pulse flickered.

You can’t respond, can you? But you can hear me…feel me?

The pulse flickered again.

Are you trapped, Thane?

The pulse stilled.

Are you in a state where you can’t be with me—in my mind?

The pulse flared to life.

Okay. I was getting somewhere.

I chanced a glance at Hunter. His eyes were on the road, his hands clenching the wheel, his jaw tight.

Can I trust Hunter?

The pulse throbbed with intensity.

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.

Tell him…about me…

Thane’s voice in my head was weak, distant.

I did tell him about you. Well, that I could speak to you.

More…all of it…

“Hunter?”

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