I shivered at the menace in his words. His intense gaze made my stomach dip and my middle heat. He inhaled slowly, deeply. Both his hands still gripped the steering wheel. Yet, they shook.
Emotion flooded the air. This time there was no question regarding its origin. Helplessly, I breathed in his absolute, desperate need. His steady gaze never left my face as he lifted one hand from the steering wheel and reached out toward me. His need to touch me became my need to be touched. I could barely breathe because of it. I closed my eyes, trying to deny the feelings that I knew weren’t my own. But I was helpless against his need. It was too all consuming.
I leaned forward.
When a fingertip brushed my cheek, I exhaled shakily and my eyes flew open. I wanted more, but he was still in the same spot, only allowing himself a small touch. The pads on his fingers feathered over my skin from cheek to jaw, a light, gentle stroke that left a burning trail. The need for more consumed me.
No, this wasn’t me. It was him.
I was drowning in what he felt and couldn’t save myself.
Eight
If I gave into Carlos, I would lose Ethan. I wouldn’t allow that. I let the fear of losing Ethan fill me, robbing Carlos’ need of its potency. Willfully, I turned my head, trying to dislodge his touch.
The heat in Carlos’ gaze turned to frustration, and his fingers twitched against my cheek.
Suddenly the back door opened, and the car dipped as someone got in. The door closed again.
“I think you two need a chaperone,” Grey said.
The emotion immediately vanished, and Carlos slowly dropped his hand. I sagged against the seat and a shaky exhale escaped me. Grey’s gaze bounced between Carlos and me.
“Did Carlos manage to discuss anything with you?” Grey asked. “I’m guessing it’s the reason behind the swerve and the sudden stop.”
Neither of us answered. I wasn’t sure I could talk yet without quavering.
Carlos straightened in his seat, checked his mirrors, then signaled that he was ready to pull out. A distance ahead of us, I saw the other cars had pulled over as well.
“You two are a chatty pair,” Grey said with humor.
“We’re not a pair,” I said and looked out the window. I refused to play their little matchmaking game.
Silence reigned for several long minutes. It was enough time for me to relax and notice Grey’s sadness.
“You’ve been with us a handful of days. You know we’re different from you, but you haven’t asked any questions. Aren’t you curious about us?”
“No.”
“I’m curious about you. Will you tell me about yourself?”
I kept my gaze focused on the horizon. Damn Ethan for abandoning me with these people.
“What do you want to know?” I asked in a flat voice.
“What’s your favorite color?”
His question surprised me. I’d expected questions about my power or my relationship with Ethan.
“I don’t know. Blue?”
Grey laughed.
“You sound like Carlos. I’m guessing you’ve never given something like that any thought because there were always too many other things that needed your attention. My favorite color is green. Blue would be a runner-up. What about a favorite food?”
That question was easier.
“I don’t have a favorite food. I have a food trinity. Pizza, burgers, and cereal. I could survive forever on all three.”
“Burgers are good,” Grey agreed. “Have you ever had a fajita? Those are good, too. I think my trinity would be Carlos’ fajitas, burgers, and Winifred’s cookies.”
I immediately saw what Grey was doing. I didn’t want to know anything about Carlos. I knew enough. He thought we had some magical connection. We didn’t. End of story.
“I appreciate the conversation, but I think I’m going to try to take a nap. I’m not a fan of long, boring car rides.”
I curled my legs up on the seat and leaned on the window.
A sudden burst of worry nudged me from the light doze I’d managed out of sheer boredom.
“Carlos, get ready to turn left.”
Hands settled on my shoulders as the car lurched at Carlos’ sudden turn. Tires squealed. My eyes flew open, and my pulse leapt. I gripped the door as the car’s speed increased significantly before Carlos even straightened the wheel. The other cars raced just a bit ahead of us.
“What’s going on?”
The hands gave my shoulders a quick squeeze then released me. I turned to look at Grey as he settled back into his seat. He gave me a shadow of a reassuring smile. I wasn’t fooled. His concern perfumed the air.
“Gabby didn’t like the way they were netting to the north. She thinks we can pass by to the west. But it’s a small window, and we need to get there as quickly as possible.”
I stared ahead at the SUV, at Ethan.
“How close are they?”
“Close enough that Carlos is willing to speed.”
I glanced over at the speedometer. We still drove on back roads. There weren’t any other cars in sight. The three vehicles moved in tandem, a little too close given the high speeds. My grip on the door tightened.
Carlos glanced at me but said nothing.