Embrace the Night

Page 161



"Be careful today," he said as he felt the blackness descend on him. "Stay in the house. Keep Maurice with you."

"Why? What's wrong?"

He fought the lethargy that was stealing over him. "Nina. She's… here. Don't go out. Promise… me." "I promise."

"Check… doors…" His eyelids fluttered down and he felt himself sinking into blackness. "Windows… careful… be careful…"

"I will."

"My cloak…" he said, his voice urgent, faint. "Need… it…" "I'll get it. Gabriel?"

She fought down a rising sense of terror as he went suddenly limp in her arms. He didn't look as if he was sleeping now, she thought. His body was heavy, lifeless, cold.

Telling herself there was nothing to be afraid of, she slid out of bed. Standing there, looking down at him, she began to shiver uncontrollably.

What if he didn't wake up?

She was reaching for her robe when she saw his cloak. Lifting it from the chair, she held it in her hands for a moment, and then spread it over him. It was unnerving to see him lying there like that, and she quickly gathered up her clothes and left the room.

Maurice was already up, looking as if he hadn't slept more than a few minutes. Dark bristles shadowed his jaw; his clothes looked rumpled, as though he had tossed and turned all night.

"You slept with him." It was an accusation, not a question.

The flood of color that washed into her cheeks gave him all the answer he needed.

"I'll understand if you don't want to stay," Sara said, not meeting his eyes. "I've treated you badly, and I apologize."

"Ill stay," he replied curtly, and then he grinned, a dry, humorless expression. "I don't think I have much choice."

"What do you mean?"

Maurice jerked his thumb toward Sara's bedroom. "Him. He told me to watch you. But I'd have stayed anyway. I love you, Sara Jayne. Nothing will change that."

"Maurice, I'm sorry…"