His gaze came slowly back to me as he released the blind. I stared silently up at him, hoping that he wouldnt kiss me again. Praying that he would. I know you can take care of yourself, but wandering around alone isnt safe. For anyone.
I swallowed heavily and managed a nod. I didnt want to be in that room.
I know.
Where did you get the guns?
Those onyx eyes were on me again, gleaming beautifully in the dim light. Ive been collecting them for awhile now.
I swallowed heavily, nodding slowly. I had hated driving in cars for a long time after my father was killed; it had been torture for me. Cades parents had been killed in a home invasion, it seemed he had been trying to make sure that nothing like that ever happened again. I had dealt with my fear of cars by exposing myself to short rides that became gradually longer over time. I had never grown completely comfortable with them, but at least I was able to stay in them for a half an hour or so now. Cade had dealt with his fear by stockpiling guns.
How did you get them?
His mouth quirked slightly. You can get anything you want if you have enough money, and know the right people.
And you know the right people? I retorted, slightly annoyed by his offhanded manner.
Yes. Or at least I did.
I nodded slowly, of course he would. Thats who he was after all. He had always been mysterious, always been whispered about. Rumors of dangerous and illegal activities ran rampant about him, everyone had eagerly gossiped about what they thought he was up to. Apparently at least some of it had been true.
But the aliens
Cant take what they cant find.
Thats why you had to go back to your house.
Yes.
I didnt know what to say to that, what to do. I was out of words and he was so tantalizingly close to me. I wanted him to kiss me, wanted him to do something, but I could hear Brets words echoing in my ears. He loved me, and Cade was a puzzle that I didnt understand. I was completely confused and I didnt know how to figure it all out.
And then Cade was closer to me, over me. He was all that I could see or think about. His hand was on my cheek, in my wet hair. I felt my mouth part involuntarily. My head was telling me that this was a bad idea, that this was wrong. My heart didnt care. All I wanted was to feel his soft, wonderful lips again. His scent engulfed me. It was sharper than it had been yesterday, his own odor more potent, his cologne not as strong, but it was still wonderful. A creak on the stairs caused him to pull swiftly away. Disappointment filled me, I felt unsatisfied, lost. I wanted more.
The door opened and Bret stepped out from the cellar, he glanced questioningly at Cade before focusing his attention on me. Are you ok?
I smiled wanly at him as I nodded slowly. Fine.
His gaze traveled slowly back to Cade before returning to the window. Are they out there?
Not right now, Cade responded. But they will be.
Theyll come in here.
Yes.
I shuddered, my hands dug into my arms as I clung to them. We need to figure out a plan then.
Cade said nothing. What was there to say? I turned back to him, feeling lost and hopeless. It was not Cade that came forward to console me though, but Bret. He wrapped his arms around me, pulling me tight against his chest. Though there wasnt a whole lot of excitement in his arms, there was a sense of comfort and rightness that was undeniable. Bret
loved me, I loved him. Maybe I didnt love him the same way that he loved me, but it was still love. Or maybe I did love him in the same way, and this strange attraction toward Cade was just clouding my judgment.
Either way, I didnt have the time to figure it all out and wasnt entirely sure that I cared to. There were far more important things to worry about now. Where are your parents? I inquired softly, tilting my head back to look up at him.
His jaw clenched, his eyes became sad as he shook his head. My father is one of them. I thought He swallowed heavily and cleared his throat. I thought wed be able to get back to him after we checked on you and Abby. I didnt know; I would have brought him.
I rested a comforting hand over his, hating the anguish that radiated from him. I could already sense his bright light growing dimmer and I hated it. Its not your fault, I assured him.
He nodded. My mother wasnt home, but I assume that she is probably like them also. It seems most people are. He said the words, but there was hope still within his gaze. I wish Id left a note or something just in case, I really thought wed be able to make it back.
There was nothing I could say to that, no reassurances I could give him. The others are awake, we should go back down, Cade said softly.
I stiffened as Bret tried to lead me toward the stairs. Like a stubborn child I could feel my heels digging into the floor in an attempt to stop his forward momentum. Wait. He stopped, frowning as he looked down at me. His clear green eyes were narrowed with worry. We should stay up here, were trapped down there.