Eye of the Falcon (Psychic Visions #12)(65)

“You okay?”

She lifted her gaze to see Eagle standing in the doorway. She nodded. “My head is hurting. Maybe if I just lie down.” She waved at the bed. “Unless there is something I can do?”

He shook his head. “No, it’s all taken care. We didn’t see anyone.”

She frowned. “You’re covered in blood, so obviously you’re lying to me. Is he dead?”

He shook his head. “No. We called an ambulance.”

“Did your security system get him?”

He snorted. “No, but yours did.” And he turned. “I’m going to clean Panther’s wound. It’s not bad, but he needs a clean bandage. If you feel like it, come join us. But, if you aren’t feeling well, stay where you are.”

“I was thinking about leaving,” she called out. “Do you have an old duffel bag or anything I could pack my clothing in?”

Silence.

She frowned. Had he not heard her?

He turned back, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her with a rage. Like he was angry that he wanted her. Angry she’d come into his life. Or maybe just angry she was talking about leaving. When he lifted his head, she murmured at the loss of his touch.

He lowered his head again, and this time his lips were gentle, soothing as they lightly stroked her ravaged mouth. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be so rough.”

“It’s okay,” she whispered.

“No, it’s not okay. But I want you. I want you so damn bad. It makes me angry to hear you talk about walking out. You aren’t going anywhere.” He laid her down on the bed, turned, and left her room. “So stop acting or talking like you’re going to. Not gonna happen.”

*

He stormed from the room, more pissed than he could remember being in a long time. And hurt that she’d even think about leaving him. Didn’t she realize she belonged here with him and his birds and his dogs?

Tiger stepped inside and studied him. “You didn’t mention how badly she’s got you tied up in knots.”

“Nothing to mention,” he snapped.

In the darkness behind Tiger, Panther’s grin flashed white. Eagle glared at his friends, but they just gave him fat smiles in return.

“Are you going to stand there all night?” he growled. “Or help me figure this out?”

“We’re here, aren’t we?”

He went to the kitchen and pulled out his first aid kit. “Panther, let’s clean that up.”

“Nope, all good.”

But his drawl had deepened, with just enough stillness to his tone that Eagle knew Panther was lying. “I’m just about in the right mood to fight you over this, so why don’t you do both of us a favor and sit.”

Tiger pulled out a chair, flipped it around, and pointed.

Panther glared. Eagle stared silently back. Like hell he’d give in. He was up for the fight if Panther wanted one. In fact, Eagle would welcome it.

Anger and outrage warred inside. Somehow she was planning to leave. Almost escape. How was he supposed to feel about that?

“We aren’t trying to interfere,” Tiger said quietly. “But it was pretty obvious she was looking to leave.”

Eagle turned his glare to Tiger. Warning his friend not to go there.

But they’d been buddies for years. Inasmuch as Tiger was right, Eagle shouldn’t take it out on him. Tiger grinned, flashing white teeth that lit the room on fire. It had always been like that. He’d flash a smile, and things cooled instantly. Eagle wished he was more like that. The truth of the matter was, he burned a little slower and rose a little higher and took a little longer to cool down afterward. And, just like that, his temper eased back.

He gave a clipped nod. “She doesn’t know how dangerous it is. But it still is irritating.” He ran his fingers through his hair.

“Will she stay in there now, or will she escape through the back door?”

Eagle gave Tiger a startled look, turned, and bolted toward the bedroom. She was curled up in bed, her secondhand clothes stuffed in a plastic bag on the floor beside her. Leaving would be suicide right now. Surely she had enough sense to know that.

“I won’t leave,” she said, her small voice coming from the bed.

He heard the tears clogging her throat. He bowed his head, feeling like a heel. He sat down beside her, but she wouldn’t have it. Her face was buried in the pillow, her hair covering her gentle features. Swearing softly, he stood, pulled the blankets off her, and tugged her into his arms. He didn’t know why he kept doing this. But he could no longer stop.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I didn’t need to be so harsh. You’ve had a lot of rough treatment from those men. I don’t want to add to that.”

She sniffled, a hand wiping her face like a child.

He smiled and brushed her hair back off her forehead. His eyes automatically noted the colorful rings on her cheeks, under her eyelids. “You’re doing better but not that good yet.”

She nodded. “I know. But I was hoping my anger might get me out the door, out to the gate. I’m not sure how far I could go from there,” she admitted.

He chuckled. “I need to dress Panther’s injury. I am counting on you to stay here.”

She tilted her head back, her gaze curious. “On one condition.”