Chief Distraction (26 page)

“What are you doing here,” he said with little
feeling.

Blythe felt unease rise at her collar. “Mak, I
wanted to let you know…” She watched as he looked over his shoulder toward his
men and then came forward and guided her around the back of her sports car.
Craning slightly to the left, she could see a few of the men polishing the fire
truck, their arms moving in circles as their eyes periodically glanced in her
and Mak’s direction. Great. An audience. “I was just saying that I wanted…”

Mak put a hand up. “Hold on. I just got a call
from Reverend Okelani. Said she received a visit from a reporter.”

“Oh,” Blythe said, unable to gage his mood.

“She says you begged forgiveness and asked that
my curse be lifted. She called to see if I’d put you up to it.”

Blythe studied him. She couldn’t tell if he was
upset by the call or not, his face remaining stony and emotionless. “I’m sorry.
I thought it would help. Did I cross a line?”

Mak shook his head and smiled. “I think it was
the most honorable thing anyone’s ever done for me. Now I’m free.”

His words felt like a slap. Here came the
zinger, she could sense it in her bones. He was about to thank her for breaking
his curse and enabling him to pursue any woman without risk. Concentrating,
Blythe held her breath. Waiting for his reply was agonizing and it put into
perspective just how much she cared for him. She didn’t want to think about
walking away and not having him in her life. Not now.

“Reverend Okelani said she could tell right away
I hadn’t sent you and that your feelings for me were strong enough to break any
curse. She says you admitted something to her.” Mak looked down at his hands.
“That you’re in love with me.” He met her eyes. “She said I’m ready to be free
to love you back.”

Blythe couldn’t hide her hope. “Are you ready?”
She stepped closer, still unsure about his reaction. “I’m not here to convince
you, Mak. I’m only here to tell you that I’m sorry and give you this.” Taking the
folded piece of paper from her pocket, she handed it to him.

“What is it?” Mak asked, unfolding it.

“It’s a cleansing forgiveness prayer. After
saying these words, the curse will be lifted.”

Mak looked at the paper, thinking.

Blythe stepped closer still and placed a hand on
his forearm as he met her gaze and held it. “After all we went through, Mak,
we’re meant for each other. You’re superstitious, don’t you see the way our
lives have intertwined as a sign?”

Mak’s mouth curved into a sly, boyish smile. “So
let me get this straight…I was cursed to keep all other women away so I could
be with you?”

It wasn’t exactly the response she’d expected,
but…“Absolutely.”

Mak scratched his head, shaking it. “Well it
seems I owe you a thank you.”

Blythe eyed him. “No, I think you owe me
something other than a thank you.”

“Oh yeah? And what’s that?” His mouth twisted
into a full smile, unable to contain his joy.

Blythe leaned in on tiptoe, her lips lingering
at his. “This.”

The kiss was deep, sensuous, and meaningful.
They heard a few catcalls and whistles from the firemen, but nothing else
mattered at the moment. Only this. Only now.

“Does this mean you forgive me?” she whispered
as he brought his arms around her in a firm hug.

Another long kiss and Blythe had her answer.