Lion of Midnight (21 page)

“Of course,” Loki said with a smile. “I’ll put you right in your own apartment in Tennessee.” He beckoned with one hand. “Just give your hand to me.”

“Cleo, don’t trust him.”

“You hush, mortal. You’re the reason she’s here. I’ve come to take her home, something you don’t seem too inclined to do.” Loki glared at him.

“What about Nik?” Cleo asked.

“What about him?”

Nik gripped her wrist, keeping her beside him when she moved to walk past. “I mean, will he come back with me?” She didn’t pull away.

“Why would you want him back there? He belongs in this time. A Neanderthal.”

Nik watched Cleo shrug. “He’s made a life for himself there.” Cleo’s hand shook, and Nik dropped his from her wrist and squeezed it.

“No. He stays. My offer is only for you.”

Nik’s jaw almost hit the ground when Cleo sighed, turned back to him, and said, “Guess we keep looking for the place where we both can go back. He’s not powerful enough. Now, help me back on the horse.”

Nik longed to kiss her. She looked at him and winked, making him realize all over again how much he loved her. She could manipulate with the best of them, and he was proud of her. Even so, he was scared shitless for her.

“Not powerful enough?!” Loki roared.

“Deaf, too, I wager. I thought the gods were supposed to be ‘all-powerful’. Guess not.”

Nik shot her a look.
Cleo be quiet.

Feminine laughter filled his head.
I like her, mortal.

“Listen to me, mortal,” Loki thundered, the ground shaking around them. “Look at me!”

Cleo turned with a yawn. “What? We’re busy here, so…go pretend to be powerful elsewhere.” Her patronizing tone flowed cuttingly from her tongue as she flicked her fingers in his direction.

Loki’s eyes turned completely red. Nik lifted his sword, pushing Cleo behind him. There was a flash of light, and Cleo’s scream filled the air.

“Cleo!” he shouted. No answer.

When the light faded, Nik heard a moan, and he saw Cleo face down in the snow.
Snow?
He hurried through it to her side. She didn’t wake, just lay there. Off in the distance, he could see his house.
We’re home. We’re in Russia.
Scooping her up, he headed for the warmth of his home.

“Vassi! Vassi!” he yelled as he charged up the steps.

The door opened, and Vassi took one look, reached out and took the sword from him. Nik carried her upstairs to her bed.

Rubbing her skin, he murmured, “Come on,
snežinka
.”

Cleo groaned and opened her eyes. A big sigh left her. “Did it work?”

“You crazy woman. Don’t
ever
do that, again. He could have…” Nik trailed off. He closed his eyes briefly, grateful she was okay. Not even wanting to imagine what
could
have been done to her.

She yawned and looked around. “We’re back in Russia.”

“Yes. My home.”
Our home.

“Good. Civilization. I want a shower and food.”

“Anything,
snežinka
.” He kissed her temple.

Cleo climbed out of bed and glared at him. “And we
seriously
need to have a talk, Nikolas Andreyevich.” Then, she slipped into his master bath.

Nik nodded and fell face first on the bed.

Cleo pulled Nik’s shirt on over her clean body. The soft cotton teased her skin. It fell to her knees, and she looked at the necklace in the mirror before placing it beneath the top. She glanced at herself and saw the strain lines in her expression.

“Just a bad dream, Cleo,” she said to psych herself up.

It didn’t work.

Legs trembling, Cleo sank to the padded bench. Breathing became difficult, and nausea washed over her. Really? A meeting with a Norse god? Why shouldn’t she feel a bit woozy?

He’s the reason I went there? Nik?
The idea that Nik would want to do that made the sickness worse. In the back of her mind, something refused to believe it.

What’s Loki best known for?
it demanded

“Tricks. Deception. Evil. Although, there is some literature which has him portrayed in a good light.”

So, why believe him? Nik said he couldn’t lie to you.

“What do you call not telling me he was over nine hundred years old?”

And had he, how would you have reacted?

With a slash of her hand, Cleo got to her feet. “I really hate it when my brain makes sense.” Her stomach growled, and she sighed. “Like I needed comments from the peanut gallery.”

Opening the door, Cleo walked out into his huge bedroom. Her gaze swept the room, and she saw Nik sprawled face down across his garnet feather comforter. Padding softly toward him, she stifled a groan.
He’s so fucking hot!
She lingered over his delicious form before carefully removing his heavy leather boots. Once finished, she gently turned his head to the side. Cleo touched his face, never forgetting how handsome he was. His stubble abraded her palm.

“Sleep now,” she murmured before going to a pile of clean clothes, footwear included, stacked on a chair. When the pants fit, she smiled. She kept Nik’s shirt on, since wearing it brought her comfort. Dressed, Cleo headed to the door, boots in hand, and left him there on the bed. Sitting on the top step, she laced on her boots, cast one final glance behind her toward Nik’s room, and quickly moved down to the first floor.

“Afternoon, Miss,” a calm male said from her left.

“Vassi. Hi. Afternoon.”
I sound like a fool.

He smiled at her. “Are you hungry?”

Starved!
“Food would be great. Do you think Nik would mind if I grabbed something?”

“Anything you wish is yours. I’ll make it.”

“Vassi. First, thank you for the clothes. Second, I’m perfectly capable of fixing my own food. I don’t need you to do that for me. However, I’d love to have some company while I cook.” His decision was obvious, and Cleo smiled. “You did say whatever I want. If you aren’t busy doing something else, I’d love to have you with me.”

“As you wish.”

“Wonderful.” Together they started to the kitchens. “Have you been with Nik long?”

“Over seventy years.”

Damn! I didn’t think he was that old.
“Does this thing happen often?”

“Thing?” Vassi poured some water into the kettle.

“Going back in time.”

Vassi’s eyes were kind when he put them on her. “I don’t believe so.” He got out some tea and cocoa along with a bag of marshmallows. “He said you loved them.”

Is he for real?
She blushed. “I do.”

“You are good for him. I like the sparkle back in his eyes.” He poured the boiling water and mixed their drinks.

Cleo longed to ask more about Nik, but she kept her questions inside. She was already in danger of losing her heart to that man. Shoving the thought back down, she focused on food. After a while of easy conversation, Cleo bit her lower lip, checked the cornbread in the oven then the simmering pot of chowder. She faced Vassi, who worked on the salad, and asked, “Vassi, is there a computer I could use?”

“Of course.” He cleaned his hands and said, “I’ll be right back.”

He left, and Cleo fought the urge to cry all over again. All of this was so overwhelming for her, she just wanted to curl up in a ball and wail. Time travel? Really? Norse gods? Forcing steel into her limbs, she took the lid off the pot and added the corn, evaporated milk, and corn liquid. Stirring it until mixed, she replaced the cover and increased the heat.

Vassi returned with a laptop and set it upon the counter for her.

“Thank you, Vassi.”

“My pleasure, Miss.”

They worked in silence until Cleo ladled a bowl of chowder for him and set it along with a piece of steaming cornbread in front of him.

“There you go,” she said, placing a spoon in the bowl. “Try that.”

Vassi ate a bit and grinned. “This is absolutely wonderful. What do you call it?”

“Corn, sausage, and bean chowder. I’m so glad you like it. This is one of my comfort foods.”
And given what I just experienced, I need all the comfort I can find.

“You must share this recipe with me.” He ate some more.

“I’d love to.” She dished up another bowl and sat across from Vassi at the large island. It was comfortable there. Beyond him, she could see the snow beginning to fly again, making her happy to be where she was.

“Seems like I’m missing all the fun,” Nik said.

Cleo turned her head and groaned. Nik had showered and shaved. Now, he wore a black shirt, which molded to his torso and arms, and jeans that hung around lean hips. She had to forcibly stop herself from going to him. The desire to kiss him as her hands sank into his soft hair hit her with all the subtly of a freight train.

Nik waved Vassi back to his seat. “Stay and eat, Vassi. I can get my own.”

He got some chowder for himself then flowed toward her and trailed a hand down the side of her face. Their eyes locked onto one another, and she couldn’t move. His lips settled over hers lightly, his tongue only teasing before he drew back.

“Hello,
snežinka
.”

“Hi,” she said.

Her breath hitched as his large body sat on a stool beside her. Cleo found her eyes transfixed on his mouth when he ate a bite of the chowder. Longing swept through her. He turned his head and licked his lips.

“Delicious, Cleo.”

She smiled her thanks and put her attention on her own bowl. The men talked while they ate. Cleo could see how much Nik liked and respected Vassi. Nik always let her know he’d not forgotten she was there, via looks or touches.

I can’t imagine how hard it is for him to lose friends.

Getting up with a bite of cornbread in her mouth, Cleo moved to the laptop. Her fingers flew over the keys as she brought up flights.
I have to get home.

“What are you doing,
snežinka
?” Nik asked.

Cleo glanced up to find Vassi had vanished and Nik staring at her. In the depths of his eyes, she could see exhaustion. Cracking a smile, Cleo shut the laptop. “Nothing. Looking at email.” She forced herself not to flinch as the lie slipped past her lips and walked over to him. Until her plans were set, she wanted to keep them private. “You look tired. Why aren’t you sleeping?”
Damn him for making me care.

He turned on the stool and pulled her between his powerful thighs. One hand tucked some hair behind her ear and lightly brushed her face. “I woke up and couldn’t find you.”

“I was right here.”

“I know that, now. I can’t help it; I want to lock you up and keep you safe.”

What happens when I’m old and you’re still like this? How locked up will I be, then?
Cleo felt an onslaught of tears coming. Clearing her throat, she changed the subject. “Show me your sword.”

Chapter Eighteen

Nik arched a brow and a sexy mischievous smile tilted up his firm lips. “My sword?”

Cleo flushed and smacked him on one pectoral. “Not that… Geez… I meant…” She groaned.

“Can’t blame me for trying.” He pressed a light kiss to her lips. “I know what you mean, Cleo.”

Nik held her hand as they went toward the back of the house. He pressed a button, and a panel opened noiselessly in the wall.

Damn!

They walked down steps illuminated by small lights on every third stair. Cleo’s breath caught in her throat when they entered a huge room. Obviously, a training room.
Well, this explains all the flipping muscles he has.
“This is amazing.”

“
Spasibo
.”

“You’re welcome,” she responded.

He led her to double doors on one side of the room and slid them back. Her breath left her in a rush. Not one but many swords hung there. There were two heavier blades, which caught her eyes. Cleo stepped closer and inspected the smaller of those two. It shone and was encrusted with jewels.

“Did you make this?”

“No.” Nik ran a hand through his hair then reached in and took the weapon out. “I saved a prince, and he had it made for me.”

Cleo heard no bragging in his tone. In fact, there was more of a weary, resigned acceptance. “It’s beautiful.” Her gaze moved to the one from the tapestry and the one he’d had during her most recent experience.
Of which I’m still trying to convince myself was a dream.
“And this one?”

Nik put the one in his hand back and withdrew the other. “This is the sword I made a name for myself with.”

Cleo snuck a glance at him as he held the sword. His biceps and triceps tensed as he held it. There was a slight smile on his face, as well as a lot of arrogance and challenge.

Just like in the tapestry.

“What does it say down the blade?”

He walked to a table and laid it across the top. “Come here.”

Cleo found him pressing against her from behind as he reached around her to place one of her fingers along the wicked blade. It was cold, and she was grateful for his warmth.

“It reads ‘Lion of Midnight’s Blood Drinker.’”

She swallowed. “What about that stuff up there?” There were designs on the hilt and pommel, which tickled her memory banks, but she couldn’t pull up from where.

“I don’t know.” His words flowed over her.

She moved up the blade to the hilt. Six blue stones were there but one was incomplete. Then, there was the black stone in the center of the pommel with three red stripes. Her attention drifted back to the deadly jagged portion of the blade. Cleo couldn’t understand why it fascinated her so. The object was built for one thing. Killing. And yet, she could hardly pull her gaze from it.

Morbid fascination.
But it was more than that. She peered back up at the unknown writing. “Is it heavy?”

“Yes. It’s a two-handed sword.” Nik took her hands and positioned them on the hilt. “Lift it.”

She did. “Crap. This is really heavy.” The tip wobbled, and she stiffened her arms.

“Not bad,
snežinka
,” Nik said, walking to her side.

She knew she was in good shape, but merely standing there, the strain could be felt. Cleo realized just how strong Nik truly was to be able to battle with this, and to do so using one hand.
And how gentle he is.
The tip wobbled, again. Cleo set it back on the table, grateful it didn’t clatter too much, and looked at him.

His strong hand cupped the side of her face. “I know you have more questions,
snežinka
.”

“Why me?” she asked bluntly.

He opened his mouth, only to snap it shut. Nik reached out for her and pulled her close. Nuzzling her hair, he murmured something she couldn’t understand. Cleo squeezed her eyes shut and returned the embrace. She couldn’t help it. How she felt in his arms was indescribable. Regardless of that fact, in her mind, Cleo knew she had to go.

You’re running away,
her brain announced.

Like I don’t know that. But I don’t think I can do this.

All thoughts of leaving faded away when his mouth began to nibble on her neck. His fingers bunched up the shirt she wore, seeking her skin. Cleo purred when one hand covered her sensitive breast. She didn’t argue or resist when he lowered her to the floor. Nik and the world he created for her were all that mattered. Where it was just the two of them.

A few hours later, the loving, tender feeling had disappeared. She stopped tapping her foot and crossed her arms.

“I can’t stay here. I want to go home.” Cleo winced at the whiny quality to her tone.

“Why?”

“Because I have a life there. A job. Friends.”

“You can visit them.”

She rubbed her temples. “There’s nothing for me here.” Pain flashed in his eyes before it was masked.
Shit, I didn’t mean it like that.
“Nik, that’s—” She clamped her mouth shut when he waved his hand.

“I don’t understand, Cleo. I can give you anything you want.”

Except telling me you love me.
“I don’t want to be
given
everything, Nik. I’m thrilled about teaching; it’s what I worked so hard for. I have an appointment in California I don’t want to miss. I need to go home.”

“You’re running away from me,” he accused.

“I’m sorry you feel that way.” Everything within her cried out to stay near him. But she’d already done the dependent-on-a-man thing. And given she was divorced and officially struggling, she had to prove to herself she wouldn’t fail.

His jaw clenched, and he, too, crossed his arms. “I could make you stay.”

“Yes, you could. I have no money. No identification.” She shrugged. “I’m asking for your help.”

“So, you need me.”

“To help me get home, yes.”

Nik sighed. He walked to her, cupped her face, and traced her lips with the pads of his thumbs. “Of course I’ll get you home.”

Cleo kissed the ends of his thumbs. “Thank you. For understanding and not being all Neanderthal-y.”

“You make it hard, Cleopatra Laurens. But let’s get ready. I’ll call and have the plane warmed up.”

“You have a plane?” she asked, astonished.

“Yes.” His comment barely over a whisper, he led the way out of the room.

A few hours later, Cleo squeezed Vassi’s hand in farewell as they stood near the jet waiting to take her back to the United States.

“Goodbye, Miss.”

Reaching in her pocket, Cleo withdrew a piece of paper—the recipe for the chowder she’d said she would give him—and pressed it into his hand. “Goodbye, Vassi. Thank you for everything.”

“I hope to see you again soon.”

Cleo smiled through the pain. Nik hadn’t come with her; he’d kissed her goodbye and put her in the car then vanished back in his home. Brushing the memory away, Cleo focused on Vassi. “I hope so, too, Vassi. I hope so, too.”

“Forgive me for saying so, Miss, but I hope you don’t dismiss what you’ve been through. Nik is a lot of things, but he needs you.”

“So much so he didn’t even come to see me off?” she ground out.
Okay, so that’s bothering me more than I want to believe.

Vassi touched her chin. “Do you really think he’d be here after you told him you wanted to leave him?”

Cleo closed her eyes briefly. “I can’t be an object for a man who will just move on when I’m gone.”

“He needs you, Cleo. Never doubt that. Go on; the plane’s waiting.”

She kissed his cheek and headed for the stairs. One look and wave over her shoulder and Cleo ducked into the plane. With a nod for the pilot, she sat in one of the large seats and buckled herself in. Cleo closed her eyes when the engines powered up and kept them closed until they’d taken off and reached cruising altitude.

Vassi’s words rang in her head.
Why doesn’t Nik tell me he needs me?
Cleo fell into a restless sleep. When she woke, she found herself laid out on a bed. The room was dark except for an aisle light along a wall. Panic set in, and she tried to sit up only to find it impossible with an arm around her middle.

“Get off me!” she yelled, striking at the body attached to the arm.

“
Snežinka
, stop struggling.” Nik’s voice left the dark and wove around her. “Lay back down; it’s the middle of the night. Go back to sleep.”

Nik?
“Nik? What are you doing here?”

“Sleep,
snežinka
. We’ll talk in the morning.” His tone gentle yet insistent.

Warmth cradled her, and Cleo easily curled against Nik’s hard body. His presence calming her restlessness.

Nik contemplated Cleo while she slept. Possessiveness swarmed him, and he sank down in a chair.
How could I live without her in my life? At the same time, can I expect her to want to be a part of my life that the gods take delight in messing with?

She stirred and her eyes opened. Nik held her gaze, his heart pounding.

“Hi,” she murmured.

“
Dobroye utro, snežinka
,” he returned, not moving.

“You came.”

“Of course I did.” He’d actually beaten her to the plane and had hung out in the room until later.

She smiled. “I’m glad.”

This woman is so beautiful.
Nik was content to merely look at her rich amaretto skin, amazing eyes, and one hell of a killer smile. Cleo swung her legs out of bed and moved to the lavatory. Moments later, she exited there and approached him. He sat mesmerized by the seductive sway of her hips. He looked up when she touched his face.

“I’m sorry if I hurt you, Nik. Truly, I am. But I have to do this.”

“Why won’t you let me take care of you?” he asked, baffled.

Cleo straddled his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I want to prove to myself I can do this. It’s a chance for a career. I worked on campus during school, but that all went into savings… Good thing, apparently. But, basically, David gave me a free ride. He paid the bills, and as long as I kept the house clean, had meals ready on time, and gave him sex when he wished, he never complained. Of course that could also be because he was getting some on the side.”

Nik battled back his rage at her words.

“But, the whole time, I felt like a kept woman. I want to work. I love people.”

“So, if you take what I offer, it’s no different?” he asked, cupping one side of her face.

“Not really. I mean, with Vassi, I doubt I’d have to cook or clean. But, Nik, even you’ve told me you’d kill any man who touched me. I can’t be locked away. And just because a man touches me doesn’t mean he wants me in his bed.”

She can’t believe that.
“When did women become so damn independent?” he groused as he smiled. Cleo’s arms tightened when she hugged him.
Okay, I admit it. I didn’t think about what she wanted.

Getting up from the chair, Nik kept his hands under her ass. Her ankles hooked behind his back. He walked to the bed and lay them down. Cleo burrowed closer, and he felt himself respond.

“Cleo,” he whispered.

“Hmm?”

“I need to tell you something.”

“Do I have to move or can you tell me like this?”

He put some space between them. “I need to see your face, Cleo.”

“Okay.” She sat up cross-legged on the bed.

The trust in her gaze floored him. Nik sat up, too, but hung one leg over the bed’s edge. With one hand, he reached for one of hers and kissed it. “When Freya saved me, she told me I would remain untouched by age until I found a love like Kit and Marcus had. You know this; I’ve said it before. Centuries went by with nothing. I’d given up hope until one day. One day, I was sitting in Mihailov’s Bakery, eating my
ponchiki,
when my woman walked through the door.”

He kissed the palm of her hand. “From the moment I saw you, I loved you. But I can’t make you love me, so I don’t know how this changes things. All I know is I won’t allow Loki to hurt you as a way to get to me. But you have to understand,
snežinka
, I am a possessive man—
fiercely possessive
. And, I see it as my responsibility to take care of you, to give you everything you could ever want or need. So, while I understand you wanting to do your thing, please understand it’s not easy for me to accept.”

“Nik—”

“Let me finish, Cleo, please. My life is worth nothing without you. And, I will kill for you without hesitation. I have.” Her brows furrowed. “I hope you are happy, Cleo. And, as always, should you need anything, you can always call Vassi.”

“Where
are
you going, Nik?”

“I have to go eliminate a threat on you.”

“Loki?”