Reclaimed (16 page)

“Okay, okay. Honestly, if I had tried to explain how incredibly hot he looked, I’d have failed miserably. Nothing prepares you for
that
.” She made a slight movement of her head, jerking it in Isaac’s direction to clarify exactly what she spoke of.

As if it were in question.
Ha
.

“Yeah, well, you could have at least tried.”

Sabrina looked over her shoulder at Isaac, only to see him
glowing
with male pride.

“Besides, he’s not perfect,” she whispered, conspiratorially.

“No?”

She could
almost
hear Isaac lean in closer to them.

“He snores.”

***

In the past few weeks, this restaurant had become a favorite of Isaac’s and Sabrina’s, and they were seated at their usual table. Soft candlelight flickered on the table and deep crimson curtains hung behind them. The only difference tonight being that they were three, instead of two. Isaac motioned for Marie to order first. She opted for the Chicken Cordon Bleu and Caesar salad.

He arched a brow at Sabrina, and she gave a nod of her head, probably imperceptible to anyone who didn’t watch her as closely as Isaac, and closed her menu.

“And the lovely lady and I will each have the filet mignon, baked potatoes, and house salad with French dressing, please. The steaks should be rare, on both.” Handing the menus to the waiter, Isaac noticed Marie smirking at him. He glanced at Sabrina in confusion, and she shrugged.

She didn’t have a clue what he had done this time. All night long, Marie had been judging him and questioning his every move. She couldn’t believe Isaac hadn’t snapped yet.

“What, did I do something wrong?”

Marie snickered and replied, “Yeah. Although the gesture is impressive in an old-fashioned kind of way, you ordered wrong.” She gloated. “Sabrina eats her steak medium well. You better get the waiter before it’s too late.”

“Actually, Marie, I’ve discovered I’m a rare kind of gal,” she interjected as she grinned at Isaac. “Why settle for the normal when you can be rare, right, Isaac?”

He laughed wholeheartedly. “Why, indeed.”

Marie looked back and forth between them and glowered silently. She muttered something under her breath Sabrina couldn’t make out, but no doubt Isaac could. She kicked her sister’s shin in an attempt to remind her to be more polite. Marie, ever the drama queen, jumped and yelped loudly. She glared at Sabrina before turning to Isaac with a plastic smile.

“So, Isaac, what do you do?”

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have acquired a rather large amount of real estate over time. I have several properties spread out here and there, and I rent them out while I am not using them.”

“Oh, and what else?” she inquired.

They both froze at her icy tone, neither daring to look at the other.

“I’m not sure I understand your question.”

“Well, you can’t earn enough to support yourself by simply renting out a few properties. I’m sure you do something
else
, as well.”

“Marie, stop it right—”

“No, it’s okay, Sabrina,” he interrupted smilingly. “I just hadn’t understood what she asked me. When I had told you that I own a few properties, I suppose I leaned a bit toward the modest side of my holdings. The land I own would take quite a while to name off. And, I’d rather not, to be honest. I’d come across sounding boastful and arrogant.”

“Oh…well…okay….” Marie stammered. Her cheeks flushed, and she took a sip of ice water before settling back in her chair to cross her arms over her chest.

“I also invest in real estate and am always looking for more opportunities. I own a firm that buys, and flips, properties. I’m also involved in an organization that makes sure land stays open in farm areas, and we try to preserve national forests and such. So, I manage to keep myself busy.”

“I’d imagine so. You sound like a busy man,” she spoke begrudgingly. “I don’t know how you’ve got time to woo Sabrina in-between all of your other commitments.”

“Oh, if I didn’t have the time, I’d find a way to make some. Your sister is one of a kind.”

“Yeah, she is,” she agreed. “You know, I’m trying to find
something
not to like about you, and failing.” She laughed and met his eyes for the first time the whole night.

He leaned in and whispered with flair, “Well, I’ve been told I snore.”

They all chuckled, and the tension dissipated. The rest of the meal passed minus any hitches, and they were driving home when Marie stated, “Isaac, I’d like to apologize. I know I’ve been a bit hard on you. I tend to worry about Sabrina, and I want to see her happy. I can see now how much you care for her. So, I just wanted to say I’m sorry.”

Sabrina moved forward from her relaxed position against the back seat, straining to listen to the conversation. She’d insisted on sitting in the back, since Marie got carsick so easily.

“There’s nothing to forgive. You were protecting your sister. It’s an admirable quality to possess.”

They stared at each other for a moment and grinned. Sabrina grinned as well.

Now that is what I’m talking about. Everybody getting along. Nothing could ruin this
—

“Do sit back, Sabrina. I’d hate for you to strain your neck,” Marie said snidely. She giggled, ruining the effect, and Isaac’s musical laughter joined in.

Bitch
.

Sabrina’s smile disappeared, and she pouted as they snickered at her expense. She sat back to stare out the window at the scenery speeding by.

***

When they arrived home, Marie winked as she got out of the car. “I’m in need of a bath in your huge tub, so I’m heading straight up. Have a good night, Sabrina. And nice meeting you, Isaac.”

“Nice meeting you, too, Marie,” Isaac said.

“Night, Marie. I’ll be inside in a minute.” Sabrina smiled at her sister, who walked to the door and unlocked it. As soon as the door closed, she launched herself into Isaac’s waiting arms. He clutched her to his chest and, in an abrupt movement, swung her in a full circle faster than humanly possible.

Oh, right. He wasn’t
human
.

She grasped his shoulders and yelped. He chuckled and gripped her hair, giving it a gentle tug so her head tilted toward the starless sky. Her gaze collided with his, and for the first time, she let the love she felt for him show. He drew in a shaky breath, and his eyes darkened.

Unable to resist the temptation any longer, she put her hand behind his neck and tugged until his lips touched hers. Once she felt his breath fanning her lips, she kissed him explosively. Her tongue entered his mouth in a bold movement, and she relished the moan she got in return. Longing shot through her body like molten lava, and, God, she
burned
. Of its own accord, her hand explored his taut body, her fingers trailing across his chest and down his abdomen. She hesitated at his belt buckle before she slid her hand lower to cup his erection. His penis had grown hard, and freaking huge. He pressed against her in encouragement, and she massaged him and let out a breathy moan.

He groaned and moved against her, no longer content to stay still as she had her way. He grabbed her hips and leaned her against the door, wrapping her legs around his hips and pressing against her core in need. She dug her nails into his shoulders, demanding more from him.

She whimpered when he tore his lips away from hers, and he made a tortured sound that sounded inhumane.

“Damn, Sabrina, you pick the most
inconvenient
times to get bold,” he teased. His voice sounded husky, and it made her want him even more, if possible.

Crap
.

But, unfortunately, he had a point. They couldn’t make love on the doorstep while her sister sat inside.

“Sorry,” she muttered.

“Me, too. That you had to stop, that is. We could go to my place,” he suggested.

Hmm. Tempting
.

She’d like nothing more than to go to his house, but knew she shouldn’t. Her sister would leave after tonight, and she needed to exercise some control.

“I can’t. I should stay with Marie,” she said. Regret rang loud and clear in her words, and wind whipped her hair in front of her eyes when he sighed in return. She pushed it away and chuckled. He’d enjoyed himself, if the wind gave any indication.

“Yeah, you’re right,” he agreed. Yet, even as he did so, he sighed so dramatically that even Marie would be impressed. “Plus, I still have work to do. I have to keep you frail humans safe from the big, bad monsters of the world,” he teased. She removed her legs from his waist, and he pulled her against his chest, apparently not ready to let go just yet. His erection pressed against her, and she shivered. The wind whipped around them as she clung to his shirt.

He must have mistaken her shiver for fear, instead of desire, for he soothed, “Don’t worry. I’m under control now. And no one’s here, just us.”

“Did you find Louisa? Or Elijah?”

“I know Elijah’s been nearby. I can sense his presence. While hunting Louisa, I found his scent, too. So I think he chased after Louisa, or vice versa. He must have been trying to stop her from harming you. They met up in the forest a few days ago, appeared to have had a fight and separated. I’m not sure where she went, but Elijah headed back this way. I have a gut feeling he’s nearby, though. Have you had any dreams?”

“No, none. Just normal dreams. No Elijah or Louisa.”

His muscles relaxed under her cheek as he sighed. “Good. I hope it stays that way.”

“So, what are you doing tonight?”

“I think I’m going to scout around a bit more, see if I can’t pick up a new trail. I’d like to catch up to Louisa.” Eagerness added a lift to his words, like a little boy looking forward to his favorite TV show.

Men
.

“Can’t you just go to bed and watch a movie?” She rolled her eyes heavenward.

His chest shook at his silent laughter. “Sorry, but I
do
have to do my job. Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. I’m more worried about you.”

“I’ll stay tucked in on my makeshift bed on the couch, safe as can be.”

“Now that’s a picture I’d like to see.”

They both jumped when the door opened and banged against the wall.

“You don’t have to stay out there like two teenagers scared of getting caught by their parents while making out. Come in, for God’s sakes.” Marie’s hair looked wet, presumably from the bath she had mentioned going in for, and she’d wrapped herself in a fluffy purple robe. She had no makeup on and held a glass of water in her hand. It became obvious they’d been outside a lot longer than Sabrina had realized.

They both looked at Marie, then back to each other, before breaking out into infectious laughter. “Sorry, Marie. I didn’t realize how long we were out here. I should come in, anyway. Isaac was just leaving.”

“Yes, I am,” he replied smoothly. He shook Marie’s hand and brushed his lips across Sabrina’s cheek. “Good night, ladies.”

She smiled as she watched him trudge his way to the car. His steps were slow and maybe even a little cranky. She knew he hated driving and avoided it as much as possible. He much preferred a more natural way of travelling—running. He would groan when she asked him to drive her somewhere, and she’d always laugh at his disgruntlement.

She turned to see Marie watching her, her eyebrow raised and lips puckered. “Sure you don’t want to chase after the car?”

“Oh, shut up already.”

They went inside and locked the door behind them. “Did you have to be such a bitch tonight? He’s a good guy. I’ve told you he isn’t a loser how many times?”

Marie held her hands up in mock surrender. “Okay, you’re right. Take it easy, though. I had your best interests at heart. I had to make sure you aren’t falling for the guy out of desperation.”

“If nothing else, one look at him can tell you it sure isn’t desperation that attracted me to him,” she pointed out sarcastically.

“Yeah, I can concede as much.” They both laughed, and Marie sobered. “If you had told me how gorgeous he looked, maybe I’d have understood your obsession a little better. And maybe I’d have not come out. He’s definitely one of a kind.”

“Yup, he is,” she whispered. Uneasiness washed over her, and Sabrina tugged on a loose curl. Marie had no idea how true her words were. “But I’m glad you came out. I missed you.”

“I missed you, too,” Marie said. “You guys are so weird together, though. It kind of freaks me out.”

“How are we weird?” she asked. She bit her lip as she awaited the answer. Had Marie, perhaps, picked up on something she shouldn’t have?

“When he looks at you, it’s like he’s known you for years. He seems to know what you’re thinking before the thought even crosses your mind. Just like an old married couple, who finish each other’s sentences. He’s also
very
protective of you. Whenever you move, his gaze follows you to make sure there’s nothing new around the two of you that could harm you. If you sigh, his eyes meet yours. If you enter a new room, he positions his body around yours so he’s protecting you from all sides. It’s like he expects the big, bad wolf to jump out at you and attack.” She ended, amusement clear in her voice.

Sabrina got struck speechless. She didn’t know what to say to Marie’s statement. She hadn’t realized she and Isaac were so obvious in their affection toward one another, and she could have slapped herself in the forehead for her ignorance. Of course Isaac watched her like they had been together for fifty years. He’d already lived a lifetime with her—a lifetime cut short by betrayal and murder.

“Well, at least you know I’ll be safe around him,” she joked.

“I have no doubt about it. I think he would manage to catch the big, bad wolf and tear him to pieces using his bare hands. And you look at him like he’s the only thing that matters in your life. But, what I wonder is
how
? It’s been a few weeks. Why is it like this, and so soon?”

“He’s a good guy,” Sabrina said in defense. Her sister was way too intuitive for her own good. Thank the Lord she would be leaving tomorrow.

“He’s a good guy, yeah. But is that a reason to look at him as if you need him to
breathe
? It’s just weird. It’s too much, too fast,” Marie insisted.