Read Online Dark Flame by Caris Roane - Free Book Online Page A

leaped into her lap, took a complete circuit in order to find the best curling-up position, then settled in.
    If cats could smile, this one did as he stared up at her. She looked down at him with an equal amount of affection and pushed her hand over his head, forcing his ears back. She ran her fingers in a slow sweep all the way down to the cat’s tail.
    She petted the cat the way she made love to Brannick, as though there was no greater pleasure.
    You love that about her, don’t you?
    Olivia’s voice startled him. He should have felt embarrassed that he was enjoying the qualities of one woman while chatting with another who had once been his wife.
    But he wasn’t really doing that, was he? Another indication consciousness had little to do with his present condition.
    He fixed his attention on Olivia, wondering why she was here. She had a considering expression on her face as though she was trying to understand him. Why haven’t you remarried, Brann? It’s been thirteen long years.
    I’ve already told you, because of Five Bridges.
    Is it that bad?
    It is. Corruption and murder, the trafficking of young women, drug-running and the cartels here are intent on expansion. That’s why you and the children died. Remember?
    Of course. She wore tight black pants and ballet flats, a clinging blue top. Her clothes had always hugged her body, the opposite of Juliet.
    He wondered if he was delirious. Where is this place that I can talk to you, yet still be here on Juliet’s sofa?
    Right at the edge of paradise where you’re hovering. Apparently, you can’t decide to leave this world permanently, though you’re trying like crazy to do so. What’s hounding you toward death?
    He shifted his gaze once more to Juliet. I couldn’t bear to lose her.
    Is that the reason you’re trying to leave your body? You’re afraid of hurting again should Juliet, or anyone else you care about, die on you?
    Was that what he was doing? He didn’t feel at all like he was trying to leave. But he could tell he wasn’t making an effort to stay, either.
    The next moment, Olivia moved off the tall, wicker chair and knelt in front of Brannick. She took his face in her hands. How was that possible?
    Brann, you’ve never let me and the kids go. That’s why I’m here. You’ve kept all of us on the edge of paradise, and I need you to move on so we can, too.
    Olivia and the kids.
    A feeling like fire burned hot in his chest, searing his heart. Grief flooded him, a profound agony a thousand times worse than his current sword cut, or any other battle wound he’d suffered over the years.
    But how could he make a ghost understand his suffering? Olivia had perished with one child dying in her belly and the other already cold as ice and gone from the world. He’d been left behind to bear the weight of their lost lives, something Olivia had never experienced. So, how could she understand?
    I did let you go, Olivia, to the degree I could.
    You’d be married again already if you’d been able to pass through your grief.
    He felt a spike of annoyance shoot through his head. Easy for you to say.
    Her lips twisted in an amused smile. She leaned close and kissed his forehead, a strange ghostly sensation without real substance, yet real anyway. Let us go, Brann. I’m getting our children all grown up here in paradise and when your life has truly come to an end, when you’ve accomplished all that you need to in Five Bridges, we’ll be waiting to welcome you home.
    He was going to argue, but just like that, Olivia was gone. The fire in his chest slowly died down, yet continued to deliver a constant familiar ache. He still missed his family. But had her visit been real? Was he really stuck at the edge of a place she called paradise, keeping his family from moving on?
    Or was this just the delirium from a mortal wound?
    His gaze once more shifted to Juliet. The cat had disappeared, and she now stood facing the canal and the eastern skies. The sun had set, and he