Read Online Immortally Theirs [Legends & Myths] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Scarlet Day - Free Book Online Page A

tore his fingers away from her silken skin and stepped back, putting some much needed distance between them. “I should let you get back to your painting.” He dropped her hand and backed away toward his bedroom door.
    Claire bit her lower lip and nodded. “Um, are we still going to the Fountain of Youth tomorrow?”
    Christian’s hand froze on the doorknob. He had forgotten all about Claire’s earlier request and his promise to escort her. He turned back to Claire and met her expectant gaze. He shouldn’t go. He knew he shouldn’t.
    “Of course. I’m looking forward to it.” He turned the doorknob and escaped into his bedroom. He shut the door firmly behind him and leaned against it.
    Who was he kidding? He had a lot of nerve lecturing Stefan on his inability to restrain himself with Claire. How was he supposed to keep Stefan from falling for Claire when Christian couldn’t even trust himself not to do the same?

Chapter Ten
     
    Claire stared down into the small cup in her hand, wishing it were really this easy. The dim light of the empty grotto surrounding the legendary Fountain of Youth pressed in on her, feeling as though it were a weight on her soul. They had gotten to the historic park early this morning, before most of the tourists showed up. She and Christian were alone in the place heralded to contain the life-giving water that Ponce de Leon had searched for so many centuries ago when he had sailed to Florida.
    “You seem lost in thought.” Christian’s voice pulled her out of her silent musings.
    She smiled despite her melancholy mood. “I just…” She shook her head, embarrassed by the ridiculous thought. She held the cup up in salute. “Bottoms up.” The cool water slid down her throat. She stared back down into the empty cup and sadness swept over her. Even as she fought the rising tide of emotion, tears filled her eyes and she choked out a sob.
    “Claire?” Christian moved closer to her and his fingers brushed her cheek. “Are you okay?”
    Claire felt a single tear breach her eyelid and slide down her face. “I just wish…I know it’s silly.” She glanced over at the fountain where the clear spring water emerged from the rock. She sighed and her shoulders slumped. Well, if she was going to cry in front of him, she might as well tell him why. “I just kind of wish the legend was true. I mean, could you imagine not having to worry about dying? To just be able to live without being afraid all the time?”
    She looked up into Christian’s face and was surprised by what she saw. Deep sorrow marred his features. He gently wiped the tear from her face with his thumb, his fingers still splayed across her cheek.
    “Are you afraid, Claire?” His gaze held her captive.
    She knew she shouldn’t, but she wanted nothing more than to tell him about her fear. She had been afraid for so long with no one to talk to.
    She nodded. “Yes. He’s going to come after me. Mark—my husband. I knew I wouldn’t be able to run from him for long. I just wanted to be able to live a little before he finds me.”
    Claire watched as a struggle seemed to take place behind Christian’s eyes. “What if he doesn’t find you?”
    Claire shook her head. “He will. Soon.” She debated about whether she should say the one thing she was sure would send Christian running as far away from her as he could possibly get. “Mark is a professional assassin. He can find anyone.”
    Shock registered across Christian’s face, just as she knew it would. But then, instead of fear and the flight reaction she had expected, Claire saw something else pass across Christian’s features. Steely determination settled in his eyes as he stared down at her. Claire got lost in the strong protectiveness of his gaze. She almost wanted to wrap herself up in it and never leave.
    “Claire…” Christian hesitated. Claire thought she saw a battle raging behind his eyes. “If it were real, the legend…” He took a deep breath before