bulging carrier full of clothes.
Vadim filled him in on their progress, or lack of it.
“Kane’s right about one thing. You don’t get to fuck any other male shifter with that huge cock of yours, or I’ll scratch your eyes out.” Zayd extended his claws and flashed them in front of Vadim’s face to back up the threat.
“You’re more than enough for me, lover.”
“Good to know.”
Zayd slid quietly into their bedroom and left the clothes for Talia.
“She’s in the shower,” he said, returning to Vadim. “Seems such a waste to leave her in there all alone. She might get scared again.”
Vadim let out a soft roar of pure frustration. “Don’t go there, buddy!”
“Just sayin’.”
The bedroom door opened and Talia joined them, looking adorable in jeans that fit perfectly, a soft-peach sleeveless top, and her hair still wet from the shower.
“Morning,” she said, sounding unsure of herself.
“Morning,” Vadim and Zayd said together. “Sleep well?”
“Perfectly, thanks. Who do I thank for the clothes?”
“Zayd went shopping,” Vadim told her.
“Well, you got the size and my style spot on. How did you know?”
“We knew,” Zayd and Vadim said together.
“Wasn’t sure about your bra cup size so I just got you panties. Figured you wouldn’t mind going braless.” Zayd glanced at her nipples, pert and firm, showing through the fabric of her top. “Those pretty tits of yours sure don’t need any support.”
Talia actually giggled and then blushed. “Thanks. I think.”
“You hungry?” Vadim asked in an abrupt change of subject.
“Yes, I am, as it happens.”
“Zayd will cook you something.”
“Oh, don’t go to any trouble on my account.”
Zayd blew her one of his trademark kisses. “It’s no trouble.”
Vadim didn’t ask her if she remembered anything more and she didn’t volunteer that information. Instead she stared out the window that faced the Intracoastal, hands clasped tightly together, looking everywhere except at him. She was coiled tighter than a cobra waiting to attack, but Vadim couldn’t think of a single subject of conversation that wouldn’t make matters worse. And so he said nothing, leaving her to her window gazing while he caught up with his e-mail and downloaded the picture Kane had just sent through of Finch.
Zayd presented her with creamy scrambled eggs, fresh juice, toast, and coffee. She ate it all and was full of compliments for Zayd’s skills in the kitchen.
“Aw, honey, anyone can scramble eggs.”
She smiled. “Not like that they can’t.” She pushed her empty plate aside and patted her stomach. “Thanks, that’s tons better.”
Zayd cleared the table and Talia finally looked directly at Vadim—something she had so far avoided doing. The time had come to get some answers, and they both knew it. Vadim led her back to the seats with the view over the Gulf. A whole flotilla of tiny sailboats wobbled along close to the shore, crewed by children learning to sail. Two inflatable boats with outboards kept pace with them, their crews shouting encouragement and instructions. One boat capsized and an inflatable maneuvered into a position to help. He wasn’t needed. The kid sorted himself out and joined the back of the flotilla. Talia watched, a soft smile playing about lips that Vadim wanted to kiss again so badly that it was like a persistent physical ache. He turned away from her, waiting for her to sit down. By the time she did so, Zayd had rejoined them.
“Have you remembered anything else?” Vadim asked, watching her carefully as he did so. If she was going to lie to him, now would be a good time.
“Not a thing,” she said without hesitation.
If she was lying she was the most proficient liar he’d ever dealt with. She met his gaze head-on and didn’t flinch when she answered him. There was no telltale shifting of her eyes to one side or the other, no desire to confuse him with a lot of justifications. She simply said the
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