I manage a smile. “I’m not a child, Lainey. You were exhausted. And… I don’t sleep so well anymore. Not at night anyway.”

Taking my hands, she studies them. “Has he tried to contact you?”

I decide not to tell her about the message waiting on my phone last night. His voice was so cold and calm, telling me to return to him.

I can still hear his words when I told him I was leaving: Go ahead and have your fun, your final moments of humanity. You’ll be back. You’re mine now.

My stomach cramps the harder I fight him. The distance helps some, but burning pain drags through my insides the more I resist.

I won’t go back. I will break his power over me. These words have become my mantra, yet, at the same time, fear chills my insides. What if he’s right? What if I can never escape his power?

My eyes heat with unshed tears at the thought. His voice echoes in my mind as surely as his blood mixes in my veins, and I shiver at the idea he can see me.

I don’t know how to say any of these things out loud, so I don’t.

“I left messages with everyone,” I deflect. “We’re having a girls’ weekend in New Orleans. That should satisfy them.”

“This silence between us is killing me.” Her green eyes mist as she squeezes my hand. “I’ve always known you were safe. Now I’m afraid whenever we’re apart.”

We move together in a hug, and her body stiffens. She pulls back quickly, lifting a lock of my hair and inhaling deeply.

“What’s this?” Her eyes narrow as my cheeks heat. “That’s a very sexy man scent!”

I hop off the bed moving quickly around the room. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I think you do! Tell me more about your people watching.”

“I only danced with someone, that’s all.” I grab fresh panties and the other robe from the closet before dashing into the bathroom. She’s right behind me.

“Must’ve been dirty dancing if he left his scent all over you. You had sex!”

Flashing her a glance, I press my lips together before turning to the shower. “It’s really nobody’s business what I did.”

She dances around me, pulling my arm, forcing me to look at her. “You had sex, and from the way you’re responding, it was damn good sex. Did you…?”

She leans forward peering into my eyes. I want to pull away, but I know what she’s looking for. Her expression brightens, and her voice drops to a whisper.

“It was fucking great sex, and you were able to control it.” Her eyes sparkle as she bounces in place. “I think that’s incredibly significant!”

I test the shower water without answering. She has no idea how close I came to losing control. “Will we have to discuss it with Demeter?”

“Yes.” She answers so fast, I glance over my shoulder to meet her eyes. Her expression is serious. “I’ve never dealt with anything like this. I don’t even know if we have a chance, but I know we have to tell her everything.”

“I have to shower.”

My best friend nods and goes to the door. “As soon as you’re ready, we’ll get lunch then head across the river.”

I nod before stepping into the steamy box. Lifting my hair one last time, I inhale the sensual, woodsy smell of him. Again, intense sadness floods my core. I hate to lose him, yet I know it’s for the best. My body might crave him, but I can’t give in to my cravings anymore. It’s the worst thing I could possibly do.

Elaine and I are here to find answers, not distractions. I have to stay in control. Stepping under the warm water, I pick up the shampoo. In a few moments, he’ll be gone. It will be over, and next time I’ll be more careful.

3

Groundwork Melissa

My red sundress is almost identical to Elaine’s green one. Both are swishy rayon with thin spaghetti straps and stop just above our knees. New Orleans is hot as hell, and the fewer clothes we can decently get away with wearing, the better.

A blast of cool air greets us as we step through the white arched doorway of the Original Pierre Maspero’s restaurant. It’s been our favorite lunch dive since college, when we used to take occasional girls’ trips to the Big Easy.

Nothing says party like sweating your ass off and drinking cheap beer from a plastic cup while walking through the French Quarter. Too bad that’s not the reason for our visit this time. Shaking my head, I try to figure out how it’s possible my life could have taken such a turn.

The restaurant is only two blocks west of our hotel, and we wait to be seated at one of the small, dark-wood tables inside the circa-1788 building. The grey stucco outside hides the beauty of the weathered brick interior. It’s so gorgeous and historic, I’m overwhelmed with sadness.

Is this why New Orleans is such a magnet for the paranormal? Am I destined to live alone through the centuries until the memories of a place like this are my sole source of comfort? God help me.

Elaine’s teasing voice cuts through my despair. “Are you waiting for someone?”

She’s further in the dim room than I am. I had drifted to the door as I considered my grim future, and looking back, I watch as she speaks to a handsome man. He’s fair with hazel eyes, an easy, sexy smile, and an impressive physique.

I try to walk closer and WHAM! I’m hit with a powerful wave of nausea. Reaching out, I grab the old French door for balance.

“I’m here with my partner,” I hear him say. “We’re working on a case.”

“Are you a cop?” Elaine’s flirting, and I can tell she’s intrigued with him. Squinting up, I see in his eyes he’s equally fascinated and bewildered by my pretty friend.

I want to care, but I have to step out onto the sidewalk. I’m afraid I might vomit my meager breakfast of buttered toast. With my enhanced senses, their voices are clear in my ears.

“Close.” I hear the smile in his voice. “Private investigator.”

“Interesting. Are you in town for long?”

“Through the weekend. You?” He’s got a cute, player quality to his voice, and I can practically feel the sexual tension between them.

“We head out on Sunday.” The rustle of bags, hands in pockets. I know they’re both fishing out business cards. “Elaine Merritt. Call me.”

“Patrick Knight, and I will.”

Elaine is so endearingly bold, and I know how men respond to her. It helps she can read their minds. She can tell the jerks right away and deflect their advances before they begin. In the meantime, I’ve got my back against the wall. I’m taking several deep breaths, trying to regain my composure.

“I’m sorry… I have to go.” She’s noticed my absence and is heading my way.

“Hey, wait.” Patrick is right with her, but his growing presence sends my insides into another spasm.

I have to lean forward just in case, and I catch the disapproving looks of passing pedestrians. I’m not drunk! I want to yell, but I’m powerless.

“What are you doing for dinner tomorrow night?” He’s too close. I push away from the wall and stagger down the block to the corner.

On Chartres Street, I can catch my breath. I’m able to stand and breathe deeply when my friend rounds the building fast, worry clear in her eyes.

“Shit, Melissa! You scared the hell out of me. I didn’t know where you went.”

“I’m sorry.” Pressing my eyes closed, I touch the perspiration off my brow. “I don’t know what happened back there. I thought I might puke.”

She glances back over her shoulder before pushing us both further up Chartres. “Do you still feel like eating? We can go to K-Paul’s instead?”

Nodding, we head northeast in the direction of the Louisiana Chef’s signature restaurant. My strength returns quickly, still I’m confused by what just happened.

“Who was that guy?”

A little smile curls her lips. “Not sure, but we’re having dinner with him and his partner tomorrow night.” She gives me a wink. “Try to relax. Before that happens, we’ll meet with Demeter and get answers.”