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  “Better?” he asked, and sat down.

  “Much.” Sydney managed a small smile and took his hand. “You know, I really didn’t cry.”

  “When?”

  “When Mom died. I did after Dad, but then the tears just kind of dried up.” She shook her head. “It’s silly.”

  He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “It’s not silly, sweetheart.”

  “I guess what I’m trying to say is, thank you.”

  “Thank you for driving you to tears?”

  “Yes, exactly.” She grinned. “I quite like you, Thane Allen.”

  “I quite like you as well, Sydney Warren.”

  The waiter stopped by and took their order, returning quickly with the wine. He poured it into their glasses and then left them.

  “How long are you staying with your aunt and uncle? I take it with different last names, he’s your mum’s brother?”

  Sydney nodded. “I’ll be staying with them until I figure out what to do, I suppose. Uncle Cary saved me in so many ways, so I’m in no rush to leave his protective bubble.”

  “How did he save you?”

  “I was so confused after Mom died. I still am, I guess. But I was also just kind of numb. They flew over immediately and went into ‘solve Sydney’s life problems’ mode.” She grimaced. “They took care of the memorial service, cremation details, helped with the will and financial planning. My uncle organized everything and put it together on this lovely little flash drive that I can access anytime I need to. Lucy had been bugging me for years to come and live with them and doubled the effort after Mom’s death, so I did.”

  “But?”

  “But, I’m not used to the heightened security and the cloak and dagger stuff that comes with it. Uncle Cary says he wants security with me until the final police report comes back on Mom’s death, but he hasn’t really given me a reason why. Am I in danger? I’m shocked he let me go out with you tonight.”

  Thane smiled and squeezed her hand. “Your uncle trusts that I will keep you safe, and my job is to make sure you have so much fun, you forget that you have security following you. I take my job very seriously.”

  Sydney giggled. “I’m picking up on that.”

  “Will you let me distract you?”

  “Don’t you have a home or job to go to?”

  “I’m done with the promo tour for the movie and I haven’t committed to anything new, so I’m at your disposal for as long as you’ll have me.”

  “What if it’s forever?”

  He leaned forward and winked. “Then I’m at your disposal forever.”

  She shivered and smiled. What a beautiful prospect.

  “Excuse me?” a feminine voice asked.

  Sydney glanced up at two teenage girls giggling and blushing as they stared at Thane. “Can we get a photo, please?”

  “Do you mind, sweetheart?” he asked Sydney.

  “Not at all,” she said. “Go right ahead.”

  Thane took a few minutes to sign autographs and take photos, but his agreeing to do so for the girls meant they were inundated with requests from other diners.

  Just when Sydney thought they’d never get the chance to eat, the restaurant manager shooed the fans away and ushered her and Thane into a private room overlooking the Thames.

  “Thank you,” Thane said, and sat down after Sydney. “We probably should have done this at the beginning.”

  “It’s okay,” Sydney said. “I know you were trying to make me feel comfortable by keeping me in a public place.”

  He chuckled. “I suppose that’s true. I’m trying to shake my stalker reputation.”

  “I thought I was the stalker.”

  “I guess that’s closer to the truth, eh?”

  The sound of Fallen Crown’s single for the new movie piped in and Thane shook his head. “Do you think they did that on purpose?” he mused.

  Sydney giggled. “I think it’s a big possibility. It’s a great song.”

  “Aye, love, ’tis.” He rose to his feet and held out his hand. “Dance with me.”

  “Here?”

  “Why not? We’re alone. No one will see us.”

  She settled her hand in his. “So, twerking is on the table, then?”

  “You can twerk on a table?”

  “Honey, I can twerk upside down if required.”

  Thane let out a roar of laughter as he pulled her to her feet. “Bloody hell, sweetheart, you’re funny.”

  Sydney grinned and slid into his arms. He held her close and danced her around the room as the music played quietly.

  Þú verður að vera min að eilífu.

  “What does that mean?” she asked, a shiver sliding down her spine.

  He leaned back slightly and smiled. “You will be mine forever.”

  “You’re so sure of that, huh?”

  Thane pulled her close again and kissed her hair. “Hopeful.”

  “You need to stop being sweet, Thane. You’ll ruin your reputation.”

  He chuckled. “It’ll be our secret.”

  “What language was that?”

  “Icelandic.”

  “You speak Icelandic?”

  “A little,” he said. “It’s part of my heritage.”

  “Wow, that’s really cool.” She wove her fingers into his hair and stroked his neck. “Our heritage is all of the English-speaking variety. I wish I spoke another language.”

  “Stick with me, baby, and I’ll translate the world for you.”

  “Would that be the whole world, or just the world as I know it?”

  “Whatever you want, Sydney. I’ll make it happen.”

  “Big words, mister movie star.”

  He chuckled. “Aye, lass, but true all the same.”

  She closed her eyes, letting him hold her as they swayed gently to the music.

  “Do you know how beautiful you are?” he whispered.

  She smiled up at him. “Back atya.”

  He stared at her for several seconds before leaning forward with a grin. As his lips covered hers, she gripped his waist, opening her mouth. She sighed as he stroked her neck and deepened the kiss. To say he rocked her world was an understatement.

  The clearing of a throat and then a voice saying, “I apologize,” interrupted them.

  Thane broke their connection but kept an arm around her waist. “No worries,” he said, and guided Sydney back to the table.

  Even though her stomach rumbled, she was disappointed their moment was broken. She wanted to keep dancing and kissing...but mostly kissing. Good Lord, he could kiss.

  They didn’t speak as the server set their food in front of them, but Thane kept hold of her hand and ran his thumb gently over her knuckles.

  “Is there anything else I can get you?” the server asked.

  “No. This is great,” Thane said. “Thank you.”

  “Very good, sir.” He turned and walked out the door.

  Thane stood with a grin. “Before we eat...one more kiss.”

  Sydney raised her head and Thane kissed her gently. “You’re really good at that,” she said.

  He chuckled and took his seat again. “Back atya.”

  “So, what’s your story?” she asked as they ate.

  “That’s one I’d rather wait to tell you.”

  “Oh? How come?”

  “Because it’s long and in-depth and somewhat hard to believe.”

  “Well, now I’m even more intrigued.”

  He smiled. “Let’s get to know each other better, love, and I’ll tell you everything you need to know.”

  “Wait.” She frowned. “Are you a criminal?”

  “No,” he stressed. “Nothing nefarious, sweetheart.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Aye, love, I’m sure.” He smiled. “What did your uncle find?”

  “What do you mean?”

  “When he did the background check.”

  She cocked her head. “How did you know about his background check?”

>   “I didn’t until you just told me.”

  Sydney gasped. “Seriously? Crap. I need to be better about that.”

  “Honestly, I figured he’d do one. I would.”

  She sipped her wine. “He didn’t find anything.”

  He smiled.

  “But you knew that already, didn’t you?” she challenged.

  “Yes. He wouldn’t have been so agreeable if he’d found anything.”

  Sydney sighed. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to all this cloak and dagger stuff.”

  “I suppose it would feel a bit like that.” He squeezed her hand. “But you understand it’s a safety issue, right?”

  “I get why you’d need security... women wanting to rip your clothes off and everything... but I’m just a girl from California who has no enemies...or admirers.” She grimaced. “At least, I don’t think I do.”

  “I’m sure you don’t,” he agreed. “But this is something you’re going to have to get used to, especially being with me.”

  “I have to get used to it,” she said rather than asked.

  “Aye.”

  “Which means you think we’ll be together long enough for me to get used to it.”

  Thane grinned. “Aye, lass, I do.”

  She shook her head. “You’re really intense.”

  “Am I?” he asked, but he was still grinning.

  “You know you are.”

  “Am I frightening you?”

  “Honestly?” Sydney rolled her eyes. “No. Which is weird, but I feel a connection to you that seems to defy logic.”

  “Aye, lass, it does.”

  She narrowed her eyes. “And you know why.”

  Thane grinned. “Aye, lass, I do.”

  “Are you going to explain?”

  He nodded. “But not here.”

  “Hmm, that sounds very mysterious. Are you an international spy?”

  “Shhh, keep your voice down,” he whispered, a cheeky grin on his face. “They’ll find me.”

  Sydney giggled. “We wouldn’t want that.”

  “No, no, we wouldn’t.” He linked his fingers with hers. “I’ll explain everything in time. Do you trust me?”

  “Yes.” She squeezed his hand. “As strange as that is, I do.”

  “It’s not strange.”

  “Crap!” she whispered when she caught sight of her watch. “I’m afraid I have to get home. I am Cinderella after all.”

  “Right,” Thane said. “Sorry, love.”

  “No, it’s okay. I appreciate you humoring my uncle, even if I feel like a teen on prom night. I hate having a curfew.”

  “It won’t be forever.” Thane stood and helped Sydney with her jacket. He smiled and leaned down for a quick kiss. “Tomorrow I’ll take you up in the Eye.”

  “No.”

  “No?”

  “Terrified of heights,” she admitted. “I’m happy to skip that attraction.”

  He chuckled. “No problem. We’ll find something else to do.”

  “Lucy wants me to meet her new man. Want to double?”

  “That might work. We’ll talk about it tomorrow.”

  Sydney nodded and followed him out of the restaurant. They were met by paparazzi and fans, but Thane made quick work of getting into the waiting car, and then they were off. The driver pulled up to her home twenty minutes later and Thane walked her to the door.

  “I hate that we’re cutting this short, but if you need me, call me.”

  She giggled. “I think I can survive a night without hearing your voice.”

  “Okay, maybe I’ll call you, then.”

  “Silly man.” Sydney kissed him gently. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Thane nodded and Sydney let herself inside, locking the door behind her. She waved out the side window and Thane headed to the car. As soon as he was inside, she climbed the stairs to her bedroom and flopped onto the bed. She was in love. As stupid as that sounded, it was true. She was in trouble.

  CHAPTER SIX

  SYDNEY?

  Sydney sat straight up, a chill running down her spine. “What?”

  She’d been teetering on the edge of wakefulness and sleep, so close to falling over the side and passing out, but then she heard a voice.

  Were you sleeping?

  She squeaked and sat up on her knees. “Hello?”

  Don’t be frightened, lass.

  “I’m hearing voices and you’re telling me not to be frightened?”

  Technically, it’s just one voice.

  “Oh my word,” she breathed. “Who are you? No, don’t answer that. Holy crap, I’m talking to myself.”

  A masculine chuckle sounded in her mind. No, love, you’re talking to me.

  Sydney closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. Please don’t kill me, freaky Jason.

  I quite liked that movie.

  Thane?

  Aye, lass.

  “Stop,” she hissed. “Just stop.”

  “Sid? You okay?” Lucy called, and knocked.

  “Yeah, sorry. Must have had a bad dream.”

  Lucy pushed open the door. “Mum and Dad just got home. Do you want to join us for a movie?”

  “I’m actually really tired. Rain check?”

  “Of course.” Lucy smiled. “Good night.”

  “’Night,” Sydney said, and flopped back onto the pillows as Lucy pulled the door closed.

  I didn’t mean to frighten you, love.

  Says the man who keeps talking to me in my head!

  Well, now that you’ve got the hang of it…

  Oh, stop!

  Close your eyes, he said.

  She reached for her cell phone and dialed his number.

  He picked up immediately. “Hi.”

  “How are you doing that?” she demanded.

  “It’s part of my heritage, I guess you could say.”

  “What kind of heritage allows you to speak telepathically?” she whispered.

  “That’ll take a little longer to explain.”

  Sydney sighed. “This is impossible.”

  “I know, love.” Now, close your eyes.

  No. Even as she thought her denial, she did as he requested. She wasn’t afraid anymore.

  Are your eyes closed?

  She smiled. Nope.

  Take a deep breath.

  Why?

  Just do it.

  She wrinkled her nose. Bossy.

  Aye, lass, I can be. Now, take a deep breath.

  Sydney drew air deep into her lungs.

  Let it go.

  She let out a quiet groan as she did. Now I’m going to have that song stuck in my head.

  Sorry, love.

  Why do I feel the need to build a snowman now?

  Sounds like fun.

  She smiled. It does, doesn’t it? I never got to experience snow unless I drove for hours to find it. Her heart started to race, but within seconds she was calm again. “You’re doing that, aren’t you?” she asked out loud, still connected to his call.

  “Aye, lass. I’m going to hang up, but you can call me back if this is overwhelming, okay?”

  “Ah...okay.” She lowered her cell phone after he disconnected.

  You okay?

  She nodded. Why? How?

  I’ll save the how for when I see you again.

  She squeezed her eyes shut. “I’m insane,” she whispered, although, she felt perfectly at ease.

  You’re not, love.

  Why am I not freaking out right now?

  It’s our connection. It’s a lot to take in, but I promise you’ll understand everything in time.

  She grabbed her phone and dialed his number again. “This is a little too crazy,” she said when he answered.

  Thane chuckled. “I understand. Thanks for trying.”

  “Is this an Icelandic thing?”

  “Aye. We are an ancient people who have a few abilities that surpass humans.”

  She gasped. “Are you saying you’re not human?” she whi
spered frantically.

  “I’m not going to have this conversation with you until we’re face to face. I don’t want you freaking out on me.”

  “It’s a little late for that, Thane.”

  He sighed. “Just give me until tomorrow.”

  “You keep asking for time, Thane, but you’re only giving me partial information. I feel like I’m trapped in a bizarre vampire novel, and let me tell you something, buddy, just because you tell me something’s true doesn’t mean I’m going to believe you.” She squeezed her eyes shut.

  “I’m sorry, sweetheart, I know this is frustrating, but my hands are a wee bit tied since all my proof’s at home.”

  “Well then, you may want to figure out a way to untie them, because I don’t feel comfortable moving forward with this relationship until you can provide me with cold hard facts. None of this makes any sense.”

  “Are you saying you won’t see me until that happens?”

  “Why do you sound surprised?” She frowned.

  “Because I am,” he snapped.

  “Don’t get irritated with me, Thane Allen. You’re the one trying to tell me you’re a vampire.”

  “I’m not a bloody vampire, Sydney.”

  She rubbed her forehead. “Are you immortal?”

  “How did you get to immortal?” he challenged. “I said I had abilities. I said nothing about immortality.”

  “I don’t know, honestly.” She blinked back frustrated tears. “It just came to mind. Are you?”

  “Immortal, no, but I do live much longer than humans.”

  “You’re crazy!”

  “I don’t want to fight with you, sweetheart.” He let out a long breath. “Especially when we can’t make up properly and in person.”

  “I don’t want to fight either, but you’re kind of driving me nuts.”

  “Come home with me.”

  “Excuse me?”

  “This weekend,” he said. “Come home with me. I’ll talk to your uncle and figure out the logistics, but if you do, I can show you everything.”

  “Where is home?” she asked.

  “Edinburgh.”

  “Alone with you?” she clarified. “I’m not that kind of girl, Thane.” She couldn’t keep the smile from her face at her jab.

  “I know that, love. You can stay with Niall and Charlotte if you feel more comfortable. They live very close to me.”

  She forced down her excitement at the prospect. A whole weekend with him, without the prying eyes of her uncle’s security was enticing. Not to mention, fangirls nowhere near them.