sanguineangels by Various

inaudibly.
    “That doesn’t sound very optimistic.”
    “I have never tried this on another. I have never tried to focus outward.”
    “Just how gifted are you?” she asked with a touch of awe and respect, gazing upward at last to study him.
    “Shh, cara . Let me concentrate.” He pushed her questions away. If he was successful, there would be many more that he was unsure as of yet how to answer. It was an easy task when he healed himself. This was new territory for him, forcing a singular point of concentration.
    Once he discovered the mental pathway, the actions became as familiar as healing himself. Energy flowed, a current that touched on the worst of her bruises, the inside of her shoulder, ensuring the bite would not develop infection. The energy swept to her ribs, then he did the same for her legs.
    Before he lost the last of his strength, he examined her jaw, doing what he could to loosen the muscles so she could sleep. He knew, with the flashes of pain pulsing from her, it was not nearly enough.
    Diego rolled his shoulders when he retook his body. She was asleep in the water, finally relaxed enough. Unconcerned with getting wet, he lifted her out and wrapped her into the robe to carry her from the bathroom. She weighed little cradled in his arms. Everything dark inside of him seemed to unravel when he held her.
    He tucked her into bed, covering her with the blanket to her chin. “Sleep, cara . I will find you tomorrow and try to do more.”
    Her hand found his before he released the blankets. “Stay. Just a few minutes.” He sank to sit on the bed at her side. Her brow furrowed, then her eyes opened to rest on him. “What is wrong?”
    “Nothing.”
    He brushed damp hair off her face. The thick length twisted around his fingers, slid smoothly, and he relished the sensation.
    “I can feel your guilt, Diego.” She knitted loose fingers through his. “Don’t. This is my fault. I’m always blowing off Houston’s warnings.”
    “You are not responsible for another person’s actions, Titania.”
    “No, but I should’ve been more careful. That man has been after me for months. I shouldn’t have ignored him.” She twisted her lips. Their tightness hinted that she was berating herself firmly, but it was more than their shape drawing him. She interrupted his visual wandering. “Houston’s right. I am a pain in the butt.” Her lips curled at the corners into a gentler smile when she lifted her gaze to his. Enigmatic blue orbs of the bottomless ocean and night sky. “Thank you for saving me, for what you did. I do feel better.” The smile faded from her lips.
    His thumb swished over the hand in his hold, her skin satiny beneath his stroking touch. “Why are you sad?”
    “Because we’re even. I guess I won’t be seeing you again.” Her blue eyes darkened at the idea.
    “Do not worry about that right now. You need to rest.” And he needed to leave, or he was going to kiss that lush mouth of hers.
    The weightless touch of her fingers on his chin chained him to where he sat. “Your eyes, they’re beautiful. So pale gray, like winter clouds, but brighter. Lightning strikes.” Her murmured voice slid like a sheet of silk to his senses, smooth and seductive.
    His hand covered hers where she cradled his face and he could not resist, could not find the strength to fight the wanting any longer. He watched, waiting for fear, apprehension, anything to stop him. It never came as he lowered his head.
    Titania’s lips were so soft, so warm, Diego burst into flame at her touch. She was the sweetest breath of life he had ever tasted. Denied desire flared, roared to life between them.
    He snapped up, leaving her touch behind. Every fiber, every nerve ached, needed. He had never felt this.
    She sat up slowly, clutching the robe when the blanket fell to her lap. A trembling hand flitted to her lips. “What was that?” Her eyes were wide, staring at him. They glittered with a sapphire magic.
    Diego did not