Silvia Day Read Online Free PDF Page B

and realize how fanatic their beliefs had become. In the meantime, he would defend Lyssa from both herself and the Order that was sworn to protect her.
    Aidan spun on his heel and left in an angry swirl of black robes.
    He didn’t see the Elders’ collective smile.
    And no one saw the one Elder who didn’t smile at all.
     
    “What happened to you? You looked so good last weekend.”
    Lyssa rolled over and pressed her face into the back cushions of her couch. “That one night of rest was a fluke.”
    Her mother sat on the floor and stroked her hair. “Your whole life you’ve had trouble sleeping. First it was growing pains, then nightmares, then fevers.”
    Shivering in memory of ice water baths, Lyssa tuckedher sage green chenille throw closer around her. Jelly Bean hissed at her mom from his customary spot on the armrest.
    “That animal is possessed,” her mother muttered. “He doesn’t like anyone.”
    “I’m not getting rid of him. He’s the only guy who puts up with me being like this.”
    Cathy sighed. “I wish I knew what to do, baby.”
    “Yeah, me, too. I’m so sick and tired of being sick and tired.”
    “You need to have more tests run.”
    “God, no.” Lyssa moaned. “I’m done with being a human pincushion, Mom. No more.”
    “You can’t keep living like this!”
    “This is living?” Lyssa muttered. “If it is, I would rather be dead.”
    “Lyssa Ann Bates, if you ever say such a thing again, I’ll…I’ll…” Growling, her mother stood, apparently unable to think of a threat direr than death. “I’m going to the store to get the ingredients for homemade chicken noodle soup. And you’re going to eat all of it, young lady. Every drop.”
    Lyssa groaned, and squeezed her eyes shut. “Mom, just go away . Let me sleep.”
    “I’ll be back. I’m not giving up, and you’re not either.”
    She distantly heard her mom gather up keys, then close the front door, leaving her in blissful silence. She sighed wearily and drifted into sleep…
    And was jarred awake by pounding on the door.
    “What do you want?” she cried in exasperation, rolling over in the pitch black darkness. “Go away!”
    “Lyssa?”
    She paused, the soft brogue sweeping gently through the vast space despite the door between them. Her heart leaped. “Aidan?”
    “Can I come in?”
    Sitting up, she wrinkled her nose and wrapped her arms around her bent knees. “Where have you been?”
    “Working.” There was a long silence, and then softly: “I’ve been worried about you.”
    “Charmer,” she huffed, hiding the pleasure his words gave her. Using her mind, she opened the door with a sigh and wished for the thousandth time that she could see the man who went with that voice. She listened to him step inside, relishing the confident, steady stride that revealed so much about him and made her feel so safe.
    “You can close the door now,” he said, so she did.
    His steps slowed, and she could sense him searching for her. “It’s still dark in here.”
    “You noticed that, did ya?”
    As the footsteps drew closer, a warm, deep chuckle filled the air. “We’ll work on it.”
    “I hope you’ve got a while,” she said dryly. “I’ve been working on it for years.”
    “I’ve got all the time you need.”
    She tried to ignore the little thrill that coursed through her, and ended up laughing at herself. She had a crush on a voice.
    And a hard body. And strong arms. And patient tenderness. God, she was lonely. She missed having a social life and a boyfriend.
    “Are you going to talk to me so I can find you?”
    Her throat was tight with regret and bitterness, so she swallowed hard before speaking. “I’m losing it, Aidan. I’m getting sappy. The lamest shit makes me cry.”
    He moved closer, his stride never faltering or hesitating despite his inability to see. “I admire people who allow themselves to feel.”
    “What does that mean?”
    “Exactly what I said.”
    “You can’t admire a woman who