Across the River of Yesterday Read Free Page B

It’s important, Serena.” He straightened. “Now I’d better stop this preaching and feed this particular survivor. He’s been giving me a guilt trip ever since I started cooking your omelet.”
    “I noticed.” Serena took a drink of the orange juice. “I also noticed you gave him half of that pound of bacon you sprinkled on my omelette.”
    He made a face. “So I’m a sucker.”
    “That’s what I’ve been telling you for two years.” Ross stood in the doorway. He strolled forward, a grin lighting his plain features. “Do you know why I had to put Frank’s bowl and food out on the patio, Serena? The first two days after we broughthim home, he gained five pounds and we each lost three.”
    Serena laughed. In spite of Ross’s caustic tone, it was clear the bond of affection between the two men was very strong. Strange. They appeared to be complete opposites, both in physique and personality. Ross was a few inches under six feet and built with blocky muscularity and deep-chested strength. He was closer to forty than thirty, and his dark hair was flecked with silver. The blue eyes looking into her own were shrewd, and she had an idea the affectionate smile softening his face as he regarded Gideon could turn cynical in the flicker of a second.
    Ross turned to her. “Your chamber awaits. It’s the first guest room at the top of the stairs.”
    “She has to finish her orange juice first,” Gideon said. “Stay with her while I take Frank out and feed him. Did you light the hot water heater?”
    Ross nodded and explained to Serena. “The gas heater is an antique and the pilot light keeps going out on us.” His lips twisted. “Another thing we’re going to get fixed.” He waved his hand. “Go on and feed the bottomless pit. I’ll watch over your other … over Serena.”
    Stray. He had been about to call her a stray, Serena thought. The realization brought no resentment. Rather it filled her with a comfortable sense of security to be referred to as belonging in any way to Gideon Brandt. He obviously showered those he took under his wing with warmth and love and she desperately needed that security to help fight off the darkness surrounding her.
    She watched Gideon leave the kitchen, the bigdog skittering unevenly at his heels. “He’s so kind,” she said huskily. “Have you known him long?”
    “A few years. We met in Tucson and took to each other right away. We’ve been together ever since.” He sat down and nodded to the glass in her hand. “You’d better finish that. He won’t let you go to sleep until you drink it down.”
    She laughed uncertainly. “You have to be joking. Gideon wouldn’t force me to drink something I didn’t want.”
    “He won’t ever force you, but you’ll find yourself doing what he wants anyway.” He shrugged. “It’s easier just to do what he tells you in the beginning.”
    She took another swallow of orange juice. “I think you’re mistaken. He’s too gentle to—”
    “I didn’t say he wasn’t gentle,” Ross interrupted briskly. “He’s one hell of a human being and the best friend I’ve ever had. I’m just saying there’s another aspect to his character that’s equally strong.”
    She frowned. “And what is that?”
    “When he makes up his mind, he’s completely relentless. He never stops. Not ever. He might feel compassion, but it doesn’t sway him. He never quits until he has what he wants.”
    She shook her head in disbelief.
    “Yes,” Ross said flatly. “It’s something you should know, because I don’t think Gideon has quite made up his mind about you yet. He’s chewing it over and trying to come to a conclusion. Once he does, there’s no way out. Gideon will be as much a prisoner of his determination as you, and probably more vulnerable. Something has knocked youfor a loop and I’m sorry, but my first loyalty is to Gideon.”
    “You act as if you think I’m going to try to hurt him,” she whispered. “How could I … I