Immortal Darkness (Phantom Diaries #3) Read Free Page A

you’re fatigued, and about to experience jet lag, so I opted for an aromatic and soothing herbal tea instead of coffee for you. I hope you don’t mind.”  He reached for the teapot and poured some of the steaming liquid into our cups.
    “Sounds perfect, and smells even more so.”
    The tea he’d chosen was indeed soothing, calming me further. Before long my eyelids grew heavy like iron, and keeping my eyes open became a chore.
    “Come,” he said as he reached for my hand.  He stood and guided me to the sofa that ran the length of the elongated room.
    “Lie down for a while,” he said, turning me so I had no choice but to lie on my stomach.
    I resisted for just a second, curious about his intentions but his reassuring grin left me relaxed and without inhibitions. The moment my head hit the cushion, he gently pulled my hair to one side and brought his strong fingers to the nape of my neck.
    “This is where you’ve been storing all the stress and strain of the past weeks.” His thumb and index finger worked together to bring magic to my flesh. “Let go, Annette. Just breathe in and let go of all the anxiety you’re holding onto.” Bringing his hands to my shoulders, the sensation of utter pleasure, of complete abandon and of total release permeated throughout my body. Before long I surrendered and closed my eyes to let Eric’s fingers take over.
    When he raked his fingers through my hair, his nails gently scratching my scalp, I let out an audible and irrepressible sigh of contentment.
    My mind went off on its own travels, never once reverting to thoughts of Paris or Aaron, or even New York and the Opera House. Instead, my thoughts floated through endless fields bathed in sunlight; through air, fragrant and cool against my skin.  The sun lost its intensity and the moon glowed in the darkening skies.
    My limbs were increasingly leaden as my head dove into the depths of lethargy, each press of Eric’s fingers into my flesh bringing me deeper and deeper.
    Unable to gauge how much time had passed, I opened my eyes to a sky vastly different from that on which they’d closed. Dark and menacing clouds blotted out the sun and threatened a severe storm.
    With my body still caught in the grips of deep sleep, I felt the warmth of Eric’s chest against my cheek and his arms strong under my dead weight as he carried me.
    “Where?” was all I managed to utter.
    “We’re home,” he said.  “We landed a few moments ago and I’m bringing you to my car.”
    Someone opened the car door for him and he leaned in to set me on the back seat.  As wakefulness slowly seeped through my veins and brought clarity, I heard the slamming of the car trunk.
    I sat up and forced my eyes to focus on my surroundings. A brief glimpse of the skyline and I instantly recognized the familiar buildings that made up my home, my New York.
    Eric got in beside me and the driver veered the car straight into that skyline. A contented grin remained fixed on my lips as we passed through the city I’d so quickly grown to love.
    But when we took a turn that didn’t lead to my apartment, I turned to Eric with a questioning frown.
    “I want you to come home with me,” he said simply.
    I smiled, at once touched by his desire to be with me, but all too acutely aware of all I had to do at home.  “I think I might have a long line of messages to tend to now that I’m back and I’ll want to contact them all in order to let them know that I’m home, safe and sound.”
    He nodded solemnly, accepting my words with reluctance.  “I apologize.  I’m a little too selfish in my need of you.”  He took my hand in his and gently fingered my palm. “I understand and appreciate your responsibilities.”
    Leaning forward, he tapped the driver’s shoulder and redirected him to my address.  As the car pulled up in front of my building, Eric brought my hand to his lips and kissed each finger.
    “I already look forward to seeing you again.”  He kissed