Untouched Read Free Page B

but it’s all an act. She’s really very fragile and deep down she’s terrified. She doesn’t understand her own gift, and she sees it as more of a curse.”
    She looked up at Malcolm who had moved in next to her and wrapped a protective arm around her waist. “We are both convinced that the more time she spends with you, the better she’ll be able to manage her psychic touch. I’ve noticed in the past couple of weeks, since she’s met you, she can tolerate more human contact. It’s still very painful for her.” Her sympathy for Kerry was written all over her face. “But I’m hoping when she connects fully with you, that will change. I think you’re the missing piece to her puzzle.”
    Dante smiled down at Sam. It was easy to see why Malcolm loved her; she was lovely and had mastered her Amoveo abilities with surprising speed. He couldn’t help but wonder if Kerry would be able to transition into their world as smoothly. Would she be able to accept the truth, or would she run screaming from him? He had to know because nothing could be worse than living in limbo.
    “I hope you’re right.” He sighed. “It would help if I could scan her mind, but she’s got one hell of a mental barrier up. I’d found her in the dream realm so many times. I couldn’t see her, but she felt so close—right next to me. I sensed her there, but she had no awareness of me at all. It’s been very frustrating. That defense mechanism of hers is practically impenetrable,” he murmured softly.
    Malcolm nodded in agreement. “I did notice that as well. She’s a very strong psychic, and I’m quite sure she has no idea that she’s blocking us. It’s probably how she stayed hidden in plain sight, but if anyone can get through to her, you can.”
    “Yeah, well, we’ll see about that. I don’t need to scan her mind to know that she can’t stand me at the moment. She’s made that very clear with extremely colorful language.”
    Sam laughed lightly and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. “I think you’ll get through to her. Give it some time.” She gave his arm a reassuring squeeze. “Like I said… she puts on a good front. Think about it, Dante, she’s spent her entire life keeping people at arm’s length. No human contact to speak of really. Don’t give up on her. She’ll come around.”
    She stepped back into the crook of Malcolm’s arm. “Now if you don’t mind, I’m going to take my husband back upstairs and take advantage of him.” She winked, and the two newlyweds vanished into the night.
    “Good thing the guest room is on the first floor,” he mumbled.
    Dante smiled and turned back to Kerry’s house. Her light was out, the window was closed, and she was surely asleep. She was safe at the moment. However, he knew that as long as the Purists were out there, she’d never really be safe. The memory of her attack crept into his mind, and anger threatened to overtake him. He would never forgive himself for allowing her to be harmed. She’d almost died because he hadn’t been there soon enough. He hadn’t been able to protect her, and he swore to himself that would never happen again. She was the only one who could save him from the darkness.
    She ran through the house, tears streaming down her face. He would find her. He always found her. Kerry’s breath came in ragged gasps, and terror gripped her heart. The house was dark, lit only by the occasional lightning strike from the coming storm. Kerry tried every door. None of them would budge. She ran back down the hallway and fled down the stairs. She heard his sick laughter bouncing through the house.
    He would find her, and he would kill her.
    He came around the bottom of the stairs, and his fist slammed into her face. Stars burst behind her eyes, and the pain that ensued threatened to overtake her and crack her head like an egg. She hit the steps hard; pain shot through her body. He grabbed her arm and yanked her to her feet, dragging her into the living