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be safer. This… situation did not need to be made any more complicated. For the two of them, sex had never been something easily dismissed. Their emotions ran too high, were too easily engaged when their bodies were joined. It was a terrible gamble for both of them to enter into this idiotic bargain. If she could keep as much emotional distance between them as possible, she just might survive sharing his bed, and get back her son.
    Nephew. James wasn’t hers.
    Reign laughed, but there was little humor in it. “I’ve missed your bluntness, Olivia.”
    â€œI haven’t missed you at all.”
    Arrogance curved his lips. “You’re a liar as well.”
    That was too close to the truth for comfort, and his smug expression rubbed her nerves raw. She rose to her feet. “It is time that I took my leave.”
    â€œSo soon?” Mockery added bite to the amusement in his tone.
    â€œNot soon enough, I fear.”
    For a moment, Olivia thought he might try to persuade her to stay, bully her into his bed, but he didn’t. He just watched her with far too keen pale eyes.
    â€œI will need two nights to put my affairs in order.”
    â€œSo long?” She couldn’t keep the irritation from her tone. Had she not explained the severity of the situation adequately enough? Did he not understand that she needed to get to Scotland?
    â€œNot nearly long enough, but it will do. We will leave Wednesday evening. That will put us in Edinburgh by Thursday. Meanwhile, I’ll send word of my arrival so some of my acquaintances will extend invitations to any events. Will that do?”
    She nodded, unable to speak she was so surprised by his sudden sincerity. The kidnappers would not be leaving word for her until Sunday, and as much as she’d like to be there sooner, there would be very little they could do before that. Not to mention that leaving now would only put her in Reign’s company for more time than she was comfortable with. In the meantime, James would be fine. She had to believe that. “Yes.”
    She blinked and he was suddenly there in front of her. She hadn’t seen, hadn’t heard him move—a sobering reminder of his superior abilities. Humans were no match for her, but this man—this vampire—might prove to be too much for her to withstand. Olivia stiffened, prepared for whatever strike he might make.
    The lines in Reign’s tanned brow deepened. “I’m not going to hurt you, Liv.”
    As though that meant anything. “You’ve told me that before.”
    His expression darkened, making his eyes all the more unnerving. That couldn’t be pain in his gaze; Reign didn’t know the meaning of regret. “I lost control.”
    â€œOh yes, I know.” It was almost painful to hold his gaze, but she did anyway. “I was the one you lost control on.” In her mind came the memories of how it felt, the burning as he tore into her. The pain. The fear.
    â€œYou were the last person I ever wanted to hurt.”
    He looked so sincere she could slap him. How dare he apologize now after all this time? If he hadn’t wanted to hurt her he wouldn’t have, and if he had regretted doing so he would have come after her—regardless that she had tried to kill him. “I’m sorry to hear that, because you did. We can’t ever go back, Reign. Please don’t assume for a moment that my coming to you means more than it does.”
    â€œI wouldn’t be stupid enough to assume anything where you are concerned,” he replied gruffly. “I’ll have my carriage take you to your lodgings.”
    â€œI’ll fly.”
    â€œYou’ll risk being seen.”
    But then at least he wouldn’t have the address of her hotel and know exactly where to find her. “I’ll be careful.”
    â€œTake my carriage. I don’t want to risk anyone seeing you fly from my home.”
    â€œAnd you