Read Talisman 01 - The Emerald Talisman for Free Online Page A

needed medical attention. I let out a determined huff. They could try to make me go, but I wouldn’t be forced.
    Luke pulled around front and got out, opening the passenger side, turning to head in our direction. Nicholas, two steps ahead of him, swept me up and carried me to the Blazer effortlessly. My mouth fell open as he carried me off the porch. This wasn’t how I imagined them getting me to the car. It was hard to be an uncooperative hostage when I didn’t have legs to run away.
    I looked into his eyes and my anger subsided as I felt his tenderness again. Losing myself in his intoxicating aura, I forgot where he was carrying me as we headed to the Blazer. Feeling all giddy inside, I wrapped my arms around his neck secretly glad he didn’t have the power to read emotions like I did.
    “Will I see you again?” I said in a slip.
    My cheeks flushed in embarrassment for being so forward.
    “Well, if falling off cliffs and such is going to be your favorite past-time, then I imagine yes,” he joked.
    I gave him a dirty look relieved he thought nothing of my comment. We were almost to the car and I wished I could hold onto his neck forever. I pouted as he put me down gently on the front seat. I felt the same ache return with the absence of his touch.
    “Drive carefully Luke. I didn’t go through all this trouble just to have you crash on the way to the hospital,” Nicholas said.
    My heart fluttered listening to his concern for my safety. I thought I saw him wink at me.
    Luke finally relaxed. “Thanks man,” he told Nicholas. “Hey, you need a ride?”
    “I’m good. My car is down the way,” he said as he motioned down the road.
    I followed his motion with my eyes, confused as I didn’t see a car. Then Nicholas closed the door and I quickly rolled down the window. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye.
    “I’ll check on you later,” he said as he reached out and squeezed my hand resting on the windows ledge.
    My heart leapt. There couldn’t have been a better ending to a perfectly horrible day.
    “Okay,” I said softly.
    I watched him, hoping the moment wouldn’t end. He smiled at me, but his emotions changed again as he stepped back away from the Blazer. The sadness and guilt had resurfaced, even though his face didn’t show it.
    I wonder what’s wrong?
    Whatever it was, I wanted to help. I secretly hoped he’d let me. Hoped he would answer the questions that nagged me about our evening.
    Luke pulled away from the curb and I took a deep breath, sinking back into the seat, already missing Nicholas’ arms around me. But I felt a searing pull. Something cried out inside me, warning not to let him go.
    I bit my lip and felt my eyes grow wet, unsure if I should make Luke stop the car. The further we drove, the more agony I felt. I finally turned around to get one final glimpse of him. But no one was there.

4 - WAITING
    “ A re you in pain?” Luke said after looking at me, noticing my tears.
    I was, but not from my fall. I didn’t know how to explain it to him without sounding boy-crazy. And frankly, it confused me how my body reacted after the separation from Nicholas. This had never happened before.
    “A little,” I fibbed.
    “I’m glad I was the one who was home and not Dad. He just left to take Jo home because he didn’t want her to walk. If he saw you . . . with what happened with mom . . . ”
    He let out a loud gust of air and became silent.
    I imagined the scene and shuddered.
    “When Dad found me on the doorstep, I wasn’t injured and I was five . It’s nothing like before.” I defended rather gruffly.
    Luke glanced over at me and tilted his head, pursing his lips. I knew I grasped at straws speaking of technicalities. The scene would have been close enough to bring back the bitter memories. I turned to look out the window and wished I could open the door and jump out. His unspoken guilt-trip started to bother me.
    “I should call him and let him know,” Luke said in a low murmur after a