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nodded. “Though I lead people to believe I hid it;
I didn’t trust it wouldn’t be discovered by some spell or
something. At least if I have it, I can protect it.”
    “Is that what it does? Show people their deepest
desires?”
    “The stone is alive and extremely smart. It is quick
to figure out what makes you tick, finds your weakness, and
controls you that way. It is exceptionally powerful and can give
you what you want, but it comes at a cost. Eventually, the stone
will overpower you and drain you into a shell, before it moves on
to someone else and consumes their life essence.” He scowled at the
rock. “It’s hard to resist. Most can’t fight it, and once you
accept its offer, there’s no way out. It binds you.”
    “What?” I cried out. “I was a breath away from saying
yes to it.”
    Ryker leaned back on his arms. “What did it show
you?”
    The vision of his chin on my shoulder, him kissing my
neck, flashed back. His form over me, our bodies intertwined,
rocking with passion.
    The blush to my cheeks was automatic, and I glanced
down into my lap. “I can’t tell you.”
    “You can see why it is so dangerous... if it falls
into the wrong hands.”
    “You lied to me,” I said quietly, looking at him. “It
was never about the right price or money. You were never going to
sell it. You are protecting it from others.”
    Ryker turned away, licking his bottom lip.
    “You’re a good guy,” I said.
    Ryker smirked, his eyes serious as they found mine.
“Don’t tell anyone.”
    We matched each other’s smile, our eyes locking. I
dropped my gaze and focused on my feet. We were quiet for a few
moments.
    “Now you know my secret. The one thing Vadik will
torture and kill you for.”
    I set my chin on my knees. “He’ll have to get in
line.”
    Ryker snorted, his fingers playing with the fringe on
the rug.
    “I’m sorry. Curiosity killed the cat and all that,” I
uttered, shifting uncomfortably. “But thank you for saving me. You
were out cold. I’m surprised you even got to me in time.”
    “Thank my bladder.”
    I motioned to his lower stomach area. “Thank
you.”
    Ryker climbed back on his feet, holding out his hand
he helped me up. He stepped back and peeled off his T-shirt.
    Uh. My eyes didn’t know where to look. In the
dream I could feel everything like it was really happening. The
feel of his hands, of him inside me, seared my skin and mind.
    He leaned down and wrapped the stone with the fabric
and dropped it back in his boot.
    “It doesn’t affect you having it close all the time?”
I questioned.
    “No. It’s when you touch it, then it will stick its
claws in you and pull you in.” He tucked the insole of his boot
back in tightly. “If there is ever a reason you have to retrieve it
again, make sure you have gloves or some kind of barrier. If it
even gets a wisp of bare skin, it will take hold of you.”
    I nodded.
    He lined his boots up and pushed them under the bed,
then stretched to his full height.
    “It feels strange knowing it’s there. Like it is
goading me to touch it again. What if I can’t resist it?” The
thought made me nervous.
    “It feels like you won’t be able to withstand it now
because it still has a piece of you. The stone has gotten into your
psyche, but after a while it will lessen.”
    “Speaking from experience?” I turned my head to look
at him.
    “Yeah.” He scratched his chin. “You’re the only one
who knows its location. I can’t express enough the need to keep
this secret.”
    “Amara doesn’t know?”
    Ryker shook his head. “No. I told her I buried it
deep in the wilderness of Mongolia near the China border.”
    He didn’t have much of a choice in telling me, but I
felt honored. Even Amara didn’t get the truth. My gaze caught his.
“I promise your secret is safe with me. You can trust me.”
    “I do,” he said quietly before he strolled around me
and disappeared into the bathroom.

 
     
FIVE
     

     
    “What is wrong with