“Keller . . . ,” she said miserably, but he held up a hand to stop her.
“No. Please don’t say anything else. It’s clear we’re on different paths.”
“But—” Samantha started, and then stopped. What was there to say? It was too late—the damage was done. The fragile bridge of affection that had begun to grow between them had been torched—burned to the ground.
“You should stay here tonight. It’s safer that way,” he said in a cool, businesslike tone—the same tone he’d used back in Cougarville, she remembered, when he’d said he had no love to give to any woman.
“Keller—”
“I’ll take the couch so I can keep a watch on the door in case the Hyena comes back,” he went on relentlessly. “Tomorrow I can shadow you at whatever lectures you plan to attend. Don’t worry—you won’t even know I’m there.”
“No,” she said miserably. “Actually I was thinking . . . thinking of just flying back home to Tampa.”
“Fine.” He gave a short, sharp nod of his head. “Then I’ll have my driver take you to the airport to my personal jet. That way you can be sure no one is following you and you’ll get safely home.”
“But . . . what about you?” Samantha asked desperately. “Where will you go?”
“I don’t think that’s any of your business,” Keller said. “Since we are parting ways. But I’ll probably go tend to my business in New York. I’ve been absent for some time.”
“All right,” Samantha said. “I guess . . . guess I’ll go to bed then.”
“Do that. I’ll have my driver here, ready to take you to the airport as soon as you wake.” He sounded like he couldn’t wait to get rid of her.
“Okay, fine.” Samantha wrapped her robe even more tightly around herself. “But . . . what about my things? They’re still in the other room.”
“Don’t worry—I’ll see to all of that. Good night, Samantha.”
No “Sammie,” no “baby,” just Samantha. For some reason the cold formality of his tone made her want to cry, which in turn made her angry. What he was asking was crazy, wasn’t it? Wanting to get married so she could start having his babies . . . wanting her to give up a career she’d worked so hard for most of her life to stay home barefoot and pregnant . . . That wasn’t her, that wasn’t how she saw herself at all.
So why did she feel so wretched as she watched him leave? Why did tears sting her eyes as the door clicked shut behind him, leaving her in the grand, expensive bedroom all alone?
Samantha didn’t know the answer. And though she lectured herself about being a strong feminist and told herself again and again that Keller was crazy, expecting such a sudden commitment from her, she couldn’t shake the blue mood that had settled on her like a cloud. Though she wanted to be angry at him, all she could feel was sad.
Hating herself for her weakness but unable to help it, she cried herself to sleep.
Chapter 9
Keller debated whether he should see her off or not the next morning. On one hand, it was intensely painful to watch her leave, and he still felt angry and rejected. On the other hand, it might hurt more not to see her one last time. Never to see those big blue eyes framed by a profusion of blond hair, those sweet lips which he had tasted so briefly, her small, curvy body, which felt so right against his own. . . .
She felt right against him because they were right together. God, why couldn’t she see that? Hadn’t she felt the connection growing? It was something that happened rarely between Shifters—a bond that started growing even before a female Shifted for the first time. When Keller had felt it starting as she reached her peak, he’d been scarcely able to believe it. An early bond was a clear sign that the two it grew between were meant to be mated.
Then, as though to emphasize the connection, the Cougar inside him had risen to the forefront of his mind.
Mine . . . she is mine. My mate, it growled, telling Keller in no uncertain terms that he ought to claim Samantha at once, that he ought to make her his so that no other male could have her.
Keller had felt a rush of excitement when the other half of him confirmed what he already knew—that he and Samantha were meant to be together. What he had told her was true—a Cougar always knew his mate. And this was the first time his other half had spoken up about any female.
Even when Keller had thought he was completely in love with Rachel, his old flame in college, the Cougar had remained stubbornly mute. He had dated Rachel for months, expecting the beast inside him to claim her, but there was nothing. For the Cougar to speak so quickly and so decisively was little short of a miracle, and a sure indication that Samantha was right for him and he was right for her.
Now if only he could convince her of that.
Forget it, he told himself wearily. She’s not interested. Not in you or the Cougar or in being a Shifter or having children. She just wants to go back to her life as a successful surgeon, and how can you blame her? She worked for years to get this career—why would you imagine she’d want to toss it all aside to be with you?
He wouldn’t have asked her to give it up, though—he really wouldn’t have. But even the possibility of getting pregnant and having children seemed to put her off. Well, she was a career woman—a famous surgeon—what could he expect?
Realizing that his mind was running in circles, Keller forced himself to put the repetitive thoughts aside and answer the question he had been asking himself—did he want to see Samantha off or not?
She was in the shower right now, and he’d ordered her breakfast. It was sitting on a white-cloth-covered table, under a silver dome over it to keep it hot, waiting for her. He could leave it there and go lose himself in the hustle and bustle of the Strip. His driver, Jakes—a Lynx Shifter he trusted implicitly—was waiting patiently outside the door. He had orders to get Samantha safely to the airport, and Keller knew he would. Jakes would see her onto the private jet and she could be off to Tampa and safety, where no Hyena would think to follow her. It could all be over, and Keller would never have to see her again.
Except he wanted to see her again—even if it hurt. In the end, he decided to stay. He couldn’t help it.
Samantha finished her shower and dressed. She came out of the bathroom wearing a dark pink top with flirty sleeves that fluttered at her shoulders, and plain dark blue jeans, which somehow managed to emphasize her curves even more than the slinky dress he’d bought her.
God, she was gorgeous . . . and she would never be his.
Keller pushed the thought aside.
“Good morning, Samantha,” he said, using his coolest voice. “I hope you slept well.”
“I slept like crap, and I’m sure you know why.” She sighed. “Keller—”
“Please.” He lifted a hand to stop her. “Let’s not speak any further of our . . . disagreement. I respect your opinion, and your wish to go your own way.”
“Thank you.” She didn’t sound very happy about it.
“I ordered you breakfast.” He nodded at the silver dome on the white-linen covered table.
“Thanks, but . . . I’m not very hungry.” She shrugged apologetically. The small gesture caused the short sleeve of her blouse to flutter, revealing something that made Keller frown.
There was a tiny, almost imperceptible pinprick on her pale flesh—a small spot that marred the perfection of her porcelain skin.
“What is it?” Samantha followed his eyes, looking down at her arm. “What’s wrong?”
“That little wound on your shoulder—I must have missed it last night when I was . . .” He cleared his throat. “When I was healing you. What happened?”
“I don’t know.” She frowned. “I don’t remember being hurt there. Maybe a bug bit me?”
Keller frowned. “This is an extremely exclusive hotel—they don’t usually have ‘bug’ problems.”
“Well, they apparently couldn’t keep out a Hyena Shifter intent on mauling me,” Samantha said dryly. “So I’m not surprised if a mosquito or
two got through their exclusive security net.”
“I suppose.” Keller frowned. The pinprick wound bothered him for some reason he couldn’t put his finger on, but he pushed his concerns aside. “If you don’t want breakfast,” he told Samantha, “then my driver is ready to take you to the airport whenever you desire. Oh, and your case is packed—I saw to it myself.”
He pointed to the couch, where her small carry-on and purse were sitting, waiting for her like two patient dogs.
“Thanks,” Samantha said flatly. “You’ve got me all ready to scoot right out the door, don’t you? I guess any woman who doesn’t want to have your baby isn’t welcome in the ten-thousand-dollar-a-night penthouse suite.”
Keller felt a growl rise in his throat and swallowed it down with some difficulty. He had the urge to take her in his arms and kiss her—to try and make her see how right they were for each other. To see what she was throwing away.
But he knew it wouldn’t do any good.
“On the contrary, you can stay as long as you like. I just thought after the attack on you last night—and our disagreement—you might be eager to leave.”
“Keller . . .” She ran a hand through her hair, making it look beautifully messy. “Look, I shouldn’t have said all that. I didn’t mean—”
“It doesn’t matter,” he interrupted her. “There’s nothing more to say. And now if you’ll excuse me, I believe I need some air. Please don’t be concerned for your safety—my driver, Jakes, is trustworthy and well-armed. He’ll see you safely on the jet to Tampa.”
“Keller—” She reached out a hand to him, as though she didn’t know what to do, what to say.
“Good-bye, Samantha.” Keller took her small, soft hand in his. “Have a lovely day and a good life,” he told her. And then he couldn’t resist turning her hand over and leaving a single kiss in the center of her palm.
“Oh!” She closed her fingers reflexively, as though to trap the kiss he’d placed there.
The way she trapped my heart, he thought bitterly.
He wanted to kiss her lips one last time too . . . but he knew if he did, he’d never be able to let her go. He had to leave, had to get out of there. Just being near her and knowing he couldn’t have her was torture.
“Good-bye,” he said again and left, walking blindly out of the hotel room, forcing himself to leave her, though it was the last thing he wanted to do on earth. Within him, his Cougar roared in anguish and disbelief. Why had he left the perfect mate behind? Why hadn’t he claimed her—made her his?
Shut up, Keller told his other half roughly. She’s not for you—not for us. No matter how badly we want her.
* * *
Samantha watched him go with a sick feeling growing in her stomach. She had the urge to call him back, but what could she say? Could she tell him she’d changed her mind and wanted a relationship after all? But what kind of relationship would it be?
He’s too young for you, she reminded herself. And he wants to settle down and have babies. That’s not you—it never has been, and it never will be. You have a life waiting for you back in Tampa—a good life you’ve worked hard for. Go home and be happy. Forget about him. What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.
But no matter how much she lectured herself, she couldn’t seem to feel better about the situation. The truth was, even knowing that all Keller wanted was for her to have his baby, she’d let herself start to fall for him. So now, even though she tried to talk herself out of the feelings she’d stupidly allowed to grow inside, it felt like her heart was breaking. But broken heart or not, she couldn’t hang around here all day—she needed to get home. At last she went to the couch, grabbed her carry-on bag and purse, and headed for the door.
Outside the plush room, a tall, muscular man in a gray suit and dark glasses was waiting. He looked more like a bodyguard or a secret service agent than a chauffeur, but Samantha decided he must be the driver Keller had talked about.
“Hi,” she said. “Are you Jakes?”
The man nodded silently.
“Okay, good. Can you take me to the airport, please?”
He nodded again and made a sweeping hand gesture that said, After you.
Well, he certainly didn’t say much—not that she was in the mood to talk. Wordlessly they rode down the elevator together. Jakes stayed by her side the entire time—clearly on orders from Keller—and Samantha saw him looking around alertly, his eyes scanning the vast lobby for possible threats. Oh yeah, he was definitely more bodyguard than chauffeur.
It should have made her feel good that Keller had gone to the trouble to see she was safe. Instead, she felt sad, remembering how the big Shifter had watched over her himself the previous day.
Well what did you expect him to do—keep hanging around after you rejected him? Get over it, Samantha!
“I’ll call for the car.” They were the first words Jakes had spoken to her. He had a deep, gravelly voice, and he jerked his head in the direction of the small valet parking stand located just inside the revolving front doors.
“Okay.” Samantha shrugged. “I’ll wait here, I guess.”
He grunted and moved off to talk to the valet attendant on duty. Samantha hoped getting the car wouldn’t take too long. She’d barely slept a wink the night before, and she just wanted to collapse in the backseat and be miserable in peace.
But it seemed that wasn’t to be—at least the being-in-peace part. No sooner had she had the thought, than someone called her name.
“Doctor Becker? Samantha?”
Turning, she saw it was Eddie Lounds, bearing down on her at full speed. Inwardly she groaned, not Lounds again! She really wasn’t in the mood for dealing with the weasely drug rep today. But there was nothing else to do but paste a smile on her face and pretend to be glad to see him.
“Oh, Eddie.” She gave him her fake smile. “How are you today?”
“Fine, just fine.” He grinned widely, his skinny black mustache stretching like a sleepy caterpillar waking up. “How about you? Did you have a good night?”
If you call getting attacked and mauled by a Hyena Shifter—then healed and proposed to by a Cougar Shifter, who I had to ultimately turn down—a good night, then yes—I had a great night!
A hysterical bubble of laughter rose in her throat, and she swallowed it down with difficulty.
“Sure, a great night,” she lied, smiling brightly.
“Wonderful! Good! And what lectures are you planning to hit today? Maybe we can see some together.” Lounds smiled hopefully.
“Oh, well, I’m afraid I’m not seeing anything. I’m going home to Tampa.” She tried to look regretful, although she had never been more glad to be able to give an excuse in her life.
“Oh, too bad.” He looked so crestfallen that she almost felt sorry for him.
“Well, I’m sure I’ll see you around Tampa Gen back home,” she said. “You can bring me samples of the next wonder drug coming out, whatever it is.”
A sly look came over his narrow face.
“You can bet on it. In fact, I bet you’ll be enjoying the benefits of the next ‘wonder drug’ sooner than you think, Samantha.”
“Um, okay. . . .” It seemed like a strange answer, and he was looking at her so intently it was making Samantha nervous. “Uh—”
“This guy bothering you?” It was Jakes again, in full bodyguard mode. He had finished talking to the valet attendant and had come back at what Samantha felt was a very opportune time.
“No—no, of course not,” she said quickly. “This is a, uh, friend—he’s a drug rep who visits my hospital sometimes.”
“Oh yeah?” Jakes stared at Lounds, who stared back with an almost hostile expression. Jakes wrinkled his nose and the set of his broad shoulders suddenly got stiffer. Samantha couldn’t help noticing that his big hands were curled into fists at his sides.
“Well . . .” She wasn’t sure what to say to break up the weird silent staring contest that seemed to be going on between the two m
en.
“Car’s being pulled around—it’s a black limo,” Jakes told her, his eyes never leaving the drug rep’s narrow face. “Why don’t you go wait for it, Dr. Becker? Fresh air will do you good.”
Samantha opened her mouth to protest being ordered around . . . and then closed it again. Something weird was going on and she wanted no part of it. Probably Jakes was just being protective because Keller had told him to, she mused. At any rate, it was time to go.
“Good-bye,” she said to Lounds. “Have a good time during the rest of the conference.”
Lounds only nodded, his eyes still locked on Jakes.
Okay—this is too freaking weird for me! Turning, Samantha made her way to the curb where a long, shiny, black limo was just pulling up. To her relief, she was able to crawl in the backseat and finally get some much needed privacy and peace.
Chapter 10
On the way to the airport, separated from the taciturn Jakes by a smoked-glass window, Samantha finally thought to dig her cell phone out of her purse. She’d left it in her room while she spent the night in Keller’s, so this was her first chance to check it. To her dismay, she saw she had fifteen voice messages, thirty texts, and about fifty missed calls—all from her sister, Sadie.
Though Samantha and Sadie were twins, they didn’t look anything alike. Sadie was taller and thinner with long, straight brown hair and big brown eyes. Samantha was what she liked to call “height challenged and fluffy,” with blond hair and blue eyes. But despite their dissimilarities, the sisters did share what some researchers had labeled a “twin sense,” which meant each knew when something was wrong with the other.
Looking at all the missed calls and frantic texts, Samantha knew her sister must have sensed her distress during the attack and then later felt her emotional upheaval after she’d rejected Keller. No wonder she was worried and upset!