Out of Darkness Read online

  Kai shrugged out of his jacket and lifted her so he could slip the worn denim over her. Her head rolled forward and her chin dropped to her chest. Kai could see the hair at the top of her head matted with blood. His anger, tamped down by necessity, boiled again but he shoved the rage aside. He’d deal with it later. Right now this poor little waif needed his help. Kai wrapped the edges of his coat, still warm from the heat of his body, closely around her tiny frame and stood. The fallen street rats were groaning. As much as he wanted to stay and beat the crap out of them all over again, the girl he carried needed medical attention. Her needs had to come first. But the boys weren’t off the hook. Not by a long shot. He’d deal with them. And soon.

  Chapter 2

  Kai stalked from the parking garage with the girl cradled close to his chest. She didn't weigh much and the added burden of her slight weight affected neither his breathing nor his pace. He searched the quiet street for a cab. As usual, there was never one around when you wanted it. The wound on the girl's head was bleeding. She needed help now and the nearest hospital was miles away. There wasn't much choice. He’d take her to his hotel room and tend her injuries himself. It was much closer and at this late hour it was unlikely anyone would notice him carrying an unconscious female to his room.

  Twenty minutes later, Kai slid his keycard along the locking device set above the door handle. He nudged the door open with his shoulder and carried the girl into his suite. Multiple throw pillows littered the brown leather couch dominating the sitting area. He elbowed the mound of pillows out of his way and placed her on the soft leather, facing in. He tugged the denim off one arm then rolled her out of his jacket. She ended resting on her other side facing the room. Satisfied she’d be alright for a few minutes, he left her to search for supplies.

  Kai rummaged through the bedroom for a couple of white t-shirts and a battered tin of ointment. He gathered towels and cloths from the en-suite, filled an ice bucket with warm water, and returned to the unconscious girl.

  Kai knelt beside her and swept hair away from her forehead exposing the blood-matted cut. He dipped the cloth into the warm water and dabbed at the broken skin on the girl's scalp. She moaned and moved her head away from the contact. Kai’s natural confidence wavered. How long since he’d last engaged in human contact? Was he capable of the gentleness dressing her wound required? Right now he was all she had. He submerged the soiled cloth into the bucket and rinsed it. Pink water trickled over his fingers and dripped onto her tattered shirt when he dabbed the wound again. He repeated the sequence until he’d removed the majority of the congealed blood.

  The trauma the girl suffered might be more severe than his first impression. A sizable lump had formed beneath the damaged flesh where her head struck the concrete. At the very least, she probably had a concussion. Hopefully, nothing more serious. He should take her to the emergency department. She might need an x-ray or other tests to rule out internal swelling and she’d have the care of an actual doctor. The hospital would also ask a lot of questions. Questions he couldn’t answer. Questions he didn’t want to answer.

  Tonight Kai was her only help. Poor soul. He barely remembered how to care for injuries. His injuries healed at an accelerated rate. One of his immortal gifts. Blessed even in his mortal life, he’d never had a serious or life-threatening injury. Tonight, there was no one else to take care of the girl. He might as well grit his teeth and get it over with.

  A soft moan escaped pale lips as Kai probed the wound. He glanced down to see she was still out. He applied ointment from the tin he’d dug out of his bag. The fragrant mixture made from ancient healing herbs would help accelerate the healing process. Satisfied he’d done all he could for her injury, Kai ripped the white cotton shirts into strips and used them to bandage her head. Spatters of blood mottled the remnants of her filthy, torn shirt. Blood smeared over the sofa would hardly help him stay anonymous with the hotel when he checked out. Best to get it off her. He gently lifted the girl’s upper body against him to remove the remaining scraps of her blouse. Despite his efforts to keep her head stable it rolled onto his shoulder. A faint gasp of pain wisped from her lips. He searched her face for any indication of regained consciousness. Her eyes remained closed, jaw slack.

  When he found her, he hadn’t noticed much about her. His only concern had been her attackers. With the danger past, Kai allowed his gaze to linger while he ministered to her abrasions. Damn, she was beautiful. Tiny too. Her size had deceived him. He’d thought her in her early teens. On closer inspection he realized she was older, at least late teens or early twenties. The darkness of her hair made an intriguing contrast against her pale skin. Soft, curved lips were lush and full. Even in her bruised and unconscious state the delicate symmetry of her features was remarkable. She seemed so fragile, helpless. Anger at her attackers surged again. How could anyone do this to another person? Unfortunately it happened all too often in the world.

  He supported her slight shoulders and finished removing the remainder of the tattered shirt. Shirt off, he noticed the soft curves pressed the length of his torso. At this angle he had an unobstructed view of her breasts rising above the wispy material. The lace bra askew exposed a puckered rosy nipple. His body tightened. This isn’t right! What the hell is wrong with me? An unconscious and traumatized female shouldn’t distract him like this. His eyes slammed shut and his breath expelled through gritted teeth. She was beautiful but the sight of a battered half-naked waif shouldn’t cause his body to stir despite her fragile perfection. Who the hell was she? Why in hell was this girl out alone so late at night? And how in hell can I feel attracted to her in a moment like this? He'd seen many young, beautiful women. A half-bare female form wasn’t enough to have him panting like a dog. He was no schoolboy unable to control the urges of his body.

  Despite the control he exerted, primal instincts awakened to the softness melding to his hard length. Firm, round curves strained against the flimsy barrier of her bra. He hadn’t longed for this kind of intimacy in ages. It was actually rare for anyone to elicit this immediate response from him. Maybe he’d let his primal side lie dormant too long. Damn it! I’m here to help her. Not ogle. Guilt. He'd protected her and now while she lay unconscious, he was checking her out. He was no better than the gang who attacked her.

  Disgusted, Kai removed temptation. A quick tug and the lace slipped back into place covering the pert nipple, but not before his hair roughened knuckle skimmed the tip. Another surge rippled through his already rigid core at her quick intake of breath. A hint of pearly teeth peeked through the gap between her parted lips. The dark fringe of her eyelashes brushed a feathery crescent on her cheeks.

  The girl didn’t stir further and remained unaware of the conflict raging inside him. He was thankful for small favors. At the moment his shame ran deep. He felt like a degenerate. At least she didn’t witness his humiliating struggle.

  He rushed to slide a cotton t-shirt over her head and twitched the hem in place over her hips. The t-shirt draped well past mid-thigh and dwarfed her slight figure. He slipped her shoes off and after internal debate, slid his hand beneath the hem of the skirt and removed her stockings. He tried to touch as little as possible while he performed the task, but his fingers still skimmed the smooth flesh of her thighs and calves. He burned from the contact from both awareness and guilt.

  Kai removed the skirt but left her panties and bra alone. He wasn’t a fool. She affected him so he didn’t trust himself not to get hot if he disrobed her further. It wasn’t like he’d do anything about it but it was downright shameful and unexpected how attractive he found her.

  A quick search of the closets yielded a couple of pillows but no blankets, so Kai stripped the cover from his bed in the other room. He folded the massive bedspread in half and tucked the blanket around her still figure.

  Kai left her alone and went into his en-suite feeling lower than the snakes that’d attacked her. He shed his filthy clothing and turned on the shower. Steam wafted from the
enclosure when he opened the glass door. He made fast work of scrubbing away blood and grime from the encounter in the parking garage. His mind returned, against his will, to the pretty little bundle in the next room. His body leaped at the memory of delicate lines and smooth skin. So much for not tempting me. Repulsed by the lecherous thought, he slammed the faucet lever to cold. He stood with his head bowed against the icy pelt of frigid water.

  Fifteen minutes later Kai stepped out of the tiled stall. The icy blast was a good distraction. He toweled the droplets from his body and secured the towel around lean hips. He ran his hands over his face. He was exhausted.

  Kai swiped the moisture away from the mirror and combed his fingers through the short, thick locks and slicked the dark, wet hair away from his forehead. He turned away from his reflection and rummaged through his shaving bag for his toothbrush. He refused to look at himself further as he tossed the tube onto the counter and began the mindless routine of cleaning his teeth.

  A loud crash interrupted Kai’s regimen. He dropped his toothbrush and spat foamy paste into the sink. He rushed to the other room still wiping toothpaste residue from his mouth. The girl was conscious. She’d grasped the arm of the sofa and wavered on unsteady legs. A shattered lamp littered the floor. The broken shards scattered across the floor, a danger to her bare feet.

  “Don’t move,” his rough voice cautioned. “There’s shattered glass all around your feet.” The girl whipped her head towards him. Her eyes closed and all color drained from her face. She lifted trembling fingers to her lips and sucked a shallow breath through her nose composing herself. The wave of nausea seemed to pass. She gripped the arm of the couch to avoid toppling face first into the end table. Her fingers whitened from the pressure and when she tried to balance herself with her other hand, the hem of his shirt inched up on her.

  “Where am I? Who are you?” She fired off the questions in rapid succession. Her panic surged. “It’s dark, I can’t see!” Her volume rose with each word.

  “Shh, it’s okay. My name is Kai. Don’t be afraid,” Kai reassured. “Here, let me turn on a light.” He flicked the switch on the twin lamp to the broken one. A faint click accompanied the bright light.

  “Have you turned on the light? I still can’t see!” She cried out. “Why can’t I see?” Kai could feel her panic rise. Her fingers skimmed her face, flitting over her eyes then continuing their frantic exploration of her head. She patted the bandage still wrapped tight and secure. A grimace tightened her features. She winced when her fingers prodded the thick bandage over her wound.

  “What’s happened? Where am I? Why can’t I see?” She didn’t give him time to respond before she clutched her head and moaned. “Ohhh, my head is pounding.” She leaned against the couch but remained standing.

  Kai stepped over splintered ceramic shards and stopped her fluttering hands before she dislodged the dressing he’d applied. She snatched her small hands back as if burned by the touch. “Please try to calm down. I’m not going to hurt you,” he said.

  “But I can’t see!”

  “I understand and we’ll get to that. But panicking isn’t gonna help. You need to stay calm. ” He kept his tone low and even. “I’m trying to help you. I will explain what I can. Ok?” The girl nodded.

  “I found you earlier this evening. That’s my handy work you’re tugging at.” Caught, she dropped her hands and knotted them together. Kai didn’t mention they were in his hotel room. No need to scare her further. He would tell her later when it became necessary. First thing was to calm her down then he’d deal with what happened. “What’s your name?”

  “Emma,” she said, twisting her fingers together. “Emma Carlisle.” She was far from calm but the hysteria had subsided.

  “Emma,” he repeated. It suited her. He enjoyed the vibration humming through his lips as he said her name. “Do you remember anything about tonight?”

  “I think so,” her words were cautious. “I remember I worked the late shift and I was trying to find my car and…and... some guys were following me…They attacked me and…and…Oh!” She shrank away from him.

  “Don’t be afraid. I promise you. I’m not one of them. I'm the one who interrupted the scumbags that attacked you. You’re safe now.” He chose not to frighten her with any details. Her shoulders dropped, tension released, and she didn’t scream bloody murder. Good signs. “You’re going to be okay. They didn’t um…you know…get to uhh…” his voice trailed off. For someone who prided himself on his ability to handle anything, he had no idea how to handle this. “I stopped them before they um… well… uh… got all your clothes off,” he finished. “You weren’t raped.” He didn't mention details about the mortifying condition he found her in.

  She drew a ragged breath and released, “Do you know what happened exactly? I remember flashes of black eyes. And struggling.”

  Kai's eyes narrowed. “Why don't you sit down and tell me what you do remember?”

  “The guy who first grabbed me, his eyes were weird. Black covered his eyes completely, even the white part, but that couldn’t be real, right?” His features tightened. “Aside from the blindness, my memory seems to have some blank spots. It’s all a bit fuzzy, but I remember those guys surrounding me. I tried to fight them off. One of them hit me, and I fell. I remember that, but I don’t remember anything else before waking up here a few minutes ago.”

  Kai was impressed with her ability to recount the events. It was a good sign. The blow to her head hadn’t interfered with her ability to think. She was also much calmer than he’d expected. He had concerns about the black eyes she believed were conjured by her imagination. To him they meant something else entirely. “I’m not a doctor but I suspect the reason you can’t see has something to do with the knock you took to your head.” He waited for her to absorb what he’d said before continuing, “I think it’s best if we get you to a hospital. I thought at first you’d be ok until morning but…” Kai stopped. Comprehension dawned and worry seeped into her expression. The implications of the head injury and the blindness would scare the hell out of anyone. “I’m sure you’re fine, but you should probably get an x-ray or something. No sense in guessing.”

  “Yeah, I think that’s a good idea.” Her voice trembled.

  “Do you have a family member you want me to call?” He asked.

  “No, I don’t have any family,” she said. “I grew up in foster homes.”

  “What about friends? Do you have anyone you want me to call? Someone who could come pick you up?” He tried not to betray the hope in his voice. No need to offend her. She'd been through enough. She represented an unwelcomed temptation and he wanted some distance.

  “No one close enough to come get me. I just moved here a few months ago,” Emma said. “I don’t know anyone here.”

  “Okay then. I guess I’m your guy.” Kai sighed, resigned to the responsibility.

  Chapter 3

  How stupid can I be? She was new to the city, and in one night she’d fought off an attack, barely escaped rape. And she now was blind. How stupid do I have to be to admit to a perfect stranger I have no one that would miss me? Idiot! Her intuition he was a good guy better be right.

  Emma chose to take encouragement from the reluctance she heard in his voice. “You don’t have to take care of me. I don’t need your help now that I’m safe. Sorry, that sounded rude. I just meant you’ve done enough for me already. Just put me in a cab and send me to the nearest hospital. I’ll be fine. As it is I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you. I won’t put you out any more than I already have.” Emma hastened to her feet but dropped back down in an instant. It felt like the world spun a quick three hundred and sixty-degree turn and she felt a distressing urge to vomit.

  “Are you okay?” Kai asked.

  “No! I’m gonna be sick!” Her hand rose to partially cover her mouth. “Please, can you take me to the washroom? I don’t think I can make it there on my own.” It cost her pride to admit, especially after declaring she
didn’t need his help. What a liar.

  Kai did better than show her. He picked her up into his arms like a child and held her close against his bare chest as rushed to the bathroom. He set her down and held her until she felt steady on her feet. She could still feel him hovering nearby, ready to leap to her rescue again. It was both comforting and embarrassing. There was no way she was going to hurl in front of him.

  “Please leave.”

  “Are you sure? You look like you’re gonna fall over.”

  “I’ll be fine. Look, I don’t wanna get sick in front of you.” She felt the rise of bile. Oh no, please not yet! Please make him hurry. “Just leave, please.”

  “Okay, but call me if you need help.” The door closed with a soft click.

  Emma dropped to her knees and fumbled around feeling for the commode, one more indignity piled onto tonight’s mountain of indignities.

  * * *

  Kai heard the muffled sound of her retching and moved away from the door. That wasn’t good. He hadn’t expected to feel sorry for her. This sympathy was yet another emotion he didn’t know he still had and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. All of his protective instincts were on full alert with her. What was it about this slip of a girl that had him acting so out of character?

  Kai had almost forgotten that he was naked with nothing more than a towel on until her hands had come into contact with his bare skin. While she was in the washroom, he rushed to haul on jeans and a t-shirt. He hoped she wouldn’t be long. The longer he waited for her to finish, the longer it would be before he got her to the hospital. Blindness wasn’t something he’d anticipated and the vomiting had him worried. But her mind seemed sound as far as he could tell. That must be a good sign.

  * * *