What the fuck was that? We've been getting reports from all over the city! First that attempted kidnapping–that somehow wasn't kidnapping–and then that same fucking Arrow causing havoc at the hospital?
Our apologies. The charge of the Arrow in question was under a direct threat.
That small woman? She was under threat? You must be fucking kidding me. You've seen the footage, right?
We'll make sure it doesn't happen again.
Let's fucking hope so.
- Conversation between WaterSky Eagles and Arrow's communication team
The next morning Hailey woke in James' embrace, his chin nuzzled in her hair while her back was pressed against the warmth of his chest, his arm around her waist. Hailey looked over her shoulder at him, her passionate and strong Arrow.
A smile broke out over her face. She still couldn't quite believe what had happened between them last night. How amazing he'd felt under her hands, how intense the experience had been… and how he'd accepted the claim she'd laid on his heart, his soul. Hailey lifted her hand to caress his arm.
Before she knew it, her arm was locked in an iron tight grip, James' big hand warm around her wrist. She turned so she could look at him and immediately was taken aback by the distant look in his eyes.
"Hey," Hailey whispered, "what's wrong?"
A tiny crease appeared between his eyebrows as he released her. When she reached out to touch him again, she heard his voice in her head.
Don't. It was a curt order.
He sat up on the side of the bed.
Hailey frowned and turned towards him. "What's going on?"
James still hadn't answered her question when she hopped out of the bed, the hem of his large thermal shirt skidding against her upper thighs. She walked around the bed and faced him while pushing up the sleeves. James looked like he was staring straight through her, cold and absent.
Hailey folded her arms. "Are you going to tell me what's wrong or are you going to give me the silent treatment again?"
He shot her a dark look. "Turn on the news channel."
Arching her brow, she switched on the entertainment device mounted on the wall across from the bed. She made a swiping motion with her fingers as she searched for the local news.
Oh. My. God.
Her jaw dropped. She switched channels. Several times.
A tingling sensation ran up her spine at the news reports. Hailey turned off the device and turned around to face James, who had dressed himself in the meantime. His posture was perfectly statuesque, expressionless face and distant eyes.
The perfect Silent Psy. The perfect elite soldier.
She recalled the words the news reporters had used.
Spontaneous apocalyptic storm.
She coughed and looked away. Apocalyptic.
Hailey couldn't help herself. She snorted and laughed. A small part of it was because of the nerves she felt, but most of it was because they were the source of the commotion that stirred the city. James' Tk was more powerful than Hailey had grasped. She recalled the satellite images the news had shown; almost the entire island of Manhattan had been covered by a lightning storm.
Still… it was quite a remarkable thing. "You're cross because we had sex which was that good, it was 'apocalyptic'?" she asked with a grin.
James didn't think it was all that funny. "Get dressed. We're leaving."
Hailey felt the tiny hairs of her neck stand up straight at the command in his voice. Every cell in her body stirred in resistance. "We're not going anywhere." She tried to observe his body language to see what she could do to make him relax and open up to her, but all of a sudden he was so Silent again, it made her heart race in her chest.
"We are. Right now."
Hailey scowled. "Stop that! I'm not one of your recruits." She stepped closer until she stood toe-to-toe with her Arrow, tipping back her head to meet his gaze. "Talk to me, tell me what's wrong."
Eyes unmoving and remote, there wasn't even a glimmer left of the man she had loved yesterday. "Interacting seems to have caused this incident."
Confused, Hailey's emotions went back and forth as she watched James. Drawing in a deep breath, she asked, "What are you talking about? What's the problem?"
His blue eyes slammed into hers. "You are."
Hailey's blood ran cold. Is he having second thoughts? Had she coerced him into something he hadn't actually wanted to do?
But that didn't make sense. She'd asked him, and he'd promised to tell her the truth. She hesitated a moment before responding to his cold words. "How… how am I the problem?"
"You're the cause of this," James said coolly.
Because, Hailey thought as she read between the lines, without you, he would have never let go of his Silence, and the lightning storm wouldn't have happened.
Regardless of his logical thinking, her temper spiked. "Don't you dare put this on me! We caused it together!"
James' emotions made the air spark with electricity, the room loaded with tension. "I could have hurt someone."
"But you didn't, everyone is fine. The airlines delayed their flights and you didn't hurt a single person in the entire city. There was only the storm, the news reports said so! You consciously directed your Tk high enough into the air, to a safe spot. Nothing happened."
"Nothing happened?" The air around Hailey turned cold, sending shivers down her skin and making her breath fog the air. "Nothing happened?" James had never raised his voice before, but now he was speaking louder than she'd ever witnessed. He turned away from her and looked out of the window, as if to validate the city hadn't crumbled to pieces in the meantime.
"Yes! Everyone is fine!" Hailey felt like shaking him, wanting him to understand that what they'd shared was something beautiful and extraordinary. It had been the most exceptional night of her life. How could he not see that?
Something definitely worth repeating. Loads of times. Even if it caused a storm of apocalyptic proportions… or maybe especially because it did just that.
It wasn't merely the sex that made it special.
Well… Don't lie to yourself, Hales… It had been absolutely sensational.
Yes, it had been. Butit was mostly the fact that he'd trusted her enough to be vulnerable. To shed the skin of vigilance and subservience for an instant. To truly be himself with her.
And how she adored the man he'd shown her, the funny, passionate and also scarred man behind the mask of Silence.
"What about next time? What if I hurt someone then?" He shoved his hand through the short waves of his blond hair as he turned towards her again. "What if I hurt you?"
Hailey's heart clenched painfully as the tension in her body disappeared, irritation turning into fierce compassion. Once again, James had pushed her away when his control was slipping.
Be patient with him, Hailey, she whispered to herself. Be gentle. Be there for him.
Because every time he pushed her away, it was the moment when he needed her the most. There would come a time when he wouldn't feel like he was alone against the world, an Arrow in solitude. There would come a time for him to count her in.
Patience is a virtue.
He was trying and Hailey needed to do right by him. She needed to fight for him, because heaven knew, no one else could do it. He wouldn't let them, wouldn't believe himself worthy of love, time and understanding.
"James." She walked over to cup his face. "You won't hurt others." Her gaze locked with his. "And you wouldn't ever harm me. Trust yourself, love," she whispered.
His jaw was a brutal line. "You shouldn't touch me." His voice sounded strained, as if it cost him extreme effort to hold back. Hailey rose on her toes and hauled him closer by using a little Tk. James' eyes narrowed a fraction, but he leaned towards her, his hands white bracketed fists beside his body.
"Listen to me," Hailey demanded. "I'm okay. You're okay. New York is okay." She brushed his hair off his forehead. "We did nothing wrong. But if you don't want to do this again because you're afraid you'll lose control, we won't… for now."
"How," his voice dangerously quiet as he grabbed her chin, the hold a little rough, "do you suggest I do so when you're dressed like this?"
Heat was a flame licking over her skin as Hailey saw the shadows in James' eyes turn to pure want. The air around her heated that instant.
Oh…
She bit her lower lip and saw his eyes flash.
"Hailey."With his jaw clenched, James gently removed her hands from his face and stood up straight again. Hailey let him go, not wanting to push him when he was at his limit. Still, not being able to touch him, to love him like last night? That was definitely out of the question.
"I'll get dressed, but is it really necessary for us to leave right now? I'd like to stay for a few days. I've missed my home, my friends." She was already mentally running through several options to find a solution to this complicated problem.
As if your life isn't messed up enough as it is.
Hailey mentally slapped herself. That wasn't fair. Her life had changed immensely since the night her powers first went haywire, yet it hadn't all been for the worse–especially not since she'd come to know her Arrow.
"Your training isn't finished yet," James said, his tone clipped.
Hailey tried to turn the conversation from serious to a more light-hearted one. "I know, but as you prove by existing: all work and no play make for a dull boy."
"Careful."
"And," Hailey continued like the warning in that voice of crushed rocks and whiskey cream hadn't sent shivers down her spine, "I still owe you a surprise and you owe me a date. Maybe it's good to do something other than train or lust for each other."
She walked into the bathroom to brush her hair. "At least," she said as she leaned through the doorway while untangling some small knots, "if you're able to get a day off." She scrunched her nose and quickly tied her hair in a messy bun. "I can't imagine you've ever taken a holiday."
The idea of James–wearing only swim shorts and sunglasses–relaxing underneath palm trees on a large towel near the warm water of a sunny, tropical beach made her lips kick up. She'd love to see him like that, love to show him some of the gorgeous places she'd visited.
James was looking out of the window again, clad in his uniform, his hands clasped behind his back. A greater contrast between her fantasy and reality was impossible.
"Being an Arrow is a full-time commitment. Our schedules rotate but we're always on standby."
Hailey rolled her eyes as she walked to the white dresser across from the bed. She selected a simple outfit consisting of jeans and a grey top with short, wide sleeves and walked back to the bathroom.
This was going really well.
She wasn't sure what she'd expected of him. Of course he couldn't drop everything when she snapped her fingers, but weren't they allowed some time together?
Hailey decided she'd try one more time, not wanting to fight James about it since he was already agitated with the current situation. She turned on the shower and brushed her teeth as she sent her thoughts to him. You could ask. And if it's not possible, we'll go back to the valley.
When James didn't reply, Hailey felt a tinge of disappointment darkening her mood as she stepped behind the glass wall of the large shower and quickly rinsed herself off. She wouldn't let her thoughts escalate again, making her insecure by spiraling in negative speculation. She was, however, allowed to be mopey for having only this stolen moment with him.
Sighing, she stepped out of the shower and dried off. When she finished dressing herself and had applied a little make up, she walked out of the bathroom. Untying her bun, her hair cascaded down her back.
James was still standing in front of the window; strong, beautiful and distant. After what he'd told her yesterday, she understood why he'd gone cold. And of course, she didn't want him to add scars onto his hurt psyche, but Hailey didn't understand why he didn't trust himself. He wasn't that small boy anymore; he was a strong, fully-grown man, in control of his abilities, even when his emotions spiked.
Hailey wondered how they were supposed to keep their hands off each other. James had proven to be very tactile, possession in his every touch. She needed the contact in order to feel anchored, secure. Aside from that, she didn't think she'd be able to resist him if they would face off in another sparring session. She'd probably jump him right away on the outdoor training field and wouldn't care one bit about the Arrows watching as she'd kiss the life out of him.
She sat down on the side of the bed to put on her socks. "I'll pack my bag so we can go," she said, hoping her disappointment wouldn't color her voice.
James turned around and knelt in front of her on one knee, his hands on the bed beside her. "There's no need." He sounded a little surprised. "I'm off shift for the next three days."
Hope bloomed in Hailey's heart, making her smile.
"I do have to return to Central Command to put some things in order, but I'll be back tonight."
Hailey had already fisted her hands on her lap in order to stop herself from touching him, when James provided her with what she needed as he reached out and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, stroking her cheekbone with his thumb. Warmth uncurled in her stomach, her entire body simmering in response to his small caress. She wanted so much more, but he would have to be the one to set the pace.
Patience, she reminded herself. Good things come to those who wait. And this amazing man was definitely worth waiting for.
In the afternoon Hailey visited Shane and Morgan again. Morgan's state was still unaltered; he wasn't declining, but he wasn't getting better either. Because no one knew what was going on, the doctors weren't able to give Morgan proper treatment. At least he wasn't getting any sicker. Still, Hailey hoped they'd figure out what the problem was soon. She hated seeing Morgan like this, hated what it did to Shane.
After supporting her friend for a couple of hours she went home and told Shane she'd be in the city for at least two more nights. Her friend had looked a little better after catching some sleep last night. His father would arrive later in the afternoon, so he wouldn't be alone when she'd leave for the valley.
Hailey called Devraj right after she'd left the hospital and told him about the incident with Matt. Dev's voice was pure ice when he said he'd take care of it. He wasn't too happy about the public demonstration she and James had given–the camera footage was already spreading fast on the Internet–but after Hailey explained the situation, he was a little more understanding… a little being the key words.
So she accepted Dev's angry words and apologized for making his life miserable. After speaking for a few more minutes about her training, she thanked him for helping her out. No way Dev would let Matt off the hook easily.
Serves him right.
When she got home, Hailey decided to make a last minute dinner reservation so she could keep her promise and go on a date with her Arrow. Preparing for the date kept her mind from going in circles about Morgan's condition.
After taking a long shower to wash the scent of hospital off, she selected one of her favorite garments: a knee length dress with short sleeves in deep burgundy. The dress had a scoop neckline embroidered with black lace and a waistband of the same material. The skirt fanned out a little, enhancing the curves of her hourglass figure. Hailey went through her wardrobe and decided to wear ankle length boots with cross ties and heels. The leather synth boots made the look a little edgy, just the way she liked it.
Her make up was a little more glamorous than her day-to-day look. She used black eyeliner to bring out her eyes and was still swiping on a mauve colored lipstick–the shade a few shades darker then her own lips–when a familiar telepathic whisper had made butterflies flutter in her stomach.
Oh, and the stare James had given her when she'd opened the door…Pure heat and hunger, as if she were a treat he wanted to devour. It sent a shiver down her spine and a blush to her cheeks.
When she told him she'd organized a surprise dinner, he inclined his head and followed her outside after she'd grabbed her purse.
The Italian restaurant she'd chosen was at walking distance from her apartment. It wasn't a very good surprise, but Hailey thought it would do him good to start off slow.
Besides, it's not like he has much experience in the dating department anyway, she reminded herself. This was probably the most exciting James' social life had been since… ever.
Though she wanted to make it up to him in a more creative way, for now she'd enjoy this very normal seeming date with the extraordinary man sitting across from her.
Hailey looked at James, who blended in unexpectedly well. He was wearing a black leather synth jacket over a black V-neck t-shirt and dark blue jeans. Even though he was dressed in normal clothes, he still looked like pure sin and danger. She wrung her hands under the table as she tried not to touch him, not wanting to put him on edge when he was trying so hard for her.
During their walk over to the restaurant several people had done a double take at him and stared at him in awe. One woman had actually mouthed 'good job' at Hailey, though a lot of people were still shooting him wary glances–probably because they'd recognized him from the video on the Internet.
James had been adorably oblivious to the positive attention he was drawing when she'd told him about it. She'd grinned at the uncomprehending look he'd shot her when she told him about all his admirers. Then he had stroked her cheek with his knuckles and shaken his head.
"You're mine. And I want you. Only you."
The possessive words he'd spoken still lingered in her mind as she looked at the other people enjoying their food. The restaurant had access to a rooftop balcony where they could dine and watch the traffic pass by on the streets below them. Fairy lights and glass lanterns veiled the guests in an intimate yellow glow. The small mahogany tables were decorated with hologram candles and deep scarlet roses in slim crystal vases. Black napkins, copper cutlery and creamy white plates finished the elegant table setting.
A small breeze whispered against Hailey's face, the lingering heat from the summer's afternoon sun turning to a more gentle temperature at night, but comfortable, even at this altitude. She turned her gaze to her Arrow.
James told her he rarely ate anything besides the regulated and tasteless Psy nutrition drinks and protein bars, so Hailey had ordered some mildly spiced dishes from the menu and had chosen a chicken Alfredo tagliatelle for herself. She'd also selected a small cheese board with bread and antipasto on the side for them to share, just to see James' responses to the flavors.
They'd just finished their starters and were waiting for the main course when a thought popped up in Hailey's head. "Do you think every time there's a thunderstorm somewhere, it's actually a Tk getting their freak on?" She popped an olive in her mouth and offered him one.
James arched his eyebrow a little but bit the briny treat from her fork. He chewed slowly and swallowed before answering her question. "It has been mentioned in the PsyNet that, since the breaking of Silence, more meteorological hazards have occurred."
Laughter bubbled out of her. "You're kidding me. And no one's connected the dots just yet?" She grinned at James when he shook his head. After offering him a piece of cheese–he didn't seem to like the olive much–Hailey dipped a breadstick in aioli and took a bite.
The slightest of frowns appeared on James' face, causing a minor crease between his dark blond eyebrows. "There has been increasing seismological activity in Moscow the past months."
Hailey pursed her lips. "Well, that doesn't necessarily have to mean anything."
"Yes, it does."
Hailey leaned forward. "Why?"
Watching the cars passing through the streets below, James answered. "Because former Councilor Krychek has a residence in the Moscow area."
Hailey's jaw dropped. "No way." She laughed so hard, tears formed in the corners of her eyes. "You're telling me," she took gulp of air, "that he's probably the cause of that? If that news gets public everyone will know when he's getting down and dirty!" Then she froze with her hand slapped over her mouth. "Oh my God!"
James shot her a wondering look.
She clarified her train of thought. "If people understand what is happening, then it'll be the same for us!" Her voice sounded horrified. "Everyone will know when we've had sex if you keep causing thunderstorms like that." Hailey pulled a face. "I'm not sure I'll be able to face my family if they know."
"Then you have nothing to worry about."
Wary of his icy tone, Hailey raised her eyebrow while dipping some focaccia in red pesto. "Why?"
James took a sip of his water before answering her question, his gaze hard. "Because it's not happening again."
Hailey nibbled on the bread. "You're going to lose that bet. You know you will."
James' voice demanded every ounce of her attention. "As long as there's a risk I might cause you or others harm, I won't touch you."
A snort. "I thought you had F-abilities." She grinned when he kept glaring at her, all serious and intense and black ops soldier-like. "But it's already very clear to me that you never saw me coming. I'm giving it two days max."
He gave her a measured look. "And you keep reproaching me for being arrogant."
"Well, maybe it's rubbing off on me a little. I like that kind of rubbing, though. Maybe we could shower together so I can rub my naked b–"
"Hailey."
God, she loved how dangerous his voice could sound when he tried to chastise her like that. Not that it impressed her much anymore; it just made her want to turn him from serious to sexy, over and over again.
"One day," she challenged him with a small smile as her lips covered the straw of her drink, sipping and looking up at him at the same time. When she was done drinking, she licked her upper lip, then softly sank her teeth in her lower lip, slowly releasing the plump flesh.
The plates and cutlery on the table shook, making a clinking noise. James fisted his hands, knuckles bracketed white on the table as he kept pinning her down with that extremely intense gaze, as if he was running his big hands all over her body. Hailey shuddered.
She didn't want to put him on edge, but honesty compelled her to admit she was happy–and also a little smug–that she was able to incite this reaction in him. James hadn't noticed any of the women on the street or at the restaurant. He was only focused on her. Of course it was a big ego boost that she was able to reach him in ways others couldn't. That she was as special to him as he was to her.
"You're frowning," the question apparent in his tone.
Hailey scrunched her nose and decided to share her thoughts with him.
James just looked at her. "You're mine," he said, as if that explained everything. And somehow, it did.
Butterflies fluttered in her stomach at his possessiveness. "Yes," she answered, "though we really need to find a solution to this ordeal we're having." She stared at the people walking through the street below as an idea occurred to her. "Maybe I should ask Ivy. Besides being a teleporter, Vasic is also a Tk, right?"
"Hmm," James' deep voice made a shiver run up her spine.
God, you have no resistance whatsoever to this man.
He didn't answer Hailey's question. "So she's the one who told you about the dissonance."
Hailey thanked the waitress when their main courses were put in front of them before she returned her focus to James. "Yes, now spill. Who gave you the manual?"
His answer made Hailey laugh. "Both Aden and Vasic? Well, aren't they sneaky matchmakers?" Hailey smiled brightly at the extraordinary man who sat across from her, happiness turning her blood to champagne even though their relationship hadn't been sunshine and rainbows from the start. She recalled her first meeting with him, how cold he'd been.
"Was I right about your lack of visions of our meeting?" Curiosity colored her voice as she picked up her fork and took a bite from her food.
"I already told you I rarely have visions," James said. He systematically ate a few bites of his farfalle with sage before answering. "But no, I never saw you–which might have been a good thing."
Hailey finished chewing before she replied. "How so?"
James observed her, his eyes lingering on her mouth a moment before his gaze flicked to her eyes. "I wasn't ready to know."
"Ha!" Hailey exclaimed as she pointed her fork toward him. "You're saying if you knew, you would have ran straight to the opposite direction at the sight of me?" She pulled a face.
"Of course not," James' tone was filled with its usual dose of arrogance. "Arrows don't run away. They fulfill their duty."
Snorting, Hailey took another bite. "I'd say you're fulfilling your duty quite extensively and enthusiastically, Mr. Addison." She wiped her mouth with a napkin before looking up at him again. "You scared me when we first met."
James' eyebrow rose a fraction. "As I recall, I hardly spoke."
"Yeah, that was kind of the problem. You being extremely handsome but all distant-soldier-badass was kind of frightening," Hailey admitted.
Azure blue eyes pinned her down, making everything around her go quiet, James her only point of focus. "You scared me as well."
Hailey leaned closer over the table and reached for his hand. "How? I was hardly a threat."
His hand closed around hers, his thumb stroking the pulse of her wrist. Hailey closed her eyes a moment at the touch, the feeling of the skin-to-skin contact making her heartbeat flutter.
Your eyes, his voice a deep hum resonating in her mind. Your voice. His eyes ran over her before he met her gaze again. Your body. It all made me respond. It all made me feel.
Hailey fell even deeper for him than she'd thought possible. Was that why you reacted so harsh in the beginning?
Right then, the waitress returned to ask if they were finished. Sighing since the magic of the moment was lost, Hailey asked for the check and put on her coat after they'd paid. Together they walked through the busy streets of the city, but because Hailey was still a little uncertain if James would be able to repeatedly handle her touch, she shoved her hands in the pockets of her fitted black trench coat.
"Would you like to see the bar where I've performed?"
James answered something in agreement. His mind was still going over the conversation they'd just had at the restaurant. Yes, he had been harsh towards Hailey to create distance between them. At the time he'd done it to shield himself from feeling, but the irony was that every time she'd gotten angry and had countered him, his emotional responses to her had grown.
He looked down at her. The top half of her hair was pinned up in a complicated braid, the rest flowing in dark waves down her back. Her make up framed her unique eyes with black, jade and gold lights shimmering in the deep brown of her irises. Her full lips looked extra plump by whatever she'd used to accent them.
Kissable. Bitable.
James sucked in a quiet breath to redirect his thoughts. He hardly dared to look at her dress. The color reminded him of red wine, complementing her caramel skin tone. The way it wrapped around her body, showcasing the luscious curves of her breasts and hips… that made him want to break every promise he'd made this morning.
When he'd returned from the valley to meet Hailey at her apartment, he'd almost carried her back inside after she'd opened the door. He'd never seen her dress like this before. Usually her outfits were practical and comfortable, but tonight? Hailey was pure feminine seduction with the intoxicating scent of peonies and cedar around her. The slight blush on her cheeks and the light that appeared in her eyes when she'd looked at him had only added to his hunger for her. He'd concentrated on reining in his abilities when they walked to the restaurant and had barely tasted a single bite he'd eaten, her vicinity stirring his thoughts.
He found it extremely difficult to control himself in her proximity, especially since he'd experienced a flicker of what life with Hailey might mean. Waking up next to her was something he wanted to do every day, but when he had checked the PsyNet while enjoying her warm body pressed against his this morning, the news reports about the storm had flooded the feed and he'd shut down, reacting harshly once again to create distance.
The only positive aspect of their intimacy was that Aden had been proven right: his shields on the Net had held even though his Tk had snapped out of control.
The voice in his mind sounded much like Hailey when she was taunting him. Was that the only positive aspect you experienced?
He ignored his thoughts and watched the singular woman next to him. Seeing Hailey's slightly stiff walk as she kept her hands in the pockets of her coat made him angry. Angry because he wasn't giving her what she needed, and angry because he couldn't take what was his. He didn't want to hurt her. He'd already done that more times than he could forgive himself for. Controversially, the only way to protect her from his Tk was to keep his distance again.
He thought it might be better if they went somewhere public than to face her alone in the secluded warmth of her apartment, so he had agreed to her suggestion. When she looked up at him again, he realized she'd asked him a question but he'd been too preoccupied with his thoughts to fully process it.
A small crease appeared between her eyebrows; her eyes big. "Are you all right? You haven't said a word since we left the restaurant."
He reached out and caressed her cheek when they stopped in front of a small building with dim lights and music humming inside.
Hailey closed her eyes for a moment and her full lips parted. He drew back his hand before he could break his promise, her response inciting desire so vast, he wanted to lunge at her and kiss her until they both couldn't breathe.
Her pupils dilated when she looked at him, gold sparking in her eyes. James clenched his jaw and sent his Tk into the air, causing a sudden burst of warmth circling around them.
I don't want to go inside, Hailey's voice husky and tempting in his mind.
He nudged her towards the door as she laughed at his reply. You're like a siren, luring men towards you. You'll be the death of me.
A glint in her expressive eyes and a mysterious smile around her lips. "You don't know the half of it." She hung her coat on a rack next to the entrance and walked over to the bar across from the doorway. Loud music drummed through the space, reminding James of Hailey's playlist.
A slender bartender walked towards them and smiled brightly at Hailey. Then she looked at him, and back at Hailey again with big eyes. Apparently Hailey's observations were more accurate than he'd realized.
"Hi, Hales! Haven't seen you around for a while!" the brunette said after a few moments as she curiously ran her eyes up and down his frame.
"Hi Jo, could we get two club sodas?" Hailey's voice was barely audible over the music.
The brunette quickly prepared the drinks while Hailey leaned against the bar and looked around. James followed her gaze and saw the small stage to the left of the room. He recognized the wall filled with small portraits and could imagine Hailey standing on the low stage and singing.
The space wasn't crowded. Several people sat on high stools at the bar, watching sports on the entertainment comms mounted on the walls. Others were conversing at small tables throughout the room, the atmosphere relaxed, calm.
Putting the drinks on the bar beside them, Jo leaned over the bar to whisper something in Hailey's ear that made her grin. Hailey replied something that made the bartender sulk as she jumped back and went to serve other customers.
What did you tell her?
Hailey took his hand and pulled him towards her. He leaned forward so his ear was right next to her mouth.
"Jo asked if she could have your number." Her breath was an invisible caress to his skin. "So I told her you're one of those super hip people that denounced technology and women, while being devoted to vegetables and lattes."
His eyebrow arched slightly as he turned his face to look at her. She was biting her lip to hold back a grin, but it was a losing battle. "I'm a technician."
Hailey's eyes sparkled in humor.
And why would I ever consider renouncing women with such a unique example right next to me?
Hailey looked to her left, where the bartender was cleaning a few glasses, then tipped up her head toward him, her voice pitched to carry over the music. "Did you mean Jo?"
He felt the corners of his mouth twitch while that strange tingling sensation spread through his chest again. Hailey's eyes were streaked with jade as she smiled in a way that seemed exclusive for him.
A voice in James' mind whispered that it was illogical to deny himself her affection, yet his need for her wellbeing kept him in check. He had lost control yesterday and had nearly caused Manhattan to–
Realization dawned on him.
Hailey was right. He hadn't caused anything other than some inconvenience and a little disorder. He wasn't one of the uncontrolled, untrained Psy that lived in the ages before the Silence Protocol was initiated. Yes, he'd caused a lightning storm, but it had been a conscious effort to make sure his Tk was directed high in the sky. And he'd been able to do it because of his training, despite his lack of control during their lovemaking.
It still made him apprehensive of participating in intimacies like last night again, but James figured he would be able to build up towards that. After all, Arrows learned basic skills by repetition and practice. And he found he was extremely motivated learning this new skill, not only to achieve the basic level but honing himself until he became an expert at it.
His skin pulsed with heat at the idea of repetitively kissing, licking and stroking Hailey, causing her to whimper feminine cries of pleasure. James wondered if she would mind. Then he reminded himself of her offer to teach him and felt his mouth go dry.
Hailey had been watching him in the meantime, her breath shallow and her skin flushing, like she'd read his thoughts. Desire turned her eyes to molten gold… and James couldn't resist her anymore.
His hand slipped around Hailey's nape and he pulled her towards him, slanting his lips over hers. Her lips parted for him, warm and welcome as her curvy body pressed against his. He deepened the kiss, stroking his tongue against hers, sucking at her lower lip and biting the plump flesh.
Hailey was liquid honey in his arms, her breasts pushed up against him as she grabbed hold of his hair. Suddenly she froze.
"Wait," she whispered as she pulled back out of his hold.
James felt a familiar emptiness as he released her. "What's wrong?"
Hailey gestured to the door behind him. "Shane's here."
James followed her gaze to the entrance of the bar, where her dark-haired friend shrugged off his denim coat and hung it next to Hailey's. James frowned a little. This is concerning. Not the fact that one of Hailey's friends had arrived.
No.
He'd been so preoccupied with Hailey that he hadn't been aware of his surroundings. Arrows were trained to register the exact number of people, their movements, all possible escape routes and general hazards when walking into a room. After that, they were supposed to be vigilant, constantly registering changes until they returned to base. The fact that he'd been entirely off guard because of his need for Hailey was unacceptable.
James checked his shields in the Net while keeping an eye on the woman whose name was etched on his heart. He made a mental note of the situation and decided to ask Aden for council when he returned to the valley.
Hailey walked over to her friend and hugged him before taking his hand and pulling him along to the bar. The black-haired male had had smudges under his eyes and stubbles visible. As Shane hauled himself onto a barstool, he ordered a beer. Then he held out his hand and looked up at James.
"Never got the chance to introduce myself. Shane Austin."
James briefly shook Shane's hand while staring straight into deep green eyes. "James Addison."
Hailey watched the very standoffish, macho way the two most important men in her life introduced themselves. She wondered if she should ask Jo whether there were any old-fashioned dueling pistols hidden somewhere behind the bar.
No, that probably wouldn't work out too well for Shane.
She tried to think of a more equal challenge for both men but came up dry after considering and dismissing the idea of a spelling contest.
It was strange how two people she loved were this immensely different from each other. Where James was controlled, serious and intense, Shane was usually good-natured, social and impulsive. Since Hailey's characteristics matched Shane's, she figured it would take a while for Shane to grow on James. Heaven knew it had taken her long enough.
A tall glass with gold liquid appeared on the bar as Jo shot James another look, a rueful expression on her face. Hailey grinned before turning to Shane.
"I didn't think you'd come here to watch the game while Morgan is still in the hospital." She took in her friend but stopped herself from physically reaching out, reminding herself of the promise she made to James.
Shaking his head, Shane drank half of his beer before putting the glass down on the bar again. "Dad's with him. He told me to catch a break but I couldn't sleep at home. I also spoke to Matt yesterday after you left," his voice was a growl as he faced her. "He kept his mouth shut, but I got the general idea of what went down when he left all pissed off after the M-Psy healed his arm. The medic refused to heal his bruise, told him it'd heal on its own in a few days. Nice swing by the way." Shane saluted at James. "I see you're making quite the fighter of her. Not much of a surprise, though, seeing that you prowl around like one of the tiger changelings. You only seem a bit more lethal, but maybe that's just show." He shrugged as he took another gulp of beer.
"I'd be happy to give you a demonstration," James said coolly.
Shane narrowed his eyes at James, whose face was expressionless… except for the flare of bright azure.
Hailey ignored James and arched her eyebrow at her friend. "Are you drunk?" She really didn't want to make this any more of a pissing contest than it already seemed to be. Hailey could tell by the glint in Shane's eyes he was ready to poke the proverbial bear. With James' lack of social skills, he'd probably say something harsh which would give Shane an excuse to snap. Or maybe James would try to insult Shane simply because he could.
Giving Shane a warning glance, Hailey leaned back against the bar. Shane picked up his glass again and tipped it in Hailey's direction, strands of raven-black hair sliding across his forehead. "Not yet, but that was the point of coming to the bar. Given the current circumstances, I think it's more than fair that I get a little wasted."
Heart clenching for her friend, Hailey wanted to reply but before she could say something, James' voice sounded over the music. "I'd believe drinking elaborately would prove to be problematic, considering the Forgotten's psychic abilities."
Hailey pursed her lips. "That's only partially true. It does affect some more than others depending on the nature of the abilities, but most of us can handle a few social sips. Why?" She tipped her head a little to the side. "Psy can't drink?"
Shane nudged at Hailey with his elbow, receiving a glare from James. "Nah, Hales. It does weird stuff to them. A Psy I know wanted to hang out with me and the guys, so he got in a few beers. After a while we thought he was hallucinating but he told us he was fine. The alcohol just messes with their minds."
Shane inclined his head towards James, the motion causing his unstyled hair to shift again, the black strands reflecting the golden glow coming from the glass lights hanging above the bar. "Because they're such psychic beings, their connection to the PsyNet gets messed up. The guy from my work started telepathing the most random messages to every Psy that was in the radius of fifty yards." He took another gulp of his beer before slamming the empty glass down on the bar and gesturing at Jo for another round. "Good thing he was a low Gradient, but he was still out of it for three days after." Shane arched his eyebrow at James. "Sorry man, you better stick to soda. I'm guessing you're in another league entirely."
Hailey couldn't imagine the devastation it would cause if James' powers ever went that erratic, even though the thought of a merrily tipsy James made her lips tug. In her fantasies he was allowed to have a pleasant drunk while generously smiling and swaggering a little, his eyes hooded.
The topic of alcohol made something in her head 'ping'. Frowning, she sent her thoughts to James. Do you think that my powers turning erratic somehow is connected to drinking?
The familiar touch of his telepathy in her mind, cool, strong and protective. Not necessarily. You've had several incidents without the use of alcohol.
While that was true, Hailey did recall having a drink the night the incidents started.
Razor sharp shards slicing through skin. Shrill screaming in her mind. Blood dripping down her hand.
Hailey shuddered as the memories of that night rapidly flashed past her mind's eye. Grabbing her drink and taking a few sips did nothing to calm her nerves. Suddenly she felt a warm hand on the small of her back, James' touch anchoring her to the present. Releasing a breath she wasn't aware she had been holding, Hailey looked up at James. His azure eyes observed her, his posture a little stiff as he drew away his hand.
"What did I just miss?" Shane interrupted.
Returning her attention to her friend, Hailey shook her head before answering his question. "I was just thinking about the night where my life got really messed up."
Shane's eyes softened as he tapped his glass against hers. "Well, bottoms up then, Witch. We go through shit but we'll be alright eventually." He looked up at James. "And if not, we'll always have a designated driver to get us home."
Hailey smiled and shook her head again, putting away those awful memories in a dark corner of her mind. "You have no idea who you're dealing with if you're trying to rattle lord Addison over here."
Hailey squealed when she felt a pinch in her butt. She narrowed her eyes at James, who was standing with his hands clasped loosely behind his back.
Behave!
Oak moss and sandalwood circled around her, the presence of him in her mind and her heart. Make me.
Hailey felt warmth uncurl in her chest at that extremely suggestive comment. Butterflies flew in her stomach and her cheeks heated. Game on, milord. But I'll only touch you if you ask me. She provocatively arched an eyebrow. Maybe we should play this game naked.
How tempting, Miss Logan. I must warn you, Arrows are extremely disciplined.
Snorting, Hailey replied while taking a sip from her drink, remembering just how disciplined he'd been when she'd put her mouth on him. Remember what I said. I give you one day at best, and I'm bringing my A-game.
His answer made her head snap towards him in surprise.
I've always shown great aptitude towards exploring new techniques. This is a technique I'd like to research a little more.
She nearly choked on her drink at the mental image he sent next. It was of her, from his viewpoint between her legs, her back arched and skin flushed. He parted her sodden folds while plunging in his fi–
Shane spoke before Hailey could comment on James' sudden altered attitude towards intimate skin privileges. "You guys are doing it again." Shane looked from her to James and back again. His eyebrows knitted together. "Hailey, what the hell is up?"
Skin hot and cheeks full red, Hailey shook off the image that had her pressing her thighs together and looked up at James for confirmation before turning to Shane. "James is helping me control my new abilities. During training we discovered that we could connect telepathically."
Shane whistled, aware that–unlike him–Hailey couldn't 'path anyone. "Well, isn't that romantic?"
Hailey punched his arm. "Shut up." Even though Shane was being a smartass, she couldn't help smiling. "It's actually really useful, although I haven't figured out how to block the connection yet."
Hailey felt rather than saw James stiffen next to her just as Shane's phone rang.
"Just a second," Shane absently said to them. Because the music inside was too loud to overhear the caller, Shane gestured with his hand to the front door and answered his phone as he walked away.
James was still standing with his hands clasped behind his back, yet, he wasn't blending in as well anymore because of his stark face and posture.
Hailey automatically reached for his arm but stopped herself before she could touch him. Even though she was taunting him and really wanted, needed to touch him, she didn't want to make him uncomfortable before they'd spoken about the 180 he seemed to have made.
When she looked up, his eyes were stone cold. Do you want to block the connection?
Hailey scowled at his insinuation. She rose on tiptoe so she could speak in his ear without raising her voice too much over the music. "You told me I needed to work on my shielding."
He didn't answer, his jaw a tight line. Hailey leaned back. You know I do–
Her telepathic message broke off, like it was somehow rebuffed against a solid, dark wall. Her mood darkening, Hailey spoke aloud again. "That's not fair. You can't punish me by cutting me off."
James' gaze was still hard when he replied. "I'm not punishing you for anything. I'm doing as I'm requested."
"Bullshit, I didn't ask you to do this!" Anger uncoiling inside of her, she grabbed his hand and pulled him outside so they could speak without shouting over the loud music.
She slammed open the door and walked a few feet away from the entrance before turning to James again. Shadows fell over his face in the dark of the street as he leaned against the building. His muscles were bunched under his jacket and his cheekbones stood out sharply against his taut golden skin.
Shane, who'd finished his call on the other side of the building, walked back towards the entrance of the bar, shooting her a questioning look. Hailey shook her head and Shane shrugged as he stepped back inside.
Hailey watched her Arrow. "James," she started as she felt a tingling sensation run up her spine.
It had been dark that night as well.
Shaking her head, she snapped out of the vivid memory and looked at the man in front of her. James wouldn't let anything happen to her, even if he was angry. She was sure of that.
He stood up straight and walked towards her. Hailey arched back her head in order to meet his gaze, while James backed her up against the wall, his hands slamming down on either side of her face. He closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them, she saw a cascade of emotions reflected in azure blue.
"I don't know how to do this," James said through gritted teeth, his voice carrying the edge of a growl.
Hailey cupped his face, her heart jerking painfully inside her chest. "You're not doing anything wrong," she started, but James cut her off.
"I can tell what you need. And Shane–" He stopped talking as rain began to drizzle from the sky. "Others can give you what I can't."
Hailey felt like all the air was punched out of her. "No, they can't." Swallowing past the lump in her throat, she wiped his hair off his forehead, tiny droplets of rain resting on the blond waves. "We've already had this discussion. They're not you."
Thunder sounded overhead.
"I won't ever be like them," James' voice was quiet, his hands still on the wall and his lips a grim line.
Tears welled up in the corners of Hailey's eyes as the strangest feeling overwhelmed her. "I don't want you to be. I don't want them!" she raised her voice, tried to reason with him. "It's you. It'll only ever be you." The distant look in his eyes broke her heart.
She pushed at his chest. "Tell me what's wrong! Where is this coming from?" Her voice was hoarse with emotion. "Is it because I wanted control over the telepathic communication?"
James kept looking at her with that detached gaze, the one that made him the perfect soldier.
"Talk to me," she demanded as she pushed at him again.
He didn't move an inch.
"Why does it feel as if you're leaving me?"
Blue eyes slammed into hers. "Because I am."
Everything around her went quiet. The only thing Hailey heard was the blood rushing through her ears. Her heartbeat pulsed rapidly in her chest, the agonizing ache intensified James' sudden coldness.
"What?" Hailey's arms fell beside her body, immobilized by his words. "I don't understand," it was a broken whisper, her voice barely audible.
James stood up straight. "I have to go."
Confusion, anger and pain all collided in Hailey's heart. Desperation made her shiver as a tear fell down her cheek. What's happening? Why is he doing this to us?
She knew they would run into problems while being together, but she didn't expect him to give up after a few bumps in the road. Why had her mention of their connection set him off like this? Suddenly, a memory shot through her mind.
"Arrows don't run away. They fulfill their duty."
Even though James had said the words as a joke, Hailey was certain they held a vein of truth. Grabbing the lapels of his jacket, she pulled James towards her. His arms caged her in again, his hands on the wall above her shoulders.
"What's changed?" Her voice was steel, fire in her eyes. "What happened?" Hailey was so, so angry with him for pulling this stunt. But she understood. Her protective, intense Arrow would rather hurt himself than harm her. Whatever misery he knew he was causing her by leaving, he thought the pain would be worse if he stayed.
Stupid, stupid man! He always thought he knew best. Arrogant, presumptuous man! And he would always try to protect her.
"Tell me!" Her voice trembled. "Less than two hours ago you call me yours, and all of a sudden you're backing out? What are you protecting me from?" She moved her hands from his chest to his jaw, softly stroking his cheek with her thumb.
James remained quiet, unmovable and silent like the cold mountains he preferred in solitude.
"Don't go," Hailey pleaded, shattering from the inside. "If there's something wrong, we can work it out together."
The ice in James' eyes made Hailey bite her lip to prevent herself from crying even more. "Whatever's wrong won't be fixed by staying together." His tone was curt, as if he was speaking to a subordinate. "Staying together is the problem."
Hailey's stomach knotted as she wiped the trails of tears mixed with rain from her cheeks. "How? How can anything be better when you're not with me? Why do you want to push me away again?"
And even though Hailey vowed to be brave, to be bold and to step into uncharted territory with an open heart, she couldn't stop doubt from seeping through. The longer James watched her with that indifferent look, the more the insecurity rose to the foreground.
"It doesn't matter," he said. "We shouldn't be together."
His words felt like Hailey was struck in her face. "According to who?" It came out raw. She didn't believe him, didn't want to believe what he was saying… but his next words were the final strike in the blows he'd dealt her.
"According to me."
Static noise filled Hailey's head as she tried to inhale, tried to breathe. Everything seemed to be spinning, her world crumbling and sinking in front of her. How could he be so callous?
"Is this…" A small sob escaped her lips. "Is this it? You don't want this anymore?"
A gale of stabbing turmoil in her heart, Hailey pushed past the hurt and spoke again. She had to know. She had to know if she'd been wrong about him. After everything they'd shared, everything they'd given to each other. So she used something that would either enrage him… or mean nothing to him at all.
"You've had me once, right? And now you're done?" God, it hurt to think that, but she couldn't help pushing in order to snap the fragile glass wall between them, to break whatever was between them for good. Because breaking it would be better than to keep cutting herself at the serrated edges that always seemed to surround their relationship. Better to crash hard than to bleed out slowly.
"Say it, then! Tell me I was a decent fuck, nothing more!" Her coarse words were like shots fired in a silent room, her breath clouding the air as the temperature around them dropped fast.
"Say it!" Hailey shouted as she pushed at his chest, her heart torn apart at the thought of losing him. "If you don't want me, say it to my face!"
Snowflakes replaced the rain and drifted onto the pavement. Several fell on her rain-damp shoulders. Skin pebbling at the cold inside her soul, she shivered and waited. Long minutes passed, but James didn't speak, all emotion hidden away behind an expressionless mask. Even his eyes were blank.
Unable to deal with him so close but so far out of reach, Hailey pushed his arm away. James stood up straight and dropped his arm next to his body, allowing Hailey to walk out of the intimate confinement.
She stared at the dark street, covered in a fine layer of soft white snow, while the swaying snowflakes turned to hail, tapping on the pavement. Shuddering, she wrapped her arms around herself and turned around.
And James was gone.