Everywhere and Nowhere (Safe Haven Book 1) by Rebecca Royce Read Free Book Online Page B

was coming her way, she was ready to move on to the next part, because her current situation was dire at best.
    “This was the bit I said would hurt.”
    Hadley closed her eyes and did what he asked. He lifted her off the ground. His embrace was strong and she couldn’t believe that anything would be too hard to handle if she just held on tightly enough. He pushed her head down onto his shoulder.
    “Hadley, can you hear me?” He was shouting—why hadn’t she realized how loud the buzz in the room had gotten?
    “I can.” She coughed when she spoke but at least she’d answered.
    “Know this. If I had this to do over again, I would have left you alone.”
    His words caused a pang in her heart and she wasn’t sure why they’d bothered her so acutely.
    “But then I’d be dead in six months.”
    “I can’t promise they can fix you on the other side of the portal.”
    She appreciated that he wasn’t lying to her. “I know they can’t fix me here.”
    While still safely ensconced in Hadrian’s arms, she felt him push them through what at first felt like nothing more than a thick batch of foggy air. It was dense and difficult to breathe.
    Hadrian pressed his mouth down on top of her head. “Hold on to me.” He’d already given her these instructions and since he didn’t come off as a man who repeated himself very often, she felt sure what he said was very important.
    Wondering if she was about to die, she pulled his mouth down to hers. She wanted that heat again. One more time. He kissed her back and for the mere seconds their embrace took, the troubles that had befallen her seemed to disappear. Her pussy wept. How could she be so turned-on just from the touch of his mouth? His lips were warm and his breath sweet. Sparks of pleasure surged through her body.
    Wishing it could go on forever but knowing it couldn’t, she pulled her mouth reluctantly from his. He hadn’t asked for an explanation but she felt compelled to give one. “If we’re going to die, I needed it one more time. I should be embarrassed to admit this, but what the hell. You must know how much I want you from three little encounters. I just wish I could have had the chance to know what you could do to the rest of my body.”
    “Hadley, I—” Whatever Hadrian had been about to say was left unsaid as a sharp, blinding pain pierced her body. She screamed and he pulled her closer. All the pleasure of the earlier moment disappeared.
    Feeling Hadrian’s body tense, she suspected he was feeling the same agony she was. Had to give the man credit, he didn’t utter a sound of protest.
    He spoke through gritted teeth. “I’d like to tell you it will be over soon but it won’t.”
    She wanted to laugh. In the brief time she’d known him, no one had ever been blunter with her than Hadrian.
    She couldn’t see anything. Pressed up against Hadrian’s shoulder, she couldn’t even see the white of his shirt. It was as if they existed in a state of nothingness…with the exception of pain. Somehow the sting that consumed her had become palpable, a living, breathing thing that existed as much as she and Hadrian did. “What’s happening?”
    “I’m not sure of the science of it.” Hadrian’s voice shook.
    “Then give me the unscientific explanation.”
    She needed to hear him—anything to ground her so she didn’t give into the urge simply to become part of the endless ache. A voice she’d never heard before but that now existed as clearly as her inner monologue told her that she must not give in to the pain. If she did so, she might never come back, never return to herself.
    Listen to me, Hadley. It is virtually impossible to get your attention when you’re awake. But pay attention. Do not lose yourself to this .
    She knew that voice. It was the giant squid from her dreams. Oh god, now she was dreaming while she was awake. Unless, of course, she’d lost consciousness and just wasn’t aware of it—which was entirely possible.
    “What