In Your Eyes by Suzanne Rock

I love music. It has such a powerful influence on your emotions, don’t you think? Whether it’s anger, happiness, love or sadness, there’s a perfect song out there that will reflect the emotion you’re feeling.

As an author, I often use music to put myself in the right frame of mind for writing. One of the songs I like to use for romantic scenes is "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel. When CJ England challenged us all to come up with a song title for our stories, I knew right away which one I'd choose. "In Your Eyes" was one of my favorites songs when it first came out, and I find it to be one of those timeless ballads that still speaks to me now. It’s such a fantastic song, so heartfelt. When I re-listened to it in preparation for this story, all I could think about was the old saying “The eyes are the windows to the soul.” The saying stayed with me for hours after I heard the song and, after a little thought, Julian and Eva’s story was born.

I hope that you like the results!

When Eva's sexy boss asks her to trust him, she can’t rely on her soul-reading abilities to learn his true intentions. She’ll have to focus on her more human instincts to determine whether or not he's worth stepping out of the shadows and taking a leap of faith…

Rated - Adult - Appropriate for ages 18 and over only

Genre - Paranormal / Contemporary

Heat Level - Sensual

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In Your Eyes
by Suzanne Rock

“Come here often?” the tall blonde man asked as he slid into the bar stool.

A chill swept over Eva as she turned away from the crowded restaurant and stared at the man beside her. He was tan, much to tan for a natural blonde. His hands were clean and well-manicured, his clothing casual, but neatly pressed. Everything about his outward appearance suggested that he was a friendly, non-threatening guy looking for fun on a Friday night. Was that really his true intention, though?

Eva raised her gaze to the bright green eyes assessing her. Something flickered in their depths, a stain of blue in an otherwise green landscape.

“I’m waiting for someone,” she said.

“I see.” The blue in his eyes flared to life, confirming what Eva had already suspected. On the surface this man seemed charming, but deep down he was selfish and arrogant. When given a choice he'd always take the easy way out, and if he ever saw someone in trouble, he'd turn the other way. Blue wasn't pure evil, but it was pretty close. Souls never lied. This guy, like so many others, was a bad egg.

Her heart sank as she realized that she had hoped the results would have been different. She should have known better.

He looked as if he wanted to say something more, but another woman came up and put her tattooed arm around him. She wore a tube top that showed off her small, perky breasts and a miniskirt that accented her shapely thighs.

“Hey baby,” she said. “Who 'ya talkin' to?” The woman looked at Eva and smiled. Purple smeared her eyes, indicating that this woman’s soul was still in a state of flux.

“I’m just talking to this woman over here.” The guy motioned to Eva. Black flashed through the blue in his gaze, signifying that this guy was not only selfish and arrogant, but violent.

Eva inched back and thought about telling the woman what she learned, but decided against it. She knew from experience that people never appreciated a soul reading. Most got edgy when their true nature was revealed. If this guy was really violent, then she didn't want to provoke him.

The couple moved away and Eva pulled out her phone for the hundredth time. Where was he? Julian was supposed to meet her at this restaurant over an hour ago. He had said that he had something important to tell her.

Not that this was anything new.

Ever since Eva had taken the job at iLock, an identity protection startup, Julian Ross had tried to get her to see him outside of work. She had always thwarted his efforts, not only because her libido went into overdrive every time he walked into the room and made her tongue-tied, but because he was different from everyone else. She could see it in his eyes.

Ever since she could remember, Eva could look into a person’s eyes and read their soul. She knew of people’s intentions, and could read if they were inherently good or bad. Blue and black were the marks of evil, white and gold of good. The rest were souls who haven’t matured yet, and were in some state of flux. Everyone Eva had ever met fell into one of these categories.

Everyone but Julian Ross.

She couldn’t read her boss, because he didn’t bare the mark. He was soulless. Eva had never encountered someone without a soul before. It both intrigued her and made her uneasy. What kind of person didn’t have a soul?

After tonight it wouldn’t matter. She had let Julian talk her into meeting him at this restaurant because she had something important to say to him, too. She was quitting her job. Eva had thought she could handle working with a soulless person -- and Lord knew she needed the money -- but she didn’t need the erotic fantasies the Irishman evoked, or the tingle of apprehension she felt whenever he got too close.

* * *

Julian stared at the curvy red head at the other end of the bar. She still wore that form fitting sweater and khakis from the afternoon meeting, but had changed her hair. At work she had it bound in a tight pony tail, but here, after hours, she had decided to let it down. The silky waves cascaded down her back like a waterfall and caused a deep, primal longing to spark in his abdomen.

A soul reader. He couldn’t believe his luck. They were a rare and precious breed, and Eva Hamilton was more precious than most. In her three months at iLock, Julian had become more and more infatuated with her. So many times he had come close to telling her the truth, yet each time he held his tongue. What he had to say was for her alone, not the others in the cubicles nearby. He had asked her out often enough, but each time she had turned him down. He wondered what made tonight different, not that it really mattered.

He knew she feared him, as well she should, but she also desired him. He felt it in the way she stared at him when she thought he wasn't looking, and how her cheeks stained pink when he said her name. He desired her, too. Even now, from across the room, her body called to him. Would it be enough?

It had to be enough. He had waited so long for this moment. This night, he was going to come clean with Eva. He was going to tell her every deep dark secret, every hope. Then he was going to lay his life in her hands.

Just as soon as he worked up the courage.

Julian finished off his Manhattan and flexed his fingers. The song “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel drifted out from the restaurant speakers, as if the maker himself was telling Julian to hurry up and get on with it. It was now or never. He stood and forced one foot in front of the other. You can do this. He made it about half way across the restaurant before a tingling sensation started behind his ears.

No, not now. He cast a glance at the exit, then back at Eva. Not tonight. After two more steps the tingles spread down his neck and consumed his torso. He glanced up at the ceiling and sighed. Would he ever get his chance? By the time he pulled out his cell phone, Julian’s whole body felt as if it was on fire. He muttered a curse at his bad luck. Hopefully, she’d understand his tardiness. He risked one more glance at the only woman who could ease his torment, then sent the text message. If only things were different… Pocketing the phone, he steeled his jaw and made his way to the closest exit.

***

Eva felt her phone vibrate. She pulled it out and saw that there was a message from Julian.

Running late. Will be there soon. Wait for me?

Figured. He was always running late for one thing or another. Eva glanced at her watch. She had been at the restaurant for over an hour now and her wine was done. She didn’t care how drop dead gorgeous her boss was in those hip-hugging blue jeans, she wasn’t going to waste one more minute of her life waiting. Whatever he wanted to tell her could wait until tomorrow -- when she handed him her resignation letter. Right now she was officially off the clock.

Eva ignored the flutter of disappointment in her chest and headed toward the exit. The trendy Italian restaurant was like most in the North End of Boston, dimly lit and sparsely decorated. The tables were packed so close together that the people looked more like sardines than customers waiting for their lasagna. A sea of color floated around her as she moved, the blues and golds of people’s questioning eyes shining bright as they glanced her way. The only thing that seemed to stabilize her against so much energy was the song “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel playing over the speakers. It was one of her favorite songs, but not even it could soothe the ache inside her chest tonight.

Something shifted and caught her eye. In a room full of color, a gaping hole moved along the far wall. Eva knew of only one person who had such a dull, lifeless presence.

“Julian?”

She followed the dark spot across the restaurant. As she got closer, Eva recognized the mop of wavy brown hair and levi 501’s. He had thrown a black blazer over his usual T-shirt and jeans. It hugged his shoulders and biceps, accentuating the sinew of muscle underneath. He adjusted his gold wire-rimmed glasses and made his way toward the rear exit.

“Julian!” She waved, but he didn’t look in her direction. Was he looking for her? “Julian, I’m over here.”

Patrons close by stopped talking and turned to stare. Eva tried to ignore the flashes of color and hurried to catch up to her boss.

“Julian! Excuse me.” She rounded the last table as he slipped out the side door and into the alley beyond.

The dimness of the restaurant seemed overly bright when compared to the poor lighting of the alley. It took her a few moments to adjust to the change in intensity. During that time she heard mumbled curses and shuffling off to her left. Eva squinted and peered down the alley. Two shadows fought for dominance, their forms tumbling and bending as they wrestled. The colors of their souls flickered around them like halos, one a bright white and the other a royal blue. Why could she see those men's souls outside of their eyes? The intensity of the color rose and fell as each one took turns gaining the upper hand. Eva approached, fascinated.

“I wouldn’t go any closer if I were you.”

That accent... She'd recognize that Irish brogue anywhere. Eva’s heart skipped a beat as she turned to face a third figure, hidden in shadow of the building. He stepped forward, allowing the light from the restaurant doorway to fall on his face.

“Julian.” Eva stared at the chiseled features and deep fathomless eyes. The familiar heat sparked to life in her lower abdomen. Even cast in shadow he looked incredibly sexy.

"I’m sorry I’m late.”

Anger rose up and squashed the heat. “Where were you?”

He glanced at the pair fighting a few paces away. “I was busy.”

Eva followed his gaze. The man with the white glow appeared to be weakening, while the man with the blue glow grew stronger.

“We need to do something,” she said.

“No.”

She turned to face him. “What do you mean, ‘no’?”

His features softened as he watched the fight. “The destinies of the men have already been written. It’s not my job to interfere.”

“What are you talking about? Your job's with iLock.” She pointed to the fight. “And that man's going to get hurt.”

“This wasn’t how it was supposed to happen.”

“What?”

He closed his eyes for a moment and flexed his fingers. When he opened them once more, he appeared different somehow, but Eva couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

“Look at 'em.”

“What?”

“Look at 'em.” He closed the distance between them and gently rotated her to face the men at the end of the alley. “Do you see anything?”

Eva’s thoughts turned into a jumbled mess as the scent of his citrus aftershave surrounded her. Her limbs felt watery despite the tingle of warning raising the hairs on the back of her neck. “It’s just two men fighting.”

He sighed, his warm breath caressing her ear. “No. What do you see.”

Eva shivered as his heat penetrated her senses and made her libido do somersaults. This was why she had avoided him. She was attracted to him with an intensity she didn’t understand, and yet he had no soul. What kind of human had no soul?

“Eva, pay attention. Do you see any…color?”

She froze. How could he know? “Yes.”

“Good.” He relaxed his grip around her shoulders. “I see it, too.”

“You do?” Was this some kind of joke? “What color are they?”

“That one is blue.” He pointed over her shoulder. “And that one’s white.”

“What -- what do you think they are?”

“They’re the men’s souls.”

“Yes.” It was such a relief to finally have it out in the open, to be able to talk to someone about it. “How long have you been able to see them?”

"A long time. Normally the glow is only in their eyes, but when close to death, the glow consumes their whole body." He turned her around to face him. “Now look at me. What do you see?”

"What do you mean?”

He leaned in closer until his face was inches from hers. “What color do you see, lass?”

Goodness, he smelled good, like a tropical fruit drink. It reminded her of her reoccurring fantasy involving Julian. Images of sun, sand and naked bodies entwined on a blanket flashed through her mind. Desire slid through her middle, tightening her muscles with anticipation. Would he kiss her? That would be lovely…

Snap out of it. What was his question again? “I-I don’t see any color in your eyes.”

“Exactly.” His shoulders relaxed. “I don’t have any color.” He let go of her arm and ran his fingers down the side of her face. “Eva, there’s a reason for that --”

A loud groan echoed through the alley. Julian muttered a curse and turned toward the fight. Eva followed his gaze and saw the man with the blue glow pull his hand away from his opponent. Something flickered in his hand.

“Is that a knife?” Eva faced the fight as her chest tightened with fear.

Julian rubbed his hand against her lower back, drawing the tension out of her muscles despite what was going on around her.

“I believe so,” he said.

The man with the white soul fell to his knees. Light flickered around him, then extinguished. He fell to the ground.

Julian eased her back against the wall of the restaurant. “Don’t move, and stay quiet. "

"Why?"

He took off his glasses. "I’ll be right back, I promise.”

Julian stepped out into middle of the alley. The man with the blue glow put his knife away and started toward Julian.

“No.” Eva started to move from the shadows, but a hard glare from Julian rendered her immobile.

The man with the blue soul ran right through him.

Eva stared as he ran past her and out into the busy street beyond. What the --

“Who are you?” She turned back to Julian, who had approached the dead man in the back of the alley. He bent low over the victim and placed his hand on the man’s forehead. Within seconds, a white light flared to life. Julian stepped back. The light glowed brighter as Julian took two more steps back and raised his arms out at his sides.

“Be at peace, my friend.”

The light jumped up from the dead body, flickered in the air, and then raced toward Julian’s face.

“No!” Eva rushed forward, but it was too late. The light streamed into Julian through his eyes, then set his entire body ablaze. For a brief, wondrous moment, Julian lit up the alley like the sun. Eva covered her eyes, unable to tolerate it for more than a few seconds. Then the light began to dim. Slowly, she lowered her arm as he turned around to face her.

Eva's breath caught. "Your eyes..." Julian’s dark eyes had changed to bright white. All of the goodness and light that illuminated the dead man's soul was held captive deep within his eyes.

“What do you see now?” His voice sounded hollow and distant, as if he talked through a tunnel.

“The soul of another.”

“Yes.” He looked up into the sky. “I have another, master.”

It started to rain. The sky opened up and water beat down hard and heavy. Eva pulled her jacket up over her head to keep the droplets off her face. She followed Julian’s gaze upward, and saw a lightning bolt flash through the sky. Thunder roared, shaking the ground beneath her feet.

“What’s happening?” she asked, but her voice was carried away by the wind.

The dark clouds parted, revealing a large white beam of light. Julian lifted his hands, and then began to float. Eva stared in shock as his body was taken up into the beam and out of sight. Within moments the clouds closed and the rain ceased. She was left alone.

Eva lowered her jacket and stared at the empty alley where Julian once stood. What just happened?

“I’m sure you have lots of questions.”

She spun around to see Julian emerge from the end of the alley. “I do.”

“I meant to break this to you gently, but maybe it’s better this way.” He held out his hand as he closed the distance between them. “Come on, let’s go inside.” He took her fingers and started to lead her back into the restaurant.

“No. Tell me what’s going on.” She pulled her hand from his grasp. “Why did you take that man’s soul? What did you do with it?”

He hesitated a brief moment before responding. “I’m not human.”

“Obviously. Are you some type of angel?”

"No, I'm not quite so glorious." He smiled, revealing that adorable dimple in his cheek. “I’m what one might call a soul catcher.”

“A what?”

“A soul catcher. Someone who escorts souls to the afterlife.”

“But that's a myth.”

He held his arms out to his sides. "Do I look like a myth to you?"

Eva remembered the fairy tale her mother told her as a kid. Soul catchers were spirits that escorted souls to their final resting places. She had no idea that they could take on human form -- or run a small identity protection company.

“Soul catching is difficult work. There’s a high turnover.” He dropped her hand and ran his fingers though his hair. “The catchers tend to burn out.”

"What happens then?”

“There’s an out clause, but it’s difficult. Catchers themselves don’t have souls, since they need a way to transport the spirits. They have to find someone -- a human -- who’s willing to share their soul with them. Then, and only then, will they have the power to become human themselves and retire.”

“So you’re looking for a human.”

“Not just any human.” He reached out and touched her cheek. “The human has to be able to see our world and understand it. She has to agree to share her soul.”

“Like a true soul mate.”

He nodded. “There’s more. For every soul catcher there’s one and only one person who can release him of his duties.” He inched closer. “Only one who can give him peace.” He relaxed his shoulders and dropped his hand. “You, Eva, are my soul mate.”

“What?”

“Look into my eyes, lass. You know it to be true." He leaned in closer until his face hovered inches from hers.

All of a sudden, Eva became hyper-aware of their close proximity. She tried to bury her rising desire and do as he asked. It was difficult to think with his lips so close to hers, Her fantasy once again flashed though her mind, and her cheeks heated. Concentrate... After a few moments of staring at the familiar dark, fathomless orbs, she shook her head. “I only see my reflection.”

“Yes.”

She leaned back. “I don’t understand.”

"A soul catcher’s eyes don’t reflect light, they absorb it. That’s how we take on the souls of others. Only the true mate of a soul catcher can see her reflection in his eyes.”

“Oh.”

"There’s more.” He looked away and shifted his feet, as if gathering courage. “When I first saw you, I didn’t know how to approach you. I followed you around and knew that you had been laid off from your job. I set up iLock as a way for us to connect.”

"What?” Shock raced through her system. This was too much to take in. “What about the other employees?”

He shrugged. “I needed to make the job seem credible. Don't worry, I only hired enough people to keep up appearances, and I'll make sure they are all employed elsewhere before I close iLock's doors.”

"I don't believe this."

He took her hand. “For months I’ve watched you. I know how lonely you’ve been, how you feel that no one understands.” He kissed her knuckles. “I understand you, Eva.” He turned her hand over and kissed the inside of her palm. “I always understood.”

“I --” Eva fought against the delicious heat that slid up her center. It was a lot of information, but somehow Eva didn't seem overwhelmed by it all. There was truth to his words, she felt it within her soul. Maybe, deep down, a part of her always knew that Julian was special, that she was made for this.

"I’m not saying I want to share my soul with you, but if I did…what would it involve?”

An arrogant grin appeared on his face, highlighting that gorgeous dimple. “Let me show you.”

***

The world spun for a moment and they were alone on a sandy beach in a tropical climate. Julian glanced around at the blue-green waves lapping the shoreline and birds flying overhead to made sure that they were alone. It wouldn’t do to have another soul catcher appear out of thin air and ruin the mood he was trying to create.

“This place…” Eva's words trailed off as she took in her surroundings.

“Recognize it?”

She nodded. “How did you...” Her words trailed off when she noticed the blanket at their feet.

“Get into your head? You forget, we’re soul mates. We share the same fantasies.” He saw her eyes widen and knew she was going through every single erotic fantasy she had since they first met. If he had his way, they wouldn’t stay fantasies for much longer.

“Here, sit.” Julian motioned to the blanket. He had chosen this spot under the palm tree, so that the sun's harsh rays wouldn't damage her delicate ivory skin. "Let me explain."

She did what he asked, and Julian sank down next to her. How to begin? “The blending of souls is very intimate, one that must be shared both mentally and physically.”

“You mean…” She waved her hands between them.

He took her fingers and placed it over his heart. “It would be a great honor. Like I said, sharing souls is a once in a lifetime experience.”

She stared at him, her bright green soul showing in her gaze. There was no indication of what she was thinking, or what decision she'd make. For the first time since seeing Eva, Julian was unsure of his plan. Maybe he pushed her too hard...

He tried to drive back the rising panic. “Look hard at your feelings and tell me what you see.”

“I don’t know.” She shook her head. “This is happening too fast.”

“Is it? Look deep down inside yourself, Eva. What have you always wanted?”

***

Eva didn’t need to think about her response. She wanted to belong to someone, to feel loved. Because of her ability, it had been hard to get close to anyone. All of her life she had kept to the sidelines, almost as if she had observed, rather than participated. To finally take that leap, to love and be loved in return, would make her feel alive. Never again would she feel alone or misunderstood. She'd have a companion, a friend, a soul mate.

But could Julian give that to her? She desired him, yes. Eva had always desired Julian. He was asking for something much more than sex, however. What he was asking for was so…permanent. She hardly knew anything about him. “How do you know I’m the one you seek?”

He turned away and looked out over the ocean. “Being a soul catcher is much harder than it looks. We wander the world, often alone, searching for souls that need to be brought home.” His eyes lost focus, as if something from his past claimed his thoughts. “During my travels, I get so lost,sometimes. Days pass and this… emptiness fills my heart."

She recognized his words. How could she not? They were from her favorite Peter Gabriel song, the one she heard playing softly in the restaurant. They seemed to take on new meaning now as they passed over his lips. Eva understood his loneliness. She had felt it, too.

“When I want to run away, I drive off in my car,” she said.

He turned back to face her, his whole face brightening. Something flickered in his dark gaze. “But whichever way I go --”

“I come back to the place you are.”

“The song of the soul catcher.” He inched forward. “Once I saw you, Eva, I just knew we belonged together." His gaze flicked to her lips. "I couldn’t stay away from you if I tried.”

The press of his lips was soft, and she felt the question in the kiss.

Eva knew what he meant. Ever since she had first laid eyes on Julian, she knew he was special, that somehow they belonged together. It had scared her at first, but not anymore. There was something about this place, about him, that seemed right and good.

Eva slipped her arms up and looped them around his neck.

He broke away from her mouth. “Are you sure?”

She smiled. “Yes, I’m sure.”

He pressed his lips against hers again. It started off gentle, but soon turned harder, more possessive. She slid her hands over his shoulders, enjoying the feel of the sculpted muscle beneath her fingertips. Heat rippled through her body as she tilted her head and parted her lips, opening herself to him completely. Julian growled, a low, throaty sound that sent desire racing up her spine. He invaded her mouth, his sweet taste filling her senses. She had been kissed many times before, but it had never felt quite like this. It was... incredible.

He undid her clothes, tearing her shirt as it parted beneath his fingers. The warm tropical breeze kissed her naked skin, making her hot all over. Something primal and urgent surged inside her, and she yanked his jacket off his shoulders. They worked in unison, shedding articles of clothing and throwing them onto the sandy beach.

When they were fully naked, he eased her back on the blanket. His heat formed a cocoon of erotic sensation around her body as he lowered himself on top of her.

Julian tore his lips away from her mouth. “Are you absolutely sure? Once I do this, there’s no going back.”

She looked up into his eyes, still dark and empty. Desire spiraled around her body like a vine, tightening her muscles and setting her nerve endings on fire. “I’m sure.” She widened her legs, inviting him closer.

He positioned himself against her opening. “I don't know if I can take things slow.”

She tangled her fingers in his hair. “I don’t want you to.”

He bent over her body and place a soft, chaste kiss on her lips. “I promise, I’ll be slower next time.”

Eva gasped in surprise as he entered her. There was no pain, only stretching and pleasure. It was as if her body was made for him.

He started to pull away. “Are you okay? I didn't mean --”

She grabbed his hips and pulled him back inside her. “I’m more than okay.” She slid her fingers up his torso, memorizing each dip and rise of muscle.

He leaned back on his knees, then laced his fingers with her own. "Much more of this and I'll finish before we even begin." He eased her hands away from his chest and held them immobile over her head. She wiggled beneath him.

"Tease."

She smiled. "Always."

He slid back and then thrust deep, causing them both to moan. She locked her ankles around his hips, as if by doing so she could ground herself against the onslaught of emotions running through her body. He continued to move in steady, even strokes and soon her mind fogged with desire. Pressure built, and her muscles tightened as she raced toward that unseen goal. Heat and need pulsed in her veins until her cries of pleasure mingled in the air with his. Just when she thought she couldn’t bare it any longer, he shifted his position. On the next thrust he touched a sensitive spot deep inside her core.

Eva arched her back and cried out as bright green light filled her vision. Her soul. She wasn’t sure what it meant, nor did she care. Pleasure poured into every crevice of her body, and she felt as if she was floating on air. She felt Julian shudder, then heard him groan, as he, too, followed her into oblivion.

When it was over he turned their bodies so that they laid side-by-side on the blanket. They stayed like that for a time, and Eva was thankful for the moment to catch her breath. When she finally opened her eyes, she saw a bright green light above their heads.

She tapped Julian’s shoulder.

“What?”

“Look.”

He glanced up, then turned to face her. “That’s our soul.”

"Our soul?” Eva looked closer at the glowing light. She had always known that it was bright green, but this glow was different than anything she had ever seen before. The light was streaked with lighter shades of pink and white, creating an intricate pattern above their heads.

"It looks different, right?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Because your views about the afterlife are changing.” He kissed her brow. “The white you see is from my creator. It was formed when your soul touched me. Watch.” He lifted his hand toward the light. “Welcome home.”

The light glowed bright and swirled into a completely different pattern, one so beautiful, it took her breath away. Then the light grew until it surrounded them both. Fire, bright and hot, burned through her body. Eva’s jaw locked with pain and she closed her eyes.

Then, as soon as it started, it finished.

She opened her eyes. They were back in the alley behind the restaurant. Cold pavement pressed against her cheek, and the smell of tomato sauce and garlic filled the air. The restaurant. Julian’s warmth was noticeably absent.

She sat up and looked around. Somehow, she had her clothes back on her body, and her hair was not filled with sand.

“Look at me now.”

She turned to the voice. Julian sat a few steps away, his back against the restaurant wall. She went over and knelt until she was eye level.

He tossed his wire-rimmed glasses down the ally.

"What are you doing?"

"I don't need them anymore." He smirked and gave her a quick kiss on her mouth. “Look into my eyes.”

She did. Not only did she see her reflection, but she saw flashes of green, pink and white in his dark depths.

“My soul,” she whispered, fascinated with the complex pattern.

He took her hand. “Our soul.” He pulled her up into a standing position. “What you see in my eyes are in yours as well.” He inhaled deeply. “I’m human again.”

“What do we do now?”

He returned his gaze to her and smiled. “I say we head back home so that we can continue what we started back on the beach.”

Eva shivered. "We can't go back to the beach?"

He laughed and put his arm around her. "Not anymore -- at least not like that. I'm open to driving to the shore though, if that's what you want."

“And then what?” When he gave her a confused look she continued. "What happens with us?"

“With us?” He squeezed her shoulder and drew her closer. “I'll always be there for you, as long as you need me.” He kissed the top of her head. "Whatever life throws at us, we can face it together."

“Together.” Eva wrapped her arm around his waist and nestled against his side. She liked the sound of that.

Side-by-side, they exited the alley and began the long walk home.

The End

**********

After over a decade in the scientific world, Suzanne needed a creative outlet. She tried scrap booking, cooking, crocheting, painting, and piano, none of which held her interest for very long. Then one of her friends suggested writing. Thrilled with the idea of creating her own worlds, she opened up her lap top and never looked back.

When Suzanne’s not writing, she can be found playing with her two daughters, testing her husband’s latest kitchen creations, or curled up with her favorite romance novel in her central Massachusetts home.

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Dark Obsession, the second book in the Immortal Realm series, is available from Red Sage Publishing now. Readers can find more information about Suzanne's other releases and sign up for her quarterly newsletter on her website.

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