Accountability


Accountability

Amanda Davidson is being hunted, forced to flee time and again from a vengeful pursuer.  But there is no escape from a guilty conscience.

(This story continues in Culpability.)

Excerpt:

    Mandy threw her incriminating clothes across the bedroom with a growl and grabbed her robe before stalking to the kitchen.  She was pulling it on when she noticed a silhouette at the french doors.  A flash of lightning revealed it was Mick, but she was already giddy with adrenaline.
    Her pulse kept its erratic tempo.  Though he was only a shadow in the downpour, she could imagine the hunger in his eyes.  Remembered the feel of his lips.  Thrilled at the memory of his eager hands.  Somehow she arrived at doors, still separated by the glass between them.  He placed his palm on its surface, vapor radiating from his hand in a smoky print.
    She flipped the lever of the lock, gasping when the door blew open with a brisk, wet gust.
    Mick followed on its heels, sodden and dripping.  “Why did you run away?”
    “Mick, you don’t know me.  My history…”
    “We all have a history, Jillian.”
    She winced at the name.
    “I don’t care about your past, only your future.  Our future.”
    Future.  She had not let herself think beyond a few days at a time.  What a luxury it would be to plan beyond then.  To plan with someone.  With Mick.
    “Will you give us a chance?”
    When her head dipped in assent, he slid his arms through her open robe, enveloping her in a paradox of chill and heat.  Laying her head on his chest, she knew how fleeting their time would be, how much she would end up hurting him, but wasn’t strong enough to deprive herself of the love she craved.

Author’s Note:

I love the cover art I found for this story, but felt the tattooed finger didn't fit my character.  I was getting ready to alter the photo when she started whispering in my ear (as my characters tend to do).  The tattoo ended up being an important component to the plot.


Also found in Veiled Villains:  Tales of Evil in Disguise.