Magnificent Folly - Iris Johansen [44]
He looked at her in surprise. “I told you that you were a survivor.” He smiled and nodded. “Gunner said they were an obstinate bunch at the Institute.”
“Then Cassie’s still in danger.” Lily’s hands tightened on the arms of her chair. “It hasn’t ended yet?”
“No.”
“Well, don’t just stand there. Tell me how we’re going to protect her.”
“I was waiting for you to tell me.” Andrew moved across the room to stand before her. “I think you’ve already figured it out, haven’t you?”
“You told the pilot of the helicopter we could never go back, only go forward.”
“Yes.”
“You meant that the old life wouldn’t be safe for Cassie.”
“Yes.”
She drew a deep breath and lifted her gaze to his. “You meant Cassie would have to go to Sedikhan.”
He nodded. “You’ll both have to go. The Institute has no qualms about taking hostages, Lily.”
“Of course I’d go. Do you think I’d let Cassie go alone?” Lily asked fiercely. “That is, if I decide she should go.”
Andrew was silent, waiting.
“Suppose she doesn’t like it there?”
“She’ll like it. She’ll feel more at home than she ever has in her life,” Andrew said gently. “And, given time with her, I can build a mind barrier that will lessen the danger of the shock factor.”
“You’re sure?”
“I’m sure.”
Several minutes passed before Lily spoke again. “What about her music?”
“She can perform in Marasef, if she likes, but I think you’ll find she’s leaning more toward composition. We have excellent teachers in the compound.”
“Compound?”
“The Clanad lives in a compound outside Marasef.”
“Oh.” She grimaced. “It sounds like a military stockade.”
Andrew shook his head. “It’s very pleasant. I have a house you can use until you’re given one of your own. It’s located only a few miles from my mother and stepfather’s home. I think you’ll like my mother. She and Jon are in Marasef right now, but she’ll probably rush back to meet Cassie.”
“She’s Cassie’s grandmother,” Lily said softly. “Cassie has a grandmother. I never thought …” She trailed off.
“Is it me?” Andrew asked. “If I’m the reason you’re holding back, then tell me and let me see if I can work it out.”
“You seduced me.”
“I did.”
“Did you … It wasn’t telepathy?”
“Lord, no! I’d never go under against your will.”
A tiny smile tugged at her lips. “I think you must have done that the night Cassie was kidnapped. How else would you have known what happened, when I was unconscious and couldn’t tell you?”
To her surprise, Andrew flushed. “That was an emergency. We had to know what was wrong. I’ll never do it again without permission.”
“So the seduction wasn’t paranormal.” She made a face. “I suppose I was looking for an excuse. I don’t like admitting to weakness and stupidity.”
“You have an excuse, if you’d only admit it.”
“That I care for you?” She gazed squarely at him. “I don’t know what I feel for you any longer, Andrew. It’s as if I’ve been on an emotional roller-coaster ride for the past twenty-four hours. I’ve been angry, hurt, worried, afraid.”
“But now the roller-coaster cars have come back to the starting gate.” Andrew smiled. “And you can sit still and analyze what’s happened to you. If you’ve gone through all this and still don’t hate me, don’t you think that’s a good sign?”
“Maybe.” She shook her head wearily. “I just don’t know.”
“But you’ll let yourself find out?”
She stood up and started toward the bedroom where Cassie was sleeping. “We’ll see what happens when we get to Sedikhan.”
Andrew went still. “You’re going?”
Lily nodded as she opened the door. “Cassie and I will try it. If we don’t like it, you’ll have to find another solution. Okay?”
“Okay.” Relief and exhilaration turned Andrew’s tone buoyant. “You will like it, Lily.”
She frowned over her shoulder. “None of this voodoo stuff. Promise?”
“Promise.” Andrew’s eyes were twinkling as he said gravely, “Absolutely no