Free Elemental: Earth by L.E. Washington Page A

experienced before, and I know you’re going to chalk it up to ‘puppy love’ but it’s just, I don’t know, way more intense than that. Still, though, you know what? Your voice rings in my head over and over, chanting the same mantra, just like you raised me-- you always said that we would most likely never be able to trust anyone other than each other. I’m confused, and now I’m more confused because here you’re with stars in your eyes too, and I’ve never seen you this way. It’s not the physical attraction that’s throwing me. It’s the trust and apparent connection you seem to have with Tessa. It’s all really weird, Gavin. My head is spinning. They’re the enemy, but I want Gillian so badly I can almost taste her.”
    “Well, they aren’t really the enemy. They only represent the enemy.” Gavin couldn’t believe he was defending these women sent to trap them and take them back to hell, back to the place they had worked so hard to escape, and back to government experiments. “But I do know how you feel. It’s all really fucking with me. I don’t know how I know, but I know something is wrong with Tessa tonight. She’s. . . off. . . .somehow, and I hear myself say that, and I know how crazy it sounds, but. . . it’s still true. I know without a doubt that Tessa is working for the Hatch, yet I find myself willing to pursue this woman, knowing what it’ll cost me. . . us.”
    Gavin and Dallas both sighed. It was refreshing to hear this side of the argument. Earlier, Gavin had tried to discuss the issue with Reed, and it had gone horribly wrong. He wasn’t sure why he’d even tried. Gavin knew there was no sense in arguing with Reed. Reed had made it clear long ago that he would question everything Gavin did for the rest of their existences, still blaming him for Grimm’s death.
    Gavin also knew that there was an element of truth to what Reed had accused-- Gavin wanted to bed Tessa and was almost ready to pay any price. Gavin knew the costs, and he’d preached to his brothers, but he also knew that if he was given a chance, he would make love to her that night.
    Therefore, it wasn’t completely surprising that the four couples splintered off as the evening passed easily on. Giles and Reed had come off of the dance floor with all four girls in tow. They found an empty table, and Reed went to the bar for drinks. He sidled up to Gavin.
    “I know you want to be cautious, as do I,” Reed said, “but are you ever going to get off that high horse of yours and allow yourself at least a little bit of fun?”
    “Not right now,” Gavin answered evenly. He just wasn’t ready to completely give in. he’d a need to maintain control of the situation, and he was better at that when he wasn’t in close proximity to a certain lady.
    “Gavin has more than just himself that he always thinks of,” Dallas defended. “We all know that. Give him his time. His control is what allows us the fun.” That was Dallas—always the peacemaker, always seeker of the silver lining.
    “Pfft!” Reed rolled his eyes, grabbed two bottles of beer and two tequila shots and left the bar and his brothers without another word. He rejoined the festivities at the table, much preferring the sound of ladies’ laughter for once in a long time. he’d decided on the dance floor that he was not going to let himself get wrapped up in his worries. Here was a beautiful and intelligent lady (in whatever capacity he didn’t really care at the moment), and he hadn’t enjoyed the company of anyone this much in forever. Therefore, he owed himself a good time. He would keep his head about him, but he would also allow himself some freedom and fun. “Que sera sera,” he mumbled to himself, bolder with the beer of course.
    Gavin could feel Tessa’s eyes on him, and he knew that Dallas was really more interested in being in the group and talking with Gillian. he’d seen Dallas steal a glance over at the table a time or two, but Gavin