Читать книгу Reborn - Vin Ph.D. Jackson - Страница 22

They were in a tunnel, or a long narrow cave.

Presumably the ground had swallowed them up and they had fallen into it. It was also logical that if they climbed through the hole in the roof, always assuming they could find both or either, they could continue their journey through the Deadlands. The prospect was uninviting compared to the alternative. When a situation was close to idyllic, why change it?

Mireille was content to proceed at a leisurely pace, exploring their strange new subterranean environment, stopping frequently to satisfy a growing sexual appetite; unaware that LaRoche's needs were slightly more complex.

He kissed her lips gently, drew away from her and smiled. "Haven't you ever wished for adventure? We're a great team, Mireille. Mine is the vision and you have the skills to make it happen."

"Why do we need a vision?" Her eyes had become used to the dim light now and she was able to study his expression. He was a small boy effervescing with excitement. It wasn't easy for her to share his enthusiasm. "Isn't just being together enough for you?"

He became moody, but with intent, probably soliciting for sympathy. "Yes, everything I've ever dreamed of, but...." He hesitated merely for effect, had already decided what came next. "I.... we were sent here for a purpose. We have a duty to follow our destiny."

His thoughts were off somewhere else. She could sense it. Not casually floating either: they were flying, leaping, racing. Without being told, she knew he was back in the Deadlands, the place he had hated and couldn't wait to get back to. "There's no future for us out there, LaRoche. We'll die. You know we will."

He became sullen. "At least we'll be doing something, not just wandering aimlessly the way we are." He shook off the maudlin thoughts. "Anyway, we're not going to die. I know we aren't." He was climbing to his feet, then starting off down the tunnel. "Come on."

She hurried to catch up. "Where are we going?"

"Who knows? Out of these caves for a start." He paused, extended a hand towards her. She came to him, reluctantly at first. He knew she needed reassurance, so he wrapped his arms around her and held her to him. She was trembling. He squeezed her gently. "There's nothing to be afraid of."

She wished. But that didn't make it true. Maybe she was expecting too much for life to be predictable, comfortable. It had been. For a brief moment.

When they finally parted, it was too soon for Mireille. LaRoche, however, was itching to begin his journey of adventure and discovery. He watched her eyes. "Are you alright now?"

She looked away and nodded, lips pursed. "Mmm. Couldn't be better." She omitted to add that she didn't expect it to last.