Page 198 of Eternal Craving

“As your father.”

“You look more like my brother.” He was suddenly anxious. “What happens when I age and you stay the same?”

The sense of evening looming brought little relief. We still had a few hours or so to go before we could be outside and enjoy the fresh air.

“We’ll just have to deal with that when it becomes an issue.” I met his gaze. “You have my word that you will never find yourself in my predicament.”

Jacob shifted uncomfortably. “That’s good to hear.”

“If there’s one benefit to being what I am, it’s that I have the ability to protect you.”

“I don’t need?—”

“Trust me, we all need someone to watch over us.”

“I have God.”

“God doesn’t like to interfere, remember?”

He looked taken aback.

“Jacob, you have my blessing to continue with your vocation, but not to spend any time worrying about me.”

“I’d like to study you.”

The thought made me cringe, and he noticed my reaction.

“I’ve offended you?” he said softly.

I shook my head.

He bit into his lower lip, aware that he’d overstepped. “Perhaps I could follow you one night?”

“Or perhaps you could just stay home.”

“Well, that’s no fun.” Jacob stretched.

I smiled. “You’re beginning to sound like me.”

“I really have to go out with you and watch what you do.”

I gave a smile. “Over my dead body.”

Jacob gave a brief, nervous laugh.

“I’m going back to Spain,” I said. “I want you to come with me.”

He looked crestfallen. “I’ve made a life for myself here.”

“Please consider it, at least.” That had always been the plan, find him and return home.

“I don’t even speak Spanish.”

“London is not the city it once was. It’s become so dangerous. And Spain has so much more to offer.”

He shrugged.

“No matter what you do, I’ll always love you,” I whispered. “I hope you believe that.”