by Jane West
With that said, he left shutting the door behind him. I let out an angry screech. I hated snobs!
I mindlessly ran my fingers through my hair. Jeffery was right. I looked like a scrounger. Even the hired help had more class than me.
I pulled out my cell, checking the time. It was only five. I had three hours to kill before dinner. I padded over to the Television and picked up the remote, starring at it. I didn’t feel like watching a movie either.
Then the window caught my eye. I made my way over to it, tugging the sheer curtains back. The land stretched far as the eye could see. It felt as though I stood on the tip of Mt. Everest. The clouds hovered low, dark and ominous. A storm was brewing just like my stomach churning.
Jeffery voiced the very concerns I had. Why Bane’s family was forcing him to enter into an unwanted marriage?
Then my mind reflected back to Ms. Noel’s séance. I bit down on my bottom lip. I’d almost forgot. She touched on the subject of some faction, vile and dangerous coming for me. For the life of me, I couldn’t fathom why. What would someone want with me? I had nothing of value. But to put the eerie cherry on top, Bane mentioned he wanted to protect me but from whom?
Suddenly, I yawned, my eyes felt heavy. I decided a nap would be nice since I didn't get much sleep last night. I couldn't do anything about my situation now. I shrugged.
I went through the French doors entering the bedroom. As my eyes lifted, I stopped, gawking in disbelief. It was as if I’d stepped back in the fifties. In the center of the room stood, a white four-poster pink canopy bed with a pink quilt, bold pink and gold pillows and pink wallpaper of bunny rabbits. I reckoned this was Jeffery’s attempt at humor. “Haw, haw, whata funny man!” I fumed with my hands resting on my hips.
I stepped into the bathroom, eyeballing white marble and pink towels, a matching terrycloth robe, pink, of course. I bit my bottom lip stifling a laugh.
I spied the large garden tub that could’ve fit five large people. At my feet, my eyes followed the path of red rose petals trailing to the tub and bath oils and various soaps placed beside the tub. And to polish it off with a titillating lure, several white candles lined the tub with a soft glow. “Hmm!” I tapped my finger against my lip. A soft laugh escaped my lips. “Jeffery lied about his lighter.”
The tub was calling to me right in front of a picture window looking over the horizon. I quickly peeled off my clothes and soon the tub swirled of rose-scented water as my excitement escalated. Wasting no time, I jumped in with both feet, sinking into the soothing magic.
A soft moan escaped my lips as I leaned against the cool marble and closed my eyes letting the warmth soak into my weary muscles. A little piece of heaven.
A sudden bright hot flash of light skirted across my face. My eyes flew open, catching an angry streak of lightning ripping through the sky in the far distance. The clouds were building fast, growing darker and more menacing by the second. Another streak of light lit the bruised sky as thunder rumbled with ferocity. I jumped with a start as the crash reverberated around me.
After a second, I eased back and watched the display of fireworks until my bathwater grew cold. With a sigh of regret, I drew myself from the tub and stepped out onto a pink rug, snatching up the thick robe. I slipped it on and made my way to the bedroom.
I looked around and spotted the closet. It was as if a light went off in my brain. I shook my head, feeling stupid. Of course, the closet. After living in cheap hotels most my life, I’d forgotten about a practical thing such as a closet.
I swung the double doors open and there hanging all by its lonesome was a scarlet red dress. I spotted black heels on the floor. I reached for the sheer dress and examined it. “Damn!” I fretted. “There wasn’t much to it.” I grabbed the shoes up, kicking both doors closed. I spied a small pile of black on the bed and something shiny next to it. I padded over to it and picked up a diamond neckless and earrings to match. “Nice!” I whispered. I then turned my attention to the small pile and picked it up in my fingers. “Aw hell!” my eyes orbed. “This isn't underwear?” I was staring at a lacy bra and a matching thong. I felt naked already as my cheeks blazed. There wasn’t much thread to either piece. Judging by the tiny cup of the bra, I wasn’t sure it would hold my boobs. Come to think about it. The satin dress didn’t leave much to the imagination either. The back plunged low as the front and the length? What length? Jeffery left me a shirt to wear for dinner. Fright rolled over me, thinking this dinner was a bust already. I couldn’t wear this dress.
Flames of Magick
Straight up eight o’clock, a faint knock came at the door. The dinner date had my nerves frayed. Wearing a spaghetti strapped dress with a label that read Couture and the Louboutin heels made me feel more like an expensive hooker than a dinner guest.
I checked my hair one more time in the mirror before I rushed to the door. I was unsure if my hair penned up in a French bun was suffice enough. "Oh well, it'd have to do," I mumbled to myself as I hurried to the door. I pictured Jeffery's sour face waiting on the other side waiting impatiently.
Nearly falling flat on my face, I managed to jerk the door open with my mouth like an Oreo ready to wail into Jeffery's skinny ass, but I halted gaping at the person standing at the threshold. Surprise siphoned the blood from my face. “Aidan!” My voice sounded startled against my ears.
A moment of silence dropped as his eyes slowly roved over me like warm melted chocolate coating every curve and line of my body. He drew back a pearly smile of approval.
My cheeks flamed.
“Is there a problem?” I glared at him, feeling the sting of embarrassment.
“No problem where I’m standing, Princess.” His deep sultry voice sent a spurt of warmth to places unmentionable as his blues continued roaming over my body, lingering a moment too long on the swells of my breast.
Instantly, I wanted to cover myself as I dropped my gaze to my hands.
Bane recovered his poise and spoke. “I thought I'd escort you to dinner.” His blues danced. “Will you do me the honors?” He held his arm out.
“Hmm, okay.” I bit my bottom lip. My lips couldn't get any redder. Compliments to Jeffery for picking out the lipstick. I flashed a faint smile, though secretly trying to calm my erratic pulse.
Even under duress, I didn't miss the tall, dark and beautiful escort. Bane stood tall, poised, just the perfect combination of a yummy in an Armani tux. A delightful shiver washed over me, and I blushed even deeper.
“I hope your accommodations are more suited to your taste.”
Then a quick sting hit me, bringing my attention to why I was here in the first place. “If you mean my taste to being held against my will, I’d have to say, yes indeed.” I held my chin straight.
“I am merely looking out for your safety. Surely you can understand my intent is plainly in your best interest.”
“One would think!” I answered curtly, not bothering to leave out the irritation in my voice. I dropped my grip as if his touch burned and stalked past him.
When I reached the elevator, Bane touched the small of my back, nudging me onward. I looked up at him, a little alarmed. “Tell me we aren’t taking the stairwell?” The thought of descending anywhere in these killer heels made the palm of my hands sweaty.
Bane inclined his head as he softly spoke in my hair. “I thought you might like having dinner on the terrace. The sunset is quite spectacular; the deep hues in contrast against the blue sky are never the same.”
“Oh, I thought it was raining.” Without thinking, I tugged at the back of my dress. There was a draft tousling the hem. The last thing I needed was baring my ass before the honeymoon. I rolled my eyes to myself.
The gentleman cuffed his mouth, shoulders slightly bouncing. “Yes, I heard the forecast. I assure you neither you nor I shall melt if the weather takes a turn for the worse.” He flashed an impish smile.
After making our way down several dark corridors and climbing a small flight of stairs, we stepped
out onto the terrace. Immediately, a cool breeze tousled my hair. A faint smell of rain hovered in the air.
But what caught my breath was the sight before my eyes. Hundreds of floating lanterns, coins of gold, speckled the sky. The sun was just setting as a dash of salmon pink splashed across the dark blue sky. “It’s beautiful!”
“I thought you might like it.” There was a gentleness to his voice and mirth in his blues.
I stood speechless, blinking back my astonishment.
“May I have the first dance?” He held his hand out, patiently awaiting.
“Umm,” I bit my bottom lip. “I don’t know how to dance.”
A confident glint toyed behind his blues. “Then I shall teach you.” Abruptly, he swung me into the circle of his arms. I giggled when I collided against his chest.
He smiled back. “Just follow my lead.” He huskily suggested, keeping his arm tight around my waist.
As if intoxicated, I obeyed, first kicking off those ridiculous heels.
Then Bane glided my hand into positioned, and my breath ceased as I became acutely aware of every inch of his firm body flushed against the thin fabric of my dress, minus the thong. I wished I’d worn that thing now. Although it wouldn’t have mattered. I was ready to throw all my inhibitions over the ledge and give myself to him, no requirements, no expectations, surrendering my mind and soul and even my heart to him. It was official. I was putty in his hands. And when I gazed into those pools of blue, I found myself sinking further to a land of no return.
A vibrate piano played, no lyrics no other instruments, just the strumming of the keys, soft and smooth. I recognized the song, All of Me.
Suddenly all my insecurities vanished, and nothing else mattered or existed except right at this moment. Unexpectedly, Bane and I together made perfect sense.
Despite my awkwardness, Bane moved fluidly, carrying me across the floor as if we were floating among the heavens. I wondered if he and I might find a way to love each other like my dad loved my mother? Did I dare step out onto the plank, taking a risk with my heart? All of a sudden, I shivered.
“Are you cold, Love?”
My cheeks blushed. “No.”
When the music stopped, our feet halted. Our eyes locked as Bane's fingers grazed the line of my jaw. “You look quite fetching tonight.” His eyes lingered on my lips. “I’m going to have to thank Jeffery for his keen sense of fashion.”
Goosebumps covered my body as I giggled. “Yes, Jeffery does have a flare.” I barely whispered.
The smile in his blues contained a sensual flame that ignited a stir in me. Without a doubt, if I weren’t careful, I might fall in love.
“Dom has prepared us a simple dinner. One I think will please your pallet.” There were touches of amusement circling his mouth, trailing up to his eyes.
“I’m not that hard to please.” I stepped away, gathering my heels.
Aidan led me to a quaint table. The table for two felt quite intimate, white linen with a single red rose sitting in the center, in a slim vase, next to a candle. The dinner plates, shining like white glass with napkins folded around the dinnerware. It was simple and yet elegant. Perfect.
Bane slid my chair out for me as I took my seat and he settled in his chair across from me.
A bolt of lightning struck in the far distance, but the violent crackle of thunder sounded as if it loomed directly over us. I jumped with a start, gripping my chest.
Bane smiled. “Don’t worry. We have at least an hour before the rain hits.” He winked.
“It’s not the rain that concerns me. It’s the lightning.” I peered above the lanterns.
His dark brow arched. “If you’re uncomfortable, we can take our dinner inside?”
“No, this is fine.” I laid my hands in my lap. “I like this.” I smiled.
Just then, Dom appeared with a dark bottle in his hands. The label read, Chateau d’Yquem, the year 1811. My eyes nearly popped out of my head. I wasn’t up on my wines, though it didn’t take an expert to know that the bottle didn't come from the local convenience store.
A white towel draped over Dom’s arm. “I have the champagne you requested, Monsieur.”
Bane's eyes sparkled. “Excellent!”
Dom corked the bottle and then poured a taste of the tawny coral in Bane's flute.
I imagined like a French connoisseur, Bane tipped the glass to his lips and sipped, savoring the flavor. He nodded to Dom and smiled. “This is quite Brut. Perfect for the lady.”
“Yes, Monsieur.” Dom filled Bane’s flute and then turned to fill mine.
I had to admit the champagne looked delicious with its golden color and the tiny bubbles fizzing to the top.
“Take a sip. It’s very sweet.” Bane encouraged as his blues danced in the amber light.
“Okay.” I picked up the long stem glass and sipped. It tickled my nose, and I giggled. I took another sip as it slipped down my throat much easier than the bourbon. “It tickles, but I like it.” Suddenly, feeling the heat of his steady gaze, I dropped my eyes to my lap.
A faint smiled rested at the corners of his mouth. “Do you like the dress Jeffery picked out for you?”
“Yes, thank you.” I merely replied.
“Really!” His blues danced with amusement. “I’m not sure how to word this delicately.” He gave pause. “I think you forget part of your apparel.”
I gulped air as my face burned. “How did you know?”
“Well, the dress is quite thin.” His amused gaze captured my uttered shocked.
I began to stammer over my words. “I-I-I couldn’t wear that string.”
Hilarity poured from his blues like a waterfall. “I assure you I have enjoyed the view very much.”
My mouth dropped opened. “I wasn’t trying to please you. I did it for comfort.” I swallowed. Appalled that he’d been so brazen. “I mean, you can’t think that I’d wear that damn string.”
“By all means,” he flashed a devilish grin. “Princess, do make yourself comfy as much as you like. No complaint from me.”
My eyes narrowed. “I bet!” I snatched my flute and downed the champagne.
Bane sat back studying me. As if his eyes bored a hole through me, he asked, “I make you nervous.”
I felt like he saw right through me. That was an understatement. He set me on fire. “And I bother you.” I held my gaze to his.
Bane raised his flute and replied. “Too shay!” Then he tipped the long stem glass to his lips and finished the bubbly.
Then I recalled a comment he’d made that confused me. “What did you mean by New World Order?”
“Must we talk politics tonight?” He shifted in his seat.
“Don’t you think I have a right to know since I’m part of the plan?”
“The New World Order,” He drew in a razor breath, “Is a centralized economy.”
“For the entire world?” I asked. “I don’t see how that’s possible.”
“It’s more plausible than you think. World leaders are working toward a utopia where everyone under its umbrella will live in peace and harmony.”
“A nice thought but impossible.” I frowned. “Too much corruption in government.” I didn’t mean to burst his bubble but let’s keep the dreams grounded.
“You may be surprised.” There was a mysterious glint behind his blues.
“You said our union has something to do with a new system. I’m confused.”
“When the time comes, I will explain. However, for now, you will have to trust me.”
Now he’d made me pissed. So, I went straight for the jugular. “How much?” I blurted out.
His dark brows shot up. “How much what?”
“How much did your family pay my mother?” I knew he was skirting around the question.
His face pinched. “Does it matter?”
“Yes, I want to know how much I’m worth.” I wasn’t backing down.
He leaned back in his chair, studying me under his stern gaze.
“Your mother will live very well for the rest of her life if she doesn’t squander it all away.”
I looked away feeling the sting of betrayal. How could a mother sell her child? “Why me? Why did your family pick me?”
“Why do we breathe?” He came back at me, taking a drink of his champagne.
“Come on! Can you at least tell me how our families knew each other and how this arrangement transpired?”
All at once, Bane’s shoulders went rigid. His face transformed from playful to strain. “Our families are connected.”
My mouth dropped opened. “I remember you said we’re not blood-related. If we don’t share the same kinship, then what are we?” A dread rushed down my spine.
“We are not related.” He sat up straight. “I use the term family, loosely.” He reached over, grabbing the bottle from its sheath of ice and poured himself another glass. After he’d finished, he held the bottle up, offering me another. I declined by bearing my palm, nodding, no. He placed the bottle back on ice and snatched his glass up, tipping it to his lips and draining the glass.
“Can you explain to me what the term means?” I wanted answers, and I wasn’t stopping until I got them.
I felt like a child tugging at his hem.
“Our bloodlines belong to a very ancient collection of thirteen families. Each family with different bloodlines. Our histories go back centuries to a secret society that only a few have had the privilege of knowing.”
“Where is this family you speak so highly of?” As far as I knew neither one of my parents had family and I haven’t met any of his family. So who is holding the proverbial gun to his head?
