A Shade of Innocence (The Illuminati Book 1)

by Jane West

Sara's shoulders stiffened, and her face darkened.

  “I can't believe you are bitching!” Sara threw her arms in the air, angrily. “Whatever happened to gratefulness? Aidan's generosity is a real good deal, missy! Not too many boys like him are going to cross your path. Take it while it's hot!”

  “Wow! Are we into cliché's now?”

  “At least I'm not riding a rusting old bike!”

  Oh, Lord! I couldn't hold my tongue. “Is that what you did with Dad? Was he your opportunity?”

  “Puttin' it bluntly, yeah, that was one opportunity I wished I'd passed up.”

  Ouch, that hurt! Not particularly what a child wanted to hear from a parent.

  “Sorry to burden you.”

  Sara knew how to push my buttons.

  “I'm sure you are,” She retorted, glaring at me with murderous eyes.

  I didn't get why she blamed me for her misery. “Why are you team Aidan all of a sudden?”

  Sara became edgy, nervous even. “Francis and Aidan both have settled their differences. Aidan promises to behave.”

  I laughed before I could stifle it. “What about charming Fran? Did he see the error of his ways?”

  “Francis has no problem containing his distaste for those less than deserving.” She swallowed disdain.

  I knew exactly her double meaning. Not only did Sara harbor resentment, but also she resented his presence. My mother feared Aidan Bane.

  “Anyway, I'm not here to argue about Francis. I'm letting you know that I'm okay with you dating Aidan. I invited him over for Sunday dinner.”

  “Huh, he's not my boyfriend, but you have a splendid time at your dinner party. I won't be coming.”

  “I'm afraid you don't have a choice. You're bedridden.”

  I shrugged dismissively. “Then I'll stay in bed and read. I'm not entertaining Mr. Bane. We're not dating. Despite what you think, he's not that kind of boy anyway. Even if he were, I'm the last girl on earth he'd ask out.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “I don't exactly run in his circle, Mom.” I crawled back in bed, drawing my knees to my chest.

  “Maybe his circle isn't as noble as you think.”

  My jaw dropped. I think Sara just complimented me. “Thanks, I think.” I left it at that.

  Longing

  One more day in the house and I swear I'd combust. Ms. Noel came to visit me every day since my accident to make sure I didn't want for anything.

  Bane had disappeared, and no one knew where. Sara swore up and down that he'd never left my side during my state of unconsciousness. As odd as it sounded, I believed her.

  Since I no longer had a job, sleeping in was a welcome change. It gave me a whole new take on life, at least in theory.

  I'd messed around and lost track of time. I had only ten minutes to get to school. I managed to gulp down scalding coffee before I dashed outside for my bike.

  I headed to the back porch. My footfalls bounced off the wooden planks as I hurried along.

  When I reached the back, I stopped, gaping. “Where's my bike?” I spun on my heels, raking my eyes over the porch and the lawn. Then a disturbing thought flooded my mind. Did I leave my bike at school? Oh, geez! I threw my hands on my hips ready to spit nails. “Goddamn! I bet my bike got jacked.” I stomped, pissed as hell.

  I tried to recall the events of that day. Sara swore I'd slipped. Even Ms. Noel believed that I had a concussion. I bit my bottom lip, but I drew nothing but a blank.

  I checked my watch. I had only eight minutes. “Where the hell is my bike?” Panic filled my voice. Maybe someone parked it in the garage. Dang! I balked. That old shed gave me the creeps. I'd been avoiding it since the day I'd parked my car in there. Now my beetle only collected cobwebs. I once hoped to have saved enough money to fix the flat. That dream died. Since I lost my job, I didn't foresee any chance of ever getting it repaired.

  It took some muscle to get that squeaky old door opened. The loud protest nearly busted my eardrum. Like most older homes, the garage sat in the back of the property, detached from the house.

  I stood at the opening, peering inside. I spotted the drawstring to the ceiling lamp in the center of the shed. I kept heehawing to go inside. Spiders and creepy crawlers dwelled in dark places like this. A faint light spilled inside, though it didn't reach the back corner where my bike sat.

  I checked my watch again. Now, I had only five minutes to get to school.

  After mustering up enough nerve, I slowly eased inside the dark shed. My lungs tightened as I glued my eyes to the faint line of my bike. With no more time to waste, I darted for it.

  Just as I reached for the handlebar, I stopped dead in my tracks. I froze, gawking at my car, “Oh my God!” The last time I checked, the beetle had a flat. I squatted down and brushed my hand over the left-rear tire. “Holy cow! It's new!” I jolted to a stand. My breath caught as I examined the other three tires. I scratched my head, flabbergasted. All fours tires were new.

  How was this possible? Sara didn't have any money. I tapped my finger against my lip. Maybe Francis forked over the dough? He could've had a moment of weakness, suffering remorse.

  With the keys clasped in my palm, I slid inside the car. I turned the ignition, and the engine started with a shudder. A wide grin colored my face. “Sweet,” I sang as I put the gear in reverse and pressed my foot on the gas pedal.

  Swirled in a bubble of happiness, I recalled a time when life didn't seem as complicated, back when Dad was alive. I drew in a sharp breath. I wished I could've shared this moment with him.

  In spite of the quick ride, chances of beating the bell were doubtful, but this had to be my lucky day. I walked through the door of English, only a minute before the bell sounded off. I drew in a moment of relief as I made my way to my desk.

  Sally appeared more than her usual chipper self this morning, smiling as I slid into my seat. “Hey,” I mumbled to her.

  “Good morning,” her voice squeaked.

  Unexpectedly, a deep voice bristled against the back of my neck, “I see you got your car running.” How did I miss Bane? Didn't I see his desk empty?

  I turned half way in my seat, “You are correct!” I smiled.

  “I take it you have recovered fully from your fall?” His blues were magnetic.

  “I'm better. Thanks.” Suddenly a rush of questions churned my brain. “Hey?”

  “Yes.” He inclined his head closer.

  “You found me, right?”

  A smug grin fluttered Bane's face as he slid low in his seat, stretching his long legs from underneath the desk. He nudged my thigh playfully as his gaze held me captive. “You are correct.” Now he was parroting me.

  “We need to talk.”

  “Sure. No problem.”

  “Hmm, cool. Meet me during lunch at the Oak tree. You know the one.”

  Bane suddenly sat up and tipped his chair close to me. “Let's cut class and go to my place.” His voice was husky. “We'd have the whole place to ourselves.” He winked.

  The boys on the next row over started snickering, eyes darting our way.

  I narrowed my eyes, glaring at him. “Are you a dick naturally or do you get up every morning practicing in the mirror?” I wanted to shove my foot up his hubris ass.

  His breath tickled my cheeks. “I enjoyed our snuggling. I miss you.” A vaguely sensuous light flickered in his eyes as if he held a secret.

  “It couldn't have been that eventful. I can't remember a lick.” I smiled with triumph.

  The two boys burst into chortles. “Bane, she hates you, man!” The redheaded boy teased.

  “Nah, she loves me. She just doesn't know it yet.” His blues danced, confident.

  Perfect timing, Ms. Jenkins walked in, and that ended any further tête-à-tête.

  When class ended, Bane darted out the room. Sally lingered. She was up to something. Dread rushed through me. Since that fiasco with Sam, I remained reluctant to let Sally back in my good graces. I learned a long time ago,
once a snake bites, you don't go back for seconds. I avoided those two like the mafia avoiding taxes.

  As I jostled my way out among the crowded students, Sally fell in line behind me. She cleared her throat. I tossed a sharp glance over my shoulder and grimaced.

  “Have you been ill?” Sally tapped my shoulder. “You've missed a week of school. I would've called, but I didn't have your number.”

  Bullshit! “You don't have my number?” I shouldered my book bag.

  “No. I don't,” Sally shrugged. “I dropped by the diner to ask your mom, but the manager told me she isn't working there anymore.”

  “Yeah, I had the flu. Thanks for asking.” I shoved a smile in her face before ducking out the room and sprinting down the hall. I purposely skirted around the subject of Sara's job. If I didn't trust Sally as a close friend, I certainly didn't trust her with my personal life.

  Just as I shoved the last book inside my locker and slammed the door, I jumped with a start. Sam leaned against the locker next to mine. Irritation flickered through me; I slugged him on the upper arm. “Damn! Don't sneak up on me like that!”

  He laughed, raising his palms in defeat, “Sorry, Chickadee! My bad.”

  “What do you want?” My eyes tightened. Was it raining douchebags today?

  “I missed your beautiful face around 'ere.” He scratched his chin, “Thought Old-Blue had thrown your body in the river.” I think I detected a little jealousy in his tone.

  “Don't even try acting like you care!” I threatened. “As far as I'm concern, you and Sally are hazardous waste.” I spun on my heels to leave until his fingers bit into my arm, halting me to a standstill. Shocked, I looked down at his hand and then back at him. A sudden burst of anger spiked. My head started to spin. Visions swirled in my mind, thrusting me back to that day of the explosion. Shit! My body began to shiver. A burning sensation coursed through me, setting my skin ablaze. I didn't understand.

  Sam's eyes widened. He must've seen the madness in my eyes. He jumped back, dropping his hold. “Gosh, you look awful!”

  “I have to go,” I blurted out as I took flight and ran.

  My heart raced, beads of sweat broke out over my body. I was having a meltdown. I couldn't go to class this way. My hands wouldn't stop trembling. If I didn't get somewhere alone, I might implode and blow up the whole school. Oh, geez! I caused the explosion. Me! I looked around frantically. Where could I go? I spotted the girls' restroom and started for it but then halted. I remembered the last time I'd entered the facility. I couldn't face another explosion. I spun on my heels, freaking out what to do. Then it hit me—my car!

  I rushed past the front doors, not missing a beat to the parking lot. My vision grew blurry, and my body's temperature soared to the sky. It felt as though my world had spun off its axis. I kept my head down, promising myself that I'd be okay.

  When I reached my car, I tugged the key from my back pocket. My hands fumbled, shakily, trying to hold the small key steady in the palm of my hand, but instead, I dropped it. The metal clanked against the gravel. The sound vibrated in my ears so loud that it hurt. In fact, everything appeared amped, the birds chirping, the trees rustling, the insects humming. My mind reeled frantically. “Shit!” I sobbed, sliding down to the gravel. I huddled beside my car, drawing my knees to my chest. I rocked, back and forth, realizing that I'd gone bat-shit crazy. I closed my eyes, hoping to shut it off, but the madness continued to rack my mind.

  Time ticked away until I heard footsteps. Familiar steps that I'd recognize anywhere. Even in a state of madness, I knew.

  Bane kneeled beside me. A line between his brows deepened as he gently brushed his fingers across my wet cheeks. His worried eyes raked over me. “Princess, are you hurt?”

  Tears streamed, “I don't know.” My eyes latched onto his face, “What's wrong with me?”

  “I got you. You're with me. You're safe.” Bane whispered as he gathered me into his arms and lifted me up off the ground. I clung to his chest, keeping my eyes closed tight, resting my head on his shoulder.

  When my eyes opened, I jolted with a start, my eyes wide and frightened. As soon as Bane's face came into view, I calmed, though my heart raced into my throat.

  Somehow, Bane had managed to wrangle me into his car. We sat directly facing what looked like a riverbank, the stream of water trickled in the background. Towering pines hovered over us. We were in the forest but a different spot, unlike the Firefly nest.

  “Where are we?” My voice was scratchy and parched.

  “We are at the river, Tangi.” Bane reached behind his seat and yanked out a white sack. “I thought the solitude might give you a moment of solace.”

  “What happened?” I sat up, confused and lost. “I remember talking to Sam.” I looked at Bane. “How did I get here?”

  Ignoring my flurry of questions, Bane pulled out a can of Coke and a bottle of bourbon from the white sack. My eyes dropped to the label on the bottle. It read, “Old Rip Winkle's.” Seemed a silly name for alcohol, I thought.

  Without an utter, Bane popped the can's tap, and a sizzle filled the car. I watched in silence as he emptied half the soda out the window. It was not until he started filling the can with the bourbon that he spoke. “Not that I relish the idea of contributing to a minor,” he went on to say, “However, whenever desperate times call for desperate measures, that is when I ignore the customary dictate.” His words exuded pomposity as his blue eyes locked with mine. He handed me the spiked soda, never breaking his solemn expression.

  I stalled, not taking the drink from his hand. “I don't drink.” I stared back into his cold blues. His gaze never faltered nor did his offer of the soda. He kept his hand extended.

  “Fine!” I snatched up the drink and threw my head back, and downed a huge gulp. The cold liquid slipped down my throat. Unexpectedly, I began coughing and sputtering as if I'd swallowed fire. “Geez,” I croaked. “How do you drink this nasty stuff?”

  “Feeling better?”

  I scoffed. “Are you asking if I'm drunk?”

  “Keep sipping, Love.” He tipped the can to my lips as he held a dictator's glint. “You drink all your juice like a good little girl.” He didn't bother to hide the sarcasm in his voice.

  “I don't understand why I'm here, and you're force-feeding me this shit?”

  “You had a panic attack.”

  “Panic attack,” I repeated and my eyes orbed. Why didn't I remember?

  Impatience crept into his voice. “Drink,” he ordered.

  I shot him a sharp glare as I unwillingly complied, tipping the can to my lips.

  A tense silence enveloped the car as tall-dark-and-dictator continued to watch me. I took another swig, staring out my side window.

  After a while, the burn subsided, and the bourbon started to warm my toes. I reckoned folks tolerated the awful taste for the effects.

  Finally, I polished off the last drop. The best way to describe my condition was—nice! “Okay, all gone. Happy?” I smirked, turning the can upside down.

  “Very,” he replied as an expression of satisfaction gleamed in his eyes. He took the can and tossed it in the white bag.

  “I have questions.” My words slurred.

  “Of course.”

  “Why haven't you answered my questions, then?” My forehead wrinkled, irritated.

  “I am waiting for your query.”

  I nearly came out of my seat. “Stop playing head games with me!”

  Bane answered with staid calmness. “I never play with pressing matters.”

  “Why do you talk weird?

  “Because I do not speak the offensive slang of a teenager, and I choose my words wisely, in your eyes, I am condemned?”

  I rolled my eyes. “I just think if you used words in this century, you might be more likable.” I shrugged. “I'm just saying.”

  Bane burst out laughing. His laugh was low and throaty. “Winning a popularity contest is the last thing on my mind.” He tilted his head and whispered.
“You know, if you weren't besotted, I'd kiss you.”

  “Besotted? What does that mean?”

  “Forgive me.” He smiled to himself. “I meant tipsy.”

  “Are you even from this century?”

  “Does it matter?”

  “It's your fault that I'm drunk.”

  “I suppose it is.” Bane ignored my accusation as he gently leaned in and kissed my flushed cheek. I shut my eyes tight, not able to stop myself from shivering. “What questions placate your beautiful mind?” He whispered as his lips seared a path down my neck, my shoulders.

  Jesus! He was killing me.

  I decided to stomp the brakes. “Stop touching me! I can't think.” Apart from being loopy, doing the deed for the first time in a car didn't appeal to me.

  His eyes gleamed like a tomcat finishing his dinner of cream, “If that is your wish.”

  “Whatever!” Geez, did he think his charm and dimples could make my panties drop? “Okay, since you asked, let's start with how you managed to keep from running me down that day I was on my bike, and let's not forget the explosion in the girls' restroom. How did that happen?”

  Bane hesitated, measuring me for a moment. His carnal eyes made me squirm. “Why are you so hell bent on an answer?”

  “Why are you avoiding the answer?”

  His distrust chilled his eyes with reserve.

  “Well,” I pushed.

  “Sometimes it is best to leave well enough alone.”

  “So, you're not going to tell me?”

  “You are better off not knowing.”

  “Can't I be the judge of that?”

  “Let's just say you were very lucky that I have quick reflexes.” He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes.

  I laughed, “Yeah, right! If you're a vampire or a stupid werewolf, maybe,” I shook my head, disbelieving him.

  “I assure you there are creatures far worse than your vivid imagination. I am neither one of those imaginary creatures, but I am not your typical man either.”

  An oddly primitive warning sounded in my brain. “So you're dangerous?” I saw with my own eyes what he was capable of doing, coupled with other unexplained events that left me shivering in fear and yet thirsty for answers.