A Shade of Innocence (The Illuminati Book 1)

by Jane West

  I buried myself into the puffy covers and allowed myself a good cry. The stains on my pillow bore evidence of my timorous night.

  Meet the Staff

  My eyes fluttered open when I heard someone's throat clear as my bed jounced. I snapped my head up staring at a dark silhouette sitting at the foot of my bed. He was staring down at me with pursed lips.

  “Well, sleepin' beauty awakes!”

  I detected sarcasm in his Southern drawl.

  I automatically tugged the covers to my chin. “Who are you?” My voice was parched and throaty.

  The skinny man puffed out a cloud of smoke.

  I coughed waving the gray stench from me, wrinkling my nose. “Can't you find another place to smoke?” I gagged. “I'm sure this place has a ton of nooks and crannies to hide that disgusting habit.”

  “Why would I do that when I can have a lovely conversation with your delicious self?” The caramel skin man's tone was void of pleasantries.

  “Can you at least open a window and hang that thang out. It's choking me.” I coughed, strangling.

  “I don't mean to be rude, but if I hang my head out the window with a cig in my hand, Dom, and the boss will string me alive.” He drew in a long drag and blew it in my face. “No way in hell is I gettin' fired because of your delicate senses.” The little snot disputed.

  “Excuse me! I have a right to breathe, dude.” I shot up into a sitting position.

  “Gurrrlfriend, you might not have any rights after Mister Aidan finds that expensive perfume bottle smashed on top of his Rolls Royce. I'd never thought such a little bottle could leave such a large dent and discolor the paint.” The skinny little snip eyed me up and down. “You sure is costin' that man a lotta money. Apart from the little fact that those diamonds are real, that perfume bottle you threw out is worth almost as much as the Rolls.” He puffed on his cigarette and blew it into the air.

  “Why do you think it was me? I'm sure I'm not the only woman in this castle that Master Aidan keeps company.”

  “Pfff, pleaseeee! Mister Aidan never receives visitors.”

  “I can understand why if you're waking up the guest and depriving them of oxygen?”

  Surprisingly, he laughed. “I'm Jeffery Noel, the butler, you know my aunt. She told me you is spunky. I was just testin' you.” His eyes danced with mischief as a faint smile lingered, though he didn't put his cigarette out. He patted my foot. “Come on get dressed. Dom has made you breakfast, boo.” He bounced off the bed and pranced his way to the bathroom. I heard the cigarette sizzle and then the toilet flushed. He stepped out from the puff of smoke and sauntered to the door. “Just get on the elevator and hit first floor. Follow the breadcrumbs, boo. You'll find me at the table, eatin'.” He smiled. “Don't keep Dom waitin'. He's a cranky old soul when his food gets cold. You know how these ill-tempered chefs can be.” He twirled full of sass and peacocked out the door. I sat back and laughed. “Hmm… so, that was Jeffery.” I should've known he was Ms. Noel's nephew. He favored her a lot. Though taller than Ms. Noel and slenderer, he had her caramel skin and her round blue eyes.

  Snowball startled me, meowing. He'd jumped up on the bed and came to me, nudging my hand for a quick scratch. “Hey, little guy! I bet you're hungry!” I smiled, raising my new buddy to my lips as I kissed him on the head.

  * * *

  Following Jeffery's directions, I found myself wandering into the kitchen. Pots and pans covered the stove and the smell of bacon and coffee wafted in the air. Instantly, my stomach growled.

  My eyes fell on Jeffery. He was sitting at the island with his face drawn into a scowl. I'd noticed the stool beside him was empty.

  Jeffery lifted his eyes to me and came alive, “Gurrrl, why you bringin' that damn cat into my kitchen?” His Southern accent was very apparent.

  My eyes rounded. “Huh… he's hungry. I thought I'd give him some milk.”

  The older gentleman wearing the stained white apron spoke up. “Mademoiselle, pay no mind to him. Come! Sit, yes? I have breakfast prepared.” He carried a thick French accent, and when he smiled, his deep browns sparkled like water in the moonlight. I instantly liked him.

  I smiled back, shuffling my feet. “Thank you!” I was feeling a little uneasy with Jeffery's heated glare.

  “Let me introduce myself. I am Dominque Florentine. You may call me Dom.” He bowed as a smile stretched his pencil thin mustache.

  “Nice to meet you, Dom” I replied, smiling back.

  “Vous êtes encore plus rayonnante que je l'imaginais.” (You are even more radiant than I imagined). He spoke perfect French.

  “Merci Monsieur,” I grinned.

  “Ah, a girl after my own heart!” His face gleamed.

  Jeffery patted the stool next to him. “Chile, come sit right her' so we can have a good look at you.” Jeffery smiled, but it was as phony as Sara's fingernails.

  I tucked my chin down, feeling the heat across my cheeks. “All right,” I breathed, climbing onto the stool. I still held Snowball tight in my arms.

  Jeffery sneered at Snowball and cut his eyes at me. I returned the glare, daring him to touch my kitten.

  Then I turned my attention to the chef. “Dom, what part of France are you from?”

  Dom's soft browns were welcoming and engaging. “I come from a little place, South of France in Saint-Remy-de-Provence. It's a quaint town. The market on Saturdays is magnifique!” He bunched his fingers together and kissed them. “The market is where I first received my inspiration for the art of culinary. My home is rich with vineyards and rows of small Cafés.” His eyes glossed. I understood homesickness. “There is no other place in the world like it, yes?”

  “Je l'entends est belle et riche en histoire.” (I hear it is rich with history.) I smiled at Dom's twinkle.

  “Tu parles bien le français.” (You speak French well.)

  “Thank you. I've taken it in school.” Then I thought about Tangi. “What brought you here to this ghost town?”

  There was a gentle stir in Dom's eyes, perhaps pondering of pleasant memories of a different time. “I came to work for Monsieur Bane when he purchased a nearby village close to my home in France.” He placed a hot plate of simple eggs, a buttery croissant and bacon on the side with a tall glass of milk. I placed Snowball on the counter and shared my milk with him as Dom continued, “The village was no longer inhabited. Perhaps you've heard of it—Baux de Provence.”

  I gulped, holding my fork midway to my mouth. “Wait! Monsieur Bane bought a whole village?”

  “Oui! It is quite the picturesque village, perched on the edge of a rocky outcrop. However, the village no longer is thriving.” He shrugged, sharply. “Despite its state, it is a rare treat to wander the old streets and around the castle and quite the experience that will leave one breathless.”

  “It sounds wonderful.” Although my mind still skipped like a broken record on the buying-a-village part.

  A sick feeling came over me. If this dude had that much buying power, I wondered what he might be capable of doing if pushed.

  Jeffery bolted out of his seat and stomped to the stove. His face soured, snatching up a plate and shoveled a generous side of eggs. He stomped back to his seat in an angry huff. “I suppose since Miss Fair-And-Lovely is the main attraction, I gotta get my own food.” Steam curled from Jeffery's boney shoulders.

  Dom rolled his eyes. “Jeffery, Monsieur Bane would expect nothing less of us. After all, she is our guest and how often do we have the pleasure of entertaining guest?” Dom shot Jeffery a behave-or-regret-it-later glance.

  The last thing I wanted was to get into a fight with Queen Jeffery. “Hey, I'm sorry! I don't mean to step on anyone's toes.” My eyes widened, thinking I should leave. “I didn't ask to come here. Monsieur Bane insisted.” My eyes darted between both men. “Clearly, I'm imposing.”

  I started sliding off the stool, but light golden fingers rested on my shoulder. Startled, I snapped my head up.

  “I'm sorry, boo! Don't go.
I just get a little crabby when I haven't eaten.” He dropped his hand to his side. “I really want you to stay. It's nice having a conversation with someone new rather than the present.” Jeffery snubbed his nose at Dom.

  Oh-boy-oh-boy! It'd be best to watch out for this skinny man.

  I inhaled a slow breath. “Apology accepted but don't come in my room again uninvited, especially smoking a cigarette!” I held my intended gaze to Jeffery's bugged eyes.

  His mouth rounded. “I can't believe you blew the whistle on me,” he shrieked.

  Dom's expression froze with shock. “Jeffery, please tell me you did not do that!” His lips tightened, hands flew to his wide waist. “We agreed!”

  Jeffery shook his head, excitable. “Dom, I swear, the bitch is lyin'!”

  I laughed. “I'm not a bitch, and I'm not lying.” I didn't lie about being a liar. I lied occasionally, just not this time.

  If an evil eye could kill, Jeffery would've been dead. “Hand over the pack!” Dom held out his palm, shooting fire at Jeffery.

  “I can't believe you are going to take my smokes!” Jeffery's jaw dropped to the floor. “I am a grown ass man!”

  “I agree and qui manque de prudence!” (Yes, lack of prudence).

  Holy hell, I started World War III! “Guys, I'm sorry! I shouldn't have said anything.”

  “No, don't apologize, boo,” Jeffery huffed. “I'll hand 'em over. It's an expensive habit even though Dom paid for 'em.” Jeffery tossed a spicy grin at Dom.

  By the glance they shared, suggested there might be something more between the two than co-workers.

  Jeffery spoke. “So tell us the juicy-juicy!” He wiggled in his seat, eyes, sharp as a tack. “What's he like in the sack?”

  My breath stalled. Crap! Payback was a bitch with my name on it.

  Dom dropped a plate to the floor.

  Jeffery seemed cool and collective with his elbow prompted up and his pointy chin, resting in his palm, staring purposely at me. “Well,” he pushed.

  I smiled awkwardly, face flushed.

  Dom spoke up, “Stevie, you do not have to answer that!” Dom's eyes fired bullets at the caramel-skin man. “Jeffery, you know better to ask such a personal question.”

  I stared back at Jeffery, “I'll tell you my darkest secrets if you tell me yours,” I challenged with a perked brow.

  After a quick pause, Jeffery moved on to another topic. “Jump up! Let me take a look at you.” His eyes appeared sneaky.

  “I'm eating, later, maybe.” I smiled as I took a good size bite of eggs.”

  “Come on! You can eat standing up. I want to take a good look at your lovely self.” He smiled too sweetly. “Don't worry. I ain't creepy. You is not my type.”

  I couldn't hold it in. I laughed. “Okay,” I smirked, jumping off the stool.

  Jeffery raised his finger over my head and made a circular motion. “Turn around so I can get a better look.”

  I groaned, twirling in slow motion. I came to a halt staring at Jeffery's critical face.

  He tapped his finger against his chin, eyeballing me. “You ain't model material.”

  I scoffed, “Thanks!”

  “No, gurrrl, that's a good thang.” His eyes washed over me from head to toe. “You got curves!” He jumped from his roost and stepped up to me. “You're not a stick, boo. I'm just sayin'.” Jeffery lifted a strand of hair. “Your hair color is sorta the color of rust, not red and not brunette either. We get you some hair product and a good brushin' out that bird's nest and your hair should shine like glass.” His lips twisted. “Why ain't you wearin' your hair down than hidin' it up in that awful ponytail?”

  I swiped my fingers over my hair. “The ponytail is easy.”

  “Gurrrl, you need to let me give you a new look.” He air framed my body. “This look you got now is plum tired. We need to get you up to speed.”

  Ouch! That stung. My eyes dropped down to my choice of clothing, raggedy jeans with gaping holes in the knees that I bought two years ago at Wal-Mart, a yellowish faded tank top, a wrinkled hoodie, and my scuffed up Western boots. I withdrew a long sigh. “I-I…” the right words seemed to have vacated my brain. “I never have time.” I shrugged, quickly changing the subject, “Have either one of you seen Bane this morning?” I climbed back on the stool.

  “He was here earlier.” Jeffery smiled, returning to his seat next to me. “He didn't stay long, just long enough to grab his coffee and skedaddled.”

  My eyes rounded, “Coffee! Do you have any left?” Oh, what I'd do for a cup right now.

  “Oui! Pardon me for not offering you a cup earlier.” Dom smiled reaching for the coffee pot and pouring a heaping amount in a large mug. He returned to me carrying a side dish of cream and sugar with a large dose of hot caffeine. As Dom set the mug in front of me, I hovered over the curls of steam taking in the delicious aroma, a rich darkness, smooth with a fruity flavor. If the world went to hell in a hand basket, as long as I had my coffee, I'd be just fine.

  “Thank you!” The coffee buzz would make this day go a lot easier. Unfortunately, it wouldn't help my living situation any. Even though Jeffery and Dom were starting to grow on me, I refused to be a prisoner. I needed to find a way out and do it fast. The one problem that kept nagging me was that I needed money.

  “Gurrrl! You best swallow that shit! I gotta get you to school. Hustle, hustle!” Jeffery snapped his fingers. “Mister Aidan will have my butt if I get you to school late.” Jeffery shoved me off the stool, nearly causing me to spill my coffee on myself.

  “All right! Chill dude, I'm coming!”

  I took one more scorching gulp of my coffee, nearly giving my tongue a third-degree burn, and darted out the door following Jeffery.

  By the time I walked into the garage, Jeffery had the Rolls roaring to go with a scowl on his face. I hurried along, jumping in the passenger's seat. Jeffery's brows dipped down, lips twisted into a sneer, eyes bulging, as he glared up at me, “What the hell do you think you're doing?”

  “I'm getting in the car.” I looked at him surprised.

  “Gurrrl, you is supposed to be ridin' in the back, not with the hired help.”

  I rolled my eyes at him. “I'm just like you, Jeffery, I'm the hired help too but of another kind,” I snapped. “Just drive.”

  “Hold the hell up!” Jeffery's eyes went wide as golf balls. “Is Mister Aidan keeping you here against your will?”

  I flashed him a knowing glance without uttering a word.

  “Chile does yo momma know this?”

  I swallowed down the knot that persisted. “Yep, she set it up.” I looked out the side window.

  “Oh my sweet Jesus, Lord have mercy on my lovely soul!” Jeffery ranted as if he was the one sold in slavery. “That explains a lotta shit!” He held his hand to his lips. “It ain't like Mister Aidan to bring guest home. In fact, he's never brought a girl home. The only ones we ever see are his uncle and that mofo cousin of his. Now that no good count cousin, you need to hide from him. He cray-cray as the loony bend and retched as the devil.” Jeffery wagged his finger at me.

  “After you drop me off at school, will you go by and check on your aunt?” I fiddled with my bag. “I don't want her to worry.” My eyes latched onto Jeffery's face.

  “Sure, boo, I need to check on her anyway.” He patted my hand. “Don't you fret none, we look after our peeps.” He smiled.

  Kiss My Eyes

  I wished Jeffery had dropped me off a block from the school, although, he insisted on depositing me at the front entrance. I wanted to crawl under a rock. The pointy stares and turned heads targeting my back were cringe-worthy. I reckoned it wasn't an everyday thing to see a rag doll stepping out from a Rolls Royce.

  First class, English, the second I entered the room, Sally's head popped up, shooting her gaze at me as if I was a dart broad. A frown had flickered across her face before she smiled. It had become apparent that we didn't care for each other. A part of me felt relieved, no more pretenses.

&
nbsp; “Good morning!” Sally half turned in her seat, facing me.

  “What's up,” I halfheartedly replied.

  “How's Aidan,” she asked nonchalantly.

  I wondered how much she knew about my living situation. Rumors carried fast in a town that wasn't big enough to spit on. I got the impression Sally had heard. “Fine, I guess.” I dropped my bag by my feet and settled in my seat.

  Sally shrugged uncomfortably. “Glad to see your back but I think Gina's pissed at you.”

  “What's new?”

  “She knows that you've been hanging with Aidan. I don't blame her. They're dating.” Sally emphasized the word dating.

  “Can you knock it off? You're like a nonstop chalk screeching across the board,” I railed full force. “I don't give a rat's ass about what Gina thinks or her kicking my ass. Like she could,” I scoffed. “Just turn around in your seat and shut up for a change! It actually would be a real treat to hear the Ms. Jenkins instead of listening to your diarrhea of the mouth!”

  “I was just giving you heads up. I thought I was doing you a favor.”

  “Sal, you are the biggest liar ever! The only heads up you give—” I fumed, “let's be honest, is the football team.”

  “You're still pissed at me for telling you about Gina and Aidan.” She threw the words at me like glass shards.

  “Sal, I don't understand why you were so hell bent on telling me. Why bother? Were you hoping I'd kick Gina's ass?” I clamped my mouth closed, and then I decided to drive my point into her thick chest. “Maybe it's you who wants to kick Gina's ass, but you're too much of a coward to do it yourself.” I was on a roll now. “I believe you hate Gina more than anyone else in the whole wide world.” My brow arched, daring her to deny my theory.