by Jane West
“I'm making love to you,” he softly spoke, his singeing kisses trailing down toward the lower region of my body.
“I love you, Aidan Bane Du Pont. I have from the very beginning, and I will love you, forever.” I weaved my fingers through his thick black curls, and brought his lips back to mine, kissing him hungrily as if it was my last dying breath.
Soon our bodies were in exquisite harmony with one another, exploding into a downpour of fiery sensations. The real world spun and careened on its axis as our lovemaking reached astronomical heights.
When it was over, we laid in each other's arms, gasping in sweet agony. Love flowed between us as our hearts pounded against each other. Wrapped in the nook of his arms in a silken cocoon of euphoria, I found myself happy, blissfully happy.
My gaze lifted to his as I whispered. “Can I ask you one more question?”
Bane blew out a restless breath. “Only one more,” he teased.
I smiled to myself. “Will I be spouting wings?”
Suddenly a burst of laughter filled the air. “My love, you're not that kind of angel.” Then he leaned in and kissed me. “Sleep my love. You've worn this old man out.”
I giggled, biting my bottom lip. “This time was much better. It was sweet.”
Bane popped one eye open. “Just sweet,” he huffed. “I demand a do over,” he teased, squeezing his arms around my waist drawing me closer.
A soft laugh escaped my lips. “Okay, okay. It was hot too.”
“That's much better. Never tell a man his lovemaking is sweet. It offends his manhood and a few other parts I shall not mention.” He kissed my shoulder and then the top of my head. “Now, sleep my lady.” He smiled against my ear.
I giggled to myself and before long, my eyes grew heavy, and I drifted off to a peaceful sleep.
Duplicity
I heard the sheets ruffle, and my eyes fluttered opened. My gaze landed on Bane getting dressed. “Do we need to get up,” I roughly whispered, taking in a sharp breath, trying to push through the cobwebs of sleepiness.
He leaned over and kissed me gently, smiling as he drew back. “Stay in bed. I have to go find Jeffery and Dom to get the key. I shouldn't be too long.” He zipped up his pants and shrugged on his sweatshirt.
“Can't I go with you?” I sat up with the sheet drawn over my breast.
“I'm quicker if I go alone.” He sat on the edge of the bed and shoved his boots on.
“Why the rush?” I didn't know why but I felt uneasy about him leaving.
“When I return, we can go anywhere you wish. I promise.” His blues glistened like cobalt.
I sighed. “Okay, I guess.”
Bane reached over and gave me one quick peck before he sprang off the bed.
“Aidan, I don't have a good feeling about you leaving alone.” I blurted out as disquiet grated my insides.
His brow arched, surprised colored his face. “I assure you, I am more than capable of taking care of myself.” He sauntered over to me and drew my chin in his hand as he eased down on the edge of the bed next to me. “I'll be fine. I promise.” A strange glint behind his eyes struck me wrong. He sighed. “I should warn you, though.”
“Warn me about what?” I pushed aside my growing concern.
“Princess, in my world one can't take anything for what it seems.” He lowered his chin and captured my gaze. “Believe only half of what you see and nothing of which you don't. Keep that close to your heart and you will survive our world.” He smiled, quickly kissing my forehead.
“Huh?” I shook my head. “You're giving me a child's riddle.”
“I have to go. No time to explain.” He leaned in quickly giving me a kiss on the lips, and then he faded away.
“Damn! I hate his vanishing trick,” I huffed. There was not a lot to do around here. My eyes washed over the quiet cottage. I decided to get dressed. So, I shoved off the bed and traced off to the bathroom and showered.
Momentarily, when I returned with only the towel covering my body, I made my way to the chair where Bane had moved my clothing. I held up a white slip dress with clusters of beads and paillettes on its bodice. Soft ruffles swirled elegantly around the skirt. I ran my fingers over the velvety material. It was exquisite. My eyes dropped to the shoes, gentle heels in a muted tone matching the cluster of beads on the dress.
Bane thought of everything, I noted a hairbrush, hair product, and makeup. I laughed to myself, mindlessly raking my fingers through my tangled hair. He even thought of the lingerie matching the dress. I sighed. I couldn't put my finger on it but for some reason, I felt out of place.
I loved Bane, but I still felt unsure whether I fit in his world. Granted his life could be ugly. That was no problem for me, my world hadn't been the easiest either. Even still, after our infusion and lovemaking, it didn't ease my misgivings.
Oh, well, too late to change my mind now. Regardless of my insecurities, I wanted to be with Bane more than life itself. So, if I wanted to stay with him, I needed to stop feeling inadequate. After all, we had our whole life to decide together.
I wondered where he planned for us to go. I reckoned the sky was the limit with Bane.
I finished getting dressed and by using the hair product, brushing out the tangles or at least most, I made myself a cup of coffee and settled down on the couch. I sipped my coffee. It was perfect, bold and hot. I set the cup on the coffee table and picked up the newspaper.
First, I read the horoscope. I checked mine first, Gemini. I sipped my coffee while reading. I laughed out loud, according to my horoscope I was going to take a journey to a far distant land. Even the stars aligned with Bane and me. I flipped through to the cartoons and scanned over it.
Then it caught my eye. The headlines of the paper in bold letters stared back at me. My heart stopped,
Woman Found Dead
During search and rescue, Sara Ray found dead at her residence.
Mrs. Ray died of an unknown drug overdose. Police are calling it a homicide.
Unprecedented shock slammed into me full force like a head on collision with a meteorite. I lurched to my feet, dropping my cup of coffee as it splattered creamy liquid over the white rug and my dress.
“Oh, dear God! This can't be true. Not Sara!” How could that have happened? Then, as if an ocean of Nordic water poured over me, I realized that all this time, while Bane was in bed with me, he knew about my mother's death. Why didn't he tell me? He left without a word.
I began pacing while grief stabbed my gut repeatedly. Why did I ask for his help? What was I thinking to dust Mom with some sort of alien drug? I didn't want her dead. I only wanted her to forget her pain. I watched Bane; he only gave her a small bit. I had taken the drug too and came out okay. Even after Jen had gotten dusted, she didn't have any complications. Then again, Sara was older and drank hard liquor excessively. I recalled Bane saying the drug was no toy. I assumed Bane knew the safe amount of dosage to give. Could he have mistakably misjudged the amount?
Suddenly, I was jarred back to the conversation Bane had with his uncle that night at the castle. Van wanted Bane to get rid of Sara. I heard with my own ears Aidan agreeing. He'd been working under his uncle's iron fist for some time, for reasons beyond my understanding.
Where was he? I sped up my pacing. It had been longer than an hour. I needed to get to my house and find out about my mother. “I can't believe this is happening.”
Unaware, a soft knock appeared at the door. I froze. At first, I thought it might be Bane returning, but no, he wouldn't have used the front door. Then I recalled Bane saying no one knew this place.
The knock came at the door again, louder this time. My neck bristled. Who could it be?
Then the knocks became aggressive. Bang, Bang, Bang! I jumped back. Shear black fright swept through me. Crap! What should I do? I bit down hard on my bottom lip. The pounding was becoming more explosive as the door rattled from its hinges with every forceful knock.
What if Bane was in trouble and he s
ent someone to warn me. If I were left here in this god-knows-where cottage, I'd die from starvation. What other choice did I have other than to open the door? It was obvious whoever was on the other side knew someone was here.
I inhaled a deep breath and edged my way to the door. My hand hovered over the doorknob, fretting if it was possible that his uncle might be on the other side. If so, and if I didn't open the door, whoever it was, he or she was going to break the door down if I didn't answer it.
I touched the knob, shut my eyes and counted to three. “One, two, three!” I swung the door wide open and froze in shock. For a brief time, I stumbled over my words, my eyes wide with surprise as my pulse shot to the heavens, “W-w-what a-a-are you doing here?”
“May I come in, please?” Sally smiled sweetly.
That childlike voice of hers was worse than a hundred and one sticks of chalk simultaneously shrieking across the blackboard. I flinched every time that girl spoke.
“Why should I?” I folded my arms, narrowing my suspicious eyes. I smelt a rat.
“I thought while you're waiting, it'd be nice for us to chat.” I detected a little vinegar in her tone.
“How did you find this place?” I cut my eyes beyond Sally and saw nothing but a dense forest of towering evergreen. There wasn't even a pathway leading up to the door. I looked back at Sally. “Something tells me you didn't walk.” Skepticism rolled off my tongue.
Sally smiled that stupid grin of hers. “Aidan asked me to speak with you.” Her voice oozed with syrup.
“Aidan?” Disbelief poured over me like thick molasses. “Why would he send you?”
“Well, I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I'm quite a reliable source when I need to be.” Her brow arched. “Are you going to allow me in or are we going to have to do this on this tiny ledge you call a porch?” Smugness gleamed across her sugar-caned face.
I stood there eyeballing Sally. The girl appeared different. She carried her shoulders straight, confidence radiated from her whole demeanor. Reluctant, I stepped aside and let her pass, although I didn't trust her shifty eyes. I kept the door open, standing in the threshold of the door. It didn't feel quite right being cooped up in the same tight quarters with this peculiar chick. I had a strange feeling about this visit. Just the same, I planned to keep my distance until I figured out what this bitch had up her shady sleeve.
I leaned against the doorframe, not taking my eyes off the unwelcomed guest. Sally didn't hesitate to make herself comfortable on the sofa. A little too comfy in my opinion, but I kept my mouth shut and watched as I steadied myself for any of her shenanigans.
I eyeballed her as she smoothed her bright pink dress as she sat, back straight with perfect poise, white gloves, and purse out of the fifties.
It was official, she'd gone off her rocker or judging by her weight, maybe she broke the damn rocker.
Sally began her spiel, and it was a doozy too. “Well, your boy asked me to speak with you first. He has some rather impertinent information for you.” There she went with her Pee-wee Herman voice.
“You spoke to Aidan,” I asked as my brow shot up.
“Of course, how else would I be here,” she giggled which sounded fake.
“Where is Aidan?” Could Van have captured Bane and under duress, forced him to tell my whereabouts? I prayed that wasn't the case.
Ignoring my question, Sally's eyes drifted to the newspaper. “Oh, I see you've been reading the latest news,” she tisked twice, “Such a misfortunate mishap. I'm terribly sorry for your loss.”
Sally was full of crap. There was nothing genuine about her. It would be a cold day in hell before I discussed the demise of my mother with her. I remained silent, listening with a healthy dose of caution slapped on a sandwich of mistrust.
“I'm sure it's going to be difficult after your horrible loss. Especially after police find evidence of the drug.” It was as though Sally was in my head, but when our eyes met, I saw apparent loathing in her muddy eyes. “For the life of me,” she carried on in her sweet sick voice, “I'll never understand how such a young child can pull off so many murders?”
Talk about left field, hell, I think this bitch flew off the field with a broom tucked between her legs.
“What child are you talking about?” I gawked at her in disbelief.
“Well, I mean there are certainly enough motives to reach the heavens if you don't mind my candidness. Why, after all those years carrying that dirty little secret of your mother's naughty deed, it's no wonder you snapped. Knowing your mommy committed such a heinous murder sent you, you poor thing, over the ledge.” She smiled, wickedly.
“Sally, have you gone mad,” I hissed. “I think you should leave.” I didn't know what Sally was up to, but I wasn't standing for it.
As if my words fell on deaf ears, Sally continued with her poison, “And then all those men, you certainly didn't want your father replaced by another man, a new daddy!”
“You're really reaching now!”
“No wonder you snapped you poor thing. When you discovered your mummy was abandoning you for her newest lover, that's when you lost complete control. Why it was more than you could handle.”
Sally's Southern drawl seemed more profound than ever. “Last but not least, in a last desperate attempt you knocked off your mummy by poisoning her. You just became enraged and turned psychopath, sweetie. I suppose when you kill one person, it must get easier with the next.”
I gaped at this crazy person in front of me, my fist white knuckled to my side. “If you really believed I was a killer, I doubt you'd come up in here like you own the place.”
“Oh, I have no reason to fear the likes of you. Aidan wouldn't let you hurt me.” Her eyes narrowed full of loathing.
I stepped forward. “I don't know what rock you crawled out from under, but I suggest you go back to it before I make you,” I snarled.
“That's not the way to treat your host when you are a guest.”
“What?” I shook my head baffled. “I don't have time for this, Sal. Get out now before I throw you out!” I threw my arm out pointing to the ledge that she stood on moments ago.
“I can't leave,” her eyes widened, “I have to give you a message from Aidan.” She sneered, “You know now that Aidan knows about your murders, he wants nothing to do with you. That's why I'm here.” She laughed with this disgusting throaty snorkel, “I know it's lame, but I'm your worst nightmare!”
“Van sent you here, didn't he? Bane's uncle put you up to this?” My heart pounded in my throat as I looked down my nose at Sally.
“You silly girl, Uncle Van would never get between a husband and his wife's squabble.”
“What did you say?” My mind was reeling.
“You heard me,” she smiled, “I'm Aidan's wife.”
I strangled on my spit.
“All this,” she pointed to the décor of the cottage. “Does any of this look like a man's cave?”
I didn't answer her but glared at her absurdity.
“I decorated the cottage myself. My husband, well you know, he prefers other things.” Her gaze fell upon the bed.
I clenched my jaw to kill the sob in my throat as I retorted. “Oh, I know. Aidan and I enjoyed the comforts of the bed several times.” I threw the match on the gasoline as she ignited.
“Shut up,” she growled. “My husband wanders from time to time, but he always comes back like an obedient dog.”
“Really?” Picturing Bane being controlled by Sally was hard to swallow.
“We've been together for a long time. I'm as immortal as my husband. My real name is Sabella.” She boasted.
Then it hit me, “What is your middle name?” I remembered the obituary that Jen and I stumbled across on the Internet.
“Why it's Mae, Sabella Mae Du…”
I interjected abruptly, “I know, Du Pont.” I couldn't help the acid in my voice, no more than the bile threatening to rise.
“Did you come here to flaunt your marriage and that f
at diamond on your finger?”
The rock was so large I imagined she had to use a bulldozer to lift her hand. It was over the top just like her bright color attire and syrupy voice.
“Well, I have to admit it has been fun. Like all good things, it must end.”
“Sal, say what you have to say and then get the hell out!”
“I love your directness. It's one of your better qualities, setting aside the fact that you slept with my husband.” Sally shot darts at me.
“I'm not a home wrecker,” I screamed. “I didn't know he was married. I stayed with him at his castle for Pete's sake!” I wanted to band my fingers around her fat throat and squeeze.
Her eyes took on a gleam like glassy volcanic rock. “Of course you're not a home wrecker.” A sudden thin chill hung on the edge of her words, “You walked right into our trap, silly girl.”
Panic like I'd never known before welled in my throat. “Sal spit it out!” I clenched to hold my fragile control.
“Aidan only wanted your powers. He didn't want to share them with his uncle. He knew if he took your virginity under a sex spell, he'd gain your powers.” Sally flashed an icy smile.
“Wait! How did you—” I stopped myself and said, “I don't believe you!” I almost lunged at Sally. “Aidan cares about me. He proposed marriage. Is that somewhere in your plan too,” I scoffed, challenging her.
Her lips tightened. “Are you that naive? Don't you think if he had intended to marry you, he'd have a ring?” Her brow arched. “Where's your ring?”
“Maybe, he hasn't gotten it yet.” Even I knew that was a weak excuse.
“Aidan had to do what he had to do to get your powers. The marriage talk was more or less pillow talk.”
“Well, he really did a good job. He did it twice.” I could see my words stabbed at her when she flinched.
“I think your service is over here. I'm done with this conversation,” Sally sneered.
“Are you forgetting something?”
She rolled her eyes. “Pray-tale what could that possibly be?” She gathered her purse in her lap.
