by Casey Wyatt
I threw my arms around his neck and hugged him like I never wanted to let go. The universe adjusted in that moment while I rested in his arms. A small sliver of hope awakened inside me.
Take that, Grandfather, I thought, gazing at his stern visage. Reluctantly, I released Luca and touched the canvas, the oil paint bumpy under my fingers. Without thinking, I relaxed my mind and unspooled my power. Images flowed, the impressions were dim, almost faded and largely consisted of the painter thinking uncharitable things about Sebastian. I could relate.
Right before I was about to pull away, I was surprised by one clear memory. The painting had a secret.
“Luca, help me turn this around.” Between the two of us, we angled the portrait so I could wiggle behind it. I ran my hands around the edges of the frame until I felt a disjoint in the wood. I dug my fingernails underneath, stopping at a crack. With a small amount of pressure, the wood gave way and a thin tube thumped onto the carpet.
“That looks like an old cigar case,” Luca said, fishing cobwebs out of my hair.
I ran my fingers along the case’s smooth sides. It gave off no vibes. The end was sealed possibly with wax. “Let’s see what’s inside.” I used an antique letter opener to jimmy the cap off then tapped the tube’s bottom. Rolled paper landed on the desk. I spread it flat, revealing an old photograph of a group posed in front of a seaside hotel. “Do you recognize any of these people?”
“No. This is early twentieth century if you go by the clothes.” Luca bent down for a closer look. His eyes widened slightly and his jaw clenched.
“What?” I poked his arm. “You see something?”
“Ma’am? Are you in here?” Meadows knocked before unlocking the door.
Luca remained silent. I was pretty sure he saw something in the photo. Rolling it up, I shoved it into the tube, then tucked it in my waistband. Instinct told me to hide it for later study. Someone had gone through a great deal of trouble to conceal the picture.
“Oh my. I am so sorry. I should have attended to the removal immediately.” Meadows looked aghast and embarrassed. That conversation Luca and I had about employees and work ethics came to mind.
“No. It’s my fault for not waiting. It wasn’t my intention,” I almost said to embarrass you, but stating that would only make him more uncomfortable. Instead I said, “To cause you more work.”
“I’ll have someone move this to the attic immediately. Do you have another portrait in mind for the spot?”
I stared at the empty place on the wall. “You know what? I’d like to leave it here for now.” With the ball and family around, it would look bad if I unceremoniously dumped our grandfather’s portrait. I’d have to deal with it a while longer. Funny, now that I’d removed the cylinder, the painting didn’t bother me so much. “After the weekend is over, we’ll go through the attic and find another one. I’ll rely on you to help me pick a worthy replacement.”
“Very good.” Meadows nodded. “Luncheon is in an hour.”
Any semblance of appetite withered and died at the impending familial duty. “Thanks,” I mumbled.
Luca put his hand on the small of my back and guided me out the door. “I’ll see you then.”
Oh, he’d definitely seen something in the picture. And the wily bastard knew we wouldn’t be alone long enough for the rest of day for me to ask about it.
Chapter 12
The value of a man resides in what he gives, not in what he is capable of receiving.
Somehow, I managed to politely interact with my cousins at lunch.
Not that there was anything wrong with my social skills. Appropriate, rich girl, socialite behavior had been drilled into my head from an early age. Even though my parents had other things to do, they’d hired people to mold us. Or they tried to anyway.
During the meal, I found it easier to let other people talk about themselves. They all chatted amicably enough, although there was a decided shark-like undertone in the room. Each one sizing up the other and me, circling, waiting for the right moment to attack.
At some point, not yet, it was too soon, they would all try to speak with me alone. Curry favor, suck up, or flat out attempt to bribe me for whatever it was they wanted. Seems that the much-vaunted Ashworth family luck wasn’t enough for some of them. They wanted more and more.
It could have been worse. Reg could have been there. Apparently, he had a new girlfriend and, even though she was keeping him rather busy, he would make an appearance at the ball. I tuned out when the conversation devolved into the sordid details, not wanting or needing to know what kind of busy.
The minute dessert ended, I made polite excuses, and left them. After that, a whirlwind of preparation for the charity ball consumed the rest of my afternoon. The assigned stylist made me try on each gown several times. We clashed over every decision. He was adored in celebrity circles. Practically worshipped as a god.
I fired his pompous ass. Meadows nearly had a stroke, but I had a replacement in mind and thankfully she was available.
My chosen one was a Goth chick named Prism. She was a member of my former roller derby team, and happily accepted the job. I knew Prism was attending fashion school while working a day job too. Adding me to her resume of clients could really get her foot in the door when the time came.
Upon arrival, she gave me the once-over, took in my frazzled appearance, and labeled me a train wreck. She hustled me into the bathroom where I was exfoliated, waxed, and buffed.
After my Cinderella-fication, her words not mine, we sorted through gowns.
“Trashy. Crap. Ugly. Not you,” Prism said, flipping through them one by one. “Who picked these?”
“The ass-hat celebrity stylist I fired.” I guided her over to my walk-in closet, directing her to Luca’s picks. “I knew I should have booted his ass when he insulted Luca’s selections.”
Prism nodded approvingly at the new choices. “Well, Luca has great taste. These dresses are fantastic.”
“Yes, he does.”
She fluttered her hands up and down. “Ohmigosh, don’t tell me it was that hottie you brought to practice.”
“Okay, I won’t tell you.” I grabbed the nearest fragrance bottle off my dressing table and dabbed it behind my ears. A delicate floral scent floated in the air, reminding me of the garden in the Hereafter. And of my steamy afternoon with Luca under the gazebo. Embarrassed heat rose up my neck. The bottle slipped from my fingers, jolting me into paying attention.
“You are one lucky girl.” She grew serious. “He better treat you right.”
“He does. More than right,” I assured her. God, it was weird having my old life and my new life mixed together.
In the end, we agreed on a sleek pale lilac gown embellished with tiny crystals and beads around the bodice. The dress was tasteful and unique, just like Luca. I couldn’t wait to see him. The thought of him in a tuxedo made my mouth water.
“That color suits your dark hair and eyes. And it doesn’t wash out your complexion,” Prism said, applying final touches to my makeup. With the addition of simple pearl drop earrings, I was complete.
“And I can walk without tripping. I love it. Thanks.”
While Prism gathered her remaining items and stuffed them in her shoulder bag, I admired the colorful tattoo on the back of her neck. A white barn owl perched on a crescent moon. The owl’s soulful gaze reminded me of Tamzin. I hadn’t seen her since my trip to the Hereafter. I’m sure she didn’t miss me.
Soon enough, I’d be back on soul duty.
“Hey. It was good seeing you again.” Prism slung her bags over her shoulder and extended the luggage pull on her suitcase. She’d brought enough makeup, hairbrushes, and tape to outfit a small fashion army.
“Sure you don’t want to stay for the party?”
“Nah. Not my idea of
fun. We miss you on the team.” She grinned, the studs in her nose and eyebrow glittering.
“I miss you guys, too. But I guess it’s a good idea to heed doctor’s orders.” I gave her a big hug and a giant tip. I also promised to meet the team for drinks some evening. If Luca didn’t like it, he could stuff it.
“Catch you later,” she said, giving me a salute. The door closed with a soft click.
“Bye,” I whispered after her. I blinked away the tears threatening to escape. It hurt to be reminded of what I’d sacrificed.
Meadows knocked on my door, signaling it was time for me to greet my guests. The one-person pity party was over and I didn’t want to smudge Prism’s exquisite makeup job. Meadows led me to the ballroom, a place that only saw action once a year. Located in a remote wing of the mansion, it was comprised of two floors. Glittering chandeliers hung from the high ceiling. The upper floor’s semi-circular viewing gallery overlooked the ballroom below, providing an impressive view of the inlaid Italian marble. A geometric star of light and dark marble was situated in the center of the room.
A live orchestra played soft classical music, loud enough to be heard, but soft enough so conversations could take place without shouting. An army of white-shirted wait staff circulated among the guests, offering hors d’oeuvres, champagne, and cocktails. The room buzzed with gossip, business deals, and speculation about the direction of the Ashworth family without Sebastian at the helm. I didn’t take it personally since I wondered the same thing myself most days.
I made my way down the imposing grand staircase, descending into a sea of glitz and glam. Compared to the ostentatious display of wealth, my understated dress seemed downright provincial. Better to be tasteful than gaudy. After a few moments of surveying the room, while issuing polite greetings, I realized Luca was nowhere to be found. I hid my irritation and soldiered on without him.
Hours later, after the auction and the lavish fifteen thousand dollar a plate dinner, I mingled with all the guests. I made sure to speak to every single donor, many offering condolences for my loss. Some were sincere, most were full of shit. In the end, I’d secured additional funds from all of them.
Schmoozing also took my mind off Luca’s pronounced absence. With the evening’s main obligations dispatched, annoyance morphed into worry. We were off otherworldly duty, so whatever was keeping him had me concerned. He was the family’s lead attorney and many of the old cronies wanted to know where he was.
I was about to ask Meadows to locate him when I was stopped.
“We were thrilled, just thrilled to learn you’d been chosen as the heir,” said Tish, a cousin on my father’s side.
Her super white teeth and shellacked debutante hairdo distracted and disturbed me at the same time. What century was she living in? Glued to her side was Ken-doll husband, Colton. He was about twenty years younger and had the buff build of an athlete. I think he was a major league baseball player. Go Tish, I say.
“I couldn’t agree more, dear Tish.” Reginald swooped in from behind me, wrapping an arm around my waist. His new girlfriend, in tow, curled her arm around his other elbow with disinterest stamped on her face. Before I had a chance to extract myself from his hold, he planted a wet kiss on my cheek. “Radiance is so deserving of the role of heir.”
Warning alarms tripped every nerve in my body. I really didn’t like him at all. His cold blue eyes pierced me, mock innocence all over his face. I pretended I wasn’t bothered by the touchy-feely act. He correctly assumed that I wouldn’t make a scene in front of everyone.
Not about to let him have the upper hand, I clamped my palm on his wrist, touched his cufflink, and unleashed my power. Steeling myself for a rush of unpleasant and malicious thoughts, I was surprised to see nothing more than calm, placid feelings toward me. No jealousy, no hate, and no fantasies about my death.
I’ll be damned. Maybe he’d moved on. When the direction of his mind switched to his new girl and the positions he’d do her in after the party, it was time to end the peep show. Reg smiled at me and continued to gossip with Tish, unaware of my exploration.
Nope. I still didn’t like him, but at least I didn’t have to worry about any premeditated plans to stab me in the back this evening.
Relaxing, I turned my attention to his new girlfriend. She was tall, slender, Asian, and simply gorgeous in a well-fitted sleeveless bodice, the fabric a muted yellow. A stunning embroidered tiger prowled from the hemline up the side leg slit, ending with the tail wrapped around her tiny waist. And, I noted, with a tad bit of envy, that there wasn’t a single ounce of extra body fat on her. Nor a single bulge, panty line, or bra mark. I was guessing she was totally naked under the body-hugging sheath.
“Reg, who is this lovely lady?” Tish reached over and patted the woman’s lean arm.
“Where are my manners? This is Lillian.” He put a possessive arm around her waist.
Lillian sported a cat-like smile but remained silent. She ran her red talon-like nails down Reg’s neck and gave him a wolfish grin. He shuddered at her touch and stared into her eyes for a long, uncomfortable moment.
Perfect time for me to escape. I moved to walk away when strong hands landed on my hips. This touch I welcomed.
Luca’s lilting brogue tickled my ear. “Cariad, your beauty knows no bounds.” He quickly nipped my earlobe. Blissful little shivers darted down my spine.
“Really, cousin. Shagging the help, are we?” Reg scoffed.
Yup, he was an asshole. And I hated his fake British affectation.
Luca stiffened. To his credit, he didn’t rise to take the bait. Power pulsed off of him, a wave of deadly menace aimed right at Reg. If I were Reg, I wouldn’t walk down the street alone anytime soon.
Lillian smiled wickedly and ran her hands under Reg’s dinner jacket. She licked her cherry-red lips and said something in his ear. Reg closed his eyes as if he was about to swoon. I stopped watching.
“This must be Luca. You are quite delectable, aren’t you?” Tish purred and offered her hand. Even though she was one cougar who would not be getting her claws into my man, possessiveness stabbed me.
Luca shook her hand with a seductive grin aimed at me.
Tish prattled on, oblivious. “I’ve heard so many good things about you from Sebastian.”
Reg snorted, shot me a narrow-eyed glare and moved away. His girlfriend gave me a tiny finger wave as she sashayed away. He patted her taut behind. She laughed and licked the side of his neck. Cripes, they were both weird.
A smooth flow of Welsh phrases whispered in my ear. I don’t know what Luca said, but it helped me unclench my jaw so I could smile at Tish, speak a few more pleasantries, and leave.
With Luca by my side, we made a final circuit of the ballroom.
“Where the hell were you?” I mentally cringed. That sounded way more shrill and needy than I’d intended. “And did you see Reg’s girlfriend? She was freakin’ strange.”
“Like an oversexed feline.” Luca snagged two champagne flutes off a tray. Handing one to me, he clinked the side of my glass. “Iechyd da, annwyl. Cheers!” He downed it with two swallows.
I sipped my champagne more slowly. The bubbles popped against my tongue. Whatever vintage this was, it was sweet, fresh, and delicious. Before long, a warm flush passed through my abdomen. “You haven’t answered my question.”
He handed our empty glasses to a passing server. “Let’s go somewhere more private.”
“Fine with me.” I curled my arm into the crook of his elbow, leaning against him. As soon as we were away from the party, the shoes were coming off. The straps pinched into my ankles. It had been ages since I’d worn heels and my feet protested. “Do you have someplace nearby in mind?”
Luca stopped, his gaze raking my body up and down. “You look stunning in that dress. I want to peel it off you right now.”<
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A thrill of desire snaked around me. This was the first time I’d had to check him out. I sighed lightly and traced my fingers down his cheek. “I could say the same thing about you.” I swear he looked good no matter what he wore. In a tuxedo, the man was a force of nature.
He smiled and smoothed a tendril of flyaway hair from my forehead. “You flatter me.”
“Luca, where—?”
His head tilted sideways, his body on alert. “Someone’s coming.” He ushered me toward the private elevator. He punched in the key code and the doors clapped shut.
“Now can I—?”
His fingers touched my lips. “Not yet.”
The elevator stopped on the private floor where my room was located. Only Meadows, Luca, and the cleaning staff had regular access to the floor. And Brody. That cat went wherever he wanted. There was no one around except us. I automatically headed toward my room, ready to ditch the heels.
“No. This way.”
He walked us to his room. Even though it was a few doors down, I’d never been inside. It was the last barrier between us. I know it was my mansion, but I wouldn’t invade his privacy. Somehow seeing his room seemed so personal. I felt thrilled to be invited.
The light snapped on with an audible click. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn’t the standard issue guest suite. There wasn’t a single personal item anywhere. Not on the bedside table, not on the bureau. He was either a super anal-retentive neatnik, a real possibility, or he wasn’t staying in the house.
I wandered over to the walk-in closet and peered inside. Nope, no clothes either. “Luca?”
“Hmm,” he said, unfastening his bow tie and loosening the top button. He took off his coat and laid it on the end of the bed.
“Do you live here?” I caved and kicked off my shoes. With an audible sigh, I scrunched my toes into the plush rug. So much better.
