by Kali Willows
“Grandfather knew Eve from years ago. He assured me she is discreet and can be trusted with…” he glanced at the hotel room door before lowering his voice to continue, “…anything.”
“Grandfather approved the plan then?”
“Yes, and we would do well to follow his advice. We’re running out of time.”
Tatsu fidgeted with his cup before setting it on the bedside table.
“Is it uncomfortable?” Studying his older brother for any signs of the change, Yong cringed as Tatsu rubbed the drying skin on his forearm.
“It’s nothing I can’t handle.”
“You better start using this.” Yong tossed him a container.
“Thank you.” Tatsu sighed, smoothing the Chinese herbal ointment over his withered skin.
“You’re sure it’s safe? I don’t want anyone to get hurt, especially during—”
“We have a little time left, and with Eve’s help, we should be fine.”
“All right.” Yong dropped his aching head into his palms. “We’re messing with fire, though.”
“If anything goes wrong, it’ll happen to me first.” Tatsu rubbed behind his left ear. “You know what to do.”
“I know what to do, but it won’t get that far.”
***
Yong ran to catch up with his brother as they raced through the crowded depot.
“Hurry!” Tatsu leapt onto the step as the train began to roll along the tracks.
Yong grabbed his hand and scrambled up beside him. “That was close,” he said. “I’m so fed up with moving around.” He plopped into a molded seat by the window, fighting down unease at the upcoming evening. Niagara falls—the honeymoon destination. Ironic.
“Let’s just hope one night is enough to return everything to normal.” Tatsu settled in beside him and tucked the worn leather journal inside his coat pocket.
“What if it’s not?” Yong stared through the dirty window at the lampposts flying by at increasing speed while the train gained momentum.
“Listen, I promised I’d look after you, and I’ll do what it takes to make sure at least you have a shot at a regular life, even if I don’t make it.”
“That won’t happen. I couldn’t survive without you, and I wouldn’t want to.”
“Don’t say that.” Tatsu grabbed his arm. “You deserve a chance at something wonderful, and I’m gonna make sure you have it. You just make sure you take it.”
“You can’t ask me to—” His throat grew thick.
“Hey, I won’t debate the issue. Fate has chosen, and nature is running its course. Don’t dishonor me by refusing.” Tatsu pulled his coat sleeve down to his wrist, covering the drying skin. “You don’t need to feel guilty. Everything happens as it’s meant to.”
“Grandfather said it doesn’t have to.”
“He said there is a chance it won’t, a small chance.”
Yong swallowed hard, anger rising in his chest. “What makes me so special? Why is my life more important than yours? You deserve—” The gush of energy amplified into a shockwave of heat through the rest of his body.
“You have to calm yourself, now.” A subtle fear filled Tatsu’s eyes
“What’s happening?” Yong gasped.
“Remember what Grandfather told us. The change is fueled by energy. You’re getting angry; you have to relax.” His brother’s soothing tone helped.
“I’ve never felt like that before.” Drawing in a deep breath, the tsunami receded, more so with every inhale.
“You’ve just had a taste of my side. What do you think?” The corners of Tatsu’s mouth curled up and he settled back into his seat.
“It felt—” He couldn’t find the words.
“Powerful?”
“Yes.”
Tatsu’s weary eyes lit up a little, and then he drifted off to sleep. Paleness swept over his light brown skin and the dark hue of his full lips faded to grey. His square jaw line held the last of the strength in his face.
Sadness overtook Yong while he examined his identical twin. Born minutes earlier, he carried the wisdom of many generations. His role of protector was in danger. The energy transfer had drained him. Yong had to be more aware next time, more careful. He couldn’t let that happen again.
Chapter Three
Cindy pulled up in the valet line of the Castillo Niagara Falls and turned off the truck. “Are you sure you don’t want me to check into a room to be close by in case…?”
“Thanks, Cindy, but no. I’m a big girl.” She flashed her friend a smile. “Madame Evangeline has an exemplary reputation; she ensures safety above all. I’ll be okay. Besides, I can handle anything now.”
But as she reached for the door handle, her courage failed. “Okay, let’s park, out back. You can get a room.” She shielded her face with her hand and turned away from the window. “Hurry up.”
“Sudden change of heart?” Cindy stared. “You’re crying. What’s wrong? You don’t want to go?”
Gwen pointed. A few feet away, her ex stood arm in arm with his soon-to-be-wife, while a porter loaded their luggage on a trolley.
“Jamison’s here? Oh no.” Cindy’s voice cracked. She cranked the ignition but it wouldn’t turn over. Clicking sounds replaced the confident purr of the engine.
“Cindy, please.”
“Dammit, it won’t start. Are you scared?”
“Of him or what I might do?”
“Both?”
“Terrified, hurry.”
She turned the key again, pumping the gas. “Dammit, come on, come on.” The clicking slowed, then died altogether. “For the love of—” Cindy smacked the steering wheel with her palm. The blare of the horn alerted the bystanders to their presence.
Mortified at the sight of her asshole ex glancing their way, Gwen dropped her head down between her knees, praying he hadn’t identified her.
A knock on the glass startled her and she froze, not wanting to face her devastation.
“Gwen? Is that you?” His taunting chuckle ignited the rage she’d been suppressing for the last six months.
“Cindy,” she straightened and glared toward her tormenter, “leave the truck. Let the valet deal with it—we’re goin’ in.” She eyed the tramp standing behind Jamison, with her bony little arms folded across her chest. Gwen wanted to reach over and smack the sadistic smile off her surgically altered face. She shoved the door open with the force of her channeled fury, hitting him hard.
Clutching his bloodied nose, he let out a roar of pain. “What the hell did you do that for?”
“Jamison, I’m so sorry.” She stepped out of the truck and slung her bag over her shoulder. “I suppose I didn’t see you, standing there, laughing at me.” Unable to hide her beaming triumph, she closed the door and headed for the hotel.
Jamison grabbed her arm and yanked her to him with a loud snarl, his eyes ablaze. “I oughta—”
A flash of terror rushed over her, but she refused to let it show.
“Hey.” The doorman approached and Jamison let go, taking a step back.
“That’s right, darling. I’m not yours to knock around anymore. And in case you’ve forgotten, I can take care of myself now.” Gwen dropped her gaze to his scarred hand. With a cocky grin, she brushed past the doorman, heading for the entrance.
Cindy grabbed the suitcase from the trunk, and followed her. “Jamison, geez.” She tsked. “Now that’s a shame. Katrina, you should get him seen by a doctor. You wouldn’t want that nose bruised in the wedding pictures.”
Gwen called over her shoulder. “Great to see you again, Ms. Harlot—I mean, Ms. Harlan. Good luck on your big day tomorrow, and after that. Lord knows, you’re gonna need it.”
“That was—” Cindy followed her into the lobby.
“Awesome. I haven’t felt so good in years.”
“After everything he’s done to you, he got off easy.”
***
“I’m glad you let me stick around. You’re gorgeous.” Cindy fussed with
Gwen’s auburn tendrils, draping them down her back while she watched in the mirror.
“Thanks for being here and helping me get ready.”
“Are you nervous?” She dabbed blush over Gwen’s cheekbones.
“The butterflies in my stomach are doing jumping jacks, but I’m excited.”
“Where are you meeting them?”
“Downstairs in the lounge.” She grabbed her lipstick then moved over to the full-length mirror on the closet door to inspect her mocha bandage dress. Running her fingers along the crisscross block pattern, she winced. The outfit revealed more cleavage than she remembered seeing when she bought it.
“If you run into Jamison tonight, he’ll bust a gut.”
“Good. I hope it hurts.”
“Stop fussing with your dress. It’s perfect.”
Gwen smoothed the maroon lipstick over her lips and paused, staring at her reflection.
“What is it?” Cindy came up beside her.
“Nothing, it’s just that, it never occurred to me that I would ever sleep with another man. I thought I’d found the one.” She held up her ring finger and studied the telltale strip of pale skin.
“You’re gonna have a great time.”
“Thanks, Cin. Hey, you could get a peek at them downstairs.”
“I like that idea. Then I can spend the rest of my night romanticizing about your fantasy come true.” Cindy pouted.
“Honey—”
“I’m fine, just envious.”
“Do you want me to share tonight?” She chuckled. “After all, I have two.”
“Of course not.” Cindy grinned. “Let’s get down there. I can’t wait to see what they look like. Are you coming back here?”
“Madame Evangeline booked us into a guest house on the grounds. It’s described as secluded and unusual.”
“I suppose with all that bumping and grinding, you could use more privacy than accommodations in the main building would give.”
“I imagine so.” A twinge of anxiety settled in her stomach. “Anyway, I just realized that means you don’t need to get another room. You can stay here. There’s an incredible view of the falls out from the terrace.” Gwen glanced over at the sheer curtain flowing in from the open glass door.
“How will you know who they are?”
“Madame Eve’s message said they would have a champagne rose for me.”
Chapter Four
Gwen felt daring and ready. She took a seat at the bar, swinging her legs as she contemplated what to order.
She watched out of the corner of her eye as Cindy plopped into a leather armchair by the fireplace on the other side of the lounge. The deep mahogany and dark brown furnishings were accented by soft lighting and ambient jazz music playing, a perfect atmosphere for a discreet rendezvous.
“What can I get for you, miss?” A pretty blonde in a white shirt and apron stood behind the counter.
“I suppose a white wine spritzer?”
“Coming right up.”
She scanned the room for two men with a rose, but only saw a few couples and, of course, Cindy. The crowd seemed sparse for cocktail hour. Returning her focus to her friend, Gwen saw her eyes widen.
What? She mouthed.
“Did you get all dolled up for me?” The heat of his breath on her shoulder made her recoil.
“Where is your bride-to-be?” She didn’t turn around. Gwen looked back to Cindy’s frightened stare, and casually held her palm up. She hoped to avoid a scene, but if it got bad, she’d use her backup.
“Here’s your drink ma'am.” The server pushed the wine glass across the bar.
“Thank you.” Pulling some cash from her purse, she laid it on the counter, ready to make her getaway.
Intrusive, as always, Jamison put one arm across the back of her chair and the other on the bar, speaking in the seductive tone she had grown to hate. “Katrina’s busy for a while; can your husband buy you a drink?”
“Ex-husband, and no, you can’t.” Lifting her glass to sip, she hoped he’d take the hint, but he pulled up a stool beside her. “Have you forgotten about the restraining order?”
“That’s just a piece of paper, love.” Alcohol lingered on his breath when he spoke close to her ear. “Damn, you look good tonight, sweet enough to eat.” He ogled her, making her stomach turn.
“You’re drunk. Get away from me.” She set her glass down and eased away from him.
“Come on, baby. For old times’ sake?” He dropped a kiss on her shoulder while digging his fingers into her thigh with bruising force.
“Get your filthy paws off me, Jamison.” She tried to shove his hand away.
“You’re gonna play hard to get, huh?” His presumption sent a charge of anger through her, and she peeled his fingers off her leg. Laughing, he slid it up her back to her neck.
“I know you’re here because of the wedding. You wanted one last chance to get me back. Maybe celebrate your birthday with a good round or two?” His arrogant words fueled her frustration, but she had no desire to lose control in a public place.
“Get your hands off me, or so help me….” Clenching her fists, she contained the simmering eruption.
“So help you what Gwen? Hmm, what are you gonna do?”
Gwen gasped when he tangled his fingers in the fine hairs at the base of her neck and tugged, his actions hidden by her long waves. She looked for the server, but she had stepped out to tend customers in the lounge.
Jamison’s wrapped his other hand around her wrist, so tight it felt as though he could snap it like a twig. He had become quite skilled at hiding his aggressive tendencies in public; he did have years of experience.
“Maybe we should go for a little walk.” He stood, dragging her to her feet and using his fingers tangled in her hair to guide her toward the door.
Terrified, she looked to Cindy.
Help me? She mouthed. Her friend had stood up, but remained by her chair. A confused expression marring her features, she tugged at her foot, the heel of her shoe had caught in a groove in the hardwood floor. He’s going teach me a lesson for the car door incident. If I defend myself, I’ll end up killing him this time. I can’t react. Oh God, what do I do? But she had no choice—fists clenched; she prepared to free herself at all costs.
“Excuse me, Gwen?”
Jamison’s grip loosened, but he kept his hand on her arm and his hold on her hair while he turned around with her.
“I’m sorry I’m late honey, I got caught up in traffic. What’s going on here?” The dark haired stranger wore a fierce expression as he stepped closer to them and handed Gwen a champagne rose.
She accepted the bloom with relief. “Nothing at all. He’s just leaving.”
Jade green eyes glowed against his tanned complexion and black, shoulder-length hair, presenting an exotic, Asian appearance.
But Jamison hadn’t let go yet. “Who the hell are you?”
“My date.” She pried his fingers out of her hair, overwhelmed by the strangeness of the situation.
“Jamison, what are you doing down here? I’ve been searching everywhere for you.” Katrina slouched in the doorway wrapped in a frumpy, long coat. With her arms folded over her chest and her disheveled locks of platinum hair pulled back into an unkempt bun, she looked like a train wreck. From her expression, she had deduced her fiancé’s intentions in regard to his ex. He’d have a hard time talking himself out of the doghouse the night before their wedding.
Finally, Jamison released her wrist and her hair and stepped back. The mystery man held out his hand and Gwen accepted. He tugged her closer and slid his arm around her waist.
Encompassed by safety and drawn in by the tantalizing fragrance of spicy lavender and amber, she whispered, “Is that Drakkar I smell?”
“Yes, it is.” He lifted his chin and tilted his head, inviting her to indulge. Enchanted, Gwen took in a long, savoring whiff.
With a final, confused glance over his shoulder, Jamison followed Katrina out, and Gwen�
��s shoulders drooped in relief. Over by the fireplace, Cindy sat down and lifted her glass of wine with a quirky smile. Gwen focused again on her savior. “Thank you.”
“Let’s get you a drink.” A smoldering grin lit his handsome face.
“You’re—?” Forcing long breaths in and out, she tried to calm down.
“I’m Tatsu.”
As knights in shining armor go…damn, he’s hot.
He led her to a booth and sat her down. He obtained a baggie of ice from the barmaid and returned to apply it to her bruised wrist.
“Better now?”
Such kind eyes.
“Yes, thank you.” She studied him with fascination, as he tended to her discomfort with a gentle touch.
“It doesn’t seem broken, but maybe we should get it checked, just to be safe.”
“I’m fine, it’s not broken.”
“How can you be sure?”
“I’ve had bro—” she caught herself in mid-disclosure, not wanting to reveal too much of her rocky past. “I’m okay. If it still hurts later, I’ll get it treated.”
“All right.”
Gwen scanned the lounge. “Weren’t there supposed to be two of you?”
“My brother will be here soon. He went to drop our things off at the guest house. Our train arrived late, and we didn’t want to leave you waiting.”
“Your brother?”
“Yes.” He laughed.
“Hey, what did I miss?”
Am I seeing double? A second man slid into the curved booth on her other side.
“Hi, Gwen, I’m Yong.”
“How do you do?” She held out her free hand.
He took it, pressing his lips to the back. “Very well, thank you.” He focused on her bruised wrist, concern darkening his luminescent green eyes. “Is it broken?”
“We don’t think so,” Tatsu said.
“I’m all right, I just—” Embarrassment washed over her. It had been bad enough when one of them saw what happened, but to explain to the other?
“I know. It’s okay, Gwen.” Yong caressed her bare shoulder.
