Jewel of Inanna (Perils of a Pagan Priestess Book 1)

by Hannah Desmond

  The world tilted a bit when Roland stood. He noticed Lilly staggered slightly as they left Lafitte’s and walked toward the river. They walked with their arms around each other’s waists as they made their way a few blocks over to Harry’s Corner Bar. Lilly’s neighbor and hairdresser, Madeline, was moonlighting as the bartender. Lilly wanted to say hello and introduce her to Roland.

  Madeline’s blue eyes took in the dark-haired musician and a seductive smile played on her full lips. Looking around furtively, she pulled a bottle from beneath the bar and asked if they’d like to try some absinthe. Roland shot a look at Lilly and Madeline, “You have real absinthe?”

  “Locally made, powerful and delicious,” Madeline said. Lilly shook her head, no, but Madeline would have none of it. Looking Lilly in the eyes she said, “You must meet the Green Faery.”

  Lilly could tell Roland wanted to try it. Nodding her head in assent, she watched as Madeline poured the liquid through a strainer containing a sugar cube then presented a small glass to each of them.

  The neighborhood inhabitants and a few tourists filtered in and sat at the bar. Madeline had no time to talk so Lilly and Roland waved quick goodbye’s.

  Mellow and more than a little woozy, they left the bar and turned the corner. Lilly saw the door open and the lights on in Mike Streek’s mask and costume shop. “I want you to meet Mike, she said as she took Roland’s hand and tugged gently. “He is a wonderful mask maker, costume artist and a real French Quarter celebrity.”

  Mike often came into Panthea’s and Lilly had grown to love this burly, bearded giant of a man with a contagious laugh and a gentle artist’s soul. Standing up to greet them when they walked in, Mike smiled broadly through his bushy beard. Lilly made introductions and left the two men to chat as she wandered through the shop.

  She took her time as the Green Faery, Madeline had promised, appeared and showed her the magic imbued in every mask and work of art.

  Roland and Mike were getting along famously. They had their heads together speaking in low tones when Lilly approached the counter. Roland took her hand and squeezed gently, “Are you ready to continue our tour?”

  “Yep, I’m ready,” she said. The two men shook hands and hugged. Lilly gave Mike a hug and a goodbye kiss on the cheek.

  The moon was high when they left the mask shop and walked slowly through Jackson Square. As they passed the Cafe du Monde the scent of hot coffee and beignets sent out tendrils of temptation. Ignoring the tantalizing aromas, they left the crowds of the French Quarter and let the Green Faery lead the over the levee. They stood together looking out over the river watching tugboats guiding huge freighters through the dark water. The wake of the ships sent soft waves onto the river bank at their feet.

  Roland laughed as he said, “I don’t know if it’s the Vodou cocktail, the Green Faery, moon magic or your beautiful presence, but this night is super cool and amazing. Lilly smiled to herself as they stood together watching the moonlight dance on the rippling wake in the river. She stole a look at Roland, bathed in moonlight, a slight breeze lifting his long hair. The Green Faery whispered, “Enchanting” and faded away into the night. Roland drew Lilly closer to him. The fear imprisoning her heart began to melt.

  Roland asked quietly, “Do you come here often?”

  “Yea, it’s my get away spot. I grew up on the bayou, fishing every day. Being near the water calms me and helps me think.”

  Roland turned toward her and took her hand, “What do you come down here to think about?”

  “Oh, stuff, you know like what I am going to do with my life.”

  “What do you want to do with your life, Lyla?” She smiled although tears filled her eyes, embarrassed, she pulled away from Roland. “You can talk to me. It’s okay,” he said softly.

  Retreating into herself, Lilly let everything fade away as she became one with the rhythm of the river. Roland squeezed her hand slightly and she remembered he had asked her a question.

  “What?” she whispered into the wind.

  Roland took her chin in his hand and turned her head towards him. “Talk to me. You don’t have to figure everything out right now. Your life will unfold. Pushing the river won’t bring you answers.” Looking into her eyes, he said, “I am certain you will play music again. I want to be there to hear you when you do.”

  Lilly smiled and leaned into him as he gently put his arm around her waist.

  “Thank you so much for this. I never dreamed I’d be in New Orleans only one day and meet the most beautiful, magical Faery on the planet.”

  Lilly blushed and laughed nervously, “I’m no tiny Faery, I am 5 foot 2.”

  Roland drew her into an embrace. “Yes, a delicate and beautiful 5 foot 2.”

  Alarms went off in her head. Her vision of Roland, as a benevolent friend, wavered as memories of Alex’s easy embrace and initial gentleness warned her away from physical closeness.

  “I’m sorry. Did I frighten you? I am so drawn to you. I thought maybe...”

  “No, Roland, it’s not you, it’s me. I am afraid. I’ve had a bad relationship, worse than a bad relationship, a scary marriage.”

  Roland’s eyebrows flew up, his jaw dropped, “Your married?”

  Lilly shook her head, “I’m getting divorced and I will never go back.”

  “Good news, I’m glad you’ve chosen freedom.”

  They walked in silence, watching the rippling waters of the river, enjoying the absinthe’s emerald haze tinting the moon.

  “I better get home, Roland, it’s getting late,” Lilly said, breaking the spell of the walk. Roland nodded as they reluctantly retraced their steps along the riverbank, climbed the levee and walked slowly through the Square.

  Lilly unlocked the gate and stepped into the carriageway. She smiled, but did not invite Roland further. The night had surprised her. She needed time alone to sort out her feelings and confusion.

  Roland kissed her softly on the lips, expecting nothing more. He squeezed her hand and backed away as she closed the gate.

  She had every intention of getting to sleep and being fresh for work in the morning, but Roland’s beautiful face swam before her every time she closed her eyes. The warmth he exuded, the safety she felt with him was wonderful. She was terrified. Letting her heart lead the way had gotten her into the dangerous mess with Alex. Fear and doubt begged her to be strong and resist the handsome musician. As soon as she resolved to resist him, she recalled his smiling brown eyes. She lay awake, questioning the fear and joy Roland stirred in her heart. The sky turned dove gray as she continued to twist and turn in the rumpled bed sheets.

  Chapter 13

  Resistance is Futile

  Lilly stared in the bathroom mirror at the dark circles under her eyes. Her drooping eyelids and pallid face were the result of a sleepless night. She pulled herself together and went down to work in the shop. Jolene took one look at her and put a cup of coffee in front of her and assigned her busy tasks in the store rather than waiting on customers.

  Lilly sighing with relief, sat on a tall stool and began arranging the book shelves. Absorbed in her task, she yelped when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Startled, she spun around to find Roland smiling at her.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you,” he said, taking a step back.

  “No, that’s cool. I’m fine,” Lilly said, smiling.

  “I’ve come in to see if I can take you out to dinner tonight. Last night was wonderful. I would love to continue our tour.”

  Lilly almost blurted out, “Yes, of course,” but remembering her resolve, she declined his invitation. Roland’s face fell and he looked puzzled and more than a little hurt.

  “I’m not in the mood to go out tonight,” Lilly explained. Her stomach clenched as a wave of panic washed over her. Her mouth opened and she blurted out, “Maybe, you could pick something up for dinner and come over to my apartment.”

  A smile stretched across Roland’s face as h
e quickly took her up on her invitation. “Yea, man, that will be great. I’ll be over around 7:00,” he said, kissing her on the cheek and sauntering out of the shop.

  ‘Why did I do that?’ Lilly plopped down on the stool wringing her hands and chewing her bottom lip. ‘What’s the difference if I go out with him or have him in my apartment?’ She felt her heart flip flop in her chest. She was terrified of her own feelings.

  Roland arrived with a bag of take out from Felix’s Restaurant, a six pack of Dixie beer, a bouquet of flowers and his mandolin strapped across his back. Lilly put the flowers in water in an empty mayonnaise jar and lit a couple of candles on the coffee table.

  They sat across from one another on the floor eating spaghetti and meatballs. Lilly was quite but Roland couldn’t stop smiling. “What are you grinning about?”

  “I’m happy. All this time on the road, traveling with the band, I was having a good time. Tonight, however, I am truly, deeply happy. There is nothing like a beautiful woman and good food to put a smile on my face.”

  A smile played on the edge of Lilly’s lips, “I’m happy too. It is good to see you again.”

  Roland came around the coffee table and sat next to her. He took her hand in his and gently turned her face towards him. Looking into her eyes, he asked, “What is bothering you? Did I get my signals crossed? I thought we hit it off spectacularly last night. Am I wrong?”

  “No, you are not wrong and that’s the problem.”

  “How’s that a problem?” Roland wanted to know.

  “You don’t know anything about me. I’ve escaped my husband. He was cruel and abusive. I didn’t know this at first. I misjudged him. I thought we were in love and would be happy together. I don’t know how I could have been so blind and stupid. Now, I am scared to....”

  Roland pulled her gently to him, “I’m so sorry he turned out to be a jerk. What kind of man would do anything to drive you away? He obviously didn’t know who or what you are.”

  Lilly’s head lifted, “What do you mean, who or what I am?”

  “Lyla, I know one of the Fae when I see them. You are the embodiment of enchantment with the charm and guilelessness inherent to all the Faery kin. A tender, magical, musical being, you must be treated with care and respect.”

  Lilly relaxed into his embrace, felt the tickle of his soft mustache as his lips found hers. Her arms went around his neck and her mouth parted slightly. He moved his head to the side and kissed her deeply. She pulled him closer as his tongue entered her mouth. Her body flamed with a surprising urgency.

  In one swift motion, he stood up, lifted her into his arms and brought her into the bedroom. Placing her gently on the bed, he lay beside her. His mouth found her eyes, her lips her chin, her neck. He kissed and tasted her until he found her breasts. Unbuttoning her blouse, he placed his mouth over one breast, as he gently rubbed the nipple of the other. Lilly’s body lifted slightly as one of his hands moved up her skirt, and slipped beneath her panties.

  In seconds, they lay naked together. Her hands moved over his back, pulling him closer. He gently moved his body on top of her. Their lips touched and his tongue explored her softening mouth. Instinct lifted her body, demanding more. She moaned as he entered her slowly.

  Ripples of ecstasy flowed over them, a counterpoint to the fiery energy igniting their bodies. Lilly’s spirit rose like a phoenix in the expert hands of the master musician. She opened her eyes for a moment surprised to see crimson red, deep purple and cerulean blue swirling around them as their auras joined. She clung to Roland, gasping, as her first orgasm in years rocked her entire being. Roland arched his back as he held himself on straightened arms and thrust deep inside of her, satisfying his need, delighting in her soft sweetness.

  They lay together afterwards enjoying the gentle vibrations still coursing through their bodies. Lilly put her hand over her heart fearful it might fly out of her chest. Roland took a deep breath and exhaled a great sigh of satisfaction.

  The alabaster glow of the moon poured through the window, bathing their bodies in its milky light. Roland’s face was in shadow but Lilly could feel his energy thrumming beside her. It was unlike anything she had ever experienced. The word power came to her mind. It didn’t feel like power over anything, more like an innate part of who he was.

  “What is going on in your beautiful head?” Roland whispered.

  Lilly gave an embarrassed laugh, “I’m thinking I’ve met a magic man. Not only met him, I’ve banished my resistance, taken him into my bed and rolled around in the moonlight with him.”

  Looking at her from the shadows, Roland smiled, “I was thinking something similar about you,” he confessed. “Although, I believe it was a bit more than rolling around in the moonlight.” Roland looked deep into her eyes, “Possibly, we are both enchanted tonight. Resistance to enchantment is futile. The only thing to do is surrender and enjoy.”

  ~

  Jolene and Sabine exchanged knowing glances and raised eyebrows throughout the morning. Lilly sang to herself, her bright pink aura filling the shop as she floated around the store charming every customer. No one could resist the jewelry she showed them, the incense and candles she suggested or the silver ritual chalices she removed from the case and placed in customer’s hands. The ring of the cash register filled the air throughout the morning.

  Finally, curiosity got the best of her and Jolene crooked her finger and signaled Lilly to join her. Lilly was oblivious to Jolene’s signals until she finally registered her pseudonym, Lyla, being called. Looking around she noticed Jolene’s puzzled face and followed her through the back door for lunch.

  With the coffee pot on, Jolene turned to her, “Okay, tell me.”

  Lilly blushed, a mischievous grin lighting her face. “Tell you what?”

  “Lilly, what is going on? You look like, you look like maybe…well, you look like you got laid.” Lilly’s laughter filled the room. Jolene had never heard this much merriment pour out of the young priestess. Lilly’s laughter was contagious and Jolene joined in finally getting out a clear, “Will you tell me who?”

  Setting two cups of strong coffee on the table, Jolene sat across from her curious as a cat. “It was a musician I met in the square Monday. We went out to dinner Monday night. He is from California, he plays mandolin with a group called The Green Man Band. They play Celtic music and rock and roll. His name’s Roland. I wish I would have introduced you when he came into the shop yesterday afternoon.”

  “Wow, you obviously, trust this young man. You met him Monday and you slept with him Tuesday?”

  Lilly’s grin grew even broader, “Yes. I tried to convince myself to resist, it is too soon to get into a relationship, but resistance was futile. When he came into the shop yesterday afternoon, he invited me out again. I was hesitant thinking I didn’t want to encourage him. Ha! The truth, is I do want to encourage him. Instead of going out, we decided to have dinner in my apartment. He feels like an old friend, not like a stranger at all. It turns out it wasn’t too soon. It wasn’t sordid. It felt right. I’m almost certain he felt the same. He recognizes Faery energy.”

  Jolene’s head tilted as her eyebrows shot up. “I want to meet this fellow,” she said as she reached across the table and took Lilly’s hand, “I’m so happy for you. It is time you had some fun!”

  “Thank you Jolene. I’m curious, how did you know?”

  “How could I not know? You have been filling the shop with pink love energy all morning. I knew something good had happened.”

  Lilly nodded, “Yes, it was wonderful. I can hardly believe it happened and I can’t wait to see him again.”

  Chapter 14

  The Secret Courtyard

  When she returned from her talk with Jolene, Lilly began to watch the clock, waiting for her lunch break. When the clock struck one, she grabbed her hat from under the counter and flew out the door.

  The music reached her before she spotted the crowd of people surround
ing The Green Man Band. She found a warm spot on the steps of the cathedral, took off her big floppy hat and little round granny glasses. Leaning back on her elbows, she let the sun’s warmth bathe her face as the Celtic music washed over her.

  Lost in the music she yelped when someone grabbed her arm. Looking up with a ready smile, she stared into the cruel smile on Alex’s face. “Time to come home, Lilly,” he said as he tried to pull her up.

  She jumped up, jerked her arm free, balled her right hand into a fist and swung into his face with all of her strength. Not expecting the punch, Alex swayed and fell backwards onto the bricks.

  Lilly turned and sprinted to the corner. Running down the block and across the street, she rushed into the door of the Place de Arms hotel. She walked sedately through the lobby, out the back door, around the pool and made her way to the hidden courtyard in the rear of the hotel. Instinct guided her. She knew she did not want to lead Alex, or anyone with him to Panthea’s. If he came into the hotel, she could scream and make a scene.

  She squatted behind a stand of banana trees. Rivulets of sweat poured down her neck and between her breast. Swarms of mosquitos found her soft flesh and set to work drinking her blood.

  Time crawled. It seemed an eternity before she stopped trembling, cautiously stepped out from the banana trees, crept through the shadows of the courtyard and made her way into the lobby of the hotel. The young woman at the front desk looked up, smiled, and resumed her telephone conversation.

  Lilly peaked out the front door, checked both ways, and gingerly stepped out onto the banquet. Panthea’s front door was a mere ten yards from the hotel. She sprang into a run. Two meaty hands grabbed her shoulders. Jerking and twisting, she tried to shake off her assailant, lost her footing and fell heavily onto the brick sidewalk. Stars exploded before her eyes, as a black veil tried to drag her into unconsciousness. She lay motionless for a moment, her eyes flickering slightly. She fought off the temptation to surrender to the dark veil. She felt the bricks under her hands and remembered why she had fallen and why she needed to get up. Her head was spinning, as she tried to get to her feet. Strong arms pulled her up, grabbed her around the waist and lifted her from the sidewalk. A long, black Cadillac sped around the corner, its back door swinging open. The Cadillac slowed for a moment and Lilly was thrown into the backseat.