by Tena Stetler
Passing into the bedroom, he stopped in his tracks. The wine had dulled his senses, but there was definitely light breathing coming from his bed. In addition, slight movement from the left side of the bed caught his attention.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Magic Abound in a Tropical Paradise
Silently he crept to the bed, touched the form beneath the covers. An ear-splitting scream resounded through the room. Hannah kicked off the covers, hands fisted and jabbing, feet thrusting. Tristian leaped off the bed and stared at her, then guffawed loudly. He swept her out of bed into his arms and whirled around a couple times.
“I’m so glad to see you.” Before she could form any words, he smothered them with his mouth, as he held her close, he felt her heart hammering in her chest and smiled.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and blinked up at him. “Fancy meeting you here,” she murmured against his lips. He smiled.
“What about your girls’ night out, afternoon out, whatever it was?” Tristian said a bit giddily, which is why he never drank much. He liked to be in control at all times. Tonight, he’d thrown caution to the wind, a dangerous thing for a person in his position. He eased her down on the bed, enjoying her lacy see-through nightgown. Running his fingers over her curves, he sighed.
“You’ve been drinking.” She giggled. “Guess your party was more fun than mine. We had pedicures, manicures, facials, makeovers, and giggled a lot, which I enjoyed. Never had a lot of girlfriends, just my sister. So it was fun to listen to them.”
He lay down on the bed beside her, propped up on his elbow, head in his hand while the other explored her soft curves. “We had dinner at Bruce’s favorite Italian place. I’d arranged ahead of time for the servers to be all female. Nicoli went out of his way to provide sexy eye candy for us, with a bit of a tease for Bruce and Caleb.”
Hannah raised an eyebrow. “So you all enjoyed yourselves.”
“Yes, a beautiful woman is a wondrous thing. But Bobby and Ruben had other ideas and waaayy too much to drink when the strippers arrived.” Tristian waved a hand.
“Strippers?” Hannah said in a low squeal. “Angie and Willow are not going to appreciate that. But I bet you did.”
He shot her a scathing glance. “I made it clear when we planned the party, strippers were off limits. It was over the top. I shut it down. Bruce, Birch, Caleb and I left. But not before I told Bobby and Ruben their assignments moved from Tahiti to the Salon for the duration of the events.”
“Don’t you think that’s a little—”
“No. They’d disobeyed my orders. That type of thing can get you killed in our line of work.”
“Overreacting just a bit?”
“Absolutely not.”
“Wasn’t Bruce’s bachelor party in a safe secure environment?” Hannah frowned. “It was secure?”
“Of course.” Tristian rolled onto this back, flung his arm over his face. “Maybe… I—” He paused and rubbed his forehead, which was starting to throb.
“So, what happened to Ruben and Bobby?”
“I imagine they got laid.”
“Did you know the women?”
“Hell no, I didn’t know the women. I knew you’d be—”
She held up a hand. “Listen—I meant the guys are not in any danger being left with, um…unknown companions?”
“Oh, the women never would have gotten in the restaurant without the owner being familiar with them. The guys are fine.” He winced. “Until tomorrow morning when Jake and Ian roust them for work.”
“Sucks to be them.” She scooted over, curled into him, sliding a leg over his. “These women, were they—did they—have an effect?” Caressing his chest with her fingertips, she slipped her fingers lower twined them in the hair below his abs and breathed kisses along his neck.
“What do you think?” He reached over and pulled her on top of him.
She giggled and kissed him, whispering against his lips. “I think going to Tahiti is exciting.”
“I’ll show you something else exciting.” He reclaimed her lips and crushed her to him.
****
The next morning when they entered the Salon, Caleb and Willow, Birch and Freesia, and Angie were waiting for them. Bruce came bounding down the stairs from his office dressed in jeans, a polo shirt, and athletic shoes. “Ready to go?”
The group mock gasped and stared at Bruce.
“What?” He grinned. “I can do casual Friday too.”
“Already sent the luggage with Terra and her team. She was thrilled with her assignment. The guys not so much.” Angie snickered wrapping an arm around Bruce as he led the way to the basement. “Tobi will put the sign up Saturday night notifying the clientele we’re closed the rest of Sunday and Monday due to water damage repair. She didn’t book anyone for those days in anticipation of the event. The rest of the invited employees and guests not attending the celebration dinner will join us Monday morning for the afternoon wedding. Owen will come back and take them through. Will that work? That way Tobi and Owen are free to attend the rehearsal dinner Sunday evening.”
“Sure. I’ve already talked with Owen about being the last to leave from the Salon. He knows to check everything, then cast a protection spell over The Wycked Hair and Krystal Unicorn before he passes through the portal,” Bruce said.
“Bobby and Ruben have security duty while the Salon is closed,” Tristian said. “I don’t think it wise to leave the portal unguarded while the Salon is closed and so many coming and going.”
“A good point, but it’s disguised well, and there’s never been a problem,” Bruce mused.
Tristian frowned running his fingers through his hair leaving it standing in little spikes. “The last thing we need on your wedding day is a problem. Overlords, Council leaders of the magic realm, and their security all in one place, make me nervous.”
“Then what do you suggest?” Bruce asked tapping his foot impatiently.
“I’d like to have a few of Bobby’s team secure the perimeter of the building. Bobby and Ruben can switch off with a couple members of Ruben’s team guarding the closed portal.”
Bruce began to shake his head and before he opened his mouth Tristian held up his hand in a silencing gesture. “Before you say it, the measures may be overkill, but it will keep the vulnerability down to a minimum. I still don’t like that Nat and his angels weren’t positive that none of the dark demons escaped. We both know about being targeted for revenge. Nathanial will be attending the event?”
“Yes, he will be accompanied by his wife. Okay, security is your forte. We’ll do it your way.”
“Thank you.” Tristian took Hannah’s arm. “Ready whenever you are.”
Angie beamed. “Sounds like we are all set. Let’s go.” Angie grabbed Bruce’s hand and tugged him toward the activated portal.
He held her back. “Wait. You, Willow, Caleb, and I will go through first. I want to make sure there are no—complications. Then Tristian will bring Hannah, Birch, and Freesia through, making sure everything is secure and the portal is closed.”
The guests will arrive Monday early morning, right?” Willow asked. “Caleb would like to greet his parents and bring them through. They’re a little leery of all the power that could be here and—well, you know.”
“Not a problem. But aren’t they attending the dinner?” Bruce tilted his head to one side and peered at her.
“No, they didn’t feel comfortable coming.” Willow pursed her lips. “Caleb thought it best not to push them.”
“Okay, we’ll make sure they feel comfortable and welcome at the reception. Angie and I will take the time to visit with them.” He turned his attention to Caleb. “Will that be all right?”
“Oh, they’ll come around.” Caleb blew out a breath. “My marrying a faery was no problem, it was the double ceremony with the Overlord—you know. Then having the retired Overlord perform the ceremony at an undisclosed location was more than they could handle. At first, they weren’
t coming at all.” He shrugged, hands in his pockets.
Bruce leaned over and whispered something in Angie’s ear, then peered at Caleb with a winsome smile. “Don’t worry. We got this.”
Tristian snickered when he saw Caleb scoot close to Willow and whisper. “That’s what I’m afraid of.” By the smirk on Bruce’s face, Tristian was sure his boss had heard too.
Hannah elbowed Tristian in the ribs and scowled. He pulled her close and kissed the top of her head.
When it was time for him to lead his group through the portal, he peered in then hesitated a fraction of a second. He’d never been to Bruce’s parents’ place. He didn’t like unknowns regardless of how benign the situation should be. After stepping out into thick mist on the other side of the portal with his entourage in tow, it was deja vue all over again.
Bruce’s booming voice came somewhere out of the fog. “Don’t worry; it’s Mother’s magic protecting their estate. The mist will clear as we get closer to the house. “The limo awaits.” He opened the door to a large white stretch limo, the bright blue interior lights cut through the curtain of fog and guided the group inside.
Within a few minutes, the mist gave way to a lush tropical paradise. A bluish-gray and rose stone villa with a decorative gated courtyard sat nestled in the center of the greenery. A waterfall cascaded down the towering cliffs behind the villa creating a mist that floated above and behind the structure. The driver pulled the limo into a circular driveway stopping at the multi-hued stone path that meandered through the open decorative wrought iron gate and across the courtyard.
Several panels of stained glass depicting a large golden dragon frolicking with a variety of faeries, wood nymphs, and water sprites adorned the arched front door. Tristian sucked in a breath. “Wow, this is some place,” he whispered in Hannah’s ear. He looked over her head at the stunned expressions of the rest of the party.
Bruce and Angie ambled up the pathway toward a tall muscular man with silver streaked sable hair who stood in the entrance. Beside him, stood the most beautiful woman Tristian had ever seen short of Hannah. The woman had reddish blonde hair that hung in graceful curves over her shoulders, petite build, and bright blue eyes that seemed to dance when she smiled. So, that is where Bruce got his looks. The next second Tristian was confused by the magic signatures he was picking up. Obviously, the demon signature, reminiscent of Bruce’s, must be his dad, but the other light, but powerful signature, he couldn’t get a handle on. It worried him as he glanced around making sure everyone was accounted for. The strange aura had to be emanating from Bruce’s mother.
Just then, she gave Tristian a brilliant smile as Bruce introduced the group to his parents, Andre and Matiah.
“So wonderful to meet you all. Come on in. We have refreshments and snacks on the veranda.” With a sweep of her hand, she motioned them inside, across the entryway tiled in white marble veined with turquoise to the rich wood floors of the living area. A massive stone fireplace occupied one corner of the room, top to bottom. Tristian had only a moment to wonder about a fireplace in a tropical climate before being whisked out with the others onto the marble tiled veranda.
Spread across a long glass top table with copper accents were meat and cheese platters, sliced veggies, fresh fruit, crackers, bread and dips of all kinds in crystal serving dishes. A matching crystal pitcher filled with amber liquid sat in the middle of the table. What looked to Tristian like a mini fridge, but he bet is was one of those fancy wine coolers that held several wine bottles. Beside the pitcher were eight tumblers with ice, moisture trickled down the frosty glasses. Wine glasses sat at the end of the table next to several different types of desserts. Cloth napkins embroidered with tropical flowers and the initials A & M lay at end of the table closest to them with silverware fanned out alongside.
“Iced tea, anyone?” Matiah called out.
Now this is luxury. Next to this, my home looks… Tristian caught movement out of the corner of his eye as Hannah ambled to the railing.
She leaned on the smooth marble support looking out over lush vegetation and a winding pathway to the three-story waterfall crashing over the rocks. Tristian walked up behind her, caught her around the waist. “Spectacular, isn’t it?”
“Awe inspiring. What a beautiful setting for a wedding.”
Matiah touched Tristian on the shoulder. “You two can explore the path and waterfall after you get something to eat.” She stepped back and motioned them to the table.
Following Willow and Caleb, they picked up plates and sampled most of the food.
Bruce paused and pointed to sliced bread. “Don’t miss the chef’s coconut bread. It’s one of Maeva’s specialties.”
“Oh yes, it’s to die for,” Angie said, adding a piece to her plate.
Once their plates were full, Tristian led Hannah to a double gliding bench between Bruce and Angie seated in the swing. Caleb and Willow shared a large lounge chair next to Freesia and Birch. Andre and Matiah finished out the oblong circle seating arrangement. Small teak tables set conveniently beside the seats.
“This is a beautiful place you have here,” Freesia gushed, nibbling on the fresh fruit from her plate.
Birch nodded, chewing a piece of red tuna, staring at the torches on either side of the veranda, and continued down the path toward the beach. He swallowed. “Do you light the torches every night?” Raising his glass of iced tea, he motioned toward the path then took a sip.
Andre grinned. “They flame on automatically when we sit out here in the evenings, even if we don’t meander down to the beach. Ambiance you know.” He reached over and patted Matiah’s thigh, giving her leg a little caress before letting his hand rest there.
Matiah smiled at her husband, then returned her gaze to the group. “Feel free to wander around, make yourselves at home.” She pointed toward the waterfall. “There is a cottage nestled between the waterfall and the main house.” She shifted toward the path. “Another one you can barely see peeking out before the path curves down to the beach. There is also plenty of room in the main house, and all are ready for guests.”
Twisting in her seat, Hannah tried to get a better look at the cottage in the direction Matiah motioned. “Oh, I want to stay in the one by the waterfall,” Hannah blurted, her hand flew to her mouth. “If no one else does, of course.”
The group erupted into gales of laughter as everyone nodded indicating the waterfall cottage was hers.
“That’s a good thing since that’s where your luggage went,” Matiah said and winked at Tristian.
Freesia and Birch took the bungalow on the way to the beach. Willow and Angie decided to stay in the main house where they could review plans and arrangements for the wedding and reception.
The arrangements suited Tristian. He liked the waterfall and the cool mist that wafted off the cascading water. Tropical climates were a bit warm for his taste, unless they were situated on the beach where there was always an ocean breeze. Finishing the last bit of red tuna marinated in a delicious and aromatic blend of lime juice and coconut milk, Tristian turned. Hannah scooped up the last bite of sauce on her fresh water shrimp and popped it in her mouth.
“How about we take a walk around?” He stood and helped her to her feet. “We’re going to check out your beautiful piece of paradise. If that’s all right with you.”
Andre smiled and motioned them to the steps of the veranda that ended at the path leading to the waterfall then wound around down to the beach.
“Where to first?” Tristian asked.
“The waterfall, then let’s check out the cottage.” She tilted her face up to his and whispered. “How about a moonlit walk on the beach?”
“Your wish is my command.” He pulled her close and brushed his lips over hers. Walking hand in hand, they stopped in front of the water crashing off the cliffs. He closed his eyes letting the cool mist caress his face. His mind’s eye opened to see Hannah smiling, her eyes blinking at the mist. But behind the waterfall was some type of path
that led to rooms carved out behind rocks. Interesting, there’s more to this place than meets the eye. Surveillance? I’ll quiz Bruce about it tomorrow. When he opened his eyes, Hannah was peering up at him.
“Ready to take a look around the cottage?”
“Sure.” Tristian held the door for Hannah as she passed through the entrance. Cream walls with lacy floral curtains waving in the breeze greeted them. The king-sized bed seemed huge in the room. Neatly folded at the foot of the bed was a patchwork comforter of tiny flowers on multi-color squares. Gauzy curtains hung from the canopy frame, tied back at the four posters that held up the frame. A small white wicker love seat, with light blue cushions, sat facing the double glass French doors which looked out at the waterfall. Hannah eased down on the love seat and sighed. “Isn’t this beautiful.”
“And cooler too.” Tristian slid in beside her and wrapped an arm around her. They sat in silence for several minutes. Hannah leaned her head on his shoulder. He kissed the top of her head and laid his cheek on her hair, his finger curling several strands of her hair around it. So soft. He breathed in the fresh lemon and honey scent.
Red and orange streaked across the azure sky as the sun set. “If you want to go to the beach, we can get changed and head that way. Or we could…”
“There is plenty of time for that.” She chuckled. “I need to get the wiggles out, if you know what I mean.”
“Not really, but I still think other activities could help with that.”
“You would.” She chuckled.
“Hannah,” Angie called walking the path toward the cottage. “I hate to interrupt, but we need to do a final fitting on the dresses. Only take a moment.”
“No matter how old that girl gets, she has terrible timing.” Tristian huffed pushing up from the seat.
Angie waved exuberantly at the glass doors, turned the handle, and poked her head inside. “I’ll bring her right back.” She started to flounce out with Hannah in her wake, then stopped and glanced back. “A little possessive, aren’t we?”
