Shades of Amber

by Morgan Smith

  When I analyzed it later, I realized he must have been on drugs. All of a sudden, my early rising, bask in the sunlight boyfriend had become a sleep all day; see me after sunset night owl. I was so naïve.

  I thought about that evening, just hours before his twenty-first birthday. He’d shown up at my parent’s house, soaking wet with a fire in his eyes, and asked me to invite him in. My first instinct was to let him, but I refused because my parents were out, and I wasn’t sure how he’d act around my brother and sister.

  He had a wounded expression as he sat on the porch swing. Give me strength, I thought as I opened the door and sat beside him. The air was so warm around him that I thought I might see steam rise.

  He said my name and my heart froze in my chest. I looked, but he wouldn’t let his gaze meet mine. I grabbed his face, pleading with him to tell me what was wrong.

  When he finally looked at me, he was a million miles away. He tried to smile as he stroked my cheek, but I felt his hand shake. He swallowed and looked at me again, his smile replaced by countless emotions. “I have to go away, Jade.”

  “What? Why?”

  He stared at the pink and white tennis shoes he’d given me for Valentine’s Day, and then at my face. “I have to go away… it’s a family problem. I can’t say anything more.”

  Tears threatened to fall as I surged to my feet. “A family problem? Okay, when will you be back?”

  He stood and walked over to me, but as soon as he pulled me against his chest, I knew what it meant. I tried to push him away, but he was a lot stronger.

  He hugged me as his lips touched my ear. “You have to believe that I would stay with you if I could, but there’s no other way… I’m doing this for you.”

  That last remark gave me enough strength. “You’re doing this for me?”

  He tried to come closer but I backed away, and held up my hand. “How could a ‘family problem’ have anything to do with me?”

  He ran a hand through his damp hair and pinned me with his sad eyes. “I hope you never have to understand.”

  I blinked and he was standing in front of me. His entire demeanor changed as he gripped my waist and pressed his lips to mine.

  “I love you.” His arms tightened as he nuzzled my neck. “Can’t you see I don’t want to leave you? I don’t want to do this, but I can’t not be around you.”

  A few seconds later, he was gone and so was my warmth. I’d spent every day trying to forget him, and then a few months after he left, I saw an article on the front page of the newspaper… “Twenty-one year old dies in freak snow mobile accident.”

  Go figure, I’d thought as I slapped the paper on the lunch table in front of Amelia. “The jerk left me to go skiing! ‘Family problems my butt!’”

  From that moment on, I tried not to think of my deceitful ex-boyfriend.

  I glared at him as I wiped the memory from my thoughts. “I was able to move on, you know, until that night you cornered me in the library! So tell me… What. Are. You?” I made sure to emphasize those last three words.

  He dipped his head, watching me from beneath his lashes. “What will you give me if I tell you?” The husky sound of his voice made me shiver.

  The car bounced as we hit a pothole, calling my attention to an even bigger problem: I had no idea how long we’d been in the car or where we were going.

  Panic sank its teeth into my lungs as I tried to regulate my breathing. “Why am I here?”

  His smile was all predator. “You need to get away for a while, so I’m taking you someplace beautiful—and solitary.”

  “One: that statement tells me nothing of the location. Two: I don’t want to be alone with you. Three: Even if I didn’t loathe you, I have school!”

  Troy reached for my face, but I slapped his hand. “Jade, Jade, Jade, it’s not like you to turn down a surprise.”

  Rain pelted the roof, filling the silence. It sounded like the ghost of a tune lulling me into a passive state. A need to touch him came over me, despite my irritation. “I’m sick of your surprises and your gifts!”

  He put his hand in his pocket, but didn’t respond.

  The leather creaked as I scooted toward him. My hands came up, gripping his shirt. “What happened to you?” I got right in his face. His cologne smelled the way it used to—exotic and sensual.

  “I’ll tell you everything… as soon as we reach our destination.”

  I started to protest, but he put a finger to my lips. “Look what I found.”

  My eyes widened when I saw the pendant that should’ve been in the floor of my car. “Where did you get that?”

  Troy held it out, but I inched away. “Where do you think?” He laughed, and grabbed a handful of my hair as he brought his lips to my ear. “Why do you keep rejecting me?”

  “You left me! I don’t owe you anything!”

  He chuckled. “Ah, my dear, but I came back for you just the same.”

  I focused on keeping the panic from my voice. “No. I’m not the same and neither are you.”

  “I need you to wear this, Jade. Please, just do it for me.”

  “Why? What is it?”

  “It belonged to my great, great, great grandmother and I want you to have it.”

  “I can’t, I just can’t, Troy. You and I are not together.”

  He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. As I studied his face, I could see his struggle for control. His anger was palpable as he turned toward the window.

  I pressed myself against the opposite door. Leaning my cheek against the glass, I looked for mile markers, but there was only the dark road. I felt a small vibration in my jean pocket and thanked the heavens I still had my phone. Glancing at him, I slipped it between the door and seat to hide the light.

  Before I could send the S.O.S. his voice came at me like a lulling title wave. “They can’t help you, Jade. No one knows where you are, so be a good girl and enjoy the ride.”

  Yeah, right.

  Seeing rescue as my only option, I gripped the phone tighter. My hands shook, but I couldn’t let him bother me. My thumb found the send button right as we went over a pothole. The phone slipped out of reach, and to make matters worse, I was sure I hit the wrong button.

  I felt like screaming, cursing, and breaking the window, but then I remembered I hadn’t tried the door.

  The drop in temperature made me shiver, but Troy didn’t seem to notice. He still faced the window, his hand balled into a fist so tight I could see his veins.

  Wrapping my fingers around the silver handle, I pulled, pushed, jiggled—nothing happened.

  Stupid kiddie lock.

  A small light caught my attention while I rubbed my shoulders. I stared at his ring, certain I was hallucinating when I saw fire spark and glow inside the amber stone. Several seconds passed as I considered my options, but just when I was ready to cozy up to him for warmth and a closer look, the cold dissipated.

  He turned around and pinned me with his gaze. “You should rest… I know you’re tired.”

  I shook my head, struggling to shake off his words. “I’m not.” I crossed my arms in defiance.

  Undeterred, he dragged me to his side. “You are more beautiful each time I see you.”

  “You’ve been gone two years, of course I look better. I‘ve grown up.” I tried to wriggle from his embrace, but he squeezed tighter.

  “You’re right. You’ve gotten feistier with age.”

  I tried to argue, but he put a finger to my lips. “Sleep.”

  A melody filled the cab as my dark angel hummed something gloomy and sweet. My struggle didn’t last long.

  Simplicity

  Like an angel,

  you fell from the sky.

  Simple and sweet,

  and soon to be mine.

  I’ve waited forever…

  to have you by my side.

  I look forward to the day

  you understand why.

  -Troy

  Chapter 11

  “A
re we making bread?” I asked as Troy pulled me toward a bowl of dough. The delicious smell of spices, meat, and vegetables wafted from the stove, making my stomach growl.

  He stepped behind me, nuzzling my neck. “I thought we could bring New Orleans to you, so we’ll make beignets to sate your sweet tooth.”

  “That sounds good.”

  A cloud of flour flew up as he dropped the contents on the counter. His fingers slid through mine as we kneaded the dough, adding a sensual heat to the already warm kitchen. As he pressed closer to my back, I hoped my shorts and t-shirt would keep me from sweating.

  I licked my lips, straining to keep me thoughts in check. “What are you brewing in those pots over there?”

  “Magic.” His chest rumbled with laughter. “There’s gumbo in the largest and oil for the beignets in the other.

  I tilted my head to rest on his shoulder. “What’s a beignet?” My voice came out low and breathy, but he didn’t seem to notice. His mind was on food, while mine lingered in areas I wasn’t ready to explore.

  “I prepped the dough yesterday, so all we have to do is roll it out, cut it into squares, and let it fry for a few minutes.”

  “That doesn’t sound very sweet.”

  He chuckled. “It will once you dust them with powdered sugar.”

  “So we’re making doughnuts?”

  “Yes, cher.”

  “That’s not much of a dessert.”

  His lips brushed my neck as his voice turned husky. “I can think of something much sweeter.”

  My body temperature rose at the idea of a carnal dessert, but I shook my head. “The thought of getting closer is very tempting, but I don’t think I’m ready to be with you like that.”

  Troy kissed my forehead. “I understand.”

  I turned around and looked into his eyes. “I don’t think you do. The more time we spend together, the more I think about lying in your bed, but I can’t get over the fear that once we take that final step, we’ll fall apart, and I’ll be left with the regret of giving my virginity to a man who is no longer in my life.”

  “We’ve only been together a few months, so I can see how you’d feel that way.” His lips brushed mine. “But one day, you’ll see that I’m in this for the rest of our lives.”

  My fingers clutched the blanket to my chest as I blinked several times.

  After his death, I spent weeks wishing we had taken that final step, but then I woke up one day, and shoved all those thoughts aside because he would’ve left me regardless.

  Noting the satin texture, I lifted the white comforter to my face with wide eyes. It was hard to appreciate the large room with ornately carved furniture when I wasn’t aware of how I got there. My skin prickled as a breeze filtered through the window to my left. It was both nice and frightening. Birds chirped as I looked over the manicured yard, but nothing hinted to where I was—no cars with license plates or flags to support school spirit.

  Turning away, I slid to the beige carpet. Images stirred as I fought to piece things together. There was darkness and a car ride that seemed to last forever.

  “Oh, no.”

  I remembered being stuck in the car with Troy—his heady cologne, his seductive voice. I shot to my feet.

  “What the…?” My eyes froze on the oval mirror in the corner. I spun away, and looked back as my cheeks grew hot with anger.

  Someone had taken my clothes and stuffed me into an antique gown. I tried to stay angry, but the longer I watched my reflection, the more beautiful I found the dress. It was the same color as my amber ring. From its long flowing sleeves and skirt to the simple, yet form-fitting bodice, it screamed royalty. Lifting the dress, I discovered matching slippers on my feet.

  “Did someone make this for me?” I turned once, twice, and then my breath caught. Sure enough the flash that caught my eye was right there… hanging around my throat. I groped for the necklace’s clasp, but there was nothing there.

  Be calm.

  Pain warred with fear as I dug my nails into my palm.

  How did he put it on, and how could I get it off?

  A lock clicked, and sure enough, he was there. Troy closed the door and slid a long key into his pocket.

  “What’s going on?”

  He smiled as his gaze locked on the pendant. “Not much.”

  “How dare you dress me and force me to wear this… this.…”

  Troy chuckled and spun me in front of the mirror. “This.” He stroked the necklace. “Is an important piece of family history, not a venomous snake.”

  I smacked his hand and ran toward the window. It looked as if night had come, but I leaned out to make sure the sun wasn’t just hiding somewhere.

  “Don’t lean over too far, cher, I would hate for you to fall out.” His nearness wasn’t surprising. I felt him before his arms circled my waist.

  “I’ll take any means of escape if it gets me away from you,” I hissed. The moment I spoke, I wondered if my words were too harsh, but I had to counteract the warmth trying to seep from my frozen heart.

  I faced him and immediately regretted my decision. He had pulled his hair back and looked undeniably handsome in a crisp, white tuxedo with an amber vest, and bowtie.

  “Why are you all dressed up?” I asked, holding my breath.

  “For the same reason you are.”

  “Why am I dressed up?”

  “We’re going to a ball,” he whispered as his lips lingered at the base of my throat.

  “Why would we do that?” I shivered as he smiled against my collarbone. My hands lingered on his chest until I found the strength to push him away. I grabbed the water glass from the dresser and sipped until I tasted the salt from my tears.

  It would be so easy to cry and fall into his arms, but I couldn’t. I had to get angry, so I’d have the strength to get out.

  “What’s the matter, Jade?” His tone was soft, almost compassionate. “We can finally be together. Isn’t this what you wanted?”

  I turned around, still gripping the glass. “I want you to take me back to my house.”

  “No can do, cher.”

  My temper was rising. “Why do you call me cher? I used to think it was some kind of endearment, but you can’t love me. You only know how to torture me.”

  “My experience with affection may be lacking, but I do love you.”

  “You don’t!” I threw the glass at his head. “If you loved me, you’d let me go.”

  It hit the wall, raining shards on the carpet as he seized my wrists. “Look at me.”

  “No.”

  When he lifted my chin, I focused on his mouth until he bent down so that we were eye to eye.

  “Stop fighting it, Jade.”

  “Never.” I yelled as his arms came around me. The tension between us was terrifying. I had to do something, but the more I wriggled, the tighter he held me until my body was plastered against his. My chest heaved as he lowered his head and caught my lips.

  My nails dug into his shoulders in an attempt to prove that I was unwilling, but my heart was overpowering my need for self-preservation. All the fight drained from my body when his tongue touched mine.

  I was losing myself in him, but how could I trust someone who faked his own death?

  He squeezed my hand. “It’s time to go.”

  I nodded. It wouldn’t hurt to play along for a bit. “Give me a second,” I replied as he dug the key from his pocket.

  “Watch the glass. I’ll have someone clean it up while we’re out.”

  “Okay.” I studied my reflection and then looked for his. My breath came quick and shallow as I clutched the mirror for support. I blinked once, twice, but there was only my reflection and a door that opened by itself. I spun around and found Troy with his hand on the knob.

  He raised an eyebrow. “What’s the matter? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

  “Nothing.” I sounded nervous, but he didn’t comment. Instead, he offered his arm.

  When he said that bit ab
out his reflection yesterday, I thought he was just being facetious. I stole a glance at him from the corner of my eye.

  What happened to you?

  He watched me as we descended the grand staircase; heading toward what I assumed was the ballroom. As we reached the middle of the stairs, he smiled. “You have no idea.”

  I was so caught off guard that I missed a step. He wrapped his arm around my waist, and pulled me closer. My jaw dropped as I took in the sights. The cream walls held portraits depicting handsome men with haunting eyes. A chill ran up my spine as I looked from one to the next.

  Where were we?

  The minute we entered the ballroom, everyone paused to stare at us. It reminded me of the masquerade a few years ago—except this time, all eyes were on me. Troy led me halfway across the room to a regal couple dressed in pale apricot. The woman’s gown matched perfectly with the man’s tuxedo. Compared to them, I saw how truly rich my dark gown looked as the beads sparkled in the light.

  The woman smiled, and I couldn’t help but smile back. She appeared to be in her late thirties, but had knowing eyes. She smiled as Troy placed my hand in hers.

  “This is the girl I told you about, Mom.”

  I tried to hide my shock, but it was clearly written on my face. She looked too young. Troy laughed and kissed me on the cheek.

  “It’s so nice to meet you, Jade. I’m Alexandra.” She smiled even wider and shook my hand. “I’m sure you’ll love our Amber Palace.”

  My smile cracked at the long-term implication. I shook my head. “I can’t stay; I have to go back….”

  “She’s joking mother,” Troy glared at me, but I refused to say otherwise.

  Three pairs of eyes looked at me as though they sensed my fight or flight thoughts. I gulped and tried to breathe as the man I assumed was Troy’s father shook my hand. He looked distinguished with his cropped hair and moustache, giving me a glimpse of what Troy might look like later in life.

  To keep my hand from shaking, I focused on the details. His suit complimented his brown skin nicely. Next to Troy’s mother, his father looked as if he was in his early forties.