“So you think you’re going to break my heart?” My brows peak in frustration.
“No, I would never hurt you. I mean I am actually protecting you, I am with the CIA.” He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a leather wallet and shows me a badge. Wow, am I being punked? Where’s the camera crew? I look around the empty lot. What in the world could I need an undercover agent for? I take the badge from his hand and glance at it. It looks real, not that I would know how to spot a forgery.
“What! Why? What’s going on?” I glance around our surroundings again. My eyes dart from the tree line then to my rear view mirror, scanning the shadows of the building before resting back on Elijah’s patient face.
“There is a dangerous group trying to find out what you may know about your father’s death. They think you may know more about the mission than you should and they would do anything to get that information.”
“What? But I don’t know anything, I mean my dad would never tell me anything about his missions, he always said some things you can’t unsay.”
“I believe you and you don’t need to worry. You will be kept safe.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Oh let’s just say I am the best at what I do, I have guarded presidents, kings, a few popes and most importantly you.”
“Have they tried anything yet, you know like to get me?” This is crazy, how can this be my life? I’m on somebody’s hit list? Someone wants me dead? A few minutes ago my biggest problem was kissing a boy and now ultimately my life is in his hands.
“I don’t want you to worry, but yes they have, and they came nowhere close to being successful.”
“Tell me how.”
“It’s better that you don’t know. Like your dad said, some things you can’t unsay.”
“How does not knowing help me? I need to know the depths that these people have gone to hurt me, no matter how unsuccessful they have been.” The terrifying truth begins to seep in. Someone has a contract on my head. I could be murdered. Elijah stares to the forest again, after a long contemplation he turns back to me.
“The group that tracked you here, knew where you lived but we took out the cell and all of their intel, so for now you are safe. We threw them off course. I can’t get into the classified details but you are safe for now,” he says “for now,” like the reprieve won’t last long and I wonder how many more days I will get on this spinning blue planet. Fate has already put a price on my head seven years ago and now he’s coming to collect.
“This can't be real.”
We both sit and stare at each other for a while. Me still in shock and he trying to make sure I don’t flip out on the whole bomb he just dropped on me. What if they succeed and capture me? They will torture me until I talk, and I am such a wuss when it comes to pain. Grandma, what if they do something to her if they can’t get to me! I could never forgive myself. Anyone I love could be at risk. I guess it is a good thing that I only have my grandmother to worry about. I know that place is kept like Ft. Knox and she has a monitor on her person just in case she manages to get away from the grounds. Yes Grandma is lo-jacked.
“How long will this last?” I mean surely a couple of weeks of this they’ll figure I’m not worth saving, this is our government right? If it doesn’t end soon, I’m toast.
“I’m not sure, however we have always been one step ahead of them so far.”
“Yeah, but everybody trips once in a while,” I say while chewing on my nails, filthy nervous habit I know. Elijah takes my hand from my mouth and holds it. It feels like heaven. He has this ability to calm me with just a touch. I lay my head on his knee and he tells me everything is going to be okay while he strokes my hair, it feels so relaxing, I could drift off like this.
***
“Hey, you’re home.” I hear Elijah say as he rubs my arm. I open my eyes to realize I am in the passenger seat and we are in my drive way. I can’t believe I was that tired, I didn’t even know he had moved me or driven off with me. My life is indeed in real danger if I can be drugged by a simple head massage and pass out for half an hour.
“Thanks for driving me home.” I ooze out of the car, still foggy from the nap. Elijah walks me to the door.
“Good night.” He whispers gently. I still want him, and knowing that I can’t have him is wretched.
“Good night Elijah and thank you for keeping me safe.” He gives a knowing smile and heads toward his house. I wonder if he has hidden cameras in or around my house. I look in the air ducts and other dark crevices but don’t find anything. This is beyond crazy.
My cell buzzes in my purse and I am reminded of where I said I would be after school.
“Hello?” It is Emily. “Yes, I am so sorry this thing came up. Can we do it tomorrow? Great okay see you there.” I agree to meet her at Aunt Beans, a local coffee house, tomorrow after school. I feel bad for flaking out on her today. It’s official; this day has been hijacked by the suck fairy. I listen to the whir of the microwave cooking my turkey pot pie and decide it’s all too much despair for one day. I slip in to my bikini and take a dive into the ocean just as the sun sinks below the horizon. I surface, taking in the propensity of the inky blue sea as it bleeds into black.
My house sits high on the hill, lit from within like some once majestic city now deserted and desolate. Kissing Elijah today stirred something within me; I don’t want to be alone anymore. I need to let people into my life for once.
I have never had the luxury of calling someplace home for very long with my dad being in the military. But Grandma’s house was always the one place that never changed. The house is enormous and has a beautiful design. Gray-blue shingles cover the exterior with white trim, framing the whole thing out. I love the staircase; it looks like a miniature lighthouse from the outside. I often go out on its captain’s walk and watch the tide come in from up there. In the rear of the home there is a large covered porch with a few seating arrangements, one around a fireplace and another in an outdoor kitchen and bar area. Beyond that there is the red brick courtyard with a small pool and spa. Off of the breakfast room there is another porch surrounded by large white columns that shelters a dining area. It’s the sort of house that would be great for throwing parties and raising a family; neither of which has ever been done here in either case.
Someone is hunting me I can feel it. I may have a very short life and I don’t want to waste one more day of it paranoid that no one discovers my secret. The thought that I have a CIA agent that is assigned to keep me alive is haunting. There could very well be a snipers rifle pointed at my head right now. Does Elijah know I am out here? How much privacy do I actually have? He never set any boundaries for my safety and he says he’s the best at what he does so I am not going to stray from my routine unless he tells me otherwise. The cool water feels exquisite, churning around me as if it’s becoming acquainted with my body. The moonlight bounces off the surface like a million faceted diamonds. As I make my way back to shore there is a man watching me, maybe this wasn’t such a brilliant idea. I inch closer with fear clinching my chest, I recognize Elijah and relief ebbs through me. I let out the breath I’d been gripping.
His face is lit by the full moon, and reveals the work of art he is. Dark straight brows over dark lashes highlight his azure blue eyes like sapphire gems. His nose is that perfect boyish shape that begs to be kissed. His soft lips curve seductively at the edges giving just a hint of a smile. I move in closer. His strong jaw line frames it all out with extraordinary take-your-breath-away beauty. He holds a towel out for me as he turns his head away from me. His lashes meet his cheeks. As I emerge from the water the wind chills its icy breath on me. I snuggle into the towel as he wraps it around me. I lay my head against his chest because everything about this moment says I can. He tightens his embrace. His heart is beating like some wild Indian rain dance inside. He nuzzles the top of my wet head.
“Come on let’s get you inside, I’ll make you some tea.” He puts his arm around my shoul
der and we walk back up to my house.
He fills the kettle and opens the cabinet to the left, pulling out two cups like he has lived here for years. I wonder if he knows every inch of this house by now. This is beyond weird. I head up to my room to change, putting on a gray cotton camisole and pajama shorts. A steamy cup of Chai tea made with cream and sugar and a touch of cinnamon waits for me, which is exactly how I take it. He is sitting at the counter barefoot in jeans and a tee looking every bit of comfortable and sexy as a man can. I want to wrap my arms around him and not let go, but instead I sit beside him.
“Thank you.” I sip my tea and it fills me with warmth. His eyes round as he takes me in.
“You’re welcome.” His smile melts me. I am glad he is not chastising me for swimming alone at night, though something tells me he wants to.
“Did you ever meet my grandmother?”
“Yes, she is an amazing woman, let’s you know just what’s on her mind.” He chuckles and looks up like he is thinking of her.
“That’s her alright.”
“I am going to visit her in the morning.”
“Mind if I come along?”
“Not at all, I’m sure she’d like that.”
“Good, I’ll pick you up at six.”
“Okay.”
“Good night Brennen.” I love the way he says my name, slow and smooth, his voice is like velvet. I restrain the urge to pull him into me; it takes all of my strength not to. He leans in and I hold my breath, hoping nonetheless for a goodbye kiss, instead he tucks a lock of my hair behind my ear like I’m his little sister. It stings. So this is it. I sigh.
“I know.” He sighs as well. He locks and closes the back door behind him. I watch him through the wooden shutters as he makes his way back to his house.
***
Elijah picks me up at six a.m. in a stunning blue 1969 Camaro. My dad would have gone nuts over this car. His hair is still wet from the shower and he smells like some woodsy scent with a hint of sweet baked cinnamon roll. Does he really bake? He always smells of something sweet. My nose lingers as he holds my door open for me. He looks at me with brows cocked. I slide into the leather interior; his car even smells like him. I drink it in. I am wearing a cream pencil skirt and red sleeveless cowl neck blouse and black heels. I note how his eyes carry down my legs before he puts the car into reverse. My choice of wardrobe was very intentional. The radio is tuned to classic rock and a sweet guitar rift is playing in the background.
“You know, you’re all she talked about the last time I saw her. She is so proud of you,” he says and flashes that knock-out smile at me and I can’t help it, I break out in a cheesy grin myself. I notice he smiles quite often. I think it must be how he gets the world to bend at his will.
“I miss her so much. I hope she remembers me today, I need her to,” I trail off, gazing out the window as we drive over the water. He puts his hand on my knee and strokes lightly back and forth. My eyes can’t hide their want. He clutches my hand to reassure me then releases it. I know his intentions are to comfort me as my friend but I can’t help my feelings of disappointment, I turn my gaze toward the window. I wish he would give in to his feelings.
“I think Sam Montgomery really likes you, it is okay if… you know, want to go out with him. I’m sorry for blowing up on him in class the other day.” What? So now he is offering dating advice for me? Oh that really hurts. I stare at him in disbelief. He has no intention of giving in to his feelings and now he thinks that me dating Sam will accomplish what? He may be older than me but he wants to play games like some little boy. I don’t play games.
“I like you Elijah, I don’t care that you are an agent, that I am part of your job description. I crave you. And Sam, well he is nice and he is someone I could care about even, but this thing between us is like nothing I’ve ever felt before.” I take his hand and kiss his fingers.
“Crave hmm?” A playful smile crosses his lips. “You are very hard to resist Bree. My desire for you is unquestionable. But if I give in to what I want, I can’t keep you safe. I can’t lose focus on the real threat that someone wants to hurt you and if that ever happened, I would be crippled Brennen.” He kisses my fingers. I bask in the softness of his lips and resign my seduction for another day.
“Well there ya go,” I quip.
We sign in at the front desk and I pass one of Grandma’s nurses in the hall. Edith I think is her name.
“She’s having a good day today Ms. Hale.” I confirm her name with her badge.
“Oh thank heaven, Edith.” I smile as Elijah squeezes my shoulder. I am glad he is still on a touching basis with me at least. I picture myself pinning him against the wall as we round the corner.
“Well look what the cat drug in!” Grandma teases as she gets out of her chair and throws her frail arms around me.
“Hey Grandma, how are you?” I hug her neck and I don’t let go until I squash the tears welling in my eyes.
“Hey now, what’s this about, everything all right with my little girl?” She has a strong southern accent. Her salt and pepper hair is coiffed into the South’s signature curled football helmet.
“Oh Grandma, I just missed you that’s all.” And someone wants to kill me. I sit in the chair next to her. “Grandma, do you remember Elijah he lives next door.” She turns to him and is unsure of whether or not she knows him. But she gives him a curt nod to be polite.
“How’s your daddy?” Oh dear, she’s slipped away too soon.
“Daddy’s fine Grandma, I’m sure he’ll be along soon to visit you.” Her doctors say to just go along with whatever she believes to be factual for the day, because causing further stress magnifies the effects. Elijah mouths he will wait outside and sneaks out the door.
“Well he better,” she huffs as she pulls the sleeves of her jacket down. She is dressed more for the country club than the cafeteria in a pastel pants suit.
“Now what else is bothering you child?” She holds my hand, her own being as feeble as paper. I am afraid if I squeeze too hard it would break.
“Well there is a guy I like, but…”
“Now you listen here if it’s one thing I know, which ain’t much, it’s that men will give you hell until you put your foot down. I tell you what.” I laugh and smile at my grandmother. I love hearing her stories, they usually have nothing to do with the conversation at hand, but still relevant in my book.
“Your Grandpa went out drinking one night, missed super and everything that night, he had never done that. When he got home I didn’t say one word to him I just let him stumble in and kiss my cheek and he knew, he took one look at me and he knew he had made a mistake. He got down on his knees, wrapped his arms around my legs and swore he’d never be late again. And do you know? He was never late coming home again. In fact he is due here for breakfast in a few and I bet you money he will be here on time.” This story she remembers, a time from before I was even born. I nod amazed at how the brain works. My grandfather passed away twenty years ago.
“It all boils down to trust, it’s something no relationship can survive without.” Fair point, I mean I obviously have to trust Elijah with my life. I wonder if he trusts me to keep things a secret.
“How do you get someone to trust you?”
“Do you trust me?”
“Yes Grandma.”
“Why?”
“Cause you have always been there for me. I know you’d never lie to me.”
“Always, is the key. Always takes time. Always doesn’t come tomorrow or in a week. You never want to keep things secret for too long Brennen.” She is so full of words of wisdom today. I ponder her advice for a moment. I wonder what secrets she has kept for too long.
“Like when your daddy gave you that necklace for your eighteenth birthday.” Great now she has memories that never even happened. I won’t be eighteen for five more months.
“What necklace Grandma?”
“You remember, the one that he found the day someone left you on t
he back steps of the house. You were just the tiniest thing God ever made!” The color has bled from my face. Please let her be making up fake memories.
“Grandma I don’t remember the story, can you tell me one more time please?” My voice is trembling and small.
“Well I hope I can remember.” She laughs at herself. “Let’s see, your daddy was going out on his usual five a.m. morning run and when he went outside there was this wicker basket on the porch. He looked inside and he about soiled his pants when he saw your little green eyes staring right back at him, quiet as a church mouse. You were all wrapped up in the softest pink blanket I’d ever felt. He called to me Mama, Mama, get out here. I was elbow deep in biscuit dough, so it took me a minute. When I came out he was holding you like you were made outta glass.
He was mesmerized by your beauty; oh you were such a pretty baby. He nodded to the basket and I looked inside for a note, anything that could be a clue, and there was just that necklace. Two silver angel wings. Maybe it was all your mother could give you, I don’t know. But your daddy loved you the minute he met eyes with you.” My heart beat bangs the blood in my ears like the beating of a tympani drum as the adrenaline pumps in. My mother wasn’t my mother and my father, was he my real father? Did he get somebody pregnant? Or was I just abandoned by both of my parents? My hands were shaking and the tears were streaming down my face as I turn and walk over to the window so she can’t see me.
“Grandma, did Daddy ever find out if I was his child or not?”
“I think you’d better ask him that.” Oh no! That sends me over the edge. I can’t hold back anymore, I run out of the room as fast as I can before I completely break down in the hallway. I sink down next to a pillar in the hall and pull my knees into my chest. The giant lump in my throat succumbs to the dam of tears and a storm of violent weeping overtakes me. My whole life could be one big lie. A thousand thoughts run through my mind. Elijah finds me there still sobbing a few minutes later.
“Brennen, what’s wrong?” He sits next to me on the floor and puts his arm around my shoulder. I am sobbing and can’t speak through my ragged breaths. He helps me to my feet and we go out the front door. In the car he hands me a box of tissues he swiped from a side table inside. I take one and try to calm down. This is not happening, she was delusional. Why would a single man raise a newborn baby unless it was his? How could my dad have kept this from me? My whole childhood was a lie. He was in the Navy back then too. Maybe that’s the key. I need to find out where he was nine or ten months before I was born. Of course I don’t know if I was brand new when he found me so I better figure in a few extra months too.
My Soul to Keep (The Soul Keeper Series - Young Adult Paranormal Romance) Page 4