Whatever happened next, we now had to worry about the police.
Chapter Nine
‘You’re on the bloody news!’
Aries threw his hands in the air. Taurus and I stood with our heads hanging forward. The kitchen bustled as the others cooked dinner. It had been a long day. All I wanted to do was relax in the bath. I had so many problems to worry about. The main one being Liam and his money.
‘You’ve been pretty bashed up today,’ Pisces said, handing me a can of lager.
Smiling at her, I nodded my thanks. My face was swollen from the beating. My ankle was throbbing from hitting the wall. There wasn’t much more I could face.
‘I’m going to bring Mother and Father together,’ Aries announced.
The thought of us all being under the same roof again made me cringe even more. ‘Why?’
My simple question made Aries blink. He didn’t like his authority questioned.
‘Because we’re losing sight of what we’re trying to do. Worrying about them is making it harder for us to concentrate on our mission.’
Taurus grunted as he scratched his head. It was nice to see that he hadn’t changed his character too much. Being with Kerry had made him a better person but it didn’t completely change him. Not like Aries.
‘Whatever, can I go now?’ I was like a young child asking permission to leave.
The others giggled as I rolled my eyes and left them to it. They would save me dinner. First, I needed to get my feet out of my smart shoes.
My phone beeped as I pulled off my sock. The graze on my ankle was nothing compared to the swelling. The skin and muscle bulged around the bone. Reaching to get my phone from the bedside table, I winced at the state of my face when I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror. My lip was bruised and cut. My jaw was bright red. It would be purple by the morning.
I didn’t recognise the phone number when I opened the message. It simply said Sorry.
Texting to ask who it was, I took my phone into the bathroom with me. The water filled the bathtub quickly. I stripped and climbed into the steaming liquid. The heat encased me. For the first time all day, I relaxed my muscles. My phone beeped again. I wiped my hand on a towel and read the message.
It’s Athena. Thank you for not making things worse with Liam.
My heart jumped at her name. How did she get my number? If Liam knew she was texting me, he would go mental. I hoped she was good at hiding her phone. Instead of texting her back, I saved the number and rang it.
‘Hello?’
‘Should you be contacting me?’ The slight hitch in her breath made me smile. I had surprised her.
‘No. I’m sorry, I don’t know why I did.’
‘Wait, don’t hang up.’
The panic in her voice made me want to soothe her.
‘Why did you ring me? I wanted to apologise and I did, so…’
‘Is Liam with you?’ I splashed the bubbles as they gathered at the bottom end of the bath. Her sigh led me to believe that she had resigned herself to a conversation with me.
‘Yeah, he’s lying right next to me right now, listening in.’
‘Really?’
‘No.’
Her small giggle made me shake my head. She was a contradictory woman. One minute she was confident and full of herself, the next she was a damsel in distress. No matter how hard I tried not to, she was starting to make me think about her.
‘I hurt myself today. Will you come and give me a massage?’
She went silent. The echo of my voice in the bathroom died down.
‘It will cost you,’ she said, her voice dropping into a seductive tone.
Did that mean that Liam hired her? Or was he actually her man? I had never paid for a woman. There was no need to. In my business, women came with the territory. A nice woman seeking a rich man could always be fooled. My smart suit and charming attitude could persuade any of them that I was the real deal.
‘How about you give me a freebie? Try before I buy.’
‘You couldn’t afford me anyway. You’re just a little boy, trying to play with the big boys. You deserve what you got today.’
The phone beeped as the call ended. She had hung up. Why did she get angry? What had I said? I tried to call her back but she wouldn’t pick up. Shaking my head, I sent her a quick text.
Hey, Beautiful, don’t be like that. I like talking to you.
She didn’t reply so I put the phone down and sunk under the water. The sting of my face as the hot liquid touched my bruised skin reminded me what I had taken for her. I sat up and grabbed my phone again.
You owe me for today. Let me take you out.
She could at least let me wine and dine her. I had taken a beating so she wasn’t hurt any more than she already had been. The events of the day played out in my head as I laid back. The steam from the water circled above my head. I held up my hand and swayed my fingers back and forth. The very slight breeze that my hand created made the steam billow and move in time with my fingers. I had no idea how I controlled my power.
Taurus had explained that he felt into the energy of all growing plants and trees. Aries said that he pulled his fire from inside. I didn’t do anything. I moved my hands, thought of wind and it did my bidding.
Staring at my phone, I waited for Athena’s reply. I couldn’t remember a time when my charm hadn’t worked on someone. It was a bit disconcerting.
‘Gemini? Can you hurry up? I want to wash before I go to bed,’ Virgo called through the door.
I huffed as I climbed out of the bath. There was no point in trying to relax, my siblings wouldn’t allow it.
It was unusual for me to be in the house at that time of night. I was usually in the casinos. It was better that I stopped lazing around and got on with my work. The laptop waited for me. I had to make some money and fast.
‘I need to go for a wee,’ Leo moaned outside.
‘I have to wash,’ Virgo replied.
I unplugged the bath as I listened to them.
‘Okay, I’ll use the kitchen sink,’ Leo said.
Virgo shrieked. ‘No, you won’t!’
‘Okay, okay, let go!’
I wrapped a towel around my waist and opened the door. Virgo was on her tiptoes. Her arm was stretched high, her fingers pinching Leo’s ear.
‘Thanks.’ Leo spun out of Virgo’s grip and into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.
Her loud exhale of breath was followed by a mini scream. Shaking my head, I made my way to my room and left them to their bickering. Even through the bathroom door, Virgo and Leo argued.
My foot throbbed as I hobbled along. The door stood open. Taurus and Kerry lounged on the bed, watching a film on the television.
‘You should probably get that looked at,’ Kerry said as I lowered myself on the bed and inspected my ankle.
‘Are you not off to the casino tonight?’ Taurus asked.
I flipped open my laptop and sat against the headboard. I wasn’t used to sleeping in a single bed. The amount of Zodiacs in one house meant that we could only have single beds. Aries sometimes slept over at Natalie’s but there still wasn’t enough room.
‘Where’s Aquarius?’ I said, ignoring him.
It was my room too; I didn’t need to explain myself when I was actually in it. I missed the comfort of a luxury apartment or hotel room. I needed to reign in my sleeping around habit. It made me a man of luxury with no money.
‘Finishing his dinner.’ Kerry got off the bed and came to look at my foot. I had it elevated on a pillow.
‘Put some clothes on, mate,’ Taurus said.
He was obviously worried that his woman would like my body as she inspected my injury.
‘Leave him alone,’ Kerry defended.
I signed in to the casino sites and checked my account balance. There was roughly a thousand pounds combined. I could risk losing it on the slots or use it towards Liam’s money. I still needed to make several thousand pounds. I had to risk it.
‘Still working?’ Kerry said, laughing when I swore.
My first spin lost me a tenner.
‘I’m not sure that’s the right word,’ I muttered.
Taurus stood and pulled Kerry away from me. I ignored them as they left to make a hot drink. My money went down as I spun the wheels on the slot games.
‘I managed to do a bit of covering up around the hotel,’ Aquarius said when he came into the room.
I glanced up to meet his dark brown gaze. He started to unbutton his suit shirt. He was the technical man of the group, a corporate engineer.
‘What happened with Nick when everything went down? Did he stay in the hotel?’ I hadn’t been interested when I first got back, but now that I had calmed, I could listen to what happened.
‘He stayed in the hotel, only leaving after the police had been and gone.’
I smiled as I won a hundred pounds on a spin. Even though I had lost more than that already, it felt good to actually get something back.
My phone beeped. Aquarius climbed into his bed and closed his eyes. We were used to sleeping while others made noise. It had been something we had done since we were children. A flashback to a different time reminded me when we would all play, laugh and not have a care in the world. It had changed.
Maybe one day. The text read when I opened it.
I smirked. It had taken Athena a while to come back but she knew I was right. She owed me and I would collect my debt.
Chapter Ten
‘I’m not sure this is a good idea,’ Mother said as she wrung her hands together.
Father was due to walk through the door any minute. I had contemplated asking them for the money to pay off my debt but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. We had fought for freedom, I needed to sort out my own mess. The temptation as we sat waiting was almost too much, though.
‘You’ll be fine,’ Aries said, patting her arm.
We sat at the kitchen table. Natalie was nearby, fidgeting with her bag. It would be the first time she officially met our father.
‘How’s work going?’ Mother asked me.
I froze. She had never enquired about my work. She had called me young and foolish when I told her that I wanted to be a professional gambler. She tried to warn me of the risks of addiction. Obviously, she had been right.
I could tell her. I could let them all know. But then, they would hate me. Maybe I should keep my mouth shut.
‘It’s a little slow right now.’ I couldn’t bring myself to be honest.
Aries watched me, his eyes narrowing at my confession. It was true. I had lost the money in my online accounts. Nothing worked in my favour.
‘He’s coming,’ Mother announced.
I glanced at her. Her hair had started to grow out. She always had it short before. It suited her slim figure. It was currently dyed blonde instead of her natural red.
‘Yeah, he’ll be here-’
Someone knocked on the door. When Natalie answered it, I shook my head as Father came into the room. Our parents really were soulmates. My mother had felt his energy before he’d even made his presence known.
‘Hello,’ he greeted.
Their gaze locked. He froze in the middle of the kitchen. Mother hovered on the edge of her seat. Natalie glanced at Aries, a small smile on her lips. Anyone with a pair of eyes could see that the two people before us were deeply connected.
‘Where have you been?’ my father asked her.
She crumpled to her knees. He was there in two steps, bending down to lift her to her feet. Her whole body shook as he wrapped his arms around her. I swallowed as I watched them. I had never seen anything quite so profound. The love they shared was unconditional. There was no judgement as Father pulled back and looked into her eyes. She smiled sadly as he rubbed her arms.
‘I got lost,’ Mother mumbled as tears fell from her eyes.
Standing from my seat, I took a few steps back. The energy radiating from the couple was too strong for me to sit near. It pulsated through the room. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Natalie took hold of Aries’ hand when he did the same.
Going over to the kettle, I flicked it on. Anything to distract me from the private moment our parents shared. Would I ever experience that? Athena flashed into my mind. She was not in any state to adore me. That’s what I needed. I liked the idea of having a permanent girlfriend. Someone that would always be there for me. Although, I would seriously miss the excitement of chatting up women.
‘Do you think they’ll get back together?’ I heard Natalie ask.
I looked at them, waiting for Aries’ answer. He had his arm casually slung over her shoulder as he watched our parents who murmured between themselves. Totally engrossed in each other.
‘I’m not sure. Father seems happily married to Bev.’
I listened as I poured the hot water into mugs. The liquid turned brown as the tea bags danced. I watched it, wondering if I had to give up my current lifestyle when it was time to start my mission. Did I want to do something else? I enjoyed gambling. It was a rush.
‘I just want to thank you boys,’ Father announced, breaking my staring competition with the tea.
Finishing the process, I took the mugs over to the table where we settled.
‘What for?’ Aries asked.
‘You rescued both of us. When we needed our children, you were there. We’ve not given you the best of our attention.’
‘I can’t believe I fell for Nick’s promises. He persuaded me that I was protecting you by being with him,’ Mother said, clenching the edge of the table. Her whole being was lighter as she watched Father.
‘He’s a very clever man. You were ready to run…’ Father cleared his throat when Mother dropped her head forward. ‘But only because I had already run. I’m sorry.’
The conversation felt too personal. I sat back in my chair, trying to get away from the intense energy.
‘Right, let’s talk about what happened when you were both with Nick.’ Aries interrupted them before they could get too deep. I was grateful. It was awkward seeing your parents all emotional.
I held my finger over my tea and whirled some wind into it to cool it down.
‘You use your power a lot,’ Natalie said.
I glanced up to look at her. They stared at my hand. I clenched it, shutting off the small burst of wind.
‘When I was with Nick, he hardly spoke to me. He came in sometimes. I could feel the resentment he still feels towards me.’ Father sipped his tea. His short hair was almost white. I studied his profile as he carried on talking. ‘As you now know, I stopped him from being with his soulmate many many lifetimes ago. It was the trigger of his vengeful hatred. We have danced this circle over and over. We tend to swap killing roles. One lifetime, he kills me. The next, I kill him. This time, he didn’t take that opportunity. I have no idea why.’
Father’s thin lips pursed as he thought. His bushy eyebrows were turning the same shade as his hair. His long face had started to wrinkle. He was older than Nick by at least ten years.
Mother cleared her throat. ‘Nick persuaded me that I was protecting the children. He also wooed me. Made me feel…loved. I know it wasn’t real. In fact, I knew then too, but I couldn’t stop myself. I was…’ A choke stopped her words as she looked away from her ex-husband. ‘Upset about…’
Father took her hand. The small squeeze made her stronger.
‘Anyway. He seduced me. I fell for it. I got so wrapped up in my own love affair, I forgot about my mission. I thought I was carrying out my mission of protecting you. When Nick said that the whole time I stayed with him, he wouldn’t harm you, I believed him.’ Mother glanced between Aries and me as she spoke.
‘He kidnapped Pisces.’ Aries spat. His palms burnt the table where they lay. Smoke started to rise.
‘I didn’t know about that until she was rescued. I would never have stayed had I known he was going to do that. In fact, when I found out, I tried to leave. He wouldn’t let me
.’
I tapped Aries’ arm. He lifted his hands from the table, leaving two burn marks where they had just been.
‘You have a habit of ruining perfectly good wood,’ I muttered.
Mother watched Aries, her face a picture of fear. Her skin was even paler than before. Her gaze darted between us.
‘It’s going to take time to gain your trust, I know that.’ The sob that erupted from her made us look to where she clenched her hands on the table. ‘Lately, I’ve been feeling…’ Her timid nature was unusual. Her time with Nick had really affected her.
‘We need to know everything. Right from the start,’ Aries said.
I downed the last drop of my tea and stood up to put my cup in the sink. Staying still made me restless. Somehow, I had to come up with that money. Having a chat with my parents wasn’t going to help.
‘We can’t tell you everything from the start. We agreed to keep you on a need to know basis. You’ve already learnt a lot on your own. You need to know that your main job right now is to help the others find their soulmate. Keep them safe from Nick and any other threat.’ Father patted Mother’s hand when it wouldn’t stop shaking.
‘Yes, your father is right. Nick seems weaker somehow. He’s not as sharp this time round. I think it may be because you’ve managed to build your power. Also, there are more normal twin flame couples waking up. Humans finally know about the relationship,’ Mother said, her back straightening when I knocked a stool as I retreated.
Pisces had spoken about the normal twin flame couples. People that incarnated but had completely forgotten they’re mission to unite with their soulmate. She was communicating with people on social media about the connection. One hundred and forty four thousand true couples lived on earth at the same time we did. It was the first time in history when people were publicly talking about twin flame relationships. Pisces told us that most people thought it was spiritual airy fairy. Maybe it was better they believed that. The people that were true twin flames would find their way to Pisces and her teachings.
My phone burst into music. It was Athena. Smirking, I excused myself.
Gemini: Book 4 in a Young Adult Paranormal Romance Series (The Zodiac Twin Flame Series) Page 7
