by A D Holland
The first gentleman looked to be in his late twenties, tall with blonde hair. As he raised his head to look at her, Elizabeth noticed that his eyes seemed to pause, resting on her breasts before he looked up into her eyes. When they met on the path, he smiled slightly and turned to pass by. Elizabeth was shocked to feel the young man’s hand on her arm. It was an attempt to move past without touching, but his body seemed to do the opposite. She felt him press his chest against her, and looked up in shock. He was wearing a teasing little smile and his eyes glowed with pleasure.
“Pardon me,” his voice was soft and well mannered. He had raised his other hand and placed it on Elizabeth’s waist to steady her. “Are you all right?” The whole party had stopped. She felt three pairs of eyes resting on her.
“Yes. Thank you.” Elizabeth stammered uncomfortable with the attention.
“I’m James,” the young man introduced himself. His hands lingered on her before he withdrew and turned to introduce his companions.
After the short introductions, James explained that they were attending a conference being held at the resort and were just on their way to have lunch on the patio. He boldly turned toward her, taking her arm.
“Would you care to join the three of us?” Elizabeth was caught off guard by his proposition. She hesitated in her reply. James squeezed her arm slightly, “Or maybe you would care to join me for dinner tonight, alone?” She was shocked at the proposition.
“Elizabeth, aren’t you going to introduce us?” Devin’s voice brought Elizabeth out of her haze. She turned toward him, noticing the piercing eyes flashing anger at James.
“I’m sorry,” she mumbled. “This is my husband,” she almost choked on the word, but was saved when Devin reached up and withdrew the young man’s hand from her arm. James looked dutifully put out as he stepped back.
“Sorry, old boy,” James shrugged his shoulders. “But you can’t blame me for admiring such beauty, can you?”
James turned to Elizabeth once again taking her hand and raising it to his lips. His eyes glowed with admiration and a hint of something else. “It was a pleasure meeting you Elizabeth. Maybe we will bump into each other again?”
Devin’s control broke as he grabbed her hand and pushed her past the three men. She stumbled slightly and would have lost her footing if Devin hadn’t had such a tight grip on her waist.
“We are going back to the room.” Elizabeth looked over her shoulder and saw the anger in his eyes and the muscle twitching in his jaw. He was very angry with her. Elizabeth was not sure she wanted to be in that room alone with him while he was this angry.
Her mind worked overtime as they made their way back to the suite. The encounter was strange. She had never experienced men approaching her in that way before. Had she done something to provoke this situation? She ran back over the scene in her head. No. She was sure that she had done nothing. Maybe she could have spoken up sooner, not allowing James to assume that she was single. But she was just so taken aback by the whole thing she was dumbstruck. Wasn’t Devin always teasing her about being a virgin? Always going on about how she had never come into close contact with a man. How can he think that she would know what to do when men hit on her?
Devin opening the door to the suite and pulling her in, slamming it closed behind them broke her train of thought. She had not seen him this angry before. The fight went out of her, replaced with fear. He paced the floor, running his hands through his hair in a frustrated manner. Elizabeth was afraid to speak, so she just stood there waiting for him to unleash his anger on her.
“I knew we should not have gone traipsing around the place,” he shook his head. “Especially with you dressed like that,” he paused in his pacing and raised his hand in her direction. Elizabeth took offence to this statement and opened her mouth to protest, but he cut her off.
“Every man within a two mile radius was drooling over you. I thought I was going to have beat them off with a stick,” he began pacing again.
“What do you mean “every man was drooling”? There was no drooling. No one noticed me. They never notice me,” Elizabeth’s voice was shocked. “You must be mistaken Detective Kane. Men do not drool over me. They look at me with shock and nudge their buddy to make a joke,” Elizabeth lost control. She could feel the tears sliding down her cheeks, but she could do nothing to stop them. “You are definitely mistaken,” she sobbed and turned with the intention of running and hiding in the bathroom but he blocked her escape.
“You are wrong.” Devin’s voice was filled with anger and a touch of jealousy. “That young man was so turned on I thought I was going to have to dump him in the pool. And what about the bellboy and the concierge; don’t tell me you are that naive? All you have to is smile and blush and men fall over you.”
Not Devin though, Elizabeth thought. Her eyes reflected her emotions like a mirror, allowing him to see her skepticism at his words.
“You really don’t know the effect you have on men, do you?” his voice was filled with disbelief.
“In that dress, you can bring a man to his knees.” His lips turned up in an ironic smile. Slowly he raised his finger to trace a tear on her cheek.
“You are a voluptuous woman whose assets are only magnified ten times in that outfit.” Elizabeth felt confused and embarrassed. When she put on the dress this morning she did feel different, and he was right about the bellboy and concierge but she was too confused to believe what Devin was saying. The word he used was voluptuous, which translated in her mind as a nice way of calling her fat. She turned away from him, angry with herself.
“I appreciate your effort Detective, but I am not stupid. I am twenty-eight years old. Never has a man ever done anything but look at me with scorn my entire life. I have learned that men like their women petite and pliable to their every whim and as you can see detective, there is nothing petite or pliable about me.”
“I think that you need another lesson, Miss Windsor, in the school of men.”
“I’ll pass Detective; I have had enough lessons’ from my first step father who referred to me as “Lizzy the Cow”. He made it his point in life to make sure that I realized what a fat, unattractive child I was.” Elizabeth’s eyes reflected the hatred she felt for the man. “For the first ten years of my life I believed that I had been switched at birth and that my mother secretly mourned this. Of course, after my mom left the bastard for Edward and didn’t leave me behind, I realized that she must love me inkling and he was wrong. The one thing he did accomplish though was opening my eyes to what men are really about. And I am happy for this.” Elizabeth’s face was flushed with pent up anger. Her tears had dried on her lashes and her lips were pulled back in a tight, cynical line.
Devin’s eyes held pity and that was the last thing she needed now. She wanted him to see that she was strong and that she didn’t need any man to make her feel better about herself.
“There has been no man in your life who appreciated you,” it was a question but spoken as a statement.
“No,” Elizabeth spoke. “I have Edward, and I know that he loves me like a daughter. I am thankful for that.” She turned from him walking to the settee and sitting down. She was suddenly very exhausted. The battle of wills she had been fighting with Devin had worn her down considerably. Her head ached and she realized that she was still not completely recovered from her cold. She needed to rest before the pain developed into a blinding migraine.
“Would you mind if I lay down for a little while?” She rubbed her hand across her forehead and over her eyes. “I seem to have developed a headache.”
Devin studied her closely for a full minute before he turned away and went into the bathroom. She went to lie down on the bed, but was stopped when Devin emerged holding a wet wash cloth in his hands.
“You should change,” his tone was clipped. “You will be more comfortable.” He moved closer to her. “Here, I found some medicine in my bag. It is a pain reliever and may make you drowsy, but it will work.”
“I will leave you alone for a while,” Devin walked to the door, turning to look at her for a moment and then he was gone. With a sigh of relief, Elizabeth went in search of her nightgown.
As she climbed beneath the cool sheets, she felt her body relax. The medicine took effect quickly, not giving her troubled mind time to worry over the events that had happened that morning.
Chapter 8
She was dreaming again; that same horrible dream where she was standing in the field with Mr. Smith and Rocko. She watched as Devin came running at her and when Rocko lifted the gun to shoot at Devin, she was unable to move. Not like before when she had stepped in front of the gun. This time the shot hit Devin in the chest and she watched as he dropped to his knees. His face was white and blood spread across his chest. She could not save him this time. She screamed his name. “Devin, please don’t die.” Tears clogged her throat. “Devin, please don’t die, I need you.” She fell to her knees. “I love you Devin, please don’t die.” But he couldn’t hear her and all she could do was watch as the life drained out of him. The pain she felt in the dream was still with her when she awoke.
She could feel her body trembling, tears flowing down her cheeks. She opened her eyes and set up. The room was totally dark with the drapes drawn to keep out the sun. Elizabeth searched the room for Devin, small whimpers coming from her throat. She needed to reassure herself that the horrible dream had not transposed itself to real life.
Devin was sitting in one of the pink wing back chair a few feet from the bed. His head was thrown back his legs spread wide. She left the bed and walked slowly over to him.
“Devin,” she whispered his name but he did not move. For a brief moment the dream flashed in her head. She shivered with fear and reached out to touch his chest. Her hand was caught in a steel grip and her body was dragged forward. Elizabeth fell to her knees with a cry. Devin pulled her against his chest, straddling her with his legs. His breathing was ragged.
“Devin, it’s me Elizabeth. Please let go.” He focused on her face and she saw recognition dawn in his eyes.
“Elizabeth, what are you doing?” he let go of her immediately and she rubbed her wrist, sure that she would be left with a bruise.
“I could have hurt you.”
“I think you did,” she laughed, trying to lighten his mood.
Devin reached out and grabbed her hand again, but his fingers were gentle when he touched her. He inspected her wrist.
“Damn, I’m sorry Beth,” she was startled by the endearment he used. “You’re going to bruise.” Elizabeth watched in awe as he raised her hand and placed his lips gently on the inside of her wrist. Her pulse quickened, the breath froze in her lungs. He was so tender, his lips so soft.
Devin raised his head and looked at her. He reached out and cupped her cheek tracing the tears that flowed from her eyes with his thumb.
“I’m sorry, don’t cry.” Elizabeth realized that he thought that he had made her cry.
“No, it’s not you. I had another dream but this time I couldn’t stop them and they shot you.” She placed her other hand on his knee to brace herself.
“In the dream you died. It was horrible.” The dream came back in full force and she started to shake with fear. Devin pulled her into his embrace.
“Don’t cry honey,” he murmured against her hair as his hands massaged her back, soothing her sobbing body. “I’m fine. See?” He laid her hand on his chest. He had unbuttoned the front of his shirt so when her hand made contact it was with his warm flesh. Her fingers tingled and sent eclectic currents along her arm. She felt the strong, steady beat of his heart. He was so strong, but so gentle with her now. When he looked at her with soft blue eyes, her heart melted. Elizabeth realized she did not fear his death, she feared when the time would come for this to be all over and he would walk away from her.
The tears flowed unchecked down her face. Elizabeth knew at that moment when she looked at him, felt his touch, that it was not just passion or lust she felt for Devin Kane, it was love. She loved him. Not sure how this had come about, but sad that it would never be returned, Elizabeth sobbed uncontrollably.
Devin reached down and pulled her into his lap. Cradling her like an infant, slightly rocking back and forth he murmured soft soothing words against her ear. Why did he have to be so nice now? Why couldn’t he be the egotistic barbarian he had been before? The one who made her hate him, not love him. She could handle the dark, domineering detective with anger and hate, but she was not able to fight this gentle, caring man who held her and wiped away her tears. As the tears subsided, she felt an ache start in her heart. The pain was no bigger than a thimble at that moment, but Elizabeth knew that it would grow and in the end when he left her, she would be able to feel nothing but the ache. She sniffled slightly and raised her head from his shoulder.
“I’m sorry for breaking down. I think that I let that dream get to me a little too much, but I’m fine now.” Elizabeth ducked her head in embarrassment and climbed off his lap to stand. “It’s getting late, maybe we should try and get some dinner.” There was no response. She could feel his gaze on her making her feel even more self-conscious.
“Where did you get that?” Devin spoke through tight lips.
“Get what?”
“That excuse you call for a nightgown? You weren’t wearing that last night.” He sounded angry with her.
Elizabeth looked down and realized that she had not put on her wrap. The nightgown left her practically naked. She was shocked to see that one of the ribbons had come untied at her breasts, leaving the edge of one nipple visible to the eye. And that is exactly where Devin’s eyes rested at that very moment. Embarrassed beyond belief, Elizabeth attempted to cover herself with her arms as she turned her back to him. She heard his sharp intake of breath and then the angry oath he spoke. With desperation Elizabeth retied the ribbon and turned back with arms wrapped around her. She had not heard him rise from the chair, so it shocked her to see that he was standing in front of her now.
“This is my night gown,” she tried to act nonchalant about the situation but her voice pitched high and cracked as she spoke.
“You were not wearing that last night,” he shook his head as he spoke.
“Yes I was.” Elizabeth took a step back trying to put a little distance between them. “I was just wearing my wrap over it.” She heard him grunt and shake his head as if he disapproved of her. Elizabeth felt her anger rise.
Of course he would look disgusted like that. Who was she trying to kid. He was not turned on by this display of flesh on her part, he was repulsed. This thought set her off, making her want to strike back at this man who could inspire love in her with his touch and then shred her to pieces with one look.
“I’m sorry if I have disgusted you Detective Kane with my attire,” she dropped her arms from around her and clenched them into fists as she spoke. “Believe me, it will not happen again. I understand that your type does not appreciate being exposed to such unflattering attributes in a woman. You prefer your women blonde and petite. She was proud of the haughty way she spoke to him. Not revealing her true feelings of hurt.
Elizabeth turned on her heel, totally unaware of the way her movement brought attention to her hair cascading around her shoulders. She walked with her back held strait, causing her hips to sway provocatively. The smooth satin moved with each step, exposing the small of her back even more. When she reached the bed, she grabbed the peignoir and slipped her arms in the shear sleeves. With shaky fingers she tried to button the front but fumbled helplessly with the tiny seed pearls. Frustrated with her loss of self-control Elizabeth pulled the wrapper around her tightly, holding it together with her clenched hands. She turned to face him, her chin lifted in defiance. Trying to give her most disdainful gaze, Elizabeth could feel her control slipping. Unshed tears sparkled in her eyes and her lips trembled slightly.
&n
bsp; “As I have told you before, Detective, I learned from the best on what a man really wants.”
“And that was your step father?”
“Yes. He was very verbal in his opinions. If I remember correctly, he used to say “fat chicks” have the opposite effect on a man’s...” Elizabeth paused, flushing as she searched for a better use of the vulgar term Larry Ambry used when he made this speech, “...ego.” Elizabeth caught her eyes resting on Devin’s jeans, where the zipper covered a slight bulge. She jerked her eyes back up to his face.
“You have had some real bastards in your life Elizabeth.”
“I still do, Detective,” Elizabeth knew she was pushing his resolve, but she was too upset now. She had to break down these feelings she had for him before he broke her in two.
Devin’s nostrils flared as her comment hit home.
“So you think that I am a bastard?” his eyes were shuttered, lips thin.
“I would never say that Detective,” she sniffed her disgust. “It is such a crude term.”
She had to hand it to him; he was doing a splendid job of controlling his anger. She was sure that he wanted to strike her down and any other man would have by now, but for some reason, he just stood there, very still.
“I think that all you have ever known are bastards’ princess. This is usually what cold bitches attract.” She felt the blood drain from her face. His words had done more damage than any slap across the face. He thought she was a cold bitch. Maybe she was. No man had ever shown interest in her, but maybe it was not because of what she looked like. She shook her head. This was not right. Devin’s interpretation of her character was inaccurate because Elizabeth had never acted like this before with another man. She had never had enough courage to stand up to any man until now.
Her thoughts went to Samuel. For a moment she was shocked to realize that she had not thought of him earlier. With a sense of hope, Elizabeth grabbed onto that image of Samuel she carried in her mind and compared it with the man standing before her now.
