by Debbie Behan
Lepius woke to the sound of quiet sobs. He jumped up and walked quickly into Cassie’s room. Conom was sitting in the chair and she had wrapped herself around his neck, sobbing so sadly that it even broke Lepius’s heart. Conom looked at her helplessly, his eyes glazed with emotions.
Lepius knelt down. ‘Cassie, are you in pain? Do you need some more painkillers?’
She looked up, tears running down her face and nodded.
He went and grabbed his bag and gave her another needle, this time only with a pain reliever, not something to knock her out. She calmed within minutes. ‘Feel better, sugar?’ he asked and she wiped her face, giving a slight grin and nodded.
Even I’m doing it! She’s been here all of five minutes and she has me wrapped around her little finger . Even so, he felt so much better now that she did. The little bitch has me under her spell as well as Conom. He leaned up against the wall, understanding now. ‘I think I get it. You’re linked to her somehow. I feel it too,’ Lepius commented.
Conom shrugged. ‘I can’t stand the thought of her being hurt or sad and yet when she’s happy she brings everyone around her alive, me included. I can’t explain it.’ He pulled her hair back off her eyes.
She smiled at him as he gently touched her.
‘She joked that she had a machine and it sucks out all the mean stuff from our hearts and she jumps in there and takes its place. You’re a little stealer of hearts, aren’t you, little one?’ he chuckled. She kissed his cheek and hugged him.
She was delightful to watch now she was happy, and all his questions were just answered in that single moment. ‘Well, little stealer of hearts, do you feel like a bath and then some breakfast?’ he asked, ruffling her hair.
She seemed shy. ‘I’ll need help,’ she said, touching her arm and moving it a little.
‘Give me a minute to organise a couple of maids to come up and help you. Us two can shower in here and you can have my room. The bath is all ready to go. But Cassie, absolutely no use of that arm today and no getting it wet, okay? Doctor’s orders,’ he said firmly.
She nodded and stood a little shaky, walking gingerly to his room with the help of both the suckers that she’d pulled into her game. Conom can’t see it, yet it is as plain as day to me. I am part of her plan as well. Maybe it was to let her stay there, yet she needn’t have worried. He wouldn’t have let Conom take her anywhere else anyway.
‘Your bath!’ she said, delighted. ‘Unreal! You just walk down into it. That’s no bath. You have a swimming pool with petals in the middle of your bedroom. This is so cool.’
They watched her face and both grinned at her reaction. Yes, I am now a part of whatever has hold of Conom. He shook his head at how easily she could make him feel so much joy. Now I also want to protect her and keep her from harm. This girl had powers so far beyond anything he’d ever seen in his lifetime and he wondered when she left, if he would miss her dreadfully or if the spell would be broken.
Two maids arrived and they left them to it. Conom paced and finally only had a shower because Lepius told him he stank and that she wouldn’t want to be anywhere near him.
‘What if they hurt her?’ he growled.
‘Then I would say that the way you’re connected to her, you’ll feel it and then you can panic. Until then, chill and wash that bloody cigar and booze odour off yourself,’ Lepius insisted. Reluctantly he went in and cleaned up.
After breakfast they both sat out on the patio. He noticed that not once did she ask why they were still here or ask for Kayden. Instead, Cassie ran her hand down Conom’s face and took his hand, gently stroking his fingers to relax him, telling him a story of a little princess who had special powers. Her wicked stepfather locked her up and then like Cinderella, it was many years before the princess met her prince. She fell asleep while telling him and he put her back in bed allowing her to rest more comfortably.
That night after dinner he again pulled her over to him and smiled. ‘The story—you didn’t finish it.’
Cassie began the story exactly where she’d left off. Lepius also listened with interest as she sat happily and relaxed with him and he lay back, listening to her words as if they were all he could muster himself to hear for now. The story continued, telling how the princess ran away to the city and found a job at the casino. She was a very resourceful princess, she told him. Cassie kept telling the tale with so much emotion that Lepius was also wrapped up in her yarn until she yawned and cuddled into him and fell asleep. After taking her up to bed, it was only then that Conom came out and finally had a drink and a cigar with him.
The next morning Cassie seemed so much brighter at breakfast and as they sat chatting to her she glowed and a white light surrounded her. Lepius must have looked stunned because Cassie grinned and touched his hand. ‘Don’t worry, I’m not an angel, far from it. That’s just the Cloud Riders sending me some healing. The magic gets stronger as I get better. You’ll see today, when you check my wounds. They should be nearly healed,’ she said, getting up, and playfully nudging Conom. ‘Tonight, boy, game on. No excuses now I’m better.’ Cassie chuckled and he went off after her.
Lepius followed them out to the pool area where they sat around on the outdoor lounges. ‘What did that mean, game on?’ Lepius asked and sat down with interest.
‘Cassie is a little gambler, a professional card player and we have an ongoing feud. I hate to lose so she keeps winning. Today though is different. Today I’m feeling lucky and my opponent has no chance,’ he said good-humouredly. He told him of the first time they’d met. ‘Her antics just about had me twisted in knots trying to keep my hands off the little minx.’ He laughed again with her as they reminisced, telling Lepius the whole story.
Now, I get it . He’s fallen in love with a side of Cassie that was just an act and that’s why she’s telling him her story. It is herself she’s talking about. The terrible childhood was not fictitious at all but is why Cassie is as she is.
As Lepius thought it, he could tell that Conom too, finally understood the gist of her story. It was as if they had just both been woken.
‘Tell me some more story. What did the princess do when the prince forced a kiss on her in the spa?’ Conom asked.
‘I didn’t think you were even listening. Okay then!’ she smiled and continued with the tale. .
When Cassie finished he asked. ‘And now the princess has found her real father and a new best friend, how does she feel?’
Lepius could see that if Cassie didn’t say what Conom needed to hear, hell’s doors were about to open. Cassie bent over, kissed Conom’s cheek and smiled beautifully. ‘Complete,’ she finally said.
Conom closed his eyes. Lepius heard him breathe out heavily and knew Conom was finally happy where he was in Cassie’s thoughts, knowing he’d made her life complete would be more than he had hoped for at this stage. ‘You are that princess, aren’t you?’ he asked, opening his eyes.
Cassie nodded. ‘That princess would be heartbroken if her friend from the stars did anything that would harm his relationship with her.’
He sat for a few minutes and nodded. ‘I understand now why Kayden gives in to you so easily. He’s lost you twice and it must have been hell for him. With your drinking and dangerous line of work, I thought he was reckless with you and put you in harm’s way. I was angry and yes, bitter that you did not want to stay with your dad and me. I understand now though. You have to experience life to grow and as much as I would like to wrap you up in a cloud so you never get hurt, he understands your need and loves you enough to let you experience it. I’ve been so blind!’
She touched his cheek and ran her fingers gently through his hair, playing with the curls, looking sad. ‘I’ve been blind too,’ she admitted. ‘I know I’m just learning and am making huge mistakes like now, nearly getting myself killed. I feel so bad that I never learned to be careful. But I have now. I can’t just think I will be fine and not worry. That’s not good enough anymore, now that I have so many around me who l
ove me. Someone can get very hurt with that attitude and if that someone is me, I end up hurting everyone.’ She breathed out heavily. ‘You see, I know I’m not strong like the guys I work with, or you. Nevertheless, I’m smart, I learn every day and I love what I do. I’ve had all these powers all my life, not understanding why and now I’m able to use them for good and not bad. That makes me feel like I’m someone and not just a nuisance. Conom, I can’t have all this energy inside me and not use it. I felt like I was dying inside until Woody showed me how to channel it properly. Don’t hate me for what I am. I couldn’t stand disappointing any more people in my life,’ she said and quiet tears rolled from her eyes and splashed down her cheeks.
Conom was choked up. He coughed. ‘Don’t you think for one minute you have ever disappointed me, Cass! God, no! I am so proud of how you sat on that horse with blood pouring out of your arm and not a tear in your eye, still staying to fight whatever came your way. I just didn’t understand why, until your story, and now I do. I realise I was being far too over-protective and no better than your mother. I wanted to lock you up with me as well so none other could hurt you or take you from me. I’m so sorry, Cassie. I’ve really mucked up where you’re concerned. I can’t seem to get this friend thing right.’
She hugged him, sat back and watched him. ‘You know, we both need help in that department. I know that if I muck up, Kayden has promised he will always be there to catch me when I fall. Therefore when you muck up, I will always be there to catch you too. But fall gently, I’m not as strong as Kayden,’ she playfully teased him.
‘What did I ever do to deserve you?’ he said, gently holding her hand.
She smiled beautifully at him. ‘You loved me and I knew you could never hurt me. That’s all I needed to know.’
He frowned. ‘But I’ve hurt the others by being selfish.’
She giggled and smoothed out the wrinkles on his forehead. ‘My man will know I’m in good hands. Pops, well that’s another matter. He may lock you up in a horrible old dungeon and then, well, it will be my turn to save you.’
Lepius wasn’t sure why Cassie had dragged him into their private time together but from the first day she’d arrived, she’d had a hold on him and it was only now he felt it release. He shook himself awake, finally being able to get up and walk away. Maybe she held me so I couldn’t ring Ald or maybe something will unfold in time and this is a lesson I need to learn for some unknown reason. His thoughts ran as he guessed only time would tell. He could ask her but he didn’t really think she knew what she was doing. There was one thing he was sure of. Damn, she’s good at what she does. That was so calculated and clever. With so much love in his heart, she settled Conom without sending him into a rage and left their strong friendship intact. That was definitely not the outcome he was expecting. Kayden Hunter had found himself a true gem and it was time to let him know where she was.
‘Kayden, its Lepius. I think we have a treasure here of yours that you may want to come and collect,’ he said.
‘Thanks, Lepius, I’m with her father. We’ll be there shortly. I assume she’s sorted it out with Conom.’
‘Mate, you would be proud of her! If you’d just witnessed the last twenty-four hours with her you would have seen how clever she is. She even had me locked into it, holding up my willpower until she had sorted it out. You’re one lucky man, Kayden!’ he said, ending the conversation.
Covin came in with some guards, even though Lepius didn’t feel it necessary. Conom knew Lepius had called Kayden and took Cassie up to her room for a sleep. He came back down and waited to face the music, knowing he would be in for it but also knowing that he had armed guards protecting him until he left the palace. He was a lot happier now and just grinned when their eyes met. There were no hard feelings. Gone was the angry ground-shaking fear. Cassie had replaced it with love and respect. Stealer of hearts: very fitting, he thought as he grinned back at Conom.
When Kayden and Ald arrived, they were shown in. Kayden took one look at Conom, saw his happy face and smiled. ‘You all right now, mate?’ he asked Conom.
Conom nodded. ‘I really stuffed it up, Kayden. I thought you were reckless with her but now I understand you are letting her live. I thought locking her away would keep her safe yet I was being no different to her mother and stepfather. I was an idiot and she has made me see that in the sweetest possible way.’
‘Conom, I understood why you took her but if you ever want to see her again it has to be with respect, not only for her but for both of us. I appreciate that you saved her but I would have made it in time as well. Please try and just trust me a little more too.’
‘I do, Kayden. I went crazy and I’m really sorry. You must have been out of your mind with worry.’
‘See, that’s the difference. I trusted you straight up with her. I would never have let you near her otherwise. It’s you, Conom, who had to learn trust, and I am pleased it was a quick lesson because I have to admit I missed her like hell. Where is she?’ He looked around.
Lepius gestured to Covin. ‘Take Kayden up to see his wife. I think Ald and Conom need a minute on their own,’ Lepius said, seeing the way Ald glared at Conom with eyes that wanted to squash him like a grape.
Lepius watched Kayden take the steps two at a time, not wasting any time in getting to Cassie. He turned, smiling as he led the other two warring parties outside where they could do no damage if it came to a fistfight. Once out on the patio, he poured them a drink and offered cigars all round. Fumes were pouring out of Ald and Lepius doubted if a cigar would help but he offered him one. He took it and lighting it up, walked away from them both. He had something else on his mind other than Conom and they both felt it and sat down, waiting.
My Sweet Love
Cassie heard Kayden’s quiet voice and felt the touch of his hand and she rolled towards him, putting out her arms. Finally, he’s come for me. She felt relieved as he gently scooped her into his arms, kissing her.
His kisses were such sweetness. She closed her eyes and let him sweep her away. She was dizzy from emotion by the time he released her.
‘I’ve missed you, gorgeous.’ He reclaimed her lips, sweeping her back into that joyful space where only he could take her. Pulling himself up on his elbow, he smiled down at her, tracing his finger around her mouth. ‘I have to stop kissing you, honey, before I forget where I am.’ Then he frowned and seemed concerned. ‘Not only that but your father is here and is very anxious about you. I should take you down there before he and Conom go at it again. You know Conom nearly put your dad through the castle wall. He was so angry that you were hurt.’
Cassie jumped up. ‘Jeez! Quick, get me to them before Pops turns him into a bug and squashes him, or worse!’
Kayden laughed, swung her up in his arms and had her downstairs in a flash. Putting her down and letting her walk the rest of the way, he chuckled. ‘Not sure what could be worse than being squashed like a bug, honey, but we’re here. Go do your peace-making thing.’ He smiled, gesturing to go with the flutter of his fingers. ‘Make haste, woman. Come find me when you are done because I have other plans for you when you’re done, sexy girl.’ He chuckled and she winked, turned and swayed her hips, her butt she gave a wiggle, making him laugh more.
Cassie decided to quit stuffing around and went in search of her father. He wasn’t hard to find. All she had to do was follow the smell of cigar smoke. She knew Aldebaran would be somewhere close to that. Out on the entertaining deck, her father was standing with his back to Lepius and Conom. He seemed to be looking out into space, deep in thought, the tension around him thick. Conom, Lepius and Covin were sitting on chairs pulled in tightly at the table as they quietly discussed something together: probably how to get Conom out of the shit with her father. He did seem in an unapproachable mood.
But I’m his daughter and he’ll talk to me whether he likes it or not. ‘Hi there, Pops,’ she said.
He swung around and gathered her to him, holding her with one arm while he used
the other to find where she’d been hurt and to run his hand gently over her scars. There was barely a mark left and in a couple of days there might not even be that. He found them anyway, caring in such a way that it made her fret for all the times she had missed this type of concern as a child.
‘Pops, I’m okay really,’ she whispered.
He hugged her and growled. ‘I’ve been such a damned fool.’ His voice was deep and moving. ‘If something had’ve happ—’ He choked and let it trail off.
She squeezed him tighter. ‘See, I knew you still loved me, you big old grumpy bear.’
He threw his head back and laughed, letting her know she’d broken his mood. ‘Cassandra, you had me terrified. Next time if you’re going to get hurt in the line of duty, at least keep a wound so I can do my fatherly thing and fuss a bit. Your powers are taking all the fun out of it!’
It felt so good to hear him be just her father again and to be getting his warm, loving hugs. His worrying just proved what she had felt all along, that he did love his daughter.
‘My powers weren’t that tough,’ she grinned. ‘I cried the next morning and if you had’ve been here it would have been you I blubbered all over. The doc had to give me another needle.’ She showed him the bruise from the needle. ‘That’s how big of a sook your little girl was. It was Kayden and the team who healed me. I have nothing on my own in that department. In our future there will be plenty of scrapes I will need you to fuss over.’
He smiled again. ‘I love your tears as much as your smiles so I’ll look forward to going all paternal on you.’ He stopped smiling and scowled. ‘I hope that child-stealer has learnt his lesson and won’t pull a stunt like that again.’
She nodded. ‘You and he are so much alike, Pops. You both want to wrap me up in cottonwool. I think between you and Conom stealing me you have given my husband a few extra grey hairs.’
He held her for a minute, thinking. ‘I did the same thing, didn’t I?’
