ROMANCE: The Surprise That Rocked Me

by Linda Wright

  “Would this help? If you drink, I mean.” Amari smiled, then shivered. “If I’m honest, it gives me a buzz too.”

  Estelle frowned. “You’re not supposed to remember that.”

  “I’m sure I’ll forget all about it when I leave the ship.” She moved her wrist closer to Estelle’s face. “Drink. It’ll give you strength for the wait.”

  “If you’re sure.”

  “I wouldn’t offer otherwise. Besides, it’s sexy.”

  Estelle took hold of Amari’s arm and lifted it to her lips. When she sucked, Amari hissed, then sighed as the vein ruptured, spilling sweet, dark blood into Estelle’s mouth. Another tiny scar, Amari thought, but the delicious, warming rush that spread through her body was well worth it. Her loins tingled; her nipples stiffened, and she wanted nothing more than to reach between her legs and touch herself. But this wasn’t the time. They both sat in full view of the marina, and such erotic play would be sure to attract attention.

  “Are you a vampire?” she asked. Still sucking gently, Estelle smiled, and shook her head minutely.

  “But you drink blood.”

  “Mm-hmm.” Estelle turned her eyes to the approaching dawn, to the place where the sun’s appearance was imminent.

  “Oh. You wouldn’t be out here if you were a vampire.”

  Estelle nodded. She licked the ruptured skin, healing it as best she could, then released Amari’s wrist. Dark blood stained her lips, and Amari shivered at the sight. Briefly, her mouth watered, startling her. Was she also acquiring a taste for blood?

  “We are Zori paza,” Estelle answered. “The guardians of the dawn.”

  “You protect Vane?”

  Estelle nodded. “We are not vampires, although we share their thirst—in a much smaller way.”

  “Human blood gives you vitality.”

  “And strength, and stamina. I could live on blood alone…” Estelle smiled. “But still I enjoy human food—especially coffee.” She lifted the empty mug.

  “Let me get you another one.”

  “Thank you.” Once Amari had gone inside, Estelle hugged her knees and sighed. Demeter had assured her Paul would return, but then offered no more. She sent out silent pleas, but the boat remained mute. The boat… She smiled weakly at the notion. She’d been aboard Vane’s ships for so long, the vessel had become indistinguishable from the dark, precious cargo.

  No, if Demeter assured her everything would work out, she could take comfort in that truth. She trusted Demeter. But still, she was impatient to know when. How could she sit here, hour after hour, day after day, frantic with worry about Paul? A quiet whimper left her throat and tears stung her eyes once more.

  In that moment, Demeter elected to show mercy.

  When Amari stepped out onto the deck, bearing two mugs of steaming coffee, Estelle was slumped against the wall, relaxed into a dreamless sleep. Amari put down the mugs, settled beside Estelle and made her friend as comfortable as she could. Estelle murmured as Amari offered herself as a body pillow, then sighed as the blanket warmed her.

  They remained together, undisturbed by Vane or Burns as the sun rose into the sky. Amari remained close as Estelle slept, her worries suppressed by Demeter’s soothing and unheard voice. Several times, Amari tried to persuade Estelle indoors, out of the midday sun, but she was unsuccessful. Estelle was steadfast, determined to wait for Paul’s return, keen to meet him the moment he appeared. Even when the sky clouded unexpectedly, and a cool wind ruffled her hair, Estelle would not be moved from her post. Darkness fell, and Amari pulled Estelle close. Burns appeared, with a command from Vane. It was a command, he emphasized, not a request. The women glanced at him, but otherwise refused to respond. And when Burns seized Amari’s arm, Estelle leapt to her feet, swung the blanket and blinded the big man by wrapping it around his head. She followed up with a double-footed kick to the midriff which sent Burns over the rail and into the water.

  “Ouch,” Amari whispered.

  “You touch me, or my friend without consent from either of us, and I will snap your neck!” Estelle screamed at the foundering man. “Is that clear?”

  Burns’ reply was a series of angry splutters. He hauled himself onto the wooden dock, then stomped around to the gang plank—which refused to lower. Estelle glared at Burns, her arms folded tightly against her chest.

  He sagged. “I apologize. I will not presume to touch either of you again.” Demeter accepted his apology and lowered the plank, allowing him aboard. “But Vane still requests your presence.”

  “I understand,” Estelle said.

  “Both of you,” Burns clarified.

  “You go if you want to, Amari. I intend to stay here for as long as it’s necessary.”

  Amari pulled Estelle against her hip. “I’m staying with my friend.”

  “He won’t be happy,” Burns warned.

  “He knows where to find me, and he also knows why I’m out here.” Estelle stepped aside to allow Burns aboard.

  “So I’ll tell him you’re defying his wishes?” Burns dripped water onto the deck.

  “Tell him whatever you like. I’m—we’re…” Estelle glanced at Amari, who nodded. “We’re staying right here.” Arms still folded, she leaned closer to Burns, who stiffened. “And Demeter supports me.”

  “You cannot know that.”

  Estelle snorted. “You understand so little of the world.”

  Burns stabbed his finger at her. “You are the one who—”

  Estelle’s palm slammed into Burns’ chest, smashing him against the deck. She stood over him, fists clenched and chest heaving as he writhed at her feet, groaning.

  “I warned you,” she growled.

  “Estelle!” Amari cried.

  “Stay out of this.”

  Amari’s hand touched Estelle’s arm. “No, look!” But she shrugged off Amari’s fingers and stood over Burns, daring him to retaliate. Even though she was half his size, Estelle was in a murderous mood, and was prepared to break bones.

  “Estelle?”

  “Stay out this, Paul!” Estelle snapped at the man on the dock. Burns crabbed backward from between her feet, wheezing.

  Estelle. You have bested him. The voice drifted through her mind, calming her anger.

  “Demeter?”

  Yes. Desist from further violence. Burns will not trouble you again, I promise.

  “Thank you.” Estelle watched as Burns scurried away, defeat in the slump of his shoulders. “But what of Vane?”

  His irritation will shortly be soothed.

  “Estelle!” the voice called again. Frowning, she turned to look at the newcomer. Paul smiled up at her, his arms spread.

  “Paul?” She blinked. Her over-tired mind struggled to accept what she was seeing. Had he really come back?

  “I’m sorry it took so long to find you. I couldn’t remember… anything.”

  “Oh, Paul.” She pressed her hands to her face as tears stung her eyes. “You’re here.”

  “Finally. Permission to come aboard?”

  “Demeter?” Estelle said, but the gang plank was already moving. Paul leapt aboard before it was fully lowered, then scampered up to throw his arms around the dark-haired woman. Amari backed away subtly, leaving the lovers alone on the deck.

  “How long have you been out here?” Paul asked.

  “A little while,” she murmured into his shoulder.

  “You feel cold.”

  “I’m fine. But I’d be happy to go inside now.”

  “Come on, then. I have a feeling that someone inside wants to meet me… again?” He frowned. “Does that make any sense?”

  She patted his chest. “I’ll explain everything later—once we’ve warmed my bed.”

  “Sounds like fun.”

  “It will be. For now, let’s go say hello to Mister Vane.”

  “And then we warm your bed?”

  “And then we warm my bed.”

  “I love you, Estelle.”

  They kissed, and then stepped
out of the night air where Vane waited to greet them both—to decide if their future lay together.

  * *

  THE END

  bonus stories #7

  Deep Impact

  Chapter 1

  I sat at my desk contemplating the call that I had just received. It had caught me off guard and left me in a bit of a dilemma. A fellow attorney, Larry Silverman had just called to ask for my help with one of his clients. That wasn't an unusual request. What was unusual was who the client was. Of course, I had heard a bit about the case in the news, but it had never occurred that it would fall into my lap. Larry wanted me to take over the John Mackey case.

  John Mackey was the biggest NFL player at the moment. Having only played one season, he already had a Super Bowl ring, MVP of the regular season and the Super Bowl, and a Pro-Bowl selection. He had broken the record for most yards and touchdowns for a rookie in NFL history. I knew a great deal about football and had been a life-long fan of the LA Foxes. I had learned a lot about John Mackey since he was drafted. I had even bought his jersey. The news had just broken that John had been arrested at his home and I didn't know what to think. I hated to jump to conclusions and being a lawyer, I usually did not.

  John had just been arrested for assault, serving alcohol to minors, and rape. Apparently he had a wild party at his house a few days ago and supposedly it had all taken place there. This was not the first time John had gotten into trouble. Everyone knew that in spite of his gifts, John drank, supposedly did drugs, and partied too much and too hard. I did not believe John to be a bad man, but then again I did not know him. My hesitancy was not as much to do with whether I believed him guilty or not. I had stopped practicing law to move into my other passion. Having seen so many criminals, I had gained an understanding that led me to the conclusion that the best way to help a lot of these men was to stop the bad cycles in their lives, help them heal, and give them hope in their future.

  I didn't know if I was ready to get back into the courtroom, especially on such a high profile case. I did miss it from time to time, but then again I still took on the occasional case. This was very different. This would be a lot more involved and could add up to a long, drawn out trial. Larry hadn't given me a ton of time to think on it. John had not long been picked up and Larry did not want him taken to a cell before I got there. He was going through booking now. Luckily, I was only less than 10 minutes from the station, but I had to make a decision quick.

  I thought about John's position and felt that I at least wanted to talk to him and get the full story before I decided against it. I already had on a suit from going to meet with a friend of mine to help them close on a house. So I got up quickly to try and catch John before it was too late. Just as I was grabbing my briefcase and walking out, I walked straight into a messenger. Apparently they were dropping off John's files for me. I guess Larry had assumed I would take the case. I'd be sure to talk to him about that later. I hurriedly grabbed the file folder, tipped the messenger, and went to my car.

  When I pulled up to the station I saw the crowd outside. The news was everywhere and the people were out trying to see first hand. I hurried inside of the police station and inquired at the front desk about John's whereabouts. Apparently he had just finished up his intake and was about to go into his cell. Good, I had caught him in time. I told the officer at the front desk that I was his attorney and he said that he would go and see what he could do. It was not long before another officer came back and let me know that they would be setting up a room for me to meet with my client. I wondered if Larry had told John that I would be coming.

  I followed an officer to the room they were setting up. As I got there I saw John coming in my direction. Even though I knew how tall he was, I was still caught off guard by how big he was. Though he had clearly had no time to do anything before his arrest, his good looks still somehow came through. His hair was a bit shaggy on his head and face, but he still mostly looked like the guy from TV and magazines. I led the way into the room and took a seat at the table. John was put into the seat opposite me by the officers who had brought him in.

  I went through my briefcase getting out a file. I propped it open and then looked up at him. I said, "Hello, Mr. Mackey. My name is Tiffany Applegate and your attorney has brought me in to help manage your case. I have experience with cases like this, so I assure you I am qualified."

  "Um, Miss Applegate, don't take this the wrong way, but are you sure that you are the one for this? I know they will be scrutinizing everything I do during this whole process. Is having such a beautiful woman as my attorney going to help or hurt me. I already know what they're going to say. 'He even brought in a sexy lawyer. The man has no shame'."

  "That is good thinking, Mr. Mackey. I don't believe that will be much of a problem. I am known around as a lot of things, sexy lawyer is not near the top of the list."

  "I mean no disrespect, I just wondered."

  "I understand, and thank you for thinking so much of my looks, but your attorney was right. Having a female attorney may help make your point. Now, Mr. Mackey, it is my turn to ask that you not take this the wrong way. I have to ask you what I ask all of my clients before we begin. Is there any truth to the allegations being raised against you?"

  "No! I mean, there can't be. Not to be cocky, but I'm John Mackey. I don't need to rape anybody. I mean I get it, it's about a power trip for sickos out here to overpower women, but I get all my power trips on the field. I don't have any weird sadist stuff going on. I don't do stuff like this."

  "So you are saying you are innocent?"

  "Look, I'm going to level with you. I don't have much memory of what happened that night. It was a complete zoo in there. But I honestly have no memory of anything like that. I remember there being sex, but all of the sex I remember was consensual. Nobody was violated against their will. Did I assault somebody? Maybe. Were there underage girls there? Possibly. I don't usually card very much throughout the night unless it's obvious."

  "I appreciate your honesty, Mr. Mackey."

  "Please call me John."

  "Okay, John. I appreciate your honesty. It's not ideal that you were under the influence, but that does not completely ruin your case. I have looked over your record and it's problematic, but there is nothing involving violence against women or sexual assault, which is good. This case is very winnable. That is if it even gets that far. This woman may be willing to settle out of court."

  "I don't know if I want to do that. It's like an admission of guilt. People will think I just paid her off to go away. I don't want that."

  "Okay, Mr...I mean, John. For now, you can tell me everything you remember from the night so we can get your story down. Then we can start to compile a list of witnesses who can speak for you. First thing, though, is the bail hearing. I'm working to fast track that now. I'll be honest with you, you'll probably have to stay the night in jail. For no other reason than to send a message. They won't want it to look like they're going easy on the football star. They will try to make an example of you by forcing you to spend at least one night in jail. Besides they'll think it will weaken you and make you desperate to stay out. Desperate men make mistakes and take deals."

  "You know a lot about this. I have to ask you a real question. I want you to answer this as a woman and not as my attorney who is about to make a lot of money off of me."

  "What is that?"

  "Do you believe that I am innocent? And please don't give me the lawyer answer of 'I'll represent you to the best of my abilities regardless of what I think'. I really need to know."

  I paused and looked across at him. I looked deep into his eyes. I could tell that it made him feel uncomfortable. I sat there for a minute just staring, searching for the truth. I had a pretty good gut about people and typically followed my instincts. After a few more long moments I began, "I'll be real with you. I know a lot about you and your behavior. I know you can be wild and out of control. You drink and you get into a lot of unsavory things.
You have been getting away with a lot of things for a long time. You're a spoiled, pig-headed jock with far too much money and not nearly enough restraint. With all of that said, I think you are capable of many things. But I do not believe that you did this."

  "Well damn! Tell me how you really feel."

  "You asked for real."

  "Yeah, they say be careful what you wish for. I guess at least you don't think I did this thing. I guess if it were murder you'd think differently."

  "John, I do not judge you."

  "Are you sure?"

  "It's not entirely your fault. This is how extraordinary athletes are treated. You have incredible skills, have your whole life, so people treat you a certain way. It may seem like you've had it easy, but it is probably for your worst. You don't have much reality about your life. You are in a bubble. That can't feel very good."

  "What are you a therapist/attorney?"

  "I've taken this case as a favor to your attorney because I owe him one, but I have been out of practice for some time. I felt that in Hollywood, more people needed real help than just someone to get them out of trouble. I have been working to heal people and help them stop their self-destructive cycles."

  "Oh, I see."

  "This won't be easy, John, but I believe that you can walk away from this. Bear in mind, that when you do walk out of here, your behavior will need to change. No more parties, no more drinking, none of any of that. You are effectively in redemption mode."

  "Have you all heard from the team or the league?"

  "Yes. As of now, you are suspended from the game until further notice. You will not be able to play."

  That seemed to really hit him. He put his head down on the table in anguish. I felt terrible for him. I could only imagine what he was feeling. He had worked his whole life to be in the NFL, now it was slipping away from him. Worst of all was that he would have to face it. There was no getting around it. In jail he would be alone with himself and his thoughts. I did not envy him at all. I wished I could at least get him out of here, but I knew how the process worked. I had spoken with Larry again on the ride over and he had already been trying to get him out, but they were giving him a hard time. With it being all over the news and internet, it wouldn't look good for the police department to just let him walk out. He was going to be stuck dealing with this for at least 24 hours.