by NiaKFoxx
“I must say this is a pleasant albeit unexpected surprise,” Alexi began. “And here I thought we would have to come to you.”
Tiffany heard his words but didn’t bother to acknowledge them as her eyes zeroed in on Ramj’s stoic visage. Statuesque even.
“What? No hello, how are you? It seems your new beau has been a bad influence on your manners. Although, I can’t completely blame him since he hasn’t been feeling quite himself lately. Isn’t that right?” He glanced beyond her shoulder and back again. It was a brief look yet enough to have the hairs on the back of her neck prickling. “We both know his name isn’t really Konstantin, isn’t that correct? What did you say it was again Yan?”
Tiffany thought she’d be ill, as another man seemed to step from the shadows. She wasn’t sure how she’d missed him. Although lean he stood heads and shoulders above average height.
“Ramj Oloff.” The man who looked as if he could play for the NBA supplied. “And you must be the infamous Tiffany Sinclair. Your pictures really don’t do you any justice.”
“Maybe we should keep her around for a bit. He seemed to enjoy himself with her,” Alexi suggested.
“No offense. Human females don’t interest me much. However, feel free to indulge yourself before we have to dispose of her.”
The men’s exchange slowly sank in, she felt lightheaded. Maybe it wasn’t the smartest thing showing up unarmed, but how was she to know Ramj would be in a near catatonic state, at least that’s how it appeared to her. It was obvious something was wrong with him. She just needed to figure out how to snap him out of his trance.
“If you’re looking to your friend for help I wouldn’t expect much. It seems Yan here has an amazing ability to render a person immobile. A wonderful talent.”
“You’re supposed to be helping him,” she found her voice turning accusatory eyes on the non-human.
“Me, help a Fae?” She all but waited for a sinister laugh to follow the completely diabolical look on his face. “I’d rather see you humans destroy this earth first.”
“We do and your people are gone too.”
He shrugged, “Some, but those of us left will inherit the earth and could rebuild a new order. What your kind calls survival of the fittest.”
“How do you know you’ll be among the survivors? You must hold a very high opinion of yourself.”
“No too bright of you to taunt a man with supernatural powers.” Alexi advised.
“And you, what do you think will happen to you in his destruction scenario.”
Alexi cocked his head to one side, his normally arrogant grin plastered across his face.
“I’m not really worried about it. By the time Yan is ready to put his plan in motion, in say about seventy years or so, I’ll be long gone from this earth having died a very rich, very happy man.”
“By selling out the rest of humanity?”
“Someone is bound to do it, why shouldn’t I be the one to benefit?”
“You really are a parasite,” she spat in disgust. Anger rose to replace fear.
Any reaction to her speech was squelched by a knock.
“Enter,” he called in a voice illustrating his irritation.
“Enrique, my friend. Glad you could make it.” Alexi stood stretching his phony smile.
“You made it sound urgent. What the hell are they doing here?” He paused just inside the room taking in the unexpected trio.
“Looks like Alexi plans on ending your partnership.” Tiffany provided making a quick summation of the situation.
“Beauty will only get you so far my sweet. So I suggest you focus that mind of yours on ways to make me have a change of heart regarding your future, and work less at annoying me.”
“Alexi, what is she talking about?” Enrique looked between the two quizzically.
“The pretty little lady is right, I’m afraid. As of today I’m walking away from what has been a rather lucrative partnership, but the best part is I plan on taking your earnings too.”
“Chinga tu madre,” Enrique cursed. What happened next seemed as if it were scripted from a mafia film, forcing Tiffany into immediate action. With precision reflexes Enrique reached for a holstered gun at his side but fell short on the draw as Alexi had already procured one from the waist of his trousers and was aiming point blank for his former partner. With the courage of someone determined to live Tiffany lunged herself at Alexi mere seconds before the shot rang out from his weapon.
She heard a loud yelp as metal made contact with flesh. Another bullet sounded its warning cry before a sharp, excruciating pain pummeled through her chest radiating in a burst of white hot agony which left her gasping for her next breath. In the distance she could hear rapid footfalls rushing up the flight of stairs. Any minute the room would be inundated with both mobsters’ security force. Her body hit the floor. She struggled to maintain consciousness but was pleased to see Alexi’s ill-fated shot had actually made contact with Yan’s shoulder. The evidence seeped through his fingers coating them and his shirt in red while he cursed, shooting daggers at her with his eyes. She blinked through the pain using precious energy to maneuver and see the chair where Ramj sat. Elation filled her at its emptiness. He was alive. Her sigh of relief was cut short by the pain burning in her chest. It even hurt to keep her eyes open. The sounds of gunshots and yells managed to push through the pain. In her heart of hearts she knew Ramj was responsible for the new round of damage and was certain he would be okay.
***
A nearby stream was the first thing to get her attention, followed immediately by the sun’s light beaming down on her face.
“Can someone cancel morning?” She groaned reaching for a pillow to shield her face.
“Anything you wish.”
The response was followed by a swishing sound. Blessedly the room dimmed but she temporarily forgot her morning aversions as she recognized the familiar voice.
“Ramj!” She snapped into a sitting position, realizing instantly what a bad idea it was as the throbbing in her head and chest made her collapse back into the downy pillows.
He was at her side in seconds. “Whoa, take it easy the healer hasn’t quite finished with you yet.”
“Fine, tell whoever I’d appreciate a lethal injection if there’s one handy.”
He chuckled while gingerly attempting to make her comfortable. “Not today, my sweet. The healer went as far as mending your life threatening wound but thought it better to consult you before attending to your subsequent discomfort.”
“So I was left this way on purpose?”
“In a sense. You couldn’t be consulted about the injuries so I made a judgment call. I hope you don’t mind.” A smile etched his voice.
“Thank you, but for future reference you can authorize them to take away the pain, and even the memory if they want.” She managed a smile.
Ramj gave a slight bow of understanding. He looked completely breathtaking standing at the side of the bed dressed in black fitted leather type pants, a mesh top that contoured to his powerful upper body. His hair fell in a sexy disarray about his head as if he’d run fingers through it several times.
“So are you going to stand there looking handsome or are you going to make the call to the doctor.”
“I summoned her as soon as you started to wake.”
She closed her eyes willing the person to arrive soon.
“Tiff, that was pretty foolish of you to show up at Alexi’s.”
“I couldn’t let you walk into an ambush, and quite honestly I didn’t think Rasa would be there.”
“But you thought you could handle Alexi and his men on your own?” He didn’t try to mask the disbelief in his voice.
“I’d hoped I could get to you before anything happened, maybe I wasn’t thinking too clearly but I couldn’t sit around and just wish you came out unscathed.”
“When I saw you walk into the room…” He trailed off dropping to the edge of the bed.
“What, I do
n’t even get a thanks? She mumbled.
“You endangered your life.”
“And saved yours,” she reminded.
“Perhaps you might enjoy returning to the training field while I see to the recovery of your guest Ramj.” The added female voice suggested.
Tiffany hadn’t noticed the woman until she was well within the confines of the room. She seemed to glide across the floor to her.
“I imagine you’re in some pain and in no mood to be chastised by our illustrious commander for your bravery.” The woman’s voice was ethereal, its very resonance easing the pain in her head somewhat.
“How insightful of you.” She chuckled. “I think I’d much prefer your bedside manner.”
She felt Ramj tense, preparing herself for his next round of complaints, but they never came as he and the Healer switched places.
“I’m called Seha.”
“Tiffany. Nice to meet you and thank you for saving me life.”
The woman nodded her response before directing her to close her eyes.
Of their own accord her lids slid closed. Almost immediately the pain in her chest and head dissolved away.
“Thank you.” Her gratitude was genuine. She felt better than she had in days, months even.
“You’re quite welcome.” She smiled warmly before turning back to Ramj. “The King is quite anxious to meet with you and the woman who saved your life.”
“I just bet he is, thank you,” he dismissed.
“Of course.” She glided soundlessly to the room’s entrance. “Oh, I suggest you move beyond your anger with Tiffany if you want a positive response to your question.”
Tiffany looked quizzically after the woman before turning curious eyes on the now silent Ramj.
“It’s still too soon for you to be up.” He was at her side again as she swung legs over the edge of the bed.
“I feel great, better than great in fact.”
Despite her reassurance he secured an arm beneath her elbow helping her descend the two steps which would bring her in contact with the wood flooring.
“I’d like to see your world.” She said as they stood in front of a mesh shading which surprisingly blocked the bright sun.
Ramj waved his hand and the material folded into itself.
“Amazing,” she gawked taking in the pure beauty of the land from the window. They were several levels above ground affording them a sweeping view of what appeared to be a bustling town. Greenery as far as the eye could see decorated the land in the form of trees and various flora creating a menagerie, the likes of which she’d never experienced. It seemed to be the perfect blend of nature and sentient beings.
“It’s beautiful.”
“When you’re more yourself I’d like to show it to you up close.”
Tiffany didn’t argue the point that she felt perfectly fine now
“I’d like to see your home, it looks so pristine.”
“Much has changed over the years.”
“Because of us.”
“Partly, but it seems we have our own rogue contingent wanting to see the destruction of both our worlds.”
“What happened to the men?”
“Enrique is in the hands of the DEA, Alexi managed to get himself shot by one of his own guards. His wound was mortal. Rasa suffered minor injuries but it was enough to break his hold on me. He’s being held by the Order awaiting interrogation.”
She heard the edge in his voice.
“What will happen to him?” She turned to Ramj touching his wrist gently. His face was an unreadable mask.
“Don’t dwell on it. He will get better than he deserves. We were able to take possession of Alexi’s weapons and our wizards have begun a proper disposal.”
“How long does will it take?”
“About a year for all components to be reintegrated into nature.”
“Seems like we make a good team.”
“Don’t go getting any ideas, my heart couldn’t stand another repeat of yesterday.” Arms pulled her into the security of his embrace.
“I’ll promise so long as you can keep yourself out of trouble.”
“And if I don’t will you be their everyday to nag me into submission?”
“Nag, bitch, moan, you name it.”
“Hmm, I rather like the idea of you moaning, preferably with me buried deep inside you.”
“Really?” A picture formed in her mind and it was enough to start heat rising in her body.
“Yes, in fact in a couple days I plan to show you exactly how much I like it.”
“No time like the present, but first what question did you have?”
Silence followed as Ramj’s arms tightened around her waist.
“Um… I know this is sudden… and you have a life in the human world… and you’re a modern independent woman… and that-.”
“This is all leading up to a question right?” she interjected.
Ramj let his arms drop taking a step back until she could see if face clearly. “I want you to stay here. Join with me, build a family, and allow me to love you.”
She was speechless. She’d hoped he’d say he wanted to continue their relationship and that things weren’t over because the case was solved. What she didn’t expect was a marriage proposal. At least she thought it was a proposal.
“If you need more time.”
“Why?” The question in the back of her mind flowed without hesitation. “Why do you want me to stay? By anyone’s standards we don’t really know each other.”
“I’m not thinking about others or their opinions, I’m going with my heart and it’s telling me I would be a fool to let you walk out of my life.”
Her knees felt weak at his declaration.
“I’ve never been one to let my emotions control me but maybe it’s because I’ve never experienced what I have with you. I’d be more than happy to stay, if you allow me to love you in return?”
His answering kiss spoke volumes which was good because the last thing on her mind was more talking, or even thinking.
The End
About the Author
Nia Foxx is a mother of three children (and one cat). She steals time to read and write when her busy life permits. Like most author’s Nia began writing at an early age, elementary school to be exact. She considers writing to be a mini-vacation from the world around her. To see Nia’s other works feel free to visit her site at www.niafoxx.com
