“Nonsense, boy. Take the coin, for you have earned it. Believe me, if you’re worried I won’t take this out of your hide by working you to the point of exhaustion, you have another thing coming,” Dorien lied.
His cheesy line must have worked. Tommy accepted the coin from his fingers. Dorien could almost see the gears cranking in the boy’s skull. The lad was no stranger to earning his wages. His proud eyes shone bright with hope. His mind overactive, he always thought of every good deed he could do for the benefit of his family. In a moment of respect, Dorien looked away, giving the impression he enjoyed the park’s green lush scenery. But instead he allowed the boy a private moment to wipe away his thankful tears.
“T-thank you, Dorien. You have no idea what this means to me.” Tommy sniffed as if his nose tickled.
“Actually, son, I do. Now let us go see that shark friend of yours…you know…the one who likes to drool.”
Chapter Eight
Dorien approached the Montgomery estate. He never broke a sweat. Enjoying thoughts of Evangeline, he wanted the blonde beauty back in the safety of his arms. With a single jump, he cleared the stone fence. In a flash, he raced through the orange grove and found her guest cottage. No one would detect his presence here. Peering through the windows, the cottage was furnished and unoccupied. This place would do nicely until he found something else. It would keep him close to the woman he couldn’t stay away from.
His fingers slid under the window ledge. It lifted with no resistance. Dorien climbed inside with his bags and packages. His feet hit the wooden floor. The risk of discovery was next to impossible. Lucky for him, he didn’t sleep. His senses would pick up the faintest scent and sound. No one would find him unless he wanted to be found. The sounds of splashes caught his attention. Grateful for the dark, he stalked in silence. It didn’t take him long to reach the pool.
“Evangeline,” he whispered. Inhaling deeply, he smelled her before he saw her. Musky in scent, it drove him to the brink of madness. He crouched behind a bush and waited. Beautiful and graceful, her creamy skin glistened in the water.
She stepped out of the pool and slipped off her bathing suit. He groaned in physical pain. Her wet body shone angelic in the moonlight. She quickly dove back in. Dorien stripped off his clothes. With a run and leap, he dove behind her in silence. Sinking to the pool bottom, he watched her. Her full breasts teased him, moving as the water lapped at them. She enjoyed the freedom of the pool. Her long hair danced in the water, caressing every curve of her body. Paddling towards the grotto, she stood in all her glory. Twisting her curls, Evangeline wrung the water from her hair.
Dorien sprang from the water behind her. Evangeline gasped aloud. His cold hands wrapped around her, claiming her belly and the flesh above her heart. She fought against him wildly, making every effort to escape. But Dorien held her body tight, his grip firm and unwavering. He knew she was frozen in fear. She leaned back in resignation. Wet and slippery, she became a prisoner against his solid muscled chest. The front of his body pressed intimately against her backside. The beat of her heart thundered against his palm. Reading her mind, he was aware the coldness of his body made her think of him.
Dorien grinned with excitement. His little sprite remembered.
“Yes, Evangeline. It is Dorien.”
Evangeline’s breathing softened.
“Dorien. How did you know..?”
“What you were thinking? I just know, Evan. Don’t you know I would never hurt you?”
* * * *
Evangeline’s chest heaved, painfully tight. She fought for every breath. Dorien was here. She couldn’t believe it. He had come back. To hear his words, as crazy as it sounded, she really did believe he wouldn’t hurt her. Every instinct promised she could trust him, even as his cold body pressed against her backside. Fighting a chill, she shivered in delight. A fire raged wild in her lower belly.
“Can I turn around and look at you, Dorien? Please let me see you.”
She enjoyed his cool breath tickling her ear. His whisper sounded husky.
“I need to explain what happened between us last night. I hope you know I tried to avoid making love to you. I would never compromise your trust, Evan. Despite all that has happened, I hope I didn’t hurt you.”
Chills danced down her spine. She felt so weak. “No. For some strange reason, I believe you. You didn’t hurt me.”
She moaned in memory. The control he had over her body had been so consuming. Embarrassed, heat flooded into her face. She leaned back against him. His body felt so strong and solid, as cold as she remembered. To feel him so close, she recalled how he had loved her. He was the one who made her cry out in pleasure.
His cool lips kissed her neck. She moaned to feel his tongue dance across her shoulder. He pulled her body back against him. Her hands reached behind her, resting on his delicious muscled thighs. She smiled to hear him moan.
“Evan, turn around and look at me. I want you to see that I am real.”
Evangeline turned slow, holding her breath. She couldn’t stop staring at the delicious man standing before her. He was perfect. Jewel-green eyes were much greener than any emerald. They glowed. His sculpted features could have never been imagined. Placing her hands on his face, she relished the porcelain feel of his skin.
“I know you. I’ve seen you somewhere before. But where have we met?”
* * * *
Dorien searched Evangeline’s upturned face and prodded her thoughts for any hint of emotion. Everything about this woman made him want her. His mouth crushed down against her lips. His tongue ached to mate with hers. All internal senses wanted to taste the delicious musk that radiated from her skin. Madness would consume him if he couldn’t drink his fill of her. She responded to his kiss. He groaned in pleasure. The scrape of her fingernails dug into the curls at the back of his neck.
They fell back against the pool grotto. He heard her heart quicken. His fingers wound deep in her hair as her every thought and feeling passed through his mind. She inhaled his scent and loved to feel his touches. He was glad to know she felt his cold skin erotic and desirable. She wondered why he always felt like this.
Dorien chuckled at her thoughts. He sobered in an instant. Her thoughts begged him to take her upstairs so he obliged and picked her up. He ran fast in immortal pace and entered her room. Evangeline was breathless when he placed her on the bed.
“Dorien, how did we…?”
“Shhh, my love.”
Kissing her mouth, Dorien caressed her face. Her fingers swooshed delicious patterns down the skin of his back. Sighing in pleasure, he felt her guard dissipate. She trusted him so completely and this knowledge made his heart soar. Confused by her thoughts of self-reassurance, she promised to protect herself next time. He couldn’t figure out what it was that she felt needed protecting. Distracted by her sweet kisses, he felt the misery of her ache. She remembered how he would make her body feel. Dorien would oblige her as long as her mortal body could take it.
* * * *
Dorien listened to the sounds of even breathing. Evangeline slept in his arms. He invaded her mind out of curiosity. He wanted to know his little sprite’s dreams. Watching in awe, she was heavily pregnant with child. She cried out in sudden discovery of her large distended belly. With screams of agony, she pushed and delivered the babe. A baby boy full of black curls and bright green eyes nursed at her breast. In an instant, the baby disappeared. He felt her heart cinch with unspeakable pain. Her aching arms empty, she sobbed in misery. Running throughout the house in panic, she mourned her lost child.
Bolting out of bed, Dorien paced the floor. There was no doubt it was his babe she dreamed of. He’d never considered pregnancy. After all, it had to be impossible. She was mortal and, well, he was immortal. Greek immortals often conceived babes with mortals, resulting in the birth of half-breeds. Demi-gods they called them.
Nay! He was different. Immortality had changed his body. There was no way he could father a child. But the tho
ught of Evangeline carrying his babe only made his traditional heart ache. He always wanted to have children. If circumstances were different, he would gladly fill her belly full of them.
Pushing away worry, he slipped back into bed. Pulling Evangeline close to his chest, he kissed her brow. Whatever fate had planned for them, he would never leave her side. Barren or fruitful, come what may. He had found his perfect match.
He rubbed her skin, enjoying its warm softness. It was so different from his cold immortal flesh. She had no idea how her smell affected him. It was impossible to stay away from her. He chuckled. Now he understood the stories of mortal women becoming victims of their enamored immortal captors. Mortal or not, she was the only woman he wanted. The sudden thought of losing her suddenly terrified him.
He left tiny kisses on her forehead and then slipped out of the house. Collecting his clothes by the pool, he entered the cottage. His next task for Tommy would be simple. He would find legitimate lodging. He could no longer stay in the cottage without Evangeline’s permission. With a sly grin, he concocted a crafty idea. Tommy would approach her about leasing the cottage house on his behalf.
Chapter Nine
For the fifth time, Evangeline tried to think of another reason why she should get out of bed. Despite her best efforts, she was exhausted. She couldn’t shake it off, but she did give a rueful smile. The man of her dreams paid another delightful visit last night. Her head jerked towards her cell phone. Groaning to hear the phone ring, she looked on the bright side. At least something forced her out of bed.
“Cheerio!”
“Good day, Miss Montgomery. This is Reginald Cornwallis. I do hope that I haven’t disturbed you. I’m well aware of your leave of absence for your bereavement time, but I’m afraid it is my duty to inform you of any riff-raff that occurs here at our beloved museum.”
“Of course, Mr. Cornwallis, please continue.”
“Very well, Miss. I know you haven’t had ownership of the museum for long, but I’m sure you’re well aware of the importance of our sponsors.”
“Why, yes. They are the backbone of the museum. What seems to be the problem?”
“Indeed. It would seem a large percentage of our sponsors are on the fence as they consider continuing their contributions to the museum. Interests are waning in light of the deaths of your beloved parents. They fear the livelihood of the museum may be compromised. Oh, how can I say this with the utmost care and tact?”
“Out with it, Mr. Cornwallis. No need to beat around the bush for my sake. Give it to me straight.”
“You’re very much like your father, Evangeline. Very commendable.”
Evangeline smiled at the compliment. “Let me guess. The sponsors fear I’ll run the museum into the ground. I’m a young, half-breed American greenhorn who has no idea of what I’m doing. They fear I’ll squander away their contributions to the fruitless deeds of darkness.”
“Well, I wouldn’t quite put it that way, but in a nutshell, I’m afraid you are correct in your assumptions. I do hope that you can forgive me for telling you this. I hate to be the bearer of bad news.
“Of course. You’re only being honest. I do appreciate it.”
“Thank you, but, whatever shall we do?”
“I’ll tell you what we’ll do. Please call an emergency board meeting for today at two o’clock. Whoever fails to show has no opinion. We’ll save this museum, make no mistake about that. I have no intention of allowing it to go down on my watch. I have a few tricks up my sleeve. I’ll see you this afternoon.”
“Yes, Miss Montgomery. I will, as they say, round up the troops.”
“Excellent. Until then, Mr. Cornwallis.”
Her mind reeled. She would show the sponsors and the board members. The show would go on, just as it has for five generations. Heading for the shower, she thought of the best way to save her beloved museum.
* * * *
Ten board members made their way to the conference room. Tempers flared as they argued in an attempt to poll for position. Each had their own opinion regarding her capacity to save the museum from the threat of sponsorship withdrawal.
Evangeline listened from the doorway. She gave the men ample time to vent their frustrations. Mentally preparing herself to enter the lion’s den, she opened the tall, mahogany doors. The board was oblivious to her presence as they yelled, argued, and snarled at one another. Dressed in a red skirt with matching jacket and hat, the bright white of her silk blouse shined as her red and white oxford heels clicked against the marble floor. With a confident stride, she assumed her new position at the head of the table.
But the men ignored her presence. They still battled amongst themselves for leverage. It was time to press her authority. She would demand their undivided attention. “Excuse me, gentlemen. Can we please use our inside voices?” she asked sarcastically.
The hostile room fell silent.
“Thank you. Now let’s get down to business, shall we?”
Looking around themselves, the board members glared at one another.
“I’m aware we have a looming problem. But I believe our situation has not yet reached crisis stage.”
Everyone now glared at her.
“I say with great enthusiasm that we have yet to lose any of our sponsors. The rumblings you worry about are mere insecure talk.”
Mr. Cornwallis lowered his glasses. “With all due respect, Evangeline, I hardly think this is the time to dismiss the issue.”
“Reginald, I agree with you. This is no attempt to dismiss; rather, I would have us do something that restores the faith and confidence of our dearest sponsors. What we hear are the concerns of good people that love the museum we all hold in such high regard.
A robust man wiped his sweaty brow. “What shall we do then, Evangeline?”
“Excellent question, Mr. Rothford.”
Evangeline’s heels tapped around the board table. She dared to stare at each member. “What shall we do? What shall we do?” Everyone’s attention followed her around the table. She rested her hands on Mr. Cornwallis’ shoulders.
“I’ll tell you what we’ll do! We’re going to restore the faith.”
“But how? How do we plan to do that?” the board members mumbled in unison.
It was difficult to contain her excitement. “We’ll throw a Grande Ball.”
Eyebrows and attentions perked high.
“Imagine the finest in music, food, dance, and themed costume for our sponsors. With media coverage to intrigue and lure new sponsorship, it will be held in our ballroom every July. We’ll make it an annual event, by invitation only.”
All board members leaned forward in unison.
“It shall be our gift to the sponsors for their devotion and generosity to the museum. We will throw the first Ball this month, and it will be called the First Annual Grande Ball. Think gentlemen, this will be the talk of London and beyond. Every year we will assign a new theme. We will keep the fun and flavor sharp. Everyone loves a good mystery. Our sponsors will plan their costumes for weeks. The intrigue will lure new support. Everyone will want to become part of the magic. This will ensure our museum remains financially secure for many, many generations. What do you think?”
A bundle of nerves, Evangeline bit her bottom lip. The board members mumbled to one another. In unison they stood. Relief washed over her. They gave a boisterous standing ovation.
“Bravo! Bravo, Miss Montgomery,” chimed Reginald Cornwallis. “I think it’s clear to us all that you’re a resourceful and intelligent young lady. We’ll leave the details to you, then?”
“Thank you, Reginald, and thank you gentlemen. Yes. I’ll get to the details right away. If you’ll be kind enough to excuse me, I have some important work to do. Consider this meeting adjourned.”
Everyone remained standing. Grabbing her purse and briefcase, Evangeline left the room in a rush. It was about time she claimed her new office. Feeling the solid bump of a body against her hip as she rounded the corner,
papers whooshed high into the air and scattered all over the floor.
“Oh, excuse me! Here, let me help you.”
“Ella, Miss. My name is Ella Gordon. I’m so sorry. Please forgive my clumsiness.” The petite woman with dark brown hair was lovely. With the push of her finger, black-rimmed glasses settled over her chocolate brown eyes. She resumed gathering her lost papers.
“Don’t worry, Ella. Please let me help you.”
“Thank you. I do appreciate it.”
Evangeline offered her hand. “Let me introduce myself. I’m Evangeline Montgomery.”
Ella accepted Evangeline’s hand and shook it firmly. Color fled her face in recognition.
“Oh, no! Miss Montgomery!”
“What’s the matter, Ella? You don’t look so good.”
“Well, I’m your new assistant. I’m afraid I haven’t given you a very good first impression. Please don’t fire me.”
“Fire you? That’s ridiculous! Come with me Ella, we have some work to do.”
“You want my help?”
“Yes! Now come on.”
Ella followed her into her office. Evangeline closed the door behind them and inhaled a deep breath. She knew this office well. Her fingers caressed the fine mahogany desk. This office had belonged to her father. The sting of tears nipped at her eyes. She clasped her hands behind her back. In an effort to regain her focus, she pinched her arm. Clearing her throat, she forced a fake smile and lowered herself into her father’s executive leather chair.
Spartan Heart, Part One Page 7
