The animal pounced on her chest, knocking her back. The weight of his size was excessive. Evangeline felt her ribs would break from the pressure. Pinned to the ground, she closed her eyes. Her head jerked as she gagged and retched. Putrid stench overpowered her senses. Keeping her chin down, she fought to protect the vulnerability of her throat.
In an instant, she heard a yelp. The weight of the dog was removed from her chest. Fresh air rushed into her lungs, saturating her nostrils. The animal was somehow thrown off. A blur of movement scuffled in the grass. Was someone attacking the dog? Trying in vain to make out an impression, it was impossible to determine which was man or beast. A bone-crushing crack pierced the fog of her ears. It was followed by the sudden sound of silence.
Closing her eyes tight, she turned away. Evangeline cried out when someone’s cold hands pulled her up off of her knees. Embraced by the familiar feel of Dorien’s muscled arms, now she was safe. She clutched at him in fear.
“Are you all right, Evangeline? Did the dog bite or scratch you?”
“No.” She shook, nuzzling into the safety of his chest.
Pulling away, Dorien searched her face. He inspected her arms and neck carefully. “No, you are not okay, or no, you are not hurt?”
Catching his tease, Evangeline allowed herself to relax. She enjoyed the coolness of his touch.
“Don’t be afraid. You are safe now,” he soothed, rubbing her hair.
“Where did that dog come from? How did he get on my property?”
Dorien’s voice sounded agitated. “I have a suspicion the animal’s release was intentional.”
Evangeline shivered in remembrance. “Is he dead?”
“He is dead and suffers no more. Come now, all is safe here.” He kissed her lips tenderly. Evangeline let out a moan and kissed him back. His head cocked to the side. It was as if he were listening for something. His emerald stare filled with concern.
“Why is your heart still beating erratic?”
“My heart?” Evangeline’s knees gave out from beneath her. Clutching at the sudden sharp pain in her abdomen, she fell helpless towards the ground. But his strong swift arms caught her in an instant.
“Evan, what is wrong?” Worry was etched all over Dorien’s face.
Her head falling forward, Evangeline gritted her teeth. “Cramps! Please hold on.” She begged through labored breaths. “Give me a minute, it will pass. I’ve been having a lot of these lately. I ran all the way from the house. I’m not used to running.”
Dorien stroke her face. “I’ve got you, love.”
Sweeping her up into his arms, he carried her back to the house. Easing her back against the leather sectional, his concerned expression still lingered. “Are you sure the dog didn’t break your skin?”
Evangeline shook her head. “No. But I thought I was going to throw up. It smelled awful.” Gagging at the memory, her eyes watered in revolt.
Dorien chuckled, brushing away her tears. Knowing eyes shimmered with mischief. “Good. I want to search your body just to make sure.”
“Dorien?”
“You want to know how I knew you were in distress. I just knew, Evan. I don’t know how to explain it to you. You could say that I am pretty good at reading people’s thoughts. I would say it’s a gift…and a curse.”
“Thank you for saving my life. If that dog would have...”
“Try not to think about it anymore. I am here. Nothing is going to harm you.”
Dorien stared at her mouth. His sultry gaze grew a dark hunter green. She squeaked when he assaulted her lips. Eyelids blinking rapid, she moaned in helpless response.
He chuckled deep in his throat before pulling back. His tone never sounded so serious. “You must know I will never allow anything to hurt you, Evangeline. Not as long as I can help it. I have no intention of allowing anything to take you away from me.”
Her lower belly tightened and tingled in unison. She believed him. Remembering her insecure feelings earlier, she felt the heat of her blush. Could he read her thoughts? He seemed pretty good at knowing just about everything else.
Searching his face, his expression didn’t mock her. He watched her so intensely it made her shiver. Was he trying to read her heart? Did he have the ability to look into her soul? He had a way of making her feel naked and vulnerable. Somehow, with him, vulnerable felt so safe.
Pulling her back into his arms, Dorien rested his chin on top of her head. She enjoyed the feel of his cold fingers tickling her arms. Her body responded in goose bumps. His voice broke through the comfortable silence.
“Evan?”
“Mmmmm?” Basking in the glow of his affection and safety, it was as if she were enveloped in a tight, protective cocoon. How did this man make her feel so protected and cherished?
As usual, his chuckle was right on time.
“I have the impression you are feeling insecure about our relationship. Do you have any questions you would like me to answer?”
He was not asking this on a whim! He must have read her mind. But how? Fighting the sting of tears, Evangeline didn’t want to cry in front of him. The last thing she needed was for him to think she was an insecure baby!
“I don’t know what is wrong with me! I feel like an emotional wreck! We have only met, but somehow it’s as if I know you from somewhere before. We’ve been so…intimate.” Her head turned away in embarrassment.
Dorien’s quick fingers turned her chin and forced her to look at him.
“This time we spend together, does it mean anything or am I just for fun? I’m not the kind of girl to settle for being a notch on a man’s belt.”
Raised black eyebrows didn’t go unnoticed. His chuckle of amusement seemed sincere.
“As fun as our time is together, Evangeline, I can assure you, without a doubt, your value is much more priceless than any fashion accessory.”
“Please, don’t tease, Dorien! There is so much about you that I don’t know. In fact, I know nothing about you.”
“Such as?” he goaded with a sly smile.
“Where are you from?”
“Greece.”
She knew it!
“What part?”
“My family line hails from Sparta. At least that is the family story.” He winked and his eyes twinkled.
“And you, Evan?”
My father was American, of mixed heritage. My mother was Greek. Her line is said to hail from Sparta, too.”
His green stare never missed a thing. She felt the heat creep back into her cheeks. Her hand cradled the butterflies fluttering wild in her belly.
“Do you have any other questions?” he asked with a smile.
“Any brothers or sisters?”
Dorien’s demeanor turned solemn. “I had three brothers. Two younger twin brothers and an older half-brother I wish I couldn’t claim.
She didn’t miss the flash of pain that formed in his stare. “Had?” she asked carefully.
“Yes. I’m afraid I am the last of my family.”
Evangeline placed a loving hand on his arm. “I’m so sorry.”
“And you?”
“I, too, am the last of my family. My identical twin sister died at birth. My parents were murdered only two weeks before we met.”
His muscled arms flexed as he held her close. “I’m sorry, Evangeline. It would seem that our orphaned status binds us in common.”
She fought the pang of coldness looming in her heart. “So it would seem.”
His arms squeezed tight, jerking back her attention.
“I know you have more questions.”
“All right. What are your hobbies?”
His cold finger trailed down the slope of her nose, making her shiver. “I have a new appreciation for running. But I like to travel to new lands, and my favorite past time is to conquer those who dare to make war against me. But most of all, I like having you in my arms.”
Conquering? He always made her tingle all over.
His eyes glowed.
“And your hobbies?”
“My best friend is Taryn Hampton. I would love for you to meet her. History is my absolute passion. The London Museum of Greco-Roman History has been in my family since its inception. It is now mine to own and manage.”
“Very impressive! You never cease to amaze me. How do you like it?”
“I love it! The museum is such an enchanted place. I hope you will allow me to show it to you sometime. I think you would like it.”
Dorien grinned like his smile held a secret. “Magical sounds like an understatement! I would love to visit your beloved museum.”
“You will go with me?” Evangeline bounced in excitement.
“I would be honored.”
Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed his face repeatedly. “You know, come to think of it, this would be considered our first official date.”
Dorien’s browed furrowed in confusion. “A date?”
She eyed him in suspicion. “Don’t you know what a date is?”
“I’m afraid I am not familiar with the term, love. Please educate me.”
“A date is when a man and a woman schedule a time to go somewhere together and have some fun.”
“Ohhh! A date,” he responded hot. “I think we have done that several times.” Kissing her neck, he licked her skin with his cool tongue.
Breathing became difficult in an instant. “Umm, I meant going out to dinner, and ah, talking.” He needed to stop. She couldn’t concentrate when he touched her like this.
“All right…out with it. I know you want to know what my favorite color is, so I will just tell you.”
Evangeline’s jaw dropped. “H-how did you know I wanted to ask you that?”
He pulled her onto him in a rush. His cold breath tickled her earlobe. “I think I will allow you to make that determination.”
Sinking deep into the soft leather of sectional cushions, cold hands went to her hips. Groaning in pleasure, he squeezed her tight.
Evangeline winced. Her hips filled with burning pain.
Dorien froze.
Keeping her head down, her hair fell into her face.
As if he read her mind, his voice was thick with disgust. “Evan, I have hurt you!”
“I’m okay, Dorien, I just need a second.”
It was an accident! She had to reassure him!
Lifting her chin, he wiped the hair from her face. “Evan, you don’t ever need to lie to me!” Forgive me if I hurt you, please show me where….”
In an instant, Dorien’s cold hands went back to her hips. She gritted her teeth. He somehow knew exactly where she hurt! Her skin throbbed hot, pulsating in pain. Cool fingers pulled down the cotton fabric of her khaki shorts. Catching sight of bluish-purple finger welts, he roared with rage. Now it was her turn to freeze. She could only stare at him as he bolted off the sofa in a blur.
Dorien paced back and forth, shouting in his native language. Heated color never filled his pale face. Falling before her on his knees, his hands wound deep into her hair. He searched her face. Bright green eyes pleaded. Pain and regret filled his expression. But she knew what he was doing! He was torturing himself for accidentally hurting her!
His voice was so strained. “Evan, love…if I had realized I was hurting you….” Standing to his feet in a single jump, he clenched his fists and stormed towards the front door.
Tight panic filled Evangeline’s heart. She no longer wanted to breathe.
He’s leaving!
Her heart crushed in fear and agony. Running as fast as she could, she somehow managed to place herself between him and the door. Her hands flew to his chest. Pushing and shoving did nothing to stop him. He was as solid as a brick wall.
“Dorien, stop it!”
Coming out of his trance, he glared at her in fury. His eyes glowed lethal with disgust. The immobility of his stance was hard and cold. It was almost as if he was a total stranger. There was no hint of the loving, tender man she knew. His disposition almost frightened her.
Almost.
“I have hurt you. There is no excuse for what I have done! Look at your hips, Evangeline! Don’t you understand? I could have crushed your precious bones!”
“Come on, Dorien. Crush my bones? We were both just out of our minds kissing! It could have easily been the other way around.”
“Not likely!” He brushed her aside.
She couldn’t think. What could she do to change his mind? Oh, she knew just the thing. She didn’t like pulling the female card, but she would. Falling to the floor in a solid thud, Evangeline pretended to faint. In an instant, Dorien softened and kneeled by her side. With the threat of him walking out of her life, the tears came so easy.
He cradled her softly. “Evangeline! Evan, talk to me! Are you all right?”
She sobbed in agony. Her head rolled from side to side. Her heart and gut felt so sick. She resisted the real threat to pass out. Black spots swirled, marring her vision. Her hands cradled his perfect angel face.
“Please, don’t leave, Dorien. If accidentally hurting me is what you consider the worse you could ever do, then you can hurt me every day for the rest of my life. Don’t walk out on me.”
Dorien groaned in apparent frustration. “I wasn’t walking out of your life, Evan. I was…Oh, Hell!” Collecting her off the floor, he carried her to the bedroom. Placing her on the bed, he joined her. Taking her into his arms, he held her close.
Evangeline tried, but she couldn’t stop crying. Her heart hadn’t hurt this much since her parents died. His stare bore into her soul. Was he searching her mind? She hoped with all of her heart that he was. She wanted him to know he was her everything. Her heart was still beating in her chest. But it was only because he had stayed. If he had left, he would have taken what was left of her heart with him.
“You really aren’t angry with me, are you?” he marveled in a whisper.
“I’m not angry at all. It was an accident! I know you would never hurt me on purpose, Dorien. If I had to live my life without you, I don’t think I could survive it.”
“Shhhh. It’s okay, love. Please don’t cry.”
“Please promise you won’t leave. I need you, Dorien. I need you more than I need air to breathe.” Everything inside of her wanted to tell him she loved him. Like a fool, she held her tongue. She wouldn’t say the phrase that sent most men packing. For now, she could live with the fact he didn’t know. Or maybe, just maybe, he somehow already did.
“I’m not going anywhere, Evan. You have my vow.”
Nuzzling her face into his neck, she hiccupped.
“I do have one question to ask you, though.”
“I’ll tell you anything you want to know.”
“What does “pulling a female card” mean?”
Chapter Eleven
The days passed by in a rush. Preparation for the museum’s Ball couldn’t have been better. The event was moving forward, as scheduled. Response from the sponsors exceeded expectation. Not only did everyone maintain their sponsorship, but floods of new supporters joined the roster. The guest list had more than doubled. Money trickled steadily into the museum. Staff was motivated about the upcoming festivities. Talk of the Ball spread like wildfire. Evangeline sighed. Her parents would have been so proud. She had not failed them.
Her corn dog was delightful, especially lathered with mustard. The chime of the doorbell echoed in her ears. Her dress. The alterations were finished. Poor Alice Rhinehart had to increase the dress a full size at the last minute. Pouting, she took another delicious bite of corn dog. She had to hurry if she was going to get ready.
The outside creases of her eyes were lined with black liquid liner. Evangeline was satisfied with her glamorous, smoky look. Blood red lipstick matched the deep crimson of her gown. Her hair was heavy, full of blonde, bouncy curls. The gold encrusted topaz headband was weaved into the crown of her hair. Curls stacked high, they cascaded into a river of loose ringlets down her back. Satisfied with her vixen style, she lacquered her
look with hairspray. Tying the corset of her gown, she adorned her body with the matching gold topaz necklace, earrings, and armbands. She slipped on a pair of strappy gold heels.
Standing before the mirror, Evangeline gasped. Her gown was gorgeous! The deepest crimson, exquisite silk flowed under pleated chiffon. The color paled her skin, making her look flawless and radiant. Her bust line was dramatically strapless, accenting the valley of her large breasts. They teased without mercy, threatening to spill from her gown. She marveled at the larger size of her assets, which were at least a full size bigger these days. It would seem her weight gain had a few perks.
Evangeline dusted gold glitter powder all over her body. The light danced off her skin like the sparkle of a fiery constellation of miniature stars. The wondrous scent of Alfred Sung Forever drifted in the air, permeating her senses. It was a shame Dorien had other plans for the evening. She had been hurt when he said he was unable to attend. Forced to suffer the night without a date, this momentous evening would have been so much sweeter with him by her side. Disappointment was heavy, but not enough to mar her joy. She would have loved to see his green eyes sparkle. If only he could have seen her in this dress!
* * * *
The black limousine parked in front of the museum. The car door open wide, Evangeline collected her gown, allowing the chauffeur to help her from the vehicle. Close to the entrance, her belly filled with knots. She couldn’t wait to get inside. Taryn stood beside her, smoothing out her dress. Giving her friend an appreciative nod, she looked too good to remain silent.
Spartan Heart, Part One Page 9
