“Taryn, this is Dorien. He was able to make it to the Ball after all.”
Taryn hand flew to her chest. She offered Dorien her free hand. “Well! I’m so glad to finally meet you, Dorien.”
Dorien accepted her dainty, manicured hand. He placed a kiss below her wrist. Taryn leaned back as she swooned.
“Taryn, I am Dorien. It is an honor to meet you.”
Taryn’s smirk made her look as if she just ate a canary. “Why, thank you. I have heard so much about you.”
His knowing eyes sparkled. “As I am well aware.”
Evangeline caught his meaning. She flushed scarlet.
He did know everything!
Dorien chuckled. “May I be so bold to say that you are stunning in that hue of green?”
Taryn actually blushed. Her eyelashes fluttered like an enamored schoolgirl. “Thank you, Dorien. How very kind of you to say.” Her eyes swept down his body. “I hope you don’t mind me saying, but your costume is scandalous! Absolutely brilliant!”
Dorien winked. “I appreciate your compliment.”
Taryn fell back into her chair. She grabbed at Evangeline’s arm.
Dorien bowed. “If you ladies will excuse me, I will return with some refreshments.”
“Of course,” Evangeline and Taryn said in unison.
“Oh, Evan! Where did you find him? He’s so gorgeous! And that body. No wonder you always have a smile on your face. I would too, if I had that delicious beast in my bed! It’s so obvious he’s madly in love with you!”
“What?”
“Oh please. Have you seen the way he looks at you? The poor boy looks like he’s starving!”
“You think so?”
“I know so! You’re a perfect couple. Come to think of it, I would love to see what your babies would look like. Maybe you are pregnant with his child right now!”
Evangeline glanced around in embarrassment. “Taryn, please!”
“Sorry, Evan…but Heavens. Where does he get that body? You’re so lucky you get to see him naked.”
“Taryn!”
Taryn fanned herself like she was about to overheat. “Okay. I’ve got it out of my system. You must try to see it from my point of view. Wow!”
“Behave yourself! He’s coming back!”
Evangeline knew it didn’t matter. The knowing boyish smirk on Dorien’s face said it all. He knew the details of their conversation? Her head fell back. She would surely die of embarrassment. Dorien took a seat next to her. He traced the nape of her neck. Cool lips found her ear. He gave her a delicate nibble.
“Nothing but death would keep you from me, Evangeline.”
Evangeline shivered with delight at the boldness of his words. She wanted to believe him.
Reginald Cornwallis smiled as he approached the table. Evangeline swore he was the only man who could look stiff in a toga.
“Good evening ladies. Evangeline! This is the most splendid Ball ever. My beloved Bonnie is beside herself with joy. Everyone is having a jolly good time. I hope everyone knows they’re looking at the mastermind of this brilliant event.”
They all clapped in agreement. Evangeline felt the heat of her blush.
“Kuddos, Evangeline! You’re certainly are a Montgomery. Your parents would be elated with what you’ve done for this beloved museum.”
Evangeline fought tears at the mention of her parents. She pinched her arm hard in an effort to control her emotions. She didn’t want to cry here. The moment her fingers left her stinging arm, cold fingers soothed the welt she created. Looking into Dorien’s face, his expression didn’t scold her. Instead, he lifted her chin and kissed her lips gently. Tracing the line of her jaw, she became lost in his stare.
Taryn cleared her throat.
Evangeline snapped back to reality. Focusing on Reginald, his look of surprise faded. She picked up her glass and gulped her water in embarrassment.
“Evangeline, I had no idea you’ve already met our newest and most generous sponsor, Mr. Dorieus Agiad.”
Dorien smiled. “Dorien, please, Mr. Cornwallis.”
“As you wish. Carry on kids. Have a wonderful time! The Missus is calling for me. Cheerio!”
Chapter Twelve
Evangeline spewed out her drink. Choking and sputtering, she fought for air. Her brain burned worse than her lungs. Dorieus Agiad! He was her mystery renter? He was her generous sponsor? Giving her best professional smile, her gaze swept the table as she stood.
“Please excuse me.”
In a whirl of crimson, Evangeline ran across the ballroom and whoosed up the staircase. Her office was on the second floor. Her lungs throbbed like they would burst from exertion. Looking behind her, she was relieved to be alone. Angry tears fell down her face. Her mind raced. She was helpless to stop the sobs. Betrayal stung her heart. Dorien had intentionally withheld information. He could have easily told her so many times.
He lied.
Evangeline jumped with a start. His cold arms wrapped around her waist. Feeling numb, she stepped out of Dorien’s embrace.
“Your name is Dorieus Agiad!” It wasn’t a question.
“Yes, it is my full name. Actually, Agiad is the family line I hail from.” Dorien clenched his fists. From the look on his face, he was searching her thoughts. “You are angry.”
“Just a little,” she responded in sarcasm.
* * * *
“Okay, I deserved that.”
Dorien meant every word. After all, he had earned her anger. He should have told her the truth. His gut ached to watch her tears spill. She cried because of him. Evangeline’s heels tapped in pace against the floor. Her angry, copper eyes were bright and intense. They reminded him of fire.
“Tell me why I’m angry, Dorien. Somehow I think you know the answer. Have you been stalking me? Is that why someone rented my cottage house for you?”
Dorien closed his eyes. “Nay.”
She was still pacing. If she were immortal, she would have already worn a hole in the oriental rug.
“You’ve lived in my cottage for two weeks and you didn’t bother to tell me. You contributed a fortune to a cause that means the world to me, and you don’t want me to know it came from you? How do you think that makes me feel?”
He read her thoughts like an open book. “You feel lied to…betrayed. Scared and unsure. You question me. But despite it all, Evangeline…you still love me.”
Her head roiled back as if he had slapped her. “That isn’t fair.”
Dorien winced. Realization stung. He had never told her he loved her. Damning himself worthy of Hell, he had been an absolute fool. Approaching the woman he loved, he forced himself not to touch her. To not touch the velvet softness of her skin was worse than sadistic torture.
“Evangeline, please listen. Our relationship happened so fast. I didn’t want to scare you. I didn’t have a place to live. So I used your cottage for a few days before realizing that I wanted…nay, that I needed your permission to be there. It was too early in our relationship to ask if I could move onto your property, even if it was away from the main house. Strange things have happened since we’ve been together. Someone is trying to hurt you. But I have yet to find out who it is. I was not about to leave you unattended and vulnerable to the sick demented plans of another. I speak the absolute truth when I tell you I would wish for death if something ever happened to you. I want to protect you. Please let me protect you!”
Dorien wanted her back in his arms. Her hesitation and feelings of mistrust caused him to flinch in pain. She pondered his involvement in the death of her parents. She mused if he had set the rabid dog on her property. Sensing her sudden fear made him feel sick.
“Please do not fear me, Evangeline! You should know I would never hurt you!”
Tears flooded copper eyes. The sound of them rolling down her beautiful face shocked his soul. “I’m afraid I’m at a disadvantage, Dorien. I can’t read your mind.”
“I will never betray to you, Evangeline. If it mak
es you feel any better, the truth is that I am madly in love with you.”
Her whole body jerked. She didn’t believe him.
“Don’t! Don’t you dare say this if you don’t mean it! I’m not asking you to tell me this. I’ve never asked you for anything.” she cried in misery.
But her heart sure did.
Grabbing her roughly, she moaned. Dorien forced her to look at him.
“Look me in the eyes, Evangeline. I refuse to make up words to flatter you. I love you, woman! I am crazy in love you. I do not speaking out of any expectation. But rather, I say this because I must. I have withheld my true feelings from you, only to your detriment. I should have told you the moment that I knew.”
“And when was that, Dorien? When did you know you loved me?” she whispered.
Pulling her into the closest room, he shut the door behind them.
“Do you want to know the exact moment I fell in love with you?”
“Yes,” she panted.
“Are you prepared for my answer, Evangeline?” His hands caressed her face. They encircled around her throat. Her head fell back in pained ecstasy.
“Yes.”
Her heaving breasts brushed against his forearms. Dorien groaned.
“I knew I was in love with you from the moment you kissed me in the museum.” It felt so good to finally say it!
“What? Dorien, this is the first time I’ve ever seen you in the museum. Are you saying you fell in love with me just now, on the dance floor?”
“Nay, woman, think harder!”
Evangeline bit her trembling, bottom lip. She looked so innocent in her confusion.
Dorien unfastened the clasp at his neck. He removed his cloak.
“Why are you taking off your…?”
Dorien closed the distance between them. He cut her off with a kiss. He stood completely void of clothing except his coverlet and sandals. Taking her into his arms, he ran like a speed of light until they reached the basement. With the flick of a switch, light illuminated the Treasure Recovery Room. He carried Evangeline to the center of the room and placed her before his pedestal. Dorien clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. The familiar pangs of desolation were overwhelming. To see his platform base was torment. It only made him angry. This remnant was the only evidence bearing witness to his prison. It was the shrine that reminded him of the Hell he never expected to escape.
Evangeline gasped. She was breathless. “What are we doing down here? How did we get here so fast?”
Taking her by the hand, he forced her fingers to massage the left side of his chest. The moment she felt the round puckered area immortalized over his heart, Evangeline sucked in a horrified breath. He read her thoughts. She knew what it was. Stepping back with a start, questioning eyes searched his face.
“Yes, Evangeline! It is a scar.”
Dorien turned around. He felt her velvet soft fingertips touch the jagged scar on the lower right side of his back. Her hand flew to her mouth.
In a single jump he stood on the pedestal of marble. “Mortal wounds, Evangeline.” Reaching down, he lifted her chin. “If memory serves, you knew my name before we officially met. And you, my love, were the one who kissed me first.”
She shook her head in disbelief. “No, please!”
“Yes, Evan! You know the truth!”
She backed away from him. “Impossible.”
Clenched fists fell to his sides.
“Not impossible. I am here. You released me from my stone prison.”
“You’re lying! What have you done with the statue, Dorien? Did you steal it?”
“I have never lied to you, Evangeline. I am no thief. I am the statue!” Wrapping fingers around her upper arms, he lifted her onto the pedestal with him. He forced her to look at him. “You came in from the secret door. You fell and bloodied your knees when you walked towards the lanterns. You were filled with so much pain. I smelled ale on your breath.”
Her body shook.
“You picked up a metal bar. You swung at everything! You stopped short of striking me!”
“What else did I do?” she panted.
“You knew my name! You called me Dorieus. You touched my body. I felt you through the stone. But I was helpless to move. You stood on a chair and kissed me. I felt your breath come into my lungs, and I began to burn. My body started to change. Your sandal got caught in the chair, and you began to fall. I didn’t want to see you hurt, so I lunged to catch you. For whatever reason, I was able to move. You fainted as I caught you. I carried you through the tunnel and placed you in your bed. I think you recall what I did to you after that.”
Evangeline’s face burned hot. She was well aware of what happened in her bed. Her body trembled. She was visibly shaking.
“Evangeline, before that night, we had never met. How do you think I knew you wanted me to come back to you? I knew you wanted me as much as I wanted you. Time and fate have brought us together.”
“People don’t become statues, Dorien, how….?”
I recently told you of my family line. You knew who I was when you saw my statue. I am still that man.”
“Prince Dorieus, from the family line of Agiad,” she whispered.
“Yes. Name my brothers. I know you remember who they are.”
Her voice trembled. “Leonidas, Cleombrotus, and the insane half-brother you mentioned was Cleomenes.”
“Yes. And you are right, people don’t become statues. But leave it to an incensed Oracle, and let me tell you, it can happen.”
“Oracle?”
“Yes. What do your history books say about my death?”
Evangeline struggled with her words. “To make a long story short, you were a warrior. You were angry when your people allowed your mentally ill brother Cleomenes to take the throne. Even today, everyone knows you should have been the rightful king of Sparta. Unable to sit idle while your mad brother ruled the throne, you enlisted a legion of your most loyal soldiers. Seeking new lands to conquer in the name of Sparta, you traveled to Africa, where your settlements failed. You decided to go to Italy and reclaim Minoa…only you fell to your death.”
He didn’t miss Evangeline’s wince at the mention of his death. His heart soared.
“Okay, that is a fair representation. And yes, I fell in the battle. I lost all of my men and was mortally wounded. I took an arrow to the chest and a coward’s blade to my back. As I lay dying, the Oracle Demona sent her minions to give me the nectar of Ambrosia. That single act saved my life, but it changed my whole existence. The change was horrid and painful, but somehow I lived. Like a miracle, my wounds had healed. After my transformation, I felt incredible. I could read the minds of others, and my strength and stamina were second to none. My new state was cut short when my body began to solidify. I tried to fight it, but it consumed me. I became cursed. Demona imprisoned me as a statue. The last thing I remember, her minions buried me deep in the ground at the site of the battlefield. Their thoughts promised I would never be found. They were right, until the day I was excavated. I was moved to your museum in 1918.
“My great, great grandfather!”
“Yes! He was a good man, Evangeline.”
Evangeline’s expression softened. “Is this why your skin is always so cold?”
It felt so good to feel her soothed demeanor.
“Yes. I can assure you my skin was as warm as yours once. But there is one other thing I must tell you. This might be hard for you to believe, but now is as good a time as any to tell you.”
“All right. I’m listening.”
“I am immortal.”
Her head shook in disbelief. “What?”
“I am cursed, Evan. I cannot die. I have enhanced abilities most would call unnatural. From the feel of my skin to the reading of minds, I am not your average guy.”
Evangeline laughed. “So you’re telling me you have some type of super powers? A curse, as you like to call it. As unbelievable as it sounds, Dorien, this kind of makes sense. I’ve
been wondering how you could read my thoughts and feelings like a book.”
He was glad she found something humorous.
“Evan, I know this changes everything between us. You can choose to believe me, or you can choose to believe I am as mad as Cleomenes. If it is the latter, I will go and never bother you again. I meant it when I told you I loved you. I still mean it. But I love you enough to let you go if you feel you can’t deal with this part of my life. This is something I cannot change. You must be willing to accept me as I am.”
“Leave? I love you, Dorien. There is nothing you can say to make me want you any less. I believe you. Too much makes sense. So many pieces have come together.”
His smile was wicked. “Such as?”
She rolled her eyes. “Come on, Dorien. Besides the color and temperature of your skin, your stamina in the bedroom is unheard of. Your lucky penchant for mind-reading is impossible. Don’t think that I haven’t noticed your inability to sleep or tire. Plus, you still have yet to ever eat a meal with me! Your strength! Did you see what you did to Andrew’s poor hand?”
Dorien feigned innocence. “I didn’t lay a hand on that boy!”
Evangeline giggled. “Exactly! All he had to do was strike you and it was as if he hit a brick wall. His hand sounded like it shattered when it made contact with your chest. I actually heard it. You brute!”
Spartan Heart, Part One Page 11
