Heart of Stone

by Debra Mullins

  Was that why Darius hadn’t told her? Did he think she might defect before she was done analyzing the stone? Was that the real reason he’d suggested she stay?

  “Faith.” She jerked her head up and realized he was handing her his phone. “It’s Adrian. He wants to talk to you.”

  She took it and brought it to her ear as Darius got up and headed for the bathroom. “Hello?”

  “Hey, Faith. I don’t want to leave Ben for long, so I’ll keep this short. Have you ever seen Azotay? Can you describe him?”

  “No, just heard about him. Dark hair and dark eyes. They say he has a scar across his throat where someone tried to kill him. That’s all I know.”

  “I’ve heard the same, but I’d hoped you’d actually seen him yourself.”

  “Sorry, no.”

  “Okay. Listen, don’t worry about Ben. He’s my number-one priority. We’ll see you tomorrow night.”

  “Yes.” She tightened her fingers on the phone. “Be careful, Adrian. These guys are ruthless.”

  “I know. See you tomorrow.” He hung up.

  She stared at the phone for a moment before setting it down on the nightstand. Darius came out of the bathroom. “What did he say?”

  “He wanted to know if I’ve ever seen Azotay.” She sat back against the headboard and hugged a pillow against her body. “I’m so worried about Ben. If anything happens to him—”

  “Hey, now.” He sat on the edge of the bed and reached out to touch her hair, his dazzling blue eyes soft. “Adrian Gray is a badass. You know that, right?”

  “He’s a Warrior, which is good, but Azotay has a band of Warriors with him, which is bad.” She rested her chin on top of the pillow. “Why didn’t you tell me, Darius?”

  “I forgot.”

  Her eyes bugged. “How could you forget something so important? Didn’t you want me to know?” She flung the pillow aside. “Or were you worried it might distract me too much to finish the work with the stone?”

  “What? No, of course not.”

  She shoved herself off the bed on the opposite side from where he sat. Why had she even allowed herself to hope, even for a second, that he was different from everyone else? “Maybe you thought I might give in to the Mendukati’s demands if they got hold of Ben? Steal the stone or something?”

  “Faith, where are you getting this?” He came around and took her by the upper arms. “Sweetheart, he called me at six thirty this morning. I had every intention of telling you.”

  “Then why didn’t you? Darius, we’ve been together all day.”

  “I know, and I don’t have any better response than it slipped my mind.”

  “Slipped your mind!” She pulled away from him. “My only family is in mortal danger, and it slipped your mind?” She spun away from him and stalked the room, hunting her discarded clothing.

  “Faith, wait. I said wait, damn it!” He took her arm as she rose from picking up her panties off the floor. “You’re acting like I deliberately kept this from you.”

  “Didn’t you?”

  “No, I didn’t.”

  She shook him loose and turned her back. Jerking on her underwear, she faced him again, hands on her hips and half naked. “Then explain. And I’d better believe it, pal.”

  His face darkened. “You’re not going to use this to push us apart, Faith.”

  “Now what are you talking about?” She bent to scoop her jeans off the floor.

  He folded his arms and watched her, his expression stony. “Gray called early this morning. I went for my swim, showered, got breakfast. I planned to tell you when you got down to the cabana.”

  “Why didn’t you?” To her horror, tears stung her eyes. She blinked furiously and tugged on her jeans, hoping she could stop the betrayal of emotion before he saw it.

  “You were late.” His voice had softened.

  “So? I overslept.” She turned, searching for more garments. Anything to keep him from seeing the angry-scared-embarrassed moisture welling up.

  “You were late, and I was scared for you. I thought the stone had captured you again.”

  “Oh, come on.”

  “It’s true. I thought it had sucked you in, that it was too late to save you. And then you came walking out, wearing those tight jeans and that cute pink shirt, all excited about the stuff Ben had sent you. You looked so beautiful, and I was so relieved that I completely forgot to tell you about Ben.”

  She slowly faced him as he spoke. The catch in his voice, the genuine concern in his eyes, his posture, all indicated he was telling the truth.

  “Then you started working with the stone,” he continued, “and you were gone so long, so deeply caught by its memories. I was afraid I wouldn’t get you out. Then when you did come out…” He stopped.

  She’d thrown herself into his arms, into his bed. Her shoulders relaxed.

  “Honestly, Faith, I just got distracted by everything going on. Is one mistake really enough for you to write me off already?”

  “No, it’s not. I’m sorry. You’re right. A lot happened today.” She swiped a hand over her face. “I’ve just gotten so accustomed to people trying to use me for their own goals that I guess I’ve gotten hair-triggered.”

  He reached out a hand, and she took it, allowing him to pull her into his embrace. Part of her demanded she should stand firm, not be fooled by tender words and earnest apologies. But if she went through life trusting no one, suspicious of everyone, she’d end up a very hard, embittered, and lonely woman.

  “You know you’re still naked,” she said against his chest.

  “You know you’re overdressed.”

  She pulled back and met that steady, blue-eyed gaze. “Let’s do something about that, shall we?”

  “Works for me.” He watched as she stripped off her jeans and panties. “By the way, in the interest of full disclosure, there’s something else I need to tell you.”

  She tossed her clothes aside, braced for bad news. “All right.”

  “I want to tell you now so I don’t forget and get in trouble again.” He waited for her smile to continue. “Tomorrow morning my family has a private ritual they’re doing up in the temple. Entertain yourself, sleep in, go swimming or something until I come get you. Then we’ll work with the stone.”

  “Okay.” It seemed odd that he’d go out of his way to tell her about such a personal family thing. She was a guest here, not a permanent resident. But the fact that he’d felt the need to mention it only reminded her how much his family distrusted her. One more obstacle that proved a permanent relationship with him was just a fantasy.

  “Hopefully the thing will be over fast.” He rested his forehead against hers. “Then we can take another whack at that stone.”

  “Work, work, work.” She shook off the negative feelings and focused on the hot, naked man before her. “Let’s play.”

  “Race you to the bed.”

  * * *

  Sometime after midnight, Faith left Darius’s place and headed back to her own room. She swung by the cabana and picked up her ring, which she’d forgotten earlier. She slipped it on her finger. Though it had been the wedding ring from her doomed marriage, she still cherished it because Ben had made it for her. And its protective powers had shielded her from the Stone of Igarle’s consciousness until she was ready to deal with that tricky hunk of rock.

  She only wished the ring could protect her from the complications of her relationship with Darius.

  Okay, so she’d flung caution to the winds and slept with the man. Was it the smart thing to do? Probably not. She was fairly certain she was risking heartache by following her emotions rather than exercising caution. If she were smart, she would have kept things purely professional with Darius so she could leave at the end of the job with her bank account full and her heart whole.

  But the revelations today had shaken the very foundations of what she thought she knew, and he’d been right there, steady Darius. Always sympathetic. Always extending a hand to help. Alw
ays so darned attractive. Going into his arms had seemed a natural thing, and making love with him had felt like coming home.

  She had to dig deep and find some objectivity, some way to seal up her emotions in a safe place so that she could keep control of their relationship. Enjoy the affair, the sex, the closeness, not mourn for a permanent romance that probably wouldn’t work out anyway. She wasn’t going to stay, no matter the sweet fantasies she’d conjured. She lived in the real world, and eventually she would have to leave the bubble of the Montana mansion and return to it.

  But as she slipped through the sliding doors to the kitchen, she wondered if she would depart this place whole, or if she would leave her shattered heart behind.

  * * *

  Darius knew when Faith slipped out of the guesthouse to return to her room, though she clearly thought he was asleep. He’d followed her empathically until suddenly the connection cut off. He jumped out of bed and went to the window. She came out of the cabana and headed for the house. The motion lights around the pool flicked on as she walked, gleaming off something on her hand.

  That ring again, the one that blocked her from his powers.

  He watched her until she disappeared into the house, then turned back to his solitary bed. It would be so much easier once he was able to tell her the truth about his abilities, especially that his empathy worked on other Atlanteans. That was something he had in common with her late husband, so she might not take that news well. She might even see their sexual encounters as some kind of attempt at manipulation, but he was convinced he could make her understand his side and the promise he’d made to his family for everyone’s safety.

  Tomorrow was Rafe’s Soul Circle, and Darius would need all his energy to aid his brother in getting through the ritual intact. Once Rafe was safe, Darius could approach the family about telling Faith the truth. Maybe then, once he’d come clean about his empathy, he could start coaxing Faith toward a more permanent relationship. Because that’s what he realized he wanted.

  He’d fooled himself into believing he could have a brief, casual thing with his destined mate, even justified it with the idea about solidifying the mate link as another defense against the Mendukati. But the more time they spent together, the more he came to understand that temporary wasn’t enough. He wanted Faith in his life permanently.

  He loved how she tried to be so tough all the time, to handle everything on her own. How she accepted him and his damaged body as they were. She’d been used and manipulated her entire life, orphaned young and betrayed by her husband. Everyone wanted a piece of the Stone Singer. Only Ben had shown her the love she so deserved. It was no wonder she had such trouble trusting people.

  He wanted to earn her trust. To laugh with her, to share her burdens. To look at him with love.

  He was an empath, and his power was to see into the heart. Now when he looked into his own, all he saw was Faith.

  * * *

  The Mendukati had been suspiciously absent over the past twenty-four hours. Adrian didn’t trust it. Another man might relax his guard, thinking they’d abandoned their mission. If creating that assumption was their intent, it had backfired. He remained even more vigilant because of their absence. Because he knew the Mendukati did not just go away.

  Von was monitoring the Mendukati’s movements, ready to send in the cavalry at the first sign of trouble. If Adrian and Ben weren’t leaving tomorrow, Adrian would have already abandoned their “under the radar” strategy and given Von the go-ahead to send some more Warriors. As it was, in a few short hours they’d be safe in Sedona.

  Blessed Ekhia, the sun, had set hours ago. Clad only in a pair of running shorts, Adrian made his way to the area he’d cleared in the untouched desert surrounding the hotel. Steps away from the hotel’s parking lot, he could see the window of the room he shared with Ben. The light from the TV flickered, like others in the motel. Ben had promised to stay put while Adrian performed this ritual, and from this vantage point, Adrian would see anyone approaching the room. He could be there in moments if Ben was threatened.

  All his strength and cunning would be required to keep them both alive until they got to Sedona tomorrow night. For that, his mind and heart needed to be clear and focused.

  He turned his face to the star-studded sky. Brilliant Ilargi, the moon, had risen already, only half revealed. In another few days she would bloom in full glory. He murmured the appropriate words as he stepped into the sacred space he’d prepared. Soft sand, still warm from the day’s heat, gave way beneath his bare feet. With the ease of a lifetime of practice, he crouched into the first position, arms bent, hands poised. Then he began to dance.

  Beneath Ilargi’s light, his body twisted and coiled, extended and stretched, a parody of battle. One movement led into another, each an integral part to an ancient song: graceful, controlled, balanced. The wind and the night were his music; Ilargi, his audience. The rite brought peace to his inner self. Reminded him of who he was. Reminded him why he was.

  His muscles warmed; his soul calmed. He danced to keep his skills sharp, to keep his mind focused, to keep himself connected to the Earth.

  And as always, he danced for victory in the battle to come.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  When Faith headed downstairs just before nine the next morning, she found Darius in the foyer with a man she’d never seen before. He looked to be in his late thirties, with black hair, bronzed skin, and strong bone structure that hinted at Hispanic or Native American heritage. He was dressed in jeans and a muscle-clinging black T-shirt with a buzzed haircut that could be either military or trendy. He looked up as she descended the stairs, his dark brown eyes speculative and alert.

  Definitely military.

  She glanced at Darius, and her stomach gave a little flip at the warmth in those gorgeous blue eyes. She’d missed his arms around her last night.

  Warrior? She flicked her head slightly toward the newcomer as she sent the telepathic message.

  No. Human, he sent back.

  “Faith,” Darius said aloud as she got to the bottom of the stairs, “this is Rigo Mendez. He works on my father’s security team and is going to keep you company this morning.”

  “I see.” Faith held out a hand, and Mendez shook it. “So you’re the babysitter.”

  “I wouldn’t say that,” Mendez replied.

  “Not a babysitter,” Darius said. “Just someone to talk to. It’s rude to leave a guest all alone.”

  “Uh-huh.” She had to admit that it pinched just a bit that he didn’t trust her to entertain herself. She’d thought that Darius, at least, understood she wasn’t the bad guy.

  This wasn’t my idea, just so you know, he sent. Having Rigo here gives my parents a sense of security that they need right now.

  Wow, it was like he could read her mind. Or maybe he was just really intuitive. She wanted to stay annoyed at him, but who could fault a guy for trying to make his mother feel safe? Her heart melted just a little bit more.

  “So,” Mendez said, and she realized that from his non-Atlantean perspective, her telepathic conversation with Darius must have seemed like awkward silence. “What did you have planned for this morning?”

  “First, breakfast,” Faith answered.

  “Lupe made muffins,” Darius said. “Banana nut, I think.”

  Mendez grinned, the flash of white giving a softer aspect to his stern visage. “My favorite. She must have known I was coming.”

  “She must have,” Darius agreed. He glanced at his watch.

  “I need coffee,” Faith announced. “How about you, Mr. Mendez?”

  “Rigo,” he corrected. “Sure, I could go for a cup.”

  “Okay then.” Faith looked at Darius. “You’d better go. We’ll be fine.”

  “You sure?” His lips curved in a private message just for her. “I could stay a couple more minutes.”

  Her insides turned to warm goo. Aware of Rigo’s perceptive gaze on them, she ordered her organs to solidify and manage
d a calm response. “We’ll be fine. You’d better go before you get in trouble.”

  “Right. Take care of her, Rigo.”

  “You know it,” the other man replied.

  Darius turned and began to climb the stairs, one fist gripping his cane and the other clenched around the bannister. He made good time, but the slow, steady pace indicated it wasn’t easy.

  “Let’s go grab that coffee,” Rigo said. He added in a murmur, “Don’t watch him; it will just tick him off.”

  “Right.” With effort, she turned away from Darius’s arduous climb and walked with Rigo to the kitchen. “You’d think they would have installed an elevator for him to use,” she said as they arrived at the coffeepot.

  “Oh, they did.” Rigo waved a hand, indicating she should go first. As she poured her coffee, he continued, “When he was in the wheelchair, he had to use it. Once he got on his feet, he refused. He climbed those stairs no matter how hard it was or how long it took.”

  “Sounds like him.” She added vanilla creamer to her coffee while Rigo poured his. “He’s a stubborn man.”

  “Sounds like you’ve gotten to know him pretty well after a couple days’ acquaintance.” Sharp, dark-eyed gaze upon her, he took a swig of coffee, straight black.

  She raised her eyebrows. “Is this the interrogation part of our time together?”

  “You’re blunt.”

  “I grew up in what was basically a military camp. Not a lot of chatty types.” She indicated his biceps, where the letters of a tattoo peeked out from beneath the edge of his sleeve. “I’m betting that says Semper Fi.”

  He slid the sleeve up with one finger to reveal the whole tat. “Good guess.”

  “It was the haircut. And the way you walk. Everything about you screams ‘Marine.’”

  He shrugged.

  “Right. You am what you am.” That startled a laugh from him. She smiled back. “Since we’re going to be hanging out together, what do you suggest?”