The Dark Rose

by Ramsey, Valentine

  Standing, Pan retreated to her room, closing the door on their stunned expressions.

  How could they expect her trust when they abandoned her to Raphael’s savageness? Their orders may be to subject her to it, but Pan refused to be another one of his victims. From now on she would no longer be alone in Raphael’s presence without Isaac. She didn’t know how long it would last, but it was all she could do. She couldn’t wait until Andre got here. He would tear Raphael apart.

  Crawling in bed, Pan reached under the pillow and pulled out the compass. The needle bobbed as she ran her thumb over the top. Eyes beginning to burn with tears, she clenched them shut to keep them at bay.

  She had been trying hard not to think about Dom because when allowing herself to, he was all she thought about and that came with a lot of territory. The land of it ranging in sadness and grief at being torn away from him so brutally, agonized with heartache, so wounded an unguarded thought would set it to break, desperateness for her love and an escape.

  She was weak. If she cried she would drown in the tears of her ocean of fears. The notion of spending eternity without Dom and with Raphael splintered her heart like ice in cold winter.

  Hours later, when Isaac alerted her that Raphael was in route and wanting to disappear before he arrived, Isaac snuck her through the service entrances to escape. Pan stayed away all night pacing the sands of the Aegean Sea until a servant spy called Isaac to alert an enraged Raphael was departing.

  Pan was reluctant to return, but the temptation of having the Penthouse all to herself, drove her back. The others were staying put in their suites, taking her obvious hint their presence was unwanted.

  Alone with her sorrows she planned on taking a long bath and disclosing them to the ghosts of the brokenhearted that had come before her.

  Kicking her shoes off, she headed into her bedroom. Going to the bedside table, Pan reached to turn the light on when she was suddenly grabbed and spun around. She sucked in a breath to scream, but a hand slapped over her mouth, stifling it.

  Thrashing, trying to break Raphael’s hold, he lifted her off her feet. Kicking wildly, her feet caught the bed and Pan pushed off making him stumble back.

  “Stop, stop, stop,” he said. “Pan stop.”

  Heart thumping wildly, tears streaming down her face, Pan mumbled against his hand begging, him not to hurt her.

  “Pan—”

  Something in his voice broke her haze of terror and froze her tears. She relaxed against him, panting hard and fast. Something about his scent triggered a sigh of inner peace. Closing her eyes, her lids cut off the welled tears. They rolled hot down her cheeks to catch on his hand.

  Dom, her mind whispered. Warm relief flooded her.

  “It’s okay,” Dom whispered, his breath warm on her ear. He kissed her temple. “It’s alright.”

  Uncovering her mouth, he set her down. Her knees weak, Pan was glad he kept his arms wrapped around her. She sagged back against his chest, needing his strength.

  “Is it really you?” Pan asked, barely a whisper.

  She couldn’t look at him yet. She needed to absorb this miracle, make sure it wasn’t a hallucination caused by a wicked oracle, looking for a prank and finding her weakness easy prey.

  “Yes.”

  Pan ran her hands over his arms, feeling their familiar contours. Features of any man’s arm, but familiarity told her they were the arms of her man.

  “How did you find me?”

  “Andre.”

  “Andre?” She said it with surprise, but she honestly wasn’t.

  “He told me you were in Greece, but not where. I guess he thought I had to do a little of the legwork myself.”

  “I can’t believe you came for me again.”

  “I cannot live or act to live, without you. You are my forever.”

  Pan turned in his hold and looked up into the face of her saving grace. Grabbing the back of his head, she pulled him to her lips. Kissing fervently, Dom backed her into the bed. Pan pushed back on her elbows and he crawled up her. Blood lingering on his tongue, she moaned at the taste of him. Gasping, she broke away and he kissed down her neck.

  “I love you so much,” she breathed.

  Dom met her eyes. His glowed just like the sea she had paced earlier. “I need it. More than anything.” He stroked her hair back, studying her face. “You look so sad, it’s breaking my heart.”

  “Mine was broken when I thought I would never see you again. I’m not sad, I’m just so—” her breath shuddered out, “relieved.”

  “Well, I’m here now and I’m not going anywhere. It’s been awhile, smile for me.”

  Pan did and couldn’t help but laugh.

  “What are we going to do?” she asked, pushing his shaggy hair out of his face.

  Dom’s eyes suddenly flared, catching the rock on her finger. He moved to sit on the edge of the bed, pulling her up with him. His face was dark as he studied the ring. Pan tugged her hand away, but he held it tight reluctant to let go.

  “It means nothing, Dom. I swear. I just forgot about it.”

  A devilish grin split his lips. “You don’t need to convince me. And as to your question the first thing we are going to do—” he pulled the ring from her finger and tossed it over his shoulder, “is that.”

  Pan laughed.

  “The second thing we’re going to do is leave.” He rested his forehead against hers, his sweet honeyed breath fanning her cheek. “The third thing we’re going to do is get married.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Yes. The priest I tried so hard to get a hold of is here in Europe. And now that we’re here—” His eyes danced as he grinned. “Are you sure you can give this up?” He gestured to the lavish room, the metaphor for her lavish life. “Because we’ll have to run and it won’t be full of comfort, but I’ll always provide you with everything you need.”

  “I don’t care, Dom. If I have you, I can definitely give this up. You’re all I need.”

  He kissed her. “You’re all I want. Pack what you need, but keep it minimal.” He eyed her dress. “And sensible,” he added sternly. “Anything else you need, we can buy.”

  Pan reached to turn the lamp on, but Dom caught her wrist. “No light.”

  “Why?”

  “I’ve been watching you all day. When Raphael found you gone, he threw a hissy fit that would put any woman to shame. I haven’t caught his scent, but he may be watching the hotel, waiting for you to get back.”

  “Then how are we going to get out?”

  “Don’t worry, I have a plan.”

  Pan quickly packed while Dom stood behind the curtains, keeping watch on the city. She paused seeing her jewelry and barrettes on the vanity.

  He noticed and laughed. “I’ll buy you new ones.”

  Pan smiled guiltily. Sitting on the bed, she grabbed the compass from under the pillow and pulled it over her head. Pulling on a pair of socks and then her boots, she zipped them and stood.

  Dom glanced back at her. “Are you close?”

  “Almost.”

  “Good, because clouds just migrated over the moon and I want to take advantage of their shielding darkness.” He strode out onto the terrace and leaped onto the rail in one fluid motion, balancing perfectly. The ocean breeze ruffled his hair. “This is beautiful. Too bad we can’t spend time here together.”

  Sneaking, she grabbed one barrette and stuffed it in her bag then walked out. “I’m ready.”

  “But are you ready to fly?”

  Pan eyed him, suspicious. “Fly how?”

  Dom didn’t answer, but licked the tip of his finger and held it to the wind. “Perfect flying conditions.” He dropped down and held his arms open to her. He grinned. “Come on.”

  “Promise you—”

  Dom shoved her back. Pan bounced into the wall as he shielded her body with his.

  “Shh.” He was looking at a spot above her shoulder, his eyes unfocused as he listened.

  Pan searched hi
s blank face as if she could read on it what he was hearing. He met her eyes.

  “Raphael,” he whispered.

  A tremble shot through her as the blood drained from her face.

  “He’s demanding to see you, but your guard won’t let him past.” Dom’s expression was black and his lip peeled up. “I can’t wait until I kill him. He’s leaving, but warns he’ll be watching in case you try to slip him again.”

  “How are we going to escape now?”

  “It’ll be easy.”

  “But he’s watching.”

  “It’ll be easy because I’m me.”

  His self-assured smirk made her smile. “No humility at all, huh?”

  “Don’t be absurd, I’m a Prince. This changes things slightly, though. Ready?”

  Pan nodded. Eyes locked on hers, Dom grabbed her bottom and Pan wrapped her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist as he lifted her up.

  “Hold on,” he said, and began climbing up the building like a spider.

  Reaching the roof, Dom set her down and pulled her across it to the front. Kneeling, they looked over the edge.

  “There.” Dom pointed out Raphael crossing the street to Constitution Square, on the prowl with his perpetual scowl. “I had planned to land somewhere over there, but now with the way the wind is blowing we should head towards the beach. Otherwise he could scent you.”

  Raphael glanced around and they ducked back. Dom pulled her back to the other side and scooped her up in his arms.

  “Hold tight.”

  Pan wrapped her arms around his neck. He bent his knees and the next thing Pan saw was the diamond studded sky flying by as they soared higher and higher, arching over the night. It began to fall away as they dropped. Her hair blew up and Dom’s grip tightened. He landed, absorbing the impact as if he had jumped half a staircase.

  Pan looked around to see they were on another roof a couple buildings over. Dom walked to the edge and dropped off the side. Standing from his crouch, he set her on her feet. People were walking the street, but no one even noticed.

  “We need to get out of here.” He took her hand and they fled.

  She ran all out to keep up with Dom’s longer strides as he pulled her along. When miles were behind them, he slowed. Her heart one long never pausing drum, panting for breath, Pan looked up at Dom as he glanced around a little envious that he wasn’t even winded.

  He looked down at her and took in her flushed cheeks with guilt. “I’m sorry. I should have carried you. We don’t have much further to go and then you can relax.”

  Pan pushed her windblown hair out of her face. “I’m fine. My legs are just a little shaky.”

  “Here, jump on.” He gave her his back.

  Pan grabbed his shoulders and leaped on. Dom grabbed her thighs as Pan wrapped her arms around his neck, holding his chest. He walked a dozen blocks then headed up an alley. Sliding down his back, Pan dropped to the ground. As they walked out to the sidewalk Dom draped his arm around her shoulders, mimicking all the other tourist and native couples.

  “Keep on the lookout for a cab,” he said. “I really don’t want to have to steal a car.”

  Seconds later Pan spotted one dropping a couple off at a restaurant. Running across the street, cutting through traffic, Dom knocked on the driver’s lowered window.

  “SighnOmi?” he said, with an engaging smile no one could turn away.

  Pan only knew enough Greek to get by in a minimal conversation.

  Translation: Excuse me?

  “Nai?” said the portly man rolling the window down the rest of the way.

  Translation: Yes?

  “Athens International.”

  Translation: Athens International Airport.

  “Oh, nai, nai,” the man said smiling and nodding vigorously.

  Dom opened the backdoor for her.

  It’s really happening, Pan thought, staring at Dom with awe as they drove off. They were finally escaping. Pan grabbed his jaw and kissed him hard.

  Dom laughed against her lips. “What?”

  Pan shook her head, smiling. “I’m so happy.”

  He wrapped his arms around her.

  “Not many tourist speak good Greek, you know,” the man said, his accent heavy. He looked in the mirror and laughed. “Oh, sorry. Young love, eh?”

  “No younger than this,” Dom said. “We’re on our way to be married.”

  The man threw up his hand. “Singariteeria!”

  Translation: Congratulations!

  + Chapter 37 +

  Love Devouring Death

  At Athens International they met up with Urijah. As they walked up to him, he tossed Dom a small pack.

  “You know what to do next,” Dom said, digging through it.

  Pan caught a glimpse of a couple fake I.D’s and passports.

  Urijah handed Dom two plane tickets. “Don’t insult me by asking.”

  Dom looked up at him all seriousness. “I wasn’t asking.”

  Urijah rolled his eyes then smiled at Pan. “Princess,” he said, and gave a sweeping bow. Straightening, he took her hand and kissed it. “I look forward to getting to know my Queen when all this mischief is over.”

  Pan shifted, feeling a little guilty. “I don’t mean to cause so much trouble.”

  Dom snorted. “Of course you do. You’re nothing but trouble.”

  Pan scowled and bumped her hip into his. “Not on purpose.”

  “Makes me love you all the more,” he said, and kissed her cheek.

  “Trust me, you’re worth it,” Urijah said. “Dom was a bore plus two before you.” He looked at Dom. “Do you require anything else?”

  “No, I am indebted to you for your help.”

  “Ooo, a fancy thank you.”

  Dom laughed and they hugged.

  “Don’t do anything you usually would,” Urijah said as they pulled away. “You have her to take care of now.”

  Dom looked at Pan. He stroked her cheek. “I’m looking forward to it.”

  Urijah looked at his watch. “I’ve already checked you in. You have thirty minutes before your plane leaves. I should be going.” But he hesitated. “If you need anything—”

  “I know,” Dom said.

  Urijah nodded then jogged away.

  “Where’s he going?” Pan asked.

  “He’s flying the jet to Switzerland as a decoy and dropping my name around. Give us some time.”

  Pan looked up at Dom worried as he pulled her quickly to the security check-in. “But—how long do you think we have until they come after me?”

  “Tomorrow afternoon, night if we’re lucky.”

  “We will get far enough in time? My father’s power runs far.”

  “Then we’ll run even farther.” Dropping his sack and her satchel into a bin, Dom turned and framed her face in his hands. “Do you trust me?”

  “Unconditionally.”

  Pan had no clue where they were going and had no time to ask as they had to run to catch their plane. Three hours later, she watched out the window as they began to descend. The plane tilted and Dom pointed.

  “See that glittering shine? That’s the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra Monastery. The gold is its gilded domed tier towers.”

  Pan frowned. “Kiev, as in Ukraine?”

  Dom smiled. “I told you the priest was hard to track down. We still have a ways to go.”

  When landed, Dom hailed a cab that took them to Kiev Passenger Railway Station. From there they took a train out of the city. Exhausted, Pan fell asleep against Dom’s chest, his arm around her. He woke her when they arrived wherever they were.

  Unloading on the platform, Pan looked around. At first she thought everything was so hazy because of her sleep deprived eyes, but then realized it was fog. The sky was a predawn blue as the sun had yet to rise over the land.

  Dom came down behind her and took her hand.

  “Are we there?” Pan asked, trudging next him as they headed into the station.

  “Not n
early. You can sleep more on the next train.”

  And Pan did. This train wasn’t as nice as the first, more third generation, but Dom got a two-berth kupe compartment so they could relax in peace and not have to sleep in the third class bunks next to strange strangers.

  Pan didn’t sleep on her own bunk, but fell asleep in Dom’s arms, crammed on his bunk that was barely big enough for him alone. Feeling like a kitten just waking up from a nap in the afternoon sun, Pan stirred awake. Her leg draped over Dom’s, she stretched. Rubbing her foot up and down his leg, she looked up at him. His eyes were closed, his expression peaceful.

  Pan traced his dark eyebrows then ran the tip of her finger down the perfect bridge of his nose to the indentation under it. She hesitated, staring at his bowed yet full lips.

  “Are you hungry?” he suddenly asked.

  Pan startled, yanking her hand back. His eyes flicked open, pinning her with his aqua gaze without moving his head.

  “Your stomach was growling in your sleep. I packed some food for you.”

  “If I’m hungry, I don’t feel it right now.”

  Dom shifted from under her to lie beside her, pressed against her. “I’m glad you’re so tiny or I’d probably fall off. These things weren’t made for someone as big as me. Did you know—” he placed his finger on the indentation above her lips as if he was shushing her, “that this is called the philtrum?”

  Pan shook her head no.

  “It’s derived from the Greek word philtron which means, “to love or love potion,” or my personal favorite “love charm”. The ancient Greeks thought the lips mirrored the shape of Cupid’s bow and that this—” Dom moved his finger and kissed the top of her lip, “sweet little hush button was the personification of Cupid’s power.”

  “I didn’t know that,” Pan whispered.

  “I didn’t think I did either, but love, it seems, has a funny way of re-infusing your brain with all those silly love idioms you heard once upon a time and forgot because you thought they were too useless and pointless to remember.” He was gazing at her lips.

  “Not so pointless anymore,” she said softly.

  “No.” Holding her neck, Dom kissed her.

  After eating and freshening up at the small water basin, Pan pulled out a change of clothes.