by Morgan, SL
Reece inhaled as she brought her other hand up to cradle his face with in her hands. Levi’s grin disappeared as Reece leaned in and softly kissed his perfect lips. She withdrew and smiled, “I have been tempted to do that more than once, every time you have smiled at me that way.” She tilted her head to the side and laughed softly.
Levi slowly reopened his eyes. “My beloved, Reece. Do you have any idea what you do to me?” He brushed the back of his hands along her jaw line and down her neck. Her body shuddered at his tender touch. “No woman has ever amused or charmed me in such a way. In all of my life, I have never believed that any woman could ever have this much control over me.” He tapped his index finger to her chin and grinned. “No woman but you, my sweetheart. You must know that I am profoundly in love with you.”
Levi brought his lips down onto hers again, this time he deepened their kiss with more desire than before. His embrace tightened as he drew her closer into him. Reece’s head started to spin, and her heart skipped several beats. She managed to politely end the kiss, so that she could catch her breath.
“It seems as though I’m just as helpless against you. I can’t even think straight.” She managed to respond.
Reece studied his humored expression. As she brought her hand to his face, he closed his eyes, and exhaled quietly in response to her tender touch. Reece giggled in return. “I have waited so long for a moment such as this,” he whispered, “I fear I will wake up in the morning, and find this was only another dream.”
Reece cocked her head to the side, and stared at him speculatively. “Another dream?”
Levi smiled. “Indeed, sweetheart, I could not escape you, even as I slept.” Levi smiled. He cupped the back of her neck in his hand, and his eyes darkened with desire. “I love you, Reece Bryant.”
She swallowed as her heart picked up its rapid pace once again. “I love you, Levi,” she whispered.
Gently, Levi claimed her lips. When Reece deepened the kiss, he responded enthusiastically. They indulged themselves in their adoration for each other for quite some time before they pulled back, breathing hard. Levi tilted his head, looking at her. He kissed her cheek. Then her forehead. In a leisurely fashion, he covered her face with kisses, finishing with a light kiss to the tip of her nose.
She opened her eyes to see his, shining like sapphires. “Levi, how will I survive your leaving tomorrow?”
His mouth quirked. “The question is, how will Harrison survive? I’m going to drive him insane on this visit, rushing everything to get back to you.”
Reece laughed and felt calmer. “I’m sure Harrison will be fine.”
“My cousin has already suffered quite a bit since I found that I could not bear to be out of your presence.”
Reece’s eyes narrowed. “Has he now? I didn’t realize Harrison was suffering around me.”
“Don’t get me wrong, Harrison thinks you’re great, but he doesn’t always appreciate my transparent excuses to be with you. I believe the worst for him was when I could no longer endure being away from you while visiting my sister. I convinced everyone that Harrison and I had to return for training. I believe he may have thought I had completely lost my mind.” He chuckled. “I demanded we leave that very night, and pushed Areion harder than I ever had, so that your eyes would be the first thing I saw the next morning. Then I abandoned Harrison in the breakfast room, when we did not find you there with the other ladies. Do you remember?”
Reece laughed. “That’s why you two returned before the rest of your family?”
He smiled and nodded. “That’s when I realized I was helplessly in love with you.”
Reece looked at him with concern. “Levi, what are people going to say? What will they all think of you, for loving someone from Earth? Aren’t you a little frightened?”
“Only one thing frightens me, and that is, how much I need you in my life. I’ll be miserable these next few days, longing to be with you again. And your opinion of me is the only one that matters. I wish to put off the announcement of our attachment until I return, simply because I want to be at your side. I will not tolerate your being victim to anyone’s opinion, without me to defend you.”
Reece shuddered internally. It was going to be bad, then. “Promise to come back quickly?”
“My love, it is my only desire.” He stared intently into her eyes.
She returned his gaze as he slowly slid his hand through her hair and rested it on the back of her neck, drawing her closer to him, as his other arm wrapped around her waist. He began with a soft kiss upon her lips, and then traced her jaw with kisses.
Reece inhaled deeply, trying to keep her breathing as calm as his, but her heart was beating rapidly. She felt his lips turn up in a smile against her skin, in response to her obvious reactions. He continued to place small, tender kisses along her neckline, forcing her to sigh with contentment.
One more kiss on the lips, and Levi pulled back with a sigh of his own. “I believe I should be escorting you back to the house now. As much as I desire to remain here with you, I fear my emotions are about to overrule my judgment as a gentleman…” He smiled as he once more kissed her lips, letting his linger on hers for a short moment. He exhaled. “…and, my darling, I cannot allow that to happen.”
The next morning, Reece was awake before sun up. She found Harrison and Levi checking tack and mounting up. She stood at the top of the steps and watched with amusement as they joked with each other like mischievous little boys. As they turned their horses away, she called, “Levi?”
Levi turned Areion back toward the house, and was off the horse and up the steps before she could take a breath. Then she was in his arms, and he kissed her as if he was memorizing her. She was instantly lost in the sweet flavor of his delicious kiss. She inhaled the masculine aroma of him, letting it consume her entirely.
It was when Harrison cleared his throat dramatically that Reece felt the blood rush to her cheeks. She tried to pull back, but Levi held her tighter. He smiled and kissed her softly one more time, before he turned to face his cousin.
“Now that is going to complicate things!” Harrison grinned.
Levi turned to Reece, and kissed her gently on the forehead. “I will return to you as soon as may be, my sweet love.” He touched the tip of her nose with his index finger, and turned back to his horse.
Harrison smiled widely at her. “This will be an interesting ride, Reece; thank you for my entertainment. I guess this is the part where I promise to return him to you safely?” He laughed.
In one swift, powerful motion, Levi mounted Areion, and looked back at Reece. He grinned and winked at her. Her heart halted in response to the smile that always took her breath away. Then, with a clatter of hooves on the courtyard, they were gone.
Chapter 20
Reece turned back into the house as first light had begun to color the sky. She smiled at the rich scent of Levi’s cologne lingering on her hands and coat. Her heart continued to responding to images of their last few moments together. All of these feelings and emotions were so new. Her breath caught, remembering the way he looked at her, the way his eyes reflected his love. She’d seen that love in his eyes many times before, but hadn’t allowed herself to believe it was for her.
She was rudely pulled away from her enjoyment of the moment when she was suddenly standing face-to-face with Simone. Did she seen us saying goodbye? If there was one person she did not want to know about them, it was Simone. Why couldn’t she and her friends have waited at least three more days to return from their vacation? She sighed with irritation, and met the woman’s speculative gaze head-on.
Reece managed a smile. “Good morning, Simone.”
As Reece tried to walk past, Simone stepped in front of her, forcing her to halt.
“Reece Bryant. Do not think that you can walk past me after what I have just witnessed between you and Levi.” Simone motioned to a side door, “It would be wise of you to join me, as I am sure Levi doesn’t want this disturbing secr
et known to anyone.” Simone said with disgust.
Reece inhaled, trying to remain calm, and followed Simone into the empty sitting room.
Simone motioned for Reece to sit on a small sofa, but Reece remained standing, and stared at her sternly. “Just say what you need to say to me, Simone.”
Simone’s eyebrow arched sharply as she stared maliciously down at Reece, “Do not dare order me around. You are at my mercy now.” She finished with a wicked laugh. “Now, I suggest you sit down, and listen to me.
Reece sat on the sofa, and stared up at Simone. “Go ahead, I’m listening.” She said firmly.
Simone glared down at Reece, “I have hated you from the first moment I saw you. You and your kind on Earth repulse me. I’ve never understood why our men risk their lives to protect Earth’s inhabitants from the other dimensions. It has never made any sense to me.”
“Simone—”
“I have not asked you to speak.” Simone snapped.
Reece stood up. “I don’t know who you think you are, but I don’t have to listen to this. I’m not at your mercy, and the only reason I chose to come in here was to let you know that what happened between Levi and I was not that big of a deal. I really—”
“Not that big of a deal? Is that how you view a relationship with one of the most powerful men in Pemdas? I should expect nothing less from a foolish girl from Earth!”
Reece exhaled in frustration, “That’s not what I meant. There is no need to—”
Simone’s features grew hostile, “Who do you think you are anyway, Reece?” Simone shouted. “What makes you think you can come into my world and act like you belong here? To watch you walk these palace halls as if this were your home, utterly disgusts me. And that, Earth dweller, is why I was forced to extreme measures to have you removed from Pemdas!”
Reece stared intently into Simone’s darkened expression, “What are you talking about?” She questioned in a firm voice.
Simone grinned, “You know exactly what I am talking about. My father and Emperor Navarre were obviously getting nowhere with your return, so I had to take matters into my own hands.”
Reece’s eyes narrowed. “What?”
Simone grinned sinisterly, “An arrangement has been made. Harrison and Levi will learn of it as soon as they return to Earth. In trade for you, the Ciatron will no longer be an enemy to Pemdas. We will finally have the peace that even our ancient Guardians could not create.”
“That is not true, Simone, and you know it. The Ciatron have left Earth, and it’s because they know I’m not the one they were searching for—”
“That’s what they wanted the Guardians on Earth to believe. And therefore, that is exactly what the Guardians reported to my father.” Simone answered. “It was the only way to draw you out of our land without being questioned.”
Reece stared at Simone in disbelief; there was no way this woman would find a way to meet with the Ciatron. This was a lie, and a threat, brought about by Simone’s anger over seeing Reece with Levi. The woman was delusional.
Reece gazed intensely into her eyes. “Simone, if this is true, how were you able to meet with them? The Guardians are the only ones who—”
“Reece, have you forgotten that I am the daughter of their commander? I have my ways of learning how to have you removed. My father, obviously, wasn’t getting the job done, and therefore, I did it myself. I met with the people who were willing to have you removed from Pemdas, no matter the cost.”
“Your father and the Emperor don’t know about this?” Reece asked in a soft voice.
“Of course not. They will not believe in the Ciatron’s peaceful efforts until after you are traded. And now, your beloved, Levi Oxley, must deliver you in order to have eternal peace with his father’s greatest enemy. And I will finally be rid of you!”
“Simone!” Reece snapped harshly. “Do you realize what you have done?”
“I know exactly what I have done,” Simone growled, “I’ve found a way to have you removed from our lands, and yet, keep peace with our enemy!”
Before she knew it, Reece’s hand lashed out and slapped Simone’s face hard enough to jolt her head sideways. Simone’s eyes flashed with fury, even as tears welled up in them.
“Have you lost your mind? Levi and Harrison will be lucky if they ever return! You’ve done nothing but condemn everyone! It seems to me that the Ciatron don’t make deals—at least, they don’t keep them. Haven’t you paid attention to any of the reasons why I was brought here to begin with? All anyone can do now is hope that, for once, they will keep their word. And the only way we’ll know that is when, or if, Harrison and Levi return.”
“When Harrison and Levi return, dear Reece, which should be in a few hours, you will wish you had never laid your hand upon my face.”
Reece shook her head in disbelief, and turned to leave.
Simone called to her. “I do hope you have enjoyed your time with Levi. I’ll make this promise to you; your kiss with him this morning will have been your last.”
Reece stopped in the doorway. “Emperor Navarre and your father need to know about your secret arrangements with the Ciatron right away. You’ll either go with me to tell them of it, or I will tell them on my own.”
Simone’s face darkened as she approached Reece. She wove her arm through Reece’s. Reece violently jerked her arm free. “Do not touch me!”
Simone giggled. “Ah! Reece, you must relax. You wouldn’t be foolish enough to try to disrupt my plans, now would you? You see, the friend who helped me wanted you dead, and I can easily arrange that as well!” She brought her arm back through Reece’s, “It would be wise for you to keep this conversation between you and me.” She laughed. “Now, my Empress is waiting on us for breakfast. Let us go.”
Simone led Reece from the room. Reece continued to walk by her side, disillusioned at the thought of the events that Simone had set into action. Could Levi and Harrison be heading into a trap set by the Ciatron? There was no way the Ciatron would take the news of Navarre keeping Reece in Pemdas lightly. Levi and Harrison could be in grave danger. Reece felt sick, but she had to stay focused. Navarre would know best; she had to get away from Simone quickly and notify him somehow. They walked into the dining hall where Allestaine, Elizabeth, Lillian, and Catherine were seated.
“Good morning, ladies.” Allestaine greeted them.
Reece offered a faint smile as she quickly made her way to a seat next to Elizabeth.
“Good morning, Lady Allestaine.” Simone said enthusiastically.
As the staff brought out their breakfast plates, Reece sat silently contemplating how she would get away from Simone, and get a message to Navarre. The longer she sat at this table, the longer Levi and Harrison would be on their own. She stood abruptly.
“Reece? Is everything okay?” Allestaine said as she looked at Reece in confusion.
Reece cleared her throat, “Everything is fine. If you’ll excuse me, I left something back in my room. I’ll only be a minute.”
Simone stood. “Reece, darling, allow me to go with you.”
Reece felt the blood boiling beneath the surface of her skin.
“Simone, Reece can manage her way around the Palace without someone at her side. There is no need for you to dismiss yourself as well.” Allestaine said with a reproachful look at Simone.
Reece smiled at Allestaine, “I’ll only be a moment.”
“Take your time, Reece.” Allestaine responded.
Without looking back at the table, Reece quickly made her way from the room. Fortunately, just outside of the dining hall, a servant was walking by.
“Excuse me, sir? Where can I find a pen and piece of paper, quickly?”
“Right this way, Miss Bryant,” the servant responded as he led her into a room across the way. He pulled a paper and pen from a cabinet drawer, and handed it to her. “Is there anything—”
“Yes, wait just a moment, please.” Reece said as she sat down at a nearby table to write. When s
he finished writing about her confrontation with Simone, she stood and handed the note to the servant. “Take this message to the Emperor immediately. Let him know I said it is imperative that he reads this as soon as you place it into his hands.”
“Yes, Miss Bryant.” The servant gave her a quick bow, and turned hastily to make his way out of the room.
Reece remained in the room, trying to gather herself. She closed her eyes and exhaled, her nerves felt as though they were on fire. There was nothing more she could do now, and she hoped she wasn’t too late for Levi and Harrison’s sake. After a few minutes, Reece was finally able to return to the dining room.
She avoided looking at Simone, and instead returned to her chair without a word. She looked at the food on her plate, and forced herself to begin eating it.
“Reece, you seem unwell? Are you sure you are okay?” Allestaine asked.
Reece forced a smile, “I’m fine, Lady Allestaine. It’s just been a rough morning for me.”
Before Allestaine could respond, Navarre and Samuel stormed into the room. Navarre still carried Reece’s note in his hand. Reece had never seen Navarre look so hostile, and her heart reacted with fear at the anger apparent on his face.
“My Lord—”
“Simone!” Navarre growled, interrupting his wife. “Simone, is it true that you have made contact with the Ciatron?”
Simone stared at Navarre in shock.
“IS IT TRUE?” Navarre roared, causing Reece to startle in response.
“My Lord, yes, it is true.” She dropped her head, “But, I never believed—”
“Have you any idea what this means?” Navarre turned to his commanding officer. “How was she able to make contact with them? Am I to believe that you are behind this betrayal as well?” He squared up to his highest in command.
Samuel flinched, and reflexively stepped back. “My Lord, I am only aware of this now, along with you. I cannot tell you how she has come into contact with them.” He turned to his daughter as if she were an enemy, “You will tell us at once how this has happened, Simone, or you will suffer the consequence of high treason!” He demanded.
