Wicked Intentions

by Nikki Landis

  “Yes, he was . . . unexpected,” I admitted, faltering. Did I mention the kiss? Or two?

  Colin walked forward as if he thought something was wrong, his hands resting lightly on my shoulders. “Did he hurt or bother you?”

  Tilting my head to the side, I bit my lower lip. “Not really.”

  A small tick enunciated in his lower left jaw. “I’m sure he meant no offense. Are you alright?”

  “Of course,” I answered, slipping from his grasp. Why was everyone in this house so touchy feely?

  “Cora doesn’t like to be touched.” They exchanged another look.

  “Is Casey dangerous or something?” An uneasy feeling washed over me. What was going on? Why did they keep trying to hide some kind of shared secret?

  Colin plastered a fake smile on his face. “Nothing to be concerned about. I’m sorry if we worried you.” He turned to his sister and began to push her toward the bedroom door. “Dinner is ready. Coming, Cora?”

  I followed behind, casting one final glance around the room. Something wasn’t right here, and I intended to find out exactly what was going on in the Bradford house.

  DINNER WAS AN ELABORATE affair. The entire family was present except for Casey. Somehow, I wasn’t that surprised. Everyone chatted and joked easily, a picture-perfect example of the rich American family right down to the servants and charity case. My presence was accepted and included but it didn’t lift the unease that settled in my belly since earlier that afternoon.

  To be exact, since the moment Casey kissed me.

  I shivered as a sudden gust of wind blew around the formal dining room, rustling through the expensive sheer drapes and dancing across my exposed skin with the promise of an early autumn. A maid scrambled to close all of the large rectangular windows. In the breeze I could smell the musty scent of an approaching storm.

  Corinne caught my gaze and confirmed my suspicions. “Seasonal storms. You’ll find candles in your room, Cora. On top of your dresser.”

  I nodded. Candles were an important part of my life. At least I wouldn’t have to go exploring to find my own when I wanted to cast or practice magic. “Will I need them?”

  “Possibly,” Colin answered, his tone a little too flat.

  A flash of lightning bolted across the darkened sky, followed by a loud reverberating boom that echoed throughout the house. I jumped in my seat, spooked by an eerie wail that rode the current of the wind. Little goosebumps rose on my flesh and tickled my skin. That noise was not normal . . . and it didn’t sound human.

  Sighing, I shook my head. My mind must be playing tricks on me. Best I ignored the sound and headed back to my room.

  Tomorrow was the first day of school. I needed a good night’s rest and a little solitude to cast a protection spell. Excusing myself from the table, I climbed the stairs. Near the top another loud boom rattled the windows. The whole house plummeted into total darkness.

  Damn. The power was out.

  I felt my way along the banister, running my fingertips across the walls, carefully over each doorframe and counting until I came to my room. With a sigh of relief, I entered through the door and shut it behind me with a soft click, leaning against the heavy wood as my heart raced. The strangest feeling washed over me again the moment my eyes scanned the interior. I didn’t know why but I struggled with the overwhelming thought that I wasn’t alone . . .

  And the feeling was beginning to freak me out.

  Without moving, I listened to the raging storm outside. Tree branches waved wildly in the wind, silhouetted against the crescent shaped moon. Violet light streaked through the blurry windowpanes as raindrops pelted the glass. The eerie wailing continued and grew louder as my mind grasped frantically at a logical explanation. The stupid storm should never terrify me so much. I must be losing my touch.

  Nothing ever bothered me, not like this.

  Alright, maybe the Fishers I noted with a twitch of my lips. I was pretty sure I scared them more. The thought made me laugh, a light giggle passing into the static air.

  That was when a bright flash of lightning lit up the interior of my room . . .

  I screamed a blood curdling cry of bone shattering terror as a man stood in front of my open window, his dark cloak billowing around his tall frame as the wind and rain blew with a fury. My fingers gripped the doorknob only to find it locked. In my panic induced state, it never occurred to me to calm down and turn the lock. A loud crack of thunder seemed to hit right outside my window and cracked against a nearby branch as it shattered beneath the sill.

  Screaming again, I was horrified to find the man gone and the window closed against the raging storm once more . . .

  “CORA!” POUNDING ON the door drew my attention as I screamed and jumped, yanking on the knob.

  “I can’t get it open!” I screeched.

  Three seconds later the door literally busted in on its hinges as Colin burst through. I launched myself into his arms, shaking with fright, and rambling about the mysterious man by my window.

  “There now,” he whispered as held me close, “shhh, calm yourself, Cora.”

  Did he hear what I just said? “There was a man . . . and the window was open,” I repeated.

  Colin held me tighter against his side, pulling my trembling body around the room as he looked for any sign of an intruder. “No one is here right now. Are you sure it wasn’t the storm?”

  I shoved him away, folding my arms across my chest in frustration. “I’m certain.”

  He nodded slowly. “Let me check the window.” His long strides made it to the window quickly, checking the latch and behind the long crimson drapes that touched the floor. “It’s locked, Cora from the inside.”

  “Colin,” I huffed, taking a deep breath to calm my growing anger, “I’m telling the truth.”

  “I know,” he acknowledged, and it was actually convincing that he believed me. “Perhaps someone was toying with you. I don’t know.”

  “Is that a common occurrence in this house? Scaring people when they visit?” I tried not to sound sarcastic. It didn’t work. “Am I being chased away?”

  “No,” he replied carefully, crossing the room and joining me on the edge of the mattress as I sank down. “I don’t know what happened tonight, but I can promise you nothing is going to harm you here.”

  “How do you know? And how the heck are you going to keep that promise?”

  He sighed as he ran his hand through his dark hair. “I have a lot of projects coming up for my father’s firm. I’ll be spending more time here at the house and working from my office. I can keep an eye out, look out for you,” he cleared his throat, “that is, if it’s alright with you,” he amended quickly.

  Huh. That was kind of cute. My own personal protector.

  Not that I needed him. I had magic and I was a total badass. But still.

  I smiled brightly, feeling less afraid now. “Yes, I would appreciate that, Colin.”

  A light blush stained his cheeks. “Good.” He stood, slowly making his way toward my bedroom door. At the last second, he turned around, his eyes betraying a level of emotion that was startling. “I’m sorry you were frightened tonight. I’m not far, just down the hall next door to Corinne. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to knock.”

  “Thank you, Colin.”

  “Sure, goodnight, Cora.” The way he said my name, so soft and almost breathless sparked a little wave of heat to blossom in my chest. There was something endearing and safe about Colin. I didn’t doubt he would keep his word and provide protection.

  “Goodnight,” I whispered back but he was already gone. It was at that exact moment I remembered how I rushed into his arms in fright. A flush rose to my cheeks but I found that I wasn’t the least bit uncomfortable around Colin.

  I stood and kicked off my shoes before I crossed the room, making my way toward the bathroom when my feet stepped on cold wet carpet and I froze. The entire area in front of my window was saturated and soaked deep down into the fibers.<
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  The storm. The open window. The man who appeared during the lightning.

  All of it was real.

  Chapter 5 – Colin

  I paced the length of my room in agitation, my mind entirely too preoccupied with the newest addition to the Bradford home. Cora was nothing like I imagined. Correction, she was nothing like what I had been told.

  Flopping back on my bed, my eyes closed with a frustrated sigh. Her beautiful heart-shaped face appeared as I groaned softly. Cora was more than a pretty face. She had spunk and a fire that I found attractive to the point of distraction.

  Not good. This was all my darling sibling’s fault.

  My sister loved secrets. Corinne knew much more than she revealed which only succeeded in frustrating me further. She saw things like snippets of the future and often didn’t share much unless it was relevant. Usually I was fine with that but now I wanted to know more, and she adamantly refused to give any further details.

  Dammit. To make matters worse she closed the door in my face with a snicker when I asked and insisted that I be patient. Not my strongest quality. Something else Corinne already knew. My thoughts drifted . . . to earlier tonight and the storm and the surge of protectiveness that rose within the moment I realized Cora was in danger.

  I felt an instant connection to her fiery personality.

  Casey undoubtedly felt the same. Nothing good would come from her presence in our home. I should seek out my father and put an end to the charade before things got out of hand. There were others who could take her in and not risk themselves or the truth.

  Her safety was most important.

  I’d have to fix her door tomorrow, as soon as possible. The damaged entry left her vulnerable and I didn’t like that. I was already planning on staying up all night to make sure nothing scared her again. There were things about this house . . . and its occupants that placed her in danger. Not that I would allow anything to harm her. I was a Guardian for a reason.

  Despite the danger, I would keep my promise. I was a man of my word. Even if my brother wasn’t.

  “Musing about our new guest?”

  Speak of the devil . . .

  Scowling, I bolted upright. “Did you have to be so dramatic? You frightened Cora.”

  Casey laughed, wiggling his fingers as yellow sparks danced across each tip. “She’s a pretty girl, don’t you think?”

  I shrugged, noncommittal. “I suppose so.” No way was I going to let on how I felt.

  “Careful brother, you’ve never been good at deception and lies.”

  Smirking, I dismissed his cynical words. “I guess that’s the reason I’m the light caster and you’re the dark.”

  Casey rubbed the light growth of stubble along his chin. “True. I do enjoy the darker arts.”

  I resisted the urge to banish him from the room. He knew he was irritating me and enjoyed the friction he caused. “Do me a favor. Leave Cora alone. She needs a chance to settle in and Corinne won’t be happy if you mess around with her new friend.”

  “I’d do anything for our dear sister . . .”

  Eyeing him sharply, I awaited the rest of his sentence with impatience. “But . . .”

  Casey’s lips twitched in humor. “But I enjoyed that kiss entirely too much to leave her alone.”

  Stiffening, I was unable to control my reaction in time. My eyes flashed blue fire and I snarled. “You kissed her?”

  “Of course.”

  What game was he playing now? “Care to elaborate on the reason why?”

  “Now brother, why would I let you in on my secrets when you refuse to share your own?”

  My temper was starting to flare, exactly as Casey intended. I forced my mind and body to relax but it wasn’t easy. My brother often pushed too hard on purpose. “I guess we’re at an impasse.”

  Casey’s dark chuckle echoed throughout the room as he walked toward the window, jumping up on the sill. “You should watch over her. There are lots of things that go bump in the night.”

  Before I could reply with a sarcastic comment, Casey was gone.

  AS PROMISED, I STAYED up all night and watched for any sign of intrusion by Casey, specifically in Cora’s room. She slept restlessly; her spirit troubled. I heard the soft whimper that issued from her throat multiple times and debated internally if I needed to intervene. Unable to resist peeking in and checking that she was alright, I entered the dark room through the open doorway.

  Moonlight was sparse tonight, hidden by thick gray clouds that remained in the sky long after the storm ceased its violent assault. Slowly I placed each foot on the plush carpet as I approached her bedside, my eyes falling on her long dark hair that spilled across the fluffy crimson pillows. Her head moved from side to side, caught in the in-between, the dream world that crossed over the realm of the living.

  She was having a nightmare.

  “No.” She seemed to be fighting someone or something. I had a decent idea who would bother her so foolishly.

  “Casey,” she whispered, her voice pleading. Was she afraid?

  Anger erupted deep within as I trembled with the effort to keep control. Without hesitation I placed a fingertip on the side of her temple as a confident smile graced my lips. Not tonight. I would push Casey away and keep Cora safe.

  A soft blue light glowed, causing the room to brighten considerably. Her restlessness eased as I sent calming and positive vibrations into her dreams and consciousness. Cora’s lips parted, her voice whispering into the silent night. One word, one name that made my heart beat faster in my chest.

  “Colin.”

  I might have startled if I thought she was awake but my abilities as a caster and Guardian meant I knew she was sleeping peacefully. Casey was gone, forced away by my hand, but he may return. It wasn’t permanent. I would have to stay until the dawn when my brother’s hold was more limited, as mine was conversely with the night. The only way to ensure Casey didn’t try to control her again was to remain vigilant by her side.

  Not that I was bothered by the close contact. Quite the opposite.

  Watching Cora for hours, I kept quiet and still, only my thoughts to occupy the solitude.

  Late into the night, she said my name again with a breathy whisper. “Colin.”

  Shivering momentarily, I wanted to climb into the bed and pull her into my embrace. The impulse was foreign, and I blamed it on the need to provide safety and security, or so I convinced myself. An unspoken urge from deep within threatened to rise to the surface. I couldn’t name what it was, but I knew if I allowed the feeling to grow it might consume me entirely.

  Excuses formed in my head as a barrier to the strong emotions I felt. My name was spoken on her lips easily because she was dreaming of my rescue after forcing Casey away. That was all. It meant nothing.

  Calm settled over Cora as she let out a gentle sigh and turned on her side, facing my direction. Her hand slid across the sheets as if she was reaching toward my body and her fingers flexed as if seeking my presence. I completely stilled as I forced myself to stay seated. My breath came in frenzied gasps. How could she feel my close proximity? Was she somehow aware?

  A part of me enjoyed the thought that my presence could have such a profound impact on her subconscious, but I couldn’t make her say my name and that only seemed to deepen my confusion.

  No. Cora dreamed of me of her own accord.

  No magic. No subliminal messages. No urging from an outside source.

  Instantly affected I stood, the blood pumping in my veins faster than necessary. A quickness in my chest whenever she was near left my soul aching for her since the moment that we separated this afternoon. I hated that feeling. It was a weakness I wouldn’t indulge. Anger brimmed beneath my skin and combined with annoyance. I didn’t like this new feeling of connection to a strange gothic witch.

  Corinne warned there was a possibility of a strong bond, but I refused to listen.

  Ready to leave the room, I was certain to break my promise when Cora spoke
my name one more time. My reaction was nearly combustive. All of the emotion that churned within my body . . . instantly matched her own. As bizarre as it was, I knew I didn’t imagine how in tune we were with one another.

  “Colin.”

  This time I knew that she was calling to me from deep within, an urge that matched my own in ferocity. The thought was pleasing in ways I would have scoffed at in the light of day but as my eyes wandered over her exposed back, the curve of her shoulder as her tank top strap fell over her upper arm, I couldn’t deny the extent of my attraction. I devoured every inch of her flesh within sight, overcome by urges I never thought to feel again.

  Not since Emma.

  My eyes closed. No sorrow this night. No weakness or tears. I wouldn’t dwell on the past.

  As Cora’s protector and new Guardian, I must be stronger than this, and I needed to keep my distance.

  Cora could never know the truth.

  If she did, it would cost her everything.

  “COLIN?”

  My mother’s voice interrupted the pounding of the hammer as I finished installing the new door to Cora’s room. “Yes?”

  “Would you be a dear and pick up the girls? The limo is still having the breaks replaced. Your father didn’t trust Matthew. He’s always so determined to be in the middle of things.”

  Sighing, I knew I should be in my office working on the McMillan case instead of fixing Cora’s door and chasing after the girls. “Yes, I’ll go.”

  If I didn’t, she would send my brother. I was a way better choice than Casey. No argument there.

  Cora and Corinne were surrounded by a large group of teens as I pulled up to the curb at the high school. “Well if it isn’t the two prettiest girls at Xavier Academy.”

  What possessed me to say those words, I’d never know.

  Cora’s head turned and I caught the sunshine as it reflected off her soft ivory skin and highlighted her raven hair with streaks of fiery red. Briefly, I wondered if her skin was as soft as it appeared . . .