Swarmed

by Simone Pond

  “Thank you, Harper. I don’t think Achilles will recognize me.”

  She grabs my gloved hand and positions herself in front of me. “Let me lead you. Don’t resist, but rather trust my guidance.” She explains as she moves one step forward and to the left, while mine go in the opposite direction. I trip into her arms. We start up again and I bump my forehead into her chin.

  “This is hard!”

  “Try this. Close your eyes and picture watching us from overhead. Like our bodies are painting on the floor. Swish, swish. Left, two, three, four; right, two, three, four …”

  I close my eyes and visualize the pattern, our feet like brush strokes sweeping around the room. I memorize the sequence and before I know it, I’m keeping up with her.

  “Onto the next part—dancing and speaking simultaneously,” she says.

  “Now you’re pushing your luck. I’ll surely fall to my death.”

  “See, I knew you could do it! But your partner will expect you to keep your eyes open.”

  Laughing, I open my eyes and stare at Harper while she guides me. We move effortlessly, bantering back and forth. That is, until I see Noah Brenson standing in the doorway watching us with a perplexed look on his face. I lose my concentration and step down on Harper’s foot. She cries out.

  “I’m sorry! I got distracted.” I point at Noah.

  “Never get distracted,” she mumbles, limping to the bed.

  Noah approaches wearing a striking black jacket with coattails, and his dark hair smoothed back in soft waves. He steps in front of me and bows graciously, then takes my hand and kisses it. I have an all-embracing body blush.

  “Dazzling,” he says, smiling.

  Harper pipes up, “That’s what I call a portrait of a lady.”

  Noah gently ravishes me with his hazel eyes, which causes me to start sweating. “I’ll say.”

  “It took all afternoon,” I chime in.

  “It was worth it.” He takes my hand, spinning me in a slow circle. “Absolutely divine.”

  Harper heads for the door. “We should get going.”

  I pause at the staircase and let them go down first so I can maneuver to the bottom without tripping. Somewhere in the middle of my descent, I get stuck. George—the nerdy gadgets guy—sees that I’m struggling and runs up the stairs to assist. He bends down and removes the train of the dress from a nail in one of the steps.

  “All fixed,” he says, shyly. “By the way, you look, um, exquisite.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Oh, I wanted to give you this. I know you said it was a surprise for your friend.” He holds out the gold pocket watch. “It’s ticking as good as new.”

  I slip the pocket watch into my purse and kiss George’s reddening cheek. He quickly turns away and bolts down the stairs.

  When I finally make it downstairs, everyone’s waiting in the foyer. Noah continues gaping at me, which is making me astonishingly nervous about this whole “acting like a lady” thing.

  Johnson smiles approvingly and whistles. “You sure clean up nice, Miss Kalli.”

  “It’s all Harper,” I say.

  He gives her a respectable peck on the cheek, then gets to business. “I’ve got the car in front and will drive you to the party. George and Harper will follow in the truck and park in the woods southeast of the property. That will be our meeting spot. You’re meeting with Achilles at eight o’clock, so try to get him to the gazebo about fifteen after.”

  I nod, pretending to be a part of this plan. I’ve got my own agenda, and they don’t need to know the details.

  Harper helps me with my skirts as we walk outside. “Just remember to act like a normal couple.”

  “That will require a lot of acting,” I rib, glancing at Noah.

  He smiles and takes my elbow, escorting me to the fancy sedan they use for special occasions. It takes some serious coordination getting me—and the dress— into the backseat. Noah has to sit in the front with Johnson. I’m quiet during the drive, practicing what I’m going to say to Achilles when we finally reunite.

  18

  (still 8 days remaining)

  Johnson pulls up to the lavish mansion, and I’m rendered awestruck. The grand palace is illuminated like a white diamond against the black sky. It takes Noah a few minutes to pry me out of the car. He’s exceptionally careful with the endless folds of fabric encasing my small frame. Once I’m steady, we walk along the brick path with the other finely dressed couples toward the grand entrance. The lawn is neatly coiffed, and rose gardens are sprinkled throughout. Willow trees drape along the perimeter of the vast lawn. It’s breathtaking majesty at its finest.

  Noah’s chin is slightly raised, giving him a dignified air. He fits right in with this stately crowd. At the front door, the butler announces our names, and I do my best to stifle a gasp when we walk inside. The entire place sparkles and glitters. Chandeliers cast brilliant spectrums throughout the vestibule. The floors are buffed to such immaculate perfection the gleam is almost blinding. Statues and other expensive embellishments adorn the halls. I cannot help but marvel over higher society’s shameless show of opulence. Fear grips me tighter than the snug corset around my ribcage, and I try to inch backward, but Noah nudges my elbow.

  “Come on, Kalliste,” he whispers, clasping my waist and sending warm shivers up my back.

  “I definitely do not belong here,” I murmur.

  He takes my hand and pulls me into the ballroom where waiters move between the guests, carrying trays of delicacies and flutes of champagne. In the middle of the room, couples move in swift circles to the music the string quartet plays. Noah sweeps me out into the crowd, before I have a chance to protest, and we begin to waltz. I’m entirely too prideful to make any mistakes before this crowd of scrutinizing observers. I picture the pattern of steps, and surprisingly I’m able to keep up with Noah as he leads.

  “You can open your eyes,” he says.

  “I’m afraid I’ll trip.”

  “I’ve got you, Kalliste. Just stay in the moment. Maybe even try enjoying it?”

  Opening my eyes, I see that Noah is emanating confidence. The luster of this magnificent room is the perfect backdrop for this charming gentleman. He pulls me in a little closer, careful not to interfere with the yards of skirt belling out around me. He radiates as though he’s the luckiest man in the room. I never pegged Noah for being a good actor, but I’m grateful he’s keeping up appearances, because I’m about to lose it.

  “Everyone is staring at me,” I whisper.

  “How could they not?”

  I smile. “You’re being such a good sport. I promise I’ll help you find out exactly what happened to Julian.”

  “Let’s not talk about that right now. Let’s not talk about anything depressing. Let’s just enjoy this moment …”

  I start to tell him we need to be on high alert, but decide to keep quiet. The pleasant expression spreading across his face is a rarity, so I let him savor whatever is making him smile like that. As we round a corner, a striking gentleman with jet-black hair and piercing blue eyes cuts in by taking my wrist and sweeping me from Noah’s arms. I’m about to protest, but Noah shakes his head. A lady complies in all matters. And tonight, I’m a lady. The mysterious stranger keeps a firm grip on the contour of my waist and smiles warmly. His beauty is too massive to take in all at once, so I focus on his shoulder as he leads me across the floor. He has such a strong command over me, dancing is effortless. My heart pounds, as the crescendo of string instruments fill the ballroom.

  “You’re more beautiful than I imagined, Kalliste,” the gentleman says, grinning.

  I look down to shield my blushing cheeks. “How do you know my name?”

  “It’s my job to know these things,” he answers.

  “Pardon?”

  “I’m Roman.”

  This means I’m one step closer to seeing my brother. Every fiber of my being spontaneously combusts, but I nod calmly. “Yes, of course. Roman.”

>   “You must be excited.”

  I miss a couple of steps and collide into him, but he picks up as though nothing has happened. “Excited doesn’t cover it,” I say, smiling.

  “It’s rumored you’ve been looking for your brother for years. That you put your DOD assignment at risk to track him down.” He looks at my wrist, but the satin glove is concealing my DOD.

  “It’s true.”

  He raises his dark brows, his deep blue eyes transfixing on me. “Bravery or foolishness?”

  “Probably a bit of both,” I reply, suddenly feeling short of breath. I’m not sure if his overbearing presence or this garment is siphoning the air from me.

  Roman steps in closer, causing my heartbeat to thrum rapidly inside my caged chest. No thanks to Harper’s tight lacing job, my heaping bosom is practically unavoidable, as we loop around the ballroom. Whereas Noah’s movements were fluid, Roman’s are concise and powerful. His sheer force makes me lightheaded.

  “I’m feeling a bit faint,” I say.

  “I won’t let you fall,” he murmurs into my ear.

  The room goes in and out of focus, except for Noah, who’s standing among the other guests. His brow is pulled tight, and he’s no longer smiling. Roman sweeps passed Noah, groping my waist tighter. I lose count and feel myself slipping. Roman catches me before I fall, balancing me gracefully in his arms and escorting me to a nearby terrace. The fresh air cools my burning lungs as I force myself to breath properly. I plant my hands on the railing for balance, gazing at the maze of hedges below. Once everything stops spinning, I return to the living and notice Roman gently stroking my back in a soothing manner.

  “You’re okay,” he assures me, and I feel like an idiot for my dramatic episode.

  “I’m not used to wearing such restricting clothes. I apologize for my display.”

  “Nothing could diminish your splendor. You’re a mesmerizing sight.” He gently touches my cheek, causing a flutter down my legs. Roman is unmistakably alluring.

  “There you are, Kalliste.” Noah clears his throat, and his jaw clenches as he approaches.

  I pull away from Roman. “I almost fainted. Can you believe it? Corsets are the most detestable contraptions.”

  “Do you need any water? Or anything?” Noah genuinely sounds concerned.

  “You don’t need to keep up the act. This is Roman. You know … Roman.”

  Roman comes forward, stretching out his hand for a firm shake. The muscle in Noah’s jaw twitches, and his eyes narrow. “I thought there was an arranged meeting, what are you doing out here?”

  “As the lady said, she nearly fainted. Came to get some air.” Roman places his hand on the small of my back, and I’m too nervous to move it away.

  I step forward politely. “Yes, thank you for that, Roman. I’m feeling much better. I appreciate you setting up the meeting.”

  “Everything is taken care of. I wanted to introduce myself, first. I’ll be back for you a little before eight, so don’t go far.” Roman takes my gloved hand and brings it to his mouth for a gentle kiss.

  When Roman leaves the terrace, Noah escorts me to the ledge and examines my face closely. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

  “You’re joking, right?” I ask, laughing.

  “One second you’re dancing with a stranger, the next you’re missing. I was worried.”

  I playfully punch his arm in the most unladylike fashion. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”

  Noah lets out a small laugh. “Lord knows that’s impossible. Even my river scheme didn’t pan out.”

  This time I shove him, but he grabs my wrist and pulls me in close. “I was having so much fun before that stiff butted in.”

  “Time flies when you’re having fun.”

  “Was that an attempt at a joke?”

  “Come on, it was funny. A double entendre. You know, like how you always call me Fly…”

  “I get it, but let me assure you, it’s not funny. Also, I haven’t called you Fly in a while.”

  “Yes, I think it’s been at least twenty-four hours,” I tease, but Noah looks off to the yard pensively.

  “I never understood those things.” He motions to the hedge maze.

  “I think it’s pretty. From up here it’s just one giant pattern.”

  We’re quiet as we stare off, taking in the spectacular landscape. I spot the gazebo Johnson had mentioned early. The one I’m going to avoid at all costs.

  “I don’t understand why you don’t care about your DOD,” Noah says.

  “What? Where is this coming from?”

  “It’s just that you’re going through all this trouble to get to your brother, but what for? If you don’t care about your own life, why bother?”

  “I guess finding him has become my identity. And I do care about my life. I know I’d be happier with him in it again.”

  Noah gives me a staggering gaze similar to the one last night in front of the shop. My heart feels like it’s going to rip right through this corset. The world surrounding us vanishes. It’s just the two of us. The air tingles with electricity as he carefully cups my face and leans down. He’s going to kiss me. Noah Brenson is definitely going to kiss me. Right here. Right now. I should pull away, stop this from happening, but I can’t. He’s the moon pulling at my heart, and I’m a wave swelling toward him.

  “Sorry to interrupt,” Roman’s stark voice shatters the moment to pieces. “Achilles is ready for you, Kalliste.”

  My cheeks smolder, and I quickly pull away from Noah. Roman holds the door open, inviting me to follow him.

  “Only Kalliste,” Roman says brusquely to Noah.

  “Will you be okay?” Noah asks.

  “He’s my brother. Of course I’ll be okay.”

  Moving in closer, he whispers, “I know you’re up to something. Please try to be careful.”

  I don’t say anything for fear my words will give me away. Being careful is the least of my concerns. Getting my brother out of this place is the only thing that matters.

  19

  (still 8 days remaining)

  Standing by the doors to library, my adrenaline spikes to new heights. I never imagined this moment would produce such an influx of anxiety, but my entire body is trembling. The corset seems to have gotten tighter, constricting what little amounts of air I’m able to breath in. This is Achilles—my brother—why am I so damn nervous? To make matters worse, a massive bodyguard with arms the size of tree trunks approaches and starts patting me down. Like I would bring a weapon to a meeting with my own brother.

  “I don’t think there’s room for anything,” I joke, hoping he doesn’t plan to peak under my petticoat.

  He grunts, then tells Roman, “She’s clean.”

  “Step aside,” Roman instructs the bodyguard.

  My skin prickles with anticipation. I’m afraid I might burst right out of this dress. Three years in the making, and I’m finally reaching the end of my odyssey. The doors crest open, and I place my hand over my chest to hold my heart in place. As Roman escorts me into the library, I’m walking above ground, levitating from sheer elation. Achilles is standing next to the fireplace, staring at the dancing flames. He’s filled out since I last saw him. His blond hair a bit thinner and his jawline more severe. He’s no longer a teenager, but a grown man. I yank away from Roman and hurtle across the room, tears streaming down my cheeks. Achilles glances up from the fire, his pale blue eyes widening as a warm glow of recognition settles in. He stretches his arms wide, pulling me into them. I sob all over the shoulder of his black suit.

  “I didn’t recognize you, Kalli.” He squeezes me tight, his voice cracking and choked with tears. “You went ahead and grew up.”

  I laugh-cry, clinging so tight I’m crushing him. But I don’t want to let go. I’m terrified I’ll lose him again.

  “Do you need anything, sir?” Roman asks, keeping his eyes on me.

  “Just some privacy,” Achilles says in such a way that Roman’s dominant s
tance teeters. It’s strange seeing my brother in a position of authority.

  Once we’re alone, Achilles relaxes his shoulders and the tender smile I remember as a kid returns to his handsome face. A somberness comes to rest in his eyes. Fearing my legs will give out at any moment, I politely request we sit down.

  He takes my arm and guides me to a seating area. “Is there anything I can get you? A drink? Some water?”

  I struggle as I spread out on the couch, hoisting the piles of material and hoops. “How about a pair of trousers and shirt?”

  He lets out a hearty laugh. “Still my feisty little sis.”

  “I haven’t changed much. Although, I’d say you certainly have. When I got your message, I thought you were in trouble. I was vastly mistaken.” I gesture to the enormous library.

  “This isn’t my home.”

  “But you’re here. You have a bodyguard and an assistant, or whatever Roman is.”

  “I do okay for myself,” he says, removing the glove from my hand and examining my wrist. “I guess my letter didn’t sway you to be more vigilant about your DOD assignment.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “You have eight days left and instead of doing something to contribute to the system, you’re wasting time tracking me down. How is this fine?”

  “I don’t consider it wasting time. Getting you back home is the only thing I care about. I just want my family back.”

  “That’s impossible. You must know that.”

  “We could make it work. You, me and Dad.”

  “There’s no going back for me, Kal.”

  The room grows stale like someone sucked out the oxygen. “But why not? You have the means to travel back. You could find a job in Richmond.”

  He closes his eyes and rubs his temples. “Did you honestly think this through, Kalliste?”

  I’m quiet, afraid to answer the question. I mostly glossed over the details, but the main focus has always been getting Achilles back home. “I need you. I can’t do this any more,” I say just above a whisper.

  “Do what?”