Stolen Skye (Book One, The Skye Trilogy)

by Nina Loard

  We went back out into the hall and Finn stood by the entrance. He turned to Bounce. “Go on down, my car is outside. I trust you know which it is. I’ll meet you there in a second,” Finn said sarcastically, opening the door for her. She shot me a knowing look, but before she could respond to him, he shut the door, just missing her face. “Evelyn, you’re coming back. If not, I’ll just keep coming after you.” He stared into my eyes, making me want to swear to just about anything.

  “Yes, I’m coming back. Just give me a chance to digest all of this. Going home is the right thing, and everyone can make their arrangements without worrying about me.” I smiled through how nervous he was making me. As if in response, he demonstrably placed his hands at his sides, but his gaze continued to smolder. There was no way this man was jealous of Ari. I couldn’t imagine a person in the world he would feel inferior to. Finn was like a radiant ball of energy you just couldn’t burn out. I felt like I was teetering on the edge of him, more and more anxious for the fall. Before I could react, he kissed me swiftly on the lips. Smiling at my expression of surprise, he whispered, “I’ll see you tomorrow,” as he moved away from me with effort. He opened the door, saying good night with one last beaming grin.

  Chapter 15. Fair Fight

  The morning progressed as expected, with Raven joining me for a modified run through Hyde Park. She used her iPod for part of it and I did the same. We had grown comfortable enough with each other that this was feeling like a routine. When we got to the end of the trail, I took a seat on the bench to catch my breath. The brief bouts of running had really upped the exertion factor. We decided upon a stop at Dura Vita, where we ran into Brinks.

  “So, you ready for tonight?” Brinks sat down beside me with his coffee.

  “Yes, Raven filled me in a little. You do this every year?”

  “Well, Ari has agreed to it the last five years. His uncle is hard to say no to.”

  “And the boxing is a gypsy custom?”

  “Yes, they are like any big group with their traditions and culture, a strong love of family. Uncle Gheorghe is quite proud of Ari, his intelligence and education, at least. Honestly, I think he’s been trying to marry Ari off. He never had children of his own so he is kind of the patriarch of the family. Ari’s been… slow to make good on the idea.” Brinks blew on his coffee, trying to cool it.

  “Really? Well, if he has held out this long he must have his reasons. How old is he?” He didn’t look older than me, but he acted like he was from another century.

  “He’s thirty-one. His uncle remains hopeful. I get it. My parents set me up every time I go home to visit. The last time I went home, I took Bounce with me. That shut them up. They loved her, of course.” Brinks winked at me and began scarfing down his cinnamon bun.

  “I understand. My mother thinks marriage is the answer to my trouble. She means well.” I toasted her silently as I tipped back my espresso.

  Brinks added, “If you want in, we have a pool tonight on the fight. Once the opponent is announced, I’ll be taking bets. It’s most likely Luca or Marko, two of his cousins closest to his age. You just let me know who you favor.”

  I laughed and told him I’d consider it. “How did you end up involved in all of this?” He was so very normal; it was hard to fathom any criminal activity. I imagined the same could be said for me.

  “I didn’t want the life I was being groomed for. My parents let me go out in the world to find myself. Late senior year, I came back to my room and there was Raven, lying on my bed. Ari told me they had need for my talents. I was in when I saw Raven, but after listening to Ari’s proposal, it fit for me. We aren’t all born the same, ya know. Some go one way and some another. Who knows why? I think after each job, that I’m done. That it’s enough and I’ll stop, but then another plan gets hatched. Leaving Bounce, Finn, all of them, that doesn’t feel right to me. Maybe I’ll quit when I’m thirty.”

  “Finn says you’re pretty brilliant. You could probably do anything?”

  “Well, definitely more brilliant than Finn. Do anything? I’m doing what I want. That’s enough for me.” He laughed over his putdown of Finn and began interrogating Raven over who she was texting. Kierk was taking a back seat to a new man, she alluded. Brinks called her a man-eater, causing her to flounce off toward the coffee counter, not entirely offended by the characterization.

  Brinks moved closer to me. “Evelyn, I may get into trouble for telling you this. I haven’t told the others because I was afraid it would only make them angrier. I’m telling you because yesterday you seemed afraid of Ari. I can assure you he won’t hurt you. But more to the point, he went to Boston after you ‘died’. I think he might have been checking on you. Surely someone who does that isn’t a threat?” He patted my hand, trying to make me see his reasoning.

  I couldn’t think of an answer. The same way I couldn’t understand him not letting everyone know I was alive.

  “Brinks, thank you for trying. I’m not afraid he is going to hurt me, really. I just don’t understand him. Knowing this makes me even more confused.” I tried to regain my composure as Raven returned. He nodded, indicating he understood.

  Later, I returned to my room. After showering, I called my mother to let her know I was going to drive to Boston before Christmas. She was thrilled. There was a lot going on for her so she was so happy I could help her. I was glad too, she had a tendency to go overboard and then be sick for the entire month of January. Finn called, letting me know he was going to pick me up for the party and that Kelly was happy to take me back to Newport in two days.

  Before getting ready for the party, I considered the reasons why Ari may have come to Boston around the time of my accident. The most likely theory was that it was simply coincidence. If he had business there, then there wasn’t anything to keep him away. Checking on me was an intriguing idea, but it was hard to picture based on what I knew of him thus far. If he knew I didn’t remember him, why visit? I shrugged my shoulders and began fixing my hair into a twisted updo. I decided on my sapphire dress in spite of Raven’s critique.

  Finn pulled up to the hotel entrance in his boxy Mercedes. He was freshly shaven and shiny, dressed in a black cashmere sweater and black trousers. He looked more mature than usual, until he smiled. “Evelyn, you’re a knockout.” He took my hands and stretched them wide for a better view. Much warmer, I thought, than the reception I had gotten from Ari before. He helped me into the front seat and we were off to pick up Brinks. Bounce and Raven were already there. They discussed some of the people that would be at the party. It was all foreign to me. Apparently, this particular group of gypsies had done quite well for themselves. Business owners and politicians, successful and dedicated to seeing their people prosper.

  Every lantern was lit as we pulled into Ari’s driveway. Cars were everywhere on the grounds, encircling a small bus in the center. Brinks and Finn escorted me through the front door, where we were bombarded with guitars, violins, and laughter. Large groups of people clustered together drinking, eating, and dancing, with no concern over their volume or their skill. The liveliness of the group stood out drastically against the cold backdrop of Ari’s house. There were no head scarves, broom skirts or gold hoop earrings. Instead, the women wore Chanel suits and designer cocktail dresses. The men were equally as fashionable. If these were gypsies, it was obvious what little I had been shown of their kind was exaggerated.

  Raven danced seductively in the living room while an older man next to her blew the horn with fervor. An older woman in a tweed skirt suit joined her and more people began clapping. Bounce was back toward the kitchen, taking in the spectacle. She waved to me and no fewer than fifteen men turned and cheered at my arrival. Welcoming was not a strong enough word to describe the group as a whole. Finn took my hand and began making our way toward Bounce. Off in the corner were a quieter bunch of twenty-something girls, all with long hair and gorgeous clothes. Despite their glamorous appearance, they looked out on the rest with some girlish shynes
s and whispered to each other conspiratorially. More than one of them lit up as Finn came into view.

  Bounce took our hands and said, “I’ve been waiting for you to get here. Raven left me to fend for myself immediately once people started arriving. Come, get a drink.” Bounce escorted us through the kitchen where a bar and three bartenders in uniform waited to assist us out on the patio under a heat lamp. Finn and Brinks ordered and I opted for my standby, dirty martini. The four of us turned to stare back into the party. I spotted Ari’s uncle talking emphatically with a group of men similar to him in age and appearance. They were nodding in agreement and more serious than some of the others around them. I wasn’t sure how they were even hearing each other.

  “Brinks, it’s Luca. Marko stayed in Paris this year. Let the betting begin.” Bounce filled Brinks in on which cousin Ari was going to box. Brinks quickly went to work on taking bets. I put ten pounds on Ari. Finn bet on Ari as well, surprising us. Brinks didn’t even ask Bounce, putting her down for Ari to win also on his sheet. I had no idea what a boxing match consisted of, much less “bare knuckle” boxing as Brinks explained it.

  Food tables had been set up along the open floor plan of the house and I was very hungry after not eating all day. After catching up in the kitchen and finishing my martini, Bounce, Finn, and I hit the buffet. As I stood in line, eyeing the Beef Wellington, a man came close and whispered in my ear.

  “Look who is back amongst the living.” He pulled away so I could see his face and smiled suggestively at me. He reminded me of a swashbuckling pirate with his dark eyes and chin length, jet black hair, most of which was pulled back and secured with a leather tie. He was quite alluring. I couldn’t place him.

  “Hi, I’m sorry, but I have a problem with my memory.” I should just start wearing a sign that says ‘Don’t assume I know you’.

  “I’m Luca. You are still outlandishly attractive. Save me a dance later, please.” He kissed my cheek, slowly, and disappeared into the crowd. Oh no, I thought. Surely, someone would have prepared me if other flames were going to come out of the woodwork. I looked behind me down the buffet line and Bounce shook her head at me. Finn was engrossed by the smoked salmon and had missed the exchange. I finished filling my plate and headed back toward the kitchen.

  I cut into the beef pastry and said, “I met Luca.” I waited for anyone to tell me the story.

  Bounce assured me there was nothing to worry about. “You knew him, but not very well. He travels a lot, working for his uncle. He’s a major flirt.”

  Finn added, “He’s not as tall as Ari. Ari will definitely have the reach on him, but Luca is solid and fearless. It’ll be a fair fight.” He didn’t think beyond the evening entertainment when it came to Luca, so he must not have been someone I needed to worry about. Off to my left, I caught Luca sliding up to Raven and whispering in her ear as well. The food was amazing, and as we ate, some people stopped into the kitchen to greet us. Though I looked, I couldn’t find our host.

  “Where’s Ari?”

  “I think he’s upstairs with his aunt, Gheorghe’s wife, Helena. She wanted to talk to him earlier.” Bounce went back to her chicken skewers. Just then, I heard a pair of heels coming down the stairs and a short, round woman appeared with Ari behind her. She was wearing a black sequined dress that came just below her knees and black, sling back heels. Her almond shaped eyes were expertly made up, and she smiled at us with white teeth set off by her bright red lips. She held onto Ari’s arm like he was her possession. His face lifted when he saw us.

  “Everyone, you know my Aunt Helena.” Ari gestured toward her and everyone said hello. I joined in, not knowing if I should know her or not.

  “Aunt Helena, do you remember Evelyn?”

  “Yes, so good to see you.” She spoke the words, but the sincerity was missing. She took me in from head to toe as if appraising my worth. I smiled and said hello again. Ari led her out to the bartenders.

  “What’s her deal?” I whispered to Bounce.

  “She has never liked you or Raven. She thinks I’m with Brinks because we are roughly the same color so why wouldn’t we be together? You two single women spending so much time with Ari, she thinks you have loose morals,” Bounce giggled. Finn didn’t think it was funny. When they came back into the kitchen, Helena strode as fast as her little legs would carry her into the other room.

  “Glad to see you all. Fintan, how’s the chin?” Ari put his hand on Finn’s shoulder, standing over him.

  “Fine. How are the ribs?” He turned to look up at Ari from his plate. I noted there was less fire in the looks they gave each other. Perhaps the mutual beating was therapeutic after all.

  “Not fine actually, I recommend putting money on Luca this evening,” he laughed, letting his eyes fall to me. Everything about him seemed much calmer. The way he looked at me was less intense as well. This must be what Ari looks like relaxed. He took a sip of his drink as he glanced out over the party in full swing. We were a subdued group in contrast to all the merriment. I had gotten farther through the meal than the rest of them and excused myself to get another drink.

  Ari followed me out into the night. “You look very beautiful,” he said in a low voice as he stood behind me. A compliment from him sent a tiny tingle up my back. I hadn’t received a sincere one before, well, that I could remember.

  “Thank you. I wasn’t sure you had the ability to give a real compliment.” I turned to him as my bartender looked up at us and then averted his eyes with a smile.

  “You weren’t always someone who needed them.” He shot me his roguish grin to let me know he was teasing me.

  “Well, for the future, if you require me to dress in elaborate formal wear, please try to greet me with some appreciation.” I smiled back at him, enjoying an easier conversation than we’d had before.

  “Forgive me. I had asked they find a dress that allowed you to blend easily at a formal event. You didn’t. On any future assignments, we’ll need to find something to counter your appeal. It’s a tall order.” He kept smiling at me, his eyes drifting over me. Nervously, I excused myself as I gathered my drink and went back inside. It would take me a lifetime to figure out Ari. He had barely even smiled at me since I arrived. Now, tonight, he was turning on the charm, and it was significant. I wasn’t afraid when I looked in his dark eyes just now, but his voice, low and intimate, was disquieting.

  I went inside, passed the others as they were finishing their meals, and lost myself in the pulsing crowd. I spied Raven dancing with Luca and a few other men. As I came close, she grabbed my hands and pulled me into her circle. She was aglow with perspiration and the radiance that unrivaled attention can give a beautiful woman.

  “Evelyn, do you remember Luca?” She clenched his arm with both hands and pulled him closer to me. Subtlety was not her strong suit.

  “Yes, well, we met.” I offered, smiling at him again with more confidence now that I knew I was nobody special to him.

  “Fair Evelyn, this should make tonight very interesting. You are staying for the match, correct?” Luca eyed me more as he waited for my response.

  “Yes, I guess so,” I politely replied.

  “Bravo. I hope you’ll be cheering for me?” He pretended the balance of the whole world rested on my response.

  “My bet, my secret,” I answered with a slight smile.

  “Well done. We’ll just have to see. Ladies, excuse me, I probably need to go get ready as it seems the crowd is turning anxious.” We looked about us and all eyes were on Luca, waiting to see him leave the room, hinting that the fight would start soon. He kissed my hand and departed.

  I noticed Ari glowering at me from the corner, flanked by young women. I had hoped that look was gone for good. No such luck. Angering him seemed to be something I truly excelled at. He seemed to realize I was questioning his reaction and turned to the woman to his left, bending to hear her more clearly.

  “Evelyn, I need air. Come with me.” Raven locked her arm with mine and to
ok me through the crowd, past Ari, and out to the kitchen where the others remained.

  “What do you think of Luca?” Raven got some water from the sink and waited for my opinion.

  “You mean you like him? You two would make an attractive couple, that’s for sure.” I was being honest. So beautiful, in fact, they would probably be hated the world over.

  “He has flirted with me for years, but we ran into each other the day before yesterday when he got back in town. I was thinking he may have waited long enough.” She sparkled as she smiled in her champagne-colored cocktail dress.

  “He seems flirtatious. Are you okay with that?” I had never seen a grown woman pout so deeply. Clearly, she was not okay with the idea of him paying anyone else attention. “What happened to Kierk?”

  “He bores me.” She dismissed him with a toss of her hand and moved away from me out to the bartender. Once most of the people were downstairs, we grazed a while longer at the buffet and then joined them. Luca was easy to spot in shiny red trunks as he hobnobbed with the crowd. After a couple of minutes, Ari appeared in simple black trunks and high tops. The right side of his well-defined upper body showed some faint black and blue markings. The rest of him presented very well.

  I noticed many of the women become much more interested in the match at the sight of him. Groups of people slowed his progress toward the ring. He seemed to be the crowd favorite, but more than one person looked more closely at his bruising. Brinks was off in the corner, with a crowd surrounding him, taking final wagers. Ari waved Finn over to him as he stepped easily into the ring. Finn left my side and went off to see what he wanted. Suddenly, I didn’t want to watch. I turned to Bounce for an understanding of the sport.