by HR Moore
Alexander pulled back, breath ragged, looking hungrily down at her. He planted soft, slow, heavy kisses over her face. Anita's fingers skirted the exposed skin at his neck. He bit her lip, exquisitely, seductively, and Anita's stomach clenched. She kissed him, then pushed him gently away, sitting up to face him.
'I think I love you, Anita,' he said, his voice husky.
She ran a hand into his hair. 'I think I love you too.'
He pulled her into his lap, folding his arms around her, caressing her back, her hair, her arms, heat sparking between them. Anita tipped her head back as his lips caressed her neck, and she moaned at the sensation.
'We should wake up now,' she said, trying to clear the lust from her mind. 'This is so perfect, what I'm about to say isn't allowed in here.'
Alexander pulled them abruptly out of the meditation. They woke up to the sensation of falling, their stomachs lurching upwards as they landed on the ground with a heavy thump.
'What was that?' asked Anita, alarmed.
Alexander looked astonished. 'I don't believe it,' he said with delight.
'What?'
'We were floating, when we were meditating. I've heard about this happening, but only ever at the Spirit Temple in the clouds. I can't believe it,' he said, grabbing her and pulling her into a rough, excited embrace.
Anita had never seen him like this…so unguardedly happy…
Alexander released her. 'What did you want to talk about?' he said.
She paused. 'I love you, but nothing more can happen between us until I've ended it with Marcus. I owe him that much.'
'Is that all?'
'Yes! What did you think I was going to say?'
'I don't know…that we couldn't be together, or something equally horrible.'
She took his hand. 'When I meditated with Marcus, it was also in the love pose. I'd never even heard of the pose, let alone practiced it. You stayed away from it for obvious reasons, but when I meditated with Marcus, it was less intense than when you and I meditate normally.
'I thought maybe that was just because Marcus is a Mind and you're a Spirit, but after what I just felt, I know that can't be all it is. I don't feel for Marcus what I feel for you,' she said, then hesitated, 'but I can't cheat on him. He made Austin release me…'
'You've been through a lot together.'
'I just hope it won't push him further towards Austin.'
'It might,' Alexander said, 'but Marcus and his choices are not your responsibility. He has to account for his own actions and you have to account for yours. To stay with him when you don't love him wouldn't be good for either of you.'
'I know,' she said. 'I've made up my mind; I just need to talk to him. We should go. The longer we're alone together the more likely my resolve is to break.'
He smiled as he got up, taking her hand and helping her to her feet. They left, Alexander closing the door behind them, still holding her hand as he led her back the way they had come.
Neither of them noticed Gwyn hiding in the shadows, watching them leave, her energy suppressed as low as she could make it go. She'd been in the tunnels earlier and had heard their voices. She'd ducked into a side tunnel and suppressed her energy, hoping they wouldn't see her. She'd kicked a lantern, a muffled scraping noise floating to their ears. They'd paused at the sound, however, when nothing had followed, they'd carried on.
Gwyn had silently followed them to the pool, had watched as they'd entered and closed the door. She couldn't follow them inside, but she'd waited, determined to find out what they were up to.
To her great disappointment, they moved silently back towards Alexander's chambers, giving her nothing, but they were still holding hands…that was suspicious enough for Marcus to want to know about it. If her boyfriend had been down here with another girl, she would want to know, and anyway, she didn't like Anita, so it would give Gwyn great pleasure to cause her some pain.
CHAPTER 18
Gwyn went straight to the castle. Amber let her in, sending her up to Marcus' suite. Gwyn climbed the stairs and knocked on his door, Marcus surprised to see her when he answered.
'Gwyn?' he said. 'What's up?'
She hadn't stayed long, just long enough to tell him what she'd seen, twisting the knife by adding an embellishment here and there. Marcus had remained composed, which had surprised her; she'd expected a jealous rage. He thanked her and showed her out.
Marcus tried to stay calm, tried to determine the best way of handling the situation. But he couldn't think of a single legitimate reason for them to be at the pool together, especially not holding hands. He would talk to Anita about it. He barked for Amber to get him his driver and headed to Cordelia's.
* * * * *
Anita sat on one of Cordelia's worn sofas, still on a high from what had happened with Alexander. They hadn't kissed when they'd said goodbye, respecting Anita's wishes to tell Marcus first, but this had only added to the tension.
Anita was replaying their most recent meditation kiss in her mind when Marcus' voice pierced her daydream, his footsteps following his call.
'Anita? Are you here?'
'Hi,' she said, a little off balance. Why was he here? 'Good day?' she asked, getting up, trying to buy herself time to get back on kilter.
'There's something I need to discuss with you,' he said tersely, irritation painted across his face.
'What is it?' she asked, concerned. The only saving grace was that this couldn't be about what had just happened with Alexander…
'Tell me,' he said, 'how is Alexander?'
Shit. 'He's very well. I've just seen him in fact,' she said, trying hard to keep her temper under control.
'Really?' he said. 'Why did you see him?'
'We're friends. It was good to catch up, and we meditated together. As you know, I've found meditation helpful, after what happened.'
'I think it would be best if you don't see Alexander any longer,' said Marcus, as though this were a perfectly normal statement.
'I'm sorry, what?' Anita spluttered, half laughing. They'd had an unspoken understanding that Anita would stay away from Alexander before, but the words had never actually been said. And she'd only gone along with it because she'd been working for Helena and had needed to keep him on side.
'I think it would be best if you don't see Alexander any longer,' he repeated.
'Yes, I heard what you said, I'm just in shock that you think you can dictate who I'm allowed to see.'
Marcus faltered; obviously not the reaction he'd expected. 'But I think it's for the best, don't you?'
'What does that even mean? Why would it be for the best for me to stay away from a friend?'
'Because I'm uncomfortable with you holding hands with your male friends.'
Anita went cold. How could he possibly know?
'It's not like this is the first time you've been caught holding Alexander's hand in public.'
By the Gods, how had he found out? Surely not from Alexander?
'Do you know who you sound like?' she said. 'Your father. You can't order me around, or force me to do things I don't want to do, whether you think it's for the best or not. I'm an adult, quite capable of making my own choices and I choose to spend time with Alexander.'
She paused, steeling herself for what she was going to say next. 'And…I…I choose not to spend time with you anymore.'
The color drained from his face. 'What?' he whispered, looking lost. 'You can't break up with me. I love you.'
Tears pricked at Anita's eyes. She didn't want to hurt him, but there was no other way.
'Marcus, since,' she paused, taking a deep breath. 'Since you convinced your father to set me free, you've changed. Austin has let you into his inner circle and you're obviously happy about that, but I don't like the person he's turning you into. He's closing your eyes to what's really going on in the world, he's making you kick people when they're down, he's turning you into someone like him.'
'You're wrong,' he stuttered. 'I'm not turning in
to him, I'm making sure I can protect us.'
'You think Austin isn't cleaver enough to see through that? He's immersing you in his shady world so that one day you'll be so far in you can't get out. I don't want to be a part of that,' she said, the tears overflowing, 'and I don't want you to be either.
'You're a fun, genuine person. You take life at face value, and that suits you. It makes you daring and carefree; it's what drew me to you when I first met you. But I can't be part of this any longer; you need to work out who you want to be on your own. If you want to be like Austin, then carry on as you are, if not, then you need to get out before you're trapped forever.'
'I thought you loved me?' he choked, looking at her expectantly, as though this would make a difference.
'I do, but I don't want to be under your control. Trying to stop me from seeing my friends isn't love. A relationship like that isn't equal, it isn't healthy, not for either of us. It's Alexander now, but what if you decide you don't like Cleo, or Bass, or you think that someone looks at me the wrong way? I can't live like that. I don't want to live like that. I'm sorry Marcus, but it's over.' She said it as gently as she could while conveying the finality of her decision, wiping away the tears still trickling down her face.
Marcus turned to leave.
'I'm sorry,' Anita said as he left, sinking to the sofa and pulling a cushion towards her, unable to stop the tears. She'd known it wouldn't be easy, but still, it hurt, more than she'd expected.
She felt horrible and hated to think what Marcus might do now. She hoped he wouldn't run back to Austin, that some of what she'd said had gone in.
'Hello?' called a voice from the corridor, Cleo appearing, rushing over to her best friend when she saw the tears. 'What's wrong?' she asked, her concern palpable as she put her arms around Anita. 'What happened?'
'I just broke up with Marcus,' she sobbed, 'and he didn't take it very well.'
Cleo pushed Anita away so she could look at her face. 'You did what? Doesn't that put you in danger?'
'I don't care about that. If Austin wants to come after me, then he'll come after me, but Marcus was so hurt, I feel horrible.'
'Why did you do it?'
Anita had never acted like this before; she'd always been so tough. Cleo wasn't sure how to handle a teary Anita.
'Because I realized that I love Alexander.'
'I see,' said Cleo, her tone turning firm. 'So, you're sitting here, sobbing into a cushion like some silly girl, when you broke up with Marcus because another Descendant wants to be with you? Please get it together.'
Anita looked blankly at Cleo, shocked at her lack of compassion. 'I feel like a bitch for hurting him,' she said defensively.
'Well I'm sure you'll get over that as soon as you're gazing longingly into Alexander's beautiful eyes. Bloody hell, some people,' she said, getting up and pacing across the room.
Cleo's reaction had a sobering effect on Anita. Maybe she was being a little melodramatic; it wasn't like her to let things get to her like this. 'Is everything okay, Cleo?' Anita asked, wiping away the last of her tears and putting aside the offending cushion.
'No, everything is not bloody well okay. It's alright for you, Miss I've got two men chasing after me, but boo hoo I've just had to tell one of the Descendants I'm not interested because I'd rather have the other one, but for those of us living in the real world, men are total shits who don't turn up for dates when they say they're going to.'
Anita realized that, because of all the drama going on in her own life, she'd totally neglected her best friend. 'I'm sorry. What's going on?'
Cleo looked relieved to be able to get her story off her chest and sat back down on the sofa. 'Well, you know I've been seeing that councilor's son off and on, the one I went to the ball with?'
Anita nodded. 'Of course, Henry.'
'Yes, Henry. Well, we've been seeing quite a lot of each other recently and it's been going really well, but he was supposed to be taking me to the open mic night tonight. I was thinking about taking to the stage…you're coming too, right?'
Shit, she had forgotten all about it. The chances of Cleo actually making it to the stage were minimal, but still, she needed to pull it together on the friend front. She nodded. 'Of course.'
'Anyway, Henry was supposed to pick me up earlier. We were going to go for dinner and then go to open mic from there, but he stood me up. I walked into town, thinking he must have lost track of time or something, but as I walked past Temple Mews, I saw him all over some other girl outside the flower shop.
'I went over to him and tapped him on the shoulder. When he saw it was me, he turned away dismissively and said he would see me later. I slapped him, obviously, a little melodramatic perhaps, but it made me feel better, and then I stormed off; I didn't want to make a proper scene. Stupid arrogant arsehole,' she said, looking much happier already.
'What an idiot,' said Anita, 'the councilors' children always think they're something special, and they're not.'
'Well anyway, I won't be seeing him again. Pity, the sex was good.'
Anita smiled indulgently. 'Come on, or we'll miss the open mic, and you never know, you might find fresh meat.'
'Let's hope so,' she said frivolously.
'Cleo,' said Anita, stopping before they left the house.
'Uh huh?'
'I'm really sorry I've been so self-absorbed for the last few weeks. I promise not to be from now on.'
'Don't be silly, you've had a lot going on. I forgive you. Just don't do it again. That includes the getting kidnapped bit as well.'
Anita laughed. 'I'll do my best. Nice touch with the slap by the way.'
'Thanks, I thought so.'
CHAPTER 19
Anita and Cleo arrived at the clearing by the river just as Bass was taking to the stage, to enthusiastic applause. They sat down in a spot at the back, near the tree line, and listened as Bass' raw, melodic voice filled the air around them. They sat in silence for a few minutes before Cleo occupied herself with the group of guys next to them.
Anita was happy to be alone. She focused on the words of Bass' song, blocking out any thoughts of Marcus, blocking out the guilt. She made herself notice the cool Autumn wind against her skin, the chill of the ground beneath her, the sun on her face. She lay back on the grass and her mind turned to Alexander. She closed her eyes, replaying their meditation again and again, lips tingling at the memory.
A song finished, the crowd clapped wildly, and Anita felt familiar, powerful energy wash over her senses. She opened her eyes and looked up to see two electric blue eyes looking down at her, her energy lifting as she lost herself in his gaze.
'You shouldn't sneak up on people,' she said, as he crouched next to her.
'You shouldn't be grumpy when someone comes to find you especially,' he replied, stroking her cheek. 'Come we with?' he said, offering her his hand. She took it and they got to their feet, Anita realizing that this meant he knew…
'How have you heard already?' she asked, astounded and a little annoyed.
'News travels fast around here; you should know that by now.'
'Hmmm.'
Alexander led her into the woods, heading further up the river. When they were safely out of sight, he stopped and tugged her towards him, sparks surging between them as their flesh met. They laughed excitedly, elated by their newfound freedom.
'How did it go with Marcus?' asked Alexander, running his thumb across her cheekbone.
'It could have been worse,' she said, taking his hand, continuing along the path. 'He came to see me because he knew we'd been to the pool together. Someone saw us there, holding hands, and he told me I wasn't allowed to see you anymore.'
'Oh.'
'So, as I said, it could have been worse. It was the right decision, and I had a chance to warn him about Austin. I doubt he'll listen, but at least I tried. I feel guilty though, after what we went through, and I think he really does love me.'
Alexander squeezed her hand as they rounded a sharp b
end. It revealed a graceful waterfall, the path coming to an abrupt halt by its side. The water cascaded into a deep plunge pool, throwing up a fine white mist.
'It's beautiful,' she said, unable to take her eyes off the water, the sun creating rainbows in the spray.
She turned towards him when he didn't answer, met his gaze, stepped into his space. The mood between them altered as she reached for his lips.
'Wait,' he said, moving a hand to her neck, looking down into her eyes, his thumb caressing the delicate skin behind her ear. 'There are some things I need to tell you before this goes any further…there can't be secrets between us.'
Anita felt robbed. She'd been fantasizing about their first kiss in the real world for a long time, but what he said made sense, even to her preoccupied mind.
'There are some things I need to tell you too, but I have one condition,' she said, looking up at him.
'Name it,' he said, his pupils dilating, their bodies close, breath mingling.
'Kiss me. If you hate me after what I have to tell you, or I hate you, at least we'll have that.'
Alexander said nothing. He closed the gap between them, lowering his face so their skin almost touched. Anita tipped her head back, lost in his eyes.
He placed his hand on her stomach and pressed her backwards, her body complying without hesitation to his touch. Her back came flush against rock, the cold stone halting her movement, holding her in place.
He moved a hand to her face, ran his thumb across her lips, then closed his beautiful eyes, lowering his mouth, so it hovered just above hers. He touched his nose to hers, breathing deeply, Anita relishing the tension that stretched to breaking point between them. She breathed him in, his citrus scent, savoring the contact of their skin, the hum of energy.
