by KB Anne
We shared a long, knowing look before I turned on my heel and hurried off leaving my guards to scurry after me.
My mind reeled with the possibilities on my way back to my room. I’d need to find an opportunity to visit my grandfather’s study when he wasn’t there. My guards complicated my exploration plans, but I was very creative.
I quickly changed into my pajamas and climbed into bed without so glancing out the window. There was no need to long for freedom when I might be on my way to it in a few hours. I needed to lull Team Asshole into believing I was asleep. I closed my eyes and after a few minutes, I let my chest rise and fall slowly. Long into the night, my brain whirled in a thousand directions planning potential escape routes throughout the estate.
When I could decipher four quiet snores, I slid to the foot of my bed and waited by the canopy until my eyes adjusted to the darkness. None of the guards stirred as I pulled up the sheer fabric and ducked under it. I tiptoed around the cot and over to the door.
Still nothing.
I ever so quietly pushed the French door handle down thanking the gods that my grandparents upgraded from the old crystal door knobs that always got stuck and rattled. I slipped out into the hall and closed the door behind me.
I hurried down the hall almost rounding the corner, when I heard my bedroom door shut. My heart leapt in my throat. I sped up my pace. I was closer than I’d been to freedom for a very long time. I wouldn’t miss my chance.
Chapter Eight
Di
* * *
After Rebecca, Coda, and Ben finished dropping information bombs, we formulated a plan worthy of Starr’s praise. Ben, Coda, and Rebecca would attend OneTruth’s Sunday service on a reconnaissance mission. We needed intel, and since Frank and I were the Shadow Fae’s most wanted, the job was left to the three of them. After the service, we’d meet Christian, and I’d go into the tunnels with him. Frank wasn’t thrilled with that last part of the plan, but he’d survive. I knew I would.
The backyard party broke up soon after our planning session. Rather than stand around and wait for Ben to find the nerve to offer to walk Rebecca home, Frank and I went inside. Over the past few days, Frank would walk me to my room, give me a peck on the forehead, and leave without trying anything, but tonight, after what Ben, Coda, and Rebecca revealed to us about their own supernatural abilities and as the only non-sups on the team, we had a lot to discuss.
“At least Christian didn’t go into the tunnels by himself,” Frank said.
I climbed on the bed and crisscross applesauced. “A small consolation considering he wanted to storm the gate.”
“Does he have a plan to get Starr out of there?”
“If he does, he hasn’t shared it with us.”
He climbed up and sat across from me. “Christian may not be the best person to approach Starr right now.”
Here we go with this again.
“You don’t think Starr would go with him even if he gave her the opportunity to escape?”
Frank pulled at an imaginary loose thread on the quilt. “It’s hard to say. You never know with Starr. I never thought she’d fall so hard for Christian either. She might surprise me, but I’m sure she’s still pissed about what he did to her. I know I am.” He crossed his arms.
I wanted to punch him whenever he acted like a jackass, but I kept my cool. Mostly.
“How many times do we need to go over this? I’ve even shown you the research that says a person under the influence of a roofie has no comprehension of what he’s doing when the drug’s in his system, and he remembers nothing when it wears off.”
“You did a brilliant job showing me the research, but I will remain pissed at him until Starr forgives him. She’s had over a week with nothing in her head except those pictures.”
Frank would soon find out I was more stubborn than him. “Christian will convince her.”
He stiffened. “You seem awfully confident in his abilities. Still have a crush on him?”
“My confidence in him is out of friendship. I’ve moved on.”
The corner of his lip rose in a delicious smirk. “Really, who’s the guy?”
“Some dude who kept telling me how beautiful I was when he was all doped up at the hospital.”
He brushed his fingers along my jaw. The ability to think became difficult, and what was I arguing with him about, anyway? “You are beautiful, and the only medication I’m on now is the drug of love.”
I groaned. “Did your cheesy come-ons work with other girls?”
He gave me a wicked grin. “You know it baby, but they’re not come-ons with you.”
I pulled away from him. “You have to do better than that. I’m much too smart to fall for anything so superficial.”
Undaunted, he smiled at me. “Oh really? What would you like?”
“A more direct approach. Tell me what’s on your mind and always be truthful.”
He dragged a single finger down my arm. “So cheesy come-ons are a ‘no?’”
“A hard ‘no.’”
My stomach flip-flopped. Liar.
“Cheesy come-ons are part of my nature.”
“I know but try.”
“Alright, here goes.” He smoldered his green eyes. Everything inside me lit of fire. Cheesy come-ons might be less disastrous.
“Di, I want to kiss you right now. Is that okay with you?”
He even asked for consent. My inner goddess was beside herself. She wanted to jump his bones instead, but she’d settle for kissing. “I suppose.”
He dragged my lips to his. Each time his lips met mine fireworks exploded in me like it was the freaking Fourth of July. In a very short time, Frank made me feel like I was the most important person in the universe, and no one else mattered as much as I did.
My pessimistic nature warned me not to fall so hard because when Starr came back, his attention would shift. The optimist kicked the pessimist in the shins with her scuffed Docs, before stomping on her bare toes for good measure.
Frank and I have always, always shared a special bond. It started with friendship and somewhere along the line blossomed into a powerful emotional connection. The way Frank made me feel was probably the way Christian made Starr feel about him. Christian would work his magic, and Starr would forgive him. She’ll realize it was a colossal misunderstanding. Chosen One prophesies be damned. Screw mortal enemies. Their love was infinite.
And based on the way our faces meshed perfectly together. The way our teeth never smashed into each other. The way there was never any pressure to do anything more than kiss…Maybe ours was too.
Soon I was going to need to rip off his clothes and discover what his six-pack felt like.
Chapter Nine
Starr
* * *
“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” Sami snarled, appearing beside me much faster than humanly possible.
Of course, it was freaking Sami.
“I couldn’t sleep so I thought I’d grab a book from my grandfather’s study.”
“You had to get the book tonight?” She grabbed my arm and spun me. I didn’t remember her being so strong. Her eyes flashed red in the darkness. What in the hells was going on with her? Was everyone supernatural in this world? As her hand touched mine, anger swelled within me. My Fae nature pulsed through me. It seemed intense emotion bypassed the iron cross and whatever other magic spell cast upon me to quell my powers.
I jerked away from her. “Don’t touch me.”
She reached for me again. I knocked her hand aside. “I said, don’t touch me.”
“Or what?” she hissed, her red eyes glowing. “What are you going to do?”
My claws protruded from my fingertips. “I think we’re about to have a serious argument.”
“Finally,” she purred. “I’ve been waiting for the chance to catch you alone.”
“I bet you have.”
“Jessalyn… Jessalyn… Jessalyn… What am I going to do with you?” She paced ar
ound me. All she needed was the whip in her hand, and it would be just like the night she shot Frank. But this time she wouldn’t catch me off-guard, and there was no way in any of the hells she was going to get the upper hand.
Another shadow left my room, but that was okay. I didn’t mind the company. I’d make Sami pay one way or another for her crimes. Long, painful torture was far more satisfying. All I needed to do was delay her until Jude reached us. Then he’d hear what diabolical deeds she had in mind, and she’d get punished. All I needed to do was piss her off even more. I was adept at that skill.
“May I remind you I was never told I couldn’t leave my room? Your orders are to be at my beck and call.” I put my hand over my heart. “I just didn’t call.”
She glared at me. “I’m going to enjoy this.”
Jude was only a few feet away. All I had to do was keep her talking. “Enjoy what Sami? What are you going to enjoy?”
Her lips lifted into a cruel smile revealing sharp fangs.
Vampire? Was she a vampire? It explained the sudden changes or did the fangs mean she was a demon? I didn’t know the finer nuances of how supernatural nature worked.
“When I tell General Treadwell about your little talk with the old man along with your ‘contract’ with your grandparents.”
My anger bloomed. My own fangs elongated. “Leave Willingsbee out of it.”
“Or what? What are you going to do? Treadwell and White have their eyes set on this estate and the court, along with everything that comes with it including you…”
“There’s longing and there’s reality, and they will get none of it. As for your threats, Jude finds your schemes quite interesting. Don’t you, Jude?”
Her red eyes widened at she spun around to face Jude. I didn’t trust him any more than Sami, but at least he wasn’t whatever she was. He told me he was destined to protect me, so he was born Fae. The general and his creepy goons made Sami into whatever she was.
“Thank you Sami for proving what a distrustful bitch you are.”
Her nostrils flared. “No, it’s me who should thank you. Christian was positively scrumptious. He surprised me with his skills and enthusiasm. I’d never had such a willing partner except, of course, for Frank.”
I clenched my jaw as my claws dug into my palms. One swipe across her face, and I’d wipe that smirk right off it. Just one swipe, but her threats of telling Treadwell worried me. I was making progress here. If he took me to the Island, I’d lose any chance of getting away. I couldn’t risk harming her.
She bared her teeth to me. Her fangs were impressive but no match for a true Silver Fae. I bared mine. Magical energy swirled around me. She staggered backward.
“You should grovel at my feet.”
If it was a bitch she wanted, it was a bitch she’d get. I held my head high as I watched her scurry back to my room, but the second the door closed, my energy whooshed out of me. My power was getting stronger, but each time it surged, it zapped my energy.
I lifted my chin to strengthen my posture and took a single step. It felt like I was trudging through knee deep mud. My sight grew fuzzy around the edges. My knees wobbled.
Jude rushed over to me. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I said, trying to sound much more in control than I felt.
“Don’t worry about Sami. Nothing will happen to you with me. Thomas is well aware of her “situation.” We’ve got her under control.”
I pulled the last tendrils of my power to my limbs and stepped away from him. I didn’t know how long my strength would last, but Grandfather’s study was out this evening. I didn’t know if I had enough strength to make it back to my room. My bed felt like it was a million miles away, and the hallway to get there twice that. “Really? Then how do you explain tonight? She threatened to kill me. I want her gone.”
He stepped toward me invading my personal place, and by doing so, further weakening my reserves. “I will never let anything happen to you.”
I ground my jaw. I barely had enough energy to stand. “I know, it’s your destiny to protect me.”
He reached for me. I was too exhausted to fight it. Besides, maybe I should appear weak to Jude. Let him think I was a poor, fragile princess, and not the assassin Treadwell wanted me to be. It couldn’t hurt for him to think he’s lulled me into trusting him. “I am Fae and long to be awarded Shadow Fae knight designation, but it’s more than that.”
My stomach churned. All I wanted to do was crawl into my bed and recharge, but apparently, it was time for moonlight confessionals, and this time, Christian wasn’t here to interrupt him.
But someone was.
“Everything alright out here,” Thomas said appearing before us.
I could almost hug him. Jude stepped away from me. Without his touch, my power sparked, but it was a long way from refilling.
“I was on my way to bed,” I said.
“I thought you wanted to pick up a book from your grandfather’s study,” Jude said, but he really wanted to say which was, “I want to spend more time with you in the dark.”
“I changed my mind.” Without looking at him, I slipped past Thomas and back into my room. Sami’s red eyes watched me as I climbed back into bed.
She wanted to drain me. She’d just have to wait her turn.
Chapter Ten
Di
* * *
Long into the night Frank and I kissed. Just kissed. No boob jobs. No hand jobs. Just gripping each other’s heads or backs and kissing. Full-on, lips on lips, tongue on tongue kissing. I still can’t believe I allowed myself to fall for him, and I was fairly certain, he fell for me. We fell asleep in each other’s arms. Him holding me, me holding him. Adorable enough to make the most cynical Goth (and that used to be me) sigh at our cuteness.
“It’s time!” Ben yelled whacking the bedroom door with his knuckles. “Get dressed.”
I jerked awake. The morning came too fast. Today was Sunday, and we had a full “To Do” list including Coda, Ben, and Rebecca attending the Sunday OneTruth service and then meeting Christian and trying to persuade him not to enter the tunnels, and if he still went, Coda and I will go with him.
I tried to remove Frank’s arm from my waist, but he held me in a death grip. “Frank, let me go,” I hissed.
He blinked awake. “Where are you going?”
He sounded tired. I was too. All the kissey face didn’t leave much time for actual sleep. No wonder Starr and Christian always seemed exhausted in the morning. I thought it was the meds. Now, I was wiser and experiencing the same kiss-over. My parents cured their hangovers by the hair of the dog. Would kissing Frank this morning cure me?
Control Di. Control.
“Bathroom. I’ve got to get ready and so do you.”
I tried to scoot out from under his arm, but it was no use. I wasn’t going anywhere until he let me. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel trapped. I trusted Frank not to take advantage of me without my agreement. Gods, he asked permission to kiss me. Sexiest man alive in my book.
He trailed his free hand down my arm. “I wonder how we’ll pass the time while they’re listening to the service.”
I tried not to shiver. Frank did things to my body in ways I’ve never experienced before, but I needed to play it cool. I couldn’t give myself away completely. “I’m sure you’ll come up with something.”
He winked and removed his arm to allow me to crawl out of bed. “I am a creative genius.”
I grabbed clean clothes from the chair. “You wish.”
He climbed out of bed to stand next to me. He raised an eyebrow.
I sucked in a breath.
Play it cool, Di. Play it cool. And no matter what, don’t trail your fingers down his washboard abs.
Without a word, he blew on my neck to prove his point.
I swiped it away as if it was a pesky fly rather than a total turn-on. “Would you stop?”
“Stop what?” he said with his mischievous grin before trying to blow on it again
.
I leapt away from him. “You’re driving me crazy.”
He continued to advance, pinning me against the door without even touching me. “Am I?”
My heart skipped a beat. “We have to get ready. You’re distracting me.”
“You’re distracted? Hmmm, I had no idea I had such an effect on you. You always act so tough. Impressive.”
I called on my inner fierce female warrior to combat him. “We’ll see how impressive it is when you’re sitting by yourself in the van the entire service.”
That snapped him out of his self-congratulatory mode. “You wouldn’t do that to me.”
“Try me.”
He backed away, unwilling to risk rejection. I opened the door, feeling rather full of myself and left him standing there.
“You’re not even dressed yet,” Ben said when I entered the kitchen.
“Just grabbing a cereal bar,” I said. “I’m starving.”
He rolled his eyes. “I don’t want to know what was going on in there. Coda will be here any minute. Get moving.”
I pulled off the wrapper and chucked it at him. “I’m going. I’m going.” I walked back into my room without thinking or knocking and there stood Frank in nothing but his boxer briefs.
Holy gods, I knew he had muscles, but I didn’t know he had Muscles. Hello, Mr. Six-Pack.
He prowled over but stopped a few feet away from me to give me a full view of his body. “See anything you like?”
“What, uh…”
What was I going to do? Heck, what was my name?
“Ah, no…”
The gibberish coming out of my mouth was a foreign tongue I didn’t know I spoke. Tongue? I’d like to taste Frank’s right now.
Wait? What was I saying?
Snap out of it, Di.
“I just needed to get dressed. I’ll come back when you’re done.”
He stepped closer. “You can stay.”
I could lay my head on his chest if I wanted to, and my gods I wanted to, but I needed control. We had places to go, things to do, and boys to kiss. Wait… what?