Without preamble, Am swept Rhea into his arms and carried her upstairs to her rooms. No light intruded on the sweet pitch of darkness around them. He stood her beside the bed and slowly unzipped her dress. The silk rippled as his cool fingertips trailed down her spine following the zipper’s path until the gown dropped away.
“I’m yours until the dawn,” his husky voice whispered in her ear, his mouth kissing down across the edge of her shoulder. “You are every bit as much a queen, my rose, and I want to worship every inch of you. Let’s renew our vows shall we?” His finger slid down over her hips and slowly turned her to him. Their lips touched gently at first and then pressed with urgency. She coiled her arms around his neck, her body heat pulsing against his cold flesh.
“Only if you go very, very slowly,” she moaned and breathed fiery tendrils into his hungry mouth.
TWO NIGHTS LATER Amor-el announced the big move to the Bower house. The inside was empty, but everything worked, even the outside lights. Gasps and exclamations aside, everyone was thrilled at the expansive plantation home. Especially Cooke and her new modern kitchen complete with a single stained glass window skylight, three ovens, and a set-in fireplace (where she could also bake bread or pizza).
Amor-el passed out elegant calling cards too, somewhat like a business card but more personal, something one might leave behind at a friend’s home. The nondescript cards hinted at a bit of mystery were colored blue like the roses, and said, The Evening Bower, Louisiana, in black ink. On the back, the home telephone number. Rhea loved them.
“And the best part? We live on Bower Road. Benefits of owning the land,” Am said proudly.
“Do we get to pick our rooms?” Victoria asked. They gathered around the old dining room table after dinner and examined the blueprints in detail.
“No, my dear,” Rhea said. “I am sorry, but I think you will like what we have arranged. Look, the house divides into main areas, and the upstairs separates into wings. The library will take up two sections on the first and second floor, accessed directly by a spiral staircase. On the first floor, a curved bay window with window seat, comfortable chairs and reading lamps. Upstairs, Am’s desk and mine will sit in the middle of the room, along with my chest and some of my artwork. Here is where I will keep most of our antique volumes. Books will line the walls upstairs and down and shoot up twelve feet. We hope we planned for enough shelving.”
“Is this right? A split grand staircase?” Sondra pointed to the drawing.
Am nodded. “When you enter the front, you’ll see the large semi-circle entryway. This way you take the staircase that matches where you wish to go. Left to the library, the master wing, and Destin’s rooms. Right to the guest wing and suites for Sondra, Victoria, Keta, with three more available suites.”
“What about Drahomira? Isn’t she staying here anymore?” Keta asked quietly.
“Of course. Dra has rooms in the master wing. And right above the landing and overlooking the foyer will be three extra rooms, but not suites. One will become a school room for Destin.”
“What’s over here?” Victoria pointed to the first floor.
Rhea followed the finger’s path. “To the right from the entry is the ballroom. If you pass that and take the door to the right under the stairs, you get to the drawing room where Am decided to set his piano. If you go straight back, that takes you to the dining room. When you enter and go left, as I said before, you go to the library. Under the left staircase is the family living room, a sort of extension off the library with doors that expand the library space. That’s where the big screen TV is, the stereo and one of the two sidebars. The other is in the dining room. To the right from this room is an entrance to the dining room and the kitchen.”
“We thought to add a guest bathroom downstairs off the family living room and one between the dining room and the ballroom. That second one is larger in the event of a gala,” noted Am.
Fingers followed along the blueprints and heads nodded.
“There is also a mud room with a complete bath off the kitchen. I thought it would help because of—”
Rhea interrupted Amor-el. “Because of the last minute addition. Outside of the kitchen, I have a surprise for you, Victoria. A greenhouse. I know you lost your herbs with your store. I will give you some special seeds that you may not have seen before, and you can grow them, along with Cooke’s herbs, some special blue rose cuttings, and Franklin’s delicate orchids.”
“I don’t know what to say. Thank you so much,” Victoria tumbled into Rhea, ears shut hard against the tears as she squeezed her in a hug.
“Across the front of the mansion and from the ballroom around to the kitchen, you can access the porch. The only area that will not have porch access is the library and family room. I wanted to add privacy to those.
“And, I should add, there are a good many fireplaces, so we’ll have to be very careful. Franklin will teach you what you need to know. We decided not to have a fireplace in the dining room, nor in the unnamed guest rooms. Only the suites have fireplaces. And all the rooms have ceiling fans.” Am pointed to the areas on the blueprints. “I also added central air which the contractor didn’t appreciate. We probably won’t need it except for midsummers.”
“Like now?” Cooke huffed and wiped her forehead. The girls commiserated.
“One feature I like is the addition of a couple fountains. There is a large one out front facing the road and the river. The second one is visible from the ballroom and the guest suites. The third is on the other side of the house, observable from the master suite, the dining room, and the kitchen. And the library, of course. That particular fountain leads to my evening bower where all the white night blooming flowers are already growing and where blue and white roses will grow exclusively. I cannot wait to see them blooming together.” Rhea sighed happily.
“It is enormous,” Sondra mused.
“What about my car? Is there a place I need to park?” Victoria asked. Her Honda was her baby even if it was old.
“I’m having a carriage house built for the transportation. I need to keep my roadster out of the weather, and I’m sure our guests will appreciate a place, too. You know once upon a time, the carriage house stored a variety of household wagons and buggies. Maybe I should look for an old buggy to add to the collection.” Amor-el winked at Victoria.
“Why is it so big?” Keta wondered aloud.
“Because lass, people like to have space and room for company and their precious possessions. You’ll have a large room, too.” Cooke nodded.
“Everything I have I can carry on my back,” Keta said. “I don’t need the room.”
Rhea studied her. “I hope you will decorate and make it feel like home. You may paint it, and I will help you choose your colors if you want. The room gives you privacy, quiet and personal space.”
Keta shrugged. “I already miss the constant roar from Bourbon Street. I’m just here till Dra gets home. Have you heard from her?”
If Rhea was disappointed, she tried not to show it. “Drahomira left but a couple of days ago. We know she went to New York. I believe she will call soon. Try not to worry.”
“What we need to do now is pack,” Am continued. “Whatever you don’t want, bring to the hall for donation or trash. Cooke will fill the donation boxes. Franklin will collect what is to be burned or hauled away. The movers arrive to pack the household in three days. We need to get moved in because…” Am paused for dramatic effect and waited until everyone looked up from the blueprints.
“Because?” Sondra prompted.
“Because we’re having a costume gala for Halloween and we only have about a month to get ready.
Sondra and Victoria clapped. Keta wasn’t sure what to do, but Reaper’s tail thumped, with excitement.
“I mailed the invitations. Rhea insisted we print a few extra on the off chance you wanted to invite your friends. You don’t have friends, do you?” Amor-el teased as more squeals and laughter answered him.
“Let’s see. There’s Steel.” Sondra elbowed Victoria who blushed.
“And Seth.” Keta clapped.
“Be sure to ask Tye-dye, too,” Sondra added.
“And the lady at the Twin Sisters and the vet. Yes, we need extras, please. We have to make costumes and get moved in and decorate and is there going to be enough time?” Victoria gushed. “I want to do tarot readings during the, um…” her voice faded.
“During the what, lass?” Cooke poured tea for those holding a cup.
“Rhea, about the tarot cards. Maybe, now is a good time?”
Rhea would never admit to stalling or even forcibly forgetting about the reading. After all, what Victoria told her was impossible and laughable, and she would know, wouldn’t she?
Am did not miss the shadow falling over Rhea’s expression.
“My love, excuse me, but before I forget, do you plan to put The Great Book in the glass case as we discussed?” Am interrupted. “I ordered something especially for it. I forgot to tell you.”
“Is that wise?” Cooke frowned at the idea.
Rhea nodded. “I was thinking about putting it in the library upstairs. After all, no one can open it but me, and there isn’t anyone alive who could use it, so yes.”
“Oh wow,” Victoria’s eyes sparkled, and she elbowed Sondra. “Do we at least get to see it open or is it a secret?”
Rhea raised one eyebrow. “I suppose I could display it openly. No one can read it because it is in an ancient language. Even I struggle with parts of it. When we get moved in, then I will show you.”
“I’m used to managing antique books if you need a hand. I can assist you,” Sondra offered.
“I don’t understand,” Keta said, frowning. “What’s the big deal about some old book?”
“Keta, there were many nights I asked the same question,” Am chuckled
Victoria gasped at the young girl. “I’ll explain it all later. You won’t believe it.”
Keta shrugged, unimpressed by all the ballyhoo.
“If there are no other questions, we should get started. Franklin has stacks of boxes he can put together. There is a load of packing paper and tape. First your fragile items and then clean out the drawers. Remember, we have three days until the movers.”
“Eating and sleeping, ducks. The rest of the time, working!” Cooke tapped on the table and left for the kitchen. Am and Rhea exchanged looks across the table. Their dreams were upon them.
TWO DAYS LATER, Keta, Reaper, and Victoria went into the city for some supplies. Keta asked if they could go by the club. Up and down the French Quarter, stores prepared for All Hallows Eve with ghoulish decorations or promises of kid-friendly events. Finally, Keta’s nonchalance crumpled under their enthusiasm.
The club appeared deserted, but they knew to try around back. Keta knocked on the metal door. Sure enough, Seth peeked out.
“Keta!” He opened the door all the way. Reaper almost knocked him over getting inside before he disappeared upstairs.
“Hey Seth,” Keta grinned and motioned Victoria inside. The club felt cool and dark. “Wasn’t sure anyone would be here. Whatcha doin’?”
“Dra said we were to continue the deliveries and keep the place clean. I took a liquor order yesterday, and today I’m doing the unpacking. Tye-dye is in the office doing the inventory sheets. Payday is tomorrow. What are you doing here, kiddo? Need some money?”
“Is Steel around?” Victoria asked.
Seth shook his head. “Nah, not yet. He’s always late. But soon. So?”
“Missed you guys is all,” Keta punched his arm.
There was another knock, and everyone jumped. “Dammit Steel,” Seth growled and thrust open the door.
But it wasn’t their friend. Instead, a harried Zephyr breathed a sigh of relief.
“Thank goodness someone is here. I need to use the bathroom. Pleeez.”
“Uh, sure, come on in Z,” Seth said and held the door for her.
The girl stepped inside and squinted in the low light. Keta pointed to the bathroom sign, and Zephyr made a beeline down the hall.
“Wonder what she wants,” Keta snarked under her breath.
“So you know her. Tobias’ mysterious girlfriend?” Victoria frowned at Seth.
Zephyr reappeared a couple of minutes later, grateful and relieved. She paused by Seth and put a possessive hand on his arm.
“I didn’t know where I could stop. Thanks.”
Seth found his manners. “Z, this is Victoria. She’s a friend of ours and boss lady’s.”
“I think we met already. I came by one day when you and your friend were here. Are you the one whose store burned down?”
Victoria nodded.
“I’m sorry, that was a terrible explosion. We felt it all the way down at the club.”
“Club?” Victoria looked at Seth.
“Yeah, Zephyr here is our competition,” Seth said. She’s working in a new club somewhere by the waterfront, maybe in the warehouse district. She won’t tell us where. Afraid of the competition, Z?”
Zephyr’s eyed them through lowered lashes, and she looked something between shy and sly. Victoria thought her laugh was positively coy.“Toby said we aren’t ready to reveal ourselves yet and no sense in spoiling the surprise.”
“Toby. Tobias Wickamshire? He’s your boyfriend, right?” wondered Victoria.
“Wickam. Not my boyfriend. Just my boss. Say, where is the owner? I wanted to meet her.” Zephyr looked up the stairs.
“She’s on her honeymoon in New York,” Seth said. “When she gets back, Z.”
“Honeymoon? She got married?”
“Yes, out at the Riviere place,” Victoria said. Keta gave her a dirty look.
“Oh, I heard of that place, too. Supposed to be magical. Lucky gal. Well, gotta go. Thanks for the save.” Zephyr blew Seth a kiss and left.
Keta shuddered and rolled her eyes.
“What’s with the bitch face, Keta?” Victoria scowled. She was irritated at Seth but kept quiet.
“Boss lady says not to tell people stuff.” Keta quickly noted.
“I didn’t tell her anything. Did I?”
Keta made another face. “And that’s why you shouldn’t talk to strangers. C’mon I got my book.”
They said their goodbyes, finished their errands for Cooke and returned to the bower. On the way home, Victoria thought back over the meeting and what she said. She worried that Keta was right and maybe she did give away some critical information. If she did, she couldn’t figure out what she gave away. She learned Tobias was still in town, did have a club, and yes, maybe Zephyr pumped her like a fountain and got facts she shouldn’t have given.
“Blast it,” Victoria muttered. She must learn to do better.
“YOU’RE LATE. AGAIN,” Tobias said, slamming his checkbook closed.
“But today I have a reason. I found out where the princess is.”
“Well? Raikas called, and he’s looking for Alexander. As if that pompous ass would have told me what he planned other than abusing that bitch.”
“You can call him back, sweetie. The girls from the bayou said after the wedding the newlyweds were headed to New York.”
“Perfect. Now I can—. Wait. Oh crap. New York. I’ve got to get there myself,” Tobias said as he jumped off the bar stool and glanced at his watch. “I was supposed to be there yesterday.” He rushed about gathering his coat and his papers off the desk.
“Hey,” Z whined, “what’s the rush? Can’t I come?”
Tobias stopped cold. “No. If Needles gets one look at you, you’ll be no good to me. You stay here and finish marking the girls. We open soon. I, on the other hand, had better get to New York fast or I’m going die. Literally.”
“When will you be back?”
“When Needles is done. He has a club to open too. A week, maybe more. By Halloween, I hope. If Raikas calls again, you tell him what you know and get the club ready for when I get back.”
And just l
ike that, he was gone. Z smiled to herself. One way or another she was going to that bayou party. All she needed was a unique costume. Maybe a white wig. Maybe Seth. Or maybe Tye-dye. Both? No harm in having a little fun.
ON THE MORNING the movers arrived, Victoria called the club and told Steel about the move. She asked if the guys could help because there was so much to do and the movers looked dismayed at the volume of furniture. The semi-tractor trailer didn’t turn well on the gravel road, but dirt? They struggled. Could Tyler maybe drive his truck and lend a hand? She promised them lunch or supper, or both, and a first look at the new place. And invites to the gala.
The club guys arrived less than thirty minutes later. A grateful Rhea greeted them and showed them to an even more appreciative Franklin. He directed traffic like a conductor managing dual orchestras and masterfully formed an assembly caravan to the new home.
First. the big stuff went into the moving van, and by the second day, they were down to moving the kitchen and the books. The guys voluntarily stayed the night in the library, too exhausted to climb stairs and too sated on Cooke’s food to move. By the third day, the movers crated paintings and other fragile pieces then worked on the upstairs bedrooms.
When the sun set on the second day, Amor-el arrived with generous paychecks for the club volunteers and tickets to the bower’s gala. They all stayed for supper and then headed home, satisfied with their bounty.
Cooke and Rhea directed and supervised the special packing for the new house. Victoria and Keta kept the liquids flowing, wrapped some of the fragile items, and packed books. Mostly Keta kept Reaper from getting too nosy.
Sondra ran around with Destin who had sprouted as tall as a seven-year-old despite his real age. Destin’s speaking and understanding advanced well beyond his years. In some ways, his abilities alarmed her, but she reminded herself that Destin was a unique being. Her wariness turned to admiration and pride except for one area. Destin’s need for blood grew until drinks and sips were insufficient.
Love and Blood (Evening Bower Book 2) Page 16