by Holly Kelly
“No problem,” he said as he stood. He looked her up and down. “Are you cold?”
“A little.”
He shrugged out of his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. She breathed in a scent of leather and spice.
Nick led the way, and she walked beside him. He seemed to know his way there. Of course, he was a professor, and the student housing was hard to miss.
“Listen,” she said, “about what the dean said about me.”
“You don’t need to explain.”
“I just don’t want you thinking...”
“That you’re a prostitute?” He glanced over to her.
“Yeah.” She put her head down as heat rose in her cheeks.
“I already know you’re not.”
Her eyes snapped up. “How?”
“I’ve met a lot of prostitutes—in my line of work, or course.” He cracked a smile.
She chuckled. “Of course.”
“I’ve learned to read people pretty well. You’re no prostitute.”
Appreciation swelled in her chest. “Thanks for believing me.”
Student housing came into view. She searched the area. Most of the party-goers had gone home and left a lot of garbage on the ground. A group of students with trashcans were spearing garbage with pokey sticks. Her heart skipped a beat when her eyes landed on a gray mound of fabric—her towel. “Oh, thank heavens.” She ran forward and picked it off the ground.
“Yours?” he said, jogging to keep up with her.
She smiled. “Yeah. I’m glad I found it. Now if I can just find my flip flop.” She scoured the ground.
“I noticed you were missing one.”
“Yeah, I left here in a hurry.”
“More like you were dragged from here.”
“Yeah.”
“For all the difficulty Mr. Larsen gave you, I think it shouldn’t be too much to ask the school to reimburse you.”
Fae shook her head. “I don’t want to cause any trouble.”
“Sometimes it’s okay to cause trouble.” He raised his eyebrow and smiled. “I do it all the time.”
Fae grinned. “I’ll bet you do.”
Nick chuckled. “Now look who’s reading who.”
They reached the doorstep and stopped. Nick stepped toward her. Fae took off his jacket and handed it back.
“Listen,” Nick said as he pulled out a piece of paper and a pen and jotted down some numbers. “If that idiot football player gives you any more trouble, or if you need anything at all, feel free to call me.”
Fae nodded as she took the paper and clutched it in her hand. “Thanks.”
Nick locked eyes with her, and her knees felt weak. Her heart fluttered in her chest when he lifted his hand and brushed an errant strand of hair from her face. His touch made her skin tingle. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” he said, and reached for the door handle. He hissed a curse and pulled his hand away.
“Is there something wrong?” Fae asked.
“No, no. I’m fine. I have a sensitivity to iron. Doorknobs are usually not a problem for me, but this is an old campus.” He rubbed his hand. “It’s no big deal.”
Fae nodded and opened the door herself. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I look forward to it.” He smiled. Moments later, she watched him walk away.
Chapter 4
Emeric stepped forward, feeling the familiar ache in his joints. He turned to address his comrades. “My fellow guardians, it is time for me relinquish command to my next in line.” He stepped out from under the worn, canvas canopy and approached Lafayette, who sat in the center of the guard. Emeric looked him over. Lafayette’s head was lowered, his weathered hands in his lap. The creases around his eyes seemed to lengthen as if the thought of leading caused him to age a decade in moments.
“Lafayette.” Emeric put his hand on his shoulder, and Lafayette lifted his head to look at him. “I have taught you all I know. I have the utmost confidence in your abilities to lead this group and protect the fountain. You, more than anyone else, know the appeal and the terrible danger the Fountain of Youth poses for all who touch or drink its waters.” Emeric coughed—deep and hard. He could feel the beginning stages of cancer infiltrating his lungs, counting down to the end of his days.
“But it’s not just the guardians of the fountain I entrust to you. Most of you know about my legacy…my son.”
Several eyes widened at his announcement. “He will be coming to finish his training. I expect no special treatment for him. He will have to earn his place among you like any other guardian. Do not go easy on him. It is in the hottest embers that the strongest blades are forged.
“Like each of you has already done, I expect him to forsake all personal desires. The duty of a guardian of the Fountain of Youth is immense. For seven generations, my family has protected the waters. Few have touched it, desiring its healing powers, and those who have met with the consequences of their act—our blade in their hearts. My three times great-grandfather revealed in great detail what becomes of those who partake of the fountain: a madness so acute that one would kill any and all who come between the thief and his cursed youth. It is our duty to keep the water’s secret and protect the location even at the cost of lives—including your own.” All were nodding with firmness in their eyes that told him they knew the gravity of their calling.
“I do not like long goodbyes, so I will offer none. I leave the protection of the fountain in your capable hands.” He rose and flung his pack containing his meager belongings over his shoulder. “I do ask for a few moments of privacy, though—while I say farewell to my beloved fountain. I swear on my life that it will be safe until I am gone. I ask that I not be disturbed while I offer my goodbyes and go my way. You may send guards in ten minutes’ time.”
Nods all around let him know they trusted him completely. Not a hint of doubt clouded anyone’s eyes at the sincerity of his words. A handshake and heartfelt goodbye from all, and he finally left. His excitement built as he drew closer to the fountain of youth. The power of the waters called to him.
Rafael came into view only yards away from the water’s edge.
“Hello, my boy,” Emeric said, cheerfully. At barely twenty years old, “Boy” was not really an exaggeration. But he made up for his youth with a stone hard commitment to his guardianship.
“Commander,” the boy answered with a bow.
“I am no longer the commander. That title now belongs to Lafayette.”
“It’s done?”
“Yes, I just need some time alone with the fountain.” He smiled.
Doubt flickered in the boy’s eyes. “Will you come for me when you are done?”
Emeric shook his head. “Someone else will be coming to take over in a few minutes.”
Rafael nodded. “I’ll miss you.”
Emeric nodded, with a hint of a smile. “As will I.”
The boy stomped through the trees, and Emeric found himself alone. He stepped forward and knelt at the water’s edge.
“Here we are again,” he spoke to the waters. “You, my master, and me, your faithful servant. I have fought for you. I have spilled blood in your honor. I have led those who defend you. And you have given me so much more in return.”
He reached his hand out, his fingers hovering over the surface of the fountain. He knew firsthand the power those waters held. They worked quickly. In just moments, his cancer would be gone, his youth restored. He would have years of life returned to him.
A sharp pain sliced through his chest. Suddenly dizzy, the world spun around him. His hand splashed down in the water. Horrified, he lifted it out quickly. Falling back, Lafayette’s face spun into view.
He laughed and shook his head. “Oops, you broke your own rule. Never touch the waters of the Fountain of Youth. Stupid old man.”
“Lafayette?” Confusion filled Emeric’s heart. This was his friend, his ally, his most trusted soldier. “Why?” Emeric asked, his voice already weak.
“
Why am I killing you?”
Emeric nodded, his head swimming with questions.
“You’re not that stupid. You know why. I’m getting old. I have many days behind me and few days ahead of me. I would have asked you to join me, but we both know you wouldn’t do it. Honor is too important to you.”
Emeric’s eyes searched the forest, desperate for someone to stop Lafayette.
“Oh,” he said, smiling. “They’re not coming. A vile of poison can come in handy when put into the celebratory wine. But I noticed you didn’t have any. So, I had to change my plans a bit. I think this end is more fitting for you anyway. The great commander shouldn’t die lying in his own vomit. Oh, and don’t worry about your son. I will take care of him quickly and painlessly when he gets here. After all, what are best friends for?”
“But before you go to that great fountain in the sky, I have a toast of my own to make.” Lafayette took out a tin cup, dipped it into the waters, and then lifted it up, brimming. “To a long and healthy life,” he cracked a wicked smile, “for me.” He drank, long and deep. His smile widened as he lowered the cup. He sat unmoving for several moments before doubt flickered in his eyes. His smiled faded. He looked down at the cup and then his eyes darted to the fountain. Confusion clouded his features.
“I don’t understand. I don’t feel any different. I know the fountain has power, you and I have both seen it. I should be feeling different—younger, more vigorous. Why isn’t it working for me?”
Emeric fell back, his eyes on the sky framed by towering trees. Darkness filtered in from the edges and clouded his view. A mixture of thoughts and feelings tumbled through his mind as he died—relief that Lafayette would soon reach the end of his days and despair that he failed to protect what he held most dear. The Fountain’s power was gone.
Chapter 5
Fae stepped into her room, and arms flew around her in a tight embrace.
“Fae!” Morgan shouted.
Fae’s heart pounded as she stopped herself from pushing her roommate away. She wasn’t used to getting surprise hugs.
“I heard what happened,” Morgan said as she pulled away. “Are you okay?” She looked Fae over, and her eyes went to her lip. “Did he do that?”
Fae nodded. “Yeah.”
“That idiot Mike Pendleton!” Morgan narrowed her eyes. “He’s lucky my uncle’s in prison. If he wasn’t, I’d have him beat Pendleton bloody.”
“I’m fine. Really. Agent Chase took care of things.”
“The FBI teacher?” Morgan’s eyes went wide.
Fae couldn’t help but smile. “Yeah.”
“Wow.” Morgan flopped down on her bed. “That is so flippin’ romantic.”
“Romantic?” Fae said, confused.
“Being saved by a hot FBI agent? Absolutely!”
“It was pretty amazing.”
“I’ll say,” Morgan said with a dreamy look in her eyes. “Are you going to see him again?”
“Of course,” Fae said. “I’m in his class.”
“That’s not what I meant. Did he ask you out?”
Fae shook her head. “We’re not allowed to date. Remember?”
“That wouldn’t stop James Bond. He would’ve had you stripped down naked by now.”
Fae could feel heat rising in her cheeks. “You have an overactive imagination, Morgan.”
She shrugged with a hint of a smile. “Just sayin’.”
“No one is stripping me down and getting me naked. Haven’t you ever heard of abstinence?”
Morgan showed mock confusion. “Abstinence? Nope. Never heard of it.”
“Well, you might want to look it up, because that’s what I practice.”
Morgan chuckled. “You’re joking.”
Fae raised an eyebrow as she held Morgan’s gaze.
Morgan’s eyes flew open wide as her jaw dropped. “You’re not joking!”
“Do you know how many times I’ve been propositioned by scumbags?”
Morgan shook her head slowly.
“Well, neither do I. I’ve lost count. I don’t know what it is, but I seem to attract crazies. Take what happened tonight, for instance. That is not unusual for me. And it seems these guys only ever want one thing…”
“Sex?”
Fae nodded. “I’ve made up my mind. If someone wants to have a relationship with me, they’re going to have to prove to me they love me for who I am. They’ll have to wine and dine me. The real me. The me inside here.” She tapped her temple. “And there will be no sex until we get married. That should weed out the bad ones, don’t you think?”
Morgan shrugged. “I don’t know. I know a lot of women who married men that treated them badly.”
Fae shrugged. “No plan is perfect. But I think this is my best shot at finding true love.”
“You really believe in true love?”
Fae scrunched her eyebrows and pursed her lips. “Yes.” She nodded. “I really do.”
“Well, we agree on one thing. I just plan to find it a different way. By the way, there’s someone I want you to meet.”
“A boy?”
“Of course not.”
Fae raised an eyebrow. If there was one thing she’d learned about her roommate this week, her mind was on boys twenty-four/seven.
“He’s a man.”
Fae chuckled. “Oh, sorry. My mistake.”
“Mason Chevalier. He’s an upperclassman majoring in Business. He thinks he can turn my art into a gold mine.”
“Oh, really? And is this Mason cute?”
“Cute is for boys. Mason is downright sexy.”
“Sexy, huh?”
“Yeah,” Morgan sighed. “He’s a weightlifter. He can bench press like three of me.”
“Wow. That is impressive.”
“He wants to go out.”
“How long have you known him?”
“That’s the problem.” Morgan frowned. “I just met him once. I don’t know about going out alone with someone I just met.”
Fae’s estimation of Morgan’s wisdom raised about ten notches. “Yeah. I’d feel uncomfortable with that too.”
“So,” Morgan said. “What do you think about a double date?”
Fae shook her head. “I haven’t gotten to know any guys yet.”
Morgan’s face fell.
“But,” Fae said, feeling sorry for Morgan. “How about you give me a chance to look around for someone I might want to ask out?”
Morgan’s eyes lit up. “Sure! You’ve got ’til next Saturday.”
“A week?”
“That shouldn’t be a problem. You’re so beautiful, you could probably get any guy you wanted to go out with you.”
“I highly doubt that,” Fae said, “but still, I don’t know anyone here.” Nick’s face flashed in her mind. No. He was off limits. She’d have to find someone else. “I’ll see who I can scrounge up.”
Morgan’s smile widened. “I knew I could count on you.”
* * * * *
Fae’s heart pounded as she stood in front of the arts building. She’d exhausted every other job on her list. This was it. Glancing down at her watch, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She could do this.
She held her head high as she pushed the door open and stepped inside. Cool, floral-scented air greeted her. A wide room with art displayed along a curving wall surrounded her. In the center of the room stood sculptures—several mounted on display columns. One held the bust of a woman. The whole thing looked odd. Fae tried not to look at the breasts, though they seemed the strangest of all—as if they were melting down the side of the stand.
There was no way she could pose for someone who might portray her like that. She turned to leave when a woman put her hand on her shoulder.
“Hello, darling.” The woman smiled brightly. “Are you Fae Miller?”
Fae nodded. “Um, yes.”
“Oh, thank heavens.” The woman sighed dramatically. “I’m Ms. Kline, and you, my dear, are a breath of fresh ai
r. I’ve interviewed seven applicants today, and none of them would even remotely work for what we need.” She stepped away and inspected Fae from head to toe. “But you…you look absolutely perfect!”
“Um, I…” Fae said, and then paused. “I don’t know if I can do the job.”
“Oh now, don’t underestimate yourself. It’s easy. All you have to do is stand in the same position for about a half an hour, forty-five minutes, tops.”
“No, that’s not it.” Fae shook her head. “I don’t think I can stand in front of a class full of people with my clothes off.”
“Very few of your poses will be nude.”
“I’d rather none of them were.”
Ms. Kline once again put her hand on Fae’s shoulder. “Everyone feels like that.” She gave Fae an understanding look. “The first time’s the hardest. After that, it only gets easier.” She continued to study Fae, a frown settling on her face. “You still don’t think you can do it?”
“No, I don’t.”
“Listen,” the woman said, her voice lower. “The key is to not look anyone in the eye. You are a prop—an image for the artist to base their work on. They are not allowed to touch you, talk to you, or contact you at all. Any violation of that will result in academic probation. There is no tolerance for sexual harassment.”
“I still don’t—”
“Wait,” she said gently. “Let me put it this way. Have you ever had a doctor’s appointment?”
“Um,” Fae answered. “No.”
“Never?”
Fae shook her head. She’d never been sick a day in her life.
“Okay, well, let’s say you get very sick and you get a new doctor to see you. How would you feel if your doctor had only seen pictures of human bodies and never actually examined a nude woman before? Do you think that could be a problem?”
“I see your point.”
“Artists, to really capture the human figure, need to see a real human body. Art is an artist’s life, it’s part of who they are. We cannot deny them the knowledge they can gain from working from real life. Don’t you agree?”