He started when she spoke.
“Not that I know anything about sleuthing, but I suppose that the Java Spot would be a good place to do a sting operation. Don’t you think you can play the part better by ordering something?” she whispered innocently, leaning closer to the table. “That way, you won’t draw attention to yourself.”
Her gaze was blank, but still her face was expressive.
And her eyes---they were arresting.
The darkest brown he’d ever seen…
Just like beautiful midnight…
His eyes dropped to her lips.
They were full.
Pouty.
Just the kind that you’d want to kiss and taste…
Tensing, he sat up straighter.
The woman needed his protection, not outright, bloody lust!
But, still, wasn’t he a threat to her too? At once, Princeton’s dark words played in his mind. You must find a human bride as the sacrificial penance.
Not a chance, he whispered back defiantly.
I will never do anything to hurt her.
After shoving the unsettling thoughts away, he studied her again. “You got any suggestions?”
Tapping a finger against her chin, she frowned thoughtfully. “Well, you don’t strike me as the type who’d want anything heavy. I’d think that you’d like something delicate and tasty.”
A hint of a smile teased his lips. “How is it that you can read me so well, already?”
But, why did it seem that she did?
The color heightened in her beautiful face. “How do you like your apartment?” she asked abruptly, evading his comments. “By now, you’ve probably realized that Jones, our super, is an ass. But, don’t let him get to you. When he starts with the insults, just give it straight back to him.”
He eyed her thoughtfully. “Seems to me that you’ve had quite a few run-ins with him.”
She shrugged. “Jones is the least of my worries.” Then, she shook her head. “Anyway, the place is really nice, and other than that, it’s probably one of the safest places to live, although, after last night, you’ll probably disagree with that assessment.”
“Compared to some of the other places that I’ve lived, it’s a palace.”
Again, he couldn’t tear his eyes from her, for she held him completely captivated. Her every word, gentle smile, simple gesture…
Hell, she had him shook.
“I recommend the house special---this peach cobbler,” she said, breaking into his wayward thoughts again. “And I’m picking up the tab---I want to show my appreciation to you in some way.” Then, her words were shy. “I can never thank you enough for what you did last night. You truly were my hero.”
“Hero? I’m anything but that. I just did what I had to do,” he muttered, and immediately, he wanted to kick himself as her face dropped. Then, again, keeping some time of emotional distance between them was a necessity. “I’ll take a rain check on the cobbler. A cup of hot java is all I need.”
“If you change your mind,” she said shyly. “Just ask.”
At that moment, the waitress arrived to the table. “What can I get for you folks?” the woman asked, ogling him openly, and gave him a suggestive smile. “Nothing’s off limits here.”
“Coffee---straight,” he muttered, leaning back against the booth, and ignored the woman’s overtures. The woman’s lip curled in annoyance at his rebuff. “Nicole, do you need a refill or anything?”
She passed him a breathless smile. “No, I’m fine, thank you.”
“I’ll have it ready for you in a few minutes, sir,” the waitress said and trailed away in a dismissive huff.
Tensing, she listened as the waitress departed.
And they were alone again.
A pleasing shiver ran through her.
She could feel him.
And deep down on some level, he felt her.
Don’t ask her how, she just knew it.
But, instead of being afraid of it, why was she so eager to hurl herself headlong into the flames, she thought, horrified. Everything about the man made her want to disregard all caution, thought, and reasoning.
That just couldn’t be!
The realization was enough to stir her into movement.
With a flushed face, she grappled for her coat. “I just remembered that I have an appointment,” she lied. “I have to get going.”
“Sure, it’s not me that’s running you off?”
Well, yeah…
But, then again, I’m actually running from myself, she mulled with a hint of desperation, and what you make me feel. But, instead, she stammered, “N-no, it’s not that. I’ve been just so consumed with my thoughts that I completely forgot an appointment that I’d scheduled weeks ago.”
She slid from the booth.
As she stood, Macy rose from the floor, and again, she was reminded of Macy’s calm behavior throughout the last minutes. It was so unlike her to take such a trusting stance. But, then could she really blame her? Like her, Macy was fascinated by her sexy hero.
Within seconds, Xander was standing, too. Before she could refuse, he whisked the coat from her hands, and his tone was deep and sexy as he spoke. “Here, let me.”
She raised her chin stubbornly. “I’m not completely helpless.”
“I never implied that you were.”
Falling silently, she accepted his assistance as helped her slide the coat on. She fought to ignore their closeness, for it was doing the craziest things to her body and senses.
Suddenly, it was hard to breathe, she mulled, fighting to find her equilibrium. But, how could she ignore his hot breath as it fanned her face? Though his touch was innocent, she couldn’t stifle her soft gasp as he adjusted the coat’s collar securely about her. Entranced, heartbeat thudding fast, she upturned her face to his.
“All done. Think we’ve got you wrapped enough to withstand even a blizzard.” he muttered thickly, though, he seemed reluctant to break their contact. Still, he clutched the collar gently in his hand, and the warmth of his touch spread through her body.
Her mind raced.
But, someone has to put an end to this madness!
Which meant that she had to take the initiative!
She pulled free. “Thank you.”
“No problem.”
“I guess I’ll be seeing you, then,” she said, and to her horror, her words sounded too hopeful. Again, she had to resist the urge to give herself a swift kick. “Around the apartment, I mean.”
“I say that’s pretty much a given, neighbor,” he said with a hint of amusement. “Undoubtedly, we’ll run into each other time and time again.”
Her face warmed again. “Well, goodbye, then.”
“Later.”
Then, without saying a further word, she walked away.
Seconds later, however, as he watched her pass through the exit, he made his thoughts plain and clear. “Unfortunately, Ms. Williamson, I’ll be around more than you’d like, at least until I catch that bastard vamp and send him to hell where he belongs.”
With a careful eye, Xander glanced around the crowded room, and to his satisfaction, nothing seemed out of the norm. Then, after tossing a quick tip on the table, he left the restaurant.
As he met the busy Atlanta streets, he spied her immediately. As he’d done since her attack, he followed her. No doubt, she was due for another encounter with the vamp, especially since his earlier efforts had been thwarted.
He managed to maintain a safe distance as she crossed onto the short boardwalk. As if on cue, Macy looked over her shoulder, and soulful chocolate eyes held a knowing look. But, still, he sensed the dog was satisfied with his presence as it turned away.
With the both of them standing guard over her, she’d stay safe, he vowed, dropping the shades over his eyes. And together, they were worthy adversaries against the crazed vamp.
“There’s no way in hell, I’ll ever let you win.”
Chapter 3
Two weeks later, her days consisted of the usual daily practice with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. For the first time since the incident with the intruder, her life seemed normal.
As the musical score skewered into a low tempo, Nicole played with a serious gusto as the score ventured to the dramatic end. Even she had to stay her triumphant call as it concluded.
As everyone clapped, the conductor was probably taking a well-deserved bow. But, then, as always, he let them share the glory. “Bravo! Excellent performance!” Sir Williams called out. “That’s a wrap for today. Be here tomorrow--ten o’clock sharp.”
While the other members filed out, she stayed seated at the piano. She’d learned firsthand to avoid the mad rush.
A short minute later, Leslie joined her side. “What you waiting on? Come on, let’s go. After a set like that, we need more than a break. It’s way past time to leave here.”
“Just making sure that I don’t get mowed over,” she murmured, putting on her coat, and then stood. “Believe me. I’m not trying to stick around. The only thing I have in mind is getting home---though it’s taking awhile for it to seem like that again. But, it’s getting better.”
“Like I’ve said before, why don’t you stay with me for awhile?” Leslie questioned, hooking her elbow with hers. “There’s plenty enough space for two, and I don’t understand why you won’t even consider it.”
“You and I, roomies?” she teased. “Nope, I don’t think so. I’d never get any rest with all of those late night parties of yours.”
“This bitch here loves to have some fun, okay?” Leslie laughed. “There’s nothing wrong with that.”
She shook her head in disbelief. “Bitch? Seriously, did you really just call yourself that? Only you would do that.”
“Oh, hell, Nicole,” Leslie laughed again. “You should know better than to take me seriously. By now, you know that any kind of shit is liable to fly from my mouth.”
“True,” she smiled. “You won’t get any arguments from me.”
Seconds later, they were greeted by the sunny sky as they landed outside. After about five minutes, the entire atmosphere changed. Soon, the sweet smell of jasmines, roses, and lilies wafted up her nose, and their aromas were especially potent today.
They paused on the sidewalk.
“It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?” she said, realizing that they were standing alongside the Riverside Botanical Gardens which was a few blocks from the music hall. Often she’d stroll around it, sampling the delightful scents that the annuals exuded.
“I suppose it is,” Leslie admitted grudgingly. “If you’re a naturalist and all that.”
“Why am I not surprised that you can’t appreciate the beauty of nature,” she scoffed teasingly. “If dizzying stage lights and loud music aren’t involved, it simply doesn’t emit a single blip on your appreciation radar.”
“I always said that you know me too well,” Leslie added with a laugh as they resumed their walk. “Now, let’s get back to our earlier conversation. I want you to stay with me, especially after what’s happened.”
“Please, don’t insult me. If anything, I am not an invalid,” she said, anger surging through her as she pulled away. “I can’t believe that you’d insult me like that.”
“Insult you?” Leslie asked with surprise. “Girl, I can’t believe that you’re even playing like that! You know that’s not who I am.” She blew an exasperated breath. “Don’t take it the wrong way, Nicole, but you’re acting really pissy, and it’s working my freaking nerves, okay? Sometimes, I just want to shake some damn sense into that head of yours.”
She frowned. “So, not only am I an invalid, I’m stupid too? Just great, Leslie. What else do you want to say?”
“Can you just drop your stupid pride for once, Nicole? Just because someone offers you help, it doesn’t mean that they’re trying to degrade you! What are you going to do now? Turn away my help when you know that you need it?”
She lifted her chin stubbornly as her words rolled over her.
Leslie was right.
But, she didn’t want to be treated like she was ‘special’. The daily ins and outs of her dark world were sometimes difficult. But, she’d never openly admit it. To her self-esteem, it would only be an admission of weakness. “As a matter of fact, Leslie, if you don’t mind---”
“Well, I do mind!” Leslie interjected, grabbing hold of her arm again. “You have another thing coming if you think that I’m going to bail, and please stop being so stubborn!”
“Me? Stubborn?” she teased, unable to withhold her smile. “That’s the last word I’d use to describe myself. Don’t you agree?” Then, she sobered. “Look, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said the things that I did. I know that you were just trying to help.”
“Forgiven,” Leslie said, embracing her in a tight hug before pulling back. “After what you’ve been through in these last weeks, I think that you’re allowed a pass. And you know you’re my girl, right? I’ve got your back come hell or high water.”
“I know, and I love you for it,” she said misty-eyed. “I couldn’t ask for a better friend.”
“I love you, too, Nikki, and I don’t want you to worry about anything. Everything’s going to be okay. You believe that, don’t you?”
“Yes,” she nodded. “I do.”
“Well, let’s go then. Macy’s probably ready to pull her fur out by now,” Leslie joked, leading the way towards 2nd Avenue which was the direction of the veterinarian clinic. “And we can’t have that.”
Minutes later, they’d retrieved Macy and were standing on the streets again. Suddenly, her stomach rumbled in protest. “I’m starving. You want to grab something?”
“How does a veggie pizza sound to you?” Leslie suggested, slowing as they passed the pizza shop.
“I’ve had enough frozen pizza to last me a lifetime. So, that’s a no.”
But, still, the fresh, cheesy aromas were mouthwatering.
They crossed the busy avenue again, finally stopping at an open-air café. “We need a table for two, please,” she said, pulling the gloves from her hands. “Preferably in a quiet area, if possible.”
“We don’t allow animals here,” the attendant clipped out, his thick Russian accent showing his displeasure. “I’m quite certain that there’s a more suitable establishment for you all, elsewhere.”
“What the fuck!” Leslie broke in. “I know this fool can’t be serious!”
“Unless you’re mentally decapitated, you’d understand that she’s a guide dog,” she fumed, addressing the attendant, and hot anger fired through her. “And she has every right to be here. In case you didn’t know it, we have discrimination laws in this country. And if you deny us service, there’ll be a lawsuit against this so called ‘establishment’ so fast that your head will spin!”
She sensed his angry stare.
“Very well, then,” he snapped, and she quickly imagined a tall, waspish fellow with broad shoulders and big nose. “Right this way.”
She fought the rising anger as she grappled Macy’s leash. “Come on.”
They crossed the open café, and based on the many conversations that she heard as they passed the other tables, the placed was packed. A quick second later, they arrived at their own table.
“Here we are. I hope this view is to your satisfaction. But, if not, you have the option of leaving---the choice is yours,” the man clipped and didn’t bother to hide his displeasure. “A maître d will take your order shortly.”
With those words, he stomped away.
“Thanks for nothing, you fucking asshole! Just so you know it, we’re leaving a complaint with the manager, and you’ll be lucky to be employed after today. As a matter of fact, I doubt you will be,” Leslie called out as the man departed, and her warning caused a silence to fall on the whole restaurant. But, that fact didn’t end her rant. “You stinking ass, that’s what’s wrong with the world now, too many son-of-a-bitches---”
She grabbed he
r arm. “Leslie---”
“I’m sorry, Nicole!” Leslie sputtered, but still heeded her wishes and sat down. “Bt, I can’t stand hateful, insensitive, and stupid people.”
“Not everyone is the good guy,” she stated, barely cutting off the latter part of her statement. Hadn’t she been going to say like Xander, she mulled silently. No, Xander Sullivan was definitely one of a kind. Shaking her head, she steered her mind back to the present. “More than that, I’m not going to let him ruin an otherwise perfect day. So, let’s forget about him and just order.”
An hour later, satisfied, she tossed the napkin onto the table. “Please remind me to never eat here again. I’m stuffed. I probably put on at least ten pounds, especially after you forced me to eat that creamy truffle.”
“Seriously, I think I packed on twenty. Just enough to add a little more stretch marks to the skin,” Leslie agreed with a fast laugh. “The service may stink, but the food is superb.”
“You’re certainly right on that account,” she said, leaning over to pet Macy with a smile. “How’s my sweet girl?”
“When the clinic matched you and Macy, it was the perfect fit, and she’s been your biggest cheerleader ever since. I swear, I get misty-eyed just watching the two of you. It’s so obvious how much you love one another.” Then, Leslie’s tone grew serious. “And how the intruder managed to slip past her is just surprising.”
Stiffening, she looked away.
Would she ever be able to forget that horrible night?
And truthfully, she hadn’t given Leslie all the details, especially the juicy one. The one that’d had her tied in knots ever since.
Xander Sullivan.
Again, she glazed over Leslie’s last statement.
“Dr. Hamilton found traces of a foreign agent in Macy’s system, and he mentioned that it wasn’t something that you’d find on the streets everyday.” The anger fired through her again. “I hate that she had to go through it.”
Leslie placed a hand on hers. “It was a difficult experience for the both of you. I hope they find the bastard and soon.” Then, she couldn’t hide her confusion. “But, what happened with the other guy---the one who came to your rescue? You haven’t said much about him.”
Dragon Reign: A Paranormal Love Tale Page 6