A Shade of Innocence (The Illuminati Book 1)

by Jane West

  “Obviously, I don't scare everyone,” I retorted.

  “Apparently so.” He flashed his pearly smile. It was nice against his tawny skin. He was definitely easy on the eyes—until he opened his mouth.

  “Are you here to torture me?” Something wasn't adding up with him. In fact, nothing ever did when it came to Bane.

  “No. I thought you might like a ride home. You look lost.” He cocked a dark brow.

  “I'm not lost,” I answered too fast.

  “I think you are.” His chin dipped. “Come on! I'll take you home.” There was a gentle touch to his eyes.

  “No thanks! I'm good.” I waved my palm, protesting. What the hell was I thinking? This dude had a car! I fussed at myself as I pivoted on my heels heading in the opposite direction.

  A short laugh caught my ears.

  “That's a dead end up there.” Amusement oozed from his voice. “You're going to have to come back this way. Shall I wait?”

  I whirled around to confront him but stopped. He was snickering with his shoulders shaking and arms folded over his chest. Nice chest, though. I huffed, feeling defeated. “You'll take me straight home? No funny business?”

  “Cross my heart.” One corner of his mouth tipped, implying a smile. I didn't' have a lot of choices here. It was the stalker behind door number one or frosty the smug man behind door number two.

  Two was the winner! “Okay, fine!” I so hated caving. I stomped past him, walking like it was black Friday.

  Bane caught up with me and slid his jacket over my shoulders. I suddenly was enshrouded with his warmth and woodsy scent. Until that moment, I didn't realize that I'd been shivering. I lifted my eyes to him, and he smiled down at me. I quickly looked away. He made me feel giddy.

  Nonetheless, the little voice in my head was warning me that I better get used to it. This was the second time that Bane had saved my skin. Whether he knew it or not, I think, he saved my life tonight. I eased a sigh.

  Fireflies

  When we reached the exit gate, I could see that Bane had parked his car only a few feet passed the gate. That seemed odd. It was as if he'd planned this.

  My brows puckered. “Why did you park here?”

  A twinkled came into his blues, “I'm special,” he teased.

  “Whatever!” I blew out an annoying sigh. Why did I bother asking?

  I went to the passenger's side, but Bane had beaten me to the punch. He'd already had the door opened, arm extended.

  Surprise struck me as our eyes touched.

  “What,” he questioned. “Can't a guy open the door for a lady?” He flashed a dimpled smile.

  I rolled my eyes. “I think women are more liberated these days. You didn't get the memo?”

  “Au contraire, mon ami.” He smiled. “It is my long experience that I find that a woman appreciates a man's endeavors.”

  I laughed. “Long experience and endeavors? Since you were an infant?” Bane wasn't much older than I was. Yet there was a mystery behind his glint. It was as if he held a private joke.

  I studied him for a brief moment. “Where are you from?”

  “I'm from all over.” Half-truths churned in his eyes.

  Clearly, he wasn't going to elaborate. I just rolled my eyes and kept my thoughts to myself.

  Once he entered the driver's side, the small cab quickly filled with his delicious woodsy scent. He was such a massive guy that I was squashed against the door.

  Despite my mild interest in Bane, even as friends, we were unevenly matched. I knew I'd never measure up to his expectations. I didn't come from a long line of blue bloods like him, apart from being dirt poor and a drifter, my family consisted of an alcoholic mother suffering from bipolar. I was not the kind of girl he'd bring home to meet his parents. In fact, I was the kind of girl his parents hire to clean their toilets.

  Prompting me from my thoughts, Bane asked. “Do you mind if we take a detour before I take you home?”

  I gawked at him. “You promised me straight home!” Liar!

  “I did promise but the night's still young.” That one corner of his mouth tugged, hiding a smile. “I'd like to share something special with you.” His blues were serenely compelling.

  After Sam's come-on and that weirdo following me at the park, the idea of another adventure soured my stomach. “I don't know.” I wrinkled my nose.

  “It's not like you have other plans?”

  It was hard resisting him. His captivating eyes were like blue glass. So beautiful that it took my breath. “How do you know I don't have plans?”

  “Come on.” He nudged my shoulder with his. “Take a chance. Live on the wild side.” His voice was lulling, the kind of voice that soothed lions.

  Suddenly, I sat up straight, pulling my dazzled brain back to reality. “Hmm, I don't know.”

  “Ah, come on! Don't make me beg.” He smiled. “You'll like it. I promise.”

  Why the nice guy? I sat there staring at him. There was a mystery behind those compelling blues of his. “Okay, I'll go,” and with that, I gave myself over to the dark side.

  “That's my girl.” A grin spread across his face as he started the engine, shifted gears, and off we sped into the night under the stars.

  I was headed off to God knows where with a total stranger. For all I knew, he could be a serial killer or a rapist. In addition to the list of worries, I had no clue where we were headed. What if he leaves me stranded in the middle of the sticks? What would I do then? I drew my knees to my chest and quickly glanced at Bane.

  I cleared my throat. “Umm, can I ask you something?”

  He cut his eyes at me and then back on the road. “I'm an open book, Princess.”

  “First, you can stop calling me, Princess.”

  His brow arched. “Why is that?”

  “The name has a significant meaning to me and it feels weird when you call me that.”

  “Let me guess, your father?” I was thankful for the dimness in the cab. My eyes moistened.

  “Just don't call me that, okay?” I didn't explain. It was awkward enough, and it was too personal to share with a guy that I hardly knew.

  “Fair enough.” He smiled. “What shall I call you?”

  “Stevie, just call me Stevie.” I pressed out a smile.

  “Stevie, it is.” He smiled back.

  I sat back in my seat as the quiet fell between us. I watched the tree line flash by in my window. The towering pines were endless, and it seemed we were sinking deeper into the woods. The idea set my teeth on edge. I spoke up. “I've been wondering,” I interjected.

  “Yes.” He replied, keeping his eyes on the road.

  “That day in your car when I was riding my bike,” I searched his face. “How did you manage to avoid hitting me?”

  “Easy, I cut my wheel to the left.” Suddenly, the amusement in his face disappeared.

  I wasn't buying his story. “That's impossible!” I twisted in my seat, looking him straight in the face. “I was practically the deer in your headlights.”

  He grinned to himself as if he possessed a secret. A secret, I wanted to know. “What can I say? I have quick reflexes.”

  “Bull-crap! Don't lie!”

  “Are all redheads fiery as you,” he amused.

  There was a suspicious line at the corner of his mouth.

  “I don't know. I haven't met the entire clan yet.” I snapped, still hugging my knees to my chest. “Why aren't you answering the question?”

  He let out a long sigh. “Some things are meant to remain concealed.” A muscle quivered at his jaw.

  “That's a crock of sh—”

  He interrupted me, “Did you know when you get angry the green in your eyes glitter?” He paused with a faint smile. “It's almost worth goading you just to see the sparkle.”

  I opened my mouth and then shut it. Did he just compliment me? “Uh, thanks. I think.” Confusion veiled my face. Then I recalled that rainy day. The first day of school, he'd given me a ride home. My brows
pulled into an affronted frown. “Funny you should say that. I remember you distinctly called me miserable.”

  He paused, probably thinking of something witty to say. “Yes, I remember,” he confessed.

  What a shocker!

  “I don't see what the big mystery's about?” In a huff, I turned straight in my seat.

  Abruptly, my breath lodged in my throat as I glared out the window. The road and trees whizzed by so fast that it looked like a black blur. I peeked at the speedometer. It was climbing nearly ninety. I swallowed, gripping the seat. I think at that point, I was turning blue.

  Suddenly, a laugh bristled against my neck. I snapped my head at Bane. My eyes narrowed. “What's so funny?”

  “My driving's making you nervous.”

  I huffed. “I'd like to make it home tonight in one piece?”

  “No problemo, Love.” He shook his head, laughing to himself as he let off the gas.

  I huffed, feeling exasperated. “Are you going to answer my question?”

  His brows drew together in a disquiet expression. “What difference does it make?” He glanced at me. “You're alive, aren't you?”

  I rolled my eyes. “That's beside the point.” I refuted. “You were right on top of me.” I sat up shifting my knees underneath me. “The law of gravity can't be defeated, yet you defied the impossibility. How are you able to go against the forces of nature?”

  He only smiled back.

  I turned in my seat and crossed my arms. I didn't understand why Bane wouldn't answer the simple question.

  As quiet wafted between us, we turned off the main highway down a narrow dirt road, sinking farther into the forest. The darkness was staggering. I was already sitting on the edge of my seat.

  We pulled off to the side of the road and stopped. Bane unsnapped his seatbelt and turned to face me. He leaned in and spoke. “Love, if I tell you, I'd have to kill you.” A faint smile teased the corner of his mouth, but it didn't reach his eyes. “Shall we leave it at that?”

  “I want to go home. NOW!” What was I thinking? I was in the freaking sticks, and he just threatened me.

  “I didn't mean to scare you.” His face was still stoic.

  “I'm not afraid,” I lied as I tightened his jacket around me.

  “I was kidding. Come on, where's your sense of humor?”

  “I left it at the park.”

  A smile tipped the corners of his mouth. “First you have to see this!” Bane turned the engine off. Immediately darkness devoured the tiny light and my lungs clenched.

  He was out of the car and on my side before I could count to three. Startled, I jumped when my door flew open. Before I protested, he'd gathered me into his arms, whisking me away. I giggled as he whirled me around in his arms. “I have a treat in store for you.” He whispered in my ear.

  “The surprise doesn't have anything to do with throwing me into a bed of gators, does it?”

  He burst into chuckles. “That does sound rather tempting, but not tonight, Love. I have something much more interesting to show you.”

  “Oh brother! I can't wait.” I joked halfheartedly. The other half was quaking in my boots. I was terrified. “You know, I can walk.” I had one arm clinging to his neck and the other hand rested against his chest. Strangely, I found myself liking this.

  “If I set you down, I fear my gallant reputation will be ruined.” He claimed, smiling.

  “Okay, Mr. Dropout, I think that ship sailed a long time ago.”

  “And when did you arrive at that conclusion?”

  “Oh, about ten minutes ago, but who's counting?”

  He laughed.

  After several heartbeats had passed, I began to listen to the chorus of cicadas among the trees. Insects, lots of insects, I fretted inwardly. It just dawned on me that my phone was dead. A knot of panic writhed my stomach.

  My mind began to drift to Bane. I had to admit, there was an inherit strength to his face and his laugh was infectious. I felt drawn to him, yet I had this nagging feeling that I might be stepping off a cliff with this dude.

  With Bane, nothing made sense. I had a crush on Logan, but he didn't get my blood boiling like this guy, leaving me weak at the knees and wanting to stab him at the same time. On the flipside of the dime, Sam wasn't even in the same ball park as Bane.

  Whatever this was between Bane and me, it felt exciting and frightening, like climbing Mt. Everest without the proper gear. Geez! I was in trouble. “Where are you taking me?”

  “You'll see.” He breathed against my ear.

  Goddamn, goose bumps!

  My brows pinched. “I've read enough books to know that's code for dumping the girl's body in the lake. In my case, the bayou.”

  His smile had a spark of mischief. “Love, I can assure you that killing you is the furthest thing from my mind.”

  Damn if I didn't shiver. This boy definitely had some kind of effect on me. Funny, though, he really wasn't a boy at all. He appeared older. Even his speech pattern seemed like it was from another time.

  Finally, he eased me down to my feet, setting me onto a patch of pine needles. From what I could tell, it looked like we were in a small circle surrounded by towering pines. A slow dread crept through me. I was kicking myself for falling for his dimpled grin.

  We stood shoulder to shoulder. Close and intimate. His breathing, a soft, steady flow, seemed to ease my nerves. Even still, I wasn't quite there yet.

  “I want your cell phone,” I blurted out.

  “What?” He shook his head as he laughed at my sudden oddball request.

  I exhaled. “Give me your phone, please.” I held my hand out, palm open.

  He laughed. “Why do you want my phone?”

  “I'll feel safer. My phone's dead.” I rolled my eyes and stomped my foot. “Just give me your phone!”

  “All right.” Bane sighed as he dug his fingers into his back pocket, pulling out his phone and placing it into my palm. “Feel better now?” I could hear the lightness in his soft voice.

  “Yes, much!” I smiled, fingers clenching his phone to my chest. I figured, if he tossed me over a cliff, I'd call for help on the way down.

  “Watch this.” He exhaled.

  “Okay.” I smiled to myself, still holding tight to his phone.

  He held his two fingers to his mouth and whistled. The sound echoed off the stand of trees.

  All at once, something extraordinary happened. From the very tip of the tallest pine, a thin line of tiny soft-lights began drifting from the shadows. I watched breathlessly, unable to believe my eyes.

  “Isn't it amazing,” Bane whispered.

  I glanced over at him. “What is it?” I lifted my gaze back to the tiny dots of light flickering in and out from among the trees.

  “Fireflies,” he whispered.

  Bane reached out, lacing his fingers with mine. In silence, we watched, mesmerized by the small balls of light. They were increasing by the tens, slowly descending. It reminded me of little Tinkerbells, fluttering about aimlessly.

  One firefly landed on my arm. I giggled, looking up at Bane. Our eyes locked. “It's incredible,” I smiled.

  “In all my years, I've never seen anything like this.” A smile of enchantment touched his lips.

  “How did you find this place?”

  “Hmm,” he shrugged. “I fine solitude in the forest.”

  “I'm the opposite. Not a big fan of bugs and creatures that have larger teeth than me.”

  Bane laughed.

  I found myself smiling to his deep throaty laughter.

  “Well,” he leaned closer, declining his head to my ear. “I hope not all bugs are on your hit list.”

  My cheeks heated.

  I smiled shyly. “I can assure you that the fireflies are safe from extinction.”

  Before I braced myself, Bane drew me into his arms, resting his hands on my hips. Taken aback, I exhaled a faint gasp. My hands fell against his chest, and his phone fell to the ground yet he didn't seem to care. H
is eyes never left mine. “Have you ever been kissed?” He looked at me as if he was photographing my face.

  Breathless, I whispered. “Hmm, does nonparticipating count?” Sam was the last person I wanted in my head right now.

  He gave a throaty laugh, shoulders bouncing mildly. “No, I suppose not.”

  “Then I'd have to say, no. I haven't.”

  His fingers clamped over my trembling chin. The sudden sadness in his eyes touched me. I wanted to reach out and caress his face, but I was too frightened. I froze, my mouth half opened, waiting for him to kiss me.

  God, I wanted that kiss too.

  Then without explanation, his mood darkened, his hands dropped. “You ready to head back?” His lips tightened as he stepped back. Our moment had vanished along with the magic and a cold chill settled between us.

  Did I offend him in some way? I blinked, stunned as he turned his back to me, heading in the direction of the car.

  Flustered by his Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, my anger seized the moment. “Hold on just a damn minute!” I stomped up to him and grabbed his sleeve. Bane stopped, though he kept his back to me. “What just happened?” I demanded as confusion burned through my mind.

  “Nothing. We have to go.” He darted over his shoulder.

  I couldn't see his face, yet his voice was an iceberg.

  I'd reached my limit with boys-gone-douchebag tonight. Boldly, I stepped in front of him. “What is wrong with you?” I studied his face, hoping to make sense of this. “I thought you were going to—” I stopped. The words stalled in my throat. I flushed with humiliation.

  “Oh?” His eyes were frigid and unresponsive. “You thought I was going to kiss you?”

  Smothering a sob, I lashed out. “You're a jackass!” I spun on my heels heading for the car. I was grateful for the flies' light, otherwise I would've been groveling on my hands and knees, trying to find my way back to the car.

  The trip home was utterly the most uncomfortable ride that I'd ever experienced. Not even one word uttered between us. The worse part—I didn't have a clue to the sudden mood change. If I lived to be a hundred, I'd never understand boys.