“No joke. But there’s more going on here than meets the eye. And I have every intention of finding out what’s behind Armando’s plan to dispose of her. He’s after something, Camden. I can feel it.”
Camden stood and walked over to the stove. Pouring two mugs of steaming tea, he returned to the table, placing one of the mugs in front of Kieran. “Just so you know, I’m not planning to leave tomorrow. I’m going to find my way to the Grove.”
“You know it isn’t safe for you to be on the road alone. What if my father’s people catch you?”
‘I won’t be traveling alone.The Rayne’s are planning to attend your father’s ceremony. I can follow them.”
“Be careful. I have a bad feeling about this so-called ceremony. And come to think about it, why is Armando so damn anxious to attend all of a sudden?”
Camden shook his head. The last thing he wanted to do was try to second guess Armando’s reason for doing anything. “I hate to change the subject, but what do you think of that Bijoux chick?”
“Haven’t given her much thought” Kieran shrugged. “Is she the reason you’re planning to hang around?”
“Could be. She’s kinda cute, but I’m not sure she wants to be involved in a relationship.”
“So, man up and ask the girl.”
“Maybe I will.”
“I guess I’d better get back in there. Good luck with Bijoux,” Kieran said, finishing the last drop of his tea.
**
A single light bulb illuminated the small room. Its soft glow shining on the two women as they rushed inside. Bijou stood to the side while Whitney removed the rusty key from the hook and unlocked the door. They rushed to Halen’s side, bright smiles plastered on their faces.
“Whitney, Bijoux, what are you guys doing out here? Mr. Rayne will punish you, too.”
“Don’t sweat it,” Bijoux said confidently. “You’re free to go.”
“That can’t be…how?” Halen stammered.
“I don’t have all the facts, but it seems Kieran and Mr. Rayne came to a mutual agreement.”
“Did…did Kieran tell you that?” she asked.
Bijoux smiled and squeezed her hand for reassurance. “Yep. He sure did.”
“And I’m free to go? I can walk away…no fuss…no muss…nothing?”
“Well, not exactly. His exact words were he would let you go when he’s good and ready, and not a moment sooner. But look on the bright side…at least you’ll protected from Armando and his freak of a son.”
Anger flashed in Halen’s eyes. Noticing her reaction, Whitney quickly jumped to Kieran’s defense. “He might have gone about it all wrong, but the kid’s heart is in the right place. You take what Bijoux says with a grain of salt. Kieran’s a good boy. You need to have a little faith — believe that he’s doing his best under the circumstances. Heck, he’s no more than a kid himself. And I have a strange feeling that today isn’t your first time meeting Kieran.”
Halen hesitated. “Not exactly. When I fell and hit my head — he’s the one that took me to the doctor. Percy told him some crazy story about the two of us being related.”
“I wish I could’ve seen that boy’s face when he found out the truth about you.” Whitney’s mood grew somber. She placed her hand on Halen’s shoulder. “Want some unsolicited advice?”
“Sure. Why not.”
“Florida is the perfect place to start a new life.”
Halen waved her hands in front of her dismissively. “Oh, I could never go to Florida. I have to get back home to my family.”
“Why?” Whitney said. “Girl, it’s time to put the past behind you.”
“No. Listen to me. You don’t understand.” Halen jumped to her feet, her eyes shining brightly. “I remember everything! My crazy sister tried to kill me!”
Twenty
Stunned silence followed Halen’s announcement. Her friends stared back at her, their mouths agape as though her words were too incredible to comprehend. “If what you you are saying is true…and I’m not saying it isn’t…how in the world did you end up with the likes of Percy Nickelson?” Whitney said.
Halen proceeded to explain how Maven and Callie had managed to drug her after the reading of her mother’s will. “I’m telling you the truth. They kept calling me the Chosen One” When her friends offered no reply, she cried out. “You believe me, don’t you?”
“Yes,” Bijoux said. “I believe you.”
Halen then turned her attention to Whitney. “What about you? Do you think I’m crazy?”
“I’m not saying I don’t believe what you’re saying…but some things are better off left in the past.”
Halen made a move to argue her point, but Whitney interrupted her. “We’d better get back. You can get cleaned up while I get dinner on the table. Afterward, you can head up to Kieran’s room.”
“What?” Halen shrieked. “That pig expects me to sleep with him in exchange for my freedom?”
“Calm down. I’m sure once you tell him the truth he will understand.”
Halen was furious. “I did try to tell the jerk the truth. He refused to listen. Obviously he’s looking for a common whore to screw around with. It’s pretty clear he wants to use me until he can hook up with that hideous tramp, Lyric.”
“Girl, what are you rambling on about?” Whitney demanded.
“Oh, come on. You and I both know Lyric is in love with Kieran. “Whatever the princess wants, the princess gets. Have you ever known her not to get her way?”
Whitney sighed.
“Not that I can recall.”
“Exactly. Mark my words, she’ll have Kieran, too.”
Even her daddy’s money can’t buy that boy’s heart. You remember my words,” Whitney said.
“But Lyric has plenty to offer other than money, if you get my drift.”
Whitney worried Halen might be right. Kieran could easily succumb to Lyric’s wicked charms. She’d seen it happen numerous times before.
**
Kieran remained in the office talking to Armando longer than he’d planned. Now, as he rushed to finish his drink, he stared boldly at the older man. “Did Mr. Nickelson mention anything to you about Halen losing her memory?”
“Amnesia? Why in the world would you ask such a thing?” Armando stammered. The boy was getting much to close to the truth for his liking.
“Halen claims she has amnesia.”
Armando laughed nervously. “I assure you, nothing is wrong with the girl’s memory. Take my advice — that girl is one smart cookie and that makes her dangerous — to the entire Hive.”
“Why did you bring her here if you felt so strongly about the situation?”
Armando shook his head, his raven-black hair cascading around his shoulders. “I made a mistake. One I’m not sure how to rectify.”
Kieran excused himself from the room. When it came to Halen’s fate, his feelings were torn. At least he’d managed to reach a satisfactory agreement with Armando.
Lyric stepped through the doorway, blocking his escape path. He brushed past her with a smile. “Lyric, what would your father say if he saw you out here in the hall half-dressed?”
She grabbed him by the arm preventing him from moving down the long hallway. “I don’t really care what daddy thinks. I’m not a child,” she said, rolling her full lips out in a pout. “I’m a woman…can’t you see that, Kieran?” she said, rubbing her body against his.
Kieran’s deep brown eyes moved over her ample curves. “You are definitely all woman.”
She took his words as an invitation to move closer, wrapping her slender arms around his neck. “Don’t you find me sexy, Kieran?”
“You’re a beautiful girl — but you don’t need me to tell you that.”
Lyric brought her lips up to meet his, kissing him deeply. Hearing Whitney and Halen’s shocked gasps, Kieran fought to break free of her embrace.
Whitney glared at Kieran before turning her attention to Halen. “That’s his room right the
re. You go on inside and wait.”
“Halen…” Kieran stammered. “What are you doing here?” he said, allowing his eyes to sweep over her trembling body.
“Sorry to disappoint you,” she snapped, trying to fight back the tears. She tossed him a hateful glare before slamming the door shut behind her.
“Kieran Bourdon, tell me you are not planning to keep that…that…thief in your room! I will not stand for it!” Lyric shouted.
Kieran couldn’t decide who was pissing him off more — Halen or Lyric. “There’s no reason to get freaked out. Your father gave me his okay. Besides, we’re leaving in the morning. You seriously need to take a chill pill,” he said shaking his head.
“I see I’ve been wrong about you, Kieran. I thought you had far too much class to behave this way.” The image of Halen having sex with Kieran stirred up feelings of insecurity in Lyric. For the first time since planning to marry Kieran, she wondered if her plan to tempt him until he begged her to be his wife would fail.
“Lyric, Halen isn’t staying in my room so we can — you know. I’m taking her home to her family, nothing more,” he stated before walking away, leaving her staring at his retreating back.
He reluctantly opened the door and stepped into the room. Halen sat in an over-sized leather chair in the corner of the room, a leopard print comforter wrapped around her shoulders. She refused to look at him, keeping her gaze fixed on the hardwood floor. Her thick curls fell across her face and shoulders, protecting her from his heated stare.
“I guess you’re wondering why I helped you — again?”
“Oh, I dunno. I’d say your motives are pretty obvious,” Halen said sharply. “You expect me to…you know.”
“Seriously?” Kieran snapped, running his fingers through his hair. “Did you even, for just one minute, think that I’m doing this to protect you?”
Halen frowned. Did he think she was stupid? She was no longer in danger. An evil grin spread across her face at the thought of Lyric in the other room fuming with resentment. “What do you plan to do with me?” she said, her impatience growing.
“I’m taking you to my family’s home. If we get an early start we’ll be there before sunset.”
“Your family’s home?”
“Yeah, magnolia Grove.”
Halen watched him with guarded eyes. “But Whitney said you were letting me go.”
“I did. As soon as I’m sure you will be safe.”
“You have to let me go! I can’t, under any circumstances, go with you to Magnolia Grove.”
Twenty-One
“Halen, it’s time to wake up,” Kieran said, shaking her by the shoulder.
Stretching, Halen moaned and opened her eyes. “I swear, I slept like a baby,” she said, suppressing a yawn. “I haven’t slept so well since this nightmare began.”
“Uh huh, that’s super. Get dressed. We have a long trip ahead of us.”
“Am I supposed to go in my nightgown? All of my clothes were taken away from me.”
“Shit.” He headed for the door without offering her a backward glance. “Let me see if Whitney has something you can wear.”
“Kieran! Hey, hold up a sec!” Surely he wasn’t walking out on her, she fumed.
**
Halen pulled Bijoux into her arms, squeezing her tightly. “You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.”
Tears pooled in Bijoux’s eyes. “I wish I could come with you,” she whispered.
“Me too. Don’t worry, we’ll see each other again.” Halen’s eyes lingered on her new friends. She was going to be lost without them.
Armando, Lyric, and Mitchell stood on the wraparound porch watching the couple as they prepared to leave. Kieran secured the car’s trunk before reluctantly joining the group.
“Thanks…for everything.”
Armando shook his hand. “Please give Lucien my regards.”
“Sure thing.” Kieran then turned to face Mitchell, but the boy’s attention remained focused on Halen. He recognized the lustful expression in Mitchell’s eyes. He was suddenly thrilled to be taking Halen far away from Blue Willow. Gently, he kissed Lyric on the cheek before whispering his goodbye.
“I will be seeing you soon,” Lyric said, her honey-colored eyes shining brightly. “We will be at your father’s ceremony.”
“Of course you will,” Kieran replied, his voice laced with sarcasm. With his goodbyes completed, he joined Halen in the car. He turned the ignition, put the car in drive, and headed down the winding road leading away from the compound.
Jealousy consumed Lyric. Her heated stare remained in the couple as they drove away.
Armando watched her with concern. “Something bothering you, Lyric?” he asked.
“Of course there is,” she spat. “You allowed Kieran to leave with that girl.”
“I had no other option, daughter. I promise to make it up to you.”
“But when, Daddy?” she pouted.
“Soon. Very soon.”
He caught sight of the others as they headed back to the kitchen and called out to them. “Bijoux, you and Whitney come here.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Bijoux, with Halen no longer with us, you will be the one helping my daughter.”
Lyric appraised the girl with a cold, critical stare. She couldn’t hold a candle to Halen’s beauty, but she would have to do for now — that horrid pink hair would definitely have to go. “Come with me,” she demanded.
As the girls walked away Whitney took it upon herself to return to the kitchen. She needed to prep the vegetables for the evening meal. Besides, the work would keep her mind off of Halen’s departure. Her heart broke for Bijoux. She knew the girl would rather be sent out to the Breeders than to work for Lyric.
Armando remained alone with his son. Noting the boy’s sullen expression, he remitted a long sigh. Why were his children so dissatisfied with their lives? “Is something bothering you, son?”
Mitchell shook his head. “I’m sure it’s nothing you would be interested in hearing.”
“That is not true. I am interested in every aspect of your life.”
“Very well. I am eighteen, but you still treat me like a little kid.”
“I’m not sure what you mean,” Armando said, genuinely shocked by his son’s outburst.
“I’m a man now, and as such I have certain…needs.”
Armando laughed. “Is that what’s bothering you? There are a hundred Breeders at your beck and call. Pick one, but remember…her…or his…soul must remain intact. You may use a Breeder, but they will ultimately be needed for the Cause. Do not allow your emotions to become clouded.”
“Fine,” Mitchell pouted. “Give me a specimen I can’t spawn a little half-breed brat with. I do not want to spawn a kid with one of those disgusting freaks.”
Growing impatient with his son, Armando inhaled. “What’s on your mind?”
“I overheard Whitney and Bijou talking this morning. It seems Bijoux was quite the little slut in her previous life. That girl has been around the block a time or two, and yet she’s never gotten pregnant — that makes her the perfect choice.”
Armando took a moment to give the situation some serious thought. If Mitchell had a girl at his beck and call perhaps he would start behaving more like a man and less like a spoiled child.
“Very well, do as you wish with Bijoux. However, she is to be treated no differently than the others. Is that understood? You must consider your sister’s feelings.”
“I will. Thank you, Father.”
Pleased with their new-found understanding, Armando draped his arm over Mitchell’s shoulder. “I envy you, son. Bijoux is a beautiful girl.”
Twenty-Two
The trip to Magnolia Grove seemed endless. They drove for hours seeing nothing but row upon row of pine trees and power lines. The tension between them was enough to drive Halen insane. Their conversations were minimal and by the time Kieran finally turned the car into the expansive driveway, Halen releas
ed a sigh, relieved the trip was finally over. Dusk covered the countryside as the massive estate came into view.
“This place is off the chain,” she said in awe.
“It’s not my house. I have nothing to do with Magnolia Grove…or the things that take place here. That is on my father.”
Halen turned her head from side to side, amazed by her surroundings. “This place must be worth a fortune. How can you turn your back on all of this?”
“My sanity means more to me than money. Besides, I’m a big boy. I can make my own money.”
“I guess you do pretty well for yourself, huh?”
Kieran smiled. “Until I had to shell out a pretty penny to get you away from Armando.”
Halen’s eyes flashed with anger. “Take me home and I’ll get you your money.”
“Don’t you think your so-called sister will have a problem with you returning to the home front? That is if everything you’ve told me up until now is true.”
“Dammit! The house belongs to me. Not her! Mom’s will says so!”
Kieran dropped the subject as he pulled the car to a stop in front of the house. He stepped out of the car and walked around to the passenger’s side. Opening the door, he placed his hand on Halen’s elbow and led her up the steps. He pushed open the carved mahogany doors and stepped inside, allowing her to walk a few steps ahead of him.
“Hey, are you guys home?” he called out as they entered the foyer.
Halen’s eyes did a quick sweep of her surroundings. A large winding staircase led to the upstairs bedrooms. Brightly colored wallpaper covered the walls and numerous family portraits stood out against the gaudy design.
“Yo, anybody home?” he called out again. Within minutes people filled the foyer, each vying for Kieran’s attention.
Halen backed away, nervously watching Kieran’s family make a fuss over his arrival. She stared with wide eyes at Kieran’s father. So this was the almighty Lucien Bourdon. She glanced over at his mother. Elizabeth stared back at her with distaste. Halen grimaced and rolled her eyes, instantly disliking the woman.
Entangled Souls Page 10