WG2E All-For-Indies Anthologies: Viva La Valentine Edition

by Scott, D. D.

  She cursed her family in a dozen different languages and administered the antidote with a small syringe. She was heading home and was going directly to Cupid himself. There had to be a way to get him to keep her family from meddling.

  Once she was certain the antidote had had time to work she quickly dressed Steve and carried him across the street to a bus stop, which held a deserted wooden bench protected from the weather. Carefully checking her surroundings, she noted that the street appeared deserted and she was relieved to have no witnesses.

  Wiping a tear from her cheek she whispered obliviate Darling Amorus, using her rarely used given name and wiped all memories of her from his mind.

  She then found a safe vantage point to keep watch until he awakened. He’d have a wicked headache and wonder how the heck he’d ended up asleep in a bus stop, but would otherwise be unharmed.

  Two.

  Gabriel watched with satisfaction as Dara bid farewell to poor Steve. Having observed Dara over the past few days, he had gambled on the chance that if Steve was shot she would administer the antidote and move on. She’d been gone far too long and he missed the solemn little cherub. His gamble had paid off, he thought with a large grin spreading across his face.

  He felt no remorse. Any fool could see Steve wasn’t right for her. He had no passion, and as much as Dara tried to hide it, she was a passionate woman. Now, he only had to dispose of the evidence: a small gun he’d borrowed from one of the Guardians’ storage locker. It would be no good for a Guardian like himself to be caught with a Cherub’s gun, let alone the fact that he’d used it on poor old Steve. His job as a Guardian was to keep law and order in their realm, not to make mischief.

  Guardians were the descendents of the Ophanim, or Thrones, heavenly enforcers, and they were born to uphold order. There was definitely no love lost between the Guardians and the Cherubs. The Cherubs were fond of mischief and thrived on chaos when they weren’t partying and raising hell. The Guardians protected and honored the law. The two generally didn’t mix well, and it was common knowledge that the Cherubs openly taunted the Guardians’ authority.

  Dara, however, wasn’t a typical Cherub. Gabe remembered the first time he met Dara. She was going by Darling then, one of those silly, sweet names the Cherubs loved. Dara’s family was a perfect example. She had a brother named Romeo and sisters named Heart (Corazon) and Happiness (Felicity). Dara suited her much better. Sure she was darling with her small and curvy frame, spun gold curls and perfect pouty lips. But it was her solemn and sweet nature and that had originally captured his attention.

  He had been monitoring a rare royal love match, the kind the heavens shined upon and just the sort that some Cherubs would love to meddle with. Sure enough, one of Dara’s cousins, Dario, who had his eye on the bride for himself, attempted to interfere.

  To his surprise, Dara had been the one to stop him, not Gabe. Unfortunately, her cousin had mouthed off to Dara and Gabe had used what Dara considered “excessive force” in response. He couldn’t handle anyone speaking to Dara that way. He could still remember how she looked, the gold in her eyes shooting sparks at him and pink flushing over the dimples in her cheeks. Totally adorable. It was love at first sight.

  He’d tried to approach her several times since then on the rare occasions when they’d found themselves at the same social events, but she’d given him the cold shoulder. When he finally did have the opportunity to thank her for her help with her cousin, she’d glared up at him and calmly stated “Bashing in Dario’s face was a fine way to show your gratitude.” Ouch. He’d poured on his normally irresistible charm and she’d resisted it.

  Gabe didn’t know what it was about that little cherub that had him hooked, and now he’d resorted to desperate means to get her. At 6’4” and muscled like a fine-tuned machine, he had no problems finding women. Add to that a handsome face with green eyes and silky black hair tied at the nape of his neck in traditional Guardian style. He’d occasionally been compared to Cupid himself. He was used to getting what he wanted and he wouldn’t settle until Dara was his. Still unnoticed, he shadowed her as she returned to her apartment and prepared to initiate the second part of his plan.

  • • •

  Dara jumped at the loud rapping on her door; clothing and other items were scattered across her apartment in disarray as she quickly packed. Who could it be at this hour? Had she messed up the spell with Steve? Had someone seen her? Cautiously, she peeked through the peephole and was surprised to see Gabe, the Guardian who’d roughed up her cousin in London, standing outside. “What is he doing here?” she asked herself. She was tempted to ignore his knocking, but given the night’s events and the fact that ignoring a Guardian was the equivalent of ignoring the police, she took a shaky breath and opened the door.

  She hated the way her heart skipped a beat when she saw him. It had since the first time she met him, but she’d chosen to ignore it. She didn’t believe in love at first sight. He was gorgeous, but tall, dark and handsome was not her type. She just had to convince her body of it and keep her distance from Gabriel Santori. She needed a calm, sensible, average man – someone like Steve, who was no longer an option.

  “What do you want?” she asked sharply, not caring that she was taking out her bad mood on an innocent bystander.

  “Is everything OK, Miss Amorus?” he responded calmly, oozing charm as usual.

  “It’s Ames here, not Amorus,” she snapped back.

  “You’re probably wondering why I’m here,” he continued, nonplussed at Dara’s lack of response. “There have been reports of a rogue Cherub attacking humans in the area and intelligence suggests they may be targeting your acquaintances. Your grandfather sent me to accompany you home until the situation has been resolved.” Dara bristled before sticking up her chin and responding,

  “I can take care of myself. I’ve done just fine on my own.”

  Her shoulders noticeably slumped however when Gabe added, “I tracked him near your apartment this evening before losing his trail, and I found evidence of several shots yesterday near your office.” Picking up on the fact that she was visibly shaken by the news he added in a softer voice, “your grandfather has requested that I accompany you home. He’s worried about you and you know as well as I do that nobody disobeys Cupid. Besides, it looks like you’ve got a head start on packing” Gabe observed from a partially filled suitcase in the living room.”

  Dara was about to protest again – she hated being told what to do - but she had the common sense to realize that she was already packing to return home and with Gabe escorting her; she’d have someone to carry her luggage. To her chagrin, part of her also looked forward to sharing the trip with the good looking Guardian.

  If she wanted her Grandfather’s assistance in keeping her family from interfering in her life, she certainly couldn’t refuse his summons. Always curious, she asked Gabe for more details on the rogue Cherub and was miffed at how little he would divulge. She began her own internal search for clues and without thinking she blurted out, “It must have been the same cherub who shot…” before clasping her hands over her mouth. Stupid!

  Gabe looked at her expectantly and motioned for her to continue.

  She didn’t want to talk about Steve in front of Gabe for some reason or to admit that she’d used the antidote on him and left him in a bus stop. Thinking fast, she improvised with, “the same cherub who shot a girl in Nordstrom. She was fawning over a complete stranger three times her age. I probably should have reported it but didn’t, that’s why I stopped myself mid-sentence.”

  She got the sense that Gabe didn’t believe her and she wondered just how long he’d been hanging around her apartment and what all he might have seen. She did feel better when she realized a rogue had likely struck Steve versus one of her immediate family members.

  “Something came up here and I was planning on returning to Las Vegas anyways,” she told Gabe in an attempt to explain the half packed suitcases. “Give me a few minutes to pack
my bags and email my resignation to work, and I’ll come with you” she agreed with a reluctant sigh.

  She was surprised when Gabe stepped inside, followed her down the hall and laid down on her bed like he owned the place. He crossed his arms behind his head and reclined comfortably, intent on watching her pack.

  “Just make yourself at home,” she muttered weakly, trying not to notice how at ease he was on her bed or how his t-shirt stretched taut across his thickly muscled chest. She caught herself wondering what it would feel like to run her fingers across his chest, or to climb onto the bed and curl up next to him. She felt her skin flush under his steady gaze and attempted to focus on packing.

  Dara decided to make small talk in an effort to distract herself from Gabe’s chest. “So, how did you get stuck with this assignment?” she asked casually.

  “I volunteered,” he replied smoothly.

  She couldn’t help but ask why? A seventeen-hour drive was dull under the best of circumstances.

  “Because it meant seeing you,” he responded, rendering her speechless.

  What game was he playing? He certainly couldn’t be interested in her. It was no secret how little the Guardians thought of the Cherubs. Changing her mind, she decided to forgo talking altogether.

  In the silence that followed she became acutely aware that Gabe was simply lying on the bed watching her intently. His gaze was so intense as it roamed over her body that she could almost picture him mentally undressing her. She absentmindedly twisted the black lace bra she’d picked up in her hands before realizing he was staring at the lacy lingerie. She felt heat flood her cheeks. She hastily shoved the bra along with some other final items into her suitcase and hoped she’d forgotten nothing essential due to her distraction.

  She’d always had this electric reaction to Gabe, an almost instant attraction, which was part of why she’d avoided him over the years. Guys like him didn’t go for girls like her, and she’d only end up getting hurt.

  When she finished packing, she powered up her laptop and emailed her letter of resignation. She blamed a family emergency, which was as close as she could come to the truth. Some man would probably take her position, she realized with a resigned sigh. She could also kiss a good reference goodbye, which was frustrating since she’d been an exemplary employee. She was always punctual, willing to work overtime, and had excellent results. It wasn’t fair.

  • • •

  Gabe couldn’t help but notice the soft sigh that escaped Dara’s lush lips, and how they formed into an adorable pout. What he wouldn’t give to feel those lush lips against his, soft and inviting. “What’s the matter?” he asked, clearing his mind.

  “You wouldn’t understand,” she responded with a tight smile.

  “Try me,” he countered, trying to appear as non-threatening as possible. He’d learned long ago that intimidation was not the way to her heart.

  “I was just realizing,” she began, “that my position will probably be taken by a man.” She quickly added, “no offense.”

  “None taken,” he replied trying to hide his smile and failing miserably. She was so cute when she was serious.

  Seeing his smile, Dara explained, “I could go into a complete history of the actuarial profession and how it used to be entirely dominated by men. How even now less than 30% of actuaries are women and how female actuaries still earn on average $10,000 less than their male counterparts, but since I can tell I’m humoring you, how about we just cut the small talk and get going?”

  “What makes you think I’m laughing at you?” responded Gabe.

  “The fact that you’re even now failing to hide your smile,” she sputtered back.

  “Well Miss Know-It-All, if I’m smiling, it’s because you’re so adorable when you’re worked up,” Gabe countered.

  Dara was speechless. Was Gabe actually flirting with her? After a few awkward moments, she shoved a suitcase at him before ordering, “let’s hit the road.” Dara assumed Gabe had a car waiting. Given her fear of flying, Dara refused to travel by air unless absolutely necessary and Cupid would have communicated this. Fortunately, Las Vegas it was a long but not unreasonable drive from Portland. Gabe was pleased with her reaction when she saw his car. “You think this piece of junk will get us to Las Vegas?” she uttered in disbelief, looking at the beat up 1970’s Plymouth parked by the curb. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but it might be safer to fly.”

  “It’s a classic,” he countered. He’d selected it as part of his plan, and enjoyed her expression when he had to kick the trunk to make it open, revealing a musty shag carpeted hole.

  To her credit, she kept silent when she discovered her door was missing its outside handle and could only be opened from within. Unfortunately, she kept silent after that as well. The first few hours of the trip she pretended to sleep and Gabe enjoyed watching her face. She was concentrating so hard on pretending to be asleep that her forehead kept creasing and her breathing was loud and rhythmic.

  When she finally gave up and opened her eyes, he gave her the good news. “The recent snow storm has closed all mountain passes in Northern California. We’ll have to travel down I5 to Bakersfield before heading west.”

  “But that will add hours to our trip,” Dara lamented.

  “More time for you to practice pretending to sleep,” Gabe teased in response and his suspicions were confirmed by the color flooding her cheeks.

  Hearing her stomach rumble, he pulled off the interstate at the next stop for breakfast. He came out of McDonalds loaded up with breakfast sandwiches, cinnamon melts and coffee only to find her checking the road reports on her laptop.

  “Didn’t trust me?” he asked raising an eyebrow.

  Looking as guilty as a kid caught with her hand in the cookie jar, she stammered, “I was just checking for any change. Maybe you saw and old report”

  She really didn’t trust him, Gabe mused, which was a bit insulting since he’d never done anything to her to cause the lack of trust or respect. Dara was looking down now, unable or unwilling to make eye contact with him.

  Gabe decided to try a little reverse psychology. “You cherubs are all the same. No trust or respect for those of us that preserve law and order. For you, it’s all about breaking the rules and causing mischief. “

  Dara’s eyes flashed lightening. “I happen to admire law and order, thank you very much!”

  “But you don’t admire me,” Gabe stated point blank, “and all I do is preserve and enforce the law and order you claim you admire.”

  “It’s different,” Dara quickly replied.

  “How so?” Gabe countered.

  “Let’s see,” Dara began, holding up the fingers and thumb of her right hand before bending down a finger with each point made. “First, you unfairly target Cherubs. Second, you enjoy excessive violence. Third, you meddle in Cherub business. And fourth, you think you’re Cupid’s gift to women!”

  With some surprise, Gabe realized the only finger remaining upright was in the middle of her hand, innocently flipping him the bird. Dara definitely had a feisty side, which he hoped to explore further, however much her accusations bothered him.

  • • •

  “You don’t even know me Dara,” he stated flatly before heading back to the driver side and slamming his door.

  Dara suddenly became very interested in her Egg Mcmuffin. Gabe had to smother a grin, however, when he realized he could use her sympathy to his advantage.

  He put on his best wounded face, and after a few minutes he could feel her resolve faltering. He knew she was too kind to stay hostile for long.

  “I’m sorry,” she spoke quietly, placing a hand on his shoulder. “It was unfair to judge you. Let’s start over. How about you tell me something I don’t know about you?” she asked, a sweet smile playing across her lips. “Surprise me.”

  Seizing the opportunity, he decided to share something private that might change her perception of him. He spoke honestly about his father who had been jail
ed for tampering with evidence when he was fourteen and how he’d picked up the slack to care for his mother and five younger siblings. They were almost all grown up now and all following the family path to become Guardians, even his younger sister.

  “Tell me something else,” Dara requested with genuine curiosity.

  “I like to write,” Gabe divulged, choosing something that might convince her he was more than Guardian. “Mainly poetry,” he continued, “but I’d like to write a story that would capture the history and tradition of the Guardians. I also like to read autobiographies” he divulged before falling silent.

  “I had no idea,” Dara replied, rewarding him with another smile.

  Gabe got the feeling she may be actually starting to like him. Hopefully she’d forgive him for what he was about to do; otherwise, hate would be too light a word.

  Three.

  Dara sat in silence pondering what Gabe had told her. It had taken a lot of honesty and courage to tell her about his father, as it was not something he could be proud of. Dara was more than a bit flattered and was shocked to find herself softening towards the handsome Guardian.

  She was so caught up in her thoughts that it took her a few minutes to realize they’d exited the interstate onto what appeared to be a rural road rather than a main thoroughfare.

  “Where are we?” Dara inquired curiously.

  “North of Sacramento,” he responded. “If you don’t mind I’d like to pay a visit to an old friend. He’s just a little ways off the beaten path and it shouldn’t take long. Besides, it’s a pretty drive.”

  Dara was surprised to find the signs of spring already in the air. It was only the beginning of February, but they were far enough south that small pink blossoms were already opening on the trees.

  She rolled down the window, pleased the crank actually worked, and discovered the temperature was pleasant. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes, letting the breeze play with her hair.