by Jane Cousins
It certainly hadn’t helped to wake up and find her breasts had arrived, seemingly overnight when she was fourteen. Every boy in a three town radius noted that occurrence. And of course because she was so tall it invariably meant the boys were eye level with that area … them …her breasts.
It had all been so embarrassing, her height, her breasts, her brothers constant teasing, much easier to throw herself into her training with her father. Weapons didn’t judge, or whisper, stare or make fun of you. Grabbing one of the big bottles of lotion left out by the Maat cleaning elves she absently rubbed cream into her arms and down her legs. Mmmm, nice smell, gardenias and candy, just because she liked to kill things didn’t mean she couldn’t smell nice. Lifting the bottle she noted the name, maybe she should get some for herself. Goddess she really was becoming a mess of contradictions. Picking up a robe she tugged it on and walked out into the bedroom and stopped.
There on the ultra-king sized bed was the most gorgeous dagger she’d ever seen. It looked as if it were made of liquid sunlight, gleaming so brightly she had to squint just to make out the fine craftsmanship of the handle and the sharp edge of the blade. “Ooohhh aren’t you beautiful.” She crouched over it, whispering softly as if it were a skittish puppy.
Her hand came out gently to caress the handle, almost fearing that it might be hot, but no it was cool and so very light. She picked it up, surprised out how perfectly the handle fit her hand. She couldn’t stop herself from feinting and stabbing at an imaginary opponent, enjoying the way the dagger cut through the air effortlessly. A feeling of contentment welled up in her and with a start she realised that feeling was emanating from the dagger. Sitting abruptly on the side of the bed she heard the crackle of paper. Using her empty hand she found the card. “Hadleigh …. V”.
Vaughn had given her this beautiful, gorgeous weapon? No it was too much.
“Oh Sweetheart, how can I possibly keep you?”
And she so wanted to, every fibre of her being wanted this dagger made from what looked like pure sunlight. She ran her fingers up and down the flat of the blade in almost a caress. “My Precious.” She whispered, feeling exactly like the Golum holding the ring. “I’m sorrier than I can say but you’re going have to go back.”
Between one blink and the next the blade was gone. She searched the immediate area even though she knew she hadn’t dropped it. The Goddess darn thing had just blinked out of existence, except, she could still feel the dagger’s presence in her head, that feeling of contentment and now a touch of smugness. And it was coming from her left upper arm. She yanked back her robe to stare at the solid band of gold now wrapped around her bicep.
“You sneaky gorgeous thing you.” She searched for a way to unlatch the wide bracelet but there appeared to be no joins in the band. “Okay, fine, for the moment you can stay but eventually you’re going to have to go back to Vaughn.”
Sitting there contemplating her gift she realised she was going to have to find some way to thank Vaughn, even if she did intend to only keep the dagger temporarily. If she were a brave confident woman she’d track him down and lay a lip lock on him. Yeah right, so she was definitely going to send him a note then. Goddess she was a coward.
Chapter Eleven
Vaughn entered the jet the next morning battling the urge to pull out Hadleigh’s note and look at it yet again. The edges of the paper were already fraying. He just had to take comfort in the fact that it was folded safely away in his vest pocket, placed directly over his heart. Maat what a sap he was. It wasn’t like the note was effusive or even wordy for that matter but it was from Hadleigh. And it was so typical of her that every time he looked at it he couldn’t wipe the goofy smile off his face as he stared at her one word note - ‘Thanks’.
Yep that was Hadleigh all over. And wasn’t this morning looking better and better, the seat across from her was vacant. Normally he hated to travel facing the back of the plane but today he had Hadleigh to look at. He wasn’t sure what reaction he was expecting from her after the last three days but it certainly wasn’t for her to look up, meet his gaze directly with those gorgeous grey eyes and smile right at him.
“Morning.” It was all he could do to utter the polite inanity as he collapsed into the vacant seat concentrating on fumbling the seatbelt closed.
“Morning.” Hadleigh returned easily as if the last three days of avoiding him had never happened. “Did you get my note?” She asked in a soft throaty voice just above a whisper.
“I did.”
“I meant it.” She gave him an earnest look.
“Every single word?” He teased.
“Hey, if you wanted an epic poem you should have hired someone else.”
“No I wanted a warrior.” Vaughn smiled.
Hadleigh forced herself not to panic, there was something in the way he said those words, the way he was looking at her that made her feel decidedly uncomfortable. Suddenly her breasts felt heavy and there was a throb that was tapping out a fast beat in time with her pulse between her legs.
“It’s … it’s a gorgeous dagger. But too much, I can’t accept it.”
Vaughn just raised an eyebrow before grinning. “Yet I don’t see you handing it back.”
“Yeah well I ran into a little snag there.” She tapped her bicep; through the material of her shirt Vaughn heard the faint dull ring of metal. “It seems like the dagger has a mind of its own.”
Vaughn laughed. “It knows where it belongs.”
“I’ve never seen anything like it, where did it come from?”
“When I awoke imbued with the size and strength of a warrior elite it was in my hand. A piece of light transformed into a tool of truth.”
“And you gave it to me? Your Goddess gives you a gift and you’re giving it to me! Are you mad? Won’t she be angry? Why would you do something like that?” Hadleigh was so flabbergasted she couldn’t stop the questions pouring out of her mouth.
“Calm down.” Vaughn held out a hand to stop her.
“I’m really not keeping it now.” Hadleigh once again tried futilely to get the band to budge from her arm.
Vaughn successfully contained his laughter but couldn’t keep the smile from twisting up the corner of his lips. “Do you honestly think that dagger would stay with you if you were not worthy of such a gift?”
Hadleigh sent him a frustrated look, collapsing back in her seat. “How could you possibly give it away? To someone you barely know!”
Vaughn relaxed back in his own seat. “You know your problem?”
Hadleigh winced inwardly wondering what he was going to say: her height, the way she walked, the way she dressed, her hair, that she was too sullen, too serious, no fun. Goddess what flaw did Vaughn find her most appalling?
Vaughn continued unaware of her mental cringe. “You think too much.”
“What?” Her mouth dropped open in surprise.
“Yeah, for a warrior you really do think too much. You need to relax and just go with the flow more. You know - behead and move on … behead and move on.” Vaughn’s eyes glowed a soft gold, filled with amusement.
Hadleigh stared at him for a moment in real astonishment as his words sunk in. Then she felt it welling within her, surprised, she clapped a hand over her mouth to try and stem the flow but it was too late. Laughter burst out of her in a merry torrent.
Vaughn’s eyes turned a dark gold as he soaked up her amusement, the way her eyes sparkled and her face softened for just a moment. Maat what he wouldn’t give to see her laugh more even whilst his aching cock was demanding that he find the nearest flat surface and fuck her senseless.
Hadleigh finally got her laughter under control. Goddess darn this man, she didn’t just desire his god like golden body she genuinely liked him. “I will find a way to return the dagger to you.”
“As you like.” Vaughn bowed his head slightly, revelling in the fact that this gorgeous woman was talking to him again, making eye contact. Phase one, gift completed and relatively succe
ssful now on to phase two, seduction without flirting. Mmmm, he was going to have to ponder that problem.
“What ho, my two favourite people.” Xander Marr plunked himself down in the chair across the aisle from Hadleigh effectively breaking the moment they had been sharing.
Internally Vaughn bristled, what was it about Xander that was annoyed him so much of late? Was it how casually he had accepted Serena’s departure? Or was it the way the man eyed Hadleigh as if she were a mountain he was thinking of climbing?
“Ah Professor, how’s the head?” Hadleigh enquired, wondering just how much the man remembered of their bout the other morning.
“Call me Xander my dear and just fine thank you. Just need to watch my blood sugar levels. Sorry if I scared you by passing out like that.”
“No, not at all.” She glanced towards the front of the plane as the engine sounds changed. Xander must have been the last arrival for the door was closed and they were now taxiing into position for take-off.
“As our newest member I thought you would like to read all about this week’s case.” Xander pulled out a file from his expensive leather satchel. “Very interesting haunting. Very high profile.” He attempted to waggle his eyebrows suggestively at her but with all that Botox in his forehead it was hard to tell exactly what he was trying to achieve.
“Oh.” Hadleigh took the file, flipping it open. “A poltergeist?”
She didn’t know much about troublesome ghosts. Her relatives were awfully long lived and by the time they did shuffle off the mortal coil most of them were more than happy to depart for the next plane of existence.
“Yes.” Xander’s blue eyes were alight with enthusiasm. “Lots of promising stories regarding sightings. To increase our odds tonight of getting something on film it would be best if you stuck close to me.”
“Me?” Hadleigh looked up surprised.
“Oh yes, poltergeists are often attracted to feminine energy. Just stay in a down camera position and you and I should make a great team.” Xander moved his focus to concentrate on doing up his seatbelt.
It provided Hadleigh the opportunity to look at Vaughn. “Down camera?” She mouthed the question.
Vaughn grinned and mouthed back. “So he’ll look taller than you.”
Hadleigh hid her smile by concentrating on tightening her own seatbelt as the plane paused momentarily then commenced take off, the g-force pushing her back into the seat slightly. Turning her head when Xander tapped her on the arm to get her attention.
“So it’s important to know where you are in your cycle?”
“What?” She had no idea what the man was asking.
“The poltergeist!” Xander stated, then seeing her confusion carried on. “Are you ovulating?”
As the plane levelled out and the engine noise dropped abruptly stunned silence blanketed the jet, until Nate’s voice sounded from the back of the plane. “Dude, one head injury wasn’t enough for you this week?”
* * *
Hadleigh watched from her seat in the plush minivan next to Dash as Xander was greeted by the doorman of the five star hotel like an old friend.
“We’re not staying together?” She queried as Rafe eased the van back into the Washington D.C lunchtime traffic.
“We’re just the lowly staff. Xander thinks we bunk at some budget two star across town but in reality we have our own base here. Plenty of room, you’ll like it.” Dash smiled easily flashing a dimple, his gold edged hazel eyes lit with good humour that instantly made Hadleigh feel at ease.
“If he’s such a pain why do you put up with him?” She queried.
“Ah don’t get me wrong, he’s a nice guy … in small doses. Plus he’s exactly what we need as a front man. He’s still enthusiastic about the paranormal even though we’ve ensured he’s never been able to capture a single useable bit of evidence on film. He’s academic enough that he never questions where the budget for the jets, hotels and equipment come from. And best of all he’s easily distracted.”
“By what exactly?”
Dash shrugged. “Slime, dirt and cobwebs mostly. If we’re facing a threat or a misunderstood friendly it’s relatively easy to manage the guy to a safer … cleaner locale. From what I hear with your female energy and all you’ll be the one doing the managing tonight.”
“As long as I stay down camera I’m told.” Hadleigh groused mildly.
“Just tilt your head, pause and say ‘did you hear that?’ a lot. It creeps Xander out and will keep the camera guys amused.”
“And while I’m looking after the talent what will you seven miscreants be doing?”
“Checking out the building for real. There really have been reports of screams and unexplained noises in the last four days. It’s a good location for a shoot, high ceilings, big rooms; otherwise we’d go in sans crew. But we need to film somewhere this week and chances are it’s probably just kids squatting in an abandoned building.”
Hadleigh mentally squared her shoulders, okay so all she had to remember to do was stick with Xander, stay down camera and say ‘did you hear that?’ It sounded boring and a waste of her skills but perfectly doable. Great Aunt Alma owed her big time for this favour. Taking another deep breath she blinked, her nose crinkling. “Hey do you smell … swamp?”
“That would be me!” Came Nate’s surly voice from the back of the bus where he sat by his lonesome.
Now she came to think about it he’d been sitting by himself at the back of the plane as well. Suddenly Hadleigh found herself laughing for the second time that day and she couldn’t seem to stop as first Dash and then the others all joined in. Being part of a team she was finding was kind of nice.
* * *
Dash had undersold the ‘base’ big time. Mansion was probably a more fitting description as Hadleigh took a moment to admire the guest bedroom she’d been assigned. It was huge, as was the warrior sized bed smack bang in the middle of it. Decorated in soft blues and creams the décor reminded her of a book she’d once seen titled French shabby chic. The two double glass doors on either side of the bed leading out to small wrought iron balconies filled with dark blue flowering plants completed the picture. The bathroom was a replica of the one back in Atlanta, same marble, expensive fixtures, even the same lotions and products.
As soon as they’d arrived she’d hit the gym with the team for some weight training and some sparring, though not with Vaughn. He seemed happy to keep his distance and supervise. Which was probably for the best, just the idea of the two of them wrestling on a mat together made her hot, bothered and way too distracted.
After the gym they’d grabbed a quick lunch on the move whilst Rafe walked them through a floor plan of the haunted house, pointing out where the cameras and the two man crew would be set up and where infra-red sensors and night scopes would be fixed in place. They discussed the pros and cons of several weapons before being dismissed for the rest of the day.
Hadleigh had immediately sought sanctuary in her room, where she could catch a shower and pace the floor until it was time for the team’s late dinner. Now as she contemplated her outfit for the mission she was pleased that there were no tight sparkly shorts in sight. Instead Rafe had provided her with the exact same outfit the guys wore, well except for the vest, according to Rafe that would be a last minute delivery.
Five minutes later she was staring at herself in the full length mirror wondering why the Goddess above disliked her so very much. Were the pants supposed to cling to her butt like that? And the long sleeve black top, it might cover everything but was it supposed to look like it was painted on? Only the boots and the black cap were proving to be inoffensive. Grabbing the cap off the bed she took one last cringing look in the mirror at her butt before heading downstairs for dinner.
* * *
Vaughn sat at the head of the large kitchen table crunching budget numbers on his calculator. Easily ignoring the chaos going on around him as Drum readied the evening meal. Dash and Flynn yelled at one another as they duelled
on their Gameboys. Nate chatted on his phone to some female. Marcus had his head down buying and selling Maat knows what on his laptop whilst Rafe whistled as he cleaned and aligned the weapons they’d agreed to take with them this evening.
His first clue something was wrong was the sudden eerie silence.
His second clue was Rafe’s heartfelt plea. “I swear to Maat it’s not my fault!”
Vaughn looked up to find Hadleigh standing in the doorway looking completely badass in her black skin tight Para-X team outfit and about the sexiest thing he’d ever seen on two legs, those mile high never ending legs. Hadleigh glared at them, her scowl for some reason just ratcheting up the sexiness vibe for Vaughn.
“Maat Hadleigh, you look mega cool.” Flynn crowed. “Like a cross between a…”
“Ninja warrior…” Dash added.
“Meets Angel of death meets…” Flynn continued.
“Dominatrix meets…” Dash’s turn
“Goddess of sex, who…” Flynn contributed.
“Masquerades as a high class call girl by day.” Dash finished.
If anything Hadleigh’s scowl grew deeper. “Are you trying to say I look like a hooker?”
“Forgive the stupid twins here.” Marcus coolly appraised her with vivid blue eyes as if she were a new acquisition he was thinking of purchasing. “They live in fantasy game world land, for them that was the highest of compliments.”
The twins turned and looked at their team mates with bewilderment in their eyes. “Hey we said high class!” They defended themselves in stereo.
Rafe continuing to look worried glanced at Vaughn trying to gauge what his Captain’s reaction was whilst at the same time stealing glances at Hadleigh who stood in the doorway looking like every teenage boy’s dream of a bad girl come to life. “You look very … very professional Hadleigh. The material works on you kind of different.” Now it was Rafe’s turn to scowl, he’d taken the measurements from Hadleigh and even factored in some leeway. “I wasn’t expecting that. Maybe the vest will add some … bulk.”