“Oh,” he nods vacantly. Human bridal rituals are clearly over his head.
He lifts the last box off the counter and from beneath it several brochures slide out onto the floor. Before I can move a muscle, he scoops them up and scans them over.
Then he gives me a quizzical look.
“Zumba, boot camp ballet, jazz, tap, ballroom?” He reads through the pile.
“Dance classes,” I shrug.
“I can see that.” He scrutinizes the pamphlets more closely. “Apparently I’m keeping you busy with all the wrong activities.”
“No…,” I disagree sweetly, “I love all your activities.” He gives me a doubtful look. “Even skiing?”
“Okay, definitely not skiing,” I bat my eyelashes at him. “This is just some stuff I want to try,” I say shyly, “I’ve never taken real dance classes before.”
“Hmmm…” he wonders aloud. “With all these extracurricular activities when will you find time for me?”
My mouth pops open. “You control the monopoly of my time,” I say playfully, reaching up on my tip toes to give him a reassuring kiss. A spark of static electricity zaps my lip.
Ouch.
Justice scowls. It’s become harder to touch him, ever since Vermont. I can’t help but wonder if Derrin and Melenia just all- out destroyed me.
“I’m not sure that’s enough,” he smirks impishly, quickly changing his demeanor. I say a silent thank you. I don’t want to fight, and when things like that happen, it always starts a fight. “I may just have to move in.”
I stop dead. Did I just hear him say that? He’s not serious. I laugh.
“You find that funny?” he asks. “No, just unbelievable.”
“What’s so unbelievable about it?” he scoffs.
I don’t know, the fact we can’t have sex comes to mind.
“We can live at The Cliffs if you want, but I don’t think we’ll have as much privacy there.”
I shake my head, bemused. He’s serious.
Justice sits down on one of my kitchen stools bringing us eye level, and rests his hands on my hips.
“You can go to dancing school and I can- do what I do,” he states allusively.
He means demon stuff.
“You’re really being serious?” I ask mystified.
“Life. Threateningly. Serious.” He glares. “I want to spend as much time with you as possible, and I think living together will maximize that.”
To say the least.
Speechless, I stare into his sparkling blue eyes that hold so much sincerity.
I couldn’t ask for anything more, well, except maybe for that. “What brought this on?” I can’t help but pry.
“I don’t know,” he rushes the words. “Carpe diem and all that crap.”
I flash a grin.
The thought of me and Justice living together reels through my mind; it makes me giddy and light and plants me right on cloud nine.
“Yes,” I agree immediately, not even caring about the details. All I know is that I want Justice in any, and every, sense of the word, regardless of the consequences. He leans in, resting his forehead against mine, his warm linen scent rushing me.
“Good, you go register for all the dance classes you want and I’ll take care of the rest.” Then he brushes his lips over mine and
sparks fly all over my body. Like, literally.
I inhale through clenched teeth from the pain.
This arrangement is going to be one blissful fucking hell.
Justice carries in the favor boxes while I am bombarded by bubbly bridesmaids with foreign accents. It looks like a Greek beauty pageant in here. Did I mention Nikkee had to have all of Davis’ cousins in the wedding? I think there are like twenty of them or something. I lost count after seventeen. The bridal party number resides somewhere in the thirties. Out of control. Being a part of all this makes me realize something: if I ever make it down the aisle, the only people I want to be there are me and my groom. A big extravaganza just isn’t for me.
The room starts to buzz, indicating that Davis’ grandmother has finally arrived. It will be the first time I’m meeting the woman in person. God help me. The whole room seems to stand at attention as the small, grey-haired woman with impeccable style enters. She emanates immense energy as she peruses her surroundings, giving the lavishly set tables, pink and green hydrangea centerpieces and shower favors a final once over. It is clear there is no margin for error with this lady. I watch with bated breath as she inspects every little detail. She seems pleased, but doesn’t show it. I only know how she feels by the satisfied energy she emits.
She finally makes her way over to where I’m standing. One of Davis’ numerous cousins introduces us, and when we make eye contact she gasps.
“Daimon!” She spits.
“Yiayia!” Davis’ cousin chastises. I think her name is Adara. She mutters something in Greek and the debutant woman shoots me an uneasy look, and then hurries away.
That was awkward.
“I must apologize for my grandmother,” Adara says with her thick accent. Long brown tendrils frame her pretty face. “She’s from the old school, still believes in demons and evil spirits,” she rolls her eyes at the absurdity.
“It’s okay,” I assure her with a forgiving smile. “I’m used to people looking at me differently. Besides, I’ve met demons, and I don’t even come close.”
Or do I?
She gives me startled look. “Just kidding,” I smile.
Sort of.
She smiles back, relieved, then touches my arm as she walks away; an indecisive energy passes through me. I realize then that I shouldn’t joke about things like this.
Justice hands the last box to another one of Davis’ cousins who is dispersing the favors on each table, and then comes over
to say goodbye. He places his hand on the small of my back and kisses my head gently.
“Call me when you’re ready,” he tells me. “And by the way,” he says softly in my ear, “I’ve met demons who are less scary than that lady.”
I glance over at her. “I believe it. Funny thing is, she thinks I’m one.”
He grunts, “Not an irrational notion.” “What!?” I look up at him offended.
He smiles, “No, I just mean she believes in the supernatural, knows it exists. Your eyes probably shocked her.”
“As they do everyone,” I concede. “But it’s the first time anyone has ever called me a demon.”
“You’re lucky she didn’t spit on you,” Justice tells me amused.
“What! Why?”
“Greeks believe it chases the devil away.”
Eww.
“How do you know that?” I question.
He shrugs, “It’s my job to know. It’s what I do, remember. Demon hunter,” he reminds me. But I haven’t forgotten. “I’ve been put on this earth as a commissioned officer, charged with ridding and destroying the powers of darkness. You know this.”
“Yes, I do.” Soldier. “And to keep the balance from shifting in
evil’s favor,” I robotically repeat. We have had this conversation
many times. As much as I need to understand myself, I need to understand him too. But so much information at once is overwhelming. I try to keep up, but I’m not always successful.
Justice nods, then runs his thumb softly down my cheek; his touch leaving a trail of embers. “I’m also here to protect the innocent.”
“You think I’m innocent?” I ask timidly.
“No,” he smiles temptingly. “But definitely worth protecting.” I smirk and blush all at the same time.
Justice gives me a quick peck on the lips after that and then he is gone.
Swoon.
The festivities of the day run smoothly, much to Davis’ grandmother’s expectations. The punch is flowing, people are mingling and the assembly line for the gift opening would make Detroit proud. The only thing bothering me is the severe hate energy coming from some strange girl in the corner. S
he seems to have some serious hostility towards me, and I have no idea why. I don’t even know her. In an attempt to ignore it, I concentrate heavily on Nikkee instead as she opens each present, presents it to the room then hands it off to a bridesmaid. I keep close tabs on what it is and who it’s from. I am particularly taken with the Swarovski toasting glasses, a gift from Davis’ parents. What can I say? I love sparkles.
By the end of the day, the room looks like a gift wrap tornado demolished it. There are a serious amount of presents to load up. Good thing Justice drove the Intimidator; we should be able to fit more than half of this stuff into the cab. I start the piling when Nikkee bumps me on the hip, a gleaming smile stretching across her face, two glasses of spiked punch in her hands.
“I think you deserve this, m-o-h,” she says, handing me a glass.
“I think I do too,” I take it happily.
“Did you have a good day?” I ask, already knowing the answer. This is the first conversation we’ve had today without all the craziness around us, and believe me: this bridal shower was crazy.
“Amazing! Look at all this stuff,” she says, a little overwhelmed. “I have no idea what we’re going to do with it all. Davis and I don’t even have a house yet!”
“That’s what storage is for.”
“Correction, that’s what your parents’ basement is for,” she giggles.
“Touché.”
“How was your day?” She asks as she takes a sip of punch, eyeing me funnily.
“Mine? Fine. Why?” I reply curiously.
“I guess I’m just still used to the old Liv.” She confesses, “I was really worried that all this was going to be way too much for you to handle.”
“It’s not,” I tell her truthfully. “I’m in a really good place, and I’m never going back to the dark side,” I joke.
Her smile widens. “To never going back to the dark side,” Nikkee clinks my glass. “I like you like this.”
“Like what?”
“Happy, confident. It’s like the person I always saw inside finally came out.”
This is why Nikkee is my best friend. She has always been able to see the real me, even when I couldn’t.
“It’s like the person I never knew was inside finally came out,” I mumble, chuckling to myself.
“What’s so funny?” She asks, her green eyes inquisitive. “Nothing, I just think the punch is going to my head.” Which
is a total lie, this is my first glass. I just haven’t gotten around to telling Nikkee about my little secret. You know, the one where I have magical powers and am in love with an avenging angel. It just never seems like the right time. I’m hoping after the wedding extravaganza, we’ll be able to sit down and talk. I just pray she doesn’t try to commit me, given my past and all.
Through my reflection, I’m suddenly pierced by a bout of aggression. “Ugh,” I groan.
“What?” Nikkee asks immediately.
“What is it with Jerseylicious Barbie shooting me death rays?”
Nikkee doesn’t even need to look to know who I’m referring to. “That’s Antonia, Kerri’s new girlfriend.”
I glanced back at the overly made-up girl, surprised. “Her? Really? I didn’t take Kerri for the fake hair, fake nose, or spray- tan type.”
I thought he had better taste. Although. He did like me.
Nikkee shrugs. “Novelty girlfriend. Damn reality TV.” “So what’s her beef with me?”
Nikkee rolls her eyes.
“We were out to dinner the other night, and your name came up. Kerri sort of gushed about you, a lot, and Antonia has hated you ever since. If I didn’t know better, I would think he still has feelings for you.”
“No way,” I become defensive. “Nothing ever even happened between us.”
“I don’t know,” Nikkee says suspiciously. “You guys did share one hot kiss.”
Sometimes I wish I’d never told her about that.
“It was like two seconds, and it was more physical than anything else.”
“Don’t underestimate physical attraction, Liv. Sometimes it’s more powerful than love.”
“You would know.”
“Shut it, bitch,” she says humorously. “I’m a betrothed woman now.”
“That doesn’t mean you’re a virtuous one,” I retort. She elbows me.
Ouch.
My eyes suddenly become glued to the door, interrupting our little banter, when I notice Justice and Kerri standing side by side.
Awk-ward.
I still remember the way Justice looked at him that night at Tattoo. It was like he wanted to maim him. And I can’t help but wonder if he still feels that way? I really hope not. I analyze him, and he seems unfazed by Kerri’s presence, but Justice is skilled at concealing his thoughts, so if he does want to kill Kerri, he isn’t giving anything away.
Justice and I meet in the middle of the room, my heart beating a little too fast for the relaxed atmosphere.
“I’m here to work,” he says lightly, and I sigh silently with relief.
I point to a pile of gifts for him to take out to the truck, and without a second glance, both him and the pile are gone. A moment later a sweet, warm energy brushes up against me, and I know without looking exactly who it is.
Kerri is standing right next to me.
He’s definitely one of a kind. He’s charismatic and charming, and above all, genuine; whoever he ends up with will be one lucky girl. I just really hope it isn’t Antonia.
“What can I take?” He asks me, and when I look up into his smoky hazel eyes, my breath catches. I’d forgotten how amazing they were, how amazing he was. I scramble to point out a pile, and in the midst of a momentary mental lapse, my hand slightly grazes his. We both freeze instantly, and I wonder if it’s his emotion I’m feeling or mine. Sometimes, when the energy is intense enough, it blurs the lines.
There is suddenly an annoyed, disruptive cough behind us. We both turn hastily to find Antonia standing there, arms crossed and eyes furious.
Kerri and I scramble apart, and as the cloud of energy lifts, I know it was Kerri’s attraction I was feeling.
Nikkee was right, as usual.
Kerri grabs the designated pile of gifts, and hurries out of the room with Antonia steaming behind him.
I watch them, feeling profoundly sorry for Kerri. Those two have some serious issues to hash out if that relationship is going to work. Sheesh.
As I put the last pile together I find myself wondering where Justice has disappeared to. I look around to find him standing in the doorway, frozen, totally fixated on me. I can’t fathom why he
is looking at me like that. He has such a crestfallen, disenchanted
expression on his face. I gesture for him to come near. He hesitates for a second and then strolls over to me.
“This should be the last of it, Nikkee’s family is going to bring the rest,” I tell him as I stack the gifts into his arms. He doesn’t say a word, he just stares at me stone faced.
“Is everything alright?” I ask.
Justice doesn’t answer. He just robotically turns and heads for the door.
What the hell’s eating him?
I grab my purse, say some quick goodbyes, and dart off after him, trying to figure out what caused the change in him all of a sudden.
The car ride to and from Nikkee’s parents house is uncomfortable. Justice barely looks at me, and every time I try to engage him, he shies away from me.
The silence is stifling.
We walk into my apartment with a thick blanket of quiet around us. It’s irritating, prickly and awkward. I kick off the heels that are killing my feet, and plop myself onto the couch, aggravated. I look up at my mute immortal, who is just hovering by the front door.
“Are you going to tell me what’s wrong, or do we have to play charades?” I ask, totally fed up with the silent treatment.
He stands there with his arms crossed, just staring at me. His
expression untranslatable
.
I wait for an answer. And wait.
And wait.
Never taking my eyes off him.
And when his lips finally do part, what comes out of them absolutely floors me.
“I think we need some time apart.” “What?”
He’s still.
“Time apart?” I repeat. I think I’m stunned. Or confused.
Maybe disbelieving.
Or possibly it’s finally happened, and I’ve just gone mad. He nods, faintly.
“I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
“I think we should stop seeing each other,” he says with no inflection.
“What! Why?” I sputter. He says nothing.
The quiet is deafening. “Why!?” I demand.
“Its best,” he answers immediately.
“Best? Best for who?” I shoot up off the couch.
In a panic, my tongue unfolds. “Is this about what happened in Vermont? You know I get a little crazy when I’m
overwhelmed…I’m still working on controlling my
powers…supernatural energy is harder to control…I can try, I can try harder…” I desperately ramble on and on.
I told you I know all about desperate.
He blows out a breath and narrows his eyes at me. They smolder with heat. His gaze instantly silences me, not to mention terrifies me.
“This has nothing to do with what happened in Vermont,” he stipulates harshly. “I just need space.”
Space?!? Is this not the same person who just four hours ago professed his desire to live with me? Who said he wanted to maximize every moment he could with me?
I am in complete disarray. He turns to leave.
But I can’t allow it.
“What, that’s it?” I ask frantically. “What about the Darklings? And, and my secret bloodline? You’re just going to leave me unprotected?”
He turns sharply, his face serious, resolute. “You’ll never be unprotected.”
Gravitational Pull (Vis Vires, book 2) (Vis Vires trilogy) Page 3