Untamed Devotion

by Danielle Stewart

  Aria tugged his arm as they crossed the street toward the small shack with crooked shutters and a sagging screen door. They moved quickly to dodge the lawless drivers speeding by.

  “Gwen,” Aria said as she knocked gently on the door, “are you here?”

  “I am,” a shaky voice bellowed back. “Come in, dear. Bring your friend.”

  “See,” Aria said with wide eyes, “she knew I had a friend with me. I mean it could be that little security camera, but it could also be her powers.”

  “I guess we’ll never know,” Monroe teased in a spooky voice. “What exactly are we trying to accomplish here?”

  “Is that how things are for you?” Aria challenged. “Everything has to be part of a goal? A mission?”

  “Yes,” Monroe answered flatly, knowing how rigid it made him sound. But it was the truth. If Monroe was doing something one could expect it was the equivalent of a chess piece being moved on a board. It was always with strategy in mind. Always with a purpose.

  “Oh, isn’t he handsome?” a hunchbacked woman in a tattered sweater said as she drank him in. “And his aura is so vibrant. You must see this, don’t you?”

  “I do,” Aria said, moving with ease into the house and taking a seat at a small round table. The room was dimly lit with colored lightbulbs. And every surface was draped in sheer fabric. Looking at the wobbly table, Monroe wasn’t sure one of the chairs would hold his weight. Gingerly he settled himself down and waited to see if it was followed by a crack. Luckily it held.

  “I like your place,” Monroe said, clearing his throat nervously. “It’s very unique.”

  “He is such a good liar too,” she said warmly, seeming to pretend he was not in the room. “What is it you’re here for today?”

  Aria tapped her hands thoughtfully on the table as she seemed to consider the question. “Crystals,” she announced. “Yes, let’s say crystals.”

  “Crystals?” Monroe asked, as Gwen reached into a drawer and pulled out a cloth bag. It was beaded on the bottom and closed with a purple velvet tie.

  “Yes, that’s the right choice, dear.” Gwen poured some stones across the table. They skittered and slid until they all came to stop. “Oh, and look at this. Malachite,” Gwen said, tapping a stone that landed closest to Monroe.

  “It’s beautiful,” Monroe commented, drawn in by the vivid swirling green color.

  “The stones you need land closest to you. They tell you what you must acquire. What you are lacking.”

  “Very interesting,” Aria said, nodding her approval. “Malachite is said to help you discern what is the truth. It’s considered a protective stone.”

  “But that’s what I have you for,” Monroe laughed, but Gwen and Aria remained serious. “What does that stone mean?” he asked, anxious to direct the attention off himself.

  “Charoite,” Gwen explained nervously as she tapped the stone closest to Aria. “A stunning purple. Rare. It is to cleanse. To move on from. To purify. It is for those who are lonely or marginalized. It is thought to be the stone you step on to get away from something bad.”

  “I bet that gets a lot of use around here,” Monroe chuckled, but again it was only met with seriousness. “Do we roll the dice again if we don’t like what we got?”

  “Skeptics are my favorite,” Gwen said, raising her shaking hand to touch Monroe’s cheek. “I don’t like when people make it easy for me.”

  “I’m not meaning to be rude,” Monroe said quickly. “I don’t usually come to places like this.”

  Gwen looked at him for a few extra beats and smiled. “Would you like me to tell you more?”

  “Sure,” Monroe said, comforted by the joy his response seemed to give Aria. If nothing else, it was making her happy, and he’d already established that meant something to him.

  Gwen snatched his hand from the table and flipped it so his palm was up. She firmly flattened his fingers and then examined it closely. “You are a man of two worlds. You try to offer loyalty to both, but it’s impossible. That must be very difficult.”

  “Life is difficult,” Monroe said. “But we all find a way through.”

  “Yes,” Gwen agreed. “I have a warning for you.”

  “Is my lifeline short or something? Eat more Kale?” Both women finally laughed, but Gwen fell serious again so Aria nervously did as well.

  “The man who stands in the doorway will inevitably be hurt when the door slams shut. You must either walk through the door or back away. You’ve been given two books filled with instructions. You’ve read them both. You think you know where each set of instructions will take you in life. I’ll say you are probably right. The problem is you keep trying to follow both books. It’s soon time to choose.”

  The room fell silent as Gwen closed his fingers and continued to hold his hand in hers.

  “Thank you,” Monroe finally said, feeling like the awkwardness might make his head explode. Business had brought him to all different kinds of meetings and events. Some were painfully uncomfortable, but this topped them all.

  “We should go,” Aria said, pushing her wobbling chair backward and rounding the table to hug Gwen. “Did you want me to change the water jug out?”

  “Oh yes, please,” Gwen clapped with excitement. “It’s been empty since yesterday.”

  “Let me,” Monroe insisted, moving to the corner of the room and yanking the rubber top of the large water jug. He flipped it over and rested it on the stand, the water glug-glugging as it filled the empty space. “Did you need anything else?”

  “I wouldn’t want to put you out,” Gwen said, waving him off. “You’re likely a busy man.”

  “Living in two worlds is exhausting,” Monroe teased. “But if you need something else, I think I can manage.”

  “There is a stone,” Gwen started, gesturing for him to follow her toward the couch in the corner. “It fell, and I can’t lift the couch to get it.”

  Monroe grabbed hold of the old green threadbare couch and lifted it easily. Aria bent down and retrieved the many things that had rolled under it.

  “Gwen, you must have been missing this crystal dearly,” Aria said, handing it back over as though she were passing a newborn infant. “It’s very rare,” she explained to Monroe.

  “The day it fell and rolled under there,” Gwen sighed, “was dark day. Rain. Thunder. I’ve been unsettled ever since. This might bring the sun back around to me.”

  “I hope it does,” Monroe said warmly. “Need anything else lifted? Something on the top shelf I can get down for you?”

  He watched as Aria pulled a few coins from her pocket and placed them on the table for Gwen.

  “You’ve done enough,” Gwen assured him as she escorted them to the door. “Don’t linger where you are. Don’t get stuck in the middle and lose both worlds.”

  “I’ll give that some thought. It was very nice meeting you.” Monroe walked tentatively down the steps of the porch, worried his feet might crack the rotting boards if he wasn’t careful.

  “There will be another bus in about ten minutes,” Aria said, looping her arm in his as they walked across the street. “Thanks for coming. I could tell it’s not your thing, but you were very nice.”

  “I like to see new things. That was new to me,” he said, loving the feel of her delicate fingers squeezing his bicep. “I don’t have to believe in something to understand why other people might. We all need something to hold on to, and if coming here gives you some happiness, I say take it. You should believe whatever you like.”

  “I don’t believe in psychics.” Aria laughed. “There was another girl I worked with who took me there one day not long after I arrived. I was so lost. Hurt. Confused. Gwen was kind and reassuring. She taught me the very subtle art of analyzing people. When I realized her powers were more tangible skills I asked if she’d teach me. I’d come around and help her with what she needed, and she’d talk to me about what intuition meant to her. How she wielded it. She certainly believes in the power of crysta
ls and palm reading, don’t get me wrong. But she pairs it with observation. With insight.”

  “So that’s where you got your process for discerning good from evil?” Monroe asked with a wry smile.

  “She’s part of it. I’ve been blessed by the kindness of many people here. Gwen is one. I will say though, there have been times when things she’s said have come to fruition. I’ve been dumbfounded. What did you think about what she said to you?”

  Monroe considered it for a moment as he leaned against the metal pole of the bus stop sign. “I think she delivers her message in a very convincing way,” he said, attempting to be sensitive to Aria’s friendship with Gwen. “What does she tell you when she reads your palm?”

  “She worries,” Aria explained. “She doesn’t want me to be lonely. I think she has this vision in her mind of my happily ever after. I actually hate to disappoint her when I come here and nothing has changed.”

  “Things will change,” Monroe said, pulling her into his arms and kissing the crown of her head. “It’s not impossible for you to get what you want.”

  “If you keep saying that, I might actually start to believe it. Be careful,” she said as she tipped her head up and kissed his lips passionately.

  “If you keep kissing me like that, you’re the one who will need to be careful.”

  Chapter 24

  Tonight’s dress was simple. Pink cotton with tiny lace overlays. Something any guest of the resort might wear to dinner. She was certainly looking the part.

  James and Libby greeted them warmly as they stepped into the car that had been ordered for them. “I thought we’d go where cameras won’t bother us in case any of those spineless paparazzi don’t heed the warning they’ve been given. We’ll dine on the beach tonight. There’s a chef visiting a local restaurant, and he’s agreed to serve us.”

  “It’s not allowed,” Aria said, feeling sorry to disappoint them. “There is no place on any of the beaches this time of the evening that will let you dine.”

  “I wish there were a way to say this without sounding obnoxiously arrogant.” Libby covered her face with her hands. “But when you are a billionaire, the rules tend to bend some.”

  Another day, with other people, Aria would have found the idea repugnant. She’d grown bitter by the entitled rich monsters parading around the resort. But James and Libby seemed different. If they wanted to dine on the beach for an ounce of privacy, then didn’t they deserve it?

  “It sounds like it’ll be lovely,” Aria said, letting them off the hook. “There is a gorgeous cove not far from here where the waves are calm and the wind is blocked by the bluffs. Do you think your chef would like that kind of spot?”

  James nodded. “He’s following us with everything he needs. I was hoping you’d have a recommendation.”

  Aria relayed the directions to the driver, and when they reached the beach everyone kicked off their sandals. “We’ll go for a walk while you set up,” James instructed the chef and his team who dutifully hopped into action.

  Libby slid under James’s arm and strolled a few feet in front of Monroe and Aria. As if it were an old habit he loved, Monroe reached for Aria’s hand and held it comfortably in his. “You picked a good spot. I know some of this is weird for you. You have strong and well-earned views about servitude and class divisions. Some people, no matter how much money they do or don’t have, are just bastards. But some are not.”

  “I know,” she conceded. “I’m surprised I’m enjoying myself. It was strange finding out you were as wealthy as you are though. I thought when you arrived you were a journalist or something. I had no idea until Libby told me you’re some brilliant business mogul.”

  “That’s a kinder title than I probably deserve. But I appreciate her endorsement. I have made sacrifices and hard choices to get where I am. I’ve gained a lot, but I’ve lost some things too.”

  Libby giggled as she overheard them. “I was just repeating what I’d heard about you. Apparently you have the Midas touch. If Monroe blesses a deal it’s certain to be successful. If he tells you to run the other way, lace up your sneakers and get out of there.”

  Monroe looked away embarrassed, which Aria found adorable. “I’ve made my share of mistakes. Good batting average, sure, but far from perfect.”

  “Speaking of which,” James cut in, “I suppose it’s as good a time as any to break the news to these lovely ladies.”

  “What news?” Libby asked, stopping her stroll and turning to face Monroe and Aria.

  Aria held her breath and readied herself for the excitement of her world changing.

  James dropped his head. “I know you were enjoying the resort. Dare I say falling in love with it? Monroe gave me the write-up today. It’s too much of a liability to get involved with this property. We’re lacing our sneakers and running in the other direction.”

  Aria felt like she’d been struck in the chest. Every free moment in her mind had wandered to the idea that Monroe and James West would swoop in and buy the resort. They’d right the wrongs. Aria’s future could be woven together with that success. Now it felt like someone had pulled the frayed end and began unraveling it at a frenzied pace.

  “No,” Libby said, stomping her foot. “I was indeed falling in love with this place. I had already started to think about what changes we’d make. Why won’t it work out?”

  James sighed as he explained. “West Oil can’t get mixed up with any PR issues, especially those involving the treatment of employees. Monroe saved us an enormous headache by digging into the issues involving hiring and employment practices here. There’s been some real dodgy stuff going on for years.”

  “So fix it,” Libby pouted. “You can turn it around quickly. Turn that PR issue into a win. You’ll be heroes.”

  Aria fought back the tears as Libby’s words gave her a bit of hope. Surely two smart people like Monroe and James could whip this place into shape.

  “Unfortunately,” Monroe interjected, “the resort can’t run in the green if we reform the staffing issues. The only way this place stays afloat is running its employees ragged and not paying them a fair wage. Change that and the profits evaporate. It’s a lose/lose.”

  “There is a silver lining,” James said, taking Libby’s hand. “Monroe has isolated some potential property on the other side of the island. We can scoop it up now and when word spreads about the impending tax code changes people will flock here. We can either build a property that rivals this resort and give people a new option when coming to the island, or we can sell the land for a significant profit. It’s brilliant really. On paper I probably would’ve come here and bought the Carle De Blu without a second thought. The things Monroe discovered wouldn’t have been detected by some finance guy in an office.”

  Aria’s mouth went dry, as though all the sand on this beach had been poured between her lips. “How do any of the people working at the resort win?” she edged out, her body rigid as she backed away from all three of them.

  “Well—” James began but Monroe stepped in abruptly.

  “Aria, you have nothing to worry about. You and I will leave here and put it behind us. And the people who gave me the information I needed, I’ll make sure they’re compensated as well. Just relax.”

  The vagueness in his statement spoke volumes. Logic told him she wouldn’t be relaxed, so he struck a preemptive blow in telling her to calm down. She reached a hand up and slapped his face, the sting lingering on her palm as she began to cry. “I’m an employee here,” she said, answering the question Libby didn’t have a chance to ask. “I’m one of these people they pay pennies and work nearly to death. No sick time. Lies and red tape. Despicable contracts that make us prisoners here. I’d resigned myself to it, and then I met Monroe. The man who was so interested in what was really going on here.”

  “I was,” Monroe said, his hand resting on his cheek, his eyes filled with shock.

  “As a means to your own ends,” she chastised. “You acted like you cared a
bout the people here. About me.” She twisted her hands in her hair and held her head tightly, trying to make sense of it. She played back every word spoken between the two of them. “This was all about money? About a deal you were going to make?”

  “I told you that’s what I do,” Monroe challenged. “I also told you I’d take you from here. I do care about you. I would never let you languish here. You won’t work one more day on that resort. I’ll see to that.”

  “You idiot,” Libby said, her eyes narrowed and her lips pursed. “You’re missing the point entirely.”

  And just like that, Aria was no longer stranded on an isolated island. Libby’s words had restored the slightest bit of air to her lungs. “I’m going back. Back to my job. Back to the life I had before we met. If you care for me at all, if any of that was real, then do me the kindness of leaving me alone. Let me be.”

  “You’re being foolish,” Monroe said with a rapid nervous breath. “I never said I was buying the resort. I never said I could fix everything. I committed to helping you and the people who were willing to share information with me. I’m not some hero. I can’t fix everything going on here.”

  “You can’t,” Aria agreed. “It was reckless of me to expect you to. Don’t think you have to walk around feeling bad. You can leave with a clear conscience. As long as you leave.” She spun away from him and began to quickly walk toward the wooden steps that led to the road.

  “Let her go,” Libby commanded, and Aria felt a wave of relief crash over her. It wasn’t easy walking away from Monroe. If he begged her, if he pleaded, she might give in. And the only thing worse than the hurt she felt now was the hurt she could expect in her future if she didn’t walk away.

  Chapter 25

  Aria’s hands were burning. The bleach was settling into her skin, but she didn’t bother putting gloves on. Some child had taken box of crayons in the tub and scribbled on every available surface of the white porcelain. Not something a reasonable person would allow in their own home. But here, where someone else was paid to clean it, there was no reason not to.