Dark Illusions: The Beginning

by Ariana Browning

  “Sean. Why?”

  “Just curious. So what was the big message, Seanie Sean?” Kat took a deep breath of the honeysuckle, no longer feeling so afraid of them because of Cameron’s conversation with her. She began to wonder what it would be like to have the men work for her and admittedly, she got the impression they liked her as much as Cameron said they did, which made her relax further.

  Sean looked toward the other men and back to Kat. “He wants to see you.”

  Kat’s eyebrow’s rose, “Why?”

  Sean stared at her a moment, “You’re doing this just to piss me off, aren’t you?”

  “Possibly.” She smiled.

  “You know I have better things to do than be a fucking courier service.”

  “Oh, I’m sure you do.” Kat feigned shock. “Like kidnapping women.”

  His jaw clenched, yes he was the leader of the group who’d kidnapped her, so why wasn’t she afraid of him? “The sooner I get your answer, the sooner I can go.”

  “Maybe I like having you around. Ever think about that?”

  “Cameron said he wanted to see you. He made reservations for Friday night at 8 pm. The place is La Amour La Vie. Does that work for you?”

  “What happens if I say no? Will you have to go back and get a different time, then come and ask me again so we can do this all over again?” Kat teased.

  Sean glared at her without humor. “No. I tell him you said no, he comes knocking on your door.”

  “Geez. I’m just playing. No fun in your life. Don’t like fun? Ever play with toys? Mom didn’t love you enough?” Kat giggled. Max looked over at Sean and grinned, but hid it from him.

  “Kat,” Sean snarled.

  “That’s fiiine. I suppose maybe possibly I will show. No promises.”

  Sean grabbed Max and shoved him down the hall. “Let’s go.” He growled. Not quick enough for Kat to catch Max wink at her, which warmed her.

  Kat watched them go, bummed they were leaving. She enjoyed their company, and more so, she loved annoying Sean. It might be a fun little game to keep up. He didn’t hate it as much as he let on or he’d have tried to scare her into shutting up.

  Elated, she walked back into her condo and placed the flowers on her kitchen table where she could fully appreciate them.

  Twenty Nine

  Kat looked at Cameron, wondering why she’d come. Friday night found them both together at La Amour La Vie. For a Friday night, she was surprised there weren’t many people around. When she’d arrived, she’d expected to find it packed. The restaurant had a romantic atmosphere that she imagined made it a popular destination, but the room was almost deserted.

  She kept wondering throughout the night, what she was doing in this restaurant with this man. And yet—she would never admit it to him—she found herself attracted to him. The attraction wasn’t the same as it was with Julian, but still, there was an intense pull toward him and an even larger connection that she couldn’t put her hand on.

  The restaurant was beautiful. Decorated and furnished out of an old French painting, romantic and sensual. Soft instrumentals played throughout to match the mood. Kat found it interesting that Cameron would choose a place like this. He proved he had a romantic nature to him. Certainly not the brute—as he’d pointed out—like Vincent, he had a bit more class.

  Cameron ordered a plate of Chicken Alfredo for each of them. A basket of rolls were placed on the table between them, as well as breadsticks and a small plate of shell shaped butter.

  Cameron leaned across the table. “I’ll admit, I’m surprised to see you here. I thought, for sure, I would have a fight on my hands trying to get you to come to dinner with me.”

  Kat refocused her attention on him. “I thought, why not?” She pointed at him and smiled. “You can amuse me for a couple hours if nothing else.”

  Cameron laughed. “You’re not going to make this easy are you?”

  Kat smiled. “Not in my nature.”

  “I’m learning that. So why did you come?”

  “Told you already. I don’t repeat.”

  “Kat,” Cameron warned.

  She smirked. “I thought about standing you up earlier this evening, but I felt guilty.”

  “Thank you.”

  Confusion crossed Kat’s face. “For what?”

  “Admitting what I already know. That I already have you.”

  Appalled, Kat glared at him, “What? No, no, no, noo. You don’t have me. Not now—not ever. Don’t make me hate you again.”

  “You’re giving yourself away, Kat. Who are you trying to convince? Me? Yourself? Why is it so hard for you to admit your attraction?”

  Cameron’s arrogance was aggravating, but a part of her was fascinated as well. She wished she could figure out why she was so attracted to him. Was it the Raaka in him she was fascinated with? Could she really be a Raaka in her soul? Maybe all the stuff Cameron said was true and perhaps, maybe that’s why whenever he was around, she felt like ripping his clothes off, which annoyed her.

  Truthfully, as much as she described Vincent as being a brute and she hated him, he wasn’t just about the Raaka. The Raaka were thugs pure and simple, but they were also intelligent. They were about action, not sitting around waiting for things to happen. They made them happen.

  Kat realized she was—from Cameron’s point of view—staring at him. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. “It would only be hard were it the truth.” She ate more of her pasta and grabbed a roll to pick apart.

  Cameron raised an eyebrow, “I have to wonder—since you hated Vincent more—does that mean you stared at him more?”

  Kat rolled her eyes. “I was thinking about you . . . I mean . . . I—I wasn’t thinking about you as in you. I was thinking about the Raaka.” Cameron’s grin grew wider the more she talked, “Argh. Never mind.” Frustrated, he made her flustered. Kat stopped talking, took a sip of the water in front of her, and threw a piece of roll at him.

  “You’re cute when you’re frustrated. It’s interesting you’re not attracted to me, in the least. Do you usually go out of your way to look so incredibly stunning for people you aren’t attracted to. In the least?” he mocked, taking in her outfit, hair, then mouth, smiling while he did.

  Kat watched his gaze roam from her face, down to the open buttons on her shirt—knowing without a doubt that he could see the black lace bra she wore underneath. She wondered what it would be like if he touched her again. Would she react the same way she did at Inferno? After he took in her hair—styled off her face—his gaze moved back to her mouth.

  If she had to admit it, yes, she did dress up knowing Cameron would be the only one looking at her tonight. She’d gone through a few different hairstyles and outfits, trying to find the most gorgeous look she could to tease him with.

  Would she be admitting that to him? No. Not in the least.

  Kat shook her head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  Cameron smiled at her. “Shall I point it out again? You look absolutely beautiful tonight.”

  Kat smiled. “I already know that, but thank you.”

  He nodded. “That’s better. We both know you are attracted to me, Kat. You don’t want to admit it, that’s fine. Am I to assume that my words the other night interested you? Or maybe something else?”

  “Or something else. Since they meant nothing to me, and neither did you.”

  “You keep this up and I’ll choose to leave. You need to show me more respect than that. I won’t listen to this all night, you know that. Do you want that? Something tells me you don’t.” Cameron sat back, pushing his plate, half finished, away.

  Kat followed his lead, pushing her half-finished plate of food away as well. “What is stopping you?”

  Cameron stood before Kat could think twice about what she said. He walked around the table, and instead of leaving, he moved behind her.

  Kat glanced around at the few people in the restaurant. A couple sat together at the opposite side of t
he place and two men sat to her right, who she had a strong feeling were Raaka. Nobody was paying any attention to them in any way.

  Cameron bent down behind her and leaned to the side of her face, right next to her ear. He placed his hands on the back of her chair, causing Kat to stiffen. She could smell his musky cologne as he bent down, intoxicating her.

  “We both know you don’t want me to leave. So tell me to stay,” he whispered in her ear.

  The warm breath on her ear trembled down her spine. Her heart raced and she knew Cameron could sense it. She hated that she could give him the satisfaction.

  “If I wanted you to stay I believe I would’ve asked you. I haven’t. Take the hint.”

  One of Cameron’s hands left the back edge of the chair and touched her shoulder. Kat sucked in a breath and pleasure coursed through her. He moved his hand across her shoulder to her collarbone and grazed the lines of her neck with the back.

  Kat leaned her head away, giving him more access to her neck and placing her face closer to his in the process. Pleasure built within her as his hand traced down her neck to the opening in her shirt causing her breath to quicken. Her body warmed and she considered moving his hand further down.

  Whispering in her ear now that it was closer to his mouth, Cameron asked, “What hint am I to take? The one that says leave? Or maybe the one that is telling me to continue what I’m doing? Why so afraid of giving in, Kat?”

  Kat turned toward his face. “I don’t deny that what you are doing, I am enjoying. You can sense it, but you still do not have me and never will. So stop when you wish.”

  Cameron stood up when Kat smiled at him, daring him. “You are a pain in the ass. Pure Raaka.” Kat went to object, but he grabbed her by the chin and forced her face up so he could bend down and kiss her before she did.

  Kat wanted to object, but the desire that ripped through her body was unimaginable. She didn’t expect to enjoy his kiss so much.

  Pleasure swamped her when he pulled away, then deepened the kiss, causing her resistance to dissolve. She whimpered against his mouth.

  Cameron pulled away, “Still want me to go?”

  Kat sucked on her bottom lip, tasting him on her mouth and gazed into his eyes a moment before saying, “Absolutely.”

  Cameron’s hand seized her chin, forcing her to look up at him. “No matter how much you give to any man. Nobody will ever own you. Will they?”

  Kat only smiled, causing him to shake his head in frustration.

  “I may never have total control over you, but you are mine. Believe that.”

  Kat narrowed her eyes. “Nothing to believe since none of that is true.”

  “You don’t think so?” His grip tightened on her chin, eliciting a gasp from her. “So tell me why don’t you stop me from kissing you?”

  “I told you earlier, I came here so you could entertain me for a while.”

  Cameron grinned. “Because you enjoy me kissing you. That is why you won’t stop me.” Before she could say another word, his mouth was on hers again. With one hand remaining on her chin, the other wrapped around her waist, causing her body to boil with the hunger and need she knew he wanted.

  Kat wrapped her hand around the back of his neck, tangling her fingers in his hair as he devoured her. When he pulled away, she bit down on her lip to keep from begging him not to. Cameron looked down into her eyes, his own sparkling in triumph. Kat wanted to retort, but she knew better. Am I submitting to him?

  Cameron brought his hand up, tracing his fingertips across her lips. “You’re way too delicious. If I wouldn’t ruin everything, I’d let the Raaka part of me out and force you to my bed.”

  A brief flash of fear pierced Kat, but when she looked into his eyes, she remembered him telling her she’d never have to worry about him. When she looked into that gaze, she knew she mirrored the way he felt. The hunger, the need, the pure want.

  What am I doing? What is happening?

  “Well I guess for my sake, it’s good that you’re not anything like Vincent. As you, yourself, keep reminding me.”

  “We both know what you want, Kat. It’s the same thing I want, most of all right this second.” He released her chin and stood up. “That is why I’m leaving. When I get around you I forget about the promise I made you. I want you. I won’t deny it.” He paused and stroked her cheek, “I will have you. We both know I own you. You are mine Kat. You are Raaka. Whether you’ve been Awakened or not. It’s in you. That is why there is such a strong bond between us. You felt it the moment you met me. You felt that pull when you were around Vincent. You just won’t admit it. You were born to be a Raaka queen. Every man in the clan wants to make you his, but I am the leader. I get you. There is nobody strong enough within our clan to take me on. I will have you. Soon.”

  With that, he turned and walked out of the restaurant before Kat had a chance to stop him and give any objection.

  Kat watched him leave, and the two men she assumed were Raaka, followed him out. Before they left, they turned toward her and grinned. She didn’t expect the feeling of belonging to hit her with the gesture, but it did. It seemed like there was already a hidden secret between them, of her becoming Raaka, which scared and excited her at the same time.

  Thirty

  Kat sat in her regular booth at Inferno, remembering the kiss Cameron and she had shared the night she went to dinner with him. The book she brought with her to read didn’t keep her concentration like normal, and she wasn’t sure why’d she’d come. She could only stare at the pages, not having seen a word on the current page for five minutes.

  Kat’s mind wandered and her attention roamed the floor, taking in the five Raaka members—including Sean—at a table far away from where she sat in a quiet corner. They could see her, and did. They’d watched her off and on throughout the entire night and she wondered whether they did it on their own, or if Cameron told them to. She no longer hated them as much. In fact, when their eyes met across the floor, a slight smile caressed her lips, which lifted their moods. They didn’t show it outright, but she could sense it, and it pleased her to make them so happy.

  Her gaze drifted around the club, knowing someone was around, and in back right now more than likely, but she didn’t care. As much as she wanted Julian, and she tried to keep her distance, she felt safe in the club. She wasn’t going to avoid everywhere he might be to dodge him, when the club was a place that made her happy. She almost felt like going to talk to the Raaka men, but she debated whether she should or not.

  Cage was at the club. He was chatting with some cute little red-headed girl and they were arguing. The girl glanced toward the back of the club with a look of anxiety and Kat’s heart skipped a beat when Julian walked out. He walked over to the couple and spoke to the girl. Cage tried grabbing the girl’s arm, but she avoided it and ran out of the club, past Kat.

  Kat watched her as Julian called after her, “Ellisa!”

  Ellisa glanced at Kat on her way past, but didn’t say a word. She looked upset. Kat looked back at her book and tried to go back to reading, but after a few moments, the urge to look up struck her.

  When she did, she looked directly into Julian’s gaze.

  Julian must’ve seen her sitting there when Ellisa ran out of the club, unless he’d been watching her all evening. He stood where Cage and Ellisa left him, watching her. After what seemed like forever, Kat ripped her attention off him, almost painfully, and went back to her book. She wanted him to think it meant nothing to her. She clenched her jaw and fought back the tears.

  The only thing they could say to each other was how they shouldn’t be together and that killed her. She didn’t want to hear it. She didn’t want to hear the sorrow in his voice, despite her enjoying the sound of his voice at all other times. She wanted to talk to him, wanted his touch. But she knew she couldn’t have it. She risked another glance, but Julian had left. Her heart fell and she pushed it away. She promised herself earlier in the evening she would not leave if she saw him.
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  Kat took a deep breath. A shadow passed over her table. She looked up to see Max passing by—the one who’d winked at her as they left last week. She smiled at the memory and tried not to watch him join the other Raaka as he sat down, facing her, but didn’t win the battle. Despite them having taken her from her home, she did find them attractive and alluring. By their demeanor, it was clear that they were quite the playboys. She grinned, thinking, my boys.

  Kat shook her head, looking away, but when she glanced back, Max grinned at her. Can you people read my damn mind? Max winked at her, and she smiled and shook her head in frustration. I’m not joining your clan so you can forget it. Just because you brats are attractive doesn’t mean I’d like to be like you. You’re annoying me. She rolled her eyes and went back to reading . . . or trying to.

  “Dance with me.” A deep voice spoke from a few tables away.

  Kat turned to see Sean staring at her. “What?”

  Sean smiled. “You heard me.” The other Raaka members were watching and grinning.

  “No. Bug. Off.” She shoved her face in her book, raising it higher to block their existence from view.

  “I didn’t realize you didn’t know how to dance. Would you rather wait for a slow song?” He leaned forward, daring her.

  “Can’t you see I’m reading?” She waved her book. “I dance just fine. As stated, leave. me. alone.” She shook her head, trying not to look at his handsome face so she wouldn’t smile.

  “A shame. I wanted to dance with the most beautiful woman here tonight. Your loss. Don’t like fun I take it?” he teased, which only served to increase his charm and the cute look on his face. Yes, sure, mock her and what she’d said to him that night when they brought the flowers to her door.