Spartan Heart, Part Two

by Kristine Cheney

  “Thank you, Evan. That means a lot to me. Ease your mind. You won’t be rid of me so easily.”

  * * * *

  Evangeline fought to escape the hazed realm of sleep. She heard the sharp echoes of masculine voices. Their timbers vibrated with anger. Jolting into consciousness, she sucked in a deep breath and woke. Night after night, she was roused by the same call. Dorien and Philip were engaged in another round of deep, heated conversation. The intensity of their tones always woke her.

  “We must do something, Dorien! If you and I are alive then it is safe to assume the witch has done the same to Celeas, Thessalus, Paraebates, and Euryleon.”

  “Granted, Philip. But we do not know for sure. Even if we knew their fate, we have no idea where they are.”

  Evangeline heard the repetitive thumps of footsteps pacing across the floor. She guessed it was Philip.

  “We both were excavated at the site of the battlefield. If we could somehow get to, oh, what in Hades is Minoa called now? Sicily! Then I am willing to wager they are buried there as well. Cursed in their frozen prisons! The thought of it makes me want to go mad!”

  “Aye, Philip. I agree something must be done. But we must be careful. I will not risk Evan’s safety. Unlike us, she is mortal. We will not place her fragile life in danger.”

  “You have my word that every precaution for Evan will be upheld. I will protect my sister with my own life. As much as I want to search for the others, I would never place our girl in danger.”

  “Thank you, Philip. Your loyalty is priceless.”

  “Excuse me, boys! But you will not find your Euryleon with the others, if they are buried in Sicily as you say.”

  Dorien and Philip’s heads snapped towards the hallway in unison. They chuckled and helped Evangeline into a scarlet, overstuffed chair.

  “What are you saying, Evan?” Dorien prodded.

  “History tells us that Euryleon survived your battle and became ruler of Heraclea Minoa before he took the colony of Selinus. He removed Peithagoras from his dreadful reign. Ironically, Euryleon became a tyrant himself and was eventually murdered by his disgruntled people.”

  Dorien and Philip exchanged uneasy glances. Dorien’s head shook in disappointment. “So, Euryleon survived and became a madman!”

  Philip’s expression failed to show surprise. “So we are down to Thessalus, Paraebates, and Celeas. If only we could make an effort to find them.”

  “Aye, Philip. But how do we do this without exposing Evangeline to danger? Demona’s wrath will pour on her fair head if she finds out about this. Times have changed. We can no longer travel at will. Rules require the need for identification and passports. By today’s standards, we do not exist. There are no documents to prove who we are. Thanks to Tommy, we have bank accounts.”

  Philip nodded in contemplation. “There must be a way we can travel to Sicily and search for our men.”

  Evangeline watched in awe as Dorien and Philip discussed their strategy. She couldn’t help but marvel at their wisdom. It was obvious they were a firestorm to come up against in battle. Her cheeks burned. Knowing smiles and gazes acknowledged her.

  Philip turned to her in excitement. It was obvious he hadn’t pulled out of her thoughts entirely. “You know how to get us there, Evangeline!”

  “No fair! You read my mind!”

  Dorien chuckled. “I told you she is brilliant!”

  “Everyone knows my heritage runs deep. My family ties and prominence allow for the unlimited access and permits needed to perform archaeological studies and excavations across many countries, including Greece and Italy. It was this access that allowed my great-grandfather to excavate and find you, Dorien. Italy has been gracious to allow us to keep anything considered a Greek relic. Because of this, we were allowed to take your statue to England. We still have an open permit and full access to the battlefield location where you were found.”

  “Do you think your permits will allow us to return and find our fellow brothers?”

  “Yes, Philip. As museum employees, we can obtain travel visas, but we’ll charter a private flight, so we won’t really need them. We can come and go under the umbrella of the museum. We have sophisticated equipment to search underground for the statues you seek. If they are there, the use of sonography will locate them.”

  Confusion riddled Philip’s sculpted face. “Sonography?”

  “I’m sorry, Philip. Sonography gives us the ability to take pictures through the soil. It allows us to see what is lying beneath the ground without having to dig.”

  Dorien nodded. “Like the pictures Eliza took of the twins?

  “Yes, Dorien. You have the right idea.”

  Evangeline didn’t miss the flashes of anger in Philip’s expression. She remembered Dorien’s words. Immortal memories were vivid and painful. “Philip, until now, I had no idea you were found at the same site as Dorien.”

  “All I feel is anger. When I think of what happened to us, it is almost too much to fathom.”

  “Demona’s actions were selfish and cruel. I’m so sorry you and Dorien had to endure that kind of torture.”

  “Thank you, sister. Your words are like a balm to my troubled soul. Dorien is a lucky man. I would love to have a beautiful distraction from the memories of Demona’s treachery.”

  Evangeline placed her hand on Philip’s muscled arm. “You’re not alone, Philip. Please remember you have us. We are your family.”

  In a blurred rush, Philip left the room.

  “Dorien?”

  “It’s okay, love. We must be patient with him. Philip knows the truth of your words. We are his family now.” Dorien kissed her with a slow, tortured tenderness. “He reveres you as a sister. He will not wander far from us. You shall see.”

  “There’s a little, tiny detail I didn’t tell you about the expedition.”

  His raven brows furrowed. “And what is that?”

  “Let’s just say there’s one condition I have no control over.”

  “Okay, Evan. What is….oh, no! This trip is way too dangerous! You are not traveling to Italy in your delicate condition!”

  Evangeline’s tiny foot stomped against the tile. “And why not?”

  “Because I forbid it!”

  “That’s not fair and you know it! I’m quite healthy! The twins are not due for another twenty weeks!”

  “Over my dead body, woman!”

  “Oh good! That means I get to go then!”

  Dorien raised a single black eyebrow.

  Evangeline winced. “Well, you are clinically dead, Dorien. Don’t look so surprised.”

  His right eyebrow now matched his left.

  “Okay, that was tacky! But still, you don’t understand. As the acting archaeologist, I have to go. There is no other way.”

  “And what if something were to happen to you or the babes?”

  Philip re-appeared in the doorway. A sly smirk was plastered all over his handsome face. “Take it easy, brother. Let us think about this for a moment. Evan doesn’t make the rules, she has to follow them. Do you honestly think anything will happen to her or the babes with two immortals protecting her?”

  Evangeline watched Dorien’s temples throb in anger.

  Philip ignored it. “If we are successful in our quest, she will have five immortals at her beck and call.”

  “What if we can’t wake the others before we come back? Worse yet, what if we fail to find them?”

  “Dorien, if they are there, we will find them! As I said, with the two of us to protect her…”

  “Ahem!” Tommy interrupted. His chest was puffed out like the feathers of a flustered turkey. “You mean the three of us!”

  Philip grinned. “Pardon me. With the three of us to protect her, Evangeline will be fine.”

  Dorien’s stone expression promised he wasn’t impressed. Evangeline was well aware she would have to compromise. “Okay, Dorien. I’ll make a deal with you.”

  Dorien’s gaze softened. His eyes twinkled
with amusement. With one step he captured her in his arms. Evangeline didn’t bother to wriggle in his grasp. There was no place else she ever wanted to be. “And what is your deal, my love?”

  “If you let me go to Italy, I’ll take Taryn and Eliza with us. If anything happens, I’ll have two doctors with me.”

  Philip snorted. “She is crafty, Dorien. And she thinks we are always a step ahead of her? She has us pegged this time!”

  Dorien’s chuckle was hearty. “Okay, Evan. If Taryn and Eliza come with us to Italy, I will feel a lot better about the whole thing. We would have to tell them the trip is for archaeological purposes and for a mini vacation. I have an idea to get them to come with us.”

  Evangeline rolled her eyes. Perhaps she had spoken too soon? Worry now plagued her. It seemed like an unrealistic idea. How was Dorien going to convince them to come? Taryn and Eliza were both doctors. Surely they couldn’t leave their busy schedules at the drop of a hat? But maybe they could. She jumped to feel his cool fingertips lift her chin. She stared into Dorien’s sculpted angel face.

  “Please understand, woman. If any trouble were to befall you or my children, I would never forgive myself.”

  Evangeline stood on her tiptoes. Her fingers latched around Dorien’s thick, muscled neck. “With you and Philip, I’m safer than I’ve ever been. Plus, the girls will keep me out of trouble. I want to share this experience with you, Dorien. Please don’t exclude me from such an important part of your life. Whatever is important to you is important to me.”

  The greenest eyes pierced her soul. The heat of his stare made her heart ignite. She whispered his name. In an instant, he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bedroom. The door creaked closed behind them.

  Dorien lowered her on the edge of the bed. Kneeling down before her, he removed her slippers and robe and lifted her nightgown. Evangeline raised her arms in obedience. The soft, pink gown brushed her skin as he lifted it over her head. She sat in her glory before him. Her body begged for the coolness of his touch. She moaned the moment his cold hands made contact with her warm skin. He kissed her bare shoulder and snuggled close behind her. His fingertips caressed her belly.

  “Every day my babes grow stronger inside of you.”

  Evangeline reveled in her comfort. “Uh-huh.”

  “If we are to leave for Italy, we should get home as soon as possible to prepare for the trip.”

  “You’re right, Dorien. When should we leave?”

  “I know we have only arrived in Blackpool Sands, but you and Tommy are the only mortals. Philip and I do not require rest. I would like to return home tomorrow. You can sleep on the way home and make the museum arrangements when we get back. How much time do you need to secure our travel documents and the equipment?”

  “We have open access. All I need is to make you and the boys employees of the museum, create your identification cards, and print out the archaeological plan, naming all agents involved. I would then make a call to the Italian Consulate to let them know we’ll be resuming our museum’s team expedition at the battleground site. They won’t question our motives. As far as the equipment goes, Ella can have it delivered to the site tomorrow. I’ve been trained to use the machines, so we don’t need to involve anyone else to operate them. I can teach you and Philip. All we need is a chartered plane and a pilot.”

  His voice tickled her earlobe. “What about sleeping arrangements?”

  She couldn’t suppress the urge to shiver. “I can have tents and cots delivered, as well.”

  “Not what I had in mind. I want you comfortable. Sicily must be more civilized since the last time I was there. Order the tents and cots. You can use them during the day. But I want you women indoors at night.”

  Evangeline’s heart swelled at his thoughtfulness. The intensity of his voice promised he wouldn’t accept no for an answer. “Fine. We’ll stay at a hotel and drive to the site. I can live with that.”

  He cradled her in his arms and slowly rolled her towards him. Dorien kissed her lips. The passionate feel of his slow, cold press made her moan in pleasure. Evangeline suddenly thought of her dilemma and fought the prick of anxiety. Her fingers played with an invisible string on his broad, muscled chest. “But how do I get Taryn and Eliza to come with us on such short notice?”

  “You leave them to me, my love. They will come.”

  “But how will you convince them? What if they won’t?”

  Dorien silenced her with another quick, demanding kiss. “Will you please trust me, woman?”

  She swore his eyes sparkled like a fiery constellation of stars. “Okay. I’ll trust you.”

  “That’s my good girl. Please get some rest. I shall inform the others of the plan and will make the calls to Taryn and Eliza.” Dorien tucked the covers around her body and rose from the bed. She felt a coolness linger where his chin had rested against her forehead. The springs of the mattress groaned in resistance to the loss of his weight. His bare feet shuffled towards the bedroom door.

  Evangeline was consumed with exhaustion. It felt impossible to lift her head from the dimple of her pillow. So she did the next best thing; her thoughts promised Dorien she loved him with all of her heart. She heard the pause of his steps and was surprised she had the energy to smile at his knowing chuckle. Her imagination conjured the image of his eyes glowing brighter than the sun. The power of his voice enveloped her. This was the sound she coveted more than any other.

  “And I love you, Evangeline.”

  * * * *

  He approached Philip on the beach. His old friend nodded once in greeting. “So we leave tomorrow then?”

  Dorien lifted his nose into the air. The swooshed rush of crisp ocean breeze felt so pleasurable against his face. “You know the plan?”

  Philip’s grin was brimming with mischief. “Aye! An excellent plan. I couldn’t agree with you more.”

  Dorien analyzed his friend’s cast. He was quick to be defensive. “I think a hotel is the best choice for the women.”

  “I’m not referring to the hotel, brother, but rather your idea to entice Evan’s friends to join us. Your ability of making females do your every bidding rivals your skills on the battlefield.”

  Dorien roared in laughter.

  Philip joined him. “Does Evan know of your plans?”

  “Nay! And I would like to keep it that way. I want to surprise her. My impatience has reduced me to take desperate measures.”

  “Surprise her, you will. It is fitting. I think Evangeline deserves it. But I had no idea you were such a romantic!” Philip gave Dorien a rough jab in his ribs.

  Dorien smirked and stood unmoved. “I am surprised at what a man will do for love.”

  “Aye. I agree with you. Don’t you have a few phone calls to make?”

  “That I do. Aren’t you going to wish me luck?”

  “Luck? Nay. You won’t need it. By the time we get back to the house, Evan’s friends will be ready with their bags packed and waiting.”

  Chapter Seven

  The drive back to London was intentionally quiet. Dorien and Philip kept all conversations telepathic. Evangeline and Tommy needed their rest in preparation for Italy. Philip had been right; it took no effort for Taryn and Eliza to agree to join the trip. Evangeline’s beautiful face had been filled with elation to learn the women would be accompanying them. In her giddiness, Evangeline had completely missed Dorien and Philip’s exchange of knowing grins. They knew the reason for the ladies’ inability to refuse. Dorien parked the Suburban in front of the Montgomery estate.

  Evangeline’s seatbelt skidded noisily off of her lap the moment she clicked the release button. “We’re home!”

  Dorien dashed around the vehicle and helped her to her feet.

  “Thank you!” The warm, loving touch of her hand cupped his cheek. Dorien stood frozen, completely mesmerized by the copper firestorm in her eyes. He placed a tender kiss deep into the delicate flesh of her open palm. His gaze never left her as she passed him. I
t was pleasure to watch the woman he loved waddle into the house.

  Philip caught his stare and followed it all the way to Evangeline. His brother smirked as if he was Hades himself. His ice blue gaze brimmed with mayhem. “Cute as a baby duck, isn’t she, brother?”

  Dorien couldn’t suppress his grin. “I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that.”

  Tommy pursed his lips. “I’m telling Evangeline about this!”

  Philip’s brows came together. “If you value that freckled red head on your shoulders, I would keep this to yourself, boy.”

  Dorien laughed along with Philip. But Tommy wasn’t happy. The lad glared daggers at them both. “You know, I am not afraid of you guys!”

  Philip stopped laughing. “It isn’t us you have to worry about, Tommy. I’m afraid the term “shooting the messenger” would be my biggest concern. After all, it doesn’t hurt Evangeline to slap your mortal flesh!”

  Tommy pondered Philip’s words. He laughed as if he were nervous. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

  “If you’re brave enough to tell her, we aren’t stopping you!” Dorien goaded.

  Tommy’s arms lifted in submission. “That’s all right. No harm, no foul.”

  Everyone joined in another wave of laughter. Evangeline appeared in the doorway. “What in the heck is so funny?”

  Their moment of mischief was over in an instant.

  Tommy cleared his throat. “We’re just…unloading the truck!”