Dorien, Philip, and Tommy hid their grins and filled their arms with suitcases. Evangeline eyed them all with suspicion before shrugging her shoulders and returning back to the other half of her waiting sandwich in the kitchen.
* * * *
Evangeline entered the last museum inquiry from her home computer. She smiled when her inbox filled with e-mail confirmations. All pieces of equipment were on its way to Sicily. Security was hired and the Italian Consulate was notified of the intent to resume excavation at the site of the Minoan battlefield. The employment documentation for their museum visas was now complete. Ella would soon deliver the documents to the house. Taryn made all the arrangements for the private plane and pilot. Everything was on schedule to leave in the morning.
Evangeline relaxed against a plush, over-stuffed stack of pillows on the sectional. Dorien and Philip taught Tommy various battle tactics on the living room floor. She smiled as the men wrestled and showed off their warrior skills. Evangeline couldn’t keep her gaze off the delicious sight of large, flexed arm and thigh muscles. Wanton thoughts consumed her mind. She imagined the fun of wrestling Dorien in the nude. Her daydream earned the immediate jerk of Dorien’s head. Evangeline gasped in sudden realization. Her mental scenario had distracted Dorien from his train of thought. She squealed as Philip’s solid swing delivered a snapping blow to Dorien’s sculpted face.
Dorien flew back in the concussion and somehow managed to land on his feet. Besides the testing of his jaw, he seemed otherwise unfazed. His knowing stare blazed bright. It seemed to promise he would accommodate her later.
Musical chimes from the doorbell filled the manse with a haunting, echoed song. Three masculine heads jerked towards the door in unison. Evangeline howled in laughter. She was reminded of a family of meerkats.
Tommy was the first to jump up off the floor. “I’ll get it!”
Evangeline smiled to hear Ella’s voice approaching from the hollows of the foyer. She was lovely in her black and purple flowered skirt. A huge box teetered unsteady in her hands. The tapping of her tiny, lavender high-heeled shoe warned she was growing impatient. Evangeline and the others chuckled when Tommy finally snapped to his senses.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. Can I help you?” Tommy probably would have noticed a little sooner if he wasn’t staring so hard.
Ella allowed him to take the box from her delicate hands. “Thank you. You’re so kind.”
Tommy allowed Ella to pass him into the living room. He followed close behind on her heels. Evangeline swore the boy’s lowered lids and dreamy smile made him look like a love-sick puppy.
Ella bit her bottom lip in response to all of Tommy’s extra attention. It was obvious she was nervous. A blush of innocence crept into the rounded apples of her cheeks. Ella smoothed her skirt, but it wasn’t necessary. The fabric was starched to perfection.
Her long, rich brown hair was a deep cocoa, just like the color of her eyes. It was pinned high into a rolled loose bun. Her bangs gently kissed the arch of her sable brows. From Evangeline’s corner view, it seemed Tommy was blocking Ella’s ability to see into the living room.
Ella’s English accent rolled of her tongue with ease. The softness of her voice drifted through the air like a light, pretty song. “I do hope so. I’m Ella Gordon and am here to see Evan. Is she here?” Her big brown eyes seemed to twinkle through the stylish square lenses of her black designer glasses. She leaned and peeked around his body.
Tommy’s voice sounded strained “You’re Ella?”
Ella giggled. “Yes. I’m her assistant.” It only took a moment for Ella to make eye contact with Evangeline and make a bee-line towards her. “My goodness! Your belly has grown so much since I last saw you!”
Evangeline couldn’t help but grumble. “I know! I’m as big as a house!”
“Oh, stop it! Can I feel your tummy? I just love babies!”
“Sure you can!” Evangeline lifted her blouse and smiled. Ella cupped her hands on Evangeline’s bare bulge. The babies stretched and kicked, as if on cue.
Ella’s face lit up in wonder. “It’s almost like they know I’m here!”
Evangeline threw Dorien a knowing look. Tommy’s chuckle promised he was privy to her and Dorien’s private joke. The babies were well aware they had a visitor.
“Oh, Evan. I can’t wait until they’re born so I can hold them. You’ve got to promise you’ll let me babysit!” Ella turned towards the masculine chuckles that drifted from behind her.
“I’m sorry, Ella. Please let me introduce you to my family. This is my fiancé Dorien.”
“Oh, yes! The brave, half-naked Spartan from the Ball, right?”
Dorien chuckled heartily and offered his hand. “Hello, Ella. The one and only! I’m very pleased to meet you.”
Ella accepted Dorien’s hand and shook it with hearty enthusiasm. Evangeline was impressed. Her assistant didn’t recoil at all. She seemed completely unfazed by the feel of Dorien’s cold skin. “Ella, this is Dorien’s brother, Philip.”
“Hello, Philip.” Ella waved.
“Miss Ella.” Philip nodded.
“And this is Dorien’s assistant, Tommy.
Tommy offered Ella his hand. Ella smiled and blushed as she accepted it. “I know we met at the door, Miss Ella, but I’m still very glad to meet you.”
Evangeline snickered. She knew Tommy heard Philip and Dorien’s simultaneous chuckle. The boy was having a hard time releasing the poor girl’s hand. Ella beat him to it.
“I brought everything you asked for, Evan. The photos you emailed me worked just fine. Everyone’s identification cards look great. I also have your travel documentation, as well as your approval from the Italian Consulate. They are pleased to have your family back in Italy for archaeological purposes. It seems your great-grandfather’s find of a Greek statue back in 1918 did wonders for their commerce and reputation. They send their best regards for another successful excavation.”
Dorien and Philip grinned in unison. Evangeline assumed they were sparring telepathically about Dorien being the statue in question. She glared at them both. The act made her feel like a mother scolding her naughty boys. But it was difficult trying to ignore the innocent smirks embedded all over their perfect, chiseled faces. She forced her focus back on Ella. “Why thank you, Ella! Excellent work!”
Evangeline didn’t miss her assistant’s stolen a glance at Tommy. “Thanks, Evan. How long will you be away?”
Tommy caught Ella’s wandering eyes. Ella blushed and quickly looked away. The grinning was becoming as contagious as a plague. Evangeline was well aware of the one now plastered all over her own face. “We expect to be gone two weeks.”
“That’s a pretty short stay for an excavation.”
Evangeline patted her huge belly. “Very true! But we know which artifacts we’re looking for. I’m afraid with twins I don’t have a lot of time left for travel.”
Ella nodded. “Just promise you and the babies will stay safe.”
Dorien stepped forward. His jewel green eyes glowed in challenge. “Don’t worry. We will make sure Evan and the children stay safe.”
Ella’s eyelashes fluttered at Tommy. “I hope you all have a fun trip.”
Tommy almost tripped over his feet to reach Ella’s side. “I’ll walk you out.”
“Thank you.”
“Um, Ella?”
“Yes, Tommy?”
“When I come back from Italy, would it be okay if I call and take you out on a date?”
Her chocolate brown eyes sparkled like the foils from a bowl of Hershey Kisses. “Sure you can. I would like that. You won’t forget me now, will you?”
“Forget? No way! I’ll be calling on you.”
“Then I shall be waiting.”
“Until then.” The boy’s face flushed a few shades of crimson. He watched Ella through the front window and sighed in misery to watch her drive away into the night. Tommy sauntered back into the living room.
“Hey, Tommy. If I flutter my
eyelashes will you get the door for me?” Philip instigated.
Dorien fluttered his raven lashes repeatedly.
Tommy snorted in his defense. “Oh, come on, guys! I was just trying to be helpful.”
Philip smirked. “What do you think, Dorien?”
“I think she fluttered so much, I was afraid she would start flying.”
Evangeline couldn’t stifle her giggle.
Philip approached Tommy and circled him like a hunter. His ice blue stare promised the boy nothing but trouble. “She sure liked you, Tommy!”
Tommy sounded breathless. “She did?”
“You bet! She has a thing for red-heads. You should have heard her thoughts of running her fingernails through those auburn locks of yours!”
“Now you’re just teasing!” Tommy huffed.
“Nay, Tommy. Philip is being honest, son. She did think it.”
“Wow! That is so bloody awesome!”
Philip bit his lip “Yeah! Do you want to know what else she was thinking?”
Tommy’s conscience must have been getting the best of him. “No! I don’t want to hear anymore! This isn’t right!”
Philip shrugged his shoulders. “Okay, I guess I won’t tell you she wondered how far down those cute freckles go.”
Tommy held his breath. His face was soon the same shade as his hair. “Okay, that’s enough! I’m going to bed now. Good night, Evangeline.”
Evangeline caught Tommy’s wink of happiness before he stomped up the stairs. She crossed her arms over her chest. “You boys are shameless! Picking on a teenage boy like that! And poor, Ella! Her thoughts are supposed to be private.”
Philip blinked his eyes in an obvious effort to look contrite. “Come on, Evan. It’s not like we can help knowing what people think.”
“Well, I’m sure glad I didn’t have any brothers. I don’t think I would have survived.”
“Too late! You have one now, and I’m not going anywhere. You are stuck with me! But if you think we’re bad now, you should have seen us with fellow soldiers in camp. I think razzing is just a guy thing.”
Evangeline cocked an eyebrow. “Definitely not! Girls are bad, too.” It was true. The jokes and banter between her and Taryn were often quite deliberate and naughty.
“I stand corrected!” Philip admitted. Dorien and Philip howled in laughter. Evangeline couldn’t help but join them.
“I’m sorry boys. But I must to go to bed.”
Their snickers were gone in an instant. Bright vivid gazes studied her intensely.
“Are you alright, love?”
“I’m fine, Dorien. I’m just very mortal and very pregnant. I need rest for tomorrow.” We’re all packed. Taryn and Eliza will pick us up for the airport by seven in the morning. I think a little extra sleep will do me some good.” Evangeline knew Dorien’s stare was analyzing her exhaustion. She didn’t try to hide it from him.
“Let me help you to bed, Evangeline.”
Before she could speak, he cradled her in his muscled arms and brought her into her bedroom. He carefully removed her robe and slippers and was aware of her body’s need. His hand motioned towards the bathroom. Evangeline obliged and returned to a down-turned bed. She was thankful he helped her climb in.
“Thank you for taking care of me, Dorien. You’re so attentive to my needs. I want you to know how happy and cherished you make me feel.”
“I accept your gratitude, Evan. But isn’t this what a man is supposed to do for the woman he loves? Everything I do for you is as easy as a mortal breathing air. I don’t feel happy unless I know you are. Believe me, it is a good compromise.” His gaze twinkled with merriment. The heat of his stare consumed her body.
Evangeline placed her palm flat against his rippled chest. “Stop it! I mean it, Dorien.”
His lips captured her mouth full and hard. She felt every blissful second of his cool, demanding kiss. “I do have something I would like to say. Please answer me honest. I promise not to be angry.”
Evangeline stiffened. She had no idea what he was referring to. “What is it?” Worry commandeered her voice. The caress of his chin rubbing soft against her face put an instant stop to her concern. It was hard to suppress the moan that threatened to escape her throat.
“Evan, if you are not up to this trip…if you would rather delay it until after the babes are born, I will understand.”
Evangeline felt the sudden press of his cold fingertip flush against her lips. She fought the urge to kiss the tip. There was no doubt Dorien was aware of her plans to interrupt him. With a smile she held her tongue and allowed him to finish.
“My first priority and concern is for you. I know mentally you may be up for the trip, but physically you may feel different. I’ve noticed how uncomfortable you are. It is only natural your body tires easily. With twins, you are feeling double the effects of a normal pregnancy. All you have to do is say the word and we will hold off on the trip until you feel you are ready.”
Her chest tightened. Dorien knew her heart so well. Evangeline held out her arms. It was sweet rapture when Dorien kneeled before her and gazed into her face. The warmth of her hands cradled the immortalized perfection of his cheeks. She searched every sculpted facet of his ravishing face. “Dorien, you’re right about all you have said, but I want to go. This trip is too important. With your help and the assistance of the others, I’ll be fine. Women have been having babies since long before your time. I’m not sure what it is, but my heart tells me this trip must happen. I promise to behave and not do too much. If it makes you feel any better, I will allow you to make those determinations for me.”
Dorien’s emerald stare glowed with a knowledge she couldn’t seem to grasp. His knowing chuckle was soft and timely. Evangeline coveted the feel of his lips pressing against her forehead. He helped her into bed and snuggled behind her, holding her close. She relished the comfort of his loving embrace.
“Come and sleep, my love, for tomorrow comes early.”
Chapter Eight
Evangeline’s lashes fluttered open. In an instant, she knew.
The alarm clock didn’t go off!
She laughed out loud. Her belly wouldn’t allow her to sit upright. Rolling over to her side, she maneuvered herself out of bed. A deep chuckle came from the corner of the room. Evangeline felt the flushed sting of embarrassment. Spying around the room, she easily spotted her large, rakish immortal. Dorien held her captive in his arms in a blurred rush. Her cheeks burned in humiliation. “Don’t laugh.”
“Laughing at you? Never! Bursting with pride and hopelessly infatuated with your impending motherhood, I declare that I am guilty.”
Evangeline moaned and doubled over. Dorien’s cold hands caressed her swollen belly. Their active children stretched relentless inside of her. The furrow of his raven brows gave away his obvious worry. His narrowed gaze made him look wounded.
“Do the babes hurt you when they move?”
“They’re so crowded. With their strength, it can be a little painful.”
“If they hurt you because of their special abilities. This would be my fault.”
“I feel close to them when they move, Dorien. You don’t have to worry. They’re strong, but they have yet to seriously wound me.”
“You would tell me otherwise?”
“I promise. This is normal. Please believe me.”
His tense expression left him. Relief washed over his handsome face.
Evangeline remembered her failed alarm clock. “Oh, no! I’m running late! My alarm didn’t go off!”
Dorien chuckled and brushed a stray honey-wheat strand of hair from her face. “I adjusted your clock, love. I was just about to wake you.”
* * * *
Evangeline rushed to the coffee pot and poured a large, steamy cup of brew. Her brain throbbed in anticipation for her favorite crème brule liquid creamer. Inhaling a large molten sip, she froze in sudden disgust and forced herself to swallow the vile, loathsome liquid. With a big, angry swoosh
, she poured the full carafe of wretched counterfeit down the sink.
Who changed her brand of coffee?
She spied the room for the guilty perpetrator. Like clockwork, Dorien, Philip, and Tommy averted her gaze in unison.
They wouldn’t even look at her!
Tommy began to squirm like a naughty school boy. The lad looked tense enough to crack into pieces. With lips pursed tight, his jaw was clenched for back up. The nervous twiddle of his fingers was down-right irritating.
Evangeline’s hands rested akimbo on her hips. “All right! Which one of you is the guilty party?”
Silence! They all still averted her gaze!
Evangeline smiled like the Devil. Tommy rocked back and forth on his heels. Anytime now, the kid would buckle under the pressure. He was sure to rat them all out! Tommy’s eyes narrowed in wrath at Dorien and Philip. His freckled cheeks flamed hotter than crimson. “You said she wouldn’t notice!”
Dorien’s and Philip’s eyes made contact. They both dared to look highly annoyed. It was obvious they conversed in silent telepathic conversation. But Evangeline was quick to notice. She pointed her accusing finger. “Out with it! I know you two are scheming excuses as I speak! Save it!”
She knocked the top off the coffee storage container. The lid spun noisily on the kitchen floor. Evangeline inhaled to find any aromatic familiarity in the twang of her precious beans. She was calling shenanigans! “Who decided to replace my coffee with decaf?”
Everyone stammered in unison.
Spartan Heart, Part Two Page 7