“Oh, yes! I think I remember you mentioning that.” Eliza shook the hands of Celeas and Paraebates. “Where did you boys get those fabulous costumes and why are you all so bloody filthy?”
Taryn’s hands rested on her mother’s shoulders. “It’s a long story. I promise to tell you later.”
Dorien cleared his throat. “Celeas and Paraebates, this is Taryn’s mother Eliza. She is Evangeline’s doctor. Come March, she will deliver the twins.”
Paraebates smiled. “It is very nice to meet you, Eliza. I see now where Taryn gets all of her beauty.”
Eliza’s maternal glow was enhanced by her sudden blush. She swatted at an invisible hair from her pale hazel-green eyes. “Why, thank you, Paraebates. How kind of you to say.”
“Evangeline, I would like you to meet my brother Thessalus.
Evangeline was taken aback by the bold, sapphire gaze that regarded her. Thessalus grasped her hand and gave her a tender squeeze. “A pleasure, little sister.”
“Thank you, Thessalus. I’m very pleased to meet you.”
Evangeline’s attention flew to Taryn. Her best friend had never looked so uncomfortable! And Thessalus…well, he couldn’t keep his gem-like stare off of Taryn.
What was the strange electric friction between those two?
Tommy waved from the bed. Evangeline remembered his ankle. “Are you all right, Tommy? Is anything broken?”
“I’m okay, Evan. It’s only a sprain. Actually, look! The bruising is already almost gone. Whatever it is that Eliza did…well it is working. But don’t you worry about me. You look like bloody toast!”
Evangeline swayed against Dorien. She would have fallen if his strong arms wouldn’t have caught her.
It was because she felt like bloody toast!
The way she felt right now, she could sleep on her feet. Dorien’s cold fingers rubbed her upper arms.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but Evan is exhausted. I’m taking her to our room. She needs a hot bath, some good food in her belly, and some much needed rest.”
Everyone sounded their approval at once.
“Doc, since Tommy is down, please help my brothers secure their rooms. Inform the hotel to put the cost on my tab. Taryn, will you please show them to their rooms?”
Taryn blushed crimson. Thessalus gave her a sultry, vivid blue wink and a wicked grin.
“Sure, Dorien. Mum, I need to use the ladies room. You go on ahead and get those rooms. I’ll take over from there. What do you say?”
Eliza wrinkled her nose. “Of course, I’ll go now. These dirty boys look like they could use a hot shower themselves!”
Taryn was blushing again!
She acted as if someone were naked! Even then…Taryn never blushed!
What in the world was the matter with her? Evangeline narrowed her eyes in suspicion. Her best friend made a mad dash for the bathroom. Thessalus’ beautiful immortal face watched Taryn’s every move. Evangeline spied around her and noticed in an instant.
Why did Dorien and his brothers have the same goofy smirk on their faces?
The sound of his chuckle tickled her ears. Their hotel door closed behind them. Evangeline groaned as the springs in her overstuffed chair creaked in resistance. Dorien drew a hot bath.
Steam billowed from the open bathroom door. The blessed sounds of water splashed in pour from the spout into the large, marble tub. Delicious twangs from cucumber and melon salts beckoned her nostrils. Earth encrusted clothes fell to the floor in a crunchy flaked heap. Perfect white tiles lay covered in dirt clods. She stole a peek at Dorien. His vibrant green eyes burned with silent anger. The tic in his cheek always gave him away.
Evangeline winced and moaned from the pain of her bruised body. Dorien lifted her so gentle and lowering her in the bubbly, steamed tub. She blew struggled puffs of air as she settled back into the water. The cold rim of the tub felt like Heaven against the back of her neck.
Oh! The water rushing over her body felt so good!
Evangeline’s gaze followed him. He left the bathroom to call in for room service. She closed her eyes and relished the deep, rich tenor of his voice. Dorien returned with a snowy white washcloth and a pink bar of soap. He kneeled to help her wash. Evangeline massaged blueberry conditioner through her hair. She caught him staring as if he was frozen in a trance. His groan sounded almost painful. Soft cascades of bubbles glided down her wet, glistening body.
“What’s the matter Dorien? Are you all right?”
His voice was definitely grated. Without a doubt it was strained. After a few tries he finally cleared the cobwebs from his throat. His glowing green eyes darkened to a passionate shade of hunter. “I am fine, Evan. It is just that…well you always have a way of making me want you.”
“Are you kidding? Look at me, Dorien! I’m a terrible fright!” Evangeline couldn’t believe it! She had to be as purple as a plum!
“That is my problem, woman. I am looking at you!”
She blew a cluster of bubbles off her hand. They landed on the perfect, sculpted peak of his nose. He seemed unfazed by the tiny mass of billowy suds. Conditioner was rinsed from her hair. The plug of the drain was pulled by her toes. The water slurped its tornado swirl down the drain.
Dorien lifted her from of the tub and enveloped her in a large cotton towel. His strong hands dried her off and helped her into the softness of her lamb covered robe. Room service lightly rapped at the door. Hotel staff wheeled in the cart of food and quickly left. Evangeline sat on the bed. By the smoldering look in Dorien’s eyes, it was obvious he enjoyed the sight of tangles being brushed from the layers of her long hair.
Shiny, silver covers were removed from steaming trays of food. Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, and steamed asparagus with cheese sauce was decorated with an amply crowned dinner roll. Evangeline’s mouth watered. Her belly burned with a famished hunger. She stole a glimpse at Dorien. Why was he still staring at her?
“Eat while it is hot, my love.”
Evangeline grabbed her plate. Her appetite was ravenous. She stuffed food into her mouth like she had never eaten before. Delicious moans reveled in the glory of her gluttony. Dorien chuckled and watched her intensely while she ate. He knew the precise moment she was sated and finished. Picking up a napkin, he dabbed at the smear of gravy lingering on her lips. Crisp white sheets were turned down before he softly patted the bed.
Evangeline obliged and allowed him to remove her robe. She settled into cushioned downy sheets. Dorien covered her body with a billowy down-filled comforter. She sucked in a breath when he walked towards the door. Her heart panicked with fright. “You’re leaving me?”
“Nay, love. I am locking the door so you’ll sleep easier. I find it rather ironic that although you slumber next to an immortal, you cannot rest unless our door is locked.”
Evangeline blushed hot in embarrassment. “I’m sorry, Dorien. Old habits die hard.”
Dorien threw his head back. His laugh was hearty. “And so they do, Evangeline.” He joined her under the covers and pulled her into the safety of his embrace. She knew he tried to avoid her bruises. But instead, she moaned in bliss. His cold, immortal skin felt so good against her battered, swollen flesh.
“Dorien? When are we going home?” She closed her eyes. The tip of his nose burrowed deep into her hair. To hear his intake of breath made her smile. She loved the way he smelled her hair.
“I plan for us to stay another few days, if that is fine with you.”
She ran a jagged pink fingertip over his large muscled biceps. “Sure we can. But why do you wish to stay? Didn’t we find what we came for?”
Dorien released her. He reached towards the nightstand drawer and pulled out a small black velvet box. “There is one other thing I wanted to do before we left.”
Evangeline’s breath caught in her throat. She stared at the box in his hand.
Was there a ring in that box? Was he proposing?
She covered her mouth with her hand. Tears filled her eyes. H
is emerald stare glowed brighter than a strand of Christmas lights. Her hand fell to her chest. He gently handed her the box.
“Open it, Evan, and look inside. I had them made for you.”
She removed the top and squealed in delight. Dorien slipped out of bed and kneeled beside her. He plucked the rings from the box and slipped the sparkling engagement ring on her wedding finger. Cupping her hand, he rested the matching wedding band in her palm.
She couldn’t believe it! How had he done this without her knowing?
Both bands were made of thick, white gold. Both were etched like a lined Grecian pillar entwined with ivy. Small pave diamonds were delicately placed to mimic constellations of miniature stars throughout the band. The engagement ring was topped with a large star-shaped solitaire. It was held between two scrolls that capped each side of the pillar. The matching wedding band was filled with pave constellations of miniature stars. The rings were not only beautiful, they were breathtaking.
Evangeline wiped away tears of joy. “Oh, Dorien! They’re so beautiful! I’ve never seen anything like this. The stars! They are like your helmet and shield.”
Dorien held her face with tenderness. “I have loved the stars since I was a boy. They are a strong part of my culture and are embedded deep into my soul. This is something I wanted to share with you. I should have asked you this a long time ago. My only regret is that I made you wait for so long. I am hoping you will marry me on Saturday. Please, say that you will.”
“You wish to get married here?”
“The last time I was in Minoa, I experienced nothing but pain and death. Nothing would make me happier than to leave this place undefeated, with you as my wife.”
Evangeline bounced in excitement. Her arms wrapped tight around his neck. “Yes! I will marry you on Saturday!”
His grin was mischievous. “That is good, because I already booked us for the beach at four o’clock.”
She screamed in delight.
Dorien’s voice grew serious. “You are not upset to marry here?”
He actually looked worried!
Her palms rested against his cool cheeks. Love filled her heart so full, it actually hurt. “Are you kidding me? I thought I was going to lose you, today, Dorien. There’s nothing I want more than to be with you. I love you with my whole heart. I don’t think I could live if I ever lost you. You’re my life, my rock, my everything. Nothing else matters to me. I would marry you naked in this bedroom if only you asked me to.”
His mouth claimed hers. Her head was dizzy with bliss. Despite his obvious excitement, he still kissed her so tender. Dorien’s voice was low and possessive. Never had his growl been tinged with so much passion. “You are mine, Evangeline. Forever more, you belong to me. There isn’t another woman ever created that could satisfy me the way you do. We are proof time cannot keep a man away from the woman he is destined to love.”
Evangeline sighed. His kisses set her body on fire. She tingled all over. Her ears buzzed loud enough to drown out a swarm of angry bees. Love held her in its beautiful, bewitching spell. This man intoxicated her completely.
“Hmmmm. It sure is a good thing that Taryn and Eliza…hey!” Evangeline’s eyes flew open wide in realization. “That’s how you got them to come on this trip! You planned this all along…so I could come with you. You did this for me.” she gasped.
Her voice fell to a whisper. Evangeline’s head fell forward in remembrance. Honey-wheat curls swooshed into her face like a velvet curtain. After what she did to her parents, she wasn’t worthy of this. The overwhelming ache of regret should never allow her any peace. “After all I have done, I don’t deserve you or another chance at a family.” she choked.
Dorien cupped her buttocks and pulled her onto his body. He kissed her tear-streaked face. His firm finger forced her to look at him. “Wrong, my love. Forgiveness allows for second chances. Your parents loved you so much. Death can never steal the love that burns inside our souls. You deserve happiness and a family. I would give anything to bring your parents back to you. I’m afraid it is I that am lacking where you are concerned.”
“But I…”
Dorien interrupted and silenced her with another passionate kiss. She entwined her fingers into the raven curls that teased the back of his neck. She pushed him back against the mattress and delighted in the pained moan that escaped his perfect lips.
“If you keep kissing me like this, I may forget my manners, woman! Shouldn’t you get some sleep?”
Evangeline knew he was trying to distract her. “Your lips had better stay puckered, Dorien. I am far from finished kissing you yet. Besides, I’m way too wired for sleep.”
Dorien growled in pleasure. “Then I shall make a point to buy you jewelry often.”
Chapter Twelve
The coldness of Dorien’s body must have helped turn angry black and blue bruises into various faded shades of violet, green, and brown. They still ached and throbbed, but despite Evangeline’s physical injuries, happiness made her skin feel like it was glowing. Makeup, long bangs, and a high blonde ponytail did wonders to cover the angry marks on her face. They were meeting for breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Her gaze swept over the faces of her new family. She couldn’t help but grin.
Her beloved immortals looked awkward eating their unnecessary breakfasts. Taryn grabbed her plate and played a game of musical chairs. Thessalus followed after her, plate in tow, like a puppy around the table. With a smile of mischief she made a mad dash to take the last available seat next to Evangeline. Evangeline watched her best friend act as if nothing was amiss. She stole a peek at the opposite end of the table. It was obvious by the look on Thessalus’ face, not everyone was happy in paradise.
Thessalus was brooding. His vibrant blue eyes were squinted, giving away his hurt. But his stare imprisoned Taryn like he planned to devour her. The purse of his full lips was tight. The deep set of his perfect dimples begged for mercy. Even scowling, his pale face was still so beautiful.
With an angry clink his plate hit the table. He took a seat between Celeas and Philip. Evangeline felt sorry for the bent spoon he thumped in agitation against the palm of his hand. Taryn shoved a forkful of scrambled eggs into her mouth. It was doubtful her friend even tasted them. She kept her hand in front of her eyes in a botched attempt to shield herself from the glowing sapphire stare from across the table.
What in Hades was going on with these two?
Evangeline still couldn’t put her finger on it. Taryn’s gaze met Evangeline’s. Her kitty-like eyes narrowed in backfired suspicion.
“My! Don’t you look radiant this morning! If not for the bruises on your gorgeous face, I would say you are the happiest woman I have ever seen.” Taryn drawled in her best Yankee Southern accent.
It wasn’t too shabby for a Tory!
Evangeline felt every second of her heated, crimson blush. She flashed the fiery ring that sparkled brilliant on her left wedding finger.
Taryn clapped her hands and squealed like a little piggy. “He did it! Would you look at that bloody ring! Well? What did you say, Evan? Tell us what you said!”
Eliza’s face filled with joy. “Yes, my dear! Please do tell! We have been waiting for days!”
“I said yes! We’re getting married on Saturday!” Evangeline wriggled in her seat.
The grate of chair legs echoed throughout the restaurant. Taryn and Eliza rose from their chairs. They hugged Evangeline and giggled like school girls. Dorien accepted the cupped slaps of congratulatory pats from his brothers. Evangeline enjoyed a second round of hugs from her new brothers.
Eliza could barely sit still. “So, where will the wedding be held?”
“Dorien chose the beach. He knows how much I love the ocean. I know it is rather cool outdoors, but it’s the perfect place for us to marry. The hotel said they would take care of all the arrangements. We are scheduled for Saturday afternoon at four o’clock.”
Eliza sighed as if she were in a dream. Her chin landed soft into t
he curve of her open palm. “What about a gown, Evan? You only have three days before the wedding.”
“I was hoping you girls would feel up to shopping today. There’s a bridal shop just outside of town. I would love for you both to come with me.”
Taryn snorted. “Are you kidding? We wouldn’t miss it!”
Eliza glanced at the men. “What about you boys? What do you plan to do while we ladies shop?”
Dorien grinned. “My brothers are in need of some clothes, not only for the wedding, but for every day wear. I thought I would take them shopping as well. I am sure they will be happy to wear their own clothes.”
Philip appeared wounded. “But I’m not wearing your clothes!”
Celeas punched Philip in the arm. Philip returned the favor.
Paraebates smiled at Eliza. “Thanks to Dorien we all have clothes to wear. I cannot wait to get my own clothes. I hate rolling up these blasted pants.
Eliza leaned towards her daughter and whispered into her ear. “Why don’t they have their own clothes?”
Taryn fought to keep a straight face. “The airline! Would you believe they flew into Italy and their luggage was placed on another plane heading to Ohio?”
Eliza grimaced. “It’s so impossible to get good service! How dreadful! Please let me know if I can front you some money for any necessary clothes.”
“That is kind of you, Eliza, but as their brother, I will take care of their needs.”
Eliza rummaged through her black Gucci purse and pulled out a faded Visa card. “Well at least allow me to buy breakfast, the poor dears.”
Dorien flashed a rogue smile. “As you wish, Doc. Consider breakfast on you.”
* * * *
They stepped into the Infinity Affair Bridal Boutique. It was a lovely upscale salon. A large silver door bell tinkled loud as the door popped shut. The welcoming scent of cinnamon apple pie came drifting from a red, steamy simmer pot. This baked, delicious flavor offered the comforting impression of home.
Spartan Heart, Part Two Page 14