“I’m not settling,” Naomi finally answered, glancing at Alexa again. “Pierce was faithful.”
Yeah, and he gave “Til Death Do Us Part” a new meaning, too.
“He loved me.”
Alexa hissed. No one loves you, Naomi, unless they love all of you. And that includes me!
Naomi said nothing and focused on the road.
You know I’m right.
“The bit of me that feels that you’re right, is all you!” she exploded.
No, Alexa said. No, it’s not.
Naomi hated it when Alexa was right. The bond with Alexa was strong; they knew each other’s hopes, fears, wishes, depths. They could never lie to the other, which was different with others who could easily be manipulated and controlled by their connected spirit.
She had to admit that she’d sensed something was off about Pierce from the start. He proclaimed his love too quickly; he occupied her time too much; he bestowed her with too many gifts; he always had perfect responses to everything she said; and he showed distinct uneasiness when she accidentally walked in while he was on his cell phone. Alexa kept whispering that something was wrong, but he did all of the things Naomi had always wanted, and that felt so right. So she ignored the whispers and forced Alexa to accept that they were getting married.
In the darkening silence of the car, Naomi continued to reflect. They had known each other six months, but it felt like more than enough time. Couples who had known each other for a year or more still ended up divorcing, so the amount of time in a relationship was never the problem, Naomi reasoned. The people in the relationship were the problem. That was what she focused on.
Then, Alexa saw his sword, and whispered this in Naomi’s ear.
Naomi hadn’t even packed extra clothes for their cabin trip. She had hoped she could change his mind. She put on her negligee and prayed he loved her enough not to do what he had intended. But she failed and could not convince him to stop.
“I loved Pierce, Alexa,” Naomi flatly stated. “You know that.” Alexa sighed. He gave you a dream, and you loved the dream, Naomi. You didn’t love him. You loved the, she paused, trying to find the right word, the idea of his perfection, and we know no one is perfect. Nonetheless, we need to find the one perfect for us.
The car crossed a bump in the road and jolted them for a few seconds.
And besides, Alexa continued, you wouldn’t have liked the ring anyway.
“So,” Naomi said, “he did have a ring.”
A horrible design.
“And he did love me.”
Only a part of you. Alexa corrected. He wanted you to be empty like he was so you would both be fulfilled with the other. I’m sure he volunteered to be Split, but he wanted to force the decision upon you. Not even giving you a choice. What kind of man would inflict that sort of pain on his beloved?
Making her feel empty for the rest of her life—split from her partnered spirit.
“Maybe it wouldn’t have been so bad.”
Alexa paused. You’re still in mourning. I’ll forgive what you just said.
They rode the rest of the way in silence, which was exactly what Naomi wanted and needed.
By the time they reached the city’s skyline, blazing with lights amid the darkness, Naomi was yawning. She had almost forgotten Alexa was still with her until Alexa screamed.
Stop the car!
“What?” Naomi slammed on the breaks, and angry motorists blew their horns behind her.
Three o’clock.
Naomi looked across. It was the same place Alexa had been talking about all year. Naomi had to admit to herself, it was quite the classy spot.
Come on, Alexa said. You need to treat yourself anyway, and you need
something to distract your mind.
“I’m not in the moo—”Naomi didn’t see Alexa in the mirror. “Dammit!”
The insistent horns behind her reminded her that she had to move, and she looked for the restaurant parking lot.
There’s a spot in the next aisle.
Naomi looked up and Alexa was back in the car. She complied with her direction, but only so that she could stop the car.
“Alexa, I’m not in the mood for a hunt.”
We’re not hunting, Alexa said. This is a different feeling—something else. I’ve told you this many times before. Now, get out of the car and let’s go.
Sighing, Naomi turned off the ignition and headed for the restaurant’s front entrance. To be connected with such a Being, control had to be interchangeable just like in a marriage. However, it wasn’t good to allow Alexa’s type to be too much in control— with that, possession was a risk. But for now, Naomi needed Alexa’s strength, so she let her take the lead. Just hours earlier, she had lost faith in herself when Pierce had removed his sword and tried to use it on her. Everything she thought she could trust was snatched away when she plunged his own weapon into his heart.
It was a delicate balance, this bond, because one could become too reliant on the skills, power and ability of Alexa’s kind. But it was a connection she couldn’t allow even her love for Pierce to vanquish.
Naomi looked down at her attire. It fit well and was a good cut. Reese always had good taste in clothes. It was the appropriate style for a place like this.
As she approached the hostess, the woman smiled but said, “Ma’am, I’m so sorry, but we’re closing in thirty minutes.”
You just want some lobster bisque.
Naomi smiled back. “Oh, that’s okay. I really just wanted some of your lobster bisque.”
“It is quite good,” the waitress agreed. “A craving, huh?”
“Definitely,” Naomi replied.
“I think we can accommodate that,” she said. “This way, please.”
She was seated in a contoured booth and could see the multi- tiered floors where other guests still remained. The room was dark but enhanced by decorative fixtures of soft light on the walls and in the middle of the tables. It reminded her of the fireplace and the cabin.
“Your soup will be right out,” the hostess said, and Naomi watched as she walked over to a waiter.
Naomi tried to relax and looked at her reflection in the wine glasses. She could barely make out Alexa sitting next to her.
Ten o’clock, the voice whispered.
Naomi turned her head. All she saw were more tables and then—
The waiter.
Naomi’s eyes fixed on him. He was tall with a strong back and shoulders, a fetish of Naomi’s, as well as a round, strong bottom and thick thighs. His dark, black skin and thick, textured black hair seemed to glisten. He was speaking to another waiter, and in contrast, this Adonis seemed to glow.
“Ma’am.” Naomi jumped.
“I’m so sorry, Ma’am,” the other waiter said apologetically while carefully placing her small bowl of soup in front of her. “Lobster bisque?”
“Yes,” Naomi said, collecting herself. “Thank you.” “And here’s the check. Whenever you’re ready.”
Naomi fetched her credit card. “Right now would be good,” she said, handing it over. “Thank you.”
“I’ll be right back with your receipt.”
She pulled her mobile from her pocket and looked at the time. It was late, and she wanted to keep her promise to the hostess that she would be brief and eat quickly.
As she let the delicious warmth of the soup fill all her senses and relax her even further, she looked around for the Adonis, but the same waiter arrived with her receipt. She signed it and left quickly.
We’ll wait here, Alexa said when they reached the car. Naomi saw the determination in her face in the reflection of the car’s side window.
“What?” Naomi held up the mobile so Alexa could see the time. “Alexa, whatever this is, it can wait until tomorrow.”
No, it can’t. She said. We’ll wait here.
Naomi begrudgingly got back into the car and started the ignition. Before she had time to turn on her headlights, Alexa spoke again
.
He’s coming out.
Naomi sat up and looked around. The parking lot was mostly empty now. She then saw him heading to a black sedan.
Come on. Alexa shoved her.
Naomi reluctantly got out of the car and walked towards him.
“Excuse me.”
The man looked up and stared at her.
“I’m sorry to disturb you, but,” Naomi said, not quite knowing what she was going to say next.
I wanted you to speak with him.
“But,” Naomi said, “My friend, Alexa, she wanted me to speak with you.”
She waited for him to answer as her eyes settled on his thick lips. She stared for a moment before forcing herself to look at his entire face. He was quite handsome. Exactly the kind of look she liked. He edged his hairline just right, with slightly long sideburns, but not too long. He had thick eyelashes and wore earrings in both ears.
He continued to stare at Naomi until it become a bit uncomfortable.
Naomi took a step back. “I’m sorry I disturbed you.” “What’s your number?” he said suddenly.
“Um,” Naomi hesitated slightly before telling him. “I’ll call you.” He then opened his car door and got in.
Naomi went back to her car, looking back a few times. “That was weird.”
That, my friend, Alexa said, is “something else.”
As soon as Naomi turned on the ignition, her mobile rang with a number and a name: Javari Kone.
A bit shocked, Naomi answered. “Hello?”
“I’m texting you my address,” the strong voice said. “You can follow me there.”
He hung up before Naomi could say anything, and then her phone registered a notification. She clicked on the address, and the guidance system on her phone activated.
Follow him.
Javari slowly drove out of the parking lot, and Naomi followed for the next four or so miles, where he stopped in a parking garage. Naomi found a guest parking space and then walked to the
elevators. He was already there, waiting for her. She stared at him as she approached. His body was solid muscle. She had to blink away the thoughts that crept into her head about how that body could maneuver her in so many sexy ways.
“I’m on the top floor,” he said, holding the elevator door for her.
I would love to have him on top of us, Alexa’s voice echoed Naomi’s thoughts.
He touched the fingerprint reader and the doors slowly closed.
Naomi looked up. His eyes were locked on her, and she turned away, standing a slight distance from him as they rode in awkward silence to his floor. She saw Alexa playfully lift her eyebrows in the silver reflection of the elevator, and she turned her eyes away from her as well. She could only conclude that he thought she was a just another customer who had a bedding interest in him, a common occurrence, she imagined.
The doors finally opened, and they stepped into a hallway with only two exits, Naomi quickly noticed—one to the stairs and one to an apartment. That seemed odd, as the hallway ran long from end to end, the length of the building. Did he have this entire floor to himself?
As Javari approached the door, a facial recognition security device unlocked it, which put Naomi’s senses on high alert. A private floor and advanced security?
They walked into a huge studio where a couch and television sat on one side, and a kitchen to the other. There were no tables or chairs. A wall occupied the rest of the room, also seeming to cover the width of the building. It rose only so high, not touching the ceiling, giving the impression that there was something on the other side, but Naomi didn’t see a door.
Naomi gave a slight signal to Alexa. There was something strange about the layout, but she knew Alexa would scope out the other side and let her know what she found.
“So,” she said. “This is your place.”
Javari slowly nodded, his eyes still on her, and then, as if remembering to use his voice, he said, “I only have water here.”
“That’s okay,” Naomi said. “I’m not thirsty.”
Javari went to the couch and picked up some glasses. Naomi immediately recognized the design.
“May I?” he asked.
Truth glasses. Naomi’s defenses shot up, but it was more of a curiosity than a feeling of danger. Expensive locks. Truth glasses. A top-floor studio. Advanced security. How could a waiter afford such things?
“That’s pretty expensive stuff there,” Naomi said. “How could you afford it?” She had to stall to give Alexa more time to snoop.
“I’m sorry,” he said and took a step forward. “Do you—?“ He hesitated again. “Do you feel something?”
She felt something, all right, but she had to concentrate on the environment. Things didn’t make sense, yet she couldn’t feel a serious threat of any kind. That was because every sensitive part of her body wanted him to kiss and suck them. Her mind was at war with her flesh.
“Are you Split?” she asked, changing the subject. He shook his head. “Never.”
The way he answered, so adamantly, made everything tingle underneath her clothes.
“Though he—Jonathan, that is, doesn’t talk to me much.” “So, you’re aware.” Naomi didn’t meet too many people who openly admitted to having spiritual partners.
Many people had a connection, but not really a bond. It was the reason many believed they didn’t have one. However, those who obtained Truth Glasses could see that everyone had a Spirit Partner, except those who had been Split. And when he mentioned his spirit partner’s name, Naomi knew he must have a bond.
“And I’m assuming Alexa is yours.” The way his voice slightly vibrated with a low tone when he said “yours” made Naomi take in a breath. What was wrong with her?
“May I?” he asked again, holding up the Truth Glasses.
Naomi nodded, but if she had been in her right mind, she would have refused on the basis of privacy. She was fantasizing that he was asking to kiss her! Alexa needed time to find out more about whom they were dealing with, but stupidly, Naomi couldn’t find her sensible voice because her body wanted so much to be mounted by this man!
Javari carefully slipped on the glasses and looked around the room. He suddenly stopped as he gazed at the far end of the wall near a window. His lips parted slightly at what he saw.
“Her name is Alexa, which you’ve just figured out,” Naomi said.
For some reason, she felt a bit shy about him looking at her spirit partner, as if he had x-ray glasses and could see underneath her clothes. But his expression revealed astonishment. Naomi smiled because she knew what he saw—how closely they resembled each other and how solid Alexa’s form was. It was all an indication of the strength of their bond, and if he knew anything about bonding, he would also see that this was a display of extreme power.
Most spirit partners appeared as a fuzzy, shadowy form or something else not quite distinguishable. People with Truth Glasses were shocked when they saw Alexa and the bright tie that emanated between her and Naomi. It was a rare sight to see, and it amazed the few who had seen it.
He walked toward Naomi and slowly removed his glasses to hand them to her.
“No,” he said, “It’s not just Alexa.”
No one allowed someone else to touch their Truth Glasses. They were like a priceless relic. Yet he handed them to Naomi as if he were handing her a borrowed pen.
Naomi took the glasses while still admiring Javari’s manly features. Without much thought, she put them on. Javari pointed to the area near the window.
Naomi had only worn Truth Glasses once before. Those belonged to Reese. He had reluctantly allowed her to view through them when they were driving together in the car, returning to The Grasp’s headquarters. She saw lines of tethers of all kinds, swirling and twisting between people, pets, and even trees and bushes.
Everything alive had a line. It was like a never-ending web of connections, as well as the shapes and sizes of the things unseen that were also connected to these lines. Sh
e felt as if she were seeing an entirely new world through a veil that resembled nothing like the world her human eyes understood. It was as if she had landed in Oz.
But what she saw now was something out of the ordinary— again. Light blazed around, spiraling and ebbing between two bodies. Their heads turned from human to animal, both lions, before slowly shifting back to human again. They stood in front of each other, staring into each other’s eyes in a state of enchantment. “Alexa?” Naomi called out twice, when she didn’t answer the first time.
Alexa didn’t even stir to acknowledge she heard Naomi.
Naomi yanked the glasses from her face and grabbed Javari by the collar of his shirt.
“What have you done to her?” No, it was more like, What had he done to both of them?
Javari looked at her in complete shock. “Nothing.”
She could feel truths and lies just like her taste buds could decipher sweet from sour. And he was telling the truth.
She let him go and backed away. Javari stood there, just as unsure as she was. Then, Naomi grabbed him again and placed her lips upon his. The kiss heightened every cell in her body, burning from the connection of their lips down to her nether regions, and surging from her head to her toes. Just as suddenly, Naomi broke the connection and ran to the door, but it wouldn’t open.
“Please,” Javari said, walking up behind her. His facial recognition system unlocked the door.
Naomi ran out, down the hallway and directly to the stairs She was too flooded with emotions and questions to wait for the elevator. With every floor she reached, as her feet flew down from step to step, her intense feelings for Javari lessened.
When she reached her car, she screeched the tires on the concrete and then the asphalt of the city’s streets. Luck was on her side that there weren’t any police in the area. As soon as she was able to breathe, seeing the familiar streets leading to her apartment, she looked up at the rearview mirror.
Alexa was sitting with her back to Naomi, facing the direction from which they had come. Naomi knew Alexa would come with her. She would have to tear away from whatever was holding her and go wherever Naomi went. Their bond was too strong. But she knew it was best to leave Alexa to her thoughts.
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