Raina’s brows lifted.
"I've sent Thanatos to the third floor on assignment. It should only take him a half hour, but he'll make it an hour socializing." His blue eyes danced. "Nolan is taking off early...he asked permission to steal you from Emily. I approved."
Raina blushed. "What? How long was I gone and when did this all go down?"
Emily giggled. "He came to ask after the office issue." She shook her head. "Throwing papers Raina...really?"
Raina’s mouth fell open. "What?"
Bradley tilted his head. "He just wants to talk...without Thanatos intruding.”
"I see," she said calmly and her brow furrowed. "Well apparently, the two of you are my parents with every right to ship me off to anyone who asks." She stood to her feet, marched to the door, then spun around. "Thank you!" A smile lit her face.
Emily gave her a nod, barely containing herself.
Raina didn't know where she was going when she got out of the room. She peaked back at Bradley.
"The elevator?" he suggested with amusement.
"Right!"
Raina turned to the elevator, and smiled when she sensed him walking at her side.
"Going down?" he asked politely.
Raina gave a nod not offering any conversation. No need to cause office gossip that the green eyed one would hear. When the door opened, she stepped in ahead of him, and went to the back of the wall. It wasn't until the doors closed that she turned to him. "What is going on?"
He held his finger to his lips.
His voice was softer than usual when he spoke. His eyes did not even turn to her. "When we get to the lobby, go to the parking lot on the left side of the building. No windows...just in case. I'll meet you there."
Raina smiled. She liked the secrecy...the faux spy. Nolan would make an excellent covert spy. He seemed so cool, so collected, and her heart was beating out of her chest.
She drew in a breath, as she exited.
"Good afternoon Mrs. Foster," he spoke crisply. He then nodded to the girl at the front desk. The girl about melted.
"Mr. Gregor," she said in farewell.
Raina went one way, he went the other. Anyone watching would have no idea the two were planning to meet up again. This caused Raina's heart to skip a beat. She prayed Emily left before Thanatos showed back up. It would be obvious since Raina had not driven herself, and with Nolan leaving work early.
Quickly she texted her friend her concern.
I'm heading out now. Emily texted back.
This caused Raina to breathe a little easier. She walked swiftly to the side of the building where another parking lot sat. She held close to the side of the building, anxiously watching for him, and then saw the red Charger rounding the back. Her heart thrummed happily.
It pulled right up to her, and Raina quickly jumped in, thankful it had tinted windows. Not that the candy cherry red didn't stand out! They were heading to the exit to the street, when Raina saw Emily getting into her own car. Emily knew better than to wave, but Raina saw her smile.
When they were on the road, Raina turned to him. "What is going on?" her voice trembled now, all the adrenaline and anxiety had caught up with her.
Nolan grinned, not taking his eyes off the road. "We're tricking Thanatos."
She couldn't help smiling...a reaction to the grin on his face. "You...you were playing a game?"
"You were easy to fool," he chuckled.
She frowned. "How so?"
"I knew if I didn't contact you...if Thanatos told you about the meeting I was in with Elenora...you might think I was being truthful about you and I needing to part ways." His silvers clouded. “Your reactions would be pure.”
Raina gasped at this. “You played me?" Her lip trembled.
“Raina, don’t see it that way,” he said softly.
“You lied to me!”
“I was acting a part…none of it was real.” He gripped the steering wheel now, not happy with her reaction.
She shook her head. "Do you know how hurt I was? You couldn't trust me to tell me it up front and know that I'd play my part? You had to hurt my feelings instead?"
"You wear your heart on your sleeve, Raina, and you are usually a horrible liar. I needed you to be truly upset with me! Don't you see? Now he'll report to her that we are fighting. I had to lie, Aelan!"
"Don't Aelan me! You had to lie? Had to?"
“Yes,” he sighed.
Raina could hardly breathe now. She felt so used. "I can't believe you! Pull over, now!"
He gave her a strange look. "What?"
"Pull over, I need let out!" Her blue eyes blazed.
He pulled the car over and turned to her, sensing how upset she was. “Raina it was for your benefit! Can't you see?"
"You went on a date hoping to make me jealous, just so you could use me to trick the both of them?"
"Yes," he answered with confusion. "For that I'm sorry, but I had to!" He got out of his side of the car, as she crashed out of hers. He rounded the car and met her half way.
"What about the third meeting with her? Just the other day? Thanatos told me."
"I had to convince her Raina!"
Her blues filled. "I have cried for days over this," she shouted. “I have been wondering what I did wrong...and she gets three visits with you?"
"Aelan."
"Do not call me that right now!" She was so upset he wasn't getting it!
“Raina, please, understand I only did this for you. I will make it up to you.” His hand was at his neck, rubbing furiously.
"You said you could still feel pain...you just heal quickly, right?"
His eyes looked completely confused, but he nodded.
Raina scowled. "Good!" And she slapped his face as hard as she could. She felt the rewarding sting of her hand, and the sight of the red print on his face.
Nolan, in shock, put his hand to his cheek. The impact had barely made his head move, but he felt the sting. He growled and grabbed both of her hands, as she came at him again, before she could pummel him.
"Don't you ever do that to me again," Raina shouted at him. Tears washed down her face. "Don't leave me out of the plan! Don't say it’s for my benefit!" She fought against his iron grip to no avail. "It hurt me more thinking I lost you...and for it all to have been a game?" She was lost in a sob. "Am I just a game to you?"
He sighed, and pulled her into an embrace. "I'm sorry," he whispered into her hair. "Oh Aelan I'm sorry. No you aren't a game." He smoothed his hand over her hair gently. "But something had to be done...this is the way I took."
Raina melted at the contact, even if he held her carefully, not passionately. She curled into the length of him, and absorbed what she could of his warmth. "I thought you had gone to her. You didn't want me anymore."
She felt his laughter rumble in her ear, as her head lay on his chest. "Not Elenora, I promise you. I prefer blue eyed blondes," he teased. He tugged at a blonde curl. "I'd prefer they didn't slap me...but beggars can't be choosers." He smiled sweetly.
She blushed, not looking up. "You asked for it," she murmured.
His chest lifted in a heavy sigh. “It won't happen again...leaving you out."
Raina breathed in his scent, and felt contentment.
"We have to be careful around Thanatos, Raina. He reports to her. If he thinks there’s anything between the two of us, he will run to her. He's already been rubbed the wrong way with her renewed interest in me. He'll do anything for her favor."
Raina nodded against the front of his suit. She understood. "The office skit...that was a test, wasn't it? He wanted you to give in, to get you in trouble?"
He nodded. "Yes."
"I understand he will go to her...but what do we have to fear of this woman...even if she is immortal?"
"Just as I have certain gifts, and Thanatos has certain gifts...so does she. And she knows people Raina... Elly can be very dangerous."
"Don't call her that," Raina protested. "She doesn't deserve a pet
name from you!" She had heard him say it just once, and she hated it. "Unless the pet name is She-devil...because that’s what she is!"
Nolan laughed softly and brushed his hand down the length of her hair again. He was allowing himself more than usual today, but he knew his hands would soothe her wounded ego. "She-devil it is then."
"Thank you," she giggled against the fine clothes.
"What are her gifts?"
"Trust me when I say they are not good.”
He brushed her hair again, and she felt herself relax.
"Thanatos said he tried to tell her there was nothing between us," she whispered.
"He lied," Nolan growled. "I thought he was going to do that...the night after dinner, but he told her everything. He even found out about the kiss and told her. That was the final straw. That’s when she made the ultimatum. I leave you alone...or she'll find a way to make both our lives hell."
Raina lifted her eyes to his. "Hell to me would be to be without you."
He smiled gently. "I'm thinking that would be my hell too." He glanced around suddenly feeling exposed. "Let’s get in the car. We will find a place to talk."
She smiled and got in, grinning at him as he closed his door.
He turned the ignition, and gave her a sideways glance. "What?"
"Three times today," Raina said with pride.
He shook his head. "Three times what?"
"I've shocked you!"
He chuckled. "Namely?"
"When I showed up with your lunch," she held one finger up. "When I trashed your mountains of paper," she held up two fingers, then a third, "When I slapped your face."
Nolan laughed. "Yes, yes you did! The face slapping though...I'd rather not have you repeat!" He gave another chuckle.
She sat back in the seat with a sigh. Secrets with Nolan could be fun. Tricky, but fun!
"Could we go to the park forest again? To the river?" She was hopeful.
He glanced down at the expensive suit he wore.
"Or not," she cut in. "I just thought it would be...nice."
"You want to go see the river?"
She nodded, biting her lip. "But you're not dressed for it...we'll just...”
"If you don't mind stopping at my apartment...I could change."
Her heart leapt in her throat. His apartment?
He glanced her way and grinned, melting her. "Did you remember to buy a camera?"
She blushed. "I didn't realize I'd have to have one on my person at all times. No, I haven't bought my thirty-five yet." She frowned.
"Just means we have to take another trip," he sighed, then gave her a wink.
Raina was warmed to her toes.
The drive to his apartment wasn't long. They pulled into the complex and drove nearly to the very back. He pulled into his parking space, put the car in park, and turned to her.
Raina held her breath...not knowing quite why. Maybe it was the silenced engine that allowed her to hear her own breathing...Nolan’s. He was so near in the car it flustered her. She glanced out the window, then back to him. "Where’s the bike?"
He chuckled. "The garage, right there." He pointed. "I shouldn't be surprised you would ask about the bike."
She blushed, and then reached for the door handle. She stopped at the touch on her arm.
"Would you mind if I run in by myself? My place isn't fit for visitors." He looked embarrassed.
She smiled and gave a quick nod. She needed time to recuperate.
He slid elegantly from the vehicle and started up the walk. He looked so fine in that suit. His broad shoulders filled the jacket so well.
She sat back, closed her eyes and blew out the breath she was holding. When she opened them, minutes later, he was striding to the car. He wore those jeans...the ones she remembered from their walk in the woods. They hugged his hips nicely and the long lean legs....she bit her lip. He wore just a plain white T... so simple, but caused so many errant thoughts. She would be blushing right now if he only knew. Heck, he may blush himself.
He slid back in the car with a grin.
She smiled back, studying the perfect face, and feeling jealousy for the sunglasses on top of his head, buried in his hair.
He lifted his brow and presented her with a box.
Raina blinked. "A gift?"
He nodded, his eyes going dark. "I got it last Sunday."
She fumbled with the paper that was wrapped around it, and then gasped softly. She pulled out the thirty-five millimeter camera.
"Locked and loaded," he whispered. "I wanted to get you the best. I hope it will do."
She was speechless. She just looked at him in disbelief. It was one of the most thoughtful things anyone had ever done for her. The fact that he remembered delighted her even more.
"I had a hunch we might go back. I wanted to be prepared." He shrugged. He couldn't look more adorable, waiting for her reaction.
Raina knew her words would come out in a squeak or in tears. She just shook her head. Her heart slammed in her ribs, as she turned to face him. She leaned closer, touched the stubble jaw and kissed his cheek. To Hell with boundaries...this was nothing. She had no words, and she wasn't sure he'd accept a bear hug. A simple kiss on the cheek should do the trick!
Nolan closed his eyes, and then opened them as she pulled away. His own pulse thrummed in his veins. "You're welcome," he murmured huskily.
Raina smiled. "You know what would make this day even better?"
The corner of his mouth turned up with amusement.
"If we could take the motorcycle!" The blues danced.
His eyes went from head to toe, with appreciation. He shook his head. "Next time wear jeans and I may consider it. I'm not taking you on the bike in capris."
She frowned.
"Tuck that lip in," he chuckled, and then started the car.
Chapter 11 Escapades
A week of bliss passed for Raina. She and Nolan had successfully met three times with no incident. They were quick visits...never at her house anymore. Thanatos would be watching. Though Emily and Bradley didn't understand why they had to keep the visits a secret, they enabled them.
Right now, Emily was driving Raina to the Park Forest. She'd be dropping her off, and Raina would take the path down to the river herself. She was a hiker; she'd be safe on her own. Nolan still insisted she bring Turk. He was ever the careful one.
Turk had his head out the window now, his tail slapping the back of Raina's seat. She didn't mind in the least, as she sat hugging her camera to her chest. It was now one of her cherished possessions.
"So you mean to tell me...you meet this guy in secret. You are in secluded gorgeous places...and there has been no more Tom foolery since the night of the party?" Emily was continuing on with her earlier train of thought.
Raina rolled her eyes. "I promise you, if there were...who else, but you, would I share it with?"
Emily sniffed. "But he's so pretty!"
Raina laughed at this. "And I can't be friends with pretty?"
Emily shrugged a slim shoulder. "Seems so unfortunate."
They both giggled at this, as the car pulled into the forest. Emily pulled over when instructed, and turned to her friend.
"Have fun! And be careful with your...err, friend," she giggled. She leaned over and hugged her swiftly.
Raina nodded with a blush, getting out, and helping Turk from the back. She had no need, but law said she must leash the pup. He wouldn't leave her side, which was Turks style, so he whined when the red leash was clipped on.
"Only for a bit buddy...it’s the price you pay for a walk!"
He looked with excitement to the trees.
They headed toward the path she was starting to know well! Her heart kicked up a notch when she heard the river, and knew it would be only moments until she saw him! She quickened her step, and Turk obeyed, stopping his sniffing, and sensing something ahead. Did he know his Nolan awaited them? She felt he probably did.
He was sitting on their ro
ck. His pants were rolled up to his knees, the well-shaped calves dangling. So he hadn't been able to resist the cold water yet again? The boyish quality warmed her heart to him.
He grinned and leapt down, coming to greet them. His smile was warm, inviting, sexy as hell…the usual.
Turk jumped up, planting his paws on Nolan’s chest, and struggling to lick his face. Nolan embraced the dog, and then pushed him down. He gave Raina’s arm a squeeze, and motioned toward the rock.
Raina followed obediently. "How long have you been here?"
He hefted her up, and even Turk, but remained on the ground, looking up at her.
"A couple hours. Remember, this is where I come to think straight. My place. I needed some time," he chuckled.
Raina nodded. "Thank you for sharing it....your place."
He leaned against the rock. "Well, it’s my place when I'm here alone. It’s ours when you are here with me." He didn't let his eyes wander from the water.
Raina liked the sound of that. She drew in a breath of air. "I like our place," she whispered, and it sounded so intimate.
He looked down at his bare feet.
She smiled. "I see you went wading without me!"
Guilty silvers glanced up at her. "You wanna go down and get your feet wet?" He tugged at her shoe.
She shook her head, giggling. "But Turk here might!"
Turks tail slapped against the rock at the sound of his name. He whined happily, as Nolan reached for him. He set the dog gently on the ground, unclipped, and handed Raina the leash. He knew he wouldn't need it. He murmured a word or two to the dog, and then they scurried down the bank.
Turk was hesitant at first about the water, but when he saw Nolan beckon to him, he didn't hesitate. He splashed his way over, and Nolan laughed, keeping him down. The last thing he needed was to be soaked from head to toe.
Raina watched happily for a few minutes, not wanting to take her eyes from the sight. Then she remembered her camera, and could not miss this opportunity. She began shooting, capturing the sweet moment between man and dog. Another roll of film filled the pocket of her hoodie. She was going to make good use of it for sure. She wanted as many pictures of Nolan as she could get. Who knew how long she would get to keep him. She woke up each day with that feeling....that the time between them could be fleeting.
The Awakening (Wake Up #1) Page 20