“Of course, I will. Who would I tell anyway, since I’m probably not leaving this room anytime soon?”
Raven began, “Alexander Sandoval, Vincent Wolfe, Sebastian Colyear, Julian Wolfe (Vince’s brother), Miles Martin, and I are working for an organization that my father, Rafael Tafini, is associated with called the Order. It is a protection organization which defends the entire galaxy. It is comprised of some of the fiercest warriors and most ingenious creatures in the entire solar system. It is our hope to become members of this prestigious and upstanding organization that benefits all life forms, no matter their heritage.”
“Why do I get the feeling that you’re the boss? I still can’t believe Vince deserted me as upset as I was.”
“I requested that Vince leave. You’re right. I'm the leader for this assignment. Regardless of what you think, Vince is my friend. However, Emma, he wouldn’t have left if he believed you were in danger, not even for me. Surely, you know how he feels about you. You should know that Vince trusts me. I hope you know that you can trust me, too. I still want to be a part of your life, Emma.”
I merely nodded. It was all just too bizarre. My friends, these guys were working to become some kind of intergalactic soldiers or something. Hell, I didn’t even know there was life on other planets and didn’t even want to think about that at the time.
“Raven, I need to know everything that is going on which concerns my mother and me.”
He squeezed my hand between his two large ones as he reassured me, “Please be patient. You must keep an open mind. I’ll tell you as much as I can, like I promised earlier. Emma, you know me. I’d never hurt you, nor would Vince or the others. We are the good guys. We work with an organization, as I said, that protects the inhabitants of all the planets in our cosmological system from harm. I guess you could call us something like space police. We are dedicated to keeping everyone safe from the evil that seeks to destroy everything in its path. That evil has a name. It is called Hearts. We refer to them as Dark Hearts.”
I wished that I could’ve seen his expression as he told me things that I found harder to believe than Harry Potter. Next, he’d be telling me that vampires existed and actually had sparkly skin.
Was he sincere, I wondered? Strangely, he sounded completely truthful. I still wondered what this had to do with me. I listened, patiently waiting for the answers I hoped would come as he continued.
“I’m sure you’re questioning what this has to do with you. Emma, your father didn’t desert you. We believe Dark Hearts pursued him. Your father is in actuality a brilliant scientist. His name is Matthew Steffan.” When I made a noise of disbelief he said, “I know this is a lot to take in, but please let me finish before you make any decisions about what I’m telling you. Your father changed his surname when he married your mother to protect her and any children they conceived.”
Raven finished telling me about my father and the situation concerning my mother. While I didn’t want to believe him, I could tell he was being sincere. His hand was steady on mine and his voice tone was earnest. I knew he believed it, too.
The tears fell from my cheeks when I learned what I feared most. My blindness could be permanent. How could I have been so stupid? I was terrified that I might never be able to see again. I had to trust the guys to help my family and me, at least for the time being. Raven promised they would find my parents. Apparently, this Order had almost unlimited resources and were working on locating them both.
When I thought I could take no more truths for one day, the door opened. I was certain my face was stained with tears that had fallen unchecked, as I fully realized the dangerous situation I had gotten myself into because of my rash behavior. I’d be no help finding my parents without my eyesight. I couldn’t even begin to protect myself.
Vince’s voice filled the room, “Is she okay? Can we come in?”
I wasn’t sure Raven had actually said yes. It seemed I had little choice in seeing the other guys tonight. I could hear the steady sounds of several sets of footfalls. Finally, when the steps stopped I knew they had all surrounded the bed.
I could smell their scents and a couple new ones that I didn’t yet recognize. I knew all six of them surrounded me. I wondered what they thought of me. It seemed I’d brought nothing but problems to them and myself. Hell, I wasn’t even sure now what I thought of them or myself at the moment. However, what choice did I have but to stay? I couldn’t see a damn thing.
Raven said he feared there would be trouble with Dark Hearts. He made me promise to do whatever he asked without hesitation and promised he’d keep me safe. He seemed to have been honest and he'd trusted me with their confidences. Now I had to trust him, but could I? One thing was for sure, I wasn’t going to tell anyone. Who’d believe me anyway, now that I knew life existed on other planets as well as the fact that interplanetary travel was possible. I couldn’t convince anyone of things I was still coming to terms with and how could I prove it anyway? I just wanted to see again and find Mom. I just wanted my life back the way it was before all this drama with Dark Hearts.
There was silence followed by everyone talking at once until Raven spoke. “Emma, I’m sure you can tell that we’re all in the room with you. They were anxious to make sure our girl was all right. It was a lot to take in tonight. I’m sorry. I might as well introduce you to two of the newest members of our unit.”
“Um, of course, but first I’d like to thank all of you for everything you’re doing for my family and me.”
“Emma, the big bruiser with the gigantic hand on your leg is Miles Martin. He’s one of the best demolition specialists in the galaxy.”
Before I knew what to expect, an immense firm hand took mine off my lap where I’d placed them. His handshake was firm and his hand big and fleshy, similar to Vince’s but much larger, if that was possible. “It's nice to finally meet you. As Raven said, my name is Miles.” His hand felt human. I hadn’t asked if all of them were human beings from earth. I didn’t think I could handle it if they were green Martians. I said nothing because Raven hadn’t offered much information about any of them. Perhaps I’d find out later.
It was odd, but a complete stranger was almost caressing my arm as he ran his fingers around my arm. Even through the long-sleeved robe, his touch felt warm and intimate. I wondered what the other guys thought about him touching me. I had no time to talk to Miles before someone nudged him out of the way. It was not without a few comments and some resistance on his part. Finally, he reluctantly moved.
“This scallywag is none other than Julian Wolfe, Vince’s younger brother,” Miles said by way of an introduction to the man who’d grasp my hand.
“I haven’t seen you in a long time, Julian. I don’t know if you remember me or not.”
“Of course, I remember you, Emma. I think you stole Vince’s heart the first time he chased that nasty spider away. I’m still the better-looking one. One day you’ll find out what you’ve been missing. We could have such fun again, Emma sweets.”
I chuckled lightly as I blushed at his flirtatious words. His hand was smaller than Miles’ had been. His long fingers encircled my wrist as he brought my hand to his lips for a lingering kiss. His lips quickly caressed each digit with an intimate stroke. Well, he got to three of them before he was pulled away by someone. I assumed it was Vince as I heard his words.
“That’s enough little brother. She’s still recovering and I’m not sure I’m used to the idea of sharing her with you, too.” It got quiet as Vince cleared his throat and began in his most serious voice, “Emma, I’m sorry I shouldn’t have told you about your mother the way I did. It was wrong.”
“You didn’t do anything wrong. I appreciate that you told me. I know it was hard for you to do so even when I was a bitch about it. I hope it didn’t cause problems for you, because I did insist on answers from you as my BFF.”
There were a few noises from the group, however, there were no actual comments that I could make out.
I hoped that would clear Vince of any wrongdoing.
I smiled in spite of my earlier mistrust of them. I couldn’t see them. I had no idea what some of them even looked like, but I knew they were all brave, handsome men that were trying to do their best for everyone. I could also tell by their touches that they all cared about me. They’d each vowed their assistance as they said their goodbyes at Sebastian’s insistence. A few lingered longer than others at my bedside, as if leaving me was not something they wanted to do now that I was finally awake. A part of me didn’t want them to leave either. What did that make me, I wondered? Was I truly a young woman with a desire for six different men? I just couldn’t think about losing any of them from my life. It was strange, I’d seemed to have developed a bond of sorts with all them rather quickly. It apparently hadn’t dissipated even after the lies. I’d think about it later. I was getting tired again. I guess I was still healing. I only hoped my eyes would finish healing soon.
After they all left Sebastian brought me over the tea and a small sandwich instead of the biscotti Raven had said accompanied the tea.
“You’re my star patient, but you still need to eat something. I hope we didn’t overwhelm you. Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction, but I swear what Raven told you was the truth. We will help you and your family because you are stuck with us now. We’re a family of friends now. Remember your family you’re born with and your friends you choose. We’ve chosen you. Don’t ever forget that, Emma. How do you feel?”
“Grateful, gob smacked, and a little frightened. Raven told me that I might never see again. Do you think I’ll ever get my vision back?”
“I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure you do see again. That’s why I didn’t tell you that your sight may never return. I don’t want you to feel hopeless. I just can’t say how long it may take your vision to return, Emma. Sometimes it can take years, but we are going to keep trying, okay. Anyway, I want you to go out with me. I can’t do that if you can’t see how handsome I am and what you’d be missing if you didn’t go. Therefore, we must get your vision to return and soon. I want to see the famous lake where you stole that beast Vince’s heart and it seems Alex’s, too.” He chuckled, taking the sting out of his last comment.
Ego much, I wondered as I grinned a little. “Really, you’re handsome, you say?” I smiled a bit more towards where I believed his face was, then I became more serious as I asked, “Actually, Sebastian, I’m curious about your face. Can you tell me what you look like?”
“I can do better than that,” he said as he gently lifted my hands to his face. “let your fingers do the walking, leallen.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind?” I made no comment about his leallen remark. I’d gotten used to being called sugar.
“Not at all. Let your hands explore my entire face and anywhere else you’d like.” The thoughts his words invoked caused an instant stain to my cheeks. I wondered if I’d ever stop blushing around the guys. I could hear the chuckle in his voice as he spoke again in his sexy brogue, “You know what I mean, my impish Emma. For the time being, you must learn to let your fingers and hands see for your eyes. Soon, I hope you’ll be able to picture in your mind what we all look like just by examining each detail of our faces with your fingers. You know, like they say, let your fingers do the walking.”
“I believe you’re the impish one. You’re awfully cheeky for a doctor.”
“I’m only like this with my prettiest patient. She’s the one I’m trying to impress. I have a lot of competition, you know. I have to be a bit more charming than normal with you, Emma.”
I laughed nervously as I realized that Sebastian was trying to put me at ease with this new way of seeing. Instead of crying about my blindness, he was teasing. Now I was almost a bit exasperated with him for being too cheeky. However, I was no longer as nervous about stroking the contours of his face as he lifted my hand towards him.
I couldn’t resist a little barb as his warm flesh greeted my hand, “Doctor, someone needs to instruct you on the ways of being charming. I believe cheeky and charming are somewhat different.”
“Touché, my dear Emma, I shall have to polish my bedside manners and be on my best behavior around you, I see.”
I felt him inhale as I traced his full lips with my fingers. I felt every line and plane of his face. I even ran my fingers across his five o’clock shadow as the coarse hairs prickled my fingertips. It seemed most intimate to be touching a man’s face when we were alone in a bedroom. I hoped my hands weren’t clammy. I knew they were shaking a bit as I traced his full lips again, liking the curve of his mouth beneath my fingers. He was a doctor and how else could I discern what he looked like, I thought, trying to calm myself. My natural curiosity got the best of me as I tentatively continued the exploration of his features. I knew he was handsome by the shape and placement of his facial characteristics, from the set of his eyes to the widows peak on his forehead, everything seemed to form good-looking features.
He quickly snitched one of my shaky fingers and placed a feather light kiss on the very tip of it. I felt butterflies in my stomach at his sweet kiss. I wondered what it would feel like to have his lips on my mouth. I spoke to break the moment before I did or said something that would embarrass us both. I knew he didn’t mean his words. He was still trying to help me overcome the powerful emotions that my blindness caused in me. He knew I was afraid and was trying to help me adjust.
It was now or never. I starting asking personal questions so I could better discern his face while we spoke. “What color is your hair, Sebastian?”
“It’s ebony like the darkest sky. My eyes are the color of a deep, rich, chocolate, I’m told. I’m six-foot, three-inches tall and it’s said that I’m the hottest doctor in Salem.
“Modest, aren’t you.” I chuckled at our easy banter.
“I didn’t say it. The nurses and some of my female patients have dubbed me a hottie. We’ll just have to get your eyes better so you can see for yourself. If there’s anything else you’d like to touch, just let me know. It’s all in the interest of medical science, of course.”
I removed my hands from his face, suddenly a little uncomfortable at the direction our conversation had taken.
“Don’t look so terrified. I don’t bite. I’m just trying to get you to relax. Would you like that sandwich now?”
“That might be a good idea,” I said, trying not to choke as I thought of running my fingers through his hair and over his entire body, which I knew was likely fit and strong. He’d easily lifted me a time or two. “I’ll try to eat a little.”
“You’ll eat it all or I’ll have to feed you. Seriously, Emma, you need to get your strength back. Besides, the healthier we can get your body, the better the chances of a complete healing.”
I knew that if I was ever going to get out of here, I had to get better. He was right, eating was the first step to regaining my strength. I’d do whatever he told me to gain back my sight.
“I think I can manage, but thanks for the offer.”
“That wasn’t an offer, that was a promise if you don’t eat every last bite. Anyway, you might enjoy it. I’m told that I’m most “charming” as you put it when I make the effort. My dear, to see you smile is most certainly worth the effort. Emma, you really do need to eat all of your food though. Drink your tea, too. Let me know when you’re ready for the teacup. I’ll help you so it doesn’t get spilled all over your pretty robe.”
I felt a little self-conscious now that he’d mentioned my robe. I did eat most of my sandwich. It was a turkey sandwich with some fresh lettuce and tomato, which was one of my favorites. I wondered if Vince had told them what my favorite foods were. I was sure he knew them all. After thinking about Vince then Raven, I didn’t think having Sebastian feeding me would be a good idea for my fluttering stomach. I might not totally trust them and was still upset that they’d lied to me, but that didn’t stop my body’s constant attraction to them. It was if they called to me
, every one of them.
I ate my sandwich quicker than I’d expected. I guess I was hungrier than I’d realized.
I could tell the doctor was handsome and too flirty for my own good. He handed me my tea and as our fingers brushed, my entire body tingled at the warmth of his hand.
“Good job, Emma. Too bad though, I think I’d have enjoyed feeding you.”
I ignored his teasing. “Thanks for the food. It was good.”
“Would you like anything else? If not, it would be a good idea to try to get some rest. I’ll help you remove your robe.”
Actually, since I’d finished the tea, sleep seemed like a necessary event. He helped me stand up. His strong arm encircled my waist, easily holding me close to his body, his very hard body, I noticed. He didn’t have an ounce of fat anywhere that I could feel as our bodies touched. I wondered what his life was like before he’d come here to care for me. Maybe we could talk more when I woke later.
“I think,” I yawned and stretched as Sebastian helped me remove the robe from my shoulders, keeping his hands overlong against me. I stuttered when his long fingers grazed my shoulder as he slid the material down my arms. I hid my feelings by keeping my face downcast. “I think a nap sounds like a good idea.” My voice came out a little bit more breathy than I’d liked, but I continued. “Thanks again for your help, Sebastian. I know all your trifling was to get my mind off my fears.” I finished in an unsteady voice as he helped me back into bed.
I felt my skin tingle as Sebastian’s fingers stroked my cheek ever so softly after he pulled the covers over me. I wondered if he was that friendly with all his female patients. I wasn’t happy at all about that thought. I didn’t want to think about why it bothered me so much. There was just something about his voice and his tender caring or was it the flirting that drew me to him?
“I’m wounded that you think I was flirting just to help you. Goodnight, my little leallen,” I knew meant sugar in his native tongue. “and there is no need to thank me, Emma. Believe me, it’s been my pleasure. Now get some sleep, my favorite patient. The sooner you get stronger the sooner I’ll be able to have that date with you.”
Dark Hearts Page 22