“It’s just that I asked Valmont already and he said he couldn’t help me so I’m hoping that maybe you can.” Darla’s voice was hesitant as she spoke.
“Oh! I’m intrigued.” Dumping the bag on the floor, Maisey closed the door and walked back over to the bed patting a space beside her. “I can’t promise you anything but ask away.”
Joining her on the bed Darla suddenly felt apprehensive. Did she really want the answer to her question? Was it really so important for her to know? “I want to know what Quinn is.” She blurted out hurriedly before changing her mind.
Maisey’s only response was a slight widening of her eyes just moments before she took Darla’s hand in hers, patting it soothingly. “Oh sweetie, I really do wish I could say, but it’s not my place. If Quinn hasn’t told you himself, then there must be a reason for it.”
Darla sighed with a mixture of disappointment and relief. “What was Valmont’s advice?”
“Ask Quinn!” Darla replied despondently
“Well I hate to admit it- and if you tell the arrogant charmer that I said this I’ll deny it- but afraid he’s right.”
“Well it’s a lot easier said than done. One minute he’s kind and gentle, the next he’s so hostile and angry.”
“Yeah that’s Quinn for you,” the redhead chuckled. “And I suppose you’ve encountered the whole ‘I hate humans’ thing on more than one occasion.” Maisey deepened her voice to impersonate Quinn’s, making Darla’s smile in the process.
“But you’re human aren’t you Maisey?”
“Sure am honey, Southern girl born and bred; proud of it too.”
“So how did you manage to end up here in Redemption?” Maisey’s face dropped making Darla wish she could retract the question. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked you that.”
Maisey dismissed her apology with a slightly pained smile. “No it’s not that… … It’s just such a long time since I’ve spoken to anyone about it. It’s sometimes easier to pretend it never happened.” Releasing Darla’s hands she slowly pulled up the cuffs of her sleeves.
Each wrist was marred by a single pale scar running vertically for about five inches from the base of her hand. The delicate faded wounds could only mean one thing.
“You killed yourself?” She asked astonished.
Maisey was so not the type of person anyone would expect to take their own life. Strong, independent and wilful, the woman had a personality to match the intensity of her hair. Her professionalism and confidence commanded attention right from the moment she entered a room.
“Don’t look so shocked.” Maisey exclaimed. “It’s pretty much how most humans find their way into Redemption.”
“But you’re not like most humans. I can’t imagine what on Earth would have driven you to do such a thing?”
The irony of that statement raised a questioning stare from Maisey reminding Darla of her own reason for being there. Feeling a little guilty her cheeks flushed.
“My story probably isn’t so different from a thousand other foolish girls, I suppose I was just weaker than most. It involves first love, betrayal, humiliation and ultimately… my death. All the makings of a bestselling novel, but it wasn’t a novel; it was my life. A living breathing nightmare with me trapped inside it. Needless to say I found a way out. Not necessarily the best way, but one that worked all the same.”
Taking a huge deep breath Maisey yanked at her sleeves covering the condemning reminders. “It all happened so fast,” she whispered her voice quivering with relived emotion. “Not at the time of course…I mean when you’re just a kid and you’re suddenly left with only two choices both of which terrify you beyond compare, time just seems to fade away. Every thought, every sound, every sensation becomes a long drawn out moment of torment and suffering.” A single solitary tear made its way down the flawless perfection of her skin.
Darla ached for the young girl who had been so terribly betrayed and felt so entirely alone that she had felt it so necessary to take her own life.
Maisey swiped irritably at the tear. “Looking back on things now I realise how quickly everything truly happened. One moment I was lying peacefully in the bath watching the life slowly drain from my body and then in the next moment I was knee deep in the wetlands to the east of here. My seeker was mouthing something at me but I couldn’t hear a damn thing over the incessant buzzing in my ears.”
“Yeah, I remember that feeling all too well.” Darla snorted.
Maisey gently patted the skin under her eyes removing the evidence of her tears. “Once we reached C.A.O.S I was given my sentence, fifteen years’ service to Big G at the end of which I could earn myself a return trip home. Not to my house of course or even to my family,” she quickly added. “And of course on top of that there would be the obligatory memory wipe, a safeguard that enables Redemption to remain a secret, but I would still mean going home; a second chance at a better life.”
“And are you sure you want that?” Darla asked curiously, unable to imagine anything worse than going back to the emptiness and pain of her life before.
“Hell yeah!” Maisey’s face lit up, her stunning smile back in place. “Seven years I’ve been down here. I’ve worked my way up through the ranks of the bureau gaining Big G’s trust in the process. And sure I’ve made a pretty good life for myself, but I miss home. I miss the warmth of the sun on my face.” Maisey closed her eyes as if picturing it, her face glowing. “I miss the feel of soft grass between my toes.” Her eyes opened suddenly. “Hell, I even miss the noise of the traffic.”
Darla giggled. “Then Maisey I truly hope you make it back. If anyone deserves a second chance it’s you.”
“Oh sugar, don’t you be worrying none. Eight more years and I’m gonna sit myself down in some big old park on a warm summers day with a cool glass of iced tea, take my shoes off and just listen to the world going by.” Staring into space imaging such a moment she could almost picture herself there. Snapping out of the daydream she jumped to her feet and headed for the door.
“No more time for daydreaming, there’s a nice big tub and loads of hot water just calling out your name and I’ve delayed you long enough. I’ll be back for you as soon as you’re needed,” she smiled before disappearing through the doorway.
“Maisey.”
The redhead poised seconds from closing the door; peering her head round the door she waited to see what Darla wanted.
“Thank you…for opening up to me. It means a lot.”
Rewarding her with one of her blinding smiles, Maisey winked before closing the door.
Moments later -languishing in the luxuriously scented waters- Darla rested her head back against the tub and closing her eyes she allowed the deep soothing warmth to envelope her tired aching muscles and work its magic. Her body slowly relaxed and with it her thoughts drifted.
Behind closed lids and shuttered lashes, visions of Quinn swirled in her mind; dark, brooding and intense, his steely confidence bordering on arrogance. He was definitely such a man that with all his quality’s combined and added to his rugged good looks – had she still been living her previous life she would have avoided him like the plague; men like that were generally nothing but trouble. But now, having spent time getting to know him she had to admit he was never very far from her thoughts.
But there was still the nagging question ‘what was he’? What could be so bad that he felt the need to hide it from her? Whatever he was he would still be Quinn, endlessly taking every opportunity in which to voice his disdain of her race. But she now knew better. Their brief encounter earlier that morning had betrayed his true feelings leading her to believe that whatever grudge he may have for her species it did not necessarily extend towards her, or at least not always.
Darla’s skin tingled at the memory of his touch, the warm water caressing her body like millions of tiny finger tips awakening her desires to unfinished business. The manner in which he had mastered her lips, demanding her response, there was no point in den
ying she burned for him. Even now with the images replaying in her mind her breathing had increased, beads of moisture dotted her brow and her stomach knotted. She wanted………No, needed to feel… … … …Realisation swept over her in huge crashing waves. She had wanted to feel! Not simply his touch but her own unbridled response to it. For the first time since her son’s death she had wanted, needed and desired to feel something!
How has this happened? Why now? Why him?
A man she knew so little about had managed wholly and utterly to breach walls that she had believed impenetrable.
And where did that leave her now? Was this just lust, nothing but an animalistic response to a masterful touch?
She thought back over the numerous men that had shown an interest towards her during the past two years, both in and outside of work. None had interested her even in the slightest, which alone told her that her need was more than just physical. And yet with Quinn his touch had ignited a fire so intense that she’d burned. But then there was also his anger and coldness towards her, something that bothered her more than she cared to admit… He bothered her more than she cared to admit.
Darla started as the truth dawned on her. A rising surge of panic pushed its way through her body throwing her upright in the tub, her eyes wide open, her knees drawn and clutched tight to her chest. No! No! No! How had she allowed this to happen? Somehow in just a matter of days she had unwittingly and unknowingly developed feelings for Quinn, the truth of which terrified her.
Feelings were dangerous! They had the ability to develop into something much stronger and that could leave her vulnerable, defenceless and open to pain.
It had to stop… Now! Taking a few deep breaths she settled her thoughts. ‘Think with calm cold logic Darla, not emotion,’ she thought to herself. I can do this, I can be strong.
For two long years she had supressed desires and needs in return for the safety of cold, hard emptiness behind the safety of her impenetrable walls. Whatever blossoming feelings she may now harbour towards Quinn would be dealt with immediately and ruthlessly. From this moment onwards he would discover just how cold and distant she could be.
With a relived sigh she lowered herself back into the warm water wondering why she had even been worried. It wasn’t as if Quinn’s interest in her was anything more than a quick fumble on a willing female.
Hopefully after tonight Mama Grace would provide some insight into what exactly was happening and things could move on as intended. She would beg Maisey to request an audience with Big G and plead her case to end her life once and for all. No more pain. No more suffering, and definitely no more feelings.
With her mind set Darla finally relaxed enjoying the sensation of the soothing hot bath and before long her body slowly succumbed to the overwhelming need for sleep.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Cool waters surrounded her. She remembered…the river! Was it possible she had survived the fall from the bridge? But the water was so still and calm…gasping out loud Darla sat bolt upright confused and disorientated. Noting her surroundings her senses cleared and she realised where she was. Having drifted off in the generously sized tub, the cooled water had rudely awakened her dragging her back to reality.
Shivering from the cold Darla hurried from the tub and wrapped herself in one of the thick, soft oversized towels that Mama Grace had so graciously provided. Winding her damp hair into a smaller towel she slowly began to feel the warmth returning to her chilled skin.
Entering the other room the sumptuous bed beckoned enticingly to her. Fresh clean sheets over a deep filled mattress were all she now desired to feel whole again. Slipping into white lace panties-compliments of Maisey- Darla remembered Mama Graces’ kind offer of sleepwear. A quick search through the dresser produced a t-shirt long enough to reach her thighs providing an adequate degree of modesty to suit her needs. With the beckoning promise of sleep so close at hand she decided that the only other thing she desired was a cool refreshing glass of water, and with that thought in mind she silently padded bare-footed from the room.
* * * *
Quinn looked quietly across at Mama Grace.
Sat in quiet repose she pondered the new information he had just provided. The peacefulness of the surrounding forest encompassed the small group where they sat gathered on the outside porch. The ancient seer rocked gently in the swing seat with Maisey beside her and a host of her beloved cats. Gallion and Larissa lounged idly in the chairs opposite, feeling more relaxed for having enjoyed the luxury of a much needed shower as had Quinn.
“When you received the vision of her coming through the portal, was there nothing that appeared unusual or different to you?” Quinn asked resting his hip idly against the balustrade which edged the wide porch.
“No, nothing.” Mama Grace’s serene face creased above her brow as she tried desperately to remember even the slightest divergence from her vision. “It was just the same as always; a name and co-ordinates.”
Quinn felt more frustrated than ever. “Well clearly someone knows a hell of a lot more than we do, and hopefully that’s something you can help us with.”
“I’ll do anything I can, you know I will.” Mama Grace idly stroked the silvery grey cat lying contented in her lap. “But you do realise, this has to be something big. To entice death-seekers up from the depths of hell the bounty would have to be more than substantial. Someone has gone to an awful lot of trouble to get their hands on your girl.”
Maisey was more than a little surprised when Quinn didn’t jump to correct their host on her poor choice of words. His extreme dislike of humans was no small matter and wide enough known that Mama Grace surely had to have realised that ‘your girl’ was an out and out insult.
“Yeah don’t I know it? But what’s eating at me is why her?” he continued as if he hadn’t even noticed the seer’s small slip, surprising Maisey even more. “I just don’t get it,” he added turning to gaze out at the forest.
Rubbing his hand across his forehead Quinn felt the bitter frustration gnawing at him, his inadequacy to resolve the dilemma playing heavily on his mind. “Damn it I need a drink! I don’t suppose you have anything stronger than iced tea?” he asked praying her response would be yes.
“Kitchen, top cupboard, right hand side,” she instructed, a whimsical smile on her face. “Purely for medicinal purposes of course,” she hastily added.
“Oh, of course!” Quinn smirked, already heading back inside in search of the alcohol he hoped would bring a small measure of relief to the tension building inside him.
Making his way through the house he speculated on the remote possibility that whatever was headed their way could be something bigger than all of them put together could handle. What if he wasn’t able to keep Darla safe? What if he couldn’t protect her from whatever hunted her? His mood darkened further, the cold grip of fear tightening a clenched fist around his heart. Once, only ever before in his life he had felt such a degree of helplessness and it had damn near destroyed him. What if it was to happen again?
Fractured images snapped him back to that day, reviving the memories that haunted him still. Events so tragic he carried the emotional scars still to this day. A deep snarl unfurled inside him. He knew beyond all doubt that he would die before he allowed anything like that to ever happen again. There was no way another innocent was dying- not if he could help it. Darla would be just fine and he wouldn’t rest until he made sure of it.
Storming through the swing door into the kitchen the sight that greeted him nearly dropped him in his tracks. His heart slammed against his chest as if trying to break through whilst his blood plunged south threatening an explosive climax in less than an instant.
Across the room, no more than a few feet from where he stood was Darla. Stretched up on tip toe reaching up towards one of the high wall mounted cupboards she was clearly in pursuit of something just slightly beyond her grasp.
His eyes raked her body with a consuming hunger. His fists balled at his sides a
nd the muscle in his jaw danced a rapid tempo.
Balancing on her toes, the muscles in her legs were pulled taut defining their contours all the way to the tops of her thighs, their beautiful lines broken only by the hem of her t-shirt brushing provocatively across their path. As she raised her arm the oversized top moved higher inadvertently revealing the most tantalising glimpse of white lace panties enveloping golden hued skin. His eyes locked firmly on the small hint of lace, barely succeeding in its effort to cover the most intimate part of her.
Quinn felt as though an invisible force had punched him in the gut as the breath rushed from his lungs on an intense growl of pure unadulterated lust. Never had he desired her more than in that one moment. Never had he needed anyone as much as he needed her. RIGHT HERE! RIGHT NOW!
Hearing a noise from behind Darla glanced over her shoulder, curious as to whom had entered the kitchen. Almost ready to give up on ever reaching the tall glass tumbler, she was immensely pleased to discover Quinn filling the doorway. Considerably taller than herself, he would have no difficulty in reaching it for her.
“Quinn I’m so glad you’re here. I need you…”
Hearing those three simple words fall from her lips Quinn reacted with preternatural speed clearing the distance between them in the blink of an eye, preventing her from ever completing her sentence. His arms encased her waist as he slammed her back against his body. The firm curve of her ass colliding against his firm erection, leaving no doubt as to his obvious state of arousal.
Quinn’s mouth plunged down the length of her elegant neck reining an assault of passion drenched kisses against her silken flesh, desperate with need to taste her. Her initial gasp of surprise was quickly stifled by a moan of pure unadulterated pleasure escaping from between her lips as her passionate response rapidly rose to match his, both in strength and intensity. Turning her head she eagerly gave him the access he desperately desired to devour her lips, his tongue pillaging the depths of her mouth, feeding on her unique taste like a starving man at a feast.
Redemption - A Darla Gray Novel Page 17