Trying to fight back her bewilderment at the sudden shift, Suzette hesitated with her eyes locked on the maid.
Callie simply smiled and walked away.
Canto XIV
Swaying curves filled Dante’s view as he walked down the street. It felt overwhelming how many women there were. They all need a man by their side, he thought. How honored he would be to fill that place.
As his eyes wandered, they fell upon a familiar face. The woman he had noticed a few days ago, the one with the gorgeous eyes, strutted out of a bar, slinging her purse over her shoulder as she flipped her hair to the side. His lips turned dry as he stared at her tight skirt.
On instinct, he followed after her. Her long legs made her stride bigger and her tall heels forced her to move faster, but he found himself thrilled by the chase. He couldn’t see anything but the woman. People were moving blurs around him while the woman was as crisp and clear as daylight. He could almost feel her warmth radiating off of her and into him. The faster he moved, the closer and closer she got, and he found himself almost jogging.
She stopped.
Surprised, he stopped as well, teetering back on his heels before he rammed into her. Shaken out of his daze, Dante observed their surroundings. They stood in a shabbier part of town, waiting for a flashing, red hand to be replaced by a little man walking. Now was his chance. As his excitement grew, his mouth clenched tighter, unsure of how to proceed. He took a step back and bumped into something. Glancing back, he saw the parking meter and played it off, leaning his body against it and shoving his shaky hands in his pockets.
“Hey there,” he choked out, surprised he could even manage it.
She looked up in surprise but smiled when she saw Dante standing there. “Hi,” she said through white teeth.
A surge of ease washed over him through his small success. Looking around, he asked, “Beautiful day, huh?”
She scoffed. “Yeah, I guess.”
“Name’s Dante,” he told her, acting casual. “What’s yours?”
He enjoyed her scrutinizing eyes as they ran across his whole frame. After a moment, she replied, “Cleo.”
He smiled. “Cleo? I like that,” he said. “Listen, I’m kind of new to the city and I’d really like someone to show me the best places in town. You look like you know a thing or two.”
Her body twisted to face him and her eyes twinkled. “I know a few things.”
It shocked him how easily the words came to him and he rummaged through his brain for what to say next, though he wasn’t as worried as before. It was exciting to feel free to say whatever he wanted. “Well, ma’am, I would be delighted if you would escort a sorry guy like me through the city.”
Her lips pursed in contemplation. “Are you asking me on a date, toots?”
Dante smiled. “It can be a date or it can be a nice walk for two people to just talk. Whatever you want it to be.”
Cleo bit her lip to hide her obvious grin, drumming her fingers on her purse. Then she finally responded, “Well, I guess I can take a detour home.”
Pleased with her answer, he offered his elbow. She seemed surprised by the gesture, but she smiled and took it.
The next few hours were hard for Dante to even believe. She did what he had asked and took him to all her favorites places. Most of them were bars, but he didn’t mind. He just loved how she allowed touch between them. Sometimes, she let him take her hand, and sometimes she even let him pull her closer by her waist. It was so nice to feel her soft hands on him, running over his arms and chest, like she was hungry for him. It made him giddy. She laughed so easily and talked so openly that he felt himself blushing at times. She was a loud sort of girl, but he didn’t mind; she was gorgeous. She could talk his ear off and he would just be content to look at her face.
They walked past crowds of people and tall buildings. They made their way past some places of unique architecture, more like art. They avoided some crazies and watched as a bunch of rich people’s limos headed toward some big party at the end of the road. The city was vibrant and alive, and Cleo knew its language. Once it got pitch-dark, the streets were lit up with bright flashing lights. That’s when she got quieter.
When the hustle and bustle of the city dimmed down to a subtler part of town, she stopped. “Okay, toots, it’s getting late. I need to get home.”
“I can’t have you walk home by yourself,” Dante insisted kindly. “Let me walk you home, huh?”
She tried to hide her laughing. Then she took his elbow again. “Alright.”
Like a gentleman, he took her home, talking casually on the way. She stopped at a nice house and turned to him. “I really liked that date, kid. You’re a real smooth-talker, you know that?”
Unsure of how to reply, Dante chuckled and looked down.
As his head came back up, all he caught was a glimpse of her lips as they made their way towards him and planted themselves on his. He froze, taken aback. A twinge of guilt crept into his conscience, plastering Suzette’s face across the back of his eyelids. Am I betraying her memory—and so soon? But the more Cleo molded her warm, plump lips to his, the more his guilt faded. The feeling of passion could never be associated with Suzette again. She was gone. But this living, breathing girl could give him something just as special. The more he dwelt on it, the more at home he felt in this stranger’s embrace.
Dante wrapped his arms around Cleo as she hugged his neck. When she finally pulled away, they were breathless. Saying nothing, she opened the door and began to step inside. As her hand gripped the door, she glanced back at him in a sultry manner and tipped her head inside in invitation.
A new reason for excitement flared inside of Dante and he followed her into the house.
—
“How do I look, dear?”
Suzette heard the elderly woman step into the bathroom of their hotel suite and she turned to look at her.
Lady Augustine wore a plain, green dress with a shawl and gloves, a big flower clip in her short, curly hair. She gasped when she took in Suzette, her hand falling on her chest. “Darling, you look so lovely!”
Suzette’s cheeks flared. She had never dressed up before. Her lacy, cranberry-colored dress was a whole new world to her. Nervous, she tucked her wavy hair behind her ear. “Thank you,” she replied awkwardly. “You look very elegant, Lady Augustine. I like the pin.”
The old woman grinned at the compliment, feeling the hair in the back to make sure it was okay. “Well, I’ll be down at the limo. Don’t be too long.”
As the Lady headed for the door, Suzette followed. “I’ll only be a few more minutes.” When the door closed, she went back into the bathroom and put on some dark lipstick. Finished, she examined herself and finally sighed. She had never worn so much makeup in her life. Maybe if she had, Dante wouldn’t have let her go.
She hadn’t had too much time to think about it, but standing there looking at her pale face, now void of freckles, she couldn’t help but dwell on it. Had he been bored of her? Had she not been pretty enough? Could it have been just his family problems? Had there been another woman?
When she caught the pained look on her face, she straightened up, refusing to feel pathetic again. I let that go, she reminded herself. After a quick check in the mirror, she made her way to the living room. Jack sat on the couch, typing away at his computer. Glancing over his shoulder, she saw internet tab after tab on genetic engineering, resurrection, and superpowers.
“How’s it going?” she asked.
He sighed in response. “Yeah, I don’t see any logical explanation for any of this.” His voice was snarky, like he couldn’t believe he had even typed in such kooky searches. Yet, he seemed slightly frustrated by his lack of answers.
She laughed a little. “Frank still freaking you out, huh?”
“Absolutely. I don’t get it. All I’m coming up with is religious mumbo-jumbo on his end.”
She paused at mumbo-jumbo but quickly brushed it off. “Well, Frank should be proof
enough that there’s something more to all of this than just science.”
Jack scoffed. “Everything has a logical explanation. I just need time to find it. Hopefully, this mission will help clear the air.” He looked up at her over his shoulder. “I wish I had a microphone to put on you.”
“Ordered and on its way to Lady Augustine’s house,” Suzette said, starting toward the door. “She wasn’t anticipating someone to work with me. But don’t worry; I’ll tell you everything that happens.”
He waved his hand out at her and went back to his computer. “Alright.”
“See you later.” With that, she walked out of the suite, checking the door behind her to make sure it was locked. Then she got in the elevator and waited for the big, metal box to make its way to the lobby. Her only friend was the calm elevator music that soothed her anxious mind. Her eyes lingered on the bright green numbers as they sluggishly made their way down. But just a few floors later, they stopped.
Ding!
She looked up at the doors as they slid open.
A bulking man with dirty blond hair stood in the open doors with a duffle bag hanging on one shoulder. His scarred arms bulged out of a black t-shirt. Suzette gawked at the sight of him.
The Hunter took off his hat and, without looking, set it over the camera encased in glass above the buttons. He stepped in as the doors closed behind him.
She was far too shocked to be angered by his presence. She thought she had given him the slip. “What are you doing here?”
Instead of answering her, he slung the bag he had off his shoulder and said, “Hold the hat—quick.”
Without a thought, she obeyed and held it tight against the camera. “You didn’t answer my question,” she growled.
“You really thought you had just slipped away unnoticed? I heard you talk to Frank in the woods. I followed you back to the old woman’s house to make sure he wouldn’t slaughter all of you.” He leaned over and rummaged through the bag. “And you really think I didn’t know about the party? I heard you listen to the messages on Jekyll’s phone.”
She set a hand on her hip and scrutinized him. “So, you’re here for the party? I thought you were only interested in Frank.”
The Hunter came back up, untangling a bunch of thin wires. “Well, since you were so adamant to swoop Frank up and keep him in the old lady’s house, he’s your problem. If he does anything, know that I’m holding you responsible.”
She rolled her eyes.
“Now that that’s all sorted out, I have to move on to other things.” He plugged one of the thin wires into a tiny box that he slid onto his back pocket. Then he pulled the other end up and put an ear piece in place.
She shook her head confusedly at him as he went back into the bag. “I still don’t understand why you’re bothering me about this.”
He didn’t reply but came up again with a tiny, metal-looking dot on his pointer finger. She became rigid, shocked as he reached down and stuck the device on the barrette in her hair.
“What’s that?” she questioned, reaching for her hair and not feeling anything.
“A microphone.”
A microphone? Why would he…? Excitement rose inside of her. “You need me! I knew it!”
The Hunter scoffed. “I don’t need you. But you have a bad habit of interfering on accident. This is so I can see if you pick up anything interesting while I do my work—alone.”
“Which is…?”
He pulled his trench coat out of the bag and hung it in the crook of his arm. “None of your business.” He slung the bag back over his shoulder.
“You mean, after all we’ve been through together, you still don’t trust me?” Suzette asked with false innocence, batting her lashes at him.
“No.” Then, out of nowhere, he took his thumb and dragged it across her lips.
She grunted in shock and smacked at him with one arm, trying to hold the hat steadily in place with the other. When he pulled his hand away, she snarled, “What was that for?”
He leaned his face in, his own rude humor glimmering in his eyes. “Security’s going to be tight tonight, especially in a big hotel like this.” Then he pulled his red thumb sloppily across his mouth. “Nothing weird about two people in an elevator, right?”
She gawked at him in furious horror and covered her mouth with her free hand. “I would never—!”
“What, no kissing on the second date, Princess?” He huffed a laugh. “Try not to look so mortified.” Without breaking eye contact with her, he took the hat back, set it on his head, and stood straight up next to her, shoulder to shoulder. Finally, he looked ahead.
Her cheeks burned from embarrassment but she pressed it down. He could have come up with a better excuse, but this’ll work as good as any.
The elevator stopped and the doors opened to the lobby. The Hunter began to step out but stopped. “Oh, and don’t draw any attention to yourself either. You have a bad habit of doing that, too.” Then he turned and walked out.
She followed behind and caught a glimpse of a security guard staring at them and talking into a walkie-talkie. She sighed, half in relief, half in frustration as she wiped at the lines of her lips. But she wouldn’t let the Hunter go without her own little dig. She hurried up to him and subtly grabbed his arm. When he glanced down at her, she gave him a faux-sultry look. “You give me the best fake kiss I ever had and I don’t even get your name?”
He grunted. “No.”
She sighed in a melodramatic way. “Well then, until next time, Stud.” Then she hurried ahead and wiggled her fingers back at him. “Date number three better not disappoint.” Without looking back, Suzette made her way to the limo, keeping her head down the whole time to make sure no one stared at her smudged clown lips. The long black car waited with the door open. As she shuffled in, the chauffeur closed it behind her.
Lady Augustine stared at Suzette, a confused look on her face.
“I don’t want to talk about it.”
Obliging her wish of quietude, Lady Augustine pulled out a little mirror from her clutch purse and handed it over.
As Suzette scrubbed at the smeared lipstick, she couldn’t help but chuckle at his move. Touché, Hercules.
“We’re here.”
Suzette snapped her head up just as the door opened for the old woman, who took the hand offered and pulled herself out.
Suzette scuttled out of the seat, taking the chauffeur’s offered hand in turn. She stared up at the tall, fancy building and glanced around at the empty, closed-off area. Beyond the giant, rounded parkway stood a small crowd of photographers behind a wooden barricade, all tiny dots in the distance. Must be a very private event, she mused.
“Come along, Beatrice.”
The old woman’s voice drew her attention away from the landscape and pulled it to the top of the stairs where Lady Augustine waited in front of a golden, revolving door. Suzette hurried up to her and trudged in behind. Once inside the foyer, they journeyed up a few more short steps until they got to a set of thick, red curtains with two men standing in front.
Lady Augustine presented her invitation. The men nodded to her and drew back the curtains.
Suzette hesitated in the archway, taking in the room. It wasn’t as large as she had imagined, but it was still very lavish. A few small, crystal chandeliers hung over everyone, only dimly lighting up the room. Even with poor lighting, the speckles in the checkered, taupe-and-cream-colored tiles glimmered, all outlined with a Greek-key pattern. Skinny, cream-colored Grecian columns stretched from the floor to the ceiling with bright-red tapestries stretched between them. Tables lined three sides of the room, while the fourth hosted a small, raised stage where a pianist played away in the corner. Smack in the center of the room stood a small dance floor, where many guests occupied themselves. A low murmur floated across the room as the finely dressed men and women socialized. It felt very intimate and simple, but it left Suzette feeling so out of place.
Her heart pounded in her ears.
What the heck am I doing here? She took a few steps back, but the thick curtains stopped her retreat, forcing her to face the room and everyone in it. No, I have a mission. And if I don’t do it, who will? She still didn’t trust the Hunter and his unclear motives. It was all up to her and her team.
She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She saw a few celebrities that she normally would have gawked act, but her mind wouldn’t let her focus on anything but the mission. As for the rest of the people, she didn’t know them. Though it was doubtful, she hoped to see Jekyll.
Lady Augustine took her arm and guided her toward a table, taking her mind away from the crowd. As they sat, both scanned the room.
“Do you know anyone here?” Suzette asked.
“Only a few. All conscience-deprived actors and bloodthirsty politicians. Oh, I see a few nobles, as well.”
“Pardon me,” a voice announced.
The piano quieted and all attention drew to the stage where a man stood in the middle. Once he saw everyone’s eyes on him, he began to address them in a suave voice, thick with an accent. But Suzette found herself off-balanced just at the sight of him. His words fell dead at her ears, but the hum of his voice bounced around strangely in her chest. He stood tall and proud, but his pale, olive face looked tired and rough. His long, black, wavy hair smoothed back into a ponytail that, oddly enough, looked just fine against his dapper clothes. His razor-thin lips moved under a big, black mustache as his dark eyes surveyed the room. Suzette couldn’t tell if he was old or tired or if it was just poor lighting. But something about him made Suzette feel out of sorts and fretful.
“Look, I’ve found Dorian.”
Drawing a deep breath, Suzette’s eyes yanked away from the man. The odd sensations that had sent her off-kilter slowly faded and she closed her eyes in relief for a moment. Once she settled, she looked over at the old woman.
“See? Just over there.” Lady Augustine nodded at one of the pillars.
Through the faces, Suzette caught sight of Dorian Gray sitting near the corner, focused intently on the speaker.
Blind World (The Onyx Fox Saga Book 1) Page 30