BOOK THREE in THE GUARDIAN'S SERIES
Book One: A Guardian's Touch, Book Two: A Guardian's Love
Disclaimer See Part 1
Feedback: This is my first try and not being a native English speaker, it's so much more challenging. Constructive criticism if greatly appreciated, so feel free to drop a line or two at steinwillard80@gmail.com .
PART TWO
Chapter 3
England 1606, Cleaver Keep
The winters were getting colder every year and where she was huddling near the fireplace, the girl shifted closer, to warm her hands. Her mother was still busy attending to Her Ladyship's needs and it would be a few hours before she'd return home, that would give her enough time to change from her breeches into a dress. Mable O'Riordian was steadfast in her believe that God created breeches for men and dresses for women. Why then were men not allowed to wear dresses when the fancy hit them, she'd ask her daughter whenever she found a smaller pair of breeches in the washing, knowing full well that it was too small to fit her 7ft giant of a husband or Jeremy, who at 16 summers was already too tall to fit into them.
But she needed the breeches as a disguise when she crept home after dark. In total contrast with her soft angelic looks, she had a ferocious sexual appetite and slipping home during the early morning hours looking the way she looked, was asking for trouble. Her tall lean muscled frame, full breasts, shoulder-length copper tresses and deep green eyes, would draw too much unwanted attention. While wearing her breeches, a woolen cap to hide her copper hair and a cape, she passed easily for a young soldier returning to the barracks after a night spent in the arms of a comely serving wench.
She heard footsteps on the stairs and stayed huddled at the fireplace, pretending to stoke the fire. Two small feet encased in expensive silver slippers appeared in front of her, but still she didn't look up.
“The fire needs more wood, servant,” a sharp female voice sounded and she quickly came to her feet, still not making eye contact as she rushed to the door to retrieve more wood for the young mistress. The firewood shed was behind the kitchens and she pushed open the door, unclasped her mantle and waited. A few minutes later another door, leading directly from the kitchen to the shed opened and closed softly.
This time she looked up into the soft mocha eyes of Lady Clarissa Vermont. Her green eyes traveled appreciatively over the petite figure of the girl. They were both twenty. As kids they'd played together and it was during their teenage years that they both realized that there was something more, something stronger, which bound them together. There was awkwardness at first, followed by a deep attraction, then scorching lust and finally love. They moved at the same time and their lips met with equal hunger. They kissed long and passionately before Clarissa stood back, her blond curls ruffled. She looked so beautiful and wanton that Trinity felt her heartbeat accelerate even more.
“I can't stay long tonight. My mother wants me to read to her tonight and your mother will be done with her anytime soon.” Clarissa sounded anxious.
Over the past five years since they'd fallen in love, they've had numerous close calls. They've learnt not to tempt fate when the chances of being caught were too high. But tonight she had a deep ache for this woman which couldn't wait.
“I don't need much time, dearling.” She'd murmured softly. “I need to taste you; otherwise I will not be able to sleep peacefully tonight.” With that said she'd backed Clarissa against a pile of smoothly chopped wood. “Put your leg on the piece of wood over there.” She moved in and kissed her again, tenderly. “I love you, my heart.” Her hands moved to the full breasts and she gently kneaded them, rubbing the rough pad of her thump over the pink nipples. She chuckled when she heard Clarissa suck in her breath as her nipples hardened almost immediately. She pulled the neckline of the sleeping gown down lower until her breasts were exposed and kissed them greedily. Sucking them hard until Clarissa made soft mewling sounds. Clarissa reached up and pulled off the woolen cap and her eyes softened as she watched the rich copper locks falling to her shoulder.
“I want to remember you like this tonight when I go to bed,” Clarissa rasped softly and pressed her swollen lips against hers.
“Lift your dress and lean back, my love.” She helped Clarissa to bundle her nightdress up to her hips and then she reached down and smiled into Clarissa's eyes when she encountered bare flesh. No barriers. Clarissa came prepared. She touched the damp vulva gently, stroking each of the fleshy lips, gently tugging on them. She pushed Clarissa back against the pile of wood and slipped two fingers into the slick warm channel.
Clarissa moaned and looking down into the smoldering dark gaze, Trinity grinned at the hunger in them. She began to thrust her fingers into her, deeply and slowly at first and then shallow, quick stabs which gently chafed the nerve-endings around to the wet entrance. She pressed closer to her lover as she plunged deep and hard, whispering explicit demands in Clarissa's ear. Clarissa liked it when she talked like a common sailor while she ravished her.
Clarissa was slumped against the wooden pile, gasping, her legs spread wide. Having touched it, Trinity now craved to taste of it and she quickly dropped to her knees, latching onto the pulsing sex. The taste was wild and intoxicating. With her smooth wet tongue, she traced the slick inner lining of the Clarissa's sex and she smiled to herself when she felt Clarissa's knees buckle slightly. Holding her up with a large hand, she continued her assault. By the time she latched onto the engorged clitoris and sucked hard, Clarissa was whimpering softly.
Trinity was so aroused by the sounds coming from her lover, that she stuck her hand into her breeches, touching her own pulsing sex. She never got tired of having sex with Clarissa. They enjoyed each other completely. The whimpering became louder as Clarissa neared her peak. Not wanting to be left behind, she rubbed herself vigorously, timing herself so she could come with Clarissa. Stiffening the tip of her tongue, she flicked Clarissa's swollen clitoris and felt the blonde's grabbing the back of her head as she pushed her face further into her damp nest. Clarissa came in a slow shudder, pumping her hips wildly against Trinity's plundering tongue. And then her own orgasm was upon her. She still managed to keep her tongue moving until Clarissa's undulating hips stopped moving. Afterwards they held each other tightly, kissing deeply.
“I need to go now. I promise I'll take care of you tomorrow.” Clarissa came unsteadily to her feet.
Her eyes blazing, Trinity beamed with sexual pride. She did that to her. At the door Clarissa turned back to her, but the alarm in her eyes, made her turned to see who was standing behind them. She gasped and scrambled to her feet.
Standing a few feet from them was Tristan; his white shirt splattered with blood which was seeping from his mouth onto his shirt. His dark eyes were glowing and unnatural blood red color. There was a disturbing aura to him and Trinity moved closer to Clarissa. He will have to come through her to get to Clarissa, she thought, still rattled by his unnatural appearance.
“Believe me, Trinity, you are no match for me now.” Tristan growled.
From the moment that she'd turned fifteen, Tristan had been pestering her, but she'd always turned him down, because she was well aware of his reputation. He tried to force himself on her one day, but she was strong for a girl. She had always managed to push him away and had kicked him hard between the legs. She suspected that he had never forgiven her for that. Soon after his attempt to violate her, he was sent to Italy .
“I knew something was going on. So this is what the two of you have been up to. Licking each others privates like dogs and using your fingers to rouse each other. I wonder just what our parents would've said if they'd found out. Poor mother finding out that her prim and proper little Rissa is in fact a deviant with unnatural lusts.”
Clarissa took a step forward, but Trinity pushed her back behind her. Covered in blood, there was something ominous about Tristan and she didn't want Clarissa to get too close to him
“You will not tell them, will you, brother?”
Tristan chuckled.
“No, because they are dead, sister dear.” He spread his arms, so she could see the full extend of the evidence on his shirt. “I killed them.”
Trinity felt as if the oxygen in the room had been sucked up. Her mother had been with Lady Vermont . She felt Clarissa's body beginning to shake next to her and she pulled her closer. Now was not the time to worry about her loss, Clarissa had been very close to her parents.
“How could you, Tristan. How could you? You said you didn't need father's money. Why did you kill them then?”
Looking at them, his eyes started to burn an even brighter red. He spread his arms wide and before their very own eyes, he began to lift from the floor, higher and higher, until he was looking down at them. The two girls just gaped at him, horrified. They were both convinced now that there was something very wrong with Tristan.
“What sorcery is this, Tristan?” Trinity gasped. “You are scaring your sister.”
“As she should be, because death is her fate before the sun rises this morn.” He pulled back and suddenly dived for them, grabbing Clarissa by the neck. Looking into her eyes, he'd opened his mouth wide, exposing his fangs. “I am immortal, sister, and will still be alive long after your remains had turned to dust.” With a deep guttural growl he sank his fangs into her neck, not caring that she was screaming and crying, her nails raking over his face.
Trinity used all her strength to pound on Tristan's broad back trying to distract him. But to no avail. He shoved his sister away from him and watched her crumble in a heap at his feet. He turned to Trinity and the look he gave her made her shiver.
“Now she, can die a virgin, but you…you are too delectable to die without having felt the touch of a real man.” He reached out and threw her to the ground and turned to look at his sister. “Let me show you what the two of you had been missing.” He'd ripped away her shirt and breeches and with one hand reached for the buttons on his tight black breeches.
Trinity closed her eyes when his manhood sprung free and she tried to fight him, but he was unbelievably strong. He knelt between her legs and thrust up into her, the pain was like nothing she'd felt before. Mentally blocking his savage abuse of her body, she'd turned her head and looked over to where Clarissa was lying, horror in her eyes. She was dying; but she still mouthed the most powerful words she'd ever heard. ‘I love you' and then the dark eyes closed slowly.
Her mind and body couldn't absorb the shock anymore and Trinity lost consciousness.
When she awoke later, she was in a dark, dank space, looking around she was shocked to find that there was sand underneath her. A cave. She was in a cave. She tried to raise her head, but it fell back limply. There was an excruciating pain in her neck. She felt a ripple in the air and gasped when the sand spewed up a few feet from where she laid. Tristan levitated from the hole in the ground, his arms crossed over his chest. His eyes suddenly snapped opened and he gave her an evil smile.
“Did you miss my companionship?” He lifted his hand and before he eyes, she saw his appearance change. He was squeaky clean and dressed in a fresh set of clothes – all black. “I have a few people to visit tonight, before we leave on your journey. I need to be in Naples urgently and you have proven yourself to be a good bed toy, thus I will take you with me, but first I need to go and deliver your final farewell to your father and brother. Your mother, poor thing, tried to use a cross on me, but instead I used it to on her to scratch out her eyes before killing her.” He laughed at the choked sob that escaped her lips. “I need to go now. I will wake you when I get home.” He disappeared right in front of her eyes and she quickly closed them to block out the image.
Clarissa was gone. Her purpose for life was dead. She felt hot tears running down her cheeks. Her mother was gone too soon now her father and Jeremy will join her. As much as she would like to help them, maybe even warn them, her hands and feet were tied together. It was impossible for her to move, allowing the insects the freedom to crawl over her naked body. She was thirsty but would rather die of thirst than ask him for anything.
The boardroom was eerily quiet.
The master vampires were all staring at her with new realization in their eyes, while Inger and Joan were having trouble keeping their eyes dry. Even Michael's eyes have a suspicious shine to them.
Tahlia came gracefully to her feet and walked over to where she sat. She placed her hand on her shoulder.
A slight bitterness rose in Trinity at the gesture. Only now do they fully trust her. She wanted to shrug off the hand, but didn't know how the Queen would react. The woman still gives her the chills, no matter how calm and civilized she appeared to be. She had seen her in action and thanked the stars that she was on her side.
“For eighteen years you have lived with us and none of us even suspected the horror and pain you were keeping inside.” The black eyes were gentle. “We will help you to hunt him down and you will have your revenge.” She went back to her chair. “We should all be vigilant. I know his type. He will strike were it will hurt the most: loved ones. Let's take care of each other.”
The meeting was adjourned soon afterwards and Trinity couldn't wait to escape. All those memories had left her emotionally bruised. If only she had someone to go to - someone like Gabriella.
She missed the innocent hugs they'd shared when she was feeling lonely and needed the touch of another being. Sometimes at night she would go to her, crawling into bed with her and holding onto the teenager and just let her presence decrease the loneliness she felt. Other times she would share her stories with the girl. Gabriella had loved it when she'd told her tales about her adventures.
She needed her tonight. Not the teenager who was like a little sister to her, but she needed the woman. She needed the woman she had become, to hold her and let her lose herself in a curvaceous body. She grabbed her leather jacket from chair and rushed to the door.
“Not so fast, girlfriend. Where are you off to?” Inger was standing there looking at her with a deep sadness in her brilliant blue eyes.
“I need fresh air.”
“I was hoping we could talk.”
“Maybe tomorrow night,” she said with desperation in her voice and fled.
^^^^^
Inger stood there, with fresh tears welling up in her eyes. She had sensed the sadness and loneliness in Trinity for very long now. She will have to hook her up with someone. She will make a few phone calls; maybe they can go out together. She felt a presence behind her and turned to look into Genevieve's troubled eyes.
“She's going to see her.”
Inger frowned, perplexed. “Who?”
“Gabriella Talos.”
Inger's eyes narrowed and she took a quick step closer, hooking her arm through Genevieve's.
“Are we talking about Dr Gabriella Talos – the Gabriella Talos?”
Genevieve suddenly looked worried.
“Maybe I shouldn't have told you. She trusted me to keep her secret.”
Inger's eyes sparkled. She was already devising a plan. “She needs someone, Viv. She needs to love again.” Inger pulled Genevieve farther away from the others. “What happened between them?”
“She will be very angry, but what the hell. You're right, she is very lonely.” They went to sit on a couch a distance away.
************
A very frustrated Paloma was lying next to Inger later that night. She had tried everything to entice her lover. She had rubbed herself against Inger, ‘accidentally' brushed her hand over Inger's naked breast – three times, but still her hints were ignored. Inger only got like this when she had something very important on her mind. The silvery eyes were watching her like a hawk looking for clues to this strange behavior. After a long while, she decided not to beat around the bush any longer.
“I need you, my love.” She was anxiously waiting for a reply, but when it came it floored her.
“We need to go see a sex therapist,” Inger said distractedly, staring at the ceiling, still wearing her reading glasses.
“What for?” she asked, completely stunned.
“You need to be patient, baby,” she admonished softly and turned to look at Paloma for the first time since they'd gotten into bed about fifteen minutes ago. “I will make an appointment for us for next week. In the meantime we will have to cut down on sex, because I want the therapist to think we really need help.”
“But why, Inger? If we don't need the help of a sex therapist why should we go see one?”
Paloma sat up and the sheet fell onto her lap, exposing her full breasts. Inger's eyes fell on the soft mounds and it was with mild satisfaction that Paloma saw the hunger building inside Inger. Her blue eyes darkened visibly and her breathing increased slightly.
“We are doing a friend a favor. I will tell you tomorrow what we'll have to do.” She took the reading glasses off and placed them on the bed stand. “You said something earlier. What was it again?”
Paloma knew what Inger was referring to and decided to play dumb.
“I said it was OK and that we don't have to have sex until after the appointment.” She had to keep from smiling when she saw the look of dismay that crossed the brunette's face.
“I didn't say we should NOT have sex at all. I said we should cut down on it, so it would look more believable when we go for our appointment.”
Paloma nodded and turned so she was lying on her stomach with her head facing away from Inger. She grinned when she felt the soft brushing touch on her back. Ah, an Angel kiss. That says a lot. She only got those when Inger was in the mood for sex or when she felt guilty after an argument and wanted to make peace. Tonight though, her baby was in the mood for hot mind-blowing sex. Exposing her breasts always works and she was surprised that Inger hadn't picked up on the ploy already. She felt another soft kiss on her back again and grinned. Inger had suffered enough, she decided, and turned towards her and pulled her into her arms.
“Want to play sex therapist and patient?” she asked softly and smiled at the eager look on Inger's face. “I'll be the doctor.”
Inger snuggled closer to her until she could feel her warm breath on her cheek. Her desire pulsed to life again as she quietly lifted the sheet to study Inger's naked curves.
“Doc, do you think we could start with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation? It's apparently becoming a common practice amongst sex therapists and patients.”
_____________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 4
Sleep didn't come easy for her that night. The digital alarm clock on the bedside table stood at 21:30 when she went to bed and ninety minutes later she was still wide awake. She got out of bed and walked over to the sliding door leading out onto the balcony. She pulled the curtain and stifled a scream. She could swear there had been a dark shape standing right in front of her a second ago. Shakily, she took a second look. There was nobody. The balcony was deserted. Her mind quickly went into overdrive.
Trinity .
Could it have been her? How she wished Trinity was around to hold her and tell her all the audacious adventures she'd lived through. The dark green eyes would flash as she told her stories and she was great at copying accents – using them to spice up her narration. But then she was only fifteen years old and was fascinated by Trinity. To be that child again.
She rubbed over her eyes and sighed. If only it had been her. Maybe she had been around all those years looking after her. She shook her head slightly. Who was she kidding? Trinity had obviously moved on. Why would she hang around after what she'd said to her the last time? She remembered that brief moment when Trinity had held her tight and whispered she loved her.
Giving herself a mental shake, Gabriella closed her eyes. She was being stupid. Trinity was gone. Probably back to England or somewhere in Europe . Vampires loved Europe , Trinity had told her once. The history, culture and architecture somehow reminded them of their past lives. They evoke many memories; good and bad. Thinking about bad memories, she thought of tonight's news bulletin. There was a renegade vampire out there on a murderous rampage and shuddering, she pulled the curtains shut and went back to bed.
Curled up in bed her thoughts went back to Trinity. Where was she? Was she with someone? Was she happy? Was she at least thinking about her? All the thoughts of Trinity were just making her more depressed, rolling she punched her pillow. She didn't want to be alone tonight. As angry and betrayed as she felt, she actually missed Jessica.
Friday nights were their movie nights. They would choose a couple of DVDs together, order a pizza and opened a bottle of wine. Afterwards they would curl up together, chatting until the effects of the wine kicked in and their baser instincts took over. Saturday mornings, it was out for breakfast at Joni's Diner around the corner, do grocery shopping and came home to do their laundry. Saturday nights were usually set aside for attending functions. Sundays were spent at home, recovering from the hectic weekend rush and psyching themselves up for the week ahead.
She searched for the remote under her pillow and switched on the TV set. She hated watching TV in bed, but Jessica was adamant they should get a TV for the bedroom. She only understood much later when Jessica would come home with a naughty smile, dragged her to the bedroom and slip a porn DVD into the player. She felt a distant aching in her heart and closed her eyes. They really were good together. A lone tear rolled down her cheek and onto the pillow.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Cloaked in an invisibility spell, Trinity had stood right in front of Gabriella, staring at her in muted shock. Thank heavens to Pierre who taught her the invisibility spell. After she'd left the safe house, she had wandered the streets for a while until she'd found herself standing in front of Gabriella's apartment building. She had materialized on the balcony and could hear the soft rustling of sheets. Jealousy surged through her at the thought of Gabriella and her lover engaged in sex, but the feeling disappeared just as quickly. Her senses had probed the apartment and she knew that Gabriella was alone and very sad. She had stepped closer to the door, her eyes closed as she was envisioning Gabriella on the other side of the door. She had been crying, she could sense as much.
She was still scanning the room, when the curtains were pulled away and she had only a millisecond to hide her presence. But Gabriella had seen her. Maybe not her face, but her shocked reaction afterwards showed that she knew there had been someone on her balcony. She stood there invisible to the human eye, and stared back at her. This was the first time in eighteen years that she'd come so close to her. Gabriella was a powerful psychic and would be able to detect her presence from a mile away. It was maybe only because her senses were dulled by the sorrow she felt, that she was having trouble detecting her.
But she'd always been there. On prom night she was there, shadowing Gabriella, until she was locked safely in her room, at home. She was there during her college years still watching over her, however tonight she was here for a different reason. Tonight she too needed to be held, cuddled, and loved. Through a slight gap left by the curtain, she could see her crying again. She wanted to knock on the sliding door, but her hand stilled. What if she chased her away again? Would she have to wait eighteen more years before she had the courage to approach her again? She wasn't emotionally strong enough to process another rejection. Not from Gabriella. She dropped the cloak and dissolved.
***************
Tahlia was in the library patiently shifting through the volumes of books for one that she could read to Jemima. Trinity's story had upset Jemima more than she cared to admit, but she knew her woman well. She just needed something to distract her for a while and then she'll be fine. The door opened and without turning, Tahlia spoke.
“Can you recommend any good books? You have spent a lot of time in here over the years.”
The door closed softly.
“Jane Eyre.” Trinity said from behind her, but still Tahlia didn't turn. “I've read it a few times already.” She came to stand next to Tahlia, looking at the rows and rows of books. “One can never go wrong with a romantic novel. I'm sure Jemima would love it.”
Tahlia's black eyes held amusement when she looked sideways to the young vampire.
“What makes you think it's for her and not for me?”
Trinity's dark green eyes were serious when she answered.
“You, my Queen, know perfectly well what you want. If the book was for you, you would've walked in here, got it and walked out.” Trinity grinned. “And you do not strike me as the romantic novel type.”
Tahlia pushed the book she had in her hand back into its place on the shelf.
“Am I that easy to read?” she murmured and reached for the Jane Eyre title. “Jemima is slightly depressed after having heard your life story and I want to cheer her up a little. Are you sure Jane
Eyre will do the trick?”
“Definitely.” She walked a few paced away and came back with another book. “Take this one along too. Just in case she's not in the mood for Jane Eyre.”
Tahlia looked at the title and the back at Trinity. Until tonight she'd always thought that the girl was a loud-mouthed airhead, but all that has changed now. Looking closely into the beautiful face of the girl, she realized there is a lot more to the girl than they knew. Tonight's revelation proved that. She looked back at the book in her hands. She obviously had a strong sexual side that she hid very well.
<Stop thinking about the sexual prowess of other women, my love. I'm lonely.>
Tahlia smiled at the impatience in Jemima's voice.
“I'm being summoned. Thank you for your help.” She walked to the door, but stopped before she'd turned the knob. “I've sensed your bitterness earlier tonight and I never thanked you for accepting our collective apology in such a graceful manner.” Then she was gone.
Trinity shook her head slowly. The woman knew everything. Nothing seems to escapes her. She was all the more happy that she hadn't reacted on her bitterness. Alienating the Vampire Queen, by showing disrespect, would have been suicidal. Not even Genevieve would have been able to help her this time. She turned on her heel and stiffened.
Standing a few feet away from her was the Assassin. Her silver eyes were unreadable as they studied her.
“You should really stop creeping up on me.” This woman still made her skin crawl. She carried her power like a thick woolen cloak over her broad shoulders. And she wasn't afraid to use it. She had first hand experience.
“You were right the first time we met. Not all renegades were willing victims.” She took a step closer and Trinity had to mentally stop herself from taking a cautious step backwards. Good heavens, but the woman was intimidating.
“Yes, I said that.”
The Assassin stopped a few feet from her and looked into her eyes, the silver gaze intense.
“It was such a long time ago, but I want to tell you how sorry I am for your loss and that you can always count on my assistance.”
She was popular tonight. First Inger, then the Vampire Queen and now this deadly woman.
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
*****************
After one of the most miserable weekends she'd ever had, Gabriella was glad to be back at the office and away from her big empty apartment. At least here she will be kept busy, with all thoughts of Jessica and Trinity hopefully kept at bay. She scanned through her appointments. There were six couples in total with one booked after hours. She charged double after hours and most of her affluent clientele preferred this time. They also appreciated the anonymity. She looked at the names, but it didn't recognize them.
“Fran, may I have some coffee please?” she spoke into the intercom.
“Certainly, Gaby. I'll bring it in a moment.”
She was preparing for her last appointment when the door to her office opened and closed. Looking up, she quickly came to her feet.
Jessica stood there, looking dangerously sexy in black jeans, a tight white top and a black leather jacket. Her reaction was immediate … heat pooled between her legs and she cursed her traitorous body. Jessica knew very well that she loved the look and had dressed like that on purpose. She felt her anger rise at the calculating ploy on Jessica's side.
“What are you doing here?” she snapped.
“I had to come see you. I've never been so miserable in my life.” Jessica murmured and came closer. “I can't go on without you, baby.” The contrite look in her dove grey eyes almost made Gabriella gather her in her arms and whisper that she too was miserable without her. The crackling of the intercom interrupted them. She pressed the answering button.
“Yes, Fran?”
“Your six thirty appointment is here. If you don't need anything else, I will be leaving now.”
“Thank you, Fran. Please send them in.” She turned to Jessica. “Please leave now and don't come here again or I will inform security to refuse you access to the building.”
Jessica just stared at her not in the least put off by the threat. Instead her grey eyes started to sparkle and Gabriella frowned. She shouldn't have threatened her. Jessica thrived on a challenge and was no stranger to scandals. One of the reasons why the paparazzi loved her.
“Not until you promise to have lunch with me, tomorrow.” Jessica's chin jutted out and she had an impossibly stubborn expression on her face. She was familiar to this side of Jessica's personality. Jessica was in general a very pleasant person, who rarely threw tantrums, but she was stubborn as hell and would bulldoze anyone into getting what she wanted.
“I don't know what my day will be like tomorrow, but I could give you a call. That's the best I can do.”
Jessica shook her head. “No. I want something more concrete. Have Fran keep your lunch hour open.”
There was a knock on the door and before any of them could move to answer the door, it was pushed open. Gabriella looked up to greet her client, but her eyes widened and all she could do was to stare. Seeing Gabriella's reaction, Jessica turned sharply, only to gape at the woman standing in the door.
Gabriella had to curb the unusual urge to walk over to the woman and touch her. She looked so… so …unreal. Not fake…just ethereal, as if she didn't belong there…here. There was an aura of timelessness about her.
This woman was tall with blonde hair that fell softly on broad shoulders, but it was the strikingly beautiful face and the vivid intensity of silver eyes that held her spellbound. She was simply magnificent . A modern day female gladiator, she thought. She suddenly remembered herself and stepped closer.
“Welcome, I'm Dr. Gabriella Talos.” She held out her hand and when the blonde's hand wrapped over hers, she felt a thrill dart down her spine. The gladiator stepped back, as a slightly shorter woman stepped in. She was just as beautiful. Her hair was pitch-black and trimmed shorter, curling in her neck. Her brilliant blue eyes looked from her to Jessica and then came to rest on her.
“I'm sorry, did we interrupt something. Your receptionist told us it that you were expecting us.”
Us? They were a together. The Gladiator and the Angel . Good heavens, what an attractive couple they made. She held out her hand to the dark-haired woman.
“Dr. Talos.” She introduced herself to the woman and when she turned to the silent blonde, she found the silver eyes resting on Jessica. “This is Jessica. She was about to leave.” But Jessica was frozen to the spot, looking from one woman to the other. She reminded Gabriella of a little girl in a toy shop trying, to decide which of two dolls she wanted to take home with her. “Jessica!” Still no responds.
She was surprised when she heard a soft chuckle coming from the blue-eyed woman.
“People always react strangely around Paloma. Must be her height, I think.” She reached out and pulled the gladiator closer and Gabriella saw the pained flash in Jessica's eyes. If she had any plans with the gladiator, she'll have to think again. These two were not sharing, if the warm look they gave each other was anything to go by. Jessica turned to Gabriella and nodded, before she left the office.
“I apologize for Jessica. She's a fashion photographer and is accustomed to staring at women, be it through a camera lens or without. Please take a seat.” She was all professional again, but it will take a few more sessions before she felt totally relaxed in the presence this couple. She went to sit on the couch opposite them and noticed they were sitting very close to each other, their hands touching. After exchanging names, Gabriella quickly run the procedures by them before settling back in her chair.
Satisfied that they were adequately informed about what her job entail, she jumped straight to business. She was eager to known more about the two.
“What made you decide to come see me?” Her gaze darted between the two of them. They didn't look like a couple who experienced sexual problems. The gladiator had more sex appeal in her pinky than any other person she knew, Jessica included. As fascinated as she was by Jessica's sexual aura the first time they'd met, the same must've happened to Jessica today. Paloma's dark, predatory sexual aura must have bewildered her completely. As someone used to getting that kind of reaction from women, this reverse must be very confusing, indeed..
“A friend recommended we come see you after we've found that…” The blue eyes locked with the silver ones. “…our sex life was becoming too predictable.”
While Inger was talking, Gabriella studied Paloma. The beautiful face was unreadable even though the silver eyes were burning as they studied Inger. The woman exuded danger and her physic powers were completely overwhelmed. She could tell that the woman held immense power.
“Do you feel the same way, Paloma?” she asked softly and was proud that her voice didn't sound in the least bit shaky, when she addressed Paloma.
“No.” Paloma said curtly and Gabriella smiled at the dark husky tone of her voice. Strong and commanding just like her person.
“Why do you say that?”
“I find our sex life to be healthy and very satisfying.” The silver eyes were looking straight at her now and Gabriella quickly lowered her gaze to make a note in her book.
“Are you the one initiating sex most of the time?”
This time the silver eyes gleamed.
“No, she does.” A long well-manicured finger was stabbed in Inger's direction and Gabriella turned a surprised gaze on Inger, who was blushing profusely.
Interesting. Very interesting, indeed. She quickly scribbled in her notebook. Never judge a book by its cover . She looked up then and caught the sensual look that passed between them. When they caught her eyes on them, Inger blushed appealingly, while a slightly amused Paloma stroked her hand.
“Why are you blushing, Inger? Does it embarrass you to hear that you are the one who initiates sex most of the time?”
“Paloma used to take the lead before, but now claims that I need my rest since my job sometimes expects me to put in longer hours. She has stopped and left it up to me to initiate sex when I feel a need for it.”
“Paloma is that really why you stopped?”
The silver eyes flashed briefly.
“Yes.” That's all. No explanation.
“May I ask what your occupations are?”
This time she felt a slight tremor in the room. Was she onto something that she'd rather not know about? She was curious now.
Inger answered. “I'm a divorce attorney and Paloma's a top secret government employee.”
A spy? An under-cover agent. Or perhaps an assassin. Edgy and dangerous, like Geena Davis' character in The Long Kiss Goodnight. If she was in fact an assassin then the dangerous aura explains it.
“Let me repeat it just in case. As I've said at the beginning of the session, you can be assured that your personal information will be kept private and confidential. Because of the nature of Paloma's work, I will be the only one accessing your file and will keep it locked away in my private office safe.”
After having said that, the tension in the room evaporated almost immediately and even Paloma warmed up to her. The rest of the session went quite well and by the time that her patients had left her office, Gabriella was surprised to find that she was in an acute state of arousal. All the talk about sex with the mysterious couple had actually turned her on. What she needed now was a cold shower and if that didn't work, she might have to invite a toy or two to bed with her tonight. This was the first time this has ever happened to her. Heavens, what an exciting couple! Suddenly a sad look crossed her face. That used to be Jessica and her. They really made a great couple.
She grabbed her briefcase and purse before she flicked off the light on her way out of the office. The building seemed empty, but she knew Marvin was sitting downstairs carefully studying the CCTV monitors. She raised her hand in a wave when she walked passed a security camera into the elevator. A few minutes later the doors slid open and she stepped out into the underground parking lot. The lights were on, but she still felt anxious every time she had to walk the long solitary stretch to where her black Jaguar was parked. She sighed in relief when she reached her car. She quickly deactivated the alarm and got in.
She breathed more freely when she'd exited the parking lot and steered her car into the traffic. She'd missed lunch today and was in no mood to go home to prepare dinner. A quick glance at her expensive gold watch showed that it was only to eight. Joni's will still be open. She pulled her car into the parking space in front of the diner. She was just about to get out of the car when she felt an oppressive sense of doom.
Someone was in danger!
For a second she considered driving off, but without thinking, she got out of the car and walked passed the diner into the dark alley on the side. It was very dark, and at first she couldn't see in front of her. But her eyes slowly became accustomed to the darkness and she stifled a scream at what she saw. Three men were surrounding a young woman, one of them stalking her from behind, while the other two were facing her. She must have made a sound, because all three of them looked her way and she could see the sharp pointy fangs. Vampires!
Was this what Luisa had faced. Did they toy with her first before they killed her? She took a step closer, but a hand on her shoulder, made her swing around with a shriek.
The green eyes were still the same. Intense. But they were not sparkling as they used to. Instead they were cold and dead.
“Trinity...” The name sounded so foreign on her lips, yet so familiar.
“Go get into your car and go home.” Trinity's voice was as cold as her eyes. The green eyes were starting to glow bright red as they stared at her. “I will deal with them.” She stepped passed Gabriella and walked over to where the three vampires stood, staring at them.