BOOK THREE in THE GUARDIAN'S SERIES
Book One: A Guardian's Touch, Book Two: A Guardian's Love
Disclaimer See Part 1
Feedback: Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated, so feel free to drop a line or two at steinwillard80@gmail.com .
PART NINE
Chapter 16
She felt his presence in her mind almost immediately and quickly erected a mental block.
< It's not going to work, sister dear. Unlike Trinity who had been trained to block any mental inference from me, you are still very easy to read.>
Clarissa threw her feet off the bed.
<What do you want?>
She heard Tristan's low chuckle and she felt her herself boil from anger.
<I'm shocked to find that you do have a temper after all. Mother always used to brag at court of how affable you were and how lucky any man would be to marry you. Poor woman didn't know that you were helping yourself to the servants in the meantime. Naughty, Clarissa…>
Her brown eyes were burning with hatred as she listened to Tristan baiting her. But she wasn't planning on giving him the satisfaction. She could feel his anticipation, but when her outburst didn't come, he continued.
<I was actually just worried about you. Word has it that Trinity is mated to some human and I know how much you loved her…still love her. I'm sure you must be devastated.>
Clarissa still didn't say anything; instead her brown eyes were resting on the dark silhouette a few feet away. It was Trinity. She would know her scent anywhere.
<Ah, she's there with you. Are you planning a night of unbridled pleasure? Or is she there strictly on Clan business?>
Clarissa ignored him again, but walked to the opposite side of the wall. There was only one way to silence Tristan's voice. She pulled her head back and banged it hard against the wall, causing Tristan to curse as the mental link was severed and the same blinding pain she was experiencing hit him.
<I'm not done with you. Mark my words.>
Gabriella smiled her satisfaction at the thought of the pain she'd inflicted on him. Mary'd done it and never thought she'd have reason to ever use the tactic. She'd heard Trinity's gasp when she banged her forehead against the wall and turned to face her now.
“What are you doing here?”
Trinity stepped out of the shadows into the soft yellow light of the lantern. She was dressed in black as usual, but her hair look mussed as if she'd just came from her lover's bed. She had to touch her stomach to ease the jealousy clawing at her insides.
“I just wanted to talk.”
“I doubt we have anything more to say to each other.” With that she turned her head away. A few seconds went by and still she didn't hear Trinity leave. ‘What are you still doing here?”
Trinity stepped closer and walked through the invisible shield formed by the spells. Except for a slight shift in the air when she breached the shield, she came out unscathed on the other side. Trinity saw the contemplative way Clarissa was studying the shield and she shook her head.
“You will be killed if you try to walk through the shield.”
“Who says that's not the plan,” Clarissa snapped back at Trinity, acutely aware of the other woman's nearness now. Trinity still looked like the young girl she'd fallen in love with all those centuries ago, but she'd matured quite nicely as well. There was a confidence about the way she carried herself and a deadly purpose with which she wore her weapons. She still smell the same too – fresh and earthy. The green eyes were studying her calmly.
“I came by to tell you that what you are trying to do is childish and unfair. We haven't been aware of each others' existence for over four hundred years. Trying to make me feel guilty for having moved on is not fair.”
Clarissa stared back into the green eyes, her brown ones seeing the shadows lurking there. Trinity was worried that she would try to hurt her mate. It was clear to see in her eyes.
“What are you trying to say?”
Trinity's eyes hardened slightly.
“I love Gabriella very much and I will personally tear you apart if you try to harm her or conspire with anyone to harm her.” The green eyes softened suddenly. “You are a part of a life that I will always cherish, but I will not allow you to hurt my mate.” Trinity took a step closer to her and Clarissa felt the powerful pulse in the air. “Don't even think of conspiring with your brother, for I promise you that the world would be too small for the both of you to hide from me.”
She turned to leave, but Clarissa called out to her.
“Wait.”
Trinity didn't turn around to face her. Clarissa shuddered slightly. Just now when Trinity had turned to leave, she had got the sinking feeling that she would never return. If Trinity walked away from her too, she'd be completely alone. Frankly, she wasn't ready to give up on her yet. The day she found out that Trinity was alive, was the most unforgettable day in four hundred years existence. She was thrilled because not only was the love of her life still alive, but that she wasn't alone anymore. No matter what, she wouldn't want to lose Trinity too. She needed her around, needed her to help her destroy Tristan. By heavens, they both deserve their revenge.
She slowly walked around Trinity until she was standing in front of her.
“Except for you I have nobody else who will look out for me. I've loved you four centuries ago and I still love you today.” She slowly licked her lips as she looked into the green eyes. Scenes of the two of them making love in the forest, in her bedroom, in the stables, in the wood shed – it all rushed through her mind. The cool green eyes, looking back at her now, had always looked so tender and loving back then. She reached out a hand and cupped Trinity's cheek. Her pale skin still felt as soft as silk. Her lips still looked so luscious. Overwhelmed by the need to taste them, she quickly leaned forward and pressed her lips against Trinity's.
Stunned, Trinity tried to push her away, but Clarissa tightened her hold, deepening the kiss. She heard the scraping of footsteps and turning her head, unceremoniously pushing Clarissa away from her.
Gabriella stood there, her amber eyes wide in shock.
Trinity quickly walked over to her, but Gabriella's gaze was focused behind her. Turning her head she muttered under her breath when she saw the sly look in Clarissa's eyes. She'd been setup. Clarissa must've sensed Gabriella approaching and had staged the kiss. She turned back to Gabriella and this time the amber eyes were looking up into hers. Anger, hurt and disappointment all blazing from her eyes.
“No matter what I say now, I doubt you will be objective.” Trinity said softly and with pain in her voice. She turned to give Clarissa a final look, before stepping past Gabriella, leaving the two of them alone. Gabriella just stared at Clarissa for a moment longer, before turning to follow Trinity.
“A mere human like you know nothing of the kind of love that Trinity and I have shared. Why don't you just back down, find yourself a nice human girl and live out your life with her?”
Gabriella's shoulders stiffened slightly as she turned back slowly to face Clarissa; her eyes were cold as she glared at the smirking renegade.
“Don't think for one moment I fell for that little stunt you tried to pull just now. Trinity loves me and only me. You will never get your claws in her ever again.” The smirk disappeared from Clarissa's beautiful face and it was replaced by a tight mask of anger. “Don't underestimate me, renegade. That is my mate and I will fight for her.”
Without a backward glance Gabriella walked away.
<Join me and I promise to make the haughty bitch eat her words and apologize to you.>
Tristan!
<Leave me alone, Tristan.>
<I know you're not stupid, Clarissa. Join forces with me and get your revenge.>
The hair in her nape stirred and feeling a dark presence nearby, Gabriella instinctively took a step backwards, only to bump into a hard body. Swinging around, she stared into the black eyes of the Vampire Queen.
Tahlia's hand snaked out with lightening speed. Her fingers curled around Clarissa's neck as she dragged her closer. She roughly bent Clarissa's head to the side and sunk her teeth deep into the renegade's neck. After a few sips she pushed her away from her and with a wave of her hand she unraveled the spells which had held Gabriella prison for the past two weeks.
“Your brother is a danger to the people in this house. With you here I am making my family vulnerable to an attack from him.” She lifted her hand and two hunters stepped out of the shadows. “Escort her off the grounds, please.”
The men grabbed her forearms and marched her up the stairs, out the house and across the garden until they were outside the heavily-guarded mansion. There she was put on her feet and the two hunters disappeared, soundlessly.
Looking around to see if anyone was there, she stealthily moved away, unaware of the black eyes which followed her every movement.
**************************************
After her confrontation with Clarissa, Gabriella had rushed after Trinity, hoping to catch up with her, but Trinity was nowhere to be found. She had rushed to her bedroom hoping that maybe she was waiting for her there. But the room also delivered no Trinity. Still agitated, she'd paced the room a few minutes before she went to bed. She tossed and turned for a long time, her thoughts haunted by the hurt look on Trinity face and the pain in her beautiful voice.
<Come back to me, baby, please.>
It was only when she felt the mattress dip and strong arms came around her that she felt herself relax. Trinity held her gently in her arms and rubbed her back slowly. Gabriella purred softly at the sensation.
“I did not kiss her.”
A soft yawn sounded.
“I know.”
“But you looked so angry.”
“It was just a bit of a shock to see you in the arms of another woman.” Gabriella turned her head, but the room was too dark to see Trinity's eyes. “It was very unsettling, but I could see from the smug look on her face that she'd staged the whole thing,” she said into the darkness.
“I'm sorry you had to see that, my love.”
“I hope I will never have to go through that again.”
Trinity gently kissed her on the lips.
“You won't.”
The next morning dawned bright and early and rolling over in bed, Gabriella smiled when she bumped into a warm body. Without opening her eyes she reached out and pushed her hand under Trinity's t-shirt, palming a naked breast.
“What a nice way to wake up,” she murmured and nestled closer to Trinity. “What time is it?”
“It's 8 a.m. You have half an hour to get ready before we have to leave.” Trinity said softly and placed a hand over hers. “If we do what you are thinking of doing now, we are going to be very late.”
Gabriella smiled and pulled her hand out from under Trinity's t-shirt. Instead she rolled the vampire over and pulled the duvet off her lover. Maintaining eye contact with Trinity, she pulled the pajama pants down and tossed it to the floor to join the duvet. Then she slowly pushed Trinity's legs apart. At the first taste of Trinity, Gabriella moaned. She tasted divine - a blend of musk and a delicate earthy scent. She greedily pulled Trinity in her mouth and began to suck.
Trinity felt her fangs lengthening at the erotic feel of Gabriella's sleek tongue between her legs. She had been hot for Gabriella since yesterday morning, but the day churned out a load of tense moments and emotions, which forced her to push her amorous mood to the back of her mind. Gabriella's tongue dipped into her and she lifted her hips off the bed, trying to get it to go even deeper. She started to shiver when she felt Gabriella using her fingers to open her sleek, swollen lips.
“Breakfast is served,” Trinity murmured and licked and sucked her relentlessly until she came noisily.
When Trinity opened her eyes again, she was shocked to find herself alone in bed. She scanned the room and sat up quickly. Gabriella was gone. She glanced at the bedside clock and frowned. It was ten o'clock, which means she'd been asleep for two hours. Impossible! This has never happened to her before. The last thing she remembered was Gabriella kissing her gently before rolling off her to go take shower. She swung her feet off the bed and padded naked to the bathroom. She will strangle Gabriella for not waking her when she left.
*****************************************
Gabriella was busy making notes in a patient's file when Fran stepped in and closed the door behind her. Looking up fleetingly, Gabriella returned her gaze to the file, but she quickly looked up again.
Fran looked different. Sexy. The look in her blue eyes was darkly sensuous. She took her reading glasses off and folding them slowly as she watched Fran approached her desk. Yes, Fran was different and her guess was that the mysterious man in her life had everything to do with it.
“I was scared I'll forget that's why I thought I'd ask you now. We are having a little get-together for Angel today after work and I was wondering if you could drop in for Diet Pepsi and chocolate cake. It's her birthday and I would also like to introduce you to Roger. He's dying to meet you since Angel is always bragging to him about her beautiful and famous godmother.”
Oh gosh, Gabriella dropped her head on her folded arms. How could she have forgotten about Angel's birthday? The girl will never forgive her if she didn't show up. She looked up.
“I can't believe I forgot Angel's birthday. What an embarrassment. What time do you want me to be there?”
“Six. It will only be you, me, Angel and Roger. With you and Jess breaking up, I'm sure you've had a lot on your mind.”
“I'll be there. Let me check the appointment schedule quickly.” She was relived to find that she didn't have any after-hours appointments for today, which leaves her with enough time to quickly dash out to the shops to get Angel a gift.
The buzzer sounded.
“That should be your next appointment. See you later them.”
The couple had booked a double session and Gabriella was relieved when the door closed behind them two hours later. Glancing at her watch she saw that it was already 12:30. Her next appointment was booked at two. Maybe she should go out now and find a gift for Angel, but on second thought she'd rather stick to her plan of going shopping later. She wasn't really in the mood to take on the lunch shopping crowd. The intercom sounded and she pressed the answer button.
“Yes, Fran?” Please don't tell me you've forgotten to pen in an appointment and that I have to squeeze in one now, Gabriella thought anxiously.
“There is a delivery for you.”
Relieved, she asked Fran to accept it for her.
“She insists that you sign it off yourself. The sender asked for it specifically.”
“OK, send her through, Fran.”
She was rounding her desk when the door swung open. Trinity stood in the doorway with a big paper bag under her arm and sexy a lopsided smile that made her knees turn to jelly. Smiling back, Gabriella quickly walked over to her desk and pressed the intercom button.
“Thank you, Fran. She's an old college friend and we have a lot of catching up to do. If you want to take an early lunch, I'm fine with it.” Her amber eyes were devouring Trinity as she stepped in and closed the door behind her.
“OK, Gaby. I'll see you just before two. I'll lock up after myself.”
“See you then, Fran.” She had barely turned away from the desk before Trinity was all over her, kissing her face and neck and pressing her up against the desk.
“Why didn't you wake me this morning when you left?” Trinity murmured between frantic kisses. “I can't ever remember dozing off after sex. You must've bewitched me, wench.”
Gabriella pulled back and pressed her finger against Trinity's lips.
“Hush. We'll have enough time to talk… later. All I could think about all morning was you and how much I want to hold you and kiss you again.”
Trinity swung her up in her arms and walked over to the couch. With a flick of her hand she had her naked and with an intense look at the door she flicked her tongue over a large dark nipple.
When she lifted her head, Gabriella was staring at the door.
“We need to lock the door. Just for incase.”
“Fran left already. I planted an urgent thought in her head to make her rush out to the shops.” Trinity whispered against her ear.
Half and hour later, Gabriella was sitting naked on Trinity's lap, eating a juicy pear. Trinity was sitting there staring at her as she devoured the pear with juices dripping from her chin. Every now and then Trinity would lean closer and lap the juices up with her tongue and then sit back and wait until she had to do it all over again. When she was done with the pear, she pulled the paper bag closer and rummaged through it.
“What shall we eat next? There's pizza, cheese, ham and grapes.”
Trinity felt her stomach convulse at the thought of putting any of those in her mouth, but to appease her mate she was willing to try and stomach tiny bits from each of those food items she'd just mentioned.
“You choose for us.”
Gabriella lifted her head and looked intently into Trinity's eyes. The amber eyes were blazing with love at the sacrifice she knew Trinity was making just to accommodate her. She pressed a wet juice–stained kiss on her lips to show her gratitude.
“Cheese. You can open the champagne in the meantime.”
It felt like old times again, when she would snack on fruits and cheese and then wash it down with non-alcoholic champagne, while Trinity watched. The only difference now was that sex was a prelude to their bedroom picnics. She looked at Trinity and smiled when she found her staring at her nipples. “Don't even think about it. That's dessert.”
Gabriella ate most of the food, passing tiny pieces to Trinity who obediently opened her mouth and swallowed hastily without chewing. Afterwards they made love again and while Gabriella was busy in the bathroom cleaning herself up, Trinity cleared up the leftovers.
“When should I come pick you up?”
Gabriella popped her head around the bathroom door, fastening her bra.
“I almost forgot. Today's Angel, my goddaughter's, birthday and Fran has asked me to stop by later tonight for a quick slice of cake and a diet Pepsi. If you want you can come shopping with me later to find her a gift.”
“Then I will wait for you at the car around five. I've been buying you gifts since you were seven years old and I think you can actually learn a thing or two from me.” Trinity teased.
“Yep, I would say that makes you an expert.”
“When will you be done, so I can pick you up again?”
Gabriella shrugged into her shirt.
“I don't know, but I don't think we'll be longer than two hours. Angel won't be staying up too long.” Rummaging in her bag she took out her make-up case and began to touch-up her makeup. “I will let you know when I'm ready to leave.”
Trinity lifted her head sharply.
“Your receptionist is on her way up.” She shook her head slowly. “She has a peculiar smell about her.”
“What does that mean?” Gabriella asked distractedly as she added the final touches to her make-up. “Is it her perfume?”
Trinity reached out and playfully pulled a lock of raven hair.
“No, silly. Maybe I'm just paranoid. Where will the party be, by the way?”
“At Fran's. It's just a few blocks from my apartment.”
Trinity nodded.
“Hurry up and let me out. I don't want to bump into her again and answer awkward questions.”
_________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 17
As soon as she could, Gabriella made a dash for the shops hoping she'd avoid the after-work crush of shoppers. Trinity was quietly walking next to her as they rushed through the shops and finally settled on a beautiful dollhouse. A curt nod of approval from Trinity and they were off to Fran's apartment. In the car Gabriella threw a sideward's look at Trinity who wasn't much of a talker in general, but who was extra quiet tonight.
“Is something bothering you, baby?”
Trinity turned to look at her. Her green eyes were shadowed.
“Something's not right with your receptionist. I cannot figure out what it is, but I don't feel you should go to her place alone tonight.”
Gabriella put her hand on Trinity's thigh. Not even the intimate touch managed to take the somber look off Trinity's face and Gabriella removed her hand. Anything remotely sexual usually distracted Trinity, but whatever was bothering her must be more serious than she'd thought. Maybe she just feared the distance, she thought and smiled. They haven't been separated for almost two weeks.
“Maybe you are just uncomfortable with letting me out of your sight, my love? Fran is an old dear friend and I trust her completely. You just need to get to know her.”
“It's not that.” Trinity said softly. “Something's not right.”
Gabriella sighed. Who would've guessed that vampires were just as paranoid as humans, she thought to herself.
“Do you want to come up to the door and see for yourself that there's nothing to be worried about?”
Trinity nodded; her vivid green eyes intense as she stared straight ahead.
“It will put me at ease, yes.”
Ten minutes later they pulled up in front of a five-story apartment building. Gabriella leaned over for a quick kiss and smiled when she felt Trinity trying to deepen the kiss. She had to admit that Trinity's behavior was worrying her a bit. The vampire was never clingy, but her trying to hold on to her like she was now, was totally uncharacteristic. She slowly broke the kiss and stared deep into her lover's eyes. They were still shadowed. Maybe she should trust her instincts.
“Shall we?”
They were walking up the steps leading to the front door of the apartment building when Trinity inhaled sharply and turned.
There, standing on the pavement on the other side of the street was Clarissa. Sensing Trinity's tension Gabriella followed her gaze. She too gasped when she saw Clarissa looking back at them.
“What's she doing here?”
“I will go find out. Wait here for me and don't go up without me.”
Trinity waited until Gabriella nodded and then she slowly crossed the street and came to stand before Clarissa. She felt a dull ache in her chest at the sadness she saw in Clarissa's brown eyes. Clarissa took a step closer, but came to a stop when Trinity held up her hand - sign for her to keep her distance.
“After your stunt the last night, I think we should keep our distance from each other,” she said sharply and the green eyes narrowed suspiciously. “What are you doing here?”
Clarissa's mouth twitched at the question.
“I'm spying on you, waiting for the right moment to pounce on you when your mate is not looking,” she said and took another step closer and Trinity saw that the brown eyes looked even sadder now. “What is it about her that made you fall in love with her, Trinity? Why couldn't you have waited for me?”
Trinity turned around to see if Gabriella had obeyed her and was still waiting for her. The amber eyes were staring at Clarissa with raw suspicion. Trinity turned back to Clarissa and sighed inwardly at the look in the brown eyes.
“Does it make you feel uncomfortable to know that I still want you? Love you?” she asked in a soft husky voice. “I miss you so much.”
Trinity exhaled softly.
“What are you doing here, Clarissa?”
Clarissa averted her eyes and when she looked up again, the brown eyes were cold.
“Are you sure there is no chance for us to ever be together again?”
Trinity closed the distance between them with one stride and grabbed Clarissa by the arm, her grip hard and bruising.
“I'm getting tired of your games, Clarissa. What are you up to? You wouldn't hang around here for no apparent reason.” She tightened her grip for emphasis. “So, I will ask you again. What are you doing here?”
Clarissa shook her head and tried to jerk her hand out of Trinity's grip. This time the brown eyes were blazing with anger.
“Take you hand off me, Trinity,” she said in clipped tones. Trinity removed her hand and stepped back, her green eyes glowing red.
“Remember what I told you last night. If anything happens to Gabriella, I will hold you and your brother responsible. I've sensed something ominous in the air tonight, but I've never thought that you were the sibling I had to be worried about.”
Clarissa's hand shot out, but Trinity grabbed it mid-air.
“Don't you dare compare me to him. I am nothing like Tristan.” She wrenched her arm free and with one final look, turned and walked down the street.
“Clarissa wouldn't hang around here for no apparent reason. She's up to something.” Trinity said when she reached Gabriella's side. “I have a bad feeling about this. Let me take you home.”
“And what about the gift?” She looked at the window on the fourth floor which she knew was Fran's apartment and turned back to look at Trinity. “We are already here and might just as well go up to …”
“No,” Trinity said sharply and she inhaled deeply. “He's here. I can sense him now. That's why Clarissa was hanging around here. Which apartment is Fran's?”
Gabriella's face turned as white as a sheet.
“Tristan? Here?” At Trinity's somber expression, she dropped the gift-wrapped box and brought her hands to cover her face as tears start to well up in her eyes. “Fran and Angel! What are we going to do?”
Trinity pulled her into her arms, but her eyes darted up and down the street.
“I will have to go up and see if they're alright. Now which is Fran's apartment?”
Gabriella's hold around Trinity's waist tightened as she looked up into Trinity's face.
“He will kill you if you go up there?” This time she didn't hold back the tears. “What will I do if he kills you?”
Trinity gently brushed the tears away with her finger tips.
“Hush now, my love. If I don't go up he might harm them.” She looked down into the wet amber eyes. “It's me he's after and I can't let him hurt more innocent people.” She placed a gentle kiss on Gabriella's lips. “I promise to be careful.”
Gabriella nodded and loosened her grip. She sniffed loudly and wiped the tears off her cheeks before looking back at Trinity.
“You're right.”
Trinity nodded and taking Gabriella's hand, walked with her to the front door. With a shaky finger, Gabriella pressed Fran's number. There was a long silence before the intercom crackled and Fran's cheerful voice sounded.
“Gaby, is that you.”
“Yes, Fran. Am I late?” she tried to sound as normal as she could, but the thought of Fran and Angel in the hands of the killer vampire, was almost too much to bear.
“No. Come right up. Angel can't wait to open her presents.” There was loud buzz and the door clicked open. Trinity took the gift from Gabriella.
“Get into the car and drive home. The others will be here soon.”
Gabriella nodded and ran down the stairs when she reached the car she turned to find Trinity looking at her.
<I love you.>
<Tell me again once you are safe and in my arms, Vampire.>
<I will. Now get into the car. I want to see you drive off.>
Gabriella got into the car, but couldn't get herself to drive off and leave Trinity there. She turned her head to the door and saw that Trinity was still standing there looking at her.
<I can't leave you here, Trinity. Please don't ask me to. I promise to wait in the car until the others arrive, but please don't send me away.>
Trinity nodded and entered the building.
*********************************************
The brown eyes brimmed with tears as she watched the couple kiss. Full realization finally dawned. Trinity was forever lost to her and not even the death of the human will make her come back to her. Nor will the death of Trinity make the pain of rejection go away.
She quickly crossed the street. She'd been following Tristan discreetly since yesterday and had followed him here to this apartment building. Tonight she also followed him here and when Trinity and her mate showed up, she'd known right away that it was a trap. She walked up to the car and saw the shock and fear in the woman's eyes when she recognized her.
“Open up. I want to talk to you.”
“Go away, Clarissa, and leave me alone.” Gabriella's muffled voice came from inside the car and Clarissa sighed. She'll just have to try and get the woman to cooperate.
“Trinity is in grave danger.” She saw the amber eyes widened and knew she had her full attention now. “Tristan will kill her and everyone else he holds hostage up there. I need your help.” She saw a faint flicker of doubt in the woman's eyes before she rolled down the window.
“How can I help?” She could smell the woman's fear, but she could see that she was determined to help her mate.
“Could you get one of the other tenants to open the door for me?” she tried to keep her voice even so as not to spook her further.
Gabriella nodded and got out of the car. It took them four tries before they found a young couple who buzzed them in.
********************************************
Tristan felt like he was going to explode. Finally, it was all coming together. After two months of patiently bidding his time. He was a step closer to victory. The euphoric feeling soaked into his blood and he felt his fangs lengthening. His bloodlust was aroused and he turned his head to the only other source of fresh blood in the room. The child was standing with her back to him, peering out the window, waiting for her dear aunt Gaby.
At five she was very young, even for him. Not that her age deterred him in any way. Maybe a few sips. He slowly came to his feet and scanned the apartment. The mother was still busy in the kitchen getting things ready for the party. The child didn't hear him approach and he was almost upon her when the doorbell sounded. He quickly retracted his fangs. The child turned around with a smile on her face, which faded the when she looked into his eyes. Her blue eyes stared deep into his and Tristan was shocked to feel a fluttering in his mind. The child was reading his mind – through his mental blocks! Before he could react to what he'd just discovered, the doorbell sounded again and this time the mother came walking out of the kitchen and to answer the door.
“Were the elevators down again? You took a while …” She said as she opened the door, but stopped abruptly. “I remember you. You're Gaby's friend. Please come in.”
Tristan looked towards the door with a frown. Gaby's friend, he thought. Then where was Gabriella? Fran stepped back allowing the newcomer to enter and Tristan's breathe caught in his throat when her recognized the copper locks. She came herself, he thought, a little uneasy. He hated surprises.
Trinity stepped into the lounge and walked straight toward him, her hands hidden under her ankle-length jacket. The green eyes already had a reddish glow to them and Tristan felt the beast in him stir at the obvious challenge.
“You are stupid if you think you can defeat me, Trinity. We might have had similar conceptions, but I have been fighting more battles than you, my dear.” He looked down at the child standing next to him and rested his hand on the blonde head. “I don't want to fight you, you know. All I've ever wanted was to claim you as my mate.” He looked up at her and smiled. “I couldn't get you out of my system since I took you the first time.”
Fran took a cautious step closer, her blue eyes darting from Trinity to Roger.
“Roger, what's going on?” she asked, confusion in her voice.
“My name is Tristan Vermont, the Fifth Marquise of Cleaver. I would appreciate it if you address me as Lord Vermont .” His dark eyes were resting on Trinity as he spoke. “This woman here was a servant in our household…” His eyes traveled down her tall frame. “A delectable one for that matter.” He saw Trinity's eyes narrowing and laughed. “She's a wildcat in bed too.”
Trinity's green eyes went to the little girl and she was shocked to find the girl smiling broadly at her. Her puzzlement must've shown on her face because Tristan too looked down at the girl.
“What is it that you find so funny, Angel dear? Please share with Uncle Roger, will you.”
Angel's green eyes turned even warmer with laughter.
“You will be beaten up by two girls.” Angel said and hid a giggle behind her hand. “It's funny, Mommy?”
“Roger, please tell me…” Fran started again only to be rudely interrupted by Tristan.
“Shut up, bitch.” Trinity heard Fran's shocked gasp, but she still kept her eyes on Tristan. “I want to see if Little Angel will find it funny when I tear out her mother's throat.” He grabbed her by her small arm and lifted her off the ground until she was level with his face. “Won't that be funny too, my dear?” He smiled gleefully when he saw tears of pain welling up in the girl's eyes.
Trinity took a step closer, thoroughly disgusted at Tristan's handling of a five year old child.
“Here I am, Tristan. Why should you pick on a five year old child? If you are as competent a fighter as you claim, why not put me to the test?” She quickly calculated the distance between her and Tristan. She could leap at him, but what if he decides to bite the child? It might not be worth the risk?
“All in good time, Trinity. I would first like to find out who the other woman is who'll beat me up.” His red eyes stared deeply into the child's eyes. “On second thought, how did you manage to read my thoughts earlier?”
Trinity looked at Tristan and then back at Fran.
“What are you talking about? Is your evil brain finally going to be your own downfall? Let the child go.”
Fran stepped closer to Trinity.
“What's going on?”
Trinity never took her eyes of Tristan, even when she felt Gabriella's presence at the door.
“Go open the door for Gabriella. She will tell you everything” When Fran hesitated, she quickly put her at ease. “I will take care of Angel. Now go!”
Fran slowly walked over to the door, her blue eyes still fixed on her daughter's dangling frame.