BOOK FOUR in THE GUARDIAN'S SERIES
Book One: A Guardian's Touch, Book Two: A Guardian's Love, Book Three: A Guardian's Passion
Disclaimer See Part 1
Feedback: Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated, so feel free to drop a line or two at steinwillard80@gmail.com .
PART 8
Chapter 14
The goblet was slammed down so hard , causing a few blood red drops to slosh over the rim and stain the gleaming surface of the table. Cold blue eyes lifted slowly and pierce the human standing before her. She could smell his fear and the acidic stench of his urine. Pah, they are all so weak, she thought disdainfully. Pushing the goblet away from her, she came to her feet.
The human cowered further, but she ignored him. What he had told her was totally unexpected. She hated surprises. She wasn't the only surviving member of the Servants of Redemption Council because of her looks. As a human she prided herself on her shrewdness. How else was she going to be successful in snaring rich nobles and relieving them of their fortunes and eventually their lives? Widowed four times, she carefully studied and enticed her impossibly rich and older suitors before plying them small dosages of arsenic. She got away with it and so much more.
Glancing back at the human, her blue eyes narrowed. If what he says is true, life was definitely going to become more interesting. But what where does that leave her? How could she use this to her advantage? She locked eyes with her most trusted servant. Together they will come to the bottom of this new development. She turned to the human.
“I need more information. Now, go!”
Shaking with relief at having survived yet another meeting, the human quickly left the oppressing presence of the renegade princess. He stiffened when two heavily armed vampires appeared at his side, escorting him down the long cold corridor. At the door a thick envelope was pushed into his hands. Once outside the castle, he let out a shaky breath and using the shadows made his way through the garden. His car was parked just beyond the castle grounds. The castle was under surveillance and having inside information made it so much easier for him to slip the attention of the hunters.
He saw the shape of his car a few meters away and smiled. He was proud of his sport car which was the fruit of his labor. Working as an informant for a mad, bloodthirsty vampiress was dangerous but extremely profitable. He was making so much money just passing on information. He sobered a little. If only he didn't have to deal directly with Mary. She scared the crap out of him. His damp pants were testimony of exactly how much he feared her. He reached his car and only once he was locked safely within the luxurious confines of it , did he truly relax. Reaching for his car phone he punched in a number.
“I've delivered the package. The wrapping was met with satisfaction, but the size was not appreciated much. When can we meet?” After a short silence, the man snapped the phone shut and fired the engine. He gently tapped the bulging envelope and smiled. He could almost smell the crisp euro bills which he knew filled out the seams of the envelope.
As the backlights of the car grew smaller, a lone shadow stepped out of the shadows. Hard silver eyes followed the departing vehicle before it pierced the darkness and studied the outline of the castle. Lips pulled back and sharp fangs glinted in the moonlight. This cat and mouse game was becoming tiresome.
Patience, Paloma, she chastised herself before dissolving in a cloud of mist.
****************************************
After a short lunch break the photo shoot continued. Jessica was aware of Howard sneaking puzzling looks her way, but she ignored him. Howie's curiosity will just have to wait until after the shoot, because if she told him about Clarissa, she was sure to lose her concentration and then the shoot will have to be extended by a further day or two. The agency will be livid. She'd been on the receiving end of Gloria d'Matteo's sharp tongue quite a few times in the past. Literally too, she thought and felt the heat rising in the neck. Yes, Gloria was also on the list of faceless women who had frequented her bed in the past. It was pure professionalism which had kept their working relationship floating. They never spoke or referred to it. Since it was her agency's shoot, Gloria issued the orders and she followed them to the letter. And Gloria would be beside herself if they had to come up with another couple of thousand to ensure that the shoot was successfully completed.
Howard hovered around her the whole day, making his presence known, but she put him and her delectable mystery woman from her mind. Except for Howard, she could see that everyone on the set was puzzled by her good mood as she was cracking jokes in between, making the girls squeal with laughter.
It was early evening when they started packing up and Jessica's stomach clenched in anticipation of seeing Clarissa again. She could see Howard rushing over to her but a tall redhead intercepted her. Not acknowledging the woman's presence immediately, Jessica kept herself busy with cleaning the lens of her camera. She'd expected the woman to seek her out, having seen her try to make eye contact the whole day. The pointed looks were ignored though.
“See you tomorrow and don't do what I wouldn't do . ” The woman smiled brightly and pouted her lips sexily before placing her hand on Jessica's arm.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever,” she responded still not looking up. “Enjoy your evening,” she added distractedly, vaguely aware that the woman was still standing there looking at her.
“I've missed the old Jess. And now that she's resurfaced, please tell her I haven't changed my number, will you.”
This remark brought the dark head up and the dove grey eyes studied the delicate face of the woman. A few years ago, a remark like that would've sparked her interest almost immediately resulting in a night of hot sticky sex in a hotel room. But as gorgeous as Sharon Feather was, she simply wasn't going to do. The girl had been dropping hints since their arrival in Cologne two weeks ago, hoping for a repeat of their last encounter, almost six years ago. They were in the Seychelles for a photo shoot and for the week that they were stationed there, she'd been sleeping with Sharon. Already then she had experienced pangs of guilt at her actions and upon her return she'd taken Gabriella out to her favorite restaurant for her birthday and made love to her that night as if her life depended on it.
Thinking back to that time made her feel helplessly angry at herself for having lied to Gabriella. But she was done with that part of her life. She was in love again and wasn't going to make the same mistakes again. She smiled at Sharon and pushed her hand through her hair.
“That was a long time ago Shaz. I'm not the same person anymore.” Her eyes were serious as she said that and she saw the wistful smile on Sharon's face.
“I've noticed. But it doesn't mean that a girl can't try though.”
Jessica smiled at her and lifted her eyebrows. She was relieved when Howard, who arrived at that moment, cleared his through loudly.
“Jess, the printouts are done. Do you want to check them quickly?”
Sharon looked at Howard and smiled.
“You are a lifesaver, Howie. Hope she pays you well for it.”
Sharon leaned closer and planted a soft kiss on Jessica's lips and gave a blushing Howard a tight hug before she sauntered off.
“She's right, you know?” Blue eyes looking at her pointedly.
“Forget it, Howie. You had a raise a few months ago.” She packed away her equipment and swung her camera bag over her shoulder.
“OK. Let's not talk about the raise now. Tell me about your date and why you are so upbeat today. Did something happen?” Howard's blue eyes were wide with anticipation.
She shook her head.
“Not now, Howie. Let's go check out the prints; I would like to take them back with me tonight.” She walked over to where a group of girls were standing looking at the prints.
“I saved you from an uncomfortable situation and this is my thanks? You will not tell me about your date?” Howard said coolly and Jessica turned to look at him
“I will tell you nosy, but not now. OK?”
Howard's face lit up as he fell into step with her. “I can't wait to see you happy again Jess and if this leads into that direction, I can't wait to hear all about it.”
Jessica gave him a warm smile. Howard had been there for her through thick and thin. He was there when Gabriella kicked her out. She actually stayed over at his place for a few nights and he was so attentive to her. He even made up lame reasons for leaving the flat so she could be alone and cry if she wanted to. She watched him as he walked ahead of her. She thanked God every time for having given him a chance even though his resume hadn't been comparable to those of the other candidates. He had been worth the risk and more.
She reached the group and the pictures were quickly handed over to her. Scanning through them she was happy to see that they were all quite good. Gloria will have a tough task this time around to choose the best ones. She was so engrossed in flipping through the pictures that she didn't notice the silence which fell around her.
“Jess…”
“Yes, Howard.” She answered without looking up from the prints.
“Jess…”
This time she looked up, annoyed at being interrupted, but Howard wasn't looking at her. Actually… no one was. Instead everyone's eyes were focused at the door behind her and frowning slightly, she turned around. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw who was standing there.
Dressed in a light black cotton shirt with black pants was Clarissa. Jessica felt her knees go weak at the sight and she quickly shrugged the heavy camera bag off her shoulder before the added weight made her crumple in a heap on the floor. She handed the pictures to Howard, but once again Howard was not paying attention.
“Howie, take the pictures and close your mouth,” she muttered under her breath. The rest of the crew was still staring at Clarissa. “The rest of you can pack up. We have one more day to unwind before we head home. Howard will brief you on the travel schedule.”
She quickly walked over to where Clarissa stood and was pleasantly surprised when Clarissa leaned forward and pressed her lips against hers. Her knees buckled slightly at the soft touch and she felt Clarissa's hand shoot out to steady her by lifting her up against her body. She stood back and looked into amused brown eyes, which were searching her flustered face.
“You are surprisingly strong,” she murmured lamely. “I didn't realize it was so late already .”
Clarissa just smiled. “Are you ready to go?”
She nodded and quickly went to retrieve her bag and give last minute instructions to Howard before returning to Clarissa's side.
“Where are we going?”
“A small restaurant nearby. Here, let me carry your bag for you.”
Jessica didn't protest and handed the bag over to Clarissa. She recalled the blonde's strength and smiled inwardly. Whoever decide to grab her bag today better have medical insurance. The woman had literally lifted her off her feet with just one arm. Don't know what she'll do to someone who tried to rob them. She looked at Clarissa and found the brown eyes looking at her.
“Are you OK?”
Jessica smiled and reached for Clarissa's hand.
“ Yes, let's go.”
________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 15
The night was magical.
They went to this small Italian restaurant, where they ordered a large plate of pasta which they shared and finished off a whole bottle of red wine. Clarissa didn't eat much and at Jessica's questioning look explained that she'd had a late lunch. Instead she settled back with her glass of wine and studied Jessica over the rim of her wine glass. She was shocked to find herself becoming aroused the longer she looked at her. She looked gorgeous with the flickering light of the candle throwing dark, mysterious shadows over her face, highlighting the gentleness of her beautiful face and the paleness of her grey eyes. At that exact moment the grey eyes looked up and Clarissa felt as if she'd been punched in the stomach. The expression in the grey eyes was so tender that she had to gentle her touch quickly before she crushed the glass. She slowly and with a lot of effort placed the glass on the table.
“What happens now that the shoot is over and done with?”
Jessica just took a long sip from her glass, trying to hide the sudden anxiety she felt. She was leaving for New York on Tuesday and she had no idea how Clarissa was going to take the news. She looked into the calm brown eyes.
“I'm flying out the day after tomorrow,” she said softly and closely studied Clarissa, waiting for her reaction. But she was disappointed. The expression in the brown eyes didn't change. They were maddeningly calm. Jessica gently tested the water again. “I take it you will remain back here?”
She nodded, her brown eyes still tranquil. “I can't say for sure how much longer I'll be here.” She leaned closer until her face was just a few inches away from the grey eyes. The brown eyes caressed the gorgeous face with a lingering look. “I would like to know if you'll wait for me until I'm back in New York.” She saw the surprised look on Jessica's face and then the expression quickly changed to one of utter relief, making Clarissa smile. “Will you?”
The grey eyes softened and Clarissa found herself closing the slight distance and pressing her lips against Jessica's. The kiss was brief and gentle, but she felt the effects all the way down in to her toes. She had promised herself that she would take it slow, but it was so difficult to remember her promise now. When she sat back, she found that the grey eyes were still closed and she waited shakily for them to open again. When they did, she was stunned by the amazing kaleidoscope of expressions in them.
“I will wait for you as long as you want me to.” Jessica's natural husky voice was even huskier now. “Just hurry back to me.”
“I will do that, Jess.”
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Hearing the tenderness in Clarissa's voice almost made her cry. Was this it? Had she finally found her soul mate? She shivered at the thought of never seeing this woman again. Never hear her say her name. Yes, she will wait for her. Her hand reached for her wine glass, but the emotions rushing through her manifested itself in the shaking of her hand. She looked at Clarissa and found the brown eyes looking at her with a loving expression. She gave a shaky smile and pulled her hand back, scared she might spill the contents on the table cloth. She stiffened slightly when she felt the soft touch on her ankle.
“It's just me.” The soft admission made her heart thump loud and louder still until it droned out the sounds of the other diners and her whole being zeroed in on the beautiful woman sitting opposite her. “You are extremely beautiful.”
Jessica inhaled deeply. What more can happen to make the night more spectacular than it is already? She couldn't look away from the mesmerizing brown eyes which stared at her with an undecipherable look. They didn't talk. They just stared at each other.
“You're very quiet. Would you like to go for a walk?”
Jessica could only nod and reach for her glass, draining the contents in one gulp. She looked at Clarissa as she lifted the bottle again and filled up her glass for her. The brown eyes were resting on her and not on the glass she was filling up. The level of the glass was rising at an alarming rate and just when she wanted to cry out to Clarissa that the glass was going to overflow, Clarissa pulled the bottle back, her brown eyes still resting on her.
“You seem nervous.”
Jessica stared, sighing deeply. Yes, I am and it's all your fault , she thought to herself. Next you would want to take me to my hotel and make love to me… and I'm so scared of failing you.
The brown eyes darkened slightly and Jessica once again got the feeling that Clarissa was reading her mind, or at least sensing more that she was willing to show. The expression in the brown eyes didn't change as she was handed her glass and she quickly looked away.
“I'm not really nervous. I think I might just be a little tipsy.”
“Do I scare you?”
Surprised, Jessica quickly looked up into the dark eyes. They were unreadable, but she didn't see anything menacing in them. I have this strange reassurance that you wouldn't hurt me, not even if you wanted to , she thought again. This time she saw a shocked look in the brown eyes which puzzled her. Her insides shuddered. Could it be? No, it's impossible. The only way was to put it to the test and she mentally psyched herself up for what she was about to do. She looked deeply into the dark eyes.
< Are you reading my mind?>
Clarissa knew what was coming. She was testing her. ‘Are you reading my mind' she'd asked. Clarissa kept her expression unreadable, but she did answer.
<Yes .>
She held her breath and waited. First she saw the confusion on the beautiful face, then disbelieve and then fear. Clarissa grimaced inwardly. Hell, now she would freak out and run out of the restaurant. She steeled herself for what she knew would come. But it never came.
The grey eyes widened and widened until Clarissa was scared that they might pop out of their sockets. Still Jessica just stared at her, a fusion of emotions on her face.
“Are you OK, Jess?”
For a moment she saw panic register in grey eyes and she flinched. If she's reacting to her mind-reading ability like this how would she act to the revelation of what she really was? She slowly lowered her gaze, afraid that Jessica would see the pain in her eyes.
<Was that you, Clarissa?>
The soft question made her look up quickly and she saw the shock in the grey eyes. She closed her eyes slowly and wished Jonas or any of the other powerful Royals were here to help her diffuse the situation. When she opened them again Jessica was still staring at her with a look of expectation.
“Yes, it was me.” She said the words out loud and saw Jessica rearing back in her chair. She suspected, but wasn't ready for the verbal admission.
“But…But…How?”
“It's a long story.”
Jessica still didn't take her eyes off her.
“I have time.”
“No. You are not ready to know the truth yet.”
“What are you talking about? What truth?” The grey eyes now held a look of suspicion.
She lifted her hand and signaled for the waiter. She asked for the bill, acutely aware of Jessica's eyes on her. When the waiter left she turned her head and looked straight at Jessica. It was now or never. She will have to test her. Tonight. She knew it was too early, but needed to know.
“I'm a psychic. A very powerful one.” She said softly and saw a range of emotions crossing Jessica's face. “Hence my ability to read minds.”
Jessica's eyes narrowed and Clarissa was tempted to read Jessica's mind, but stopped herself. If she was going to give her a chance to absorb everything she was going to tell her; even the half truths, she wanted Jessica to voice her opinions, justify her reactions. Verbalize her fears.
Jessica looked at Clarissa and she couldn't explain it, but she suddenly feared her. Feared her so much that the hair on her head was standing up and her palms were becoming sweaty. The brown eyes remained unreadable, but there was something lurking behind them. Something she knew she was scared to decipher, something that would scare her even more.
“You are hiding something from me,” she said in a shaky voice and she reached for her glass. This time her hands shook so much that almost half the contents of the glass spilled onto the pristine white tablecloth. As if in a dream, she watched as the red stain grew bigger and bigger and her fear escalated. Blood . It looked like blood. She quickly looked up and was shocked to see an ill-disguised predatory look in Clarissa's eyes. Or was it just the play of shadows caused by the candle light.
There was a soft cough and the waiter gently placed the bill on the table, right in the centre. Clarissa's hand reached out for it but Jessica beat her to it.
“Allow me.”
The brown eyes narrowed slightly.
“I invited you, Jess, so I'm paying.”
Jessica shook her head and reached for the inside of her jacket, pulling out her wallet and slipping out her credit card. “I insist,” she said with a little bit of defiance .
Clarissa stared at her for a long moment before she shrugged.
“ OK, next time will be on me. ”
With the bill settled, Jessica came to her feet and Clarissa followed suit slowly, her eyes on the door leading outside to the darkness. Jessica felt a sudden apprehension at leaving the tranquil safety of the restaurant. Something was definitely not right. She could tell by the way that Clarissa's shoulders tensed and the darkening of her eyes.
“Is everything all right?”
Clarissa's looked across at her and nodded slowly.
“ Yes, let's go back to the hotel. ”
The hotel! Jessica felt her panic escalating. What was going to happen once they were back in her hotel room? Especially now, while there were so many unanswered questions mulling in her head. First there was the uncanny ability of Clarissa to read her mind. Then there was the sudden aura of danger that clung to Clarissa which made her feel very uncomfortable leaving the restaurant and stepping into the darkness with her. What if Clarissa wants to make love to her tonight? Would she be able to allow her to touch her with all these frightful thoughts running through her head? A shudder ran through her and she saw the brown eyes darkened.
She looked away quickly, feeling guilty for her thoughts. As much as she'd wanted to find and be with Clarissa again after so many years apart, she suddenly wished she was far away from her now. But she needed to get to her hotel first and first thing tomorrow she could try and get an early flight out. Howard will be able to take care of the rest.
Clarissa rounded the table and without looking back at her walked to the door. Had she read her thoughts, Jessica wondered anxiously and with a quick nod at the waiter rushed after Clarissa. She found her waiting for her outside and Jessica was a little unsettled by how lonely she looked standing there in the darkness. The brown eyes were expressionless, but Jessica could detect the sadness radiating from her. She couldn't help noticing the way the darkness seemed to settle gently around her, almost embracing her, taking her in, making her part of it. A feeling so warm filled her chest as she looked at Clarissa, standing there alone, sad and so distant.
What was wrong with her? No matter what the woman was, she was still the woman she loved. The One. Her only One! In the past 36 hours since she had reentered her life, Jessica has never felt so alive and cherished again. She will not allow fear to stand in her way. She knew it in her heart of hearts that Clarissa would never hurt her. She hasn't said it again, but Clarissa had feelings for her, strong feelings. That was enough for her. She was going to fight for her woman. Startled, she closed her eyes as she tasted the words on her tongue – her woman . She glanced back at the ramrod straight back of Clarissa. Yes, her woman. That gorgeous, mysterious woman was hers.
“You seem in a rush to take me to the hotel,” she stated softly as she came to stand in front of her.
Clarissa gave her a gentle smile and held out her hand. She had been privy to Jessica's internal struggle and her heart rejoiced at the outcome. Jessica was willing to try and accept her for what she was and to fight for her.
“You've had a hectic day and must be tired.”
Once again she looked and sounded like the old Clarissa. The attentive, gentle woman she'd met a few years ago and Jessica slipped her hand into Clarissa's.
“Yes, I'm bushed. The shoot went well, but it was still very draining,” she said as they started to walk in the direction of where the hotel was situated. When there was nothing forthcoming from Clarissa, she stole a quick glace her way and found the brown eyes piercing the darkness ahead of them, anticipation in every muscle of her body.
“Are you sure you're OK?”
The brown eyes didn't look her way when she replied.
“Yes, I too am, a little tired that's all.”
They walked the rest of the way in silence, but Jessica could feel the tension radiating from the tall, quiet blonde walking next to her.
Clarissa was very tense. She could sense Mary close by. She needed to get Jessica to her hotel room as quickly as possible. She didn't want her caught in the middle of a possible confrontation with the renegade princess. Mary wasn't suitably named Bloody Mary for nothing, after all. She felt a slight pressure in her hand and felt her heart melt as she looked down to her hand clutching Jessica's. Yes, she was Jessica's woman, she thought with a slight smile. She belonged to someone again. She casted a quick glance sideways only to find the grey orbs fixed on her, concerned.
“I'm really okay, Jessica. I just had a very taxing day and quite a few things I need to work through in my mind. However, I need to apologize for thinking shop while in the presence of such a beautiful woman.” She brought Jessica's hand to her lips. “There's an ice cream parlor on the way. What do you say? Shall we?”
She felt her heartbeat exhilarate at the warm look that crossed the photographer's beautiful face.
“Lead the way.”
With a much lighter heart, Clarissa made a mental note to strive to get Jessica to look at her like that more often in the future. Their first date seemed to have been a roaring success. But then the night was still young. Enough time for anything to go wrong.