June 2008
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 4
Twenty two years later …
The hand that held the brush was shaking slightly and Jemima quickly pushed the brush into her paint-splattered overall, before the shaking gave her away. Her bright blue eyes were resting on the beautiful tight behind of the woman who was bent over, flipping through a stack of framed paintings placed against the wall of her studio.
The woman wasn't wearing any panties underneath the tight skirt and Jemima felt her body heat going up a notch. Martina Lawler was a gallery-owner and a renowned art critic. You couldn't go more posh than her and her presence in her studio was a great honor indeed. She was shocked when Martina called her yesterday and asked to see more of her work since a socialite friend of hers had bought one of her paintings at the last exhibition Jemima had in Australia.
At age twenty two, Jemima had made quite a name for herself as an artist. She attended a prestigious art school, and soon after graduating, her father had built her a home studio, a ploy to keep her closer to home. Broke and not wanting to borrow money from her father yet, she'd graciously accepted her father's gift, making a promise to herself that she was going to work hard to make a success of her career. She wanted to make her father proud.
For over a year and a half she'd slaved away in her studio, until she was happy that she had pieces, worthy enough to adorn the walls at first exhibition. Her hard work paid off and she sold twelve of the twenty pieces she had put up for exhibition. She became a millionaire overnight.
Three great sold-out exhibitions in two years had made her well-known in the art sphere with almost every gallery-owner in the States and Europe making appointments to see some of her works or either to book her for exhibitions at their galleries. But having Martina Lawler sniffing around was a real biggie.
The woman straightened and turned, her green eyes glowing with appreciation.
“I like what I see, Jemi. When can we talk business?” She walked over to where Jemima stood and placed a well-manicured hand on the younger woman's overall clad arm. “Can't we meet tonight at my place for dinner and afterwards we can talk?”
<It's your father's birthday today, Jemima. You should at least spend some time with him. >
Jemima frowned slightly, irritated. Ach, hell! Since this voice started to talk to her at the age of six, it was the first time she heard a hint of annoyance in the usually smooth husky voice. The voice belongs to some woman her father called Tahlia and that they were very good friends. But she abhorred that voice, because it only reminded her of how much of a freak she was.
Human beings are not supposed to have abilities like that. Life was not an X-Men comic where every second ‘human' was a mutant. Her father obviously has the same abilities as she, but then he was a writer and even if his books delved into the realm of the paranormal, people didn't mind, because they thought he just possessed a very active imagination.
Her father wasn't even aware that she could hear him and Tahlia talk to each other and that she'd known every birthday and Christmas what to expect in the cheerful wrapping paper under the tree or on the table next to her birthday cake. They discussed everything and unbeknownst to them, she was always there, quietly listening in.
Tahlia started talking to her at a very young age and already then she had worked hard to ignore the soft comforting voice which came to her in the dead of the night when she'd had a nightmare or the voice that sang to her in a strange language. The reason: she was scared of getting attached to the voice of a ghost. They've never met Tahlia, but Jemima sensed her in the house almost all the time and the most obvious explanation was that she was a ghost – albeit not an evil one.
“Jemi…Are you okay?” Martina was frowning, her beautiful green eyes serious as they searched her face. Jemima quickly smiled back at her.
“I'm fine. Sorry, I just drifted off for a while there.” No matter what, Tahlia was right. She loved her father to bits and knows it would hurt him if she'd miss their annual birthday chess tournament. She looked at Martina and smiled sadly. As much as she wanted to accept the woman's offer, she loved her father more.
She slowly traced Martina's curvaceous form with her eyes and grimaced inwardly. She'd read between the lines and knew what Martina was offering. Maybe they'd even skip dinner. Martina was well-known for her bi-sexual antics and was voted one of the hottest lesbian crushes of the year by a leading lesbian magazine.
Jemima had been with many women, but never with an older woman like Martina. Being in her late 30's and after years of sowing her wild oats, Jemima was sure that the woman must be a cracker in bed. She took Martina's hand and squeezed it lightly. No harm in showing her interest, she thought.
“Unfortunately, I already have plans for tonight, but if you like we can meet tomorrow night at your place and discuss business.” Her vivid blue eyes looked into Martina's green ones and Jemima knew from experience that it was one of her best attributes, followed closely by her tall athletic body and rich blond locks.
While at art school she never had a shortage of admirers from both sexes and in the three years she'd spent there, she'd only had two relationships, the rest were all one night stands which involved no emotions – except rampant lust and a lot of toys.
“I'm invited to a woman-only party tomorrow night.” Now it was Martina's green eyes which traveled leisurely up and down Jemima's oil-splattered over-all clad frame and she smiled slowly. “You can come as my date and afterwards we can go to my place and talk business.”
Jemima smiled. “Sounds great. Give me a call tomorrow so we can make plans.”
Martina grinned and sashayed out of the studio, swaying her sexy hips, well aware that avid blue eyes were following her departure.
Taking a deep breath to clear her lust-filled mind, Jemima returned to her unfinished painting and whistling cheerfully continued to mix paints. The notes suddenly died on her lips and she swung around quickly.
But there was nobody there. She was alone in the studio. She returned to her paints and when the presence still lingered, she lashed out, harshly.
“Please leave my studio, Tahlia.”
The presence lingering behind shoulder her for a few more seconds before it disappeared.
****************************************
Tahlia clenched her fists where she was lying in the large underground chamber below the Marsden mansion.
For the past few years she had turned a blind eye to all the one night stands she'd had, but this time she will not remain passive. Jemima was a grown woman and the time has come for her to claim her.
A deep growl escaped her pale lips when she thought of art critic. She'd sensed the woman presence, the minute she'd stepped into the house. She was a sexual predator. The realization made her eyes snapped open and even though the sun was up high in sky, she'd separated her spirit from her body and streaked up, through the cellar out into the sunlit kitchen and into Jemima's studio. What she'd found had made her fangs lengthen. The beautiful brunette with the big breasts and the hungry green eyes was flirting openly with Jemima, her mind echoing the most lewd acts she was hoping to do to Jemima.
If only Jemima didn't hate her so much, she could've warned her against the vile woman, she thought sadly. Throughout the centuries she's had her hands full convincing arrogant Duchesses and servant girls alike that they were the reincarnations of her beloved and that they were destined to be together. It was mentally and emotionally draining at times, but it was always worth it in the end.
Jemima's present dislike of her was really nothing out of the ordinary. She'd been through that so many times before.
Throughout her seductive conversation with the woman, Tahlia had lingered in the room, even as she could feel her great strength waste away at being out of her body for so long while the sun was at its zenith. But she was not going to leave Jemima alone with that woman.
As soon as the woman had left, she was overwhelmed by the need to touch Jemima, to finally stake her claim. She had drifted closer to the woman she loved more than life itself, but after sensing Jemima's agitation at her lingering presence, she had meekly returned to her body at the cold dismissal from Jemima.
Now back in her sleep-paralyzed body, she was seething with anger and jealousy. For a few seconds she entertained the thought of chasing down the woman and wringing her neck, but just as quickly she discarded the thought. She was not a killer of innocents. She had never knowingly taken the life of an innocent human being. And she wasn't going to start now. Even if she was feeling so drained and lonely and wished she was lying in Jemima's warm embrace.
She closed her eyes and the deep mental howl which erupted from the depths of her lonely heart, vibrated in the earth encasing her and echoed through the chamber above. She felt the wetness on her cheek and knew that if she'd lift her hand her fingers would encounter a single blood tear. What was it about this girl that made her act like a sobbing weakling?
<Are you okay? It sounded as if … as if you were hurting.>
The voice was soft and sounded very worried, causing Tahlia's sunken eyes to snap open.
<Jemima…>
The name came out like a soft caress. This was the first time her beloved's ever sought her out using their mental link.
<My father is worried about you. He heard you too.>
Jemima sounded panicky and Tahlia smiled gently. Jemima did care for her, maybe not like she wanted her to, but this was a start. When she was younger, they'd made a connection, but it didn't last long and it was back to square one when Jemima went off to study. But still – it was a start.
<I'm fine, little one. Tell your father not to worry. I will talk to him soon.>
Not wanting to exhaust the fragile opportunity granted by a taciturn Jemima, she reluctantly snapped off her mental communication with Jemima and silently laid there covered by thick layers of earth. Images of Jemima flashed through her mind and she felt another tear streaking down her face. She will have to make a move soon. Jemima was ready to be claimed. They were wasting precious time which they could've spent together. Her mind made up, Tahlia willed her body and mind to expel all the negative emotions coursing through her.
Slowly, she shut down all her vital organs and slipped into the deep dreamless sleep of her kind.
______________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 5
Jemima had dropped her paintbrush when she'd heard the anguished howl echoing through her mind. Tahlia! She didn't know how she knew it was Tahlia, but she just did. The sound was filled with so much pain and loneliness; it made her heart clench. She couldn't imagine somebody experiencing so much loneliness. Before she could react, her father had rushed into her studio.
“Something's wrong with Tahlia, Jemi.” His blue eyes scanned the inside of the studio, looking around as if he expected to find Tahlia in the room.
Not ready to blow her cover and let her father know that she shared his ability, she had to think fast.
“From what you told me about Tahlia, she sounds like a woman who knows how to take care of herself, Dad. “ She tried to sound reassuring, but she could see from her father's pale face that he was still worried.
“I've reached out to her, but she's not talking to me.” He was shaking now and Jemima walked over to him and held him in her arms. “She's hurting, Jemi. She's hurting real bad. I can feel it.”
I know, Dad, and I feel somewhat responsible too, she'd though to herself. Then she did what she'd promised herself she'd never ever to do.
She reached out to the ghost, using their mental link.
She was strangely pleased when the other woman responded immediately. Though she could still detect a hint of pain in the other woman's voice, she'd sounded fine. That was enough to make assure her father. She was a bit puzzled by the abrupt way Tahlia ended their communication.
She gently pushed out of the embrace and cradled her father's face in both her hands. She was tall enough to look him in his eyes. “Tahlia seems so … so … indestructible, Dad. Believe me, she will be okay. I'm sure she will contact you soon.” She had placed a gentle kiss on his cheek and had looked into his eyes until she had seen the worry disappearing slowly. “She will talk to you soon, I just know.”
James had nodded and left the studio with drooping shoulders, still a little worried about his friend.
Alone again, Jemima sunk onto the plush bean bag in the corner. She too was a little shaken by Tahlia's pain, especially by the thought that she might've been the cause. Even if she disliked the woman, the idea of Tahlia not being around anymore was unsettling. She meant so much to her father. It was obvious from his reaction now when he'd thought she was injured.
She rubbed over her eyes and grimaced. Tahlia. If only she knew.
She was seventeen years old when she realized that she was actually more than fond of her Social Studies teacher, Mrs. Nadia Greenspan, at night she found herself dreaming of Mrs. Greenspan. During class she would stare at the dark-eyed teacher and daydream about the cute brunette. Her infatuation lasted for a few months until Mrs. Greenspan got married and followed her new husband to Canada where he was transferred.
She was heartbroken and the pain and rejection lessened and eventual disappear only when she had set her amorous sights on Tahlia. Ever-present Tahlia, who unlike Mrs. Greenspan, had always been there and would never leave her.
All of a sudden the sexy voice that was ever-present in her mind started to take on a human shape. Her nights were filled with dreams of this tall, dark silhouette. Her infatuation with Tahlia lasted right through the rest of her high school years and college until she'd met Megan.
The shy photography student was simply gorgeous with her big dark eyes and dark curls. It was only later that she'd recognized the physical similarities between Megan and her dreamlike images of Tahlia. They both were dark and she found herself thinking more and more of Tahlia when she was making love to Megan, which led to her calling out Tahlia's name once. As a result, their relationship ended. Then there was Claire. The same happened and that was when she started to rake in one-night stands.
At least she had no emotional links with her bedmates and once her itch was scratched she moved onto the next victim. She eventually grew tired of bed-hopping and had longed for the stability of a steady lover and the need to love someone mentally as well as physically. But that person eluded her and more one-night stands followed.
Not knowing who else to blame for her inability to meet and sustain a meaningful relationship, she shamelessly placed the blame on Tahlia and over the next three years her dislike had turned into a deep-rooted anger towards the faceless woman. It must sound very juvenile and baseless, but someone had to take the blame and it wasn't going to be her.
With a tired sigh she rubbed over her eyes again and with her hands locked behind her head, studied the half finished painting through half-closed eyes. Whereas she was so excited earlier to get back to the painting, all she wanted to do now was to take a shower and crawl into bed. She was meeting her father for dinner and a game of chess later. She looked across at the watch on wall. She still had four hours. Maybe a shower wasn't such a bad idea after all. She dragged herself to her feet and started cleaning brushes.
**********************************
It was freezing cold outside, but the lounge was nice and warm. Nursing a glass of whiskey, James was studying the chess board in front of him. He'd already made his move. Jemima was a very accomplished player and it paid to pay attention when playing against her.
“Your turn, Jemi.”
They had just had a wonderful dinner together to share his birthday and even though Tahlia had not spoken to him since this afternoon, he had felt her presence in the house. That was enough to reassure him. He looked up and smiled into the beautiful blue eyes of his daughter. Jemima was staring at the chessboard from over the rim of her whisky glass, her bright blue eyes darkened slightly by concentration. His heart swelled with pride while he looking at her. She was unbelievably beautiful, he thought, just like her mother.
<She is, isn't she?>
Tahlia's husky voice echoed in his mind and James smiled warmly. Tahlia was doing fine and he felt a great feeling of relief wash over him. Over the years they had become great friends. Tahlia was his confidante and so much more. Sometimes in the dead of night when he woke from a nightmare and tearfully reached for where Jane was supposed to be, he could feel the warm gentle arms cradling him and the soft voice telling him that it was going to get better. He was not alone.
<Yes, our baby has grown up.>
James said with pride in his voice.
And the truth be told they'd raised the little hellion together and made decisions together. Which school to send her to? What to buy her for her birthdays and Christmas.
“You and Tahlia better stop gossiping, Dad. I can hear you both clearly.” Jemima said suddenly without looking up from the chessboard.
Stunned, the whisky glass almost slipped out of James' hand. “What did you say?” he asked carefully, refusing to believe she could tap in on their mental conversations. She never gave any indication that she could. Could it be possible that she was psychic as well? She had to be otherwise how could they explain her ability to tap into his and Tahlia's conversations.
Jemima came to her feet slowly and walked over to stand in front of the fire place, the warm glow of the flames basking her tall body in a yellow glaze.
“I know about you and Tahlia.” She rubbed her forearms as if she was cold. “I could hear the two of you talking to each other since I was six.” Jemima lifted the glass and throwing her head back emptied the contents in one gulp. “Tahlia also speaks to me. I just refuse to answer.”
James just sat there, slack-jawed. Jemima had known all this time. Until recently he was trying to find a way to tell her about Tahlia and what she had done for them over the years. A proper introduction to their benefactor and protector. But it seems that it wasn't needed. Tahlia, it seems, knew and didn't even think of telling him.
<Tahlia …what to do now?>
He desperately needed Tahlia to save the day once again as she'd always done.
Jemima turned sharply on her heel and pierced her father with a sharp stare.
“I can't believe how you can trust her. How do you know she's not some kind of…?” She threw her hands in the air, exasperated. “We have never met her. Don't you think it's strange that she just came into our lives and help us without asking for anything in return?” Jemima looked around the room. She knows that this beautiful mansion, the expensive cars, exclusive schools and money, everything came from Tahlia. She had made sure that they want for nothing, but she believes there must a catch. But what could it be?
<Jemima, listen to me, please?>
At the sound of that darkly sensual voice, Jemima suddenly lost her cool and all her past resentment bubbled to the fore. How dare she eavesdrop on a private conversation between her father and her? No, how dare she try to wiggle her way into their family?
“If you want to speak to me, Tahlia, I want you to do it the way normal people do it. Look me in the eyes and move your lips.” Jemima snapped. “What the hell are you anyway?”
James surged to his feet, his blue eyes flashing. “You will NOT speak to Tahlia that way, Jemima.” His usually calm voice was filled with so much anger that Jemima blinked, shocked by the sudden change in her father. “She was there for me when I had to come to terms with the loss of your mother and being left with a small baby. For the past twenty two years she has been a loyal friend to me and I repeat, I will NOT allow you to talk to her like that.”
He went to stand in front if the frosted window and from where she stood, Jemima could see that he was shaking with anger. “If there is something she wants in return for her selfless assistance then I, personally, will grant her that. I trust her to tell me what she wants and will not waste my time speculating.”
Jemima felt like the worse kind of idiot for having angered her father. On his birthday of all days. You should be ashamed at yourself, she chastised herself. She had truly underestimated the bond Tahlia and her father had. Even as she'd hid her psychic abilities from him, she couldn't block his feelings of loneliness and sadness that he bravely tried to hide from her. She also knew of the times at night when he quietly sobbed in his room. It was at times like those that her senses were heightened and she could feel Tahlia's presence strongly in the house. She could feel the comfort she offered him and the soft words of encouragement she whispered to him.
She looked at her father; his powerful shoulders slumped, as if in defeat. There was something unbelievably strong and binding between Tahlia and him. They loved each other. It was evident in the warm tones they communicate in, but not as lovers, no, something so much deeper than that.
Considering Tahlia's otherworldly aura, it was obvious that their friendship was not of this world. The unconditional trust and commitment they have for each other was almost unheard of in today's age. She will never understand the bond between them and that alone was reason for her to keep her nose out of it or learn to respect her father's wish and stop acting childish where Tahlia was concerned.
James turned to look at her and she felt the tears prick at the back of her eyes when he opened his strong arms and she rushed into them.
“I'm so sorry, Daddy. Please forgive me.” She held on tighter to her father, her cheek pressed against his chest.
James smiled gently and looked down into her eyes as he stroked her hair. “I know you don't fully comprehend our friendship, Jemi, but Tahlia is very dear to me and I wish you could give her a chance to prove her friendship to you. OK?” He didn't wait for her reply and kissed her cheek before turning her towards the chessboard. “You were on last, remember.”
The rest of the night went by pleasantly. When James was ready to call it a night, Jemima kissed him goodnight, grabbed her wallet and jumped into her Jeep. She truly enjoyed spending the night in with her father, but she needed fresh air.
She needed to get out of the house.
Away from Tahlia.
She will go to the Fire Stall for a drink and then see where to from there.
______________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 6
When she stepped into the lesbian bar twenty minutes later, she was pleased with her decision to come here. The place was packed and the atmosphere was great.
At closer inspection she realized that most of tonight's patrons were dressed in tracksuits and she squinted to see the logo. Ah, a visiting ladies softball team. Scanning through the throng of visitors, she nodded and smiled broadly. This could turn out to be an interesting night, she thought, as she pushed through the crowd and headed for the bar. She was pleased to see a few ladies trying hard to make eye contact with her and her spirit soared. An interesting night, indeed.
She found a spot at the bar and almost immediately a light beer was placed in front of her. Looking up, she smiled into the eyes of the bartender. Inez Hernandez was an aspiring actress who juggled her time between acting classes, auditions and bartending. Sexy as hell and apparently straight, she was the reason the bar was full almost every day of the week. Looking into the smiling dark eyes of Inez, Jemima couldn't help but feel the familiar stirring in her stomach. Her eyes boldly traveled over the bartender. Inez' dark nipples were visible through the tight white top she was wearing and when she looked back into the dark eyes, she found Inez looking back at her warmly.
“You haven't been in here for a while, sexy. The girls have been asking about you,” Inez purred in a heavy Mexican accent.
Jemima could image how it would feel to hear her voice gasping explicit orders in the throes of passion. She felt a warm rush between her legs and automatically her eyes darkened. She quickly looked away and took a sip of her beer not wanting Inez to notice her arousal. But she was not averse to flirting with sexy bartender either.
“And you?” She took another sip from her beer. “Did you miss me too?”
She saw a look flashed in Inez's dark eyes and stiffened. She was sure she hadn't imagined it. The look was definitely lustful. After months of trying to seduce the sexy Latina, it seemed she might've struck gold at last. The predator in her awakened, she leaned closer.
“What time do you finish up here? I can give you a lift home, if you like.”
Inez just stared at her for a few agonizing seconds. “I need extra classes and Sam's agreed to let me work overtime to pay for them.”
Nodding, Jemima took another swig from her beer, her blue eyes locked with dark ones. She didn't say no out right, now did she? As long as there was an attraction, she was sure she would get Inez flat on her back.
Inez was needed at the other side of the bar and Jemima made use of the time to scan the interior of the bar. Who knows, Inez might chicken out of the deal at the last minute and leave her high and dry. She wasn't planning on going to bed alone tonight and a back-up plan was a superb idea.
Almost immediately her eyes fell on a pretty redhead sitting at a table with a bunch of other girls clad in softball tracksuits. She calmly studied her. She was a bit on the short side, but a quick glance at her chest made Jemima smile. Nice full breasts. That was a definite plus. Why wait, she thought. Now that she's taken notice of the girl's ample bosom, she wanted her. If need be they could move to her car. The jeep had enough space in the back. She placed her beer bottle on the counter, ready to close in for the kill.
That's when she saw her.
***********************
Jemima's mouth fell open as she gaped at the woman.
“Good, heavens…!” she murmured, dazed.
She was tall, very tall – at least 6.2, which made her 2 inches taller than herself. The way she was walking …no gliding, showed that she was a very confident woman. Confident, powerful and oh so sexy.
Jemima felt her mouth going dry the longer she stared at the woman. There was a subtle predatory feel about her, which added to her overall appeal. Her beautiful face was frame by straight blue-black shoulder–length locks, but that wasn't the reason why her mouth was running dry faster.
It was her eyes. They were ink-black and … Sweet heavens, they were staring straight into hers. Jemima stared back, stupefied. At the same time a niggling sensation spread through her. There was something familiar about the woman. She reminded her of someone. But who?
The black eyes flashed suddenly and Jemima caught the invitation. The woman disappeared in the direction of the bathrooms and looking around to see who else had read the invitation, she was surprised to notice that more than half of the women in the bar were staring after the tall woman.
Jemima quickly pushed away from the bar and followed. Reaching the toilets, she slowly pushed the door open and her heart stuttered… stuttered again… and stopped. A second went by, then another and then only did she remember to breathe again.
The woman was leaning against the washbasin, obviously waiting for her. Close-up she was breathtaking, Jemima thought nervously. How the hell can one person look like that? They just stared at each other for a few seconds. Blue eyes were held by unfathomable black eyes.
“Can I buy you a drink?” Jemima asked the first thing that popped into her mind.
The black eyes were focused intently on her lips and Jemima couldn't help lifting a shaking hand to her lips. They were burning – as is she'd just been kissed - hard.
****************************
Standing so close to her was pure torture and Tahlia had to draw on centuries of practiced restraint not to grab Jemima close and kiss her. Not like the slow mental kiss she just given her, but a hot, tongue-in-the-throat kiss. She almost groaned when Jemima lifted her hand and touched her lips. No, let me , she wanted to scream, but held back. She delicately sniffed the air and this time she couldn't stop herself from groaning inwardly.
There, amongst the smell of urine, female perfume and flowery liquid hand soap, she picked it up. Jemima was highly aroused and the musky scent that filled her nostrils didn't do much for her fragile control. With every second spent in the presence of Jemima and with every look of those beautiful blue eyes, her resolve was slipping, making Tahlia panic – something she hadn't done in centuries. The situation needed to be diffused. Now!
The blue eyes looked at her questioningly and she remembered that Jemima had spoken to her.
“I don't want anything to drink?”
She saw the desperation in Jemima's eyes and it felt strangely satisfying to know that Jemima was desperate enough to want to keep her with her tonight. Her eyes moved over Jemima's tall athletic frame. It was clear that Jemima was hoping to use her for sex tonight and just the thought of those delicious lips caressing her body, made the blood shoot straight to her head. She fought an internal battle to keep her eyes expressionless.
“Would you like to go for a drive instead? It's beautiful outside.” This time there was a sliver of desperation in Jemima's voice.
Tahlia looked into the pleading blue eyes and felt her resolve melting away faster. Please, don't look at me like that, woman. You have no idea what you are doing to me now, she though. As much as she wanted to indulge her, Tahlia knew that now was not the right time. If they were seen together now, Jemima would become a target. She had managed to keep Jemima undetected from renegades since her birth and would like to keep it that way for a while longer.
She could keep renegades away from her, but she simply couldn't keep herself away from Jemima any longer. She pushed away from the washbasin and stepped closer – so close that their bodies were almost touching. Jemima was looking up into the black eyes and the black eyes were staring down into the dark blue ones, the action brought their lips very close. No one tried to move away and Tahlia felt her willpower seeping away slowly.
“I can't, but if you give me your number, I will call you. Maybe then we can go for a walk.”
The disappointment in blue eyes was so heart rendering that Tahlia couldn't help reaching out, wanting to comfort as she'd done thousands of times over the years. She knew it was a mistake, the minute her fingers made contact with Jemima's soft, parted lips. A deep growl reverberated through her body and Tahlia knew that her control had snapped. The pieces were blown to the four winds.
The first touch of their lips was so exquisite that they both moaned at the strong current that went through them. Tahlia tried to pull away, but Jemima made a soft pleading sound in the back of her throat, encouraging her resume the kiss. Their tongues reached out at the same time and then, together, they started to explore each other's mouths.
Tahlia felt her knees buckle and shocked, by the familiarity of the kiss, pulled Jemima closer for support. The kiss went on and on and on until Tahlia wrenched her mouth away. If they kept on kissing like this it would most definitely lead to a point of no return and Jemima would hate her for that later. Especially when she finds out her true identity.
For centuries, she had allowed her lovers to come to her out of their own after she'd revealed to them their immortal life together. But never before had she been so tempted to seduce and take what was hers as was the case now with Jemima.
She had followed Jemima here tonight to ensure her safety as she had done for the past six years since she started going out after dark. It wasn't really her intention to seduce her tonight, but when she saw her flirting with the bartender she knew that unless she stepped in, Jemima was going to take the other woman to bed tonight and that she'd wanted to avert at all cost.
She felt Jemima shifting against her body and a heat flash rushed through her body to settle in the pit of her stomach. She needed to put space between them before she couldn't think straight anymore. Soon, my love. Very soon, you will know who I am and then I will be yours and yours alone to do with as you wish. Wryly, she realized that the words were more of a comfort to her than to the woman she was clutching to tightly to her body.
The blue eyes opened slowly and there was no mistaking the raw desire blazing in them. They stared at each other in stunned silence. A few seconds passed before the silence was broken.
“Come home with me,” Jemima asked gently, her hands coming to rest on Tahlia's hips.
Tempting as it sounded, Tahlia knew that it was not to be. No matter how hard it was going to be fro her and how much it was possibly going to hurt Jemima, she had to turn her down. For one last time she stared into the familiar blue eyes. Oh, beloved… She gave herself a mental shake and took step back from Jemima, breaking contact.
“Go home. I will find you.” For a moment, an anguished look flickered in the black eyes and then she stepped past Jemima and left the bathroom.
************************
Jemima was gulping down her beer, trying to wash the taste of rejection out of her system.
Everyone's eyes were on her when she came out of the bathroom, but she'd ignored them all and walked up to the bar where Inez had a beer waiting for her. Sensing her mood, the Latina had given her a soft pat on the hand before moving away to serve other clients.
“Just looking at her almost makes me forget that I actually have a wife I need to get to now.”
Jemima turned and smiled at the attractive blonde standing behind her. Sam was the owner of the bar and after having frequented this bar throughout her university days; they had become good friends. Ten years her senior, Sam had always been a great source of advice for her. She followed Sam's gaze and found the black eyes resting on her.
After she was left alone in the bathroom, she had dispassionately stared at her reflection in the mirror. She wasn't vain, but had always known that she was above-average looking and that both sexes were known to find her irresistible. But tonight she had just suffered a great knock to her ego and she knew that it wasn't likely that she will recover quickly enough tonight to try her charms on another woman. She'd settled on getting drunk instead, but looking back into those bottomless black eyes threatened to make her change her mind.
Maybe she should try her luck again. Walk over there and tell the woman that she wanted her. Tonight. Not some other night. She could book them into a hotel for the night and spend the night making love until they were both too sore to move. She stared into the black eyes, not hiding her need, wanting the woman to see what she wanted. But the expression in the black eyes didn't change. They stayed cool as they looked back at her, unfazed. Getting drunk was definitely a better option, she concluded with a sigh.
“Yes, but she's a tough one. Chewed me up and spat me out a few minutes ago,” she said to Sam as she turned back to the bar.
Sam laughed, slightly surprised. Jemima was a babe magnet. She still had to find a woman who said no to the gorgeous artist. Or did she tonight?
“How did she manage to do that?”
Jemima grimaced and downed the rest of her beer. She was thinking of ordering another one, but instead placed a twenty dollar note on the bar.
“I'm off, Sam. See you.”
She walked out of the bar without looking back.
********************
Sitting at her table, Tahlia could clearly hear every word that was said between the two women. She could hear the resignation in Jemima's voice as she turned to talk to the blonde. Her stomach had flipped when Jemima had looked at her earlier.
The message was blatantly clear. Jemima wanted her. It had taken all her willpower not to walk over to bar and accept the invitation of making love until they were too sore to move. But she didn't. She was the stronger one. She was the only one who could diffuse the situation – which she did. Even though it hurt like hell.
She saw Jemima place the empty beer bottle on the counter and turned away. She wasn't even looking in her direction as she walked right pass her table. She quickly gulped down the remaining red wine in her glass and followed Tahlia out. She had sensed the presence of renegades outside. She will vent her frustration on them, before joining Jemima at home.