All's Fair in Love and Lion (10 page)

Chapter 16: Sasha

Monroe’s set jaw and thundercloud expression make me suck in a breath. A dull thud fills the silence, but I barely notice my book fall as I make room on the couch for him.

He joins me and leans his head against the cushions. He tugs his fingers through his disheveled hair.

“What happened?” I ask.

“Long day.”

I brush his hair back from his forehead. “Want to tell me about it?”

He pinches the bridge of his nose. “I attended today’s Council meeting. They approved our marriage. I’d marry you anyway.” He smiles wearily. “Although, if you ever want to live in the Third Realm, their approval is essential. However, one member, Lily Tygress, has had her eye on me for some time.”

“Wouldn’t you be happier with someone of the Third Realm?”

He sits up. “You can’t be serious.”

The couch’s upholstery suddenly requires all my attention. I run my fingers over the suede fabric. “So, the meeting wore you out?”

“That’s part of it.” He rubs his jaw. “The meeting lasted far longer than I supposed. And, something worse happened.”

“What?”

“Don’t ask.” He shudders. “I wish I could strike the memory from my mind.”

“Please tell me.”

“It’s nothing.” He takes my hand. “An unwanted visitor. In any case, she won’t get close enough to do any more harm.”

“She?”

Monroe groans. “Her name is Lily. She’s not important to me.”

“For all I know, this Lily is perfect for you.” I bite my lower lip.

“Sasha, didn’t you hear me?” He raises his voice to a roar. “I don’t want her!” He lowers his voice. “It’s you I’ve fallen in love with.”

“Anything else happen?”

“I made her leave. I’ll protect you from her.”

“Protect me? Why?”

He swears under his breath. “I should keep my mouth shut.” He swears again. “She’s jealous of you.”

A Thirdling being jealous of me? Why?
She knows things about Monroe I have yet to find out. “How come?”

“Because I don’t want her. She’s a harpy.”

“That’s not very nice.”

“You haven’t met Lily.” He frowns. “It’s best you never do.”

He holds me close and I snuggle against his chest. “Perhaps I won’t.” Despite his words, a part of me still wonders if a Thirdling of his kind would make a better match for him. After all, they’re used to magic. I still feel like pinching myself to check and see if it’s all really happening. In all my daydreams, it didn’t occur to I could ever have like Monroe. Under his impatience, I sense a man who is kind and generous.

He leans down and picks my book from the floor. “What were you reading before I arrived?”

“The English translation of Gaston Leroux’s
The Phantom of The Opera.
”

He chuckles. “You like dark characters, my dear?”

In an attempt to hide my shyness, I shrug. “It’s my third time reading that book.”

An amused smirk tugs at the corners of his mouth. “I know the muse who inspired Leroux.” He places the book on the couch. “She’s centuries old.”

“How old are you?”

His eyes twinkle roguishly. “How old do you think I am?”

I look him over. “Thirty or so?”

“Thirty-five. Very young for a Thirdling. We tend to live long lives.” He cocks his head to one side. “We haven’t talked about age, have we?”

I shake my head.

“All right, then. How old are you?”

“I turned thirty on January twentieth.”

“I’m right after you. February seventh.”

“Happy belated birthday, Monroe.”

“And you, Sasha.”

He kisses me, and his outdoorsy scent intoxicates my senses. As he deepens the kiss, a sexy groan emits from him.

“You’re my undoing. My one weakness,” he murmurs against my lips.

“I thought it was the other way around. After all, I could’ve said no.”

He kisses my jaw line. “Indeed. Perhaps, then, it’s both ways.”

I place my hand on his chest. “We need to stop. This doesn’t help me get to know you as a person.”

He gives me a playful pout. “Surely more interesting than my personality, don’t you think?”

I giggle. “Monroe, be serious.”

“If I must,” he says. “Do you have vacation time coming up?”

“Yes,” I say. “Spring Break starts after school on Friday. I get a week off. Then later I have a few days for the Easter holidays.”

“Would you mind spending your Spring Break with me?”

My heart pounds. It makes sense. I want time and a chance to find out more about him, and to understand what’s happening. Yet, I can’t help wondering if it’s a good idea or a bad one. “What did you have in mind?”

His fingers rhythmically tap my back. “I was thinking, perhaps you’d like to see my world.”

I jerk my head up, my heart thumping harder. “Is that possible?” What a thrill it would be to go and see all the wonders I’ve only read about in books! My mind races with the possibilities.
Am I still dreaming? Will I really get to see all the things I’ve only imagined?

“Does this mean you’re interested?”

“I’d love to see where you live.”

“I live in a castle. You’ll stay in one of the guestrooms and have your own maid.”

“You’re joking.”

He laughs. “For someone who acts so in control, you’ve got a childlike side. I’ll show you real magic. Anything you desire.”

“You realize every young girl dreams of such an opportunity.”

He strokes my cheek. “You’re the one woman I wish to live life with me.”

“How can you want me, an ordinary person, when you have such extraordinary things at your fingertips?”

“Because, I love you. I love your inner strength, your daydreams, and your generous heart. You make me want to become a better man. A man worthy of you.” He stares earnestly down at me. “No other woman has ever had the effect on me. I’d give you the whole world if you asked. And, someday I hope you’ll return my love.”

Other than Mel, the only people I’ve ever loved with all my heart were my parents. All my life, before and after my parents’ deaths, I’ve dreamt of someone like Monroe. A man who could be my hero. Help me to have the courage to step out of my shell and do something spectacular. With him, I’ve a chance to have it all. “You’ll be patient with me?”

“I said I would.” The old clock on the mantel rings out the late hour. “I regret, I must leave. I’ll see you soon. Good night, my love.”

“Goodnight, Monroe.”

He steps through the boundaries between my world and his and disappears.

I wonder what other woman can say she gets to see fantasies up close and personal? What other women can say they’ve met a man who might, in some other place, be the embodiment of every fairy-tale hero. Despite my reservations, anticipation rises in me. Then just as quickly, it fades. A twinge of unhappiness envelopes me. If only I could share all this with Mel.

Chapter 17: Monroe

Sipping my coffee, I attempt to calm my jumbled nerves. A glance at my pocket watch makes things worse. Eight hours left for preparation.

Ayres materializes. “Miss Brighton’s room is ready, sir.”

My fingers turn white around my coffee mug.
Damn, what’s the matter with me?
“And the prom gown?”

“I’ve checked in with the seamstresses. They tell me they will have it for you the morning of April twenty-seventh.”

“Excellent.” I set the coffee down. “Am I doing the right thing, Ayres?”

“What do you mean, sir?”

“Bringing Sasha here.”

“Do Lady Tygress’ threats worry you?”

“A bit, but it’s something else. I can’t explain it.”

Ayres clears his throat. “Could it be, sir, something to do with the fact you might have found your mate? Or, are you concerned Miss Brighton will dislike your home?”

“Would you think me ridiculous if I said yes to both?”

“Not at all. In the past you haven’t desired to impress anyone. It is right you have that on your mind. Any man in your position would feel the same.” His mouth twitches with mirth. He’s enjoying my discomfort way too much.

“You’re tempting a discharge of your services, Ayres.”

He quickly regains his composure. “Anything else I can do for you, sir?”

“No, no.” I wave a hand. “I’d rather be alone.”

He vanishes.

Opening my armoire, I rifle through shirts, pants, socks, boots, leather shoes, shoes with buckles, cloaks, and other various items. I back away in despair. “This won’t do. I must show her we’re not completely old-fashioned.”

I storm down the corridors in my dressing gown. “Ayres!”

“Sir?” Ayres reappears.

I skid to a stop. “Get me clothing from the First Realm—modern. Not too formal or casual.”

“Yes, sir.” He disappears again and I stomp back to my bedchambers muttering to myself.
Why didn’t I notice my clothing problem before?
I pace the length of the room until Ayres reappears.

“Well?”

He gazes at me calmly. “Stand still.”

“Get on with it.”

“Sir, you need to calm down.”

“Quit laughing, Ayres.” A slight breeze wafts by me. Ayres flies around me, a blur of motion. When he finishes, he pushes me toward the full-length mirror. I shuffle over. I hardly recognize myself. Black jeans, a dark blue button-down shirt, and black sports jacket disguise my origins. Wriggling my toes in soft, black loafers, I toss Ayres a nod. “I underestimated you.”

“You’re satisfied?”

“Right on the mark.” I brush my sleeves and adjust the collar.

“Thank you, sir. Feeling better?”

I square my shoulders. “I can do this.”

Ayres adjusts the back of the sports jacket. He regards me critically. “Of course you can, sir. You’re a Dubay.”

“How apt of you, Ayres, appealing to my ego.”

He bows. “I was out of line, sir. I am sorry.”

“Never mind. You mentioned her rooms were ready?”

“Down the hall.” I follow him until he stops before a pair of double doors, not far from my bedroom.

“Here we are.”

Throwing open the doors, I’m greeted by the sight of a large bedchamber. To one side, a door leads into a private bathroom. Further into the main area, a sizable four-poster bed swathed in rose satin with a downy comforter rests elegantly against a wall near the balcony door. “Appropriate. Serena is to be her personal maid, correct?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Excellent.” I rub my hands together. “Only lacks Miss Brighton’s presence.” I close my eyes. A half a second later a white rose appears in my hand. “Would this would be suitable for the occasion?”

“Very good, sir. I’ll go make sure the kitchen staff is prepped.” He vanishes.

“Going somewhere?”

“Damn it, Lily. What are you doing here?”

She admires her painted nails. “I wanted to see you.” Her eyes travel over me. “The Creator did a good job on you, Monroe. You’re every girl’s dream come true.”

“Get out. I’ve told you not to come here!” I move toward her.

Gracefully, she sidesteps me. “You forget, darling, I’ve mastered the cat-and-mouse game. Have fun with your little human, gorgeous. I’ll be around.” Suddenly she’s gone.

I growl at the empty space. “Stupid tigress.” She better not ruin Sasha’s visit. I square my shoulders and slow my thudding heart. A man-beast tigress doesn’t scare me, but the beautiful woman I’m about to meet sets my nerves scattering.

“Oh!” Sasha exclaims as I step into her living room.

I hold the rose out to her. “It’s a little crushed. I can get you another.”

She caresses the petals. “I’m sure I can perk it up with some water. Thank you.”

“My pleasure.”

She carries the rose into the kitchen, gets out a crystal vase. “I guess you’re here to pick me up.”

“You still want to come?” I do my best to appear confident.

She sets the rose on the counter. “Yes, I do.”

“Are you nervous?”

“Is it that obvious?”

“Your hands are shaking, love.” Thank the Creator she’s too busy worried about her own nerves she doesn’t notice how tense I am.

“I’m sorry, Monroe.”

What?
I’m the imbecile, not her
.
Bad enough I was nervous about bringing her home, Lily had to show up and make things worse. “Quite all right.”

“Everything is so new.”

I draw her into my arms. “It’s new for me, too, Sasha.”

She lays her head against my chest. “I suppose everything will be okay.”

“Of course.”

She moves back out of my arms and checks her things. “I believe I’ve packed everything I need.”

Amusement forces Lily’s visit from my mind. “You think I couldn’t provide
anything
you’d want?”

“I’d rather have my own things, if you don’t mind.”

I pick up her bags. “Whatever makes you most comfortable.”

“Wow. Is that Armani?”

My ego inflates and some of the anxiety dissipates. “Actually, some Third Realm tailors made it. Does it look Armani?”

“I know a little about fashion. Your coat must’ve cost a fortune.”

Under her admiring gaze, I stand taller. “I asked Ayres to supply me with something you would be more used to seeing men in your world wear.”

Her brow furrows. “You always wear your own clothing, though.”

“Considering the circumstances,” I say, a grin tugging at my lips while her eyes trail back over me. “I thought familiarity would be better for you. Do I pass muster?”

“Very much so.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. What about me? Should I change or will this work?”

Starting with her tan slacks, I work my gaze upwards to her white cotton button-down blouse. With its short puffy sleeves, it makes Sasha appear both sweet and innocent. Surreptitiously, I sniff the air. Her light, floral scent carries a hint of desire, a decidedly
not
innocent aroma. I tamp down on my own desire, and my gaze returns to her face. “Stunning.”

“Stop.”

“Making you blush? It’s very becoming.”

Tipping her face up to meet mine, I cover her lips with my own. I’m not sure if my heart or hers rams against my chest. Her soft moan sends flames through me. Her lips part and she clutches the lapels of my jacket. My blood pounds in my ears. Her floral scent perfumes the air and floods my mind. Just when I’m on the brink of losing myself in her embrace, a small prickle at the edges of my conscience brings me back to reality. Sasha’s mouth will have to wait. If I delay any longer, Ayres will find out and condemn my actions.

“Love, we have to go, now,” I whisper.

“Huh?”

“We have to leave. My valet and the other servants are expecting us.”

A flicker of recognition crosses her face. “Uh, right. Your castle. The Third Realm.”

I hold her arm as she sways. “Are you all right?”

“I will be as soon as the room stops spinning.”

She throws me a glare and I wipe the smile from my face.

Approaching the rift, I wonder if it’ll let me bring Sasha through. I hadn’t considered what I would do if it doesn’t. I attempt not to cringe as we step through the boundaries. A slight prickly sensation up and down my arm and we’re through.
Thank the Creator.

Relaxing, I lead her into the den. “Welcome to my home.”

She takes in the leather chairs, rugs, and dark oak side tables. “Your living room?”

“My private den. The servants will get your bags. Let me show you to your chambers.”

I lead her down the stone passageways. She clings to my hand.

“Don’t worry,” I tell her.

We stop in front of a pair of double doors. Opening one door, I step back to let her go in first.

“Monroe,” she breathes, “it’s beautiful.”

“You like it?”

She lets out a gleeful shout and spins around. “It’s perfect. Something out of my dreams.”

“If all it took was a luxurious suite to make you this ecstatic, perhaps I should’ve brought you here from the start.”

“I’m ecstatic to be here. The bedroom’s simply the icing on the cake.” She pushes past me running from one piece of furniture after another. “You got me a chaise lounge? I adore them.”

“Are you the same woman I brought here, Sasha? You’re like a kid at Christmastime.”

She tosses her head. “You would be, too, if someone fulfilled your most secret fantasies.”

“Then perhaps I should be dancing around instead of you.

She casts a playful frown and jumps on the mahogany bed. Crawling to the center, she throws herself against the downy pillows.

“You’re only proving my point,” I warn good-naturedly.

She giggles. “I don’t care. It’s so much nicer than anything I could’ve dreamt up. So soft.” She sits up. “Come feel.”

Sitting on the bed, I run my hands over the dark comforter. “You’re right.”

She throws her arms around my neck. “Oh, Monroe, thank you.”

“No, thank you.”

She eases back. “For what?”

“For being here. For giving us a chance.” My voice turns husky and I release her, not wanting her to see me struggle with my emotions. “I-I’ve waited a long time for you. Many a lonely night I wondered if I would ever find someone.” I clear my throat. “When Bast married Alexia, I was happy for him. Except, all throughout the celebration I kept my distance from the happy couple. Bitterness made me wonder if I was cursed . . . then, I saw you.”

I look into her eyes. They widen with sympathy. I rub my thumbs over her cheeks. “For the first time I hoped. I planned. I had the perfect strategy. I’m a hunter by nature, so it seemed simple. I entered your dreams and thought to conquer you. But, I realized I was wrong. I found the loneliness you buried deep in the recesses of your mind. I brought those thoughts forward.”

She scrambles to the other side of the bed. I reach for her, but she yanks her hand away.

“Please, let me tell you.” Her shoulders sag as I say, “I’m sorry for hurting you. After my discovery, each moment I appeared to you, I found my love growing. When you agreed to marry me . . .” I choke on the last two words. “Blast it, I’m beginning to blubber.”

“I don’t think badly of you.”

Standing, I turn my back to her. Emotion rises in my chest. “When you agreed to marry me, my whole existence made sense. I wasn’t an empty half anymore. I was one part of a whole.”
What’s wrong with me? I never cry.
Embarrassed, I stride toward the door.

There’s a rustle and then Sasha wraps her arms around my waist. “I had no idea you were so lonely, too. I’ve wanted someone to belong to, Monroe. Someone who would believe in me, even when I have trouble believing in myself.”

I turn around and press my forehead hers. Our tears mingle together, and she stands on tiptoe, bringing my face down to hers. She kisses my cheeks, my eyes, and then my mouth. Kissing her back, my throat clogs with emotion. “I thought you’d hate me if I told you. I was certain you’d say you never wanted to see me again.”

“Monroe, you fool,” she says, between urgent kisses. “You forget I knew you were in my mind. You’ve told me you found things there.” She lets go of me and laughs. “It was terrible what you did to me, but I can forgive you. I’m glad you told me.”

I let out a shuddering breath. “I don’t know why. I wasn’t planning to.” Was it Lily, or fear of losing Sasha? Perhaps what Lily can do? In any case, I won’t worry Sasha. I can’t put that burden on her.

She rubs my back. “Sometimes the best things aren’t planned.”

Another memory breaks through. My mother announcing how she wants me to marry Lily. The argument I had with her and my father. I shut my eyes. Even in death, I can feel their support for the damn tigress. Bile rises in my throat.

“Perhaps you two need dinner?” Ayres’ voice cuts in.

I turn and glare at my impassive valet, then glance at Sasha. “Are you hungry?”

“Not very. Are you?”

“No. However, we better go. My illustrious valet doesn’t approve of us being alone in here.”

“Okay.”