Dark Light (The Dark Light Series) (39 page)

“Come on, little girl. We need to shower,” he chuckles. Seeing me so undone is amusing for him. Proof of his victory over me.

“Nooo,” I groan begrudgingly. All I want to do is sleep. How can he expect me to function after
ruining
me like that?

Dorian lifts me onto my feet despite my protest and leads me to the bathroom. He turns on the shower and ushers me inside, as if I am helpless. In this moment, I am. He has created this convalescent. 

“I would take you right here in this shower, but I’m afraid you wouldn’t make it,” he smirks. He’s right. Instead, he washes my body meticulously and tenderly. He even washes my hair, his long magical fingers massaging my scalp. 

“That feels so good,” I finally say when I’ve regained my sense of speech. I suddenly remember his first gift of the day. “Thank you for the spa treatments. It was so surprising; how did you know? You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know, but I wanted to. Since I couldn’t be here with you.” He rinses the shampoo from my hair with the detachable shower head. “And I assume Aurora wasn’t easy to stomach. You surely needed to unwind,” he adds with a chuckle.

“Holy crap. I don’t see how you stayed with her for so long,” I say shaking my head. There. That got his attention. 

Dorian furrows his brow, realizing what I’m trying to get at. I know about his past with Aurora. “Is that what she told you?” He begins to wash his own body. I would like to do it for him but right now, I want to get to the bottom of this. And touching him will only distract me.

“Between what she told Jared, and then told me earlier today at lunch, I could say I have a pretty good idea of what you two shared,” I reply stiffly.

“Aurora and I were children then. Like I said, she wanted more. More than I was willing to give her or anybody else. I thought you understood.” Dorian puts his head back in the stream of water, looking every bit like a model for some fancy shampoo ad. It’s hard for me to be irritated or even questioning when he looks so sexy. 

“I’m not really worried about it or jealous of something that happened long before me. I was just caught off guard, you know. I didn’t like feeling like Jared had information that wasn’t shared with me,” I say meekly. His beauty has taken all the fight out of me.

“Maybe she thought there was more to it than there really was. I don’t know. But I do know that there has been nothing between us romantically for many years.” 

Dorian leans forward to plant a kiss on my pout before turning off the water. He then steps out, naked and glistening to retrieve our towels. After wrapping one around me, he takes one for himself. So thoughtful and caring; how can I even think of being angry?

“I believe you. Now get out so I can get pretty,” I smile playfully, easing him out of the bathroom. 

Forty-five minutes of primping later, I am dressed in my new sexy white dress and heels. Soft dark curls cascade down my back, and I’ve expertly applied my makeup for a smoky, sultry effect. The necklace Dorian gave me goes with it perfectly, and the pendant peeks out from the keyhole opening in the front. Dorian has gone out into the living room so I can get ready, armed with a bottle of Ouzo from Greece for my friends. He’s making an effort with them and it sounds as if they are all warming up to him nicely.

I emerge from the bedroom, and all heads turn to me and gasp. But the only reaction I care about in this moment is Dorian’s. He gazes at me in awe and my cheeks heat under his display of approval. I step tentatively towards my friends and Dorian, genuinely happy that for once, almost everyone that I love is all under one roof. Even Aurora’s scowl couldn’t ruin this for me. I look at Jared standing beside her, his eyes full of admiration and uncertainty. Just weeks ago, his attention was the only I sought. Now a Greek god stands before me, and I am his choice.
He chose me.

Dorian approaches me eagerly, bathing my neck and ear with praise and kisses. The public display of affection is uncomfortable at first, with having such an audience, but I let myself enjoy the attention. He wants to show me just how much I mean to him, and why should I stop him?

“Ok, ok, lovebirds! Are we all ready to go?” Morgan says over the roar of chatter. We all nod and head out to the van. 

James has offered to chauffeur us in the van tonight. However, when we step outside, we are all floored by the sight of an SUV limousine. I immediately look at Dorian, who nonchalantly shrugs his shoulders. He is just full of surprises today.

“Whoa! Now this is how you party in style!” Miguel exclaims checking out the exterior. I’ve gathered that it’s a stretch Hummer but that’s as far as my car expertise goes.

After a barrage of enthusiastic gratitude, which Dorian humbly accepts, we all clamber in excitedly. The interior is incredibly plush, stocked with champagne and enough room for a party of 20. I’ve only been in a limo once, and that was sharing it with 12 other rowdy teens at prom. Half of them I either didn’t know or didn’t care for but it was an experience nonetheless. 

Morgan pops the champagne with ease and lets it bubble and flow into the flutes. I go to assist her and we giggle like schoolgirls, attempting to fill each glass without spilling a drop. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Aurora slide next to Dorian while the guys play with all the limo’s gadgets and secret compartments. She is whispering to him, something in Greek it sounds, and I will myself to play it cool.
Just two old friends catching up
, I tell myself. 

Then her speech changes, as if speaking in a different dialect. Maybe a different language altogether. However, this language I can understand. At least bits and pieces. I have never known any language other than English so I am secretly floored by this revelation. 

Unfortunately, that is not the most surprising factor. What she murmurs to him- the scattered words I am able to make out-
that
is what leaves me breathless.

“Safe…the Dark Light…Kill her.”

Then Dorian coolly turns to his old flame and companion and utters in this unnamed tongue,
“Yes.”

My head is dizzy with horror and confusion. Morgan’s mouth is moving but I hear nothing. Just muffled noises over the rapid pounding of my heart roaring in my head. I concentrate on controlling the furious heaving of my chest, yet my breaths are shallow and labored. I grab a glass of champagne and down it, attempting to wash away the bitter taste of shock and betrayal. It does nothing to ease the ache in my heart.

What. The. Fuck.

Dorian knows about me. Worst of all, he’s teamed up with Aurora, and it sounds as if they’re planning my demise. How did this happen? Just over an hour ago, Dorian made tender, passionate love to me. He’s been so attentive and generous, not at all like someone who wishes me dead. Why would he? What would he have to gain from my death? I must have heard wrong. Obviously, I do not understand whatever language they were murmuring. I am mistaken. Maybe a little bit drunk from the champagne. And even if I think I heard correctly, I could just ask him. He told me he would always be forthcoming. But am I ready for that dose of honesty? And if they find out that I do, in fact, understand their secret language, could that put me in even more danger?

What am I thinking?
This is Dorian. In all the compromising positions he’s had me in, if he wanted me dead, I’d be dead. All those times he’s had me bent over, naked, his hand clutching my neck, pulling my hair… He could have easily ended me then when I was exposed and vulnerable. Why put it off? I am defenseless and he has already proven to be a much more powerful force than me. Dorian wouldn’t do that. He cares about me; he told me that no one is as important to him than me. He said he didn't want anyone else. I have to believe that’s true. I
need
to believe it.

“You ok, Gabs?” Morgan eyes me suspiciously. She refills the empty flute in my shaking hand.

I plaster on a strained smile. “Yeah, just thinking I should have eaten more at lunch. Feeling a little lightheaded. Probably just from the motion of the limo.”

“
Mmm hmm
, that or the motion of that bed Dorian had rockin’!” she giggles. I give her a sharp look. “Oh, relax. No one heard. But I’m sure we could all imagine.
Ooooh
, look at that ice on your neck! Don’t tell me, another gift from Dorian?” she squeals, taking the intricate pendent in her palm. “It’s gorgeous!”

“Yes, it is. Thanks,” I say quietly.

Morgan looks back at Dorian, who is gazing out the dark tinted window thoughtfully. “Hey Dorian, you don’t have any brothers, do you?” Morgan says with a sly wink. Miguel’s eyes flash with jealousy.

“Actually I do. Not sure he’d be your type though,” he replies. 

Morgan smiles slyly, “Honey, hot, rich and sexy is always my type. And if he’s anything like you, we’ll get along just fine.” 

I honestly think Miguel’s head will explode if she keeps this up. She’s toying with him, trying to see what he’s made of. Morgan is a master manipulator of men, and her fun with Miguel is a welcomed distraction from my dilemma. 

Dorian notices the heated glances between Miguel and Morgan and doesn’t take the bait. Instead he fixes his intense gaze on me. Under his stare, the feelings of doubt and betrayal from minutes ago begin to abandon me. I almost can’t remember what instilled my confusion. I grab two glasses of champagne and carefully make my way to him, desperately trying to salvage the evening and my jovial mood.

I take a sip of champagne from one glass and then hand it to him with a sultry smile. He looks at me musingly with a raised eyebrow and receives it, taking a sip of his own where my lipgloss has left a shimmery print. I’m doing my best to remain cool and guarded, as he calls me, in an attempt to keep him out of my head. How did I get myself into this? How did I get involved with a man so extraordinarily intuitive to my thoughts and feelings? But considering what I am, is there really any other choice?

“Something on your mind, baby?” Dorian murmurs to me silkily. His voice is like melted hot caramel; it simply oozes off the tongue.

“Just…thoughtful. Glad you’re here. Happy,” I say meekly. 

And I mean it. Dorian has made this shell of what I thought was life worth living. Losing him would mean returning to mediocrity, always yearning for something more. I can’t go back to that. Ever.

Dorian gives me a sexy half-smile. “That’s all I want- to make you happy. Always.” He twists his finger around one of my coiled tendrils.

“Do you mean that? Do you honestly want to be here with me for no other reason?” I ask him with pleading eyes. They are willing him to tell me the truth.

He furrows his brow and cocks his head to one side quizzically. “Yes. I mean that. I want to be here because I have feelings for you. Deep feelings. Feelings that scare me yet excite me. Feelings that I have tried to avoid for many, many years. Feelings I thought I'd never have the ability to feel.”

Dorian’s explanation floors me, and I know without a shadow of doubt that he is here for me. I have no reason to distrust him; he’s shown me nothing but gentleness and generosity. I can’t be sure of what I heard, but I do know that Dorian cares for me. He’s shown me in more ways than one. I’d be a fool to discount his actions and ignore what’s in my heart, right?

“I feel the exact same way for you,” I breathe. “That and more.”

Dorian plants a kiss on my lips and I instantly feel the doubt and apprehension fall away from me upon contact. The unknown language, he and Aurora’s staggering conversation- it all suddenly seems like a distant memory. 

His lips are forced to abandon mine when the limo comes to an abrupt halt. We’re here. I can make out the bright marquee, a black and white sign simply stating Shade. It’s very chic and modern, much like the Luxe salon in Colorado Springs. Yes, Dorian has his stamp all over this. The first thing I notice upon exiting is the sound of saxophones, drums, piano, and guitar. There’s a live band playing. Then the sumptuous aroma of food causes my stomach to growl, confirming my hunger. Dorian grabs my hand and leads our party inside, breezing past security and the crowd of freezing people huddled around outdoor heaters awaiting entrance. 

A handsome young man dressed in a black suit approaches our group, shaking Dorian’s hand enthusiastically. He introduces himself as Brian and tells us that he, along with the attentive staff at Shade, will be taking care of anything we need this evening. As we hand over our coats for hanging, I get an opportunity to marvel at the impressive interior. The place is amazing; with its dark cushioned walls, contemporary furniture and metallic hued tapestries, it could easily rival any hot NYC lounge. I’ve personally never seen anything like it and I instantly smell the eroticism, mixed with delectable gourmet fare, wafting throughout the swanky building. 

Brian leads us to a table that I’m assuming is reserved for us, being that it is intricately set with seven table settings. Dorian sits at the head of the table, of course, while I take the seat to his right, Morgan grabbing the spot next to me. We can see the band playing from where we sit, and the tunes are intoxicating, putting us all in the mood for good food, libations, and conversation.

“I hope you all don’t mind, but I have arranged a special tasting menu so we could try a little bit of everything. But if there’s anything you don’t eat or are allergic to, please let Brian know immediately.” Then he turns to me, winks, and quietly murmurs, “I know you’re hungry. It won’t be long, little girl.”
Geez, is there anything he doesn’t know?

Moments later, servers bring us course after course of Mediterranean and Asian-fusion cuisine. Everything is ridiculously delicious, and I relish in the fact that I get to experience just a little piece of Dorian and his culture. A variety of wines are served to accent each dish and by the fourth course, showcasing an array of Greek meat and seafood dishes, I’m convinced that I’ll burst. But of course, there’s dessert, and my Dorian loves dessert. He doesn’t go easy on us either. While the boys are loving the endless stream of food, I am secretly praying that my stomach isn’t protruding. Morgan and Aurora have slowed down as well.