Fantasy Knights 2: Endless Love Page 13

  “What…are you implying I’m…easy?”

  “Implying it? No.”

  “Good, because I’m—”

  “I’m not implying anything. I’m coming right out and saying it. And while I’m at it, I might as well point out you could stand to lose a little weight.”

  She stared at him, speechless for several moments before she found her voice. “You arrogant bastard! How dare you!”

  He leaned over her, his eyes glowing, his incisors bared. “How dare you think I’m going to waste another moment of my time in your company?”

  “Wait a…” She blinked, and he was no longer there.

  Erin allowed the sheet to fall away from her body and lay back in her bed, her heart racing. She glanced at her bedside clock. Two ten a.m. It was too late to call Voni and ask her to tell Flame to stay away from her.

  Who the hell did he think he was to imply she was overweight and easy? And why the hell did he think he had the right to tell her who she should love? While Aleksander had managed to stir her emotionally, her heart had always belonged to Malikinder. It always would.

  Once her anger had subsided, Flame’s revelations haunted her. When she closed her eyes, she found sleep elusive. Had she been unfair to Aleksander out of a misguided sense of loyalty to Malikinder? Had Malikinder betrayed Aleksander? If so, he must have had a good reason for doing so. She wouldn’t believe selfishness had motivated him. Nor would she believe any of the women in the building had a hope in hell of turning Aleksander’s head.

  She needed answers from a source she could trust. She closed her eyes. “Malikinder? Where are you? I know you can’t appear to me without his help, but surely you can hear me. I need to talk to you. Please answer.”

  There was no verbal response. Nor did she feel his presence. Had he heard her? Or was Aleksander doing something to separate them?

  A sudden bolt of lightning lit the night sky.

  She sat up in bed, staring out her bedroom window into the night. Rain fell in torrents, and thunder sounded in the distance. She sucked in a breath as she felt a cold breeze fill the room. The air seemed heavy with anger and tension. She was no longer alone in her bedroom.

  She couldn’t see him, but she knew he was there. “Aleksander?”

  “You think that of me? After I’ve expended a massive amount of energy to allow him to rut in you all afternoon, you have the nerve to accuse me of keeping you apart? Who the hell do you think made it possible for him to be with you at all? Who do you think watched over him and shielded him from our enemies in the West African jungle?

  “Nothing I’ve ever done or suffered for you has been enough. Has it? You want me out of the way? Fine. Consider me out your life!”

  She stared around the room, her heart racing. “Aleksander? I can’t see you.”

  “I can’t assume a physical body because I expended too much energy fueling his romp with you! But even if I hadn’t, I don’t know if I’d waste any more energy trying to please you when you are so clearly beyond being pleased.”

  “That’s not true.”

  “It is, and it’s time I accepted the truth about you.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means it’s clearly time for me to move on.”

  His words held a note of finality that sent a shiver of panic through her. “Time for you to move on? But…but what about all the things you said? You implied I was special to you? You said that—”

  “I’m not wasting any more time or energy trying to please you. If you want another male, have him. Just don’t expect me to help, and don’t expect me to ever be at your beck and call again.

  “I’ve been a fool for thinking you were worth all the anguish I suffered in my pursuit of you. Well, enough is enough. Nothing I’ve ever done has pleased you, and I’m not wasting any more time on you.”

  She shook her head. “What are you saying?”

  “I’m tired of trying to win you. It’s time for me to find a woman who doesn’t expect me to help another man romance her. I need someone who wants me.”

  She knew what he was threatening, and though it pissed her off, she wasn’t about to let him see that. If he wanted Aja, then they were welcome to each other. “Where is Malikinder?”

  “I don’t know and I don’t care. As of now, you can consider yourself free to pursue him without any so-called interference from me, Erin. Despite your betrayal, I wish you joy.”

  “I didn’t betray—”

  “You did, and I have no desire to forgive you.”

  “Forgive me for what?”

  “You want him? You can have him. Consider me out of your life.”

  She struggled to control a surge of panic as she stretched out a hand. “I didn’t betray you, Aleksander—”

  “You betrayed my trust with him. You listened and agreed as he belittled me and portrayed me as selfish and conniving. I’ve never been either.”

  “You’re not being fair. You’re overreacting. If you’ll just take a moment to consider things from my point of—”

  “No! You no longer have anything to say I want to hear. I’m going to go see Aja.”

  “No! Not her!”

  “Yes. Her. She won’t compare me unfavorably to anyone else. Malikinder, as you call him, would have done better to pursue her instead of you in the West African jungle.”

  “Aleksander—”

  “Good-bye.”

  And as abruptly as Flame had done, he left.

  She fell back against the bed, gasping for breath. Tears welled in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks. Her heart ached. Despair filled her. Malikinder could no longer come to her, and Aleksander had left her for Aja. She’d managed to lose them both—again.

  For the first time, she understood the nature of her and Aja’s mutual dislike. They had both competed for Malikinder in their past life. Although Tanginika had won his heart, Aja had succeeded in tearing them apart when she’d killed Malikinder. Now, she’d driven Aleksander straight into her arms as well.

  Erin tossed in bed for a long time before she finally drifted into a fretful sleep.

  Chapter Thirteen

  When Erin woke again, even with her eyes closed, she knew she was no longer in her apartment. She felt a cool breeze on her nude body. The sound of a powerful waterfall filled her ears. The smell of exotic flora teased her senses. The way the surface she lay on contoured, cradled, and caressed her body stirred memories.

  She rolled onto her back and slowly opened her eyes. She blinked and quickly sat up.

  A beautiful desert with sparkling blue sands that flowed into a series of gently sloping hills dotted the far horizon. The desert spread as far as she could see. The morning sun shone down on her, warming her skin. Yet she could hear the distant but distinct roar of a waterfall. She inhaled, filling her nostrils with the pleasing scent of flowers she couldn’t see. Nevertheless, her senses told her both the flowers and the waterfall were close.

  She appeared to be alone. Yet surely Aleksander must be near. He must be responsible for spiriting her away to the Blue Desert. He’d brought her there and then abandoned her. How could he leave her alone knowing the region was inhabited by lawless individuals of various species?

  She glanced down. She lay naked on warm sands, which had cradled her body with all the comfort of an extravagantly priced custom-made bed. Still seated, she glanced around.

  Several hundred yards behind her stood a huge white tent with the flaps closed. She recognized the Tent of Refuge. She sighed in relief. The tent was a known refuge for those pursued by the authorities, wronged lovers, and lost or weary travelers.

  She glanced skyward. “Why did you bring me here only to abandon me, Aleksander?”

  There was no response.

  “Damn you, Aleksander! Answer me!”

  Her demand elicited no response. She couldn’t feel him and wasn’t sure if he was blocking her ability to feel him or if he really had abandoned her. Surely he hadn’t. Yet he’d been very
angry when he left her, promising never to see her again. Until he came to his senses and realized the danger he’d placed her in, she’d better seek refuge in the Tent of Refuge.

  She rose and slowly walked over the warm sands toward the Tent of Refuge. As she neared it, she heard soft, almost hypnotic music and the sounds of laughter. Several yards from the entrance of the tent, she caught a glimpse of something white lying on the sands out of the corner of her eye.

  She turned and moved toward it. She bent to pick up a white, one-piece bodysuit. Thank God. She picked it up, shook it free of sand, and quickly slipped it on. She then pushed her feet into the matching white flat shoes that lay under the suit.

  At least he cared enough not to make her enter the refuge naked. She turned and walked toward the entrance. As she neared it, the flaps folded back, revealing a dimly lit interior. She could see several couples slow dancing in front of a bar. There appeared to be a party within. Would she be welcomed at the party and hopefully encounter someone who would be willing to direct her to a portal that would take her home? Or had Aleksander planned something else for her within? Or had he planned anything for her?

  There was only one way to discover what lay ahead of her. She took a deep breath. When she stepped inside, she found herself standing in the clearing of a lush green forest at the edge of a beautiful, almost crystal clear lake. The sound of thundering water filled the air.

  She looked up. On the far horizon, beyond the lake, the almost silver waters of the majestic Crystal Falls crashed over the edge of Mount Toren into Lake Venus. She frowned. Why did she expect to see a beautiful mare and a majestic stallion at the edge of the lake?

  Erin turned and rushed along the bank of the lake away from the falls. At a curve in the path, she hurried along the left fork until the path widened.

  She stopped abruptly, atop a small summit. Below her in the clearing stood a sight she had feared she’d never see again. She sucked in a deep, calming breath. Her private hover jet sat at the side of a large cabin surrounded on three sides by verdant foliage and beautifully colored exotic flora. She turned her gaze back to the cabin. They had spent several months building it and then several more finding the perfect furniture for each of its five rooms.

  She thought she heard a horse whinny. She was disappointed to find herself still alone when she glanced around. Of course you’re alone. How could you possibly expect either of those beautiful horses to still be alive?

  The thought of a Denhari that didn’t include them sent a wave of sadness through her. The two sentient creatures had safeguarded her even as they had served as companions. She had a clear picture of both in her mind, yet she couldn’t recall their names.

  She sighed, turning her attention back to the cabin. The entrance door stood open. Light shone from within. The soft, alluring music he had composed just for her filled the air. She inhaled. The air was fragrant with the aroma of her favorite baked grains and vegetables dish, cabali.

  Her lips curved up into a smile. In the living room, she’d find the table set for two with a chilled bottle of her favorite wine. If she looked out the back door, she’d surely find one of the two horses grazing.

  Countless happy memories spent here flooded her senses. She was home. While cabali slowly simmered to perfection, she’d shed her clothes and sink into a bath filled with her favorite bath salts and oil. He’d massage her shoulders and feet before climbing into the bath with her. She’d part her legs and open her arms to welcome his hard, thick cock into her body.

  As if she had conjured him up, he appeared in the doorway. Naked and gloriously aroused with a warm smile curving his lips and lighting his eyes. He extended a hand. “Welcome back, my reason for living. My cherished sheenea.”

  His cherished sheenea. She was finally home again. Her heart racing with joy and delight, she rushed across the clearing. Several yards from the entrance, her foot hit a rock. She stumbled, falling toward desert sands instead of grass. She closed her eyes and thrust her hands out to break her fall.

  “Sheenea!” Gentle hands touched her, easing her onto her back. “Are you all right?”

  “Yes. Of course, I…” She opened her eyes, gasped, and then bolted into a sitting position. “No!”

  Erica, seated on the side of the bed, squeezed her arms. “It’s all right, Nika. It was only a bad dream, but you’re awake now.”

  Erin stared around her at the familiar blue walls of her bedroom. It had been a dream. She closed her eyes and fell back against her bed, struggling to keep her eyes tear free.

  “Nika? Are you all right?”

  She took a deep breath and slowly opened her eyes.

  Erica stared down at her, her dark eyes worried.

  She sat up and nodded. “I’m fine. I was just having a nightmare.”

  “If you’re all right, why are you crying?”

  She blinked and wiped at her damp cheeks. “I… Oh, Rica.” She pressed her cheek against Erin’s shoulder as sobs shook her body.

  Erica made a small distressed sound and wrapped her arms around Erin. “What’s wrong? Tell me what’s wrong, and we’ll work it out. Just let me share your pain.”

  Hearing the fear and pain in her twin’s voice, Erin sucked in a breath and swallowed hard in an effort to control herself. She pulled away from Erica and wiped at her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I’m all right now. I just—”

  “No, you’re not all right, Erin! You’re not. I want to know what’s wrong, and I want to know now.”

  “I… Rica, I—”

  “Tell me what’s wrong.”

  She watched Erica’s lips quiver and tears glisten in her eyes.

  She touched Erica’s cheek. “Okay, but you have to promise to listen with an open mind and not interrupt.”

  Erica nodded silently.

  Erin scooted over on the bed, resting her back against her padded headboard.

  Erica swung her legs off the floor and sat beside her. “I’m here for you, Nika, and I’m ready to listen.”

  “What day is it?”

  “What?”

  She glanced at Erica. “What day is it, and what are you doing here?”

  Erica frowned. “It’s Sunday afternoon, and I’m here because I was worried about you. When I came in, I heard you crying out. I came in here to wake you up. Now tell me why you were crying.”

  Erin nodded and told Erica of her belief that she’d lived, loved, and lost the man she loved during a previous life. She told Erica about Malikinder and Aleksander. She hesitated before she included the events that had transpired at the pool party.

  “So you’re this Tanginika?”

  Erin hesitated. “I don’t think I’m actually her. I think I just carry her memories.”

  Erica listened in silence, but as Erin shared her fear that she’d not only lost Malikinder to Aleksander’s jealousy but had also lost Aleksander to Aja, she squeezed her hand.

  Erin sighed and turned to stare at Erica’s profile. “So go ahead and call me crazy.”

  Erica shook her head. “I’m not saying I believe any of what you’ve told me.”

  Erin sighed and shrugged. “Who could blame you?”

  Erica turned to face her. “I’m not saying I disbelieve it either. I don’t know what to believe, Nika, but one thing is damned certain.”

  “What’s that?”

  “It will be a cold day in hell before you lose your Norseman to that assless and breastless Aja.”

  She shook her head. “It’s too late. I’ve already lost him to her.”

  “Oh, Nika, wake up and smell the coffee. If he were attracted to a bony-assed bitch like her, you wouldn’t have caught his eye in the first place. And if he did all you say he did in the past, he won’t be able to just turn his feelings for you off.”

  “He was very angry and—”

  “He was hurt, Nika. Men say things they don’t mean when you injure their pride.” She glanced at her watch and scrambled off the bed. “I have a plan. Jump in the shower, an
d we’ll discuss my plan over dinner.”

  “Why do I need to shower?”

  “We’re having dinner out.”

  “Out where?”

  “In the clubhouse.” She walked over to Erin’s closet. She opened the door and frowned at Erin over her shoulder. “Get the lead out, girl, and get in the shower while I try to find something scandalous for you to wear.”

  Erin wasn’t in the mood for food or eating out, but she knew that look in Erica’s eyes. She was on a mission. She slipped off the bed and walked into the bathroom.

  * * * * *

  Aleksander sat across the clubhouse table watching his date for the evening. His pretty dinnermate picked at a salad bowl of dry lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and broccoli. She nibbled at a small mouthful, which she washed down with bottled water.

  Small wonder her thin body lacked curves.

  She glanced up and gave him an intimate smile. She lay her utensils down and sat back in her chair. “Would you like to have coffee on my balcony?”

  “Coffee?” He shook his head. “I have no interest in coffee.”

  “What are you interested in?”

  He hesitated. How far should he go with her? Although she was a mirror image of the rogue spirit who had killed Malikinder, she had no direct culpability in his death and probably didn’t deserve to be used and possibly hurt. But then, if she were the delicate kind, she shouldn’t toss herself at a living spirit whose motivation she knew nothing about.

  “Sex,” he replied.

  “Sex.” She made a fanning motion with her hand. “Now? Tonight?”

  A familiar warmth spread through him. He glanced over his shoulder. Erin and her twin stood several feet away.

  He stared at her.

  She cast a quick look at Aja before turning her gaze back to him.

  He could feel her hurt and anger across the distance separating them. “How could you?”