I clear my throat, forcing myself to look him square in the eye without flinching, wavering, fidgeting, or exhibiting any other sign of weakness. Aware of how this whole situation can change in an instanthow easily I can turn from mild curiosity to irresistible prey.
Im here to call a truce, I say, alert for some kind of reaction but getting only his penetrating gaze. You know, a cease-fire, a proclamation of peace, a
Please. He waves his hand. Spare me the definition, luv. I can say it in twenty languages and forty dialects. You?
I shrug, knowing Im lucky to have said it in the one. Watching as he swirls his drink, the iridescent red liquid flashing and sparking as it runs up the sides and splashes back down.
And just what sort of truce are you after? You of all people should know how it works. Ive no intention of giving you anything, unless youre willing to give up something of your own. He pats the narrow space just beside him, smiling as though Id actually consider joining him there.
Why do you do this? I ask, unable to contain my frustration. I mean, youre more or less decent looking, youre immortal, youve got all the gifts that go with ityou can pretty much have anyone you want, so why do you insist on bothering me?
He throws his head back and laughs, a giant roar that fills up the room. Finally calming down enough to level his gaze, looking at me as he says, Decent looking? He shakes his head and laughs again, placing his glass on the table and retrieving a pair of golden nail clippers from a jewel-encrusted case. Decent looking, he mutters, shaking his head, taking a moment to check out his nails, before returning his focus to me. But you see, luv, thats just it. I can have anything I want. Anything or anyone. It all comes so easy. Too easy. He sighs, getting to work on his nails, so absorbed by the task, Im wondering if hell continue when he says, It all gets a little tedious after the firstohhundred or so years. And while youre far too new to understand any of this, someday youll realize just how big of a favor Ive done you.
I squint, having no idea what he could possibly mean. A favor? Is he serious?
You sure you wont have a seat? He wags his nail clipper toward the overstuffed chair just to my right, urging me to take it. Youre making me out to be a very bad host, insisting on standing there like that. Besides, do you have any idea how fetching you look? A littlebedriddensure, but in the sexiest way.
He narrows his eyes until theyre sleek as a cats, lips parting just enough for his tongue to escape. But I just stay put and pretend not to notice. Everything with Roman is a game, and taking a seat would be conceding defeat. Though remaining like this, watching his tongue wet his lips as his gaze lingers in all the wrong places, doesnt feel like much of a win.
Youre even more delusional than I thought if you think youve done me a favor, I say, voice hoarse, scratchy, a long way from strong. Youre crazy! I add, regretting it the instant its out.
But Roman just shrugs, unfazed by my outburst as he returns to his nails. Trust me, its more than just a favor, luv. Ive given you a purpose. A raison dêtre as they say. He glances at me, brow raised. Tell me, Ever, are you not completely fixated on finding a way toconsummatewith Damen? Are you not so desperate for a solution you actually convinced yourself it was a good idea to come here?
I swallow hard and stare at him. I shouldve known better, shouldve heeded Damens advice.
Youre too impatient. He nods, smoothing the edges of his freshly clipped nails. Whats the rush when you have all of infinity laid out before you? Think about it, Ever, how exactly would you spend your eternity if it werent for me? Showering each other with huge bouquets of bloody red tulips? Having at each other so often it couldnt help but grow boring?
This is ridiculous. I glare. And the fact that you see it like thislike its some chivalrous deed that youve done I shake my head, knowing theres no need to continue. Hes delusional, insane, determined to see things in his own selfish way.
Six hundred years I yearned for her, he says, tossing his nail clippers aside, gaze never once leaving mine. And why, you ask? Why would I bother with the same woman for so long when I can have anyone? He looks at me as though waiting for the answer, but we both know Ive no intention of going there. It wasnt just her beauty like you thinkthough I will admit, it did spur things at the start. He smiles, eyes reminiscent. No, it was the simple fact that I couldnt have her. No matter how hard I tried, no matter how long I pined, I was never allowedhe looks at me, gaze heavy, intenseadmittanceif you will.
I roll my eyes. I cant help it. The fact that he wasted centuries pining for that monster is of no interest to me.
But he just continues, ignoring my pained expression when he says, Make no mistake, Ever, Im about to share something very important, something you really should keep in mind. He leans forward, arms on knees, voice steady and low, filled with new urgency. We always want what we cant have. He leans back, nodding as though he just shared the key to enlightenment. Its human nature. Were hardwired that way. And as much as youd prefer not to believe it, its the only reason Damens spent the last four hundred years longing for you.
I look at him, face placid, body still, aware that hes trying to hurt me, prodding the usual spots, knowing this has been one of my fears from the moment I first learned of our history.
Face it, Ever, even Drinas incredible beauty wasnt enough to keep his interest. Im sure youre aware of just how quickly he tired of her?
I swallow hard, stomach like a hard bitter marble. Since when is two hundred years considered quickly? But I guess when youre dealing with eternity everything is relative.
Its not a beauty contest, I say, cringing when I hear the words spoken aloud. I mean, seriously, is that the best I could do?
Of course its not, luv. Roman shakes his head, pity in his gaze. If it was, Drina would win. He settles back, arms spread across the cushions, glass resting on top, daring me to respond. Let me guess, youve convinced yourself its about two souls meeting as one, destined for each other, and all of thatpuppy love? He laughs, nodding when he adds, That is what youre thinking, right?
You dont want to know what Im thinking. I narrow my gaze, determined to get to the point now that my patiences dissolved. I didnt come here to be bored by your philosophical litanies, I came here because
Because you want something from me. He nods, setting down his drink, glass meeting wood with a solid, wet thwomp. In which case, Im in the drivers seat, which means youre in no position to set the pace.
Why do you do this? I shake my head, having grown bored with this game. Why do you bother when you know Im not interested? Surely you realize that no matter what you do to Damen and me, itll never bring Drina back. Whats done is done. It can never be changed. And, in the end, all of this game playing, all of this nonsense you engage inall it really does is prevent you from living your lifefrom moving on. I continue to stare, gaze unwavering, convincing. Projecting an image of him handing over the antidote and cooperating with me. So, Im asking you, in as reasonable a way as I canplease help me undo what youve done to Damen, so we can all coexist.
He shakes his head, lids squinched tight. Sorry, darlin, the price is set. Now its just a matter of whether youre willing to pay.
I lean against the wall, tired, defeated, but not letting on. Knowing the one thing he wants is the one thing Ill never give. The same old game Damen warned me about. Youll never have me, Roman. Never, ever, for as long as I
Not even getting to the more degrading, insulting part that comes next when he rises from the couch, moving so quickly his breath hits my cheek long before I can blink.
Relax, he whispers, face looming so close I can make out each flawless pore on his skin. As much fun as that might be, providing an amusing diversion at least, Im afraid thats not it. Im after something far more esoteric than a virginal shag. Though, if youd like to make a go of it, no strings attached, then I assure you, darlin, Im certainly up for the task. He smiles, deep blue eyes boring into mine, projecting the movie he plays in his head, the one starring him, and me, and a king-sized bed.
I look away, breath coming ragged, too fast, summoning every ounce of my will not to slam my knee in his groin when his nose glances my ear, my cheek, my neck, inhaling my scent.
I know what youre going through, Ever, he murmurs, lips brushing the tip of my ear. Longing for something so close and yetyou can never quite taste it. Its the kind of pain most people will never experience. But we know, dont we? You and I are joined in that way.
I unclench my fists and fight to steady myself. Knowing I cant risk doing anything rash, cant afford to overreact.
Not to worry. He smiles, slipping just out of my reach. Youre a smart girl. Im sure youll figure it out. And if not He shrugs. Well, nothing changes, right? Everything stays exactly the same. You and I with our fates intertwinedfor all of infinity.
He slips down the hall, moving so fast its a moment before I can make out his form. Tilting his head and urging me toward the door, practically pushing me onto his stoop when he says, Sorry to cut this so short. Though I do so with your reputation in mind. If Damen ever found out you were herewell, that could be rather tragic for you, couldnt it?
He smiles, all shiny white teeth, golden hair, tanned skin, and blue eyesthe ultimate California poster boy beckoningCome live the good life in Laguna Beach! And Im furious with myselffurious for being so stupidfor not listening to Damenfor putting us further at risk. Handing Roman yet one more thing to lord over my head.
Sorry you didnt get what you came for, luv, he purrs, his attention pulled by a vintage black Jaguar that pulls into the drive, containing a gorgeous dark-haired couple who head right inside. Closing the door behind them as he adds, Whatever you do, steer clear of Marcos car on your way out, hell flip if you so much as smudge it.
CHAPTER 12
I walk home. Or at least, thats the direction I originally head in. But somewhere along the way I take a turn. And then another. And another. My feet moving so slowly they practically drag, knowing theres no need to run, nothing to prove. Despite my strength and speed, Im no match for Roman. Hes the master of this game and Im merely his pawn.
I continue, deep into the heart of Laguna, or the Village, as its called. Too awake to go home, too ashamed to see Damen, making my way through the dark, empty streets until stopping before a small, well-tended cottage, with flowering plants flanking either side of the door and a woven welcome mat placed just so, making it appear warm, friendly, completely benign.
Only its not. Not even close. Now its more like a crime scene. And unlike the last time I was here, this time I dont bother knocking. Theres no point. Avas long gone. After stealing the elixir and leaving Damen to fend for himself, she has no intention of returning.
I unlock the door with my mind and step in, taking a quick look around before I move past the den and into the kitchen. Surprised to find the usually well-ordered room reduced to an absolute messthe sink piled high with dirty glasses and dishes as the trash overflows to the floor. And even though Im sure its not Ava whos done this, clearly someone is here.
I creep down the hall, peering into a series of empty rooms until I get to the indigo door at the endthe one that leads to Avas so-called sacred space where she used to meditate and try to reach the dimensions beyond. Opening the door just a crack and squinting into the dark, making out two sleeping figures sprawled on the floor. Skimming my hand along the wall and fruitlessly searching for a light, before remembering my ability to illuminate the room on my ownonly to find the last two people I ever expected to see.
Rayne? I kneel down beside her, holding my breath as she rolls over and opens one eye.
Oh hey, Ever. She rubs her eyes and struggles to sit. Only Im not Rayne, Im Romy. Raynes over there.
I glance at her twin at the far side of the room, noting the scowl that crosses her face the second she realizes its me.
Whatre you doing here? I ask, focusing on Romy again since shes always been the nicer of the two.
We live here. She shrugs, tucking her wrinkled white shirt into her blue plaid skirt as she gets off the floor.
I glance between them, taking in their pale skin, large dark eyes, and straight, black, shoulder-length hair with the razor-slashed bangs, noticing how theyre both still dressed in the same private school uniforms as the first day we met. But unlike in Summerland where they always appear so clean and pristine, now theyre pretty much the oppositesadly disheveled and completely uncared for.
But you cant live here. This is Avas house. I shake my head. The idea of them squatting here leaves me extremely unnerved. Maybe you should think about going home. You know, back to Summerland?
We cant. Rayne pulls on her kneesocks, making sure theyre of exact equal height, unintentionally providing the only real clue that helps me tell them apart. Thanks to you, were stuck here forever, she mumbles, taking a moment to glare at me.
I glance at Romy, hoping shell explain. But she just shakes her head at her sister, before looking at me. Avas gone. She shrugs. But dont let Rayne give you the wrong impression. Were quite happy to see you. We had a running bet on how soon youd show.
My gaze darts between them, laughing nervously as I say, Oh, really? Who won?
Rayne rolls her eyes and points at her sister. She did. I was sure youd abandoned us for good.
I pause, something about the way she just said thatWait, you mean you guys have been here this whole time?
We cant get back. Romy shrugs. Weve lost our magick.
Well, Im sure I can help you return. I mean, you do want to returnright? I look at them, seeing Rayne smirk as Romy just nods. Knowing thisll be a lot easier than they think since all I have to do is make the portal, get them settled, then say my good-byes and make the return trip back to Laguna alone.