Chapter 90

After sleeping on the flight home, recovering from the night with a loudly purring, borderline insatiable Lisandra, my aching body stood before the mirror. Both hands were shaking so much that it was difficult to fix the damn tie.

While I’d given Luka a dressing down before departing, far more of my memory belonged to the delightful images and tender sensations and potent smells and wondrous tastes of his wife. Pulse still roaring, I’d let her drive me into a wall so we could share a final, passion-filled kiss as her idiot husband quivered and yipped off in the haze that wasn’t her.

My comments to her had proven even more prophetic. Though endless, my life was accelerating once again, rushing toward the unknown.

More evidence had awaited me on the phone left behind when I traveled. Texts and sneaky photos from Mandy had kept me grinning. No, none said anything of import, yet each proclaimed a continued interest in me. Alright, in truth, that was pretty damn important.

From Cinder, a slew of voice messages were just as hunger-filled. Her latest was the reason I wore a suit once more: the annual Christmas party at her home. What might happen? Not a clue, but a cheek-aching smile refused to leave my face.

Their soiree was well-attended, and cars packed the long drive plus lined every curb for several blocks. The walk let me bask in warmth unseasonable for late-December. Under the glow of twinkling stars, a moment of simplicity amid a growing swirl of madness.

Once before the front entrance, with a vibrant bouquet and a dusty bottle in hand, I paused. The muffled sounds of laughter, voices, and holiday music surged from the home. Every window was lit. Just what an ancient warrior, feeling the weight of far too many years and struggles, needed...

“A pleasant distraction,” I murmured, tapping the doorbell.

After only a brief wait, the door opened, revealing a round woman in a colorful dress of red and green swirls. A rich-tan complexion, and beneath thick gray hair woven into a loose bun, a pair of dark twinkles peered from a face graced with deep lines. After a quick scan, she pulled the door wider.

“Merry Christmas!” While slender, a gnarled hand that spoke of strength waved me inside. “Ai, not so sure where is Cynthia and Erville. Lucky I was walking by, eh?”

The broken English bore a heavy accent - Latin American.

“Yes,” I said, stepping past her.

“Those are beautiful.”

She was surveying the flowers, but those eyes narrowed as they rose to scan me once more. A strange tingle wandered my spine.

“Uh, gracias, ma’am.” I gave her my best smile. “You look lovely, and Feliz Navidad.”

Although starting to return the grin, she paused. Her gaze deepened, and that tingling became a sizzle. The dark irises flashed, but she said nothing while shutting the door. Instead, her hand directed me toward the swirling crowd.

The home was packed. With the music, laughter, and voices louder, eyes, full of curiosity, tracked my movements.

Time stumbled to a halt.

Cinder.

Grace personified, moving from guest to guest, chit-chatting, smiling, acting the perfect hostess.

With spun platinum also up, but in a neater pile than the older woman, glittering strands swept high cheeks. Impeccable evening make-up accentuated every gorgeous feature on the face of a ... queen. Yes, a flicker of Yseline appeared.

Gold dangled from both ears. Around her neck, the elegant choker shimmered. At its front, the brilliant diamond seemed to send piercing sparkles my way.

A hem of curve-hugging royal blue velvet flowed just above the floor. As matching high-heels clicked, the gown’s lengthy slits offered breathtaking glimpses of toned pale legs. No back plus a deep V-neckline displayed even more sleek paleness.

Heart suddenly thumping louder, I tore my gaze from the vision. Not that the heat climbing both cheeks wasn’t already making my reaction obvious.

“Jim! Over here! There’s someone I’d like you to meet.”

The voice brought me to her husband. Despite knitted brows, Erville was smiling and waving at me. Around him stood a group of people. After slinging a grin onto my face, I headed toward them.

His grip was warm and strong as we shook hands. I handed him the bottle, and his eyes widened while scouring the label.

“Dios, amigo. You shouldn’t have.” He shook his head. “This is rare.”

“Feliz Navidad, Mr. Rivas.”

“Now, Jim. Not in my home. It’s Erville. And Merry Christmas to you. You’re alone this evening?”

I shrugged. “Nowadays I’m alone most evenings.”

Although accurate enough, his brow again furrowed. He kept his eyes on me while handing the bottle to a caterer. His gaze dropped to the flowers. The smile on his face blossomed, and he waved past me.

“Cariño! Jim made it!” he called toward blue-clad loveliness. “He’s brought you something.”

With tall sleekness moving closer, her elegant perfume shouldn’t have been discernible among the other scents, but it was. As I handed her the bouquet, she flashed the most radiant smile.

The universe once more faded away, leaving only her amid a pulsing haze.