Disenchanted (24 page)

“Voilà,” he says, handing me a mirror, but his smile is all I need to know about how it looks.

I position the hand mirror and he slowly swings the chair so I can see from every angle. A sleek French twist with a sweeping bang curving over the eye, ending at my jaw line. Very sophisticated and very Rey. Perfectly executed, making me glad he won the coin toss. Not that Dara would have done a bad job, but this is beautiful.

“Well?” asks Rey as the others join us.

“It’s fabulous.”

“Not bad, Fox.”

“I love it, thank you.”

He claps his hands. “Clothing, ladies, get a move on. Our ride will be here soon.”

***

Giving myself a last once over in the full
–
length mirror, the light dims, a halo of shadow manifesting behind me. I try to turn and teeter on the three
–
inch platforms.

“Shit, I knew these things would be trouble.”

Something resembling laughter comes from behind.

“Einen?”

The air is still, yet artfully placed tendrils twitch against my neck. A whisper of pressure glides across my bare flesh, causing me to shiver in the most delightful way. I’m not asleep, but it’s him. Isn’t it? Could it be my own Talents? Is this a precursor of what could happen tonight on a boat loaded with Enchants? A not–so–pleasurable shiver ripples across my skin.

The door swings open to a chorus of, "It’s time to go. The limo is here. Get a move on.”

Impatient buggers, at least they knocked, if you can call the rapid cracks against the door as it opens knocking.

Yeah, I know, none of us have a steady job, but we decided a limo is the safest way to shuttle us to the party. Splitting the cost four ways helps and I actually get to enjoy the ride this time. Like Cinderella in her sparkly coach off to the ball that changed her life. Maybe by some wicked twist of fate mine will be transformed for the better.

CHAPTER FORTY

My stomach keeps pace with the scenery as it streams past the window. Rey steadies Nys as she balances on the seat to look out the moonroof when the car slows, entering the next town.

“The moron reporters are still following us.” Nyssa giggles as she slips back inside.

“I could have told you that without climbing out of the car.” Rey reaches over to adjust her windblown hair.

The reporters are the least of my worries. Most of my clients—supposedly loyal clients, now ex–clients—will be at this party. The minute this mess started, they abandoned me without question. I understand the fear, but that the thought would even enter their minds. Well, it pisses me off. There are plenty of
what ifs
tied to the scenario of seeing them. What if their reaction steps over the border of just snubbing me? What if anger triggers my new Talent and hungry shadow creatures attack? I don’t want to ruin Lorelei’s party. It would be a lousy payback for all she’s done. Just when I think the short twenty–minute drive will never end, we pull into Saylorville Marina.

***

Lorelei hired
taxis
to take her guests out to Temptation, a fitting name for a boat owned by a Rhine maiden. Rey and the driver graciously attempt to help us board. Dara, true to form, ignores the outstretched hands, climbing aboard under her own power. I, on the other hand, grab both. Did I forget to mention I don’t swim? I love the water and being on it, just not in it. Learning to swim wasn’t a high priority in this Iowa girl’s upbringing.

Lorelei’s
house
looks like Fairy exploded, glowing with multitudes of tiny lights, flowers of every kind and pastel streamers. The decorators had been busy. That’s just what’s visible from the water. I can hardly wait to see the rest.

Dara and Nyssa slip off their shoes as we pull alongside and I copy with a groan, having forgotten we’d have to climb the ladder. Slipping the straps over her fingers to dangle from the back of her hand, Dara grabs the ladder and climbs with an easy grace I envy. Smart girl didn’t bring a purse. I wonder where she’s keeping her essentials, until the slit of her dress parts revealing a three–inch strap around her thigh. For the stylish assassin on the go, conceal your blade of choice in the attached sheath, and lipstick in the handy zipper compartment. Eeesh, the woman is a little too scary at times.

Nyssa follows, navigating upward without a hitch. I would have almost laid money on her
charms
getting stuck between the rungs, but somehow she makes it to the top without incident.

Rey gives me a little push, taking my shoes with a wink. Something tells me if I don’t move fast enough, he’s going to pinch my ass, or considering the light in his eyes bite it.

Twirling the opening of my skirt from side to front, allowing my legs to move freely, I grab the rung and not so gracefully hoist myself up. Two deck hands stand at the top and pull me aboard, motioning to the padded bench off to the side, where Nys and Dara sit putting on their shoes.

“Allow me.” Rey kneels in front of me; hand firmly on my ankle, he slides on the first shoe.

“So it’s true,” says Lorelei from behind him, “you are a princess in disguise.”

“Yeah,” Rey grins as he stands. “We’ve been keeping her hidden in the tower until tonight.”

“Ha, ha, ha, you guys are all sooo funny.”

“Come, darlings, I have a party to oversee.”

We follow our sashaying hostess to the stairs leading to the upper deck. A palette of sunset colors offset by filmy fabrics give the illusion of walking in the sky. An ice sculpture of a mermaid stands as focal point on a table containing finger foods, with no signs of melting even in this heat. Small groups of revelers seem to have staked their claims near the champagne fountain, barely leaving room for the help. I grab a glass from the tray held by a shirtless waiter who appreciatively looks me up and down.

“Yummy.” Nyssa practically purrs as she gives him the same sort of look, taking it a step further with a finger down the chest.

Lorelei playfully swats at Nyssa’s hand. “Now, now darling, it is going to be a long night. Pace yourself.”

Bubbles find their way through my nose and I start coughing. Why is it people always wait until you take a drink before saying something funny, or shocking?

Lorelei floats off to mingle leaving our little outcast group stranded in a sea of icebergs. I expected a chilly reception, but the silence that descends when they see me is a little too unnerving. There are a lot of dropped jaws and whispers behind hands to go along with the staring. Rumors are flying, nearly tangible.

Then again, maybe I’m not the reason for their shock and silence. The crowd parts, spotlighting the two most beautiful people at the party. That’s saying a lot considering all the pretties surrounding me. Unfortunately, I know one of them and he’s the last person I wanted to deal with tonight. Okay, not the last. The Collector would be tops on that list, but Var Royd pulls a tight second. Making it worse, he and his companion are walking toward me. The smile on his face lets me know, he knows, I saw him. No escaping by pretending I didn’t see them. Damn.

CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

His date is probably the most beautiful creature I’ve ever laid eyes on. The kind of beauty that inspires poetry, paintings, hate, jealousy, inadequacy and the desire to rip her face off. Ouch, where did that come from? It’s not as if I want the man, do I? No time to dwell on it now.

“Mr. Royd,” I say, trying to hold my composure in check as the golden couple approach. “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting your lovely date.”

His eyebrow shoots up and I could kick myself hearing the venom lacing my words. He so is going to misinterpret that.

“Miss Fey, let me introduce my sister, Vanadís.” He might as well have said,
I win
from the look in his eyes.

“A pleasure, Miss Royd,” I say, wanting to wipe imagined filth from my hand—gods forbid I sully her perfection—before extending it to her.

Her laughter is like a million tiny bells as she takes my hand and pulls me into a tight embrace. Somehow, I manage to keep from spilling bubbly down her perfect back. The same
loved
feeling that I got from Royd at our first meeting flows over me. “No one calls me, Miss Royd, it’s Vana.”

She releases me to the point of only holding my hand, perfect lips drawn into a frown as she gives me the once over. Talk about feeling like a bug under a microscope.

“You are not quite what I expected.”

“Um...okay,” I reply, not sure what to say, or if I should say anything at all.

“To hear him,” she nods in Royd’s direction, heat highlighting his cheekbones as he glares at her, “talk you are the most beautiful thing that walks the earth.”

The silence is damn near as crushing as the weight of everyone’s eyes on me as they wait for my response. Whether it’s out of shock, or lack of quick wit, I manage to keep my mouth shut. I know I’m not beautiful, or even pretty. Exotic, or unusual might be better terms to describe me. Still, I can’t help the bitterness that coats my tongue when this gorgeous woman reminds me.

“Not that you are not attractive, my dear, in your own way.” She gives my hand a brief squeeze and smiles, like that’s going to make it all better, before letting go.

Gods help me, but this woman stirs emotions like a blender, creating a smoothie combination no one in their right mind would order, but you drink it anyway. Worse yet, you like it and want another.

“You must forgive my sister’s lack of,” says Royd, glaring at his sister who smiles indulgently, “tact.”

All I can do is shrug. What the hel can I do? Anything I say will make me look childish and catty. Dara and Nyssa flank me, Rey at my back, a comforting hand on my shoulder.

She laughs again. “Your friends are quite protective, are they not? Do not worry, I will not harm her.” Something in her tone threatens a
much
at the end of that sentence.

Slender fingers toy with a chunk of raw amber that hangs from a golden chain. She lets it drop between breasts usually only seen after surgery. Tilting her head to one side, the corners of her generous lips curl upward ever so slightly.

I shiver, there’s something cold and calculating in those pretty blue and gold eyes, almost predatory. Okay, no almost about it, I feel like the rabbit right before the raptor sweeps in with its nasty talons.

Giving myself a mental shake, I drag my eyes away from that all-encompassing stare, clearing my throat. “I don’t want to keep you.”

“Oh, you are not keeping me, darling, but there are others who demand my attentions. We shall speak again soon.”

Wrapping her hand around Royd’s arm, she bares perfect white teeth in what would seem a smile, but it’s more like a challenge. A challenge for what I’m not sure. Hopefully, not the attentions of her brother. Eww, that thought is just too sick for words.

He gives me one last burning glance as she leads him away, sending shivers down my spine. Fear? Anticipation? Don’t know, don’t want to.

Dara motions to the pair’s escorts; I’d been too blinded by the golden beauty to see earlier. Brand and Rand hanging just on the fringe turn to follow them. Brand acknowledges us with a brief nod; Rand gives his patented icy stare. I suppose having that kind of wealth means having bodyguards in public situations. Not my problem, the money that is, but they might come in handy fending off the stares that return with the departure of the golden twins.

“Screw it,” I whisper, lifting my chin, staring right back at them.

This isn’t high school and I’m not the
different
kid in the class anymore. So what if my Talents are scary? There are lots of others here with Talents just as scary. Gregori Falen stands not six feet away. What could be scarier than a vamp who writes children’s books? What about Philip Monroe out there shaking his groove thing on the dance floor? Incubi can be fun, but there’s always that nasty morning after affect.

Snagging another glass from a passing waiter, I head off to the buffet, friends trailing like little ducks. Let them stare. I was invited and I intend on having fun.

My mouth waters with all the artfully arranged temptation along the L–shaped table. Balancing glass and plate, I stalk my prey. Chocolate fountains and fruit, salmon and cream cheese pinwheels, delicate puff pastry with its crab filling and the pièce de résistance—stuffed mushrooms. The heavens are shining down on me and my obsession with edible fungus. I fight the urge to take nothing, but ‘shrooms, after all there are so many tasty little treats that deserve a place on my plate.

During my little foraging excursion I end up separated from the others. Not sure how it happened, but it’s not as if I need someone to feed me. I can handle that just fine on my own. Finding a quiet corner is next on the agenda. Not that the deck has any corners, but that doesn’t stop me from finding a quiet spot where I can watch the party without everyone watching me stuff my face.

“How many times do I have to tell you darling, they are like mules, there will be no shadow spawn from their joining.”