Chapter 9
The open courtyard lined with flowering plants was bright and cheery, just the opposite of Veronika's current mood. It had taken a few days, but Keir had eventually deemed her well enough to take short walks around Raphael's section of the Refuge. She'd wound up in the area where one of the schools that taught angelic children was located. She'd even noted as some of the children took flight from the courtyard having completed their classes for the day. As she leaned against one of the thick, marble pillars that held up the structure, she couldn't help envying their freedom. They had most of their lives ahead of them and the ability to make that life what they wanted. Veronika had found solace in her work for the Boldare's, but she knew that until she really came to grips with her past she'd never achieve absolution of her innermost and darkest fears.
"You must be, Veronika."
Veronika spun around quickly to find a tall, thin angel standing behind her. The woman had chestnut colored hair and warm sienna eyes. One of her wings was twisted at a painful angle, making Veronika doubt her ability to take flight. "I see I'm at a disadvantage, you know me but I don't know you."
The angel shook her head. "Keir suspected that I might know you, but aside from your name - you are a mystery to me." The woman paused to grace the vampire with a reassuring smile. She noted the brown overcoat draped over Veronika's shoulders and the fact that neither of her arms showed through the sleeves. She'd heard the dark-haired vampire had been severely injured, and while she could make out one, perfectly slender arm beneath the overcoat, the other was clearly missing. "I am Jessamy, keeper of all angelic histories."
"Only angels, not their vampires?" Veronika couldn't stop the words as they flew from her lips. A part of her was very hungry to learn more about her past, despite the danger.
"There are some vampires that are recorded in our histories, mostly the prominent ones. History does not play favorites when relaying the great stories of the angels and vampires of long ago."
"Did he investigate me? That angel..." Veronika remembered the dark-winged angels' words clearly that night on the roof of Archangel Tower.
"It's rare that anyone ever gets away from me and even rarer when they continue to be a mystery. I don't like puzzles."
"Yes, Jason was here. But I couldn't give him anymore information than what he already had on you." Jessamy was slightly confused when she noted an almost relieved expression on the beautiful vampire's face. It occurred to her that she was missing something here. "When was the last time you came to the Refuge?"
Veronika turned her gaze away from the thin angel to glance upwards at the cloudless blue sky. "I don't recall," She replied truthfully. She had remembered being there and even knew the purpose of this place, but it had definitely been part of her fragmented memories before the last five hundred years. During that time frame she didn't remember having met Jessamy, Keir or anyone she had run into of present. Was it possible her appearance had changed so much that they wouldn't recognize her? Or had she managed to remain under their radar which would have made identification difficult?
"Would you care to talk about it?" Jessamy moved to stand at Veronika's side so that she could once again see the vampire's face clearly. The woman was lovely, with exotically tilted amber colored eyes that reflected a sadness Jessamy wasn't certain the woman realized she'd let slip.
"And why would I do that, so you can run back and tell your superiors what you learned?" Veronika asked that question without even looking in Jessamy's direction.
There was a confused expression on Jessamy's face as she continued to regard Veronika curiously. "Actually, I thought only to help. You seemed so stressed. You do know that if Raphael wishes to learn the truth about you; there is a very simple method of which he can go about it."
Veronika was all too aware of that because it had been done to her before, at least in a backward fashion. Archangel's had the ability to see memories within their victims mind, and then they could turn around and wipe those memories away completely. She wasn't certain how it would work in her case, considering her innermost memories had already been wiped. Was it possible that Raphael could reinstate those memories and thus learn the whole truth about her? But how would the process leave her emotionally? What if she reverted to the woman she was during those missing centuries? And what if that woman was someone she could not be proud of?
She finally turned her gaze back to Jessamy, her golden eyes acting like a window to her soul. "Then I suppose that will be the end of me."
Jessamy shouldn't have felt pity for this vampire who clearly didn't seem to realize that playing games with archangel's was hazardous to ones health. Or perhaps as her last statement would suggest, she was aware of it. Did that mean this was something she wanted? Before Jessamy could question her further, there was a rustle of wings as a large red-haired angel landed in the courtyard. "Galen." A smile lit on her face to see her angel lover of the past few centuries. She turned her attention back to Veronika briefly. "Perhaps we'll continue this later." She then left Veronika's side and strode towards Galen whom she noted was starting at Veronika with a hard expression on his face.
Veronika returned the red-haired angel's almost abrasive stare. So, this was Raphael's weapons master. The man was built like a brick with thick bulging muscles. If she was expected to spar with him after her arm healed, she knew he would be no push over. It was clear to Veronika just by the way he was looking at her that he didn't mess around. Just what she needed - another hard ass angel to get in her face. She was grateful when he abruptly removed his gaze from her and soon took flight with Jessamy in his powerful arms. She thought they made a strange couple, considering that this Galen looked as if he could snap Jessamy's bones with a simple flick of his wrists. Veronika didn't dwell on it and began to look forward to her daily conversation with Rina, which was fast approaching.
It would seem that so far, life at Archangel Tower had been uneventful for the young heiress. She slept and worked at the tower which meant she was under constant protection. Veronika realized there was nothing more she could hope for. Raphael's men would be able to protect Rina, where she had failed. Her only driving factor was that she would one day return to Rina's side, but realized that she would never be the sole one protecting her mistress ever again. This was tied directly to the revelation of Rina as the creator of the AGF's now being public knowledge. However, Rina's idea for the dummy committee had it worked as intended would have prevented this. Veronika's only concern when she returned was possible clashes with Rina's new protectors. They may all agree upon Rina's safety requiring the foremost importance but she had to wonder if they would agree on the exact way of going about it. Only time would tell.
OOO
The world is ours, if you want it
We can take it, if you just take my hand
There's no turning back now
Baby, try to understand
Don't wanna break your heart
Wanna give your heart a break
I know you're scared it's wrong
Like you might make a mistake
There's just one life to live
And there's no time to waste, to waste
So let me give your heart a break
Give your heart a break
Let me give your heart a break
Your heart a break
There's just so much you can take
Give your heart a break
Rina swung her hips to the beat of the song while staring at a complicated algorithm before her on the virtual screen within META's room. She was due to take a break shortly for she was expecting a phone call from Veronika. However, she wasn't getting much in terms of work done. She noticed immediately when the door to the room cracked open and the blue-winged angel stuck his head in.
"Hey, Bluebell." Rina had taken to calling the angel by his most popular nickname. "Mute." Her order was instantly obeyed when META's speakers stopped blaring the popular song. "I was told this room was sound proof, I wasn't annoying anyone was I?"
"Actually, we could hear you five blocks down the street," Illium stated in a serious manner as he entered the room and closed the door behind him.
Rina gaped at him. "Seriously?"
Illium nodded his head but then said, "No," followed by a broad grin on his face. "I heard you have plans to leave us."
"Yes, Elena is seeing to all the particulars. But I'm not looking forward to having to tell V about it. I don't think she'll like the idea of me being alone again," Rina replied.
"Elena mentioned that you didn't want any of Raphael's Seven on your security detail, why is that?" Illium truly wanted to know, for he found Rina fascinating and wouldn't mind the idea of getting to know her better. She was the first mortal woman since Elena to remind him of the love he'd lost centuries ago.
Rina sighed, "She was supposed to keep all that on the down low."
"Well there was no mention who you did want. But now I'm curious." Illium closed the distance between them to lean against the virtual desk the heiress stood before.
"The point is I just wanted a little space, it doesn't matter who's on the detail."
"Really? Then it wouldn't matter if I joined," Illium gave her his most dazzling smile, one that usually had women eating out of his hands in seconds.
Rina bit her bottom lip as she gazed at the handsome man before her. She couldn't understand what this was all about. Was he really so concerned for her welfare or was it something else? "I'd imagine Raphael has bigger plans for you than watching my apartment day and night. Why would you want such a boring job? Hmm?" Rina smiled at him before returning her attention to the algorithm thus missing the sensual glint that appeared in Illium's golden eyes.
"I can think of at least one reason."
"Incoming Call." META's voice suddenly filled the room.
Rina pulled up the call screen and her face lit up when she realized who it was. "It's Veronika, we talk every day." She then glanced apologetically in Illium's direction. "I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all, I'll see you later." Illium managed a smile before he saw himself from the room. He soon left the inner sanctum of the tower and emerged on one of the railing -less balconies. As he was contemplating taking flight, another angel soon landed beside him.
"Bryce," Illium stated in greeting but could sense the hostility coming off the other angel in waves before he even spoke.
"One would think you'd learned your lesson the last time," Bryce stated curtly.
"What are you on about?" Illium asked, his slightly British accent coming through.
"First your mortal - the one who cost you your wings, then Raphael's consort and now, Rina Boldare. What is your fascination with human women that you clearly are no good for?" Bryce wanted to know.
Illium was about to reply with his own comeback but suddenly paused as realization dawned on him. "So that's it, have you spoken to Elena yet?"
Bryce frowned, puzzled by Illium's about face. "Not as yet, but Dmitri informed me that she'd requested my presence."
"Well then I wouldn't delay," Illium began. "You have nothing to fear from me when it comes to Rina Boldare, for it seems she's already chosen her protector." His golden eyes so unlike Bryce's quickly flicked away from him before he jumped off the balcony and took flight.
Bryce was left confused by Illium's reply, and slightly embarrassed. He'd been spoiling for a fight with the blue-winged angel ever since he'd witnessed Illium's antics from afar at the AGF testing site. He'd not actually joined the crowd but had wanted to watch Rina in action nonetheless. Seeing her laugh at Illium's no doubt silly jokes had made his blood boil. This feeling was so unfamiliar to him that he didn't recognize it for what it truly was at first. But now he had to face the music; he was jealous which meant he already saw Rina as his. This couldn't be happening, not to him! Bryce of all people was the last person anyone would have suspected to fall for a human, therefore what he was feeling was something else. It had to be.
OOO
"You know, I expected more of a reaction from you," Rina said as she stared at the image of Veronika's face upon her virtual screen. She'd just informed her former bodyguard of her plans to return to her apartment in Manhattan with a protection detail.
Veronika raised a single eyebrow. "You made this claim simply to get a reaction out of me?"
"If only the days when I was that petty still existed," Rina remarked. When she noticed Veronika wasn't laughing, actually the vampire wasn't even smiling, she continued, "Just kidding."
"Your decisions are you own, Mistress."
"Oh boy, here we go again." Rina could tell despite the fact that perhaps thousands of miles separated them that the vampire was agitated. She expected as much, but would have preferred a safety lecture than stony agreement. "I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't think it'd be okay. Both Lacoby and that angel would have to be crazy to attack me here. Things are going so well with the testing of AGF, and Lacoby is actually not contesting the transition of CEO."
"That perhaps should concern you, it would only mean that he's planning something else," Veronika replied.
"Well let him plan all he wants, we'll be ready for him."
Finally, a smile pierced Veronika's stony facade. "I admire your confidence, Rina. I suppose the only thing left to say is; don't have too much fun without me."
Rina whooped a cheer. "Now there's the V I know and love!" They talked a bit longer concerning the plans for AGF and all the good it would do, not only for humans but immortals as well. Finally when they said goodbye, Rina was feeling pretty good, and tonight she'd be moving back into her apartment.
OOO
"You wanted to see me." Bryce found Elena in Raphael's office, but the archangel himself was not present.
"Yes," Elena gave him a slight smile as he closed the distance between them. "I won't mince words because I know how direct you are Bryce. As of today you are being pulled off your local observation detail and being placed as head of the protection team for Rina Boldare. She returns to her apartment on Fifth Avenue this evening. Two vampires will be stationed there day and night, and you'll only be required to be there when she's at home. Do you have any questions or concerns?"
Bryce was silent for a few moments as this new development began to settle in. "May I ask how I was chosen for this?"
Elena grinned at him, "No you may not."
If Bryce hadn't had that conversation with Illium earlier then he wouldn't have been able to guess what Elena wasn't telling him. Rina herself had requested him. He'd hoped she wasn't fickle, for he'd really thought they'd had a moment that first day when he'd flown with her. But after seeing her with Illium at the testing site, he'd begun to doubt the true feelings of that moment. He managed not to smile although it was damn difficult not to. He bowed briefly to Elena before replying, "I have no other concerns."
"Great, you can stop by her guest room later, she might need some help with her luggage." Elena noticed that Bryce truly had nothing else to say so she continued. "Bryce you surprise me, you're taking to being a glorified porter slash babysitter better than I thought."
Bryce did manage a brief smile before seeing himself from the room. He now realized how silly he'd been to go after Illium like that. Apparently, the blue-winged angel had never been competition for him, not where Rina was concerned. He bottled up the sigh of relief that threatened to spill forth. If there was anyone he didn't want to go up against in an affection contest, it was Illium, and now it seems that he wouldn't have to.
OOO
Rina collapsed on the couch after Bryce had brought her luggage into the foyer then promptly left. He'd been quiet when he'd arrived at her quarters to help with the bags, and again when he'd flown down to her limo after she'd arrived at the apartment to assist her. She immediately began to wonder if he resented this new position and felt badly that she had personally requested him. Rina sighed before throwing her arm over her eyelids. First thing in the morning when she went in to Archangel Tower she would ask Elena to assign another angel at random. No. She'd definitely make certain that angel was at least not Illium. Although she enjoyed Bluebell's company, she didn't want to give him the wrong idea. Her interests currently lay with Bryce, but if the feeling wasn't mutual then she would once again concentrate only on work and forfeit having a personal life.
Tap, tap, tap.
Rina lifted her arm off her face when she heard the distinct sound of tapping at one of the large bay windows in the room. Rising to her feet, she headed in the direction of the tapping and quickly drew apart the wispy white curtains. Keeping himself aloft with seemingly minimal effort was Bryce, just outside the window. She couldn't help it that her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him, regardless of the fact that he had left her apartment only minutes ago. Reaching for the handle she swung the windows opened and watched as he alit upon the sill.
"You know if I have neighbors, I certainly don't know them. But this..." Rina motioned to the fact that he was standing in her window. "This might alarm them."
"If they mind their own business then they have nothing to concern themselves with," Bryce replied flippantly.
"Right. Anyways, come on in." Rina stood away from the window to allow him to do just that, but he didn't move.
"You'd be better protected if I remained outside. I merely wished to ascertain that you didn't require further assistance with your bags."
"Nope," Rina slapped her palms against her thighs. "There's not a whole lot of stairs; I can manage from here."
"Fair enough, have a good evening," Bryce was preparing to lift off when she stopped him.
"Wait." Rina bit her bottom lip as she once again garnered the handsome angel's unwavering gaze. "Have you had dinner yet?"
"I have not."
"Then why don't you join me? I was just about to order in." She prayed she wasn't coming off as overly needy.
"If that is your wish," Bryce replied before taking a small hop into the room.
"Well actually I was thinking that...you know - if we're both hungry then why not share a meal." Rina felt like kicking herself right now, she sounded like a scatterbrain and she was the daughter of a scientist for crying out loud.
"I've already eaten at least once today. That can sustain me for several days. I have no need to eat again, but I will join you, if that is your wish."
"I was kind of hoping it would be your idea too."
"But it is not my idea, you're the one that wishes to eat."
Rina couldn't tell if he was teasing her or if he was serious. But one horrible thought did occur to her. "Do you think I'm fat?" Rina's face crumpled, "I told V to stop indulging me with fried food." She was taken aback when he tilted his head back and laughed. It was a deep, rich sound that she realized she could listen to forever.
"You amuse me, Miss Boldare."
"Please, call me Rina. After all, I have no other choice but to call you Bryce."
"It is true I have no title. Bryce will do, but if you wish you may also choose a nickname for me."
Rina grinned at him. Little did he know that she already had a nick name for him. He was her Golden Adonis after all. She wouldn't tell him that just yet though. "Well that's sweet of you to offer, but I like your name." She noted the sensual way in which he stared at her that caused her to fidget slightly. "I'm going to grab the phone and call the take out place." When she was halfway to the phone, his next comment stopped her in her tracks.
"By the way, Rina - your weight is proportionate to your height." He managed the briefest hint of a smile that almost deepened when he saw her flush from her neck to her hairline.
"Thanks, I think." Rina shook her head at him and continued towards the phone. She knew she was playing with fire but had to admit, the feeling of being burned by her golden man of sunshine was very desirable indeed.
About half an hour later, they sat at the smaller kitchen table which provided a more intimate setting than the large dining room area. Their Chinese take-out consisted of noodles, egg rolls and chicken with broccoli. Rina was nibbling on her egg roll and wondering what sort of small talk she should bring up, when surprisingly, Bryce took the initiative.
"How long have you been on your own?" Bryce's fork was piled full of noodles but he did not bring it to his lips.
Rina finished chewing what was in her mouth before responding. "Do you mean since I lost my parents?" After she saw him nod in agreement, she continued. "Well, my father died only four years ago. Sometimes it feels like it was yesterday." Rina was silent for a moment as bittersweet memories invaded her thoughts. "It was a heart attack. He always overworked himself and wouldn't often pay attention to his health."
"You have my condolences," Bryce began. "What of your mother?" Although Jason's report on Rina had been very inclusive, there was not as much on her personal life as Bryce would have liked. All he knew was that she was a wealthy heiress, alone in the world with only her vampire companion to protect her. Of course she was much more than that professionally, but Bryce wanted to get to know the real Rina, not the business woman or the scientist/inventor.
"My mother died when I was three - so I don't remember her. But I've seen pictures, she was very beautiful. It was Ovarian cancer." Rina shook her head before glancing at him. "It seems so strange talking to you about this. In your world of immortals, death would never come from cancer or a heart attack."
"No, it wouldn't," Bryce replied quietly.
"What about your parents?" Rina noticed immediately when he appeared hesitant. "Come on, I told you about mine."
"I didn't realize we were currently engaged in swapping stories."
"Well now you've been made aware of it," Rina replied matter-of-factly. "Do they still live?"
"Yes. But I have not spoken to them in almost a century," Bryce replied.
Rina's jaw fell open. Bryce hadn't seen his parents in longer than she had been alive. Hell, it was before her grandparents were even born. All she could utter was, "Why?"
"This topic does not bear repeating."
Rina lowered her gaze to her plate. Apparently something had happened between Bryce and his parents and he had in essence told her it was none of her business. She was certain angels had secrets that they could never share with mortals, which led her to wonder if what happened between them had something to do with one of those secrets. "Sorry if I made you uncomfortable."
"You did not. Strike it from your mind."
"Well you weren't kidding. You really weren't hungry." Rina glanced pointedly at his still full plate.
"It appears my manners are lacking." With those words, Bryce placed the fork of noodles in his mouth. His tongue flicked out once to wipe his lips clean before he began to chew.
Rina was gazing at those lips almost mesmerized as he chewed in a studious fashion. She never remembered being that fascinated with a man's mouth before. Glimpsing the pink of his tongue as he wet those gorgeous lips sent definite heat spiraling between her thighs. When her fork fell from her grasp to clank on her plate she immediately tore her gaze away. She could already feel the hot flush that was stealing onto her cheeks and suddenly wished the kitchen floor would open up and swallow her.
"Are you well?" Bryce asked with obvious concern.
"Yeah, you know that phrase, 'if you can't take the heat then stay out of the kitchen.' I should have heeded it."
Bryce glanced around the kitchen and although it was decked out with the most modern of conveniences it was quite airy and neither the stove nor oven had been turned on that evening. "It's quite cool, are you certain it's not something else?"
"I'm probably just exhausted too." It wasn't a complete lie, she thought to herself.
"Then I'm keeping you from your rest." Bryce placed his fork on the table before rising to his feet. "Thank you for the meal."
"Anytime," Rina replied as she also stood. She walked him back into the living room and watched as he opened the window before jumping onto the window sill, he then paused to gaze at her.
"Remember to lock his after I leave."
Rina nodded. "Yes, too bad I can't give you a key to the window." She chuckled nervously which only got worse when she realized he didn't catch her joke. Bryce wasn't completely clueless when it came to her silly humor, but sometimes it seems he would miss the mark entirely. She cleared her throat and managed a, "Good night."
"Good night, Rina." Bryce tilted his head towards her in respect before sailing from the window.
Rina pulled the window closed and secured the latch but remained there for several seconds afterwards. The idea of Bryce close to her was doing strange things to her body, and by right she should distance herself from him and focus only on her work. There could be nothing serious between them anyways and she knew that, and she wasn't the type of person to have flings. Even with the voice of reason rearing it's ugly head, Rina didn't listen. For she full well intended to continue to see Bryce and to let the chips lay where they fell.
OOO
A.N. As predicted, the updates have slowed down. I thank you Shelita for your continued support. I do hope that perhaps one day the rest of you will let me know what you think. =) Also, the song Rina was listening to is called "Give Your Heart A Break" by Demi Lovato.
