O My Gosh this chapter took me forever to get right. I hope everyone enjoys it. For the record I'm the running is torture type :)
This was a dumb idea. Probably one of the worst ones I ever had. Watching Paris come down the hallway it dawned on me I wasn't prepared. She looked amazing. I knew she was gorgeous all dressed up and fussy, but I didn't realize they made workout close that were sexy as hell. I could see every curve, every dip, and dimple. Paris had the most beautiful skin. Unlike the flawless Moroi skin, her skin was sprinkled with freckles. I wanted to reach out and connect each one with my fingers or better my tongue. I flexed my fingers itching to reach out a touch her.
My eyes took her in and I abruptly realized I wasn't the only one enjoying the view. Paris was being eyed by several different guys. "Paris," I stuttered, "Do not come here alone. Don't go anywhere dressed like that alone." Even I could hear how over bearing I sounded.
Paris shook her head at me totally unfazed by my request. Watching her look self consciously over her outfit I felt like a total ass hat.
Her stature changed and I watched her eyes roll dramatically, "You are so overprotective Mason. You sound like my boyfriend."
I couldn't hold back the laugh. Didn't I wish I could be her boyfriend.
"I guess I do." I blurted out and bit back a smile, "Would that be such a bad thing?"
Paris' face got soft and she took a deep breath. "No," she said so quietly I almost didn't hear her, "that wouldn't be such a bad thing." A shy smile moved across her face.
I grabbed her hand hoping to curtail the direction of our conversation. This was not the place to discuss our relationship. It was all wishful thinking anyway. No matter what I felt for Paris, our relationship had a ticking clock on it. "Come on," I said pulling her into the foyer.
After giving her a tour of the facilities I tucked her away in the corner of the main room. The view of the falling snow was spectacular, but I couldn't help but feel the hot stare of many inquiring eyes. When Paris innocently bent over to tighten her laces I had the shield her with my body. That butt was mine and mine alone to stare at from now until I had to leave. A slight shiver went through me at the thought of having to leave her.
"Don't be annoyed if I ignore you Mason," Paris said sweetly, "when I turn on my iPod I tend to zone out." Paris had her earphones cranked up so loud that she didn't even realize that I could clearly hear the music. It was silly mix of songs, many of which I had heard before but couldn't place. It was an eclectic mix. Most of it was upbeat and easy to run along to.
When Paris wasn't paying attention I stopped my machine and slipped out to the main desk. After some serious begging I managed to convince the pompous guy in charge to put my name on the waiting list for a training room. Apparently, they were only available to dhamipirs that had already received their promise marks. The guy was a true dick head, but after repeatedly telling him who I was, I was able to convinced him. Rarely it useful to have famous parents. It was more likely that the guy was enjoying flexing the small amount of power he had.
I was surprised to find Paris still running, and at a decent clip too. I had no idea she had it in her. I loved that Paris always surprised me. Just when I thought I knew what she would do, I would find something else amazing about her. Quinn was now running behind her and scanning the room repeatedly. I had no idea what he was looking for, but after the freak show the night before I couldn't blame Abe for being diligent.
I alternated between running sprints and checking with the desk to see if a room had opened up. My new friend Kevin behind the desk told me repeatedly he wouldn't hold the room for me.
"You all finished?" I asked Paris as she stepped off her treadmill and walked toward me.
"Yes, I'm actually starting to get my appetite back," she said looking relieved.
"We can go get something to eat soon," I agreed, "but, first I have a surprise for you."
Paris' eyes twinkled. "A surprise, where here at the gym?"
"Yup follow me," I said swallowing down my apprehension. This was either going to go really well or terribly bad.
I led her down the hallway. Forcing a smile on my face to reassure her. "How far did you run," I asked?
"Not too far," Paris said looking around for her surprise, "nine miles."
"Really, that's excellent," I encouraged. Paris was constantly exceeding any exception I had for her, "Do you run often?"
"My Mom's the runner in our family. She talked me into training with her last time she did a marathon. I think that you need to be a certain kind of person to really enjoy running. I can totally zone out, it's kind of like meditating for me."
"I would agree with that for some people running is torture, but if you can lose yourself in it, running can be therapeutic," I nodded.
Guiding her to the last room in the hallway I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and kissed the top of her head. Paris followed me into the room walking slowly over the thick mats. Sitting comfortably across from me Paris' vibrant eyes looked at me expectantly.
"Okay, where are we Mason?" she asked tilting her head at me inquisitively,"it looks like your trying to have me committed."
"I probably should if you keep hanging around Zelkos," I chucked at my own joke. Paris brought out a less serious side of myself that actually made jokes. If anyone from school heard me they would be shocked.
"This is a guardian training room and we were lucky to get one," I explained. "They only have six."
Paris was on her feet and at the door fast, but I was faster.
"Here me out? Please Paris, I'm not going to make you do anything you don't want to do," I forced out while I blocked the door with my body. Her fingers distracting me as they flexed and explored the muscles of my stomach.
"Damn right you're not," Paris blurted out. I hadn't seen this side of her since the our first meeting and I had to admit the spit fire attitude she threw at me was sexy as hell.
"You told me that you didn't want to fight and that's fine," I told her and put my hands on her shoulders soothingly. "I just want to make sure that nothing happens to you. Do you know how much guilt I would have if you got hurt or worst killed? I can help you?" I pleaded words and begged with my eyes, "Please let me help you?"
"Eddie has been giving me the same speech for ten years, what makes you think I'm going to listen to you?"Paris challenged me, hands firmly planted on her hips.
"Eddie didn't have the right motivational tools," I smirked flashing her my best smile. Kissing the back of her hand I tasted the salty sweetness of her skin.
"What kind of motivation do you have in mind?" Paris asked cautiously.
Scooping her small hands in one of mine I easily knocked the back of her knees and laid her on the mat. "When you do a good job I'll reward you," I explained blowing softly against the velvety skin of her neck. I nuzzled closely stealing kisses behind her ear.
"Positive reinforcement is a legitimate teaching technique. Okay?" I breathed into her ear and I felt a shiver run through her. She was so easily affected by me.
"Okay," Paris agreed as I pulled her off the mat. I gazed at her enjoying the deep blush that had made its way across her cheeks.
"Right," I pinched the bridge of my nose and forced myself not to laugh.
"So anytime you are approached in a compromising situation what's going to give you the best chance to remain unharmed?" I asked her focusing on being productive.
"You sound like a text book or an informational pamphlet," Paris said turning away from me. This was the frustrating part of females that I didn't usually stick around to see. Was she teasing me or annoyed? There was only a handful of dhampir girls in any of my classes and I had never really taught anyone before. I was really just making it up as I went along. Without thinking I cracked my knuckles and got to business.
Paris' smile slipped from her face,"So wait are we talking about Strigoi or just self defense?"
I twisted my head and cracked my neck trying to loosen up, "I think we should just focus on Strigoi. We can do general self defense another time. You are already faster and stronger than any human anyway, just do your best to keep alert," I knew I was glaring at her intimidatingly, but this was basic survival we were talking about. "This is easy Paris, what do you do if you see a Strigoi?"
"Light them on fire," she paused looking up at me with her deep green eyes sparkling, "extra crispy." Paris smiled proudly and I almost forgot how important my lesson was and pushed her down on the mat.
A groan started deep in my throat. My eyes rolled back and prayed for patience, "Okay, if you don't have a blow torch what do you do?" What Paris didn't understand was that even could light a fire she wouldn't get a chance to use it. The Strigoi were too fast and most of them too smart to give her the chance. I waited, but got no response,"Paris we only have this room for half an hour."
"I really don't know what you want to hear Mason," Paris said impatiently looking toward the door. I knew I was loosing her, but this was important stuff. It was a miracle that she had lasted this long.
I wrapped my hands around her spandex cover body and forced her look at me. Paris wasn't the ultra skinny delicate girl that I was used to but, she didn't fight me. My arms fit perfectly around her waist and I leaned into the planes of her body. Using the wall I forced her eyes to see the seriousness of what I was hoping to teach her.
Blinking at the sudden movement Paris met my eyes, "Paris if you ever see, or even think that you see a Strigoi you need to run. Fast and far!" I paused suddenly feeling sad, "Do you understand? Leave whatever you're doing and go fast and far. Luckily, you have pretty good endurance," I said trying to reassure myself, "but they are incredibly fast."
"Yes, I understand," Paris said very softly. She caught me off guard tugging at my shirt and pulling my toward her. The moment I felt her soft lips I kissed her with everything I had. All the worry, excitement, and venerability I was feeling came pouring out. Suddenly her hands were moving and I could feel her gentle fingers exploring my back. Shivering with the intensity of the moment my hands reached down and pulled her toward me. Her hair, her skin smelled so good even after a run. It was intoxicating.
Moving away from her I could see the worry in her eyes. Paris glanced uneasily toward the window and door.
"Don't worry Paris I signed the room out no one will bother us," I told her glancing down at my watch, "at least not for another twenty-five minutes. We have a lot to do lets go."
Moving back to the middle of the mat I wondered, "Have you ever done any kind of Martial arts?"
Paris tilted her head and looked down at her hands, "Nope that is Ben's area of expertise not mine."
"The best thing for me to teach you is how to get away. I don't have enough time to show you how to incapacitate a Strigoi," I said making it up as I went along. "If you are caught from behind you need to try to use your smaller size you your advantage," I explained and showed her what I had learned watching other dhampir girls train. It was a technique that I remembered being taught as I child, but could be very effective. Each time I had to position Paris I had to force myself not to take it any further. My whole body was itchy to take more. Paris had a power over me that no other girl had every managed to posses and she had no idea.
After walking her through the steps several times I pumped her up,"Okay lets try. Grabbing her tightly I was impressed when I felt her pull away. Flipping her around I yelled, "Now what do you do, Paris?"
Paris glanced up at me with an unexpected beaming smile. "Run!" she shouted and jumped up to slap my hand. I could feel good energy coming from Paris and I hoped that I was teaching her something.
Leaning down I nipped at her ear teasingly and pulling her tightly against me I whispered softly, "That was very good Paris." I paused allowing my fingers to lightly wander across her fantastic chest. I knew I needed to restrain myself, but watching her tense and shiver only encouraged me. Goose bumps spread across her beautiful skin.
Another important lesson Paris need to learn was to try to avoid being caught when I didn't come straight at her. This turned out to be much more difficult for her. I could see the exhaustion starting to creep into her eyes, but I needed to her to master this. I needed to know in some way, even though I was going to be hundreds of miles away, that I helped keep her safe.
Frustrating both of us, each time we practiced I ended up pinning her down on the mat. Paris looked close to tears and I needed to get her motivated. "You have to stop thinking of me as Mason and start thinking of me as someone that's trying to attack you. I promise I won't let you hurt my pretty face."
Throwing my weight at her I was happily surprised to feel her slip away from me. Celebrating her victory Paris jumped up pumping her fist in the air.
Catching her off guard I pulled her toward me and tucked her comfortably back on the mat with me.
"Hey! I thought that I had it that time," Paris pounded her fist against the mat in frustration.
"You did," I smirked and gazed hungrily down at her, "but I like you underneath me." Running my hands all over her body I leaned back and enjoyed her reward. Moving my hands up Paris' silky legs I stroked her gently between her legs. If there wasn't the thin fabric barrier I would be doing wicked things to her.
Paris' head flew back and her back arched as she started hyperventilating. "Has anyone ever touched you here before?" I blurted out not expecting her answer.
"No." Paris said in a low tentative voice.
I let out a slow long breath and braced myself at the emotion I felt at her confession, "I'm glad."
"I think that you might be right about this motivation stuff," Paris choked out. Her eyes rolled back slightly in her head and I couldn't help myself I had to have more of her.
"I don't know, do you think it's affective?" I teased her as I drew small circles on her satiny smooth legs.
"I think you could write a book. But, I do have one complaint," she smirked.
I wicked grin crossed my face,"What's that?"
"I'm sick of being the one on my back." Without warning Paris managed to slide out from underneath me and push me down onto the mat. She didn't have much of a hold on me, but I had to give her points for originality. A bubble of laughter escaped my throat at the triumphant expression on her face. Paris mimicked my laughter and pushed her chest snuggly against me. If we had been anywhere else I would have been content never to move. Paris' thighs squeezed my hips as she wiggled her butt enticingly.
"If you wanted to grapple you should have just said so," I joked and reached out to brush the hairs back that had fallen onto her face. I needed her eyes on me, her piercing green eyes. "Now that you have me here the question is what are you going to do with me?"
"I'm going to torture you the way you did me," she said as her hands moved under my arms and quickly down my ribcage.
Feeling completely out of control I squirmed wildly. Eventually getting my bearings I flipped her back underneath me. It really was the best place for her. "You little," I blurted out.
"Witch," Paris offered raising her eyebrows challengingly.
"Angel," I said shaking my head slightly at her suggestion. Meeting her eyes I could feel our pulsing connection come alive and I confessed, "I've been involved with witches before and no way you are like them." I placed a quick kiss on her nose and then on the hinge of her jaw. Grabbing Paris' soft hands I pulled her up. I just couldn't trust what I would do to her if I didn't get my emotions under control.
Paris shook her head at me, "You know Mason not all witches are bad."
I really wasn't sure what Paris was suggesting, but before I could ask her I saw my mother's the long dark pony tail and Eddie's cocky smile walk past the small window. Without knocking or announcing themselves they came in the room and quickly assessed what we were doing.
"Hey Mase, how did you two manage to get a room?" my mother asked squinting her eyes at me, "It's totally booked up." Eddie looked over Paris and raised an eyebrow questioningly at me.
I forced myself to respond as calm and passively at I could make myself, "We've been here for a while. Went for a run and waited until one was available."
"That was smart. We saw your name on the sign up sheet and thought we'd come see how you were doing." Mom winked at me, "You don't mind do you?" I could see the laughter in her eyes. This was a challenge. She wanted me to tell her that we wanted our privacy. My mother wanted me to admit that I didn't want to share my time with Paris, that she was important to me.
Before I could find the right to words Paris spoke uncomfortably, "I should probably get out of here."
"No way," Eddie demanded shaking his head wildly. He took a few steps straight at Paris and hollered, "I have been waiting to work with you for a decade. You meet Mason and in four days he's talked you into it. I'm wounded."
"I was coerced," Paris told him pointed accusingly at me. Her face flushed at Eddie's reaction.
Eddie slapped me on the back and puckered his face, "I bet you were."
"What can I say?" Paris laughed breaking some the tension in the room, "Mason has better dimples."
"I don't have dimples!"
"Yes you do," my mother added with an incredibly pleased smile on her face. She reached out and stuck her pointer finger in groves of my checks to make her point, "They just don't come out unless you are genuinely happy. It's not often enough."
"We don't have much time left so I'll just let you folks get to it," Paris said attempting to side step around Eddie. He reached out easily and grabbed a hold of her arms.
"We booked the slot after you," mom admitted passively, "so we have plenty of time."
"How did you do that?" I blurted out completely annoyed, "The guy told me there was a two hour wait when we got here."
"Your mom talked him into it," Eddie said unsurprised, "I'll never understand why they only have six of these rooms. No matter what time a day it is there is never any available."
"What did you bribe him with?"I asked tilting my head at her accusingly.
"I can't share all my secrets," Mom shook her head at me. "Now quit stalling and show us what you're working on," she demanded pointing toward the middle of the room.
Getting Paris to loosen up was not easy. She was stiff and having trouble with the skills that had I had just taught her. Mom and Eddie tried to get her to loosen up and encouraged her, but she looked completely uneasy. Finally, after many tries she managed to push me down on the mat.
Eddie thought it would be a good idea to give Paris a demonstration. Paris watched in awe as Eddie and Mom honed their craft. They both moved so quickly that it was hard to tell who was winning. My mother could be fearsome and Eddie was incredibly quick and agile.
"I'm so glad that you talked Paris into this," Eddie slapped me on the back and told me. He looked genuinely grateful. "Hopefully, it's just the beginning."
"Paris did you show Mason all of your tricks?" Eddie said casually as he reached down to pick up his Gatorade bottle.
My mother laughed so hard water came squirting out of her nose.
"Get your mind out of the gutter Rose," Eddie rolled his eyes. Paris looked horrified. "I'll I meant was that Paris can walk on her hands for like a mile," Eddie corrected himself.
"It's a very useful talent," Paris said as she slid down into a very impressive split.
"I figured you'd show off one of the crazy back flips that you used to do," Eddie said grinning wildly at my expression.
"I'm not much of a show off," Paris said quietly still unable to lift her gaze. Something was starting to eat at her and I was desperately hoping it wasn't regret.
"You do realize I'm not twelve anymore," Paris said placing her elbows on the floor in front of her and gazed up at Eddie, "right?"
Eddie sat down in a butterfly stretch beside her. "I know you're not, but I forget sometimes. Do you think that you could do me a favor? If I got you some sheet music could you play a song for me?"
"On the piano?" Paris asked sounding a bit confused.
Eddie nodded, "Yeah, I was hoping at dinner tomorrow."
Paris crinkled her eyebrows and finally looked up at me, "Are we still planning to?"
"Yes, we definitely are," I blurted out before Paris could finish her sentence. I wasn't going to give Paris any chance to welch out on our date. She agreed and I was holding her to it.
Sitting down casually next to us my mother asked,"What are you two up to?"
"We just have plans for dinner tomorrow," I waved her off, but the immensely pleased grin my mother was wearing told me that I was going to have to explain later.
"It's a surprise for Jill, but we could probably do it Thursday instead," Eddie said an uncharacteristic blush was making it's way over his face and down his cheeks.
"Tomorrow night is the luau, we can't miss that," Mom demanded. "I don't care how anti social you are feeling like being Mason, it's a tradition." I wasn't feeling anti social I was just feeling like being social with a gorgeous green eyes blonde.
"We'll see," I said unfazed by mom mother's pressure.
"Thursday is New Year's Eve Eddie, very romantic," Paris said to Eddie trying to smooth over the building tension, "plus it will give me a little time to practice."
Eddie seemed unconvinced,"You think so?"
"Totally," Mom nodded in agreement, "I read an article on the plane that said New Year's Eve is the second most popular day to get engaged after Valentine's Day. It would be a great time for a romantic gesture."
"O my God," Paris exploded, "are you going to propose?"
Eddie looked over at me for help, "Women, you can never keep a secret from them."
Paris jumped to her feet with such excitement I was stunned.
"I'm so excited for you Eddie," Paris told him genuinely her hand open on her chest, "I promise I'll play perfectly." An enormous smile crossed Paris' face making her look more beautiful that I had ever seen her, "Then you can have lots of babies."
Eddie let out a huge laugh, "One thing at a time." His face got very serious, "Don't tell her Paris, you have to promise."
"Scouts honor," Paris said with an excited smile.
I would have never thought of Paris as the kind of girl that would get wildly excited at the idea of a wedding or babies. She just seemed too practical. Being slapped in the face with the reality of what she wanted or made me dizzy. I would probably have to watch, even if it was from afar, some Moroi douche bag give her everything I couldn't. But, Paris deserved it, she deserved to have everything that she wanted out of life. Even if I would never be the one to give it to her.
I followed everyone out of the room still in a haze of my depressing thoughts. Mom and Eddie waved at the next pair of guys already waiting to use the room.
Paris seemed happy chatting and joking with everyone. "I'm so hungry I'm weak," Paris declared busting into my thoughts. "I could probably eat a whole cow. How do you deal with all these tiny bits off food all the time?"
Mom shrugged, "I order more than one meal most of the time."
"Good idea," Paris laughed linking arms with me.
After waving goodbye to Eddie and Mom, Paris gave me a concerned glance, "You are looking a little weak too, ready to go get some dinner?"
"I think that I'm going to go get a shower," I said catching her off guard, "and spend some time with my parents." I wanted to climb in a dark whole and have a pity party. If I didn't get some space I would be no fun or worst I would end up snapping at her.
"Yeah, you totally should," Paris blinked, "I'm sorry for assuming you'd want to go with me." I could see her throat move as she swallowed down a lump of guilt, "I've been monopolizing your time."
"No, it's not your fault," I fibbed and leaned down to give her a quick kiss. "I'll text you with the information for tomorrow."
I scurried off to my room before the sadness in her eyes had me rethinking everything.