All's Fair in Love and Lion (16 page)

If it weren’t for my job I’d ask to go with him. Unfortunately, I can’t think of a reason to make him stay without telling him about Lily. With difficulty I manage to say, “Goodnight.”

He assesses me and I wonder if he knows. Then, he touches my cheek and is gone, leaving me uncertain on how much he suspects.

With growing trepidation, I get my things together for the next day and enter my room. The one bright spot is the fact he’s as inexperienced as I am in matters of sex. Yet, I can’t take any joy in it when my emotions are all over the place. Then there’s the question of Lily. What is she up to, anyway?

Chapter 23: Monroe

“Your best man, hmm,” Bast says. He goes to his decanter and pours a burgundy. I decline the offered glass. “I’d be honored, provided Alexia was doing all right with the twins. They’ll be newborn. If she needs me, I want to be available.”

“I understand.” I lean back in a chair across from him. “I asked you because you’re my closest friend and after all we’ve been through, the only man I trust.”

“You flatter me.” He gives me a teasing look. “You don’t usually.”

I fold my arms, fighting a grin. “We all have flaws we have to work on.”

He laughs. “I’ll think it over and give you my answer. In the meantime, thank you for hunting with me, lately. Going alone has its appeal, but I’m used to having someone with me. Married life has spoiled me for solo excursions.”

“Not at all. I enjoyed myself. How’s Alexia doing?”

He sets his glass aside and leans back in his chair. “She’s uncomfortable. The babies are getting bigger. At the moment, she’s in her private parlor. However, don’t ask to see her today. She’s worn out and needs her rest.”

I wave my hand. “Not a problem.”

“Alexia isn’t used to being idle.” He fiddles with his grandfather’s pocket watch. “I think it bothers her.”

“I pray she feels better soon.”

“Thank you, I’ll let her know.”

I glance at my own watch and get to my feet. “I must go. Sasha and I have plans with a friend of hers.”

“Aha.” He wags a finger at me. “She
has
tamed you.”

I roll my eyes. “She’ll pick the cake. I’m going for the tasting.”

His eyes glitter mischievously as he stands. “Of course.”

A low growl escapes me. “Alexia should lock you up for safe keeping, then she wouldn’t worry about what I’d do to you.”

“I think I can defend myself.” He flexes his fingers. “I’m not afraid. You haven’t done away with me, yet.”

“You best hope I never do.”

“Empty threats!”

“You don’t want me to act on them.”

He rolls up his sleeves. “It’s almost disappointing to needle you. Nothing comes of it.”

I give him a nudge. “You may assume I’m being merciful this time.”

He claps me on the shoulder. “Be well, my friend. Have fun.”

“And may you be glad you live another day intact.”

Bast chuckles, the sound echoes throughout the room as I head out the door.

When I return home, I shout for Ayres.

He materializes behind me. “Yes, sir?”

“How is Sasha’s prom grown progressing?”

“Very well, sir.”

“Excellent.” I throw off my coat and change into a pair of jeans. “I’m on my way to Sasha’s apartment. We’re going to meet with her friend, Melody Saunders.”

Ayres looks uncomfortable.

I pause midway through buttoning my navy shirt. “What is it, man?”

“Well, sir, the cooks are put out you didn’t ask them to make the cake.”

I let out an exasperated groan. “Sasha ordered a cakes we agreed on from a bakery near her since we’re having the wedding ceremony and reception in the First Realm.” I pick up a wallet, check the amount of American money and shove it into my pocket. “Please explain to the cooks there’s no personal insult toward them. Inform them I’m weary of their sulking.”

“It will be done.” He bows.

“Is there anything else?”

“No, sir.”

I leave my bedchambers and head for my den. “I’m not sure when I’ll return. Take care of things, Ayres.”

“As you wish.”

I go through the exit and enter Sasha’s apartment.

“There you are,” she exclaims. An emotion I can’t identify disappears from her eyes. Was it . . . fear? I look again only to find it gone. Maybe I was mistaken.

I check my watch. “Am I late?”

“Almost.”

“Are you ready?”

She picks up her keys and purse. “Yes.”

As we board the elevator, Sasha asks, “Are you going to give me any hints on what my prom dress looks like?”

“Sorry, I’m not telling.” My grin widens at her chagrin. “I haven’t even seen the finished product.”

“I don’t like this,” she grumbles. “Knowing you, it’s probably something completely over-the-top.”

“I made the seamstresses promise not to make it too extravagant. It’ll be appropriate.”

She props herself against the back of the elevator, pouting. “I wish you’d let me see it.”

“I can’t allow that.”

“I should’ve demanded to approve it.”

“You never made any demands, so it’s too late.”

The elevator opens and Sasha hurries out. We get into her car and she guns the engine.

Rubbing my chin, I assess her profile. “I think you’re in a bit of a temper.”

“How’d you guess?” She raises an eyebrow.

“You wouldn’t ruin my fun, would you?”

What’s really wrong? Dare I ask? If the other day was any indication, asking her directly won’t work. I’ll have to try something innocent. “I didn’t think you’d be this upset over a dress.”

“I wish I didn’t have to go to the prom.”

I sense it’s something else, but I play along, anyway. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“I’ll get through it.”

I keep my tone light. “The prom won’t be so bad. You survived the ball in the Third Realm. The prom will be nothing after Neru’s party.”

Her face darkens. “I’d rather talk about something else.”

My mind replays what happened at Neru’s. Other than Lily’s intrusion I don’t think anything else had gone wrong. “Did someone besides Lily upset you?”

At the mention of Lily’s name Sasha’s jaw tightens. The ball still bothers Sasha? But she had seemed fine the next day. Unless . . .

I feel my temper rise. “Has Lily done anything to you?”

“How could she? She’s in prison. I’m simply stressed.”

“You’d tell me if something happened, right?”

“Monroe, stop worrying. I probably have a case of wedding jitters. Happens to every bride.”

I struggle against my anger. How am I supposed to protect Sasha if she doesn’t confide in me? “Are you positive it’s not Lily?”

“Monroe, I told you to drop it.” She glances at the traffic. “I hope we don’t keep Mel waiting.”

Why did Sasha change the subject? What is she holding back? “I’m sure your friend will understand.”

“The important thing is we get there and she finally meets you so she can stop pestering me.”

“Are you nervous?”

Sasha parks the car and turns off the engine. “A little. I’m not sure how to explain everything.”

“We’ll get through it together.”

Why can’t I shake the sensation something isn’t right? Could it have actually been my introduction to Melody that has Sasha nervous? Yet, it doesn’t explain her behavior when she came home from work. No matter my concern, I can’t push her any further, there’s too much tension between us.

With resignation, I enter the coffee shop behind Sasha. The fragrant aroma of brewing coffee fills the air, along with a tinge of sweet pastries. My mouth waters. There are times I enjoy a good cup of coffee.

While I immerse myself in the scents, Sasha scans the room. Her gaze travels past wood and iron tables, chairs, and people milling about until it stops on a woman with dark red hair and muddy green eyes. The female waves excitedly at us.

“Sasha,” she calls. “Over here!”

Sasha embraces her. “Hello, Mel,” she says. “How are you?

“Great!” Melody turns to me. “You must be Monroe. I’m Melody Saunders.”

“Hello.” I hold out my hand.

“Nice to finally meet you,” she says.

I accept the chair next to Sasha, who sits between myself and Melody.

“I heard you ordered your cakes?” Melody asks.

“Yes,” Sasha answers. “You were right, Miranda’s Bakery was a great idea.”

Her friend’s eyes dance. “She’s the best. Her coffee cream is heavenly.”

“The bride’s cake is going to have that,” Sasha says.

“Yum! I can hardly wait. You know,” Melody says, assessing me, “you’re getting one of the nicest people I know.”

Sasha pretends interest in the tabletop.

“She is a treasure,” I answer.

Melody beams. “This man knows the right things to say.”

“Most of the time,” Sasha mutters.

Her friend doesn’t notice as she chatters on. “There’s something about you, Monroe. I can’t put my finger on it.”

Sasha catches my gaze, and I wink at her.

“What’s that all about?” Melody asks.

“Oh nothing,” Sasha says. “Private joke.”

“I see.” Melody turns back to me. “So, what do you do? Sasha mentioned some form of government work?”

Before I answer, I catch the brief flash of pain in Sasha’s eyes.
What was that?
However, before I can comment, she lowers her gaze. I return my attention back to her friend. “I inherited my parents’ fortune, which keeps my home running smoothly. I do some governmental work, but on a non-paying basis.”

“Sounds fabulous,” Melody comments. I detect a hint of acid in her tone. “I wish I could lead a life of leisure.”

“It isn’t much if you don’t have someone to share it with,” I say.

She nudges Sasha. “Is he for real?”

“He’s excessive,” Sasha agrees. “But, he wouldn’t say it if he didn’t mean every word.”

Melody laughs. “Sasha prefers a strict budget. She doesn’t have many expensive things.”

“I noticed,” I say. “She’s very humble and sweet.”

“Yeah.” Her friend giggles as Sasha’s color brightens.

“What would you like?” I ask Sasha, standing.

“A large cappuccino would be nice,” Sasha says.

I glance at Melody. “Have you already ordered, or can I bring you something?”

“Don’t worry about me.”

“I insist.”

“Are you sure?”

“Remember? I lead a leisurely life. Might as well use my money for something other than myself.”

A faint pink stains Melody’s cheeks. “I’ll take a large mocha.”

I leave the table and get into the line. When the orders come, I bring the tray to our table where Mel and Sasha are talking over wedding details.

Melody spots me coming and motions to Sasha to be quiet. “We don’t want him to know
anything
,” she says, dramatically.

“About what?” I ask.

“Nothing!” Melody grins.

Sasha stays quiets and I hand her the cappuccino, and I resume my seat.

“The flowers are so gorgeous,” her friend gushes. “Sasha chose white and pale pink roses. Also baby’s breath and white freesia. The bouquets and floral arrangements are going to be divine.”

Sasha shakes her head. “Calm down, Mel.”

“I know, I know,” she says, throwing her hands up in surrender. “I’m getting carried away. I can’t help it. Your flowers are going to be prettier than mine.”

Sasha shrugs. “I’m not making comparisons.”

“I can’t remember why I didn’t choose roses. They’ll be glorious at your wedding.”

I shake my head, struggling against a chuckle. She’s more exuberant than I imagined.

Sasha glances at her watch. “I hate to cut this short but we have marriage class today.”

“Oh, yeah,” her friend says, waving us off. “You two go on. Good to meet you, Monroe. Sasha, we’ll talk later.” Melody enthusiastically hugs us both.

At the class, I study the scenarios we were given. “I bet they weren’t thinking about the adjustments beings from two different realities would encounter when they designed this exercise,” I whisper in Sasha’s ear.

She giggles softly. Relief washes over me as I feel the strain ease from her. Maybe somehow I’ll find out what was wrong.

Leaning over, she whispers, “I don’t think so. I’m not sure how we’d go about explaining it to them.”

“They might think we’re insane.”

“I wouldn’t blame them.” She plays with her pen.

When class ends, we gather our things and head for the car.

“Did you enjoy the day?” I ask as we return to Sasha’s apartment and she unlocks her door.

“It was a nice. I wonder why Mel didn’t grill you more.”

“Maybe she was distracted. She seemed awfully excited about her dress for the wedding.”

“That must be it. I’m glad tomorrow is Sunday. I haven’t had much of a chance to look over my lesson plans for the week.”

“Do I need to leave so you can?”

“No, it’s all right. I’ll do it tomorrow.” She heads for her bedroom. “Let me check my messages.”

Sitting on the couch, the unease of my thoughts from the afternoon return. Lily’s up to something, but what, I can’t be sure. What can I possibly do to keep Sasha safe if I don’t know what the danger is?

“No messages.”

I whip my head around. Sasha stands beside the couch a small smile on her face. I lower my eyes to her slippers. “Your feet comfortable?”

“I forgot how much new shoes pinch my toes.”

Her nearness triggers a wave of desire in me. What I wouldn’t do for her. No matter if she won’t confide in me about her troubles, I have to trust her. Even though it pains me.

“You know,” I say, “I’m lucky I found you.”